Health of American men far behind other countriesHeart disease. Diabetes. Prostate cancer. Every man is susceptible, but according to a recent issue of Men's Health, these and other ailments are killing American men faster than those in other countries.

The magazine reports on a paper in the journal Health Policy that found that about 150,000 men in the United States die prematurely from preventable causes every year -- a higher rate than in 15 other developed countries.

The magazine recommends looking to other countries for healthful habits. Italians, who have a lower risk of fatal heart attack than American men, demonstrate the importance of heart-healthy eating -- including olive oil and moderate amounts of red wine -- and of smoking less than before. Swiss men are more likely to walk or bike to work, activities that may contribute to their lower incidence of diabetes. In Japan, drinking green tea has been shown to help men fight prostate cancer.

The common thread in all these countries is that their men take an active interest in their health, according to the magazine. You've heard it before, but cleaning up your diet, quitting smoking and walking more could help move things in the right direction. And a cup of green tea can't hurt.

MEN'S HEALTH

Eat your way to clearer skinWomen's magazines are riddled with diets promising weight loss. The November issue of Glamour has a different idea: It's promoting a diet to clear up acne.

The Great Skin Diet claims to diminish the appearance of pimples by as much as 62 percent "just by changing what you eat."

Glamour readers who tried the diet were encouraged to give up processed foods, dairy and alcohol, and to eat a dermatologist-designed menu of vegetables, fish, lean meats, whole grains and healthy fats.

While the American Academy of Dermatology doesn't support the idea of a connection between food and acne, Glamour found that "of the seven women who tried our diet for the full seven weeks (most of whom had severe, persistent acne), six saw noticeably better complexions."

GLAMOUR