While we're busy slogging away at MenScience creating even better men's skincare, grooming and nutritional products, we do realize that there is a whole world of men out there who are taking advantage of summer to travel and see the sites. Here's a list of some hot spas, grooming spots and vacation destinations that feature our products that you might want to add to your summer itinerary (or at least dream about adding).
Enjoy a men's-only spa fit for royalty with flat-screen TVs, a lengthy list of massage services and ultra-lux relaxation lounge at SIR Spa in the metro Chicago area. www.sirspa.com.

Miami is known for its tropical weather, hot bodies and risqué clothes (or lack of), but skip the full-body waxing and head to Churchill's Barber Shop for a men's grooming experience not to be missed. This classic barbershop offers a refined atmosphere with espresso bar and expert, no-nonsense Deluxe Shaves and Trims. www.churchillsbarbershop.com.

Take a trip up north to beautiful Montreal to discover some of the finest men's grooming services at Adam Le Spa. Offering everything from Hot Stone massages to the Millionaire Pedicure, this hot spot is sure to have you exclaiming "Oh, Canada!" with admiration by the time you're through. www.adamlespa.com.

Or head across the water to Spa NK in London for superb grooming services and face treatments in a relaxed, posh atmosphere. Hey, they don't call it Merry Olde England for nothing. www.spacenk.com.

(For great tips on how to travel with style, check out Health and the Modern Traveler).

Labels: men's spa, mens spa, spa for men, spas for men

Most Japanese men are known for being close-shavers, promoting a complete image of sophistication, professionalism, and above all, smooth grooming. But some shaving companies are out to change that image.

A Wall Street Journal article recently detailed how Schick and Braun are both courting the Japanese market by advocating facial hair for men. Long been thought a taboo style from boardrooms to bars in the Far East, the two companies are advocating a change to how Japanese men present themselves with marketing gizmos like an interactive website that lets you change beards, a classification system of what facial hair is right for you, and clever Japan-only advertising campaigns urging men to let it all hang out.

However, because beards and mustaches are still frowned upon in the Japanese culture and Japanese men tend to have less facial hair overall, the two companies have a long road ahead of them.

Although facial hair is more accepted in America, here at MenScience we wonder how many guys really know how to take care of their beards and mustaches. Here's a quick run-down of tips to keep your facial hair in shape all summer long:

• Advanced Shave Formula is non-foamy and allows you to see what you are shaving so you can keep your beard and mustache even.
  

• Always keep facial hair trimmed and free of debris. Clean it with a gentle cleanser like Daily Shampoo just as you would the hair on your head.

• Keep everything trimmed with regular visits to the barber. Or invest in a good beard trimmer to get the best results on your own.

Labels: best shave, mens shaving, shaving

Technically you're celebrating the birth of our country, deliverance from England's monarchy, our freedom to be a democracy, etc., etc.…..but we all know what the Fourth of July really comes down to: BBQ, BBQ and more BBQ.

And while any Neanderthal can throw a pound of chuck on the grill, it takes a pro to pull off some first-class grilling. Here are some tips and tricks that will have your friends thinking you're the next Bobby Flay, as well as advice on sticking to a healthy diet and avoiding summertime diet pitfalls.

• Don't push down on burgers or steaks while they cook to keep them juicy.

• Want expert grill marks? Lightly grease the grate using tongs and a vegetable oil-soaked paper towel before laying the meat on.
  

• Eliminate flare-ups by trimming meat before cooking. (Lean meat is also lower in saturated fat, making for a happy heart).

• Make clean-up a snap by scraping the grate down with a wire grill brush after the grill is turned off, but before it cools down.

• Load up on grilled vegetables instead of calorie-busting sides like potato salad or coleslaw.

• Try some healthier substitutions: whole-grain buns for white, mustard for mayo, salmon or skinless chicken breasts for hamburgers.

• It's easy to go back for seconds (and thirds and fourths…) at all-day events so pay attention to your portion sizes.

• Find even more ways to keep the pounds off this summer in the Nutrition section of Tips & Advice.

Labels: 4th of July, id4, independance day

Remember the hit comedy Wedding Crashers? Well, some guys are taking that seriously... They're literally crashing weddings! But according to an article on Ask Men.com, there are some fine points men must master to do it in style... So if, like many men, the allure of 'oodles of free food and booze' excites you and you aspire to be a skilled wedding crasher, then read on.

Seems like the big idea to fool the grooms, groomsmen and entire wedding is confidence and vague references. The wedding family is often so concerned with managing sure the actual wedding day festivities goes smoothly and making sure everyone feels welcome, they're pretty oblivious.

A key thing wedding crashers should remember to impress the other grooms and groomsmen? Their grooming has to be perfect. Wedding crasher men should dress and groom themselves very carefully to act the part and not arouse any suspicion.All eyes will be on the bride and grooms and the bridesmaids and groomsmen, but a wedding crasher should try to look extra-spiffy too.

It starts with the shave. To look clean cut and well groomed, men should shave for a wedding, especially they're crashing. For a super-smooth look, wedding crasher men should skip shaving the day before the event and then shave very carefully. Of course, we recommend that they use MenScience's Advanced Shave Formula for optimal results. That goes for grooms and groomsmen, too!

There's nothing else that can make grooms, groomsmen and the entire wedding party negatively aware of your prescence... and that's body odor. Cleanse your skin with the Daily Body Wash and apply a good coat of Advanced Deodorant the advanced, bacteria-killing ingredients will kill odor before it starts. That way, you can act natural and dance like with Grandma Sue like there's no tomorrow... Calmness and bold confidence is a key for men crashing a wedding, and you certainly can't do that if you're paranoid that you're smelly.

There's another kind of wedding crasher that grooms and groomsmen should worry about, and it's not the relatively inocuous kind that is hitting on Auntie Fran. Triggered by stress, acne breakouts are common wedding crashers - and they can end up on the faces of grooms and groomsmen if they're not careful.

These wedding crashers include any variety of acne pimples, acne zits, acne whiteheads and acne blackheads. They crop up without warning, and unlike the weird man hitting on your aunt, this unexpected visitor is really obvious. To zap it, apply Acne Spot Repair directly to the acne blemish. It will reduce acne bacteria levels, help diminish redness and reduce acne pimples within 24 hours.

For more helpful tips from MenScience on wedding day grooming for grooms and groomsmen, read Wedding & Anniversary Grooming Tips for Men.

MenScience also offers some great wedding tips for grooms, groomsmen - really, all men - in Emergency Shaving, Grooming & Skincare Fixes.

Labels: acne, acne breakouts, acne solution, acne treatment system, grooming, groomsmen, men skin care, men's acne skincare, men's gifts, men's grooming products, men's wedding

This Father's Day, Jessie nominated her grandfather, Julio, for the Dad that Shines the Brightest Award - and after reading her letter - we at MenScience agree he deserves to win it.

Here's a little of what Jessie said about dear ol' grandad:

" My grandfather, Julio, is honestly the hardest working man I know. At age 80 you would think he would be retired by now, but he is still working hard to support my grandmother and make his children and grandchildren happy. My grandparents have raised ten beautiful children and now have plenty of grandchildren in which they both helped to raise.

Ever since I was a child, I remember going over to my grandparents house with my cousins and family members and doing ...all sorts of [outdoor] activities such as bike riding, playing ball, tennis in the backyard, even pulling weeds for my grandma. The amazing thing about it is how he could make a small bouncy ball into a fun game of basketball, or tennis, football, even soccer. Even at my age, I still enjoy going over to my grandparents house with my little sisters and so do his ten wonderful children... my aunts, uncles, and parents...

My grandfather is such an amazing person, father, and grandfather. He has worked every single day of his life ensuring my grandmother, myself, and my family all the happiness he can give us. He is an extraordinary person and I love him with all of my heart. He most definitely shines bright. He is my grandfather, my best friend, and most of all, my hero."

Besides an official MenScience certificate recognizing him as a stellar father and grandfather, Jessie's grandad Julio will soon receive a fun-in-the-sun Father's Day gift with four dazzling sun care products: the TiO2 Sunblock SPF 30, Advanced Lip Protection, Anti-Aging Formula and Pigmentation Repair Formula.

Labels: Father's Day, men's gifts, men's grooming, men's nutritional supplement, men's skincare, men's sun protection

IN MOVIES, only the really big nerds have acne. In life, the social stigmas of the acne prone follow. If you're suffering from acne, you know it's no joke.

Besides having good skin care habits, you can do much to prevent acne. If you want a solution to help you prevent acne breakouts from forming, and the acne scarred skin that can result, here's an acne treatment systemthat really works!

1. Wash your acne prone skin once a day with a gentle cleanser (like the Daily Face Wash) that contains Salicylic Acid. It will help kill acne bacteria and keep pores clear.

2. As an alternative, use the Advanced Face Tonic once or twice a day to help remove organic buildup, dissolve dead skin cells and pore-clogging, oily residues.

3. Follow good, non-comodogenic skin practices; this includes not popping or picking at acne blackheads, whiteheads and pimples. You're spreaking bacteria and irritating skin, which increases acne breakouts - and probably acne scarring, too.

4. Use an acne medicine with benzoyl peroxide, the most effective acne treatment to prevent acne breakouts. The added vitamins and soothing ingredients of the Acne Therapy Lotion will help reduce acne redness and irritation while preventing acne scars.

So now, instead of complaining about how acne breakouts destroyed your social life, take steps to cure acne - permanently!

Note: When you're using acne medication, always protect acne breakouts from the sun with a suncreen, like the TiO2 Sunblock SPF 30, as sun exposure can redden or darken acne marks and make acne scars permanent.

Labels: acne, acne breakouts, acne treatment system, men of menscience, prevent acne

Are you a runner? I am. Last weekend, I went to San Francisco, CA. Ran the length of the city. I can't quite tell you where, because I got pretty lost, but the experience was incredible. You can't really see a place until you've seen how the people there live, work and eat - until you're really among them. For me, running does this. It's amazing how great a run in another place can feel. Alright, so the cooler climate helped a bit - okay, it helped ALOT - but so did the change of pace...

Experts agree that for optimal results, it's essential that we make changes to our workout program every once in awhile. Giving the body's muscles new stimuli not only encourages muscle growth, it also enhances our results.

Fitness gurus suggest that we change our fitness regimens every so often, perhaps doing more cardio than strength-training one week, and more strength-training than cardio the next. They also recommend changing the order of exercises and the amount of repetitions. Besides challenging muscles to work better and harder, these change-ups maintain your interest and focus on each workout session.

Also, as a reminder, use the pharmaceutical-grade MenScience Omega 3 Supplement Formula for joint support and muscular mobility. If' you're a runner like me, your knees will thank you.

Labels: antiaging supplement, joint support, men's health products, men's wellness, menscience nutrition, menscience supplements, omega 3, omega 3 fatty acids, running

A severe, highly contagious 'norovirus' is attacking men with severe emesis (vomiting) and diarrhea, according to Men's Health article, 'Attack of the Puking Virus.'

Coined "Norovirus" after a 1960s outbreak in Norwalk, Ohio, this terrible stomach virus may be broadly described as 'a virus that lives in the stomach and causes illnesses like gastroenteritis, food poisoning and stomach flu' within 24 hours of exposure.

The norovirus is easily spread, which is why, according to the Mayo Clinic, 'an estimated 23 million cases of norovirus occur in the United States each year.' Spreading quickly between people via contaminated surfaces, food, and water, it shut down entire hospital wings in New York, and Boston.

