Today, roles have been reversed. We are not a gender-driven society, or at least moving towards one that is not defined by gender. There is no shame if a man wants to become a chef today. It’s okay, too if you are not interested in a corporate life anymore and are much happier when you stay at home, taking care of the household chores. There’s no shame in being a househusband. It’s actually quite awesome. 

Here’s why:

1. No Monday blues

No more rushing to work, struggling to finish a presentation, getting loaded with more work. No more cribbing on Sundays about the impending Monday. No more whining about how you hate your job.

2. No horrible boss

No more dealing with rude bosses, or unreasonable colleagues. No more dreading facing him or her. No more pressure to finish business reports or reach business targets. No more dealing with office politics.

3. Drinking hot afternoon over a fancy lunch

Once in a while you can pop over to a nice Italian or Spanish restaurant and have a nice lunch with some beer. You can treat yourself once a week. And an afternoon beer is that much more delicious than an evening one.

4. More relaxing

As a househusband you get to be more relaxed. Your only worry possibly will be the maid not coming on time, or curbs on the water supply. You get to leave all the stress related to an office job. No more driving to work on increasingly busy roads. No more getting your BP high because of idiotic, rash drivers. You will breathe easy and be much calmer.

5. Bonding with kids

If you’ve just had a kid, you couldn’t have asked for more. You get to spend all the lovely time with your son or daughter. You get to play with them, feed them, bathe them, dress them up, read them stories. There can’t be a more rewarding job. You will be able to see them grow.

6. Work from the luxury of your home

You can pick up odd jobs to increase your income. You can take up things like resume writing or essay writing for MBA students etc. If you’re an IT person, you can do some freelance work in your domain. There are tons of things you can do. You can blog, even. Working from home is great.

7. Happier married life

If the house is spotless and your kids are fed and happy, your wife will be the happiest. If she doesn’t have to come home and do all the housework on top of it, she will fall in love with you every day. She will appreciate what you do and your married life will be much stronger and happier.

8. Patience and empathy

Being a househusband makes you respect women more. You realise how much work they do day in, day out. Taking care of the house and kids will teach you things about yourself, things you thought you never had. Patience and empathy, for example, for others.

9. You get to cook what you want

That’s right. Get all the recipe books and whip up some gorgeous meals. You can cook what you like and impress your wife or girlfriend. Follow shows like Masterchef Australia for added help and inspiration.

10. Improved health

Once you get around to doing housework and playing with your children and doing a grocery, or garbage run, you will become fitter and healthier. Much healthier than sitting on an office chair for eight hours straight.

If you condensed your most recent meal down to a few pills, would they be tiny dynamos, or the nutritional equivalent of Tic Tacs? If you're like most men, what's on your plate falls somewhere in between—that is, leaving plenty of room for improvement. "If men start to favor certain foods—meat and potatoes, for example—they may develop nutritional blind spots as a result," says Kristie Lancaster, Ph.D., an associate professor of nutrition at New York University.

This can be a problem, because your body needs a basic roster of vitamins and minerals to run properly. If your regular diet comes up short, you may need a multivitamin to reach this nutritional baseline. But to actually boost your health, you need to consider moving beyond a multi by folding in some less common elements. Lycopene, for instance, is a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes. Red yeast rice, a heart-healthy statin. Bottled boosters such as these can be insurance policies for your nutritional blind spots—and if you have specific health concerns, a form of extended coverage

The right supplements can help your heart, sharpen your immune system, and even improve your sex life. The wrong ones, however, can be ineffective or even harmful. "You run into problems because most men are 'prescribing' these things themselves," says Tod Cooperman, M.D., president of ConsumerLab.com, an independent tester of health and nutritional products. "Don't take supplements with abandon. They should be used carefully, because taking in too much of certain nutrients can cause problems."

We consulted with top doctors, reviewed the latest research, and waded through marketers' claims to bring you 16 of the best supplements for men. Use our guide—along with advice from your own doc, since many supplements can interact with other medications—to fine-tune your strategy.

Problem: Brain drain
Solution: ACETYL L-CARNITINE
This amino acid converts fats to energy and boosts antioxidant activity in the body. In supplement form, it may protect gray matter from stress caused by alcohol and aging. And in a 2006 study, people who received 1,000 milligrams (mg) of acetyl L-carnitine a day saw relief from mild chronic depression.
Dose: 1,000 mg/day*
Our pick: Vitamin World Acetyl L-Carnitine, 1,000 mg; vitaminworld. com ($50/60 capsules)
Natural sources: Red meat, dairy products

Try these 10 everyday tips to boost brainpower!

