General Information

Find general information on health issues faced by men, as well as suggestions for improving health and wellness.

1. Womenshealth.gov: It may seem a little odd to go looking for men’s health information on a site geared toward women, but the government offers health information on wellness in a variety of categories of men’s health.
2. WebMD: One of the premier names in reliable health information, WebMD also has a section devoted entirely to men’s health.
3. Medicine.Net: This is another well-known health and wellness site. And it, too, has an entire section devoted to health issues faced by men.
4. Medline Plus: This is a government site offered through the National Institutes for Health. As you might expect, the “Men’s Health” section addresses wellness issues of concern to men.
5. Men’s Health Center: This section of HealthSquare.com focuses on health issues and concerns related to men.
6. About.com: Get good information on men’s health and wellness from a knowledgeable guide.
7. Men’s Health: This site is the official homepage for Men’s Health magazine.
8. Natural Nurse: This site offers information about living a health lifestyle the natural way, and includes information on men’s wellness.
9. Manifest: This is a Portland, Oregon community focused on helping improve men’s wellness. Helpful information and articles for those who do not live in the Portland area.
10. Details for Men: This popular men’s magazine includes a section on wellness at its online home.

Sexual Health

One of the biggest issues for many men is sexual health. You can get a handle on your sexual health issues with help from these sites:

11. AOL Health: This site offers information on sexual health and how to maintain it.
12. HealthCentral.com: Get a look at men’s sexual health information and issues in a practical, real-world way.
13. Men’s Sex Health: Learn about different issues related to male sexuality and health.
14. MSN Health & Fitness: There is a section on men’s sexual health, with articles addressing issues such as libido and safe sex.
15. Healthy Aging: This section on healthy aging from the Mayo Clinic’s web site looks at men’s sexual health above the age of 50.
16. Health.com: Offers a look at sexual dysfunction in men and how it can be treated.
17. HealthInsite: This site from the government of Australia offers some helpful information and resources for men’s sexual health.
18. Intellihealth: Get good information on midlife sexuality from this site that focuses on intelligent health decisions.

Mental Health

One very real issue that is difficult for many men to deal with is mental health. Here are some web sites that can help with mental health for men.

19. About.com: There is a specific section in the Mental Health section at About.com that focuses on mental health issues of import to males.
20. AskMen.com: Great information on mental health for men, and resources for increased wellness.
21. American Psychological Association: The web site for the APA publication Monitor on Psychology offers some insight into men’s mental health needs.
22. National Institutes of Health: There is a series on depression in men that can be of benefit in terms of overall wellness.
23. Medical News Today: Offers an interesting look at the men’s mental health crisis.
24. MentalHelp.net: This web site can provide a number of helpful resources for anyone — including men — who are looking for mental health help.
25. NAMI: The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers information and resources on mental health in general, and includes specific information on men’s mental health.
26. WHO: The World Health Organization has some solid information about general mental health, including men’s mental health issues.

Fitness

Physical fitness and wellness is essential to successful health. Here are some web sites that can help you improve your fitness level.

27. EveryJoe: This men’s web site has a specific section on health, which deals mainly with fitness, exercise and weight loss.
28. Men’s Fitness: The online home of Men’s Fitness magazine provides a great deal of helpful information on working out and staying physically fit.
29. Fitness Online: Get practical, helpful hints on weight loss and health workout routines.
30. Suite 101: Find a number of great exercises for men over the age of 50.
31. Men’s Total Fitness: Get reviews on exercise equipment, and learn about the basics of exercise and nutrition.
32. Bullz-Eye.com: The Fitness Channel at Bullz-Eye.com provides helpful information on exercise to help you work out more effectively.
33. Health & Fitness Tips: Get basic information on tips that can help you maintain better physical fitness.
34. LifeTips: These exercise tips form LifeTips.com can help you learn to exercise more effectively, and learn how your body functions during a workout.

Nutrition

Making sure that your body gets proper nutrition is an essential part of health and wellness. Here are some web sites that focus on men’s nutrition:

35. Personal Nutrition Guide: Includes a section on how men think about nutrition, and how men can improve how they think about their diet.
36. Discovery Health: There is a special section on Discovery Health where men’s nutrition questions are answered.
37. Brown University: Find information and resources about diet and nutrition as they relate to men.
38. NAFWA: The Nutrition and Food Web Archive offers a handy place to find some helpful information about men’s nutrition.
39. HAP.org: Nutrition information for men, including a handy chart with serving sizes and food suggestions for a healthy diet.
40. Reader’s Digest: You can find some great information on “super foods” for men here, as well as get other general information on men’s health.
41. Squidoo: A whole section is available on men’s nutrition tips and hints.
42. Young Men’s Health: This web site, as you might surmise, is aimed at helping young men develop healthy nutrition and fitness habits.