Eating healthy and getting adequate sleep can do much to increase immunity to infectious diseases. Men who worry they're not getting enough nutrition may do well to consider taking a supplement like Advanced Antioxidants, which supports the body's antioxidant processes (critical to optimal health). Here are some other tips men can take to avoid infection - and avoid infecting other men:

- Wash your hands throughly, including the backs of your hands and wrists using a soap with anti-bacterial properties, like MenScience's Daily Body Wash. (The Mayo Clinic suggests washing for 15-20 seconds with soap and warm water before closing off the faucet with a disposable towel.)

- Clean contaminated surfaces with a bleach solution immediately, scrubbing on all hard, non-porous surfaces.

- Take care not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth in public.

- Take off work! The virus is at its worst for for the first 1-3 days, but it's still highly contagious for 48 hours after symptoms subside.

Labels: daily body wash, men's cleaning, men's grooming, men's health, men's nutritional supplement, men's sickness, men's skincare, men's wellness products, nced antioxidants

Do You Know a Stellar Father? Enter him in our Father's Day Contest!


One Dad that shines above the rest by spending quality time outdoors with his children will win the MenScience 'Dad that Shines the Brightest Award'!

Besides an official MenScience certificate recognizing him as a stellar father he'll win a fun-in-the-sun Father’s Day gift with four dazzling sun care products: the TiO2 Sunblock SPF 30, Advanced Lip Protection, Anti-Aging Formula and Pigmentation Repair Formula. It's a $150.00 value!

Hurry and enter today, the contest ends on June 14th!

The contest is also posted on Contest Alley, Free Stuff Channel, Sweepstakes and More, and on other sites.

Labels: fathers day gifts, menscience contest, menscience father's day, menscience gift, menscience grooming, menscience skincare

Labels: acne, acne breakouts, acne cure, acne medicine, acne solution, acne treatment system, best acne treatment products, men of menscience, men's acne skincare, men's grooming products

Labels: men of menscience, mens acne, mens grooming, mens lotions, mens moisturizers, mens nutritional supplement, mens shaving, mens skincare

OMEGA-3's are called 'essential fatty acids,' essential to men because the body can't manufacture them, so they must be derived from one's diet. Unfortunately, many men aren't getting adequate amounts.

Labels: men with high cholesterol, men's diet, men's grooming, men's heart health, men's nutrition, men's skincare, men's supplement, omega 3 fatty acids

Labels: athletic performance, male athletes, men's diet, men's grooming, men's nutrition, men's skin, men's skincare, men's sun care, men's sun protection

Labels: advanced shave formula, advanced shave kit, airplane travel kit, bachelor party, engagement gifts, male gift, marriage, men's gifts, men's wedding, menscience specials, tie the knot

TO RELAX ACNE BREAKOUTS, DE-STRESS YOURSELF. Stressed and getting acne breakouts? It's no coincidence. Once considered an old wives' tale, medical research has just confirmed that there is a direct connection between stress and acne breakouts. There's hope. MenScience offers eight stress-reducing tips to help you prevent stress-related acne breakouts.
Continue reading...

Labels: acne, acne breakouts, acne medicine, acne solution, acne treatment

Spartans! Ready your breakfast and eat hearty... For tonight, we dine in hell! With these words, intermixed in a couple hours of blind, bloody gore, King Leonidas of 300, played by Gerard Butler, comes to life as one of the most celebrated heroes of all time.

The epic story of the Spartan 300's face off with the Persian armies has since joined Fight Club, Scarface and the Godfather Trilogies as a new classic for American men. Women don't mind watching either - as Gerard Butler's steely, muscular physique more than compensates for the blockbuster's revolting violence.

Besides pleasing to the ladies, Butler had to be the embodiment of one of the most legendary men of all time - and he needed a workout that would make him so. Renting the flick for a second time from blockbuster, I watched the special feature on the making of the movie - and saw clips of the grueling workout that made Gerard Butler a Spartan King and the cast of 300 larger than life. Men's Health also featured the topic, detailing what the '300-rep Spartan workout' consisted of. To see the Men's Health video explaining the workout, watch this.

In his interview with Men's Health, Butler explains, "You know that every bead of sweat falling off your head, every weight you've pumped - the history of that is all in your eyes. That was a great thing, to put on that cape and put on that helmet, and not have to think, Shit, I should have trained more. Instead, I was standing there feeling like a lion."

So when Kind Leonidas roared, "The world will know that free men stood against a tyrant, that few stood against many, and before this battle was over, even a god-king can bleed," Gerard Butler and Kind Leonidas were one and the same.

Maybe your summer workout won't be nearly as punishing as '300-rep Spartan workout,' but you're probably amped to get started - and see 300-like results - fast. Complement your workouts by taking MenScience's Thermogenic Formula for increased metabolic rate and weight loss, and the Advanced CLA Supplement Formula, which helps bolster muscle growth and decrease bodily fat for increases in lean muscle mass... You might not look like Butler, but in time, you'll could look like one of his cohorts.

Labels: 6 pack, abdominal muscles, Abs, body building, build muscle, exercise, lose weight, men's grooming, men's nutritional supplement, men's skincare

Labels: men's body lotion, men's facial lotion, men's grooming, men's lotion, men's skin care, men's skincare, men's styles

In the never ending battle to come up with effective acne treatments, many acne skin care brands develop pretty interesting acne products. Some acne skin care brands give special importance to cleansing your skin and produce useful cleansers and tonics to help keep the skin free from impurities and debris. Some acne treatments specialize in clearing grime from deep within the pores, again creating cleansers that help leave your face super clean. For the past few years, us here at MenScience have been listening to our customers more frequent interests, specifically requesting acne treatments and medications.

We recognize the gradual development of acne treatments from other brands to help people suffering from different forms of acne, however, it has to be confessed to be true that the results and ingredients used are scary. Not too long ago, I spoke to a relative who was happy with her "acne solution", but when I looked at her skin closely? I was greatly astonished. The answer for acne that she had found cleared her skin breakouts, but had completely dried her skin. She had countless marks and spots all over the areas where she had applied the acne products, and I felt like I should write a post.

Acne treatments and acne medicine are acne solution are the most common terms used by companies that offer acne products. However, are most acne brands actually "aware" about a real acne treatment system is, and does it help target the causes of acne and keep acne blemishes under control while smoothing and conditioning the skin?

So, I thought about giving you my point of view. The question we should ask ourselves is very basic, "What should everyone know about acne treatments and acne skin care?" I hope you can benefit from this.

Acne Treatments

The term acne treatment services for anyone that uses a combination of products in a defined protocol to combat the causes of acne and remedy its consequences. For example, it's very important for me to use an acne product that can prevent and control breakouts, but it's also necessary to use one that rapidly eliminates acne breakouts and helps repair blemished skin.

Acne skin care brands must make great efforts to develop acne products that are prescription-grade, effective, and simple. We strive to find that balance in all of our products here at MenScience.

When suffering from acne, breakouts are one of the biggest struggles. Can your solution for acne clear breakouts? And can it diminish redness and inflammation associated with acne, while healing and repairing acne-stressed skin? These are questions everyone should be asking themselves when looking for an acne treatment system.

In my opinion, nothing can compare to a prescription-grade acne products. The concentration of the ingredients contained in a prescription-grade acne product, is what can guarantee visible results.

My personal advice is to combine acne treatments with skin care products that are developed with professional active ingredients that work in harmony when you mix them. By doing this, you will get maximum efficacy from you acne treatment system.


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Labels: acne, acne products, acne treatments

The hot, humid months of summer have just begun - aka 'acne season.' While you're making your summer va-kay plans, don't let anything 'pop up' to ruin your trip. Here are some great skin care habits that will treat acne prone skin to prevent an acne breakout.

Keep skin clean by washing each day with a gentle liquid cleanser, preferably one containing pore clearing Salicylic Acid. Constant washing depletes skin’s moisture level increases oil production and irritates acne.

For acne-prone skin, follow the use of your daily face wash with an application of Advanced Face Tonic, a toner that removes organic buildup and dissolves dead skin cells and pore-clogging, oily residues.

Acne treatment products that contain Benzoyl Peroxide reduce acne-causing bacteria; so, after the acne breakout has been controlled, get rid of acne by daily applying a medicated acne lotion.

Cover your skin with an ultralight, oil free sunscreen whenever you go outside. Sun exposure can provoke greater pore-clogging oil production, and redden or darken existing acne marks and lines, causing acne scarring.

Never pop or pick at blackheads, whiteheads and pimples. You might think you're clearing pores, but you're actually spreading bacteria and irritating the skin, worsening the acne.

Our new acne treatment regimen applies these simple guidelines to help you and prevent and control your acne outbreaks – year round.

I have a cousin, Tony, who suffered from severe acne since his early teenage years. He was always trying out the best acne creams doctor's would recommend him. I always remember how he was continuously changing his diet, the soap-bar he used to wash his face with, the towel to dry his face, and I know a lot people that had acne and would do the same. Often, our customers have trouble learning about real acne treatments and trusting them, and I think Tony's struggle is one that many people live with throughout their lives - trying acne cures. Are you looking for the bestest acne treatment?

Whether you believe it or not, the ingredients contained in real acne products set the difference and its effectiveness with others. By using prescription-grade acne ingredients, some acne treatments can eliminate acne permanently. (This is what our Acne Treatment System does, it gives you an acne-free complexion)

The best part of it all, is that you'll be able to make a smarter decision choosing acne products when you learn to recognize which are the most effective acne ingredients. When you savvy what different acne products do to your skin, you can create your own treatments - you-ll be able to combine different products confidently after evaluating them, and knowing their individual benefits. The following task explores how you can treat your acne blemishes with acne medications and clear your skin from acne on your findings.

Review Task: Reality check on the facts about acne

1. Find your old notepad and peaceful spot where you can be by yourself. Answer these questions:

• Do you pop acne pimples thinking they will go away?
• How often do you wash your face?
• What type of environment do you work in?
• Do the acne creams you use contain Benzoyl Peroxide, and is it prescription-grade?
• Do you give your skin enough time (at least 4 weeks) to allow acne products to work their magic, or do you just get desperate after 5 days?
• Do you think that just by working out and sweating those toxins your skin is getting cleansed?
• Do you believe that acne is a bacteria?
• Do you stress a lot about acne?
  

2. Compare your actual acne treatment with your vision of effective acne treatments. You'll probably be appalled to learn that you are treating your acne prone skin with acne products that don't have the right ingredients. You might keep hoping these will give you results soon, but most of the time they're just damaging your skin even more. Maybe your skin is nagging or irritated. You probably have been changing your diet, but haven't considered replacing your acne treatment system. Your face is the best test of your acne treatment products: If they haven't cleared your skin and eliminated acne after months of applying them, then shouldn't you consider changing them?

3. Becoming ingredient savvy. In the previous task, you stumbled on the kind of acne treatments you want. Now that you have compared your method to eliminate acne with an effective one, you need to get to work. Make up your mind to improve your acne treatment and clear your skin from acne by using simple steps.

An easy way to do this exercise is to compare acne product ingredients as you would compare those laptop features. Ask yourself, "What does Glycolic Acid do to my skin? What acne products contain this ingredient? Can Tea Tree Extract benefit my acne healing process? What are comedogenic products" You'll probably find yourself confused about so many terms. How do you choose the right acne products? Will any of them be harsh on your skin? When you start comparing all of the different products you will begin to develop your own acne treatment to eliminate acne permanently and have an acne-free complexion. Write down your acne ingredient picks, and find products that contain them.

4. Have trust, regulate. You have to regulate the frequency of use for your acne treatment in order to cure acne. Always use acne products with care and consideration. Write a list of recommendations from the acne product manufacturers and have it handy. Renew your protocol for clearing acne every month for at least three months. With regular rehearsal, treating your acne blemishes becomes easier and you'll start to feel more relaxed.

