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

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, for example. They’re also more likely to neglect their health. That means engaging in fewer preventive health behaviors and skipping regular visits to healthcare providers (HCPs).

“Preventive care is really important and keeping up with it is not a sign of weakness,” says Kenneth Perry, MD, an emergency medicine physician in Charleston, South Carolina.

Here are some of the health mistakes many men make that could be shaving years off their lives—and what to do about them.