The Takeaway: Men and the Recession; Men and Stress; 'Stroke Belt'

Recession role reversal? A new Pew study reveals that men are faring better at job hunting in today's market than women. Five years ago, men were losing their jobs at a faster rate than women- and had a harder time finding work.

So what has changed? Instead of seeking jobs in construction and manufacturing (male-dominated industries that were hit the hardest during the recession) men are veering into the health care and education fields. And as local and state governments continue to slash budgets, many women, who make up the majority of the civil servant workforce, will see their jobs disappear. More on the study. ... Speaking of gender roles: Why are men so stressed out? Because, like women, they want it all - career, family and *gasp* a life. From a Work and Family Institute study: "Men define an ideal man not only by his ability to support his family with his work, but by his role as an active and involved father, spouse or partner, and son."

... Some Thursday health notes: Memory loss in "the stroke belt." A new study links high blood pressure, diabetes and other stroke-related conditions to cognitive decline among people who live in certain southern states. The nationwide study focused on 24,000 people ages 45 and older. People who live in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee have an 18 percent higher risk of memory loss than residents of other states. ... What a good doctor looks like. It's hard enough trying to navigate the world of health insurance or even understanding a basic diagnosis. And as more health care systems undergo cost cutting measures, many doctors don't have the time or inclination to explain. How to get what you need from your doctor. ...  Cutting back on salt can lower your blood pressure, but the jury is out on how many lives are saved, a new study shows.

... Whatever happened to good penmanship? In light of the news that Indiana schools will begin eschewing cursive lessons for keyboard proficiency this fall, we want to share this essay from a grandfather who suggests cursive writing "is as good as secret code."

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