The greatest advantage of becoming savvy in what acne products really work is knowing how to apply them and switch them as your acne-stressed skin needs it. Apply what you have learned about acne products and acne ingredients to develop your own acne treatments. What reduces your acne breakouts? What keeps your pores clear? What clears your pimples? It can be anything from using the right daily cleanser, a soothing face tonic, or applying a dermatologist recommended acne lotion to repair and condition acne stressed skin to help prevent scarring. Write a list of your favorite "acne ingredients". Make sure the list includes comedogenic ingredients (Benzoyl Peroxide, Glycolic Acid - Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Salicylic Acid (BHA)) to reduce acne breakouts and treat acne effectively. Keep the list handy in case you need to review it.

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Labels: acne, acne cure, acne products, acne treatments, eliminate acne

This is National Nutrition Month, and last Saturday (the 8th) was National Nutrition Day. Designed to ensure that Americans stay healthy by partaking of a wide variety of healthy foods and getting proper nutrition, this is certainly an important month for all. As nutrition is a key component of the MenScience philosophy, each week this month, our blog will have a spotlight on nutrition; specifically, debunking common diet and nutrition myths.

1. Sugar Causes Diabetes - FALSE. Risk factors for Type 2 diabetes includes such elements as high-calorie diets, obesity and an inactive lifestyle - but sugar intake alone doesn't cause diabetes.

2. Fat is Bad for You - FALSE. We need fat- it helps such vital processes as nerve transmission and aids in our absorption of nutrients; further, it keeps our cell membranes intact. In fact, some fats are excellent for you, such as the heart healthy Omega 3 Fatty Acids.

3. Avoid Fattening Nuts - FALSE. They are high in calories, so you'd be nuts to overindulge. But if eaten in moderation, nuts are an excellent source of healthy fats and plant sterols (proven to lower LDL cholesterol). In fact, in 2003, the FDA approved a health claim that suggested that eating nuts as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce heart disease.

4. Fruit-Juice Sweetened Foods are Better - FALSE. Experts agree that your body won't distinguish between regular sugar and processed fruit juice concentrate, and it won't derive any significant nutritional advantage from one over the other.

5. Fat-Free Salad Dressing is Always Best - FALSE. That's not always true. Such salad nutrients as lycopene and beta-carotene need a little fat to be absorbed. The operative word here is 'little'- as in a modest portion of olive oil or perhaps a small garnish of low-fat cheese, nuts or avocado slices - we're not suggesting you have salad with your blue cheese dressing soup.

Did you read read Part 1 of my Stop the Clock: How Men Can Stay Healthy, Fit and Strong at Any Age series? If you didn't get a chance to read it, take a look at it right now before continuing. Read Part 1 first.

Good Nutrition & Hydration

Keeping your body healthy starts with a good diet, but did you know what you eat may also contribute to looking younger for longer periods of time? Antioxidants play a huge role in protecting against free radical damage, which leads to cellular breakdown.

• Keep your diet regular. If you follow a regular eating schedule, you'll have less of a tendency to skip meals or overeat. You'll also avoid weight fluctuations, which can contribute to sagging skin and stretch marks.
  

• Eat a wide variety of foods and follow a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables and fiber. Not only does fiber regulate the digestive system, it also helps lower cholesterol.
  

• Take a scientifically formulated antiaging health supplement like Advanced Antioxidants to increase the levels of antioxidants in your diet.
  

• Drink lots of water. Hydration is important for your body because it helps flush out waste, metabolizes fat and transports oxygen to cells. Drinking at least 8 glasses of clear fluids a day is essential to maintaining good health.
  

Healthy Sleep

Sleep is the time your body uses to repair and rejuvenate, and lack of sleep can contribute to dark under-eye circles and devitalized, sagging skin.

• A poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation found that less than half of the 1,000 recipients reported having a "good night's sleep" every night, and 26% reported only getting a good night's sleep once or twice a month. Sleep deprivation reduces memory, decreases performance and gives one a fatigued appearance - not to mention that it's been linked to such severe health problems as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and obesity.
  

• Although it varies from person to person, men should get from 7-8 hours of good sleep a night to fully recharge their body and mind.
  

• Make sure where you sleep is dark, comfortable, quiet and free of distractions.
  

Next week I'll talk about exercise and stress reduction. In the meantime if you start eating healthy and regulating your sleep, you'll be on the right path to staying young.

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It was a close call with the recent writer's strike, but it looks like the 80th Annual Academy Awards is all set to stun (and possibly bore) audiences once again this Sunday. Known as much for the caliber of acting and film making being honored as the styles that make their way down the red carpet, the Oscars have always been a time for stars to wow, and possibly appall, their adoring fans. This year, the nominees for Best Actor run the full gamut of men's styles:

• George Clooney for Michael Clayton: This politically-active leading man has been credited with jump-starting a return to cool, Sinatra-like style with tailored suits, well-trimmed haircuts and smooth moves.

• Daniel Day-Lewis for There Will Be Blood: A virtual chameleon, Day-Lewis defines the act of "losing himself in a role", changing his styles and mannerisms (on stage and off) over the span of his career to reflect everything from a rough oil baron to a free-spirited gay man to a homicidal gang leader.

• Johnny Depp for Sweeney Todd: The hip former teen heartthrob once again donned the haunted look for another Tim Burton production, but Depp is well known for relying on a laid-back, bohemian-chic, eccentric style in his every day life.

• Tommy Lee Jones for In the Valley of Elah: Known for his craggy, rugged appearance, Jones has been the epitome of hard-talking, straight-shooting good ole' boy for more than four decades now.

• Viggo Mortensen for Eastern Promises: Although the ladies might have swooned for dreamy Aragorn, Mortensen proved he was much more than a flight of fantasy with tough roles in A History of Violence and Eastern Promises. He went through strenuous physical training for his most recent role, and underwent extensive time in the makeup chair to perfectly recreate his mobster tattoos. Legend has that his steely gaze, quiet style and body art actually had strangers on the street thinking he really was a Russian gangster.

Whether your a man's man or a style pro, MenScience wants to know which leading man you think has the best men's grooming style. And let's see who brings home the coveted award on Sunday night!

Labels: academy awards, daniel day-lewis, george clooney, johnny depp, men's grooming, men's styles, mens grooming, mens style, menscience, oscars

Anti Aging tips and tricks: "Use an anti aging cream, some moisturizer, stay away from the sun and you'll be in good shape."

More Anti Aging trips and tricks: "Nutrition supplements, that's the Anti aging bomb."

How many times have you heard that same old, same old Anti Aging advice?

Sure nutrition vitamin supplements are important, but what separates the young-looking skin from the tired looking ones? That's the one question you need to ask Anti Aging Treatments that give you the standard advice you hear again and again.

It's Anti Aging guiding time. Let's see how well you can follow. By the end of the guide, you'll understand the overlooked factors in Anti Aging: good skin care products, well-balanced lifestyle, regular exercise and good nutrition.

Stop the Clock: How Men Can Stay Healthy, Fit and Strong at Any Age

We live in a youth obsessed culture. While new antiaging skin products promise to wipe away the years, hundreds of antiaging health supplements urge you to turn back the hands of time. Magazine covers constantly sport twenty-something men flashing washboard abs. Here at MenScience, we don't believe it's possible to create a magic elixir of youth, nor can we guarantee a six pack, but we are confident that a positive mindset, combined with a well-balanced lifestyle, regular exercise and good nutrition, will keep men healthy and looking great for years to come.

We've put together a complete guide to antiaging that's full of tips and advice you can use at any age.

Men's Skin Care & Grooming
We're not against a laugh line or two, and no one can mess with genetics (yet!). However, there are many ways to promote a healthy appearance and protect your skin from damaging factors that contribute to signs of aging.

• Start following a daily skin care routine early on and make it a habit. (If you find it difficult to choose the right products, consider picking up a MenScience kit). The earlier you start treating your skin right, the better your skin will look in the future.

• Use a gentle liquid cleanser that won't irritate or dehydrate your skin (as bar soap will).

• Moisturize regularly with a non-greasy product and use an antiaging product for your face that contains antioxidants and nutrients like Retinol, GABA and Green Tea (we recommend Antiaging Formula).

• Exfoliate your face and body to remove dead surface cells and promote a smoother appearance. Microfine Face Scrub is a good bet for the face and neck, and the Buff Body Gloves work great to get rid of rough skin on your body.

• Men should pay extra attention to critical areas like the skin around eyes. Use an antiaging product specially formulated to moisturize and protect this delicate area to prevent fine lines.

• Protect yourself against harmful sun exposure by regularly using a long-lasting sunblock of SPF 30 or higher and covering up when out in the sun for prolonged periods of time. Damaging UV rays are one of the leading causes of damaged skin and fine lines.

So, what do all these anti aging skin care products (or creams if you're old school) have in common?

Answer: Each anti aging product has the key ingredients to what we're searching for in an anti aging treatment.

OK, we're done ... with round one. Now you're ready to compete for the "Youthful Appearance" grand prize.

I'll leave you with this question: Which of the above anti aging products has multiple uses? For help, read our Antiaging Skin Care Treatment and Antiaging Products section.

Click here to answer the question before next week's POST. I'll let you know if you're right or wrong. Yes, all Anti Aging blogs and Anti Aging Treatment sites can participate.

Join us in reducing environmental impact of our daily activities and learn about what we're doing to protect and conserve the earth.

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Labels: anti aging creams, anti aging skin care, anti aging treatment

While not quite as catchy as National Condom Week, February is also American Heart Month. This year the focus is on promoting greater awareness of heart disease among women (since heart disease is commonly thought of as a "man's issue"), but there's no question that men can benefit from improved heart health. After all, according to the American Heart Association, coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in America. And unfortunately, many men don't even realize they are experiencing a heart attack until it is much too late.

Know what to be aware of and act fast. Signs of a heart attack include:

• Pressure, pain or discomfort in the chest area
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea and dizziness
• Pain in other areas of the body such as arms, back, or neck

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact emergency services right away.

Acting quickly can improve your chances of surviving a heart attack, but the best course of action is to prevent heart disease before it begins. This means eating a diet rich in heart-healthy foods like fish, whole-grains and fruits and vegetables, getting regular medical checkups, exercising and complementing your nutrition with a reliable daily supplement. MenScience Omega 3 Supplement Formula contains a pharmaceutical-grade source of Omega-3 EPA/DHA fatty acids, which may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease in men. For more information about Omega 3's benefits, check out the article Heart Protection for Men with Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

February is officially American Heart Month...let's work to make this American Heart Year.

Labels: cardiovascular disease, heart disease, men's health, mens health, menscience, omega 3

The dreaded V-day is only two weeks away. And you haven't got the slightest clue what to get for that special someone. You could risk getting the cold shoulder that day (and in bed for the next week or so), or you can take a hint from MenScience on these last-minute, easy-on-the-wallet gifts that will score points and won't make you vomit from cuteness (believe us, your significant other doesn't want that four- foot-tall teddy bear either).

1. Make a CD of your favorite songs that at least make a passing reference to love. Yes, your partner may hate your taste in music, but there's no way she's going to turn down a mix you lovingly crafted for her with your own little hands.

2. A surprise trip to Barbados. Okay, we had to throw that one in.

3. Waited too long to book an exotic getaway? Turn your house into your own private oasis. All you need is some chic massage oils, candles, low lighting and music (hint hint: clean the place up first).

4. Can't get a reservation at that ultra-chic restaurant? Places are notoriously packed on Valentine's Day, so why face the crowds and disgustingly sappy couples there, when you can make a great dinner at your own place? Even you can't cook, tons of restaurants and gourmet markets offer take-out meals. Set the mood with nice dishes, candles, the works and let the chemistry commence.

