Book Review: Author discusses why men die earlier
health

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Published: June 28, 2009

It is not some startling revelation that men usually die at a younger age than women do. Dr. Marianne J. Legato takes on the task of explaining the reasons.

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"Why Men Die First: How to Lengthen Your Lifespan” (Palgrave Macmillan, $27.95) is by a noted physician considered an expert in looking at men’s health problems. Her book was timed to come out during Men’s Health Week, which was June 9-15.

Testosterone, the essence of maleness, gets blamed for much of men’s woes, yet we wouldn’t be males without it. Its infusion, particularly at adolescence, can cause dangerous driving, careless sexual behavior, extremes on the sports field and other factors that imperil young men. Wars and drugs also take tolls, the book states.

Many typically male occupations — such as policeman, firefighter, race car driver, trucker — hold dangers. Really, the stress of making a living in most fields can take a toll.

Legato offers suggestions for dealing with male depression and other ills. But many of her precautions involve expensive medical tests. Being a doctor, she can’t grasp the fact that many men can’t afford such, particularly after they have taken care of a family’s food, clothing and shelter needs and put a wife and children’s medical care before his.

It’s not a bad read. But get it at the library and save some bucks.

— Dennie Hall