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8 health mistakes men often make—and what to do about them

As you get older, it’s important to adopt healthier habits. Here's how.

Updated on May 14, 2024

drinking beers
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Given long-standing stereotypes about how men are supposed to behave, they often feel pressure to appear strong or fearless, no matter the circumstances. But all too often, living up to these expectations can take a toll on health and well-being. 

Research shows that men are more likely than women to drink too much alcohol, smoke, and suppress their feelings, forShow More

meeting with the doctor
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Skipping routine medical visits

Research consistently shows that men are less likely to see HCPs than women. Many men often delay seeking medical care or even avoid mentioning medical problems to their loved ones. That's according to a 2019 survey conducted by researchers at the Cleveland Clinic. Why is this so?

The AmericanShow More

man stressed at work
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Bottling up feelings

For the past several decades, research has shown that men of all ages are less likely than women to seek help coping with stress and depression. Women may have higher overall rates of depression, but research suggests that the condition is often unrecognized, undiagnosed, and untreated among men.

Show More

smiling at the dentist
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Overlooking dental health

Men are also more likely to neglect their oral health. They may not brush their teeth or visit the dentist as often as experts advise.

“Good oral hygiene helps prevent bacterial buildup in your mouth,” says Perry. “If you have a broken or cracked tooth that’s allowing bacteria to get in, that canShow More

man drinking alcohol
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Drinking too much alcohol

Men are nearly twice as likely as women to binge drink, defined as having five or more drinks during one sitting. About one in five men admit to binge drinking five times a month, according to the CDC. Men also have higher rates of death and hospitalization related to alcohol use. Heavy drinkingShow More

putting on face cream
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Neglecting skin health

Men are more likely than women to develop melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. They are also less likely to survive the disease. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2024, 59,170 cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in men and about 5,430 men will die of the cancer. (That's comparedShow More

couple's feet in bed
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Not talking about problems in the bedroom

Many men experience problems such as erectile dysfunction (ED) or trouble urinating at some point in their lives. But because these topics may seem embarassing, they may not discuss them with loved ones or HCPs. As you age, though, it’s especially important to address these symptoms,Show More

lighting a cigarette
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Continuing to smoke

About 13 percent of American men still smoke as of 2021, even though the negative health effects are well-established. These include an increased risk for heart disease, lung disease, cancer, stroke, and infertility.

Men who smoke are 17 times more likely to die from bronchitis and emphysemaShow More

men jogging
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Skipping exercise or neglecting flexibility and balance training

You probably know you’re supposed to exercise, but how often are you doing it? In general, most adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (like walking or yoga) or 75 minutes of vigorous activity (like running or swimming) per week. For more health benefits, aim for atShow More

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