With Father's Day just around the corner, it's a good time for men to evaluate their nutritional health. How do you measure up to these statistics?

1. Vitamins & Minerals - The "Nationwide Food Consumption survey" found that most men aged 35-50 years were low in their intake of vitamin B6, and the minerals zinc and magnesium.
   • B6 - Sources: bananas, whole grain breads, meats, eggs, dried beans, nuts, chicken, fish and liver.
   • Zinc - Sources: oysters, meats, liver, wheat germ, pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
   • Magnesium - Sources: nuts, bananas, apri cots and soybeans
2. Exercise - 28% of men say they rarely or never exercise vigorously. Regular exercise maintains flexibility, improves cardiovascular fitness and helps with weight maintenance and weight loss.
3. Calcium intake - After age 50, 6% of men will suffer hip fractures as a result of osteoporosis (loss of bone mass). One of the leading causes of osteoporosis is a diet low in calcium. Calcium is found in dairy products, dark green leafy vegetables, sardines and salmon, including the bones and calcium fortified products.
4. Weight - 25% of men in the U.S. are overweight. Obesity is a risk factor for hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and even certain types of cancer.
5. Food Choices - 40% of men aged 12-59 regularly ate food or beverages purchased from fast-food restaurants. (compared to 25% of women). Fast food is usually higher in fat, sodium, sugar and total calories than food made in your home.

References: Cooperative Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Department of Health and Human Services.

This is general information only and should not replace advice or instructions given to you by your physician.

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