Why Men Die First: How to Lengthen Your Lifespan

by Marianne J. Legato

It is a universal fact that men die before women. But the causes of this have long remained unexplored. In this trailblazing book, Dr. Marianne Legato--an expert in gender specific health--examines the reasons behind men's fragility and explains what they need to do to live longer. A bestselling author and Professor of Medicine at Columbia University, Dr. Legato shows how the forces of culture and biology conspire against male mortality. Drawing on the latest research and narrated through the lives of her patients, she delves into problems that both men and women care about-- from why the male fetus is at greater risk, to why boys have a hard time adjusting to school, to how elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol make men more prone to aggression and why they are more likely to die from cardiac arrest or cancer and even depression.

Why Men Die First offers specific advice on what men can do to live better, including * how on-one time with young boys reduces anixiety and attention deficit problems * lifestyle changes that can prevent cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis * why young men take on high risk endeavors and how to decrease the stress * how to cope with mid life depression and feelings of emasculation and uselessness * how testosterone shots can mitigate the unpleasant symptoms of aging Dr. Legato brings the possibility of both mental and physical wellbeing to men in this compelling and inspiring book. A superstar physician, celebrated annually in New York Magazine's Best Doctors Issue, Dr. Legato is well poised to take on this urgent topic with her unimpeachable authority and natural warmth.

Genres: Health, Psychology, Nonfiction

272 pages, Hardcover

First published May 27, 2008

About the author

Marianne J. Legato, MD, FACP, is an academic physician, author, and lecturer, specialised in gender-specific medicine.

Reviews

[Ostilio Portillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was published back in 2008, in other words, 13 years ago; however, I think its remarks are still valid in our times. The author, Dr. Marianne J. Legato, explains very well many of the hazards men confront in different stages of their lives & also occupational dangers that we face which are of significant importance since they tend to reduce men's life expectancy.
If we take into consideration that women, in general, tend to outlive men from 8 years to a decade then the general belief that women are the weaker sex immediately becomes questionable since there does not seem to exist statistical evidence to back it up. On average, men die first & there're many reasons for that; Some of them are genetic or inherited, and others are epigenetic or conditioned by the surrounding environment. In other words, the typical Genotype by Environment effect (G*E).
Although after reading this volume I came out with the impression that most of what Dr. Legato stated as examples were extracted from the US male population, I think that many of her conclusions can be easily extrapolated to men living in third world countries as in my case.
Much to my relief, many of her recommendations to extend men life expectancy such as, but not limited to: Stop drinking or smoking, exercise frequently, and use of certain medications to improve lipid profile as in the case of vitamin B3 (niacin) are healthy habits that I've been putting in practice for quite some time since base on my experience I know they work.
In relation to the latter one, it has been my experience that the daily consumption of 3 g of vitamin B3 (6 capsules of 500 mg spaced at 3-hours intervals) raised my HDL (aka good cholesterol) from 40 to 60 mg/dL without evidence of hepatotoxic effect since my blood tests indicated that my transaminases levels were not elevated indicating that my liver is able to process the vitamin without causing liver injury or inflammation.
However, when I started using niacin, I suffered from skin irritation and the sensation of overheating all of which dissipated to a lesser degree as my body got used to the vitamin (it took weeks for that to happen).
I realize that I’m not getting any younger and for that reason, I have paid more attention to this kind of publications (e.g., books & journal articles) in search of tips that will help me not only to extend my own life expectancy but also the quality of life. The only regret I have is the fact that I didn’t start earlier since the accumulated effect of a healthy lifestyle can be seen and enjoyed later in adult life.

[Bo Manson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this book from the beginning I read it. The book touch aspects from the very conception to the aging solely for male gender. Many things in this book that I can relate too. Growing as a boy and later as a man really has its own challange. The content is not so techical and can be read by anyone.. A handful of statistics that emphasizes everything about growing up and towards aging, emotion, societal definition of a man, male-disease related etc. were discussed here.

[Sylvester · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would probably have been banned today if SJWs heard about it. Nonetheless, the book was quite a decent, entry level non-fiction to introduce people to the differences of men and men physiologically and socially, with a primary focus on the societal aspect unfortunately, which made the book seem superficial.

[Reem · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was okay. Some interesting little bits here and there, but a lot of areas just skimmed over with no deeper insight.
I didn't learn much about the difference in genders from a scientific perspective.

[Gilbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent, somewhat repetitive & superficial. Not very well structured/written. Has many good insights & stories, worth the read, but not great.

[Rob Peters · Rating 3 out of 5]

solidified reasons why men are and why society has yet to change.

[Niratisaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

baru sampai beberapa halaman, jadi sementara ini cuma bisa bersimpati sama cowok :D

lingkungan sosial dan budaya adalah assassin yang paling canggih, diam-diam menenggelamkan

[Cloay]

Available in Sg NLB 613.0423 (SK)

[Indah Threez Lestari · Rating 2 out of 5]

173 - 2013