Problem: High blood pressure
Solution: COENZYME Q-10
CoQ-10 can lower your blood pressure while boosting your levels of ecSOD, an enzyme thought to protect blood vessels from damage. CoQ- 10 may also improve sperm quality, Italian researchers say. Japanese researchers found it can increase fat burning during exercise.
Dose: 30 to 200 mg/day*
Our pick: Carlson Co-Q10, 100 mg; carlsonlabs.com ($40/90 soft gels)
Natural sources: Meat and fish, eggs, broccoli

Do more for your ticker: 6 ways to beat high blood pressure.

Problem: Bone weakness
Solution: VITAMIN D
Vitamin D is a hormone that helps your bones absorb calcium. That's a critical benefit, but there's also a steady stream of other compelling reasons to take it, Dr. Cooperman says. For instance, Vitamin D has been linked to reduced levels of depression, reduced risk of colorectal cancer, and less chance of a heart attack.
Dose: 1,000 IU Vitamin D3/day
Our pick: GNC Vitamin D-3 1000; gnc.com ($10/180 tablets)
Natural sources: Sunshine, fortified milk

Problem: Heart disease
Solution: FISH OIL
Loaded with the essential omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, fish oil can reduce triglycerides, boost HDL cholesterol, and lower blood pressure. But your heart isn't the only beneficiary: The healthy fats may also reduce inflammation and improve cognitive performance, and may lower your risk of colon and prostate cancers.
Dose: At least 500 mg DHA and 500 mg EPA daily
Our pick: Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega; nordicnaturals.com ($28/60 soft gels)
Natural sources: Salmon, tuna, or other fatty fish

Take extra precaution with these 7 heart-saving strategies.

Problem: Migraines
Solution: MAGNESIUM
A drop in magnesium can be a major headache. "Blood vessels in your brain constrict, and receptors in the feel-good chemical serotonin malfunction," says Alexander Mauskop, M.D., director of the New York Headache Center. Result: a migraine. The mineral also might help regulate blood pressure and could ward off stroke and diabetes.
Dose: 250 mg/day, plus the magnesium in your diet
Our pick: Life Extension Magnesium Citrate, 160 mg; lef.org ($9/100 capsules)
Natural sources: Leafy greens, whole grains, pumpkin seeds, coffee, nuts

Problem: Diabetes
Solution: PSYLLIUM HUSK
This fiber is more than a colon clearer. In a recent Finnish study, the addition of psyllium to meals reduced participants' blood sugar and insulin response. Paired with protein, it was also shown to suppress ghrelin, a hormone that makes you hungry. Psyllium is one of five soluble fibers approved by the FDA for lowering LDL cholesterol.
Dose: 20 to 35 g/day, divided and taken with at least 8 oz liquid
Our pick: GNC Natural Brand Colon Pure; gnc.com ($16/19 oz)
Natural sources: Some fortified cereal grains

Problem: Digestive upset
Solution: PROBIOTICS
Probiotics are healthy bacteria that crowd out the disease-causing bad bacteria in your gut. Some can reduce diarrhea caused by certain infections, antibiotics, chemotherapy, and irritable bowel syndrome, Dr. Cooperman notes. The encapsulated good guys may also boost your immune function.
Dose: 1 capsule (with at least 1 billion bacteria) a day
Our pick: GNC Natural Brand Acidophilus Probiotic Complex; gnc.com ($14/100 tablets)
Natural sources: Yogurt, kefir, and other dairy products

Problem: Low endurance
Solution: QUERCETIN
Want to extend your cardio session? People who didn't exercise regularly but took 500 mg of this antioxidant twice a day for a week were able to bicycle 13 percent longer than the placebo group, a University of South Carolina study found. It may help reduce the oxidation of LDL particles and reduce blood-vessel constriction.
Dose: Up to 500 mg, twice a day*
Our pick: Jarrow Formulas Quercetin 500; vitaminexpress. com ($16/100 capsules)
Natural sources: Red wine, parsley, grapefruit, onions, apples


Problem: Joint pain
Solution: GLUCOSAMINE
Glucosamine, a building block of cartilage, can relieve pain and inflammation in joints, says Nicholas DiNubile, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon. In fact, a recent study found glucosamine is more effective than acetaminophen (a.k.a. Tylenol) at relieving symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, often caused in younger men by joint injury.
Dose: 1,500 mg/day*
Our pick: Puritan's Pride Glucosamine 1,500 mg; puritan.com ($29/120 caplets)
Natural sources: Crustacean shells

