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