Senior Health

Aging can be difficult, even for men. Bodies change, and different health and wellness needs emerge. Here are some sites that can help you with aging concerns:

43. National Institutes of Health: The NIH offers great information on remaining healthy while aging.
44. C-Health: This web site offers a number of helpful articles on the basics of remaining healthy and maintaining wellness as you age.
45. Eons: This is an online community for those over 50 who are looking to connect with others, as well as find information on aging and maintaining wellness while doing so.
46. AFAR: This site helps you understand the challenges of aging, and how to reduce them.
47. Fit-Senior.com: Get fitness information and exercise ideas for exercising over the age 50.
48. Men’s Journal: This offers helpful information on a number of topics related to men, including health and aging.
49. American Health Assistance Foundation: Learn about common diseases that are likely with aging, and how to combat them and take control of your health.
50. AgeNet: A helpful resource for those who are interested in learning more about aging and doing so with a healthy lifestyle.

Anatomy and Physiology

If you want to know more about how the human body is put together, and how its systems work, anatomy and physiology courses can help.

1. Anatomy and Physiology from Western Governors University provides a look at the different systems in the body, as well as how they work and how they are built. Class is divided into modules for self-learning. Completing the course as scheduled takes most students about 14 weeks.
2. The Human Body from Harvard Medical School is comprised of a number resources on different aspects of the human body, its anatomy and physiology, and how basic functions of the body work.
3. Physiology of the Ear from MIT is a course designed to provide an in-depth look at the workings of the human ear. Assignments and projects help you apply your knowledge and internalize what you learn.
4. Occurrence of Central Nerve System/Analysis of Differentiation Mechanism from the University of Tokyo provides an interesting look at the nervous system. Lecture notes and videos are included in this resource. (Yes, it’s in English.)
5. Evolution of the Immune System from MIT offers a look at how the human immune system evolved, as well as some of the unique features of this system. Includes a syllabus, readings and assignments that you can complete on your own.
6. Human Reproductive Biology from MIT focuses on the reproductive system. Describes the physiology of female and male systems of reproduction, as well as including lecture notes, assignments and exams.
7. Gastroenterology from MIT looks at the gastrointestinal system and how it works.
8. Modern Biology from the Open Learning Initiative at Carnegie Mellon University explores how the body is put together at a molecular level. Learn about lipids and enzymes, and how the body breaks down nutrients.
9. Health is everywhere: unraveling the mystery of heath from The Open University covers the basics of health, and what makes good health. Addresses the human body, and how to keep it in proper working order.
10. Health from Yale offers readings and notes about health. This collection provides a great overview of the human body, and how it responds in real-life situations, as well as addressing issues of pandemic, globalization and genetics.

Pathology and Diseases

How disease moves through the human body is helpful information for medical and health care professionals. These courses can provide you with insight into disease and how it affects the body.

11. Principles of Human Disease from MIT takes a look at modern approaches to understanding and treating diseases that affect humans. Includes genetics information and other factors that influence the progress of diseases.
12. Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases from Johns Hopkins University provides a look at how diseases grow and spread from human to human. Includes case studies and a look at how infection develops, takes hold and spreads.
13. Basic Human Pathology from Tufts University offers lectures on different aspects of diseases and how they develop in humans. A basic understanding of injury and wound healing, how disease affects different systems and how the body adapts to disease.
14. Pathophysiology of Infectious Diseases from Tufts University looks at how disease works. Includes lecture notes, readings, case studies and quizzes.
15. Chronic Infection and Inflammation: What are the Consequences on Your Health? from MIT looks at how recurring infection can have long-term impacts on your health. Course materials are provided, along with lectures and a syllabus to help you keep on track.
16. Parkinson’s Disease Workshop from MIT provides a look at Parkinson’s Disease and offers information on how it progresses, and some of the treatments that are being attempted.
17. Fundamentals of Oncology for Public Heath Practitioners from Johns Hopkins University follows the progressions of major forms of cancer, as well as discusses common treatment options. Includes readings and lecture notes, as well as a schedule that can help you plan your study.
18. Oral Public Health: Slide Lecture 3: Issues and Hot Topics in Oral and Public Health looks at how diseases affect the mouth. This lecture looks at public health and the spread of disease. Includes flouridation, waste, HIV/AIDS, cancer and infection control.
19. Cultures of Disease and Care from Notre Dame is part of an overall course on Medicine and Public Health in American History. Lecture notes explore how society and other factors influence how we view disease, and how we seek treatment for it.

