Dr. Fagin on Healthvue
Newscaster: For many the summer months mean frequent cook-outs. But for the guys out there, manning the grill could be more dangerous to their health than they realize. Joining us this morning is Dr. Randy Fagin of the Prostate Center of Austin. Good morning Doctor.
Dr. Randy Fagin: Good morning.
Newscaster: Now we all know grilling is a great part of the summer fun. But what are the health risks for men when it comes to cooking outdoors on the grill?
Dr. Randy Fagin: You know, when it comes to men's health it's all about the heart and the prostate. And when it comes to the heart and prostate gland, it's not just what you grill but how you grill that really makes a difference.
Newscaster: Now I know you are talking about that, but what about, say, high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol? Could those be affected?
Dr. Randy Fagin: Oh absolutely. You know, as we look at men's health and their health risks, our bodies are like our cars. You know, they wear over time. Men in their 20s, and 30s, and 40s can have a huge impact on their health in their 50s and 60s by taking some preventive steps early on. And at the grill is a great place to start.
Newscaster: Now, how many guys are really affected by these conditions?
Dr. Randy Fagin: You know, it's amazing. There are hundreds of thousands of men all over the country who are affected by these conditions. And it's important not only that they get treated for them, but that we try to prevent these conditions from happening in the first place. And there are some very easy and simple things that folks could do at the grill during their summer cook-outs that can make a difference in preventing problems from starting.
Newscaster: Now Doctor, I know you have 5 tips that you want to give us. Go ahead and, uh, tell us what people can do.
Dr. Randy Fagin: Yeah. It's very simple. You know, first of all, there are some unhealthy things that can occur when you cook these meats. Cooking at high temperatures actually releases some unhealthy chemicals from the meats themselves. And if your marinade your meats, you can significantly reduce one of these unhealthy chemicals from occurring by up to 96%. So marinading your meats before you grill them is tremendously healthy for you. Secondly, cooking leaner meats. We know that high fat is bad for us. So cooking meat is okay, just cook leaner meats. Cook more chickens, more fishes, cook the leaner beefs. These things can be tremendously healthy for us. Thirdly, if you, uh, if you actually start to cook some vegetables, cook vegetables along with your meats. You know, cooking vegetables at high temperatures actually takes the sugars and carmalizes them, and enhances the flavor and it's healthier for you. You also want to make summertime your healthy living time. Go to see your doctor once a year. You want to get your cholesterol checked, get your PSA checked, get your blood pressure taken. These things once a year can help problems from happening and keep us healthy for many, many grilling seasons to come.
Newscaster: Alright. Dr. Randy Fagin of the Prostate Center of Austin. Thank you very much for being with us. Great tips.