5. If your sweetheart's got a green thumb, bypass the expensive bouquet that will be at the bottom of the garbage by the end of the week and get her an elegant orchid, or some other type of blooming plant.

6. And finally, when in doubt, go online. Many gift and flower sites like RedEnvelope.com and 1800Flowers.com offer expedited shipping for the big day. You'll be paying the bucks, but we have a feeling if you don't, you'll be paying for it in a lot of other ways later on.

(And what if the sweetie wants to get you something? Kindly direct to her to the many unique Valentine's Day gifts at www.menscience.com. We highly recommend the Travel Kit. You can tell her it'll remind you to book earlier for the trip to Barbados next year!)

Labels: 1800Flowers, airplane travel kit, Barbados, make a cd, men's products, menscience, plants, private oasis, RedEnvelope, unique valentine's day gifts, Valentine's day last minute gifts

The upcoming political elections might not be the only reason men are tearing their hair out.

It seems like since the dawn of time, men have experienced a love-hate relationship with that crop of follicles sprouting from their scalps (and don't be fooled, ladies...we only make it LOOK like we could care less about it). Here's some interesting facts about men and their horrible, wonderful heads of hair throughout history:

• Ancient Romans often had a slave on staff to act as their personal hairdressers.
• Japanese samurai would cut hair their hair off as a sign of defeat. Even their wives would shave their heads and sometimes follow a spiritual life when they lost honor or a loved one.
• Many African tribes used grease, red dirt and sometimes animal feces to style their locks.
• Long hair and beards was usually the norm for men up until the early 20th century, when lice and flea infestations called for shorter haircuts.

When you're done perusing the trivia, check out our new article, Men's Hair Care, at MenScience and be thankful how far we've come!

Labels: balding, barbers, hair cuts, hair styles, hairstyles, men's hair, men's hair care, thinning hair

It looks like an urban legend might be true...sort of. Everyone's heard the one about how cell phones can give you cancer, but a new study reveals that cell phone usage might actually be affecting the way people sleep.

In a study conducted by Karolinska Institute and Uppsala University in Sweden and Wayne State University in Michigan, USA, scientists have found that participants exposed to the same level of radiation emitted by cell phones an hour before going to sleep caused many of them to take longer to reach a deeper level of sleep and spend less time there. This in turn lead to less satisfying, unhealthier sleep.

One scientist believes this inability to get to sleep faster is caused by radiation activating a part of the brain which causes people to become alert. By activating this area, it takes longer for men to relax and prep for sleep.

While studies are still being conducted on the effect of cell phones on men's health, there's no denying that irregular sleep can cause a multitude of health problems. For guidelines from MenScience on how to get a good night's sleep, read our article here.

And what's a good rule of thumb? Don't talk on your phone an hour before heading off to dreamland.

Labels: cell phones, lack of sleep, men's health, mens health, menscience, sleep, sleep apnea, sleep disorder

At MenScience, we're constantly reading up on new health topics and claims to get the most information on men's grooming, men's skincare and men's health. And the men's topic we come across again and again is obesity.

But whether you think it's a disease or a condition--one of the biggest health risks for men or completely blown out of proportion, there's a new voice in the obesity argument. A new book, The Fattening of America: How the Economy Makes us Fat, If It Matters, and What to Do About It, claims that more and more Americans are becoming obese as a lifestyle choice. Due to the dwindling emphasis on physical labor in our society, and better treatments and medications for obesity, the author Eric Finklestein makes the point that more and more Americans choose to live a lifestyle that promotes obesity.

This eyebrow-raising claim has been causing controversy among medical professionals and those who are obese alike, but as reported in an article at Yahoo News, "Finkelstein says he wrote "The Fattening of America" to "encourage discussion of what I understand is probably an uncomfortable position for a lot of people."

We're firm believers in the gospel of regular fitness, balanced nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, but this leaves even us scratching our heads. Is obesity a disease? Or a conscious choice men make? What do you think?

Labels: balanced diet, diet, Fattening of America, fitness, healthy lifestyle, men's health, men's nutrition, obesity, overweight, weight gain

Lose a few pounds. Find a new job. Get promoted. Travel. Save more money. No matter what age you are, chances are that at some point you've made a New Year's resolution. Whether you kept it or not is a different story entirely. But new information from a study by psychologists at the University of Hertfordshire reveal that whether you actually stick to them may come down to your gender.

According to a story on Fox21 News about the study, men were more likely to keep resolutions if they were broken down into more manageable goals. For example, instead of "I want to win the Boston Marathon", men need more "I want to run for half an hour three times a week", at least at the start. With more realistic goals in place, the study admits, men are much more likely to meet their resolutions. And what about women? Apparently the way to a successful resolution is with a strong social support system.

So while men might still be taking the strong, silent approach to resolutions, they should probably conquer the Bunny Hill before the Black Diamond.

Labels: gender, get fit, get promoted, lose weight, make money, men's health, new year's resolutions, new years resolutions, travel, women

Time Magazine recently named Vladmir Putin, president of the Russian Federation, it's 2007 Person of the Year. While this decision is causing a bit of a controversy as American-Russian political relations can stranger every day, who are we to argue over who Time designates the Person of 2007? But why does Time get to be the only ones to shine the spotlight on someone who represents the spectrum of an entire year?

In fact, this whole Person of the Year controversy got us thinking of our own Men of MenScience series we conducted this year. Beginning in January, we highlighted several men from all different walks of life who all had an interest in improving themselves and the world around them. From Vincent Solomeno, a fresh-faced political aficianado, to David Miller, a successful personal trainer and fitness guru in Philadelphia and Miami, we profiled each of these men to represent the kind of guys who are actively pursuing a better life. Because at MenScience, in case you hadn't noticed, we're all about improving men's grooming, men's health and men's lives!

So forget all this Time controversy, and have a look at some of our previous Men of MenScience candidates. And let us know if you think the series should continue into next year!

Labels: men of menscience, men's grooming, men's health, menscience, person of the year, time person of the year, vladmir putin

Ah, the holidays. A time of cheer....or a time for tears? Holidays are a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to celebrate, but they can also put a tremendous amount of stress on you. Not to mention the amount of pounds they can also pack on. With the climax of the holiday season fast approaching, we've put together our favorite tips to help men reduce stress this season, while maintaining good health:

1. Winter temperatures and dry air work to dehydrate skin and leave it looking and feeling irritated, reddened and cracked. Step up your moisturizing during winter months by following each shave with an application of moisturizer and repeating before you got to sleep if you have very dry skin. (This goes for hands and feet, too!).

2. Try to maintain regular diet and exercise routines, but don't beat yourself up if a hectic schedule prevents this. Instead of throwing away the whole week just because you missed a day, make an effort to fit the time in when you can. Your body will thank you.

3. Holidays are the prime time to pack on pounds, so be mindful of what you are eating: small items, like appetizers, cookies and beverages can all produce unwanted calories. Keep your portions small, and allow yourself one or two of your favorite holiday treats without going overboard.

4. Don't go to a party hungry. By eating a nutritious, balanced meal beforehand, you'll be in control of your appetite and won't fall prey to party snacks and hors d'oeuvres.

5. And don't forget about the drinks. Holiday booze may be flowing freely, but avoid weight pitfalls by keeping alcoholic beverages to a minimum, and consider sticking to sparkling wine drinks and light beers.

6. Have a healthy mindset this season by taking the holidays in stride. It's impossible to plan for everything, but by preparing a budget and scheduling ahead of time, you could be saving yourself a lot of sleepless nights.

7. Don't overextend yourself by trying to do everything! You don't have to attend every single party or event you're invited to. In fact, you should take time every day for some personal activities or relaxation.

8. And finally: take the time to actually sit back and enjoy yourself this holiday season. You might think it's an impossible task, but just think: soon you'll have another whole year before the madness starts up again!

We've given our tips, but what's your solution for this annual problem? How do you cope with holiday stress?

Labels: avoiding holiday weight gain, holiday stress, men's health, men's skincare, reducing stress, staying fit for holidays, winter skincare

In this blog, I've often discussed how health and grooming can go hand in hand. But now, according to an article on Fox News, they're more connected than you think. You could soon be getting more than a trim from your barber. In light of the growing numbers of African-American men being diagnosed with high blood pressure, obesity and prostate problems, many barber shops are now offering health screenings to their clientele.

From the article: "...barber shops and beauty parlors are weaving health screenings, information about diseases and advice about diet and exercise into their routine coiffing and cutting."

Barber shops have often been seen as one of the most comfortable settings for men to get together and discuss different things (sometimes issues not even discussed with their doctor). With hospitals and medical agencies providing some attendants outside in vans and inside shops to help answer questions and screen problems, African-American men might be getting a valuable chance to improve their health in a unique way.

Do you think the barber shop could be the next step to better health? Or should problems strictly be discussed and screened in medical offices?

Labels: african-american men, barbers, black men, blood pressure, hair care, men's grooming, men's health, mens health, obesity, prostate problems

As a coach, wetsuit manufacturer and former triathlete, Paul Lundgren has taken his love of nature and the thrill of the race to craft a life unlike any other. It's Paul's commitment to health and the environment that makes him our newest addition to the Men of MenScience.

Paul became interested in triathlon training as a college student in 1985 after reading accounts of triathletes, and was so impressed that he dropped out of school, bought a bike and set out for San Diego, California. Paul won several smaller races, competed in the Hawaii Ironman competition, and trained with some of the best athletes of the time.

Because the sport was still in its early stages, Paul says that no one was quite sure where it would go or how it would ultimately affect athletes' bodies. "Now, 20 years and several hospital beds of friends and loved ones later I know the answer. Triathlon can be good for you and it can also be very harmful," he says. Paul admits that one of greatest dangers is nutritional demands on the body, and recommends new triathletes find a professional coach to provide guidance and experience on the long and rigorous journey ahead.

Paul has also been coaching for almost as long as he's been swimming. His finest coaching achievement came when he was asked by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to co-coach and help design their first triathlon team for the Team in Training Program. Along with three other coaches, they coached a team of 98 athletes for the Wildflower Triathlon in 1998. The TNT Triathlon program that's in place today is the same as the one they designed, and triathlon has become one of the most successful fundraising programs for TNT. Since then, Paul has coached hundreds of athletes from beginners to experts.

Love of swimming and triathlons also put Paul in contact with the industry of wetsuit manufacturing. After working for a time at the largest dealer to triathlon wetsuit manufacturers, Paul collaborated with another wetsuit distributor and in 2006 created Fit2Race, Inc. (F2R), a leading manufacturer of quality Triathlon wetsuits, and seller of running, swimming and cycling accessories.

Paul says of Fit2Race, Inc., "An added bonus that gets me really excited is seeing our product winning races. Maybe I never won the World Championships, but you just might see an F2R wetsuit win."

Throughout his careers of training, coaching and manufacturing, a connection to nature has always played a large role in Paul's life. He says, "When I feel most at home is when I am outside in the wild. I think I am lucky because I can find that feeling just about anywhere." In 1995, he and four friends swam 465 miles of the Salmon and Snake Rivers to highlight the plight of the rapidly-dwindling Sockeye Salmon population. Paul also supports Fit2Live, a non-profit foundation that seeks to preserve and restore native wild fish species by protecting streams and rivers. A portion of sales from each F2R product goes to Fit2Live.

"I hope to spark a fire that will ignite and fuel change towards a better human-to-nature relationship," he says. "I'm certainly not a rocket scientist or famous athlete for that matter, just a guy that would like to leave behind a little more than what he took."