Nutrition and Fitness

The human body requires proper nutrition and physical activity in order to remain healthy. Open courseware that addresses these issues can be used in tandem with other information on normal body functioning.

20. Introductory Nutrition from the University of Texas at Austin focuses on the basic principles of nutrition and the effects of food choices on the body.
21. Nutrient Function and Metabolism from the University of California at Berkeley provides an overview of how nutrients fuel the metabolism. Includes information on carbohydrates, lipids and proteins, and addresses toxicity.
22. Nutrition: proteins from The Open University offers an overview of protiens, and how they function within the body.
23. Nutrition: vitamins and minerals from The Open University looks at how common vitamin and minerals are necessary for the body, and how they can help you maintain health.
24. Active, healthy lifestyles from The Open University helps you understand the role an active lifestyle plays in a healthy body.
25. Health and Fitness from Western Governors University provides a look at proper health through good fitness routines. Focuses on body systems and physical health, emotional health, nutrition and susbtance abuse.
26. Physical Intelligence from MIT addresses the connection between body and mind, and how you can use physical activity to improve the channel between the two while improving the health and function of the body.
27. Introduction to Cardiovascular Fitness from Wikiversity looks at how to improve the health of the cardiovascular system. Includes class discussions, projects, readings and links for further resources.
28. Things to Watch Out For from Utah State University addresses substance abuse. Learn about why substance abuse occurs and the signs that it has become a problem. This course also addresses prevention and treatment of substance abuse.

Life Stages

The body needs different things at different stages of life. Learn about specific issues confronting the body during youth and during old age.

29. Human Growth and Development from Tufts University provides an overview of the different stages of development from birth to death.
30. Health Across the Life Span: Frameworks, Contexts, and Measurements from Johns Hopkins University looks at how the body functions from the time one is born until the end of life.
31. Adolescent Health and Development from Johns Hopkins University looks at how young bodies develop, and the specific health issues that should be addressed.
32. Young people’s wellbeing from The Open Unviersity focuses on common issues, including obesity, depression, drinking and behavioral problems, that commonly affect youth.
33. Risks for STI/HIV – Opportunities for Prevention from Johns Hopkins University is focused on understanding why youth engage in risky sexual behaviors, and how it can be prevented.
34. The Wisdom Years from United Nations University explores the effects of aging on the body. It also looks at how to care for the elderly.
35. Elderly and Activity from Wikiversity looks at how physical activity can have positive effects on aging bodies.
36. Pain Management Strategies in the Elderly from Harvard Medical School addresses end of life care for the aging, and focuses specifically on how pain affects the body, and how it can be managed.

Nursing

Learn some of the things that nurses should know in order to better care for patients. These are some nursing courses that can help you learn more about the human body.

37. Medical Terminology from the College of Eastern Utah takes you through the basics of how words are used in the field of medicine.
38. Microbiology from Tufts University looks the basics of cells in the body. Aimed at providing a basic understanding of how the body works on a cellular level.
39. Health Assessment and Promotion from UMass Boston offers helpful hints on learning how to quickly assess someone’s health and make possible diagnoses of various diseases.
40. Caring in hospitals from The Open University offers a look at proper procedure and the different ways that the body can be treated in hospitals.

Food

You are what you eat. And if what you eat is junk, that’s what your immune system is likely to be. While avoiding certain foods altogether is not required to maintain a healthy immune system, it is a good idea to remember moderation. Here are some of the ways that what you choose to put into your body can affect your immune system in a negative manner.

1. Too much sugar: I have a sweet tooth. However, I have to remember to moderate how much I eat. Too much sugar interferes with the body’s ability to absorb needed nutrients — especially Vitamin C (which is thought to be good for the immune system). You can end up with a hormonal and chemical imbalance when you consumer too much sugar, and that’s rarely a good thing.
2. High amounts of fat: Just as eating too much sugar can be bad for your immune system, so too can excess fat. High amounts of fat can cause toxins to get into your body’s systems — including your immune system, weakening your ability to fight of disease. Even too much unsaturated fat can cause problems with your immune system.
3. Excess protein: It is true that protein is needed for a healthy body and properly functioning immune system. However, too much protein starts to wreak havoc with your body. This is because unused protein is converted into fat for storage. And that fat can cause immune system problems.
4. Excess alcohol: Alcohol deprives the body of nutrients that can help boost the immune system. On top of that, high amounts of alcohol can actually suppress white blood cells. White blood cells are an essential part of your immune system.
5. Drugs: Illegal drugs have obvious effects on the immune system. Marijuana and other drugs can inhibit the absorption of helpful nutrients into the blood stream. However, over the counter and prescription drugs can also effect the immune system in a negative way. In fact, there is a common antibiotic that, when combined with a specific immune system, can cause serious injury.
6. Food allergies: Food allergies contribute to immune system problems. If you are lactose intolerant, or if you have Celiac disease, or some other food allergy, your immune system is affected. Every time you eat something that your body attacks, the response is harder to overcome, and your immune system is weakened.
7. Lack of probiotics: There are certain bacteria that are actually good for you. There is speculation (nothing proven) that probiotics can boost your immune system. A lack of them can leave your illness-fighting capabilities below what is needed. Yogurt is one of the most famous sources of probiotics.
8. Not enough water: Water can help you keep your immune system healthy. It aids in flushing out toxins, and that means that your immune system does not have to work so hard. Drinking water, instead of energy drinks, soda and other unhealthy beverages can be of great help to your immune system.
9. General lack of nutrition: Without proper nutrition, your body does not have what it needs to function at a high level — and that includes your immune system.