Problem: Injury
Solution: VITAMIN C
Sixty percent of adult men don't get enough vitamin C in their diets, according to an American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study. Vitamin C helps protect your cells from the tissue-damaging free radicals produced by exercise. It also helps heal wounds, and it's key to production of the collagen found in ligaments and tendons.
Dose: Up to 1,000 mg/day in spaced doses
Our pick: Ester-C, 500 mg; cvs.com ($11/90 tablets)

Problem: Extra body fat
Solution: EGCG
Men who took green-tea extract burned 17 percent more fat after moderate exercise than those taking placebos, according to one study. EGCG, the most active antioxidant in green tea, is thought to prolong exercise-induced boosts in metabolism. It has also been shown to help prevent cancer and can improve heart health.
Dose: 890 mg/day green tea extract (containing 340 mg of EGCG)
Our pick: Green Tea EGCG-200; procapslabs.com ($15/30 capsules)
Natural sources: Green tea

Problem: Prostate-cancer risk
Solution: LYCOPENE
Found in tomatoes, this potent antioxidant may reduce your risk of prostate cancer, according to a recent University of Illinois study review. The researchers say it may work by altering hormone metabolism and by causing cancer cells to self-destruct.
Dose: 15 to 20 mg/day*
Our pick: Carlson Labs Lycopene (Tomato-Free), 15 mg; carlsonlabs.com ($50/180)
Natural sources: Fresh or cooked tomatoes, and fruits with red/pink flesh

Discover 8 ways to prevent any kind of cancer.

Problem: Cholesterol
Solution: RED YEAST RICE
It contains lovastatin—a prescription statin—as well as other compounds that may help manage cholesterol. In a recent Annals of Internal Medicine study, patients who took red yeast rice during a 12-week diet and exercise program cut their LDL by 27 percent, compared with 6 percent for those who only dieted and exercised.
Dose: 600 mg, 3 times a day* (Consult your M.D. if you're on heart meds.)
Our pick: Cholestene Red Yeast Rice Dietary Supplement; cholestene.org ($14/120 capsules)
Natural sources: Red yeast rice, some sake, red rice vinegar

Problem: Cancer risk
Solution: RESVERATROL
You can't stop the clock, but you can slow it down. This chemical, found in the skin of grapes, seems to interact directly with genes that regulate aging, says Dr. Katz. Resveratrol has been shown to promote DNA repair in animals, enhance bloodflow to people's brains, and halt the growth of prostate-cancer and colon-cancer cells.
Dose: No dosage recommendations
Our pick: Biotivia Transmax 500 mg Trans-Resveratrol; biotivia.com ($40/30 capsules_
Natural sources: Red wine, red grape juice

Problem: Depression
Solution: SAMe
Talk about head-to-toe relief: A synthetic form of a dietary amino acid, SAMe has been found to treat depression as effectively as prescription antidepressants, according to Canadian researchers. It has also been shown to reduce joint pain and inflammation, and it may aid cartilage repair.
Dose: 600 to 1,600 mg/day, depending on the condition.*
Our pick: GNC SAM-e 400; gnc.com ($38/30 tablets)
Natural sources: Made in your body, possibly after eating meats, greens, and oranges

Problem: Enlarged prostate
Solution: SAW PALMETTO
As you age, your risk rises for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that makes you trickle at the toilet. Saw palmetto may help restore the flow. In a recent Korean study, men taking 320 mg of saw palmetto daily saw their BPH symptoms decrease by 50 percent after 1 year.
Dose: 320 mg/day*
Our pick: GNC Herbal Plus Standardized Saw Palmetto; gnc.com ($16/100 softgels)
Natural source: Saw palmetto berries

* The dosages shown here have been used in studies, but your doctor can recommend an appropriate dose for you.

---  Laura Roberson, Men's Health ---

All dads have their own daily glitches. But with their busy schedule, endless obligations, and multi-tasking duties, these tiny blunders can be absolutely justified. So moms, teens and kids, let’s try to do our part and make dad’s life extra easier with these small efforts that will mean a world of difference to them.

1.    ORGANIZE HIS CLOSET. Spare him the hassle moments of finding that right pair of socks. Arrange his ties, socks, and hankies according to colors and prints.

2.    DADDY TRAY. Don’t blame him for always losing his keys. Keep all his necessities handy by assigning a tray near the door for dad’s daily necessities such as car keys, eyeglasses, pen and charger.