Although no longer tied to a demanding training schedule, Paul continues to have his hands full with Fit2Race, Inc. and Fit2Live, as well as raising his two sons in California. "Today I am happy spending time with my boys watching them develop and discover the wild," he says.

To discover more about Paul, visit our blog and his website at www.f2r.com.

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Labels: f2r, f2r.com, fit2race, Paul Lundgren

Obviously most of our efforts are dedicated to bring into focus to the right audience the right men's skin care information for the right season. Other men's skin care blogs, many of whom work write endlessly trying to help consumers choose the right products, face many challenges.

Third-party sites or distributors are often forced into difficult situations helping disoriented customers. What if you were the one on that side, trying to make a decision on a product? We've spent the last few months talking to skin care consumers about their daily needs and frustrations in order to come up with a few best skin care practices and identify problematic skin types. Here's a mix of that conversation.

Skin Type Classification Syndrome (STCS)

The STCS brand of wicked is easily identified as the "noob" with a passion for confusing well-read consumers. The "noob" is not to be confused by the other form of new player in the men's skin care world, "newb," who actually has intentions of improving their skin and look.

Classifying your skin type is the first step to finding the right products for you. Most products target several individual skin types: oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, acne-prone skin and combination skin.

Oily skin: Feels slightly greasy or slick to the touch, with larger pores. It is usually more prone to blackheads and whiteheads. Look for products that are ultralight and oil-free, and exfoliating items that will remove oil and dirt.

Dry skin: Often feels tight and itchy and is more prone to irritations. Look for products that contain hydrating ingredients like Aloe, Urea and Allantoin, and pay special attention to moisturizers. Keep in mind that moisture is not the same thing as oil, so you don't need heavy, oily products to achieve good levels of hydration for your skin.

Sensitive skin: Easily irritated by skincare or shaving products or extreme weather conditions. Look for products that do not contain dyes, fragrances or irritants and are specially formulated for sensitive skin.

Normal skin: If haven't had any reoccurring skin problems such as shininess, acne or irritated skin, you probably have normal skin. Unless a product states otherwise, most skincare items can be used by men with normal skin.

Combination skin: Most men fall into this category, having dry patches and oily patches on their face at the same time (oily patches often fall in the “T-Zone”: your forehead and down your nose to your chin). Look for products that gently clean skin without harsh abrasives and moisturizers that are ultralight.

Acne-prone skin: Can partner with oily skin, but is also a factor with people with dry skin. This type tends to break out frequently with pimples, blackheads or whiteheads. Look for products that are noncomedgenic (not pore-clogging) and contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide.

Ill-informed Skincare Product Expert (ISPE)

Similar to the STCS entry, the ISPE is identified by making nutty decisions armed with enough information to be dangerous. For example, the ISPE may say something like, "My brother-in-law knows all about that skin care stuff, so I can help you."

According to many of the experts I spoke with, said brother-in-law is so poorly equipped to handle anything men's skincare related, he often causes nearly irreparable damage with his "advice," and the men's skin care customer spends more time doing damage control than achieving results.

Counteracting the effects on an ISPE can be pretty simple. Zero in on your skin type, and concentrate on finding products that appeal to that type, or products recommended for all skin types. And although there's still a sea of products out there, you can decide which you need and which ones are nothing more than fancy packaging by starting with the basic skin care routine that involves four steps: Cleaning, Exfoliating, Shaving, and Moisturizing.

That means you should look for a gentle liquid cleanser for your face, an exfoliating scrub, a shaving product, an aftershave product and an oil-free moisturizer. Trust us, you can't really go wrong.

Screwball Customer Meltdown (SCM)

The SCM is an affliction of the highest order that affects many men's skin care industry folks who are either duped by customers with specific needs or have customers forced upon them by ISPEs.

SCM is a progressive disorder that usually cannot be treated with early detection. Those affected by the SCM often don't see it coming. The consumers often bypass the men's skin care experts and consistently attempt to undermine their efforts by abandoning contact protocols. They reach out to ISPEs directly and pile on unrealistic expectations, armed with misinformation.

There are few effective treatments for SCM, though the disorder has been linked to causative factors associated with the creation of ISPEs.

Men's Skin Care Hater (MSCHMr)

The MSCHMr spends all of his time reading Men's Skin Care blogs and attempts to circumvent the efforts of manufacturers everywhere. The MSCHMr views everything manufacturers does as evil, and this psychosis has bled into other areas of his or her life.

The best way to counter the MSCHMr is to stay on top of the information produced by the MenScience team, cross referencing the information with your own logical conclusions, and citing that information in each skin care need.

And, It Continues to Happen

The men's skin care world is changing but not as quickly as we would like it to. Believe it or not, we still get calls from customers asking for advice on the best "Men's Skin Care Product."

"Men's Skin Care?" Nice one. While I am at it, I usually also pass along MenScience's phone number and url, just in case.

At the end of the day, all you need to do is narrow down what types of products you should be using, and how to apply your core men's skin care products.

BTW, feel free to link to this post. Thanks!

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Labels: men skin care, men's skin care, men's skincare, mens skin care, mens skincare, skin care for men, skin care men

"Stay with me please", is what Barry Bonds is saying after being accused of using illegal supplements to obtain his title.

MLB's leading slugger was indicted yesterday in the bay area charged with perjury and obstruction of justice. Did he lie to a grand jury about using steroids saying that he never took "performance-enhancing drugs"? Maybe he should have stuck to good old Antioxidants. ;-)

According to the indictment,"During the criminal investigation, evidence was obtained including positive tests for the presence of anabolic steroids and other performance enhancing substances for Bonds and other athletes".

And it even seems that he lied to his personal trainer as well...

Do you think fans will bury Barry this time? --- I think he will continue waving, the questions is where from?

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Labels: antioxidants, Barry Bonds, performance-enhancing drugs, Steroids

We know there's been a lot said about Anti-Aging Skin Care - Because how you look matters.

We've written articles about ingredients in anti-aging products, how to stay young and natural skin defenders, and we thought we'd show you one addition to the anti-aging topic. We came up with the idea to add a how-to guide that gives you a smoother skin, and more youthful-looking face, because it's only going to make your life easier when you can look and feel younger in under 10 minutes.

So, we wrote a few simple steps to diminish fine lines wrinkles, that might be worth a closer look to see if you're doing the right thing to reove face wrinkles, or using the best anti-wrinkle face cream.

Check out the How To: Diminish Fine Lines and Wrinkles guide, a new improvement from all the anti-aging treatments available. It takes 5-10 minutes to complete... but it's definitely worth the time... you get a nice looking skin when it's finished as well.

The protocol combines the use of Anti-Aging Formula with regular exfoliation of your face with Microfine Face Scrub improves the appearance of fine lines, softens skin and improves absorption of the active ingredients.

You'll me amazed at how effective it is... it's all MenScience.

BTW, feel free to link to this guide. Thanks!

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Labels: anti aging, anti wrinkle face cream, antiaging skin care, antiaging skin care product, antiaging skin care treatment, antiaging supplement, antiaging treatment, face wrinkle

Our writers have been quite busy in the past couple of months writing some of our latest men's skin care articles, and creating new how-to guides for acne skin care and nutrition.

My favorite nutrition article is Diet Psychology, since it gives you the skinny on what men can do to get self-motivated to loose weight, if you haven't given it a glance, go check it out!

Here are a few of our latest MenScience articles:

Proteins vs Carbs - debates the pros and cons of men's diets that focus on protein or exclude carbs, and reveal how each ingredient provides complete men's health.
Weight Management Myths - Test your knowledge of men's health and nutrition by taking the MenScience fitness quiz.
Benefits of Green Tea to Mens Health - Explore the benefits to men's health, men's weight loss and men's diet in Green Tea and nutritional supplements.
The Science of Breakouts - Causes of acne, as well as acne treatment with acne medicine and acne cleansers, blemish control and acne skin care products.

How-to Guides:

How To: Reduce Back Acne - Get rid of back acne with this bacne treatment. Back acne cure for anyone who wants to reduce back acne blemishes.
How To: Avoid Winter Skin Problems - Reduce skin irritations and problems caused by winter weather and temperatures.
How To: Exercise on a Busy Schedule - To achieve better health and lose weight by finding time to fit exercise in throughout the day.
How To: Reduce Age Spots and Hyperpigmentation - Diminish facial discolorations caused by environmental factors and age and improve skin tone and texture.
How To: Diminish Fine Lines and Wrinkles - Reveal a smoother, more youthful-looking face.
How To: Control Oily Skin - Minimize oily, shiny skin for an improved appearance.
How To: Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Eyes - Diminish puffy or tired-looking eyes with this cold therapy, or improve dark circles and relax skin around eye area with a warm treatment.

If you like these free articles, please link to them. Thanks!

Anyone have ideas for new articles or improvements to these?

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Labels: men's grooming, men's skin care

There's been a lot of talk lately about the threat of bacteria to men's bodies and with good cause: more and more cases of bacteria-related deaths, such as those caused by staph infections and MRSA bacteria, are surfacing every day. To make matters even tricker, some strains of bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics due to overuse and over-prescription.

So how to stay healthy? Simple: keep your skin clean, wounds covered and your hands to yourself!

1. Wash your body regularly with an antibacterial body wash. This will immediately kill bacteria you accumulate through the day or after working out.

2. Wash hands frequently using hot water and an antibacterial cleanser, especially before meals. Be sure to wash them for at least 15 seconds and rub them vigorously to make sure all containments are rinsed away.

3. Using an antibacterial gel can also cut down on bacteria for times when you can't get to a sink, but keep in mind they should not be relied on for regular cleansing.

4. Completely cover all cuts, sores, scrapes and open wounds with clean bandages.

5. When working out at a gym, be sure to wipe down all equipment with a clean towel before use, even if it does not appear to be sweaty.

6. Don't share towels, razors or any other items which come in direct contact with skin.

7. Reduce the spread of bacteria by washing workout clothes and towels with hot water as soon as possible after use, and drying them completely. Never reuse socks, clothes or towels from a previous day's workout.

8. Boost your immune system by taking a nutritional supplement that contains antioxidants such as Vitamin C. This will help improve your chances of warding off a possible infection.

Labels: antioxidants, bacteria, men's fitness, men's health, men's nutrition, men's skin care, mens health, mrsa, sickness, staph

Acne continues to be a major problem for men, one that reaches well past the teenage years. In a poll conducted by MenScience:

• 61% of men admitted that acne had an effect on their social lives, but a majority of men (42%) prefer to wash their faces twice a day to treat it, instead of using the appropriate skincare product.

• 85% think you should stop using an acne medication if your skin worsens at first. This misconception needs to be cleared up, as many products do tend to make skin look worse before actually providing visible improvements.

In light of these acne problems, MenScience aims to provide some much-needed information and new products to help overcome these skincare setbacks.

Even if you've been paying attention to MenScience's new acne treatment line for men, you still might not know about the newest addition: Advanced Acne Pads. These convenient pads contain Glycolic and Salicylic Acids to clear and prevent acne breakouts, while deep-cleaning pores. And MenScience has also been releasing tons of new articles focusing on different aspects of the acne problem, so men can educate themselves on the best ways to treat it.

So if acne effects you, as it does the majority of men, take a moment to get educated and find out what you can do to diminish the problem.

Labels: acne, acne-prone skin, advanced acne pads, back acne, bacne, damaged skin, men's health, men's products, men's skin care, men's skincare, menscience, oily skin

When it comes to men's skin care and grooming, nothing's scarier than dark under-eye circles, fine lines and damaged skin. So in honor of this ghoulish season, MenScience provides some tips on how to avoid looking like a monster...for the other 364 days of the year!