Lifestyle

How you live your life can also affect your immune system. Your lifestyle choices can ultimately influence your immune system and your overall health. Here are some of the ways that you can mess up your immune system:

10. Lack of sleep: We’re all busy, and sometimes sleep is the thing we sacrifice in order to get done everything we need to do. However, sleep is a vital component to your immune system. Rest allows your cells to regenerate, and your body’s systems to gain strength. Without adequate rest, your immune system can falter.
11. Lack of exercise: If you are too sedentary, your body does not receive the healthy exercise it needs to be strong. Regular exercise can help boost your immune system, and help you feel better in general.
12. Too much exercise: While moderate, regular exercise is good for the immune system, too much exercise can cause problems. When you are too intense, too much of the time, you actually start to harm your body. Too much physical stress can overwhelm the body, and the immune system.
13. Chronic stress: Are you stressed out and anxious? Chronic stress can actually harm the immune system through the inability of the body to respond to certain hormonal signals. So, slow down. You may be making yourself susceptible to illness.
14. Yo-yo dieting: Another habit that may affect your immune system is yo-yo dieting. Dramatic weight changes, and attempts to lose weight quickly, wreak havoc with your body. These frequent, extreme changes to the body can lead to a weaker immune system.
15. Fun in the sun: Without proper protection, your fun in the sun could turn into an immune system problem. Prolonged exposure to ultra violet (UV) rays can interfere with the way your immune system functions. While a small amount of sunlight helps with Vitamin D production in the body, too much can be harmful. Make sure to wear sunscreen while you are outside.
16. Smoking: When you smoke, you weaken your immune system. Smoking introduces harmful elements into your system, forcing your immune processes to work overtime. Children exposed to second hand smoke are especially vulnerable when it comes to their immune systems.

Health Concerns

There are a number of health concerns and conditions that can affect the immune system. It is important that, if you have these health concerns, you do what you can to compensate for your weakened immune system:

17. Aging: There’s not much you can do about this one, except live as healthy a lifestyle as you can manage. As your body ages, its processes begin to break down, and this includes the immune system.
18. Injuries: Any stress on your body can result in stress on your immune system. Injuries definitely fall into this category. Repeated injuries — from falling or sports or some other reason — can lead to reduced capacity for your immune system.
19. Depression: One of the most difficult issues facing many people is depression. But depression does more than affect your psychological wellbeing. Depression also causes an increase in hormones that can wear down the immune system.
20. Regular infections: The more your immune system is called upon, the more worn out it becomes. If you have regular infections or sickness, you can put added stress on your immune system and reduce its ability to respond to illness.
21. Not washing your hands: Many illnesses are acquired through lack of good hygiene. Poor hygiene introduces Practice good hygiene, washing your hands, and keeping cuts and scrapes clean. You should also bathe regularly and take other measures to keep your body clean. However, don’t go overboard. Like all else, moderation is needed. Excessive hygiene can be harmful as well.
22. Treatment for illness: When you are treated for illness — espcially if that treatment is aggressive — you can end up with a weaker immune system. This is especially true of some cancer, HIV/AIDS and other chronic/terminal illness treatments.
23. Anitbiotics: Strange as it may sound, the aggressive use of antibiotics in everything from handsoap to medications may be weakening the immune system. Antibiotics can kill helpful bacteria that aid your immune system, and you also have to be concerned about antibiotic resistance amongst some germs.
24. Seasonal allergies: If you have seasonal allergies, you may find that your immune system is affected. Allergies trigger responses in your body to fight invading pathogens. The recurring trigger leads to an immune system that can become worn down.
25. Impurities in the air: What you breath in can affect your immune system. Air pollution, dust and other particles can enter your body and trigger an immune response. Whether outside or inside, try to avoid dirty air.