3.    DO THE CAR WASH. Give dad a rest on weekends by doing the car wash yourself or volunteer to drive it to the nearest car wash in your neighborhood.

4.    UPDATE HIS CALENDAR. Help dad keep track of important errands and occasions by keeping notes of important dates such as license renewal, doctor’s appointment, cable shows, events, birthdays and even warranty expiration dates for his gadgets.

5.    STUFF HIS CAR. Stack his car with useful necessities such as umbrella, road maps, flashlights, plastic bags, jumper cables, multi-bit screwdriver, blanket, first aid kit, towel, duct tape, rag, etc. All these may come handy in sudden emergencies.

6.    DIGITIZE HIS MUSIC COLLECTION. The tech age is coming full-swing but some dads will never find it easy to let go of his cd collection. In your spare time, rip his cds one by one and save it in his mp3 player, iPod or hard drive. He will highly appreciate this especially with his old-time favorites and rare to find cds.

7.    DAD-FRIENDLY KITCHEN. Some dads will always have a hard time finding their way around the kitchen. So make sure all his needs in the kitchen are all stacked and organized at least in one exact space or portion. Allot a corner in the kitchen or the fridge for his coffee mugs, vitamins, power drinks and food supplements.

8.     DAD’S READ. Buying his reading materials regularly can be a tiring chore for dad. Make it more efficient for him by applying and availing a daily and monthly subscription of his favorite newspaper and magazines.

9.    SITE UPDATES. Update dad with new internet sites, blogs and other online discoveries that you know will highly interest him and even be useful for his daily errands. Just email him the links and everything will be a click away from his computer.

10.   SEND HIM A SALE BUZZ. Dad’s rarely keep radar on sales and promos so they always end up buying some stuff with the most unbelievable and unreasonable prices. So the next time you shop or spot an ongoing sale of a car store, men’s clothes and other men stores, give dad a buzz so he can visit the store in his own spare time.

Ways to nourish your Relationship

1. Make sure at least once this week you tell her that who she is, her basic core, is what you adore.

2. Take her in your arms and tell her how much value she has as a human being.

3. Comment on what you like about her personality. Reinforce her capabilities.

4. Notice the little things she does for you and tell her that you appreciate them.

5. Write her a love letter this week. Tell her how much she means to you. Review some wonderful moments you have shared with her. Send it through the mail; it’s more romantic that way.

6. Praise her in front of someone else. Let her hear you tell someone else how lucky you are to have this woman in your life. She may act embarrassed at the time, but she’ll love you for it.

7. Prove your love with something tangible. Go out of your way. Sacrifice time. Effort or money to show her how special and unique she is.

8. If she asks for a favor, do it without any objections.

9. Compliment her on how nice she looks at least twice this week. Be specific.

10. Make an “I love you” call at least once each day.

If this happened to you, here are several survival steps based on Susan Sawyer’s article found in www.ideaexchange.com.

1. Consider the source of your suspicion.

If you “heard it from a friend who heard it from his officemate who heard it from another friend she’s been fooling around,” look for more reliable information. Hearsay is still hearsay.

2. Make sure that jealousy and insecurity are not making you falsely accuse someone you care about.

3. Trust your instincts. If you think that your girlfriend is cheating on you, then ask her. If her answer is, “oh, no baby. Of course not! How could you even ask me about such a thing? You know I love you and only you,” then good for both of you. But still don’t accept this as 100% true. Make sure your mistrust is based on something you witness or experience.

4. Consider your physical health and emotional well-being. As crass as they sound you should think about these questions: could she be putting you at risk for sexually transmitted diseases? Can you deal with being one of many?

5. Notice a change in your relationship or behavior. Seeing her with someone else, who looks clearly to be more then a friend, is pretty much as solid evidence.

6. Think about what you tell a sibling r a best friend to do if they are in your situation. Is fear keeping you from following your own advice?

7. Discuss your feelings with your girlfriend. Tell her how her cheating is distressing you. Explain what you’re looking for in this relationship.

8. Hear out what your girlfriend has to say. Her response to your concerns should give you the information you need to do what is right for you.

9. Be man enough to inform your girlfriend decision whether it is to forgive her and start over, have a brief separation while you figure out what to do.

10. This does not have to get ugly. Wait until you are able to address this issue as rationally as possible. Regardless of her cheating, remember that you cared about her once, and or still may. You don’t need to console her, but you will feel better about yourself if you take the high road.

Sawyer says if your girl cheats on you once, shame on her! If she cheats on you

twice or more, well, you know the rest.