Reducing scars / damaged skin

Even if they are a natural part of your body's healing process, you don't have to look like Frankenstein's monster. Diminish scars by exfoliating your skin on a regular basis with a product that gently buffs away dead skin cells. This will soften the scar's edges, creating a smoother appearance. Whether your scars are from previous injuries or old acne, make sure to use a sunscreen so marks won't re-darken when exposed to sunlight. Although moisturizing is not proven to reduce scars, keeping skin well-hydrated can promote a smoother, more supple surface and a healthier appearance overall.

Fine Lines / Wrinkles

Count Dracula isn't the only one that can pull off that "ageless" look. Keep fine lines to a minimum by protecting skin early on from sun and environmental damage with a solid sunscreen, and regularly using a product formulated with antioxidant ingredients like GABA, Peptides and Retinol. Cutting out bad habits (such as smoking and excessive drinking) and following an exercise plan can also help in the long run, and keep you looking great for an (unsettlingly) long time.

Dark Under-Eye Circles

In addition to imparting a very "undead" look, dark under-eye circles can add years to your appearance. To reduce them, apply a warm cloth or eye mask for several minutes to your eye area and follow with an application of moisturizer specifically formulated to hydrate the sensitive skin around the eyes. And quit stomping around the cemetery at all hours---get at least 8 hours a sleep a night to further reduce circles.

For more help with these "monstrous" problems and more, read the MenScience newsletter Seriously Scary Skincare.

Labels: anti-aging, damaged skin, fine lines, men's health, men's skin care, men's skincare, menscience, raccoon eyes, scar, under eye circles, wrinkles

The start of the holiday season is just around the corner, and with it comes the onslaught of holiday travel. While it seems to be an unavoidable evil of the season, there are some things men can do to make it through in one piece. MSNBC.com has a great set of tips for surviving the worst that's thrown at you at the airport: lost luggage, overbooked flights and even delays. Here's more tips we've come up with so you look (and feel) your best while you travel:

1. Take along your own water bottle and drink frequently during the flight to keep your body (and skin) hydrated.

2. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, as they can deplete moisture supplies and leave you feeling wired, tired or worse yet, hung over.

3. Head to the restroom every hour or so to splash some lukewarm water on your face: it wakes skin up and gets blood flowing in your legs and feet.

4. Pack a travel-size moisturizer in your carry-on and use whenever your skin feels dry.

5. Nasal passageways are easily dried out by airplane air, so take along an over-the-counter nose spray to diminish congestion.

6. Reduce tightness around your eyes by rubbing in a hydrating, nutrient-rich cream like eye cream and using eye drops to diminish their bloodshot appearance.

7. Try to get as much sleep as you can on the plane.

8. After you arrive at your destination, take a warm shower or bath as soon as possible.

Labels: dehydrated skin, dry skin, holiday travel, men's health, men's skin care, planes, travel, travel kit

If you've visited the MenScience company website, you know that we're constantly researching new areas of men's health every day to provide effective products and information. And while a lot of that is done in labs and clinical environments by health professionals, we're also gathering information from all sorts of men in more informal ways....like through our monthly MenScience contest.

Every month, we reveal a new set of questions focusing on a specific aspect of men's skincare, grooming, nutrition or health, and we always get an overwhelming response. We use these results in a variety of ways: everything from providing you with interesting statistics, to creating monthly newsletters, to choosing what types of products to release next. And every month, we choose one lucky winner to receive a free Advanced Shave Kit!

It's a win-win situation. Check out this month's contest at www.menscience.com for your chance to provide us with opinions on what guys really want...and win a sweet prize!

Labels: advanced shave kit, free prize, men's fitness, men's health, men's nutrition, men's opinions, men's skincare, menscience, monthly contest

Although more and more men are becoming better informed about how to take care of their skin, some of us are still left in the dark when it comes to choosing the best products. (Hey, this is something even the ladies get wrong from time to time). Most products target several men's skin types: oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, acne-prone skin and combination skin. Discovering what type of skin you have is the first step towards getting the most effective products, and not just wasting your time (or money!):

1. Oily skin: Feels slightly greasy or slick to the touch, with larger pores. It is usually more prone to blackheads and whiteheads. Look for products that are ultralight and oil-free, and exfoliating items that will remove oil and dirt.

2. Dry skin: Often feels tight and itchy and is more prone to irritations. Look for products that contain hydrating ingredients like Aloe, Urea and Allantoin, and pay special attention to moisturizers.

3. Sensitive skin: Easily irritated by skincare or shaving products or extreme weather conditions. Look for products that do not contain dyes, fragrances or irritants and are specially formulated for sensitive skin.

4. Normal skin: If haven't had any reoccurring skin problems such as shininess, acne or irritated skin, you probably have normal skin. Unless a product states otherwise, most skincare items can be used by men with normal skin.

5. Combination skin: Most men fall into this category, having dry patches and oily patches on their face at the same time (oily patches often fall in the "T-Zone": your forehead and down your nose to your chin). Look for products that gently clean skin without harsh abrasives and moisturizers that are ultralight.

6. Acne-prone skin: Can partner with oily skin, but is also a factor with people with dry skin. This type tends to breakout frequently with pimples, blackheads or whiteheads. Look for products that are noncomedgenic (not pore-clogging) and contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide.

For more tips on what products can help you look your best, read How To: Choose The Right Products.

Labels: acne-prone skin, combination skin, dry skin, men's health, men's products, men's skin care, men's skincare, normal skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, skin types

If you've ever browsed the health aisle of a bookstore, you have a pretty good idea of the huge amount of information available covering almost every facet of health, eating and nutrition. More and more of these books are published everyday, pushing new ideas about nutrition to the forefront, and causing yesterday's advice to fade into the background.

With all this "nutritional help" available, why are men still dealing with a growing weight problem?

Gary Taubes proposes to shed a different light on the answer in his new book, Good Calories, Bad Calories. Although the book has caused plenty of eyebrows to lift by heaping even more blame on carbs for increased weight problems and revealing that the "obesity" crisis actually comes down to a small increase of body mass index, Taubes's main point seems to be that our ideas of nutrition and weight gain are based on scientific information that has not been thoroughly tested or proven, and has simply been accepted by us as "fact."

Taubes is getting plenty of heat for his strong views (some say he tends to omit contradictory health studies of the past), and he's gained plenty of attention for this new approach to nutrition (he's been featured in Men's Journal, ABC News, and the New York Times last month alone).

But what do you think about Taubes's concept? Is there anything wrong with re-thinking the facts of nutrition? Or is it just another book to add to the growing mountain of literature offering yet another "health fix" for the average man?

Labels: body, carbohydrates, diet, dieting, exercise, fat, fitness, get fit, health, heart health, men's health, men's nutrition, men's weight loss, weight gain, weight loss

Sports are the perfect way for men to get in shape and have a good time doing it. But with greater exercise often comes greater challenges to your skin and body, and we're not just talking about sore muscles here. Here's some tips for eliminating problems without sacrificing your fitness routine:

Facial Acne: Exercise and sweat can lead to acne breakouts, as grime accumulates in blocked pores. But you can prevent reoccurring acne by keeping skin clean, without overwashing, and applying a daily application of an acne treatment product that contains benzoyl peroxide.

Back Acne (Bacne): Shower as soon you're done working out and cleanse skin with a gentle liquid cleanser. Regularly exfoliate skin to keep pores clear and remove deep-down grime. Keep hair from hanging on your shoulders and back, and wear exercise clothes that whisk sweat from skin's surface.

Body Odor: You can't have exercise without B.O., but you can control it by washing as soon as you're finished exercising and using a deodorant that doesn't just mask odors with a heavy scent, but rather targets and neutralizes bacteria.

Sunburn: A match on the courts is a great way to stay in shape, but forget to slap on sunscreen and you're sprinting towards a world of pain (and future ages spots and wrinkles). Men require a sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays and won't wash away with sweat. Choose one that provides maximum protection of at least SPF 30.

Athlete's Foot: Caused by moist conditions and friction in your shoe, athlete's foot is an irritating problem that affects many guys. Keep feet as clean and dry as you can by washing your feet with a cleanser that contains antibacterial ingredients and drying them thoroughly after exercising.

Damaged hair: Swim for long enough and you'll develop sculpted waist, arms and legs...and brittle hair?! Rinse hair with fresh water before taking a dip (this will cut down on the amount of chlorinated/saltwater absorbed) and immediately after. Wash hair with a gentle shampoo to rebalance moisture levels and protect follicles, and wear a swim cap if you swim regularly.

Are there any sports-related problems that we missed? Let us know if we've got all the bases covered.

Labels: acne, athlete's foot, athletes, athletics, back acne, bacne, body odor, men's health, men's skin care, men's skincare, sports, sunburn

Staying fit and losing some pounds can be a daunting task for men. Because of this, MenScience has prepared a set of no-nonsense tips that will have you looking good and feeling great.

1. Try eating several small meals throughout the day. This controls appetite and keeps your metabolism going.

2. Don't starve and then binge. Skipping meals could end up promoting more fat storage and lowering your metabolism due to fluctuating insulin and blood sugar levels.

3. Set regular mealtimes and stick with them. Once your body comes to expect a meal at the same time everyday, it's easier to avoid sudden cravings and snack attacks.

4. When hunger strikes, make sure you've got some healthy snack options available to you (this is a great way to get in your 5-9 servings a day of fruits and vegetables).

5. Protein is more filling than simple carbohydrates and has fewer calories, so be sure to include fish, lean beef and pork, white-meat poultry, eggs, nuts and beans in your diet.

6. Reduce serving sizes and eat a wider variety of food. Don't deny yourself your favorite foods...just consume them in moderation.

7. Avoid drinks that contain calories and stick to water instead. Many men don't realize that beverages are often loaded with empty calories and don't accommodate for them with their meals.

8. One simple way to avoid packing on calories is to use more spices in your food and less condiments like mayonnaise, butter and sour cream.

9. Eat slowly so your body gets a chance to register the food and you won't end up eating more than you should. Eat until you feel satisfied; not stuffed.

Check out more tips on weight management in the Tips & Advice section on www.menscience.com.

Labels: calories, diet, exercise, fitness, get fit, men's health, men's nutrition, weight loss

The stereotype of the working man, logging in 10 hour days as he pops aspirin after aspirin to deal with the headaches caused by his stressful job, is moving one step closer to becoming obsolete. In a new study conducted by the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, women now appear to be less happy than men, owing largely to changing home and workplace dynamics.

From ABC News: "The study found that women feel they have too many choices and too many responsibilities, which adds to their feelings of sadness.....Another new study, conducted by Princeton University and released in August of this year, found that since the 1960s, men have cut back on activities they find unpleasant, but women have not."

While men seemed to have learned how to take things a bit easier, women are still dealing with full plates. But does this study really ring true? Are men happier now than they were 10 years ago? Are work and family responsibilities the sole cause of happiness? The jury still seems to be out on this one....

DG

Labels: happiness, men's health, work

For many men, thinning hair can be cause for definite alarm. Which is unfortunate, because, let's face it, there's a lot more men in the world with less-than-full heads of hair than those walking around with impenetrable forests sprouting from their skulls.

While most celebrities have opted to either go the route of hair renewal and transplants, or just shaving the whole thing off, it's nice to see some famous guys finding a happy medium...and looking pretty good for it.

MensFashion.About.com editor Daniel Billett has put together a neat list of men who make a receding hairline look both stylish and polished. From Sting to Chris Meloni (of "Law and Order" fame) to Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, these guys have no problems passing up the Cro-Magnon look without transforming their heads into cue balls. It's a refreshing concept.

DG

Labels: celebrities, hair care, men's health, thin hair, thinning hair

Summer's passed and we've been fielding a lot of questions lately regarding repairing sun-damaged skin and other seasonal problems. Here's answers from our team of MenScience experts to some commonly-asked questions:

Q: I've been noticing brown freckle-like marks on my face. Are these age spots?
A: Uneven pigmentation and so-called "age spots" (lentigines) are the result of skin's aging and sun damage. This is a common situation with men's skin, and causes it to look devitalized and damaged. Unfortunately, most men don't realize that these age spots can be significantly diminished with the right professional-grade skincare ingredients. MenScience has created a dermatological-grade formula, Pigmentation Repair Formula (with 1% Retinol), to directly correct these problems.

Q: I have dark circles under my eyes. Can I do something about this?
A: Genetics, lack of skin nutrients, pigmentation and thin skin can all play a role in causing dark under-eye areas. Eye Rescue Formula contains ingredients proven effective in combating the appearance of dark circles and helps to prevent further damage.

Q: My skin looks dull and rough. How can I revitalize it?
A: You can improve your skin tone significantly if you exfoliate regularly and keep skin hydrated. Exfoliation is the accelerated shedding of the upper, dead layers of the skin. It is highly effective at improving the skin's smoothness and tone, reducing the appearance of fine lines and revealing newer skin underneath. It is critical in the management of acne, ingrown hairs, dandruff and complications precipitated by accumulation of dead cells. Using Microfine Face Scrub up to 4 times a week can remove dead, thick surface cells, revealing new, smoother, healthier cells beneath. Follow with a moisturizer to diminish rough areas.

Q: Tanning this summer has really dried out my skin. How can I fix that?
A: Chlorinated water and strong sunlight can damage skin, turning it rough, irritated and uncomfortable. Apply moisturizer generously in the morning, before you go to bed, and throughout the day as needed. Plan on being outdoors a lot? Use a sunblock that contains hydrating ingredients like Aloe and Azulene.

For more information about skincare, grooming and shaving problems, visit our Tips & Advice section at http://www.menscience.com/. Got a question? Let us know by posting a comment or email experts@menscience.com.

Labels: men's health, men's skincare, summer skin care, sun protection, sunburn, TiO2 Sunblock SPF 30

Labor Day weekend is here and for many guys that means one last chance to head out into the sunshine before cooler weather takes over. But before you start setting up that grill, consider your skin and what you need to do to protect it. Most men know that you should wear sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher than contains broad-spectrum protection, but did you know there are actually other factors beside sunlight that can contribute to a sunburn?

Labels: men's health, men's skincare, skin cancer, summer skin care, sun protection, sunburn

You think putting on some weight is embarrassing? What if an entire town was watching you? In a move which could backfire magnificently or vastly improve the health of its citizens, an Italian town will pay overweight and obese men who live there to lose weight.

Labels: dieting, men's health, men's nutrition, weight loss, weird wagers

David Miller doesn't know the meaning of the words "couch potato." He's a fitness trainer who's achieved an incredible level of success as the founder of D.A.M. Good Bodies Elite Personal Training.

Maintaining a diverse roster of clients that includes athletes, entertainers, models and professionals, David has devoted his life to helping people become the healthiest and fittest they can be. "Training is so much more involved then most people realize. I've worked with a wide range of clients from athletes that want to take it to the next level, to people who have not regularly exercised since they were in high school," he states.

David began his life-long love of fitness with a very active childhood, and pursued athletics throughout school and into college where he received a B.S. in Exercise & Sport Science from Penn State University. As a football player there, David understood what it took to get athletes into shape. He used this knowledge to help train athletes at Penn State and Temple University, and later on as Physical Director & Coordinator of Personal Training and Fitness Testing at the Central Branch YMCA. After gaining these years of experience, David officially launched D.A.M. Good Bodies Elite Personal Training in Philadelphia in 1992. He later relocated his company to Hollywood, Florida, but still maintains strong ties with his hometown.

At D.A.M. Good Bodies, David customizes specific programs that incorporate cardio, resistance training, flexibility and nutrition guidance for a variety of clients. He says, "I'm constantly giving information to clients. I don't want them to do something just because I say they should; I want them to understand why they should do it."

The 41-year-old athlete has built a solid career on discovering what it takes to get the human body in top form and this hasn't gone unrecognized: David was named Best Personal Trainer in his hometown of Philadelphia by Heart & Soul Magazine and has been featured in Health Quest magazine, the Philadelphia Inquirer, on the cover of ESPN Magazine, and on numerous radio programs. He is currently certified by the National Strength & Conditioning Association and American Council on Exercise, and is a member of the International Association of Fitness Professionals.

He says, "I've been doing this for 20 years, and I'm still always learning, I'm always discovering new information and research. You have to try and educate yourself."

While still creating and implementing customized, effective physical training programs at D.A.M. Good Bodies, David has also recently become concerned about the growing trend of childhood obesity and would like to become involved in eliminating this problem.

It is because of David's firm commitment to improving the health of Americans one person at a time that MenScience recognizes him as a true Man of MenScience.

For more information about David and his training programs, as well as free fitness and nutrition advice, visit his website at www.damgoodbodies.com.

Labels: body building, David Miller, exercise, fitness, men of menscience, men's health, men's nutrition, weight loss

Okay, so we're not exactly reinventing the wheel here or telling you something you probably don't know. But even with the vacation season in full swing, it looks like many American men are opting to skip time off altogether.

Compared to many international workplaces, Americans get far fewer vacation days per year, and they are far less likely to actually use them, according to a new article on Forbes.com. And that could be hurting men's health:

"Stress produces physiological changes in our bodies, including higher blood pressure and a surge in stress hormones, such as adrenaline, which can cause blood to clot and increase the risk of a heart attack. By working all of the time, you're constantly subjecting your body to these responses, says Dr. Harvey Simon, associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and founding editor of the Harvard Men's Health Watch."

The article goes on to state that men at risk to heart disease who regularly take time off each year have a lower risk of death than those that don't. It also offers tips on how to make your vacation as stress-free as possible.

So the next time your boss gives you a hard time about requesting days off, tell him your life just may depend on it.

(Check out the MenScience article Health & the Modern Traveler for even more healthy ways to trot the globe).

DG

Labels: heart health, men's health, stress, summer skin care

Everyone knows your body needs hydration for optimal performance, especially during sweaty, summer months. But a new study might have you reassessing how much beverage you should actually drink.

Labels: calories, calories in beverages, diet, men's health, men's nutrition, nutrients, weight loss

More and more men are turning to vitamins and supplements to help them have more energy, feel good and maintain a healthy lifestyle. But sometimes it's easy to get lost in the virtual sea of ingredients available in the supplement aisle of health & wellness stores.

To shed some much-needed light on the benefits of different types of ingredients, as well as the dangers of taking too many different kinds of supplements or taking too much, The Houston Chronicle recently ran an article, The ABCs of Vitamins, that provides a pretty informative guide to supplementation.

For even more information about the correct usage of supplements, see the MenScience articles How to Include a Supplement in Your Diet and The MenScience Nutritional Philosophy.

So are vitamins and supplements necessary for a healthy lifestyle? What supplements are you taking right now? Is there a real danger in taking too many?

DG

Labels: body building, calories, diet, fitness, heart health, men's health, men's nutrition, nutrients

MenScience was pleased to be a part of the 18th Annual Pre-Daytime Emmy Awards party held June 6, 2007 at Nikki Beach Midtown in NYC.

Co-sponsored by Nikki Style Magazine, the event brought together the top stars of daytime television, including All My Children, Guiding Light, One Life to Live and Days of Our Lives. MenScience included samples of the popular Post-Shave Repair for the event's gift bags.

We're thankful to be a part of such a great event, and look forward to many more to come!

Labels: daytime emmy awards, events, men's health, menscience, nikki style magazine, parties

Last week you got the facts about Father's Day...this week, take a little time to learn the history.

Evidence indicates that the idea of Father's Day came about when the daughter of William Jackson Smart of Washington heard a Mother's Day sermon in church. Sonora Louise Smart wanted to recognize her father for all of the sacrifice and commitment he had to devoted to his family through the years. A single parent to his six children for 21 years, this might not cause much of a stir today, but made quite an impression back in 1909.

She began campaigning for a special day for Dads, too. Because of her efforts, churches and organizations throughout the area began celebrating Father's Day in June. It wasn't until 1972 that Father's Day was officially signed in as a U.S. holiday by none other than Richard Nixon (hey, there's got to be a silver lining somewhere....).

While the origin is still technically up for debate, no one can dispute a day that helps celebrate the special men and father figures we encounter in our lives. According to Hallmark, "Father's Day is a natural opportunity to improve a relationship, reconnect, or connect with a father for the first time." Who can argue with that?

(And in case you didn't get it together in time for this Father's Day, check out www.menscience.com for great gifts for next year!).

DG

Remember when all it took was a small hand print and "I Love You Dad" set in clay to make the perfect Father's Day gift? Well, those days are long gone.

It's still a couple of weeks away, but maybe you should start thinking about what to get Dad so you don't end up with another striped fuchsia tie or a handful of hastily-bought lottery tickets like last year.

Here's statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau to get you thinking about fathers and what you can do for dear old Dad (or any father in your life) before that big day arrives:

• 64.3 million: Estimated number of fathers across the nation.

• 59,000: Estimated number of stay-at-home dads in 2006. These fathers cared for 283,000 children. Among these stay-at-home dads:
• 60 percent had two or more children.
• 35 percent had children younger than 3 living with them.

• 26.5 million: Number of fathers who are part of married-couple families with children younger than 18 in 2006.

• More than 74 million Americans participated in a barbecue in the last year-- it's probably safe to assume many of these barbecues took place on Father's Day.

That's a lot of fathers to tick off. Play it safe and check out gift ideas at MenScience.com to find something to give Dad that won't end up at the back of his closet. Or provoke a stony silence.

Don't make this the year he actually does disown you.

DG

Hair loss has always been a major topic on men's....ahem, minds, and promoting hair growth for thinning or lost hair is a goal as persistent and elusive as finding Bigfoot. But researchers at the University of Pennsylvania may be working towards a solution at a faster rate than you think.

According to a new study, researchers have found that skin wounds can be stimulated to produce normal, smoother skin which includes hair follicles and oil glands, instead of thick scar tissue which usually occurs while healing.

By introducing wnt proteins, new skin with hair follicles can be produced, and in this way, hair growth can be encouraged. While this is still in the primary levels of testing, there's hope that a procedure can be created that will not only help promote hair regrowth, but also benefit acne and scalp conditions.

And not a moment too soon. According to the UK newspaper The Independent's figures:

• Approximately 30% of men face balding before old age
• At least 10,000 of 100,000 strands of hair on the average head are in the process of dying
• Hair follicles take up to 6 months to produce a new hair

Our newest addition to the Men of MenScience series is Vincent Solomeno, a college graduate on the fast track to a successful political career. In 2000, Vincent Solomeno was voted Executive Director of the local Democratic Party in his New Jersey hometown. Not bad for a kid who was still a few years shy of the legal voting age. Only 15 at the time, he worked on a hard-hitting campaign that produced their first party win in ten years, and his decisions brought about major improvements in the town, as well as the party's political structure.

He went on to enroll in the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania where he is currently a distinguished military graduate of the university's ROTC program and has been named President of the 2007 Class two years in a row, becoming the youngest Student Body President in Scranton history.

A passion for politics landed Solomeno an internship with General Wesley Clark in the 2004 presidential election, where he gained a valuable perspective on the electoral process. While the concepts of "truth" and "politics" don't always seem to go hand and hand, he believes the greatest politicians are those that have an honest, genuine approach. "It's why I was a major supporter of General Clark. It was challenging sometimes because he wasn't a typical politician," he admits.

Solomeno's most recent achievements have been receiving the acclaimed Fulbright and Harry S. Truman Scholarships based on his leadership and academic excellence. He'll receive money for schooling, a valuable internship in Washington, D.C., and the opportunity to pursue graduate studies abroad. After graduation this May, Vincent will work at the internship before jetting off to Amsterdam to begin his studies as a Fulbright scholar.

Only 21 now, he's already a seasoned political player and encourages people to "show up. Be honest. Be authentic. There's a famous saying---80% of success is just showing up, and I believe that. If you do, you're a catalyst for political change."

Solomeno adds, "It's because I came from a working-class family that I realized you can help make things better through public service. The government is a great agent of positive change."

We've been making some major renovations to our website to help improve navigation, provide even more tips and advice, and make purchasing even easier, and it looks like our efforts have really paid off!

MenScience has just been announced a finalist in the Web Design category of the 2007 American Business Awards ("The Stevies"). Known as "the business world's own Oscar awards," the Stevies are annually awarded to businesses of all sizes from a wide array of trades and fields to "honor and generate public recognition of the efforts, accomplishments, and positive contributions of companies and business people worldwide."

The Stevies final winners will be announced at a dinner held in New York City in June, and we'll keep everyone posted when the results come in. Until then, check out the new and improved MenScience website (if you haven't already seen it), to see what all the commotion's about.

DG

Forget about cuff links, desk sets or even that shaving kit. A recent story on MSNBC.com reveals that the newest, hottest item to get teens and graduates is....plastic surgery? 244,124 operations on teens (aged 13 -19) have been performed from 2002 -2006, and although they still only make up a small percentage of patients, those numbers continue to rise at a steady pace.

From the article:

(Dr Roxanne Guy, American Society of Plastic Surgeons president) and other experts say the desire for teen cosmetic surgery has been fueled by television shows depicting extreme makeovers, as well as society's growing acceptance of plastic surgery in general. "Teens certainly are more aware of plastic surgery options now," says Guy.

Is this too much too early? Or can plastic surgery help young adults through a particularly awkward period of growing up? In light of the previous discussion on this blog about how men with more appealing appearances make more money than those who don't, there's a definite importance placed on taking care of yourself and maintaining good grooming and style. But does this extend to the realms of cosmetic surgery as well?

DG

Although not quite as exciting as, say, Thanksgiving or New Year's Eve, Skin Cancer Awareness Month is still a pretty important time. Although a lot of guys are doing their best to become educated about ways to protect their skin from sun damage, men are still falling victim to skin cancer and melanoma at an alarming rate.

While some can attribute this to athletic lifestyles or the prevalence of jobs that take place outdoors, another factor is the number of men who use sunscreens regularly. According to a study conducted by the University of Texas:

This is a big one: MenScience is proud to announce that the Microfine Face Scrub has been awarded Best Face Scrub of the Year in the Men's Health 2007 Grooming Awards!

This Sunday is Earth Day, the day when people across the country and around the world celebrate the planet and take a good hard look at what we can do to improve and protect our environment.

MenScience joins these legions of aware citizens by practicing a number of eco-friendly business actions the whole year round:

• All MenScience product containers are recyclable and we do not use secondary packaging (almost all products are shipped in their containers without an unnecessary "product box").

• Product samples can be used several times and are also recyclable.

• We reuse shipping and packing boxes at every opportunity, and we make it a priority to use biodegradable filling peanuts.

• MenScience headquarters encourages office staff to reuse paper and supplies whenever possible to cut down on material costs and waste. Ink cartridges are also recycled.

• We cut down on energy waste by turning off the air conditioner on cool days and when we are not in the office.

• Most of our marketing is done via electronic mail, cutting down the cost and waste of producing print catalogs, brochures and mail pieces on a regular basis.

We're still working on making more of our business practices eco-friendly, but we hope that this encourages other offices to take those first steps towards taking a greater responsibility for the environment.

For more tips on how to "Green" your office, check out the U.S. Government's Earth Day website at earthday.gov and the Environmental Protection Agency's website.

It doesn't take that much, and a little can go a long way.

While some pop divas seem to be taking the shaved head trend a bit too far, there's no arguing the fact that a shaved head is a great look with a lot of benefits.

Shaved heads work well for a wide variety of guys, from those concerned with receding hairlines to those that just want to achieve a look that's easy to accomplish and easy to maintain. And with warmer weather finally arriving, there's no better time to try out this polished look.

However, simply shaving off the hair isn't the only thing you need to do to keep your head looking good. The skin of your scalp is very thin, and by removing the hair you're exposing it to outside elements it may not have ever encountered before, including sun exposure and dry air.

The solution is to keep your pate hydrated by applying a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that absorbs immediately into the skin. After all, the skin of your scalp deserves just as much attention as the skin of your face, and both need to be nourished and hydrated after shaving to avoid irritations.

While you're at it, applying a sunblock with an SPF of 30 and broad-spectrum protection can save you the embarrassment of a burnt, flaky scalp. We recommend the MenScience Advanced Face Lotion and the TiO2 Sunblock SPF 30.

The shaved head is a beautiful thing. And don't worry: no one's going to be asking you for an autograph or demanding another chorus of "Oops, I Did It Again."

DG

A few posts back, I talked about breaking your smoking addiction with exercise. Well, it looks like there's a new addiction making the rounds that might be even harder to resist with summer coming up: tanning.

FoxNews reports that in a study conducted last year, frequent tanners (8-15 times a month) showed signs of withdrawal when given a drug that blocked a narcotic-like substance that is produced when skin tans. Symptoms included nausea and nervousness, and were not observed in infrequent tanners given the same drug.

The study also revealed that indoor tanners were often more susceptible to the tanning addiction. Researcher Mandeep Kaur, MD, says, "If you are tanning yourself eight or more times a month, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.---if you are baking yourself, this is going to affect you...And that goes for tanning beds, too. They say they are safe, but there is no such thing as safe tanning."

Now, aside from the fact that it's hard to believe someone is going to tan 8 to 15 times a month, is there any more reason to keep sun exposure down to a minimum? Sunlight can improve moods and benefit your health through the creation of Vitamin D, but a little goes a long way. The advice seems to be to slap on some sunscreen (like TiO2 Sunblock SPF 30) now, or your next stop may be a rehab center filled with patients that sport tans that would make Coco Chanel envious.

DG

There has always been a lot of belief and scepticism over the benefits of nutritional supplements, but it seems like the debate has become even more of a roller coaster ride in the last few months.
One recent study declared that not only are antioxidant supplements worthless, but research actually points to some of them increasing people's mortality rates.

For the legions of Americans and those around the globe who do take a supplement high in antioxidants, this is fearsome news indeed.

But NBC Today Show nutritionist, Joy Bauer, recently released another interpretation of this study that puts the little pills in a slightly better light. While she does say that most nutrition should come from foods and people should avoid "mega" doses of antioxidants, she does recommend that people fill out their nutrition with multi-vitamins from trusted sources.

From the article:

"That being said, I say people should stop taking MEGA-doses of antioxidants unless there's a real reason for taking them... and that's something to work out with your personal doctor.

On the other hand, I do think most people will benefit from a basic multivitamin to fill in any potential nutrient gaps in their diets (most importantly you'll get 100% daily value for Vitamin D---an important vitamin that most people do not get enough of). Think of it as an "insurance policy."..... Finally, I really like omega-3 fish oil supplements because they're so good for overall heart health. If you don't eat enough omega-3-rich fish---like salmon and sardines---you may want to consider a supplement. Always speak with your physician first."

To find supplements you can trust, she suggests you look for the following:

1. What's on the label is in the bottle---no more, no less.
2. It doesn't contain harmful levels of contaminants.
3. It will break down properly in your body.
4. It has been made under good manufacturing processes.

Keeping sources pure and doses manageable are two things MenScience Omega 3 Supplement Formula and Advanced Antioxidants can definitely fulfill. There's no recipe for long life that can be found in a little pill, but I have a feeling the benefits of nutritional supplements will continue to be debated for years to come.

DG

To kick off the new Men of MenScience series, we're spotlighting skier/windsurfer Bill "Tuna" Fontana. At 61 years old, Tuna's year is spent between two locations most men would give their left arms to even visit: Aspen and Maui, Hawaii.





DG

We talked about the benefits of drinking wine, and moved down to laser-combs, and now it's time to talk about tennis.

The Sony Ericsson Open, if you will.

Maybe I'm just a tennis and beach freak, but I really love this tournament. Where else can you enjoy the best tennis in an inexpensive way, be surrounded by beautiful beaches and blue-green waters, and get a great experience at the same time?

The world's #1 player Roger Federer will be there, of course, along with Rafael Nadal (Vamos!) and Gustavo Kuerten. And they're all relaxing and getting ready for this awesome open.

I think there is nothing more entertaining than spending a week under the sun in Key Biscayne, Florida.

I am taking my favorite sunscreen, TiO2 Sunblock SPF30 with me. It's an ultralight, non-greasy waterproof sunblock that is also moisturizing.

JM

A Florida-based company has released a new type of comb that utilizes a low-level laser to promote greater hair growth on men with thinning hair. Sound too good to be true? The FDA recently allowed the product to be used as a treatment for the most common form of male baldness.

A new Dutch study reveals that men who drink red wine on a daily basis live about four years longer on average than non-drinkers. While red wine has long been touted as having benefits for heart health, it's only through recent research that the effects of the beverage have been tested for how it effects longevity.

Most men believe that good nutrition is a major contributer to good health. But where should this nutrition come from? A well-balanced diet? Daily supplements? We wanted to get the lowdown on men's nutritional concerns and how (and why) they take supplements, so our most recent online survey focused on just these issues. We received some pretty eye-opening results:

72% take a supplement daily, and 9% take four or more kinds a day.

Enthusiastic supporters and nutritional skeptics appear to be evenly divided: Approximately 30% have taken a supplement for more than five years and 30% do not take a supplement at all.

Receiving nutrients lacking from their diets is the number one reason for taking a supplement. Improving health conditions (such as heart disease) and protecting against future illness follow close behind.

Less than 1% takes a supplement for mental well-being.

35% believe childhood is the best time to begin taking a supplement.

But what do you think about all this attention being focused on nutrition? Do you think more importance should be placed on it? Or is it just another fitness fad?

In a new study released by the Journal of Physiology, antioxidant Vitamins E and C appear to help diminish cardiovascular problems resulting from scuba dives. By administering Vitamins E and C to divers before a dive, a team of researchers from the University of Split School of Medicine (Croatia) and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Norway) observed that the antioxidants had a positive effect on the divers' endothelial function when they engaged in a moderate scuba dive of 30 meters for half an hour.

In addition to this new benefit for professional and recreational scuba divers, antioxidants have also been praised in numerous clinical studies and referenced in such publications as The New England Journal of Medicine for their protective capabilities against free radical damage. This damage can often lead to problems associated with aging, such as heart disease, skin cell deterioration and cellular collapse. By binding to free radicals, antioxidants can neutralize them before they cause damage to surrounding cells. This is the first study to be released that connects antioxidant benefits to the area of scuba diving.

To support antioxidant functions overall, MenScience offers
Advanced Antioxidants Daily Supplement. While the product provides Vitamins C and E, it also contains a highly-effective combination of both newly-developed substances such as Astaxanthin, Pycnogenol, Tocotrienol and Zeaxanthin, and more active forms of traditional, time-tested components such as Lutein and Lycopene. These ingredients work together to strengthen protection against free-radical damage, as well as support cellular repair.

While the benefits of antioxidants are still being researched and tested, this new study focusing on improved health for divers could have a tangible impact on the diving community throughout the world.