Health Lessons Men Can Learn From Women
Catch More ZZZs
Women usually get more sleep than men. Many log at least 8 hours of shut-eye on weeknights. Both genders need between 7 and 9 hours a night. To help you nod off, make sure your room is dark and cool, and leave devices like phones, tablets, and TVs in another part of the house.
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Keep Up With Your Buddies
Looking for a reason to get a group of guys together for poker night? How about this? It could add years to your life. Women tend to have more friends. Having a group of pals you can have fun with and trust can be quite healthy.
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Kick the Habit
About 20 out of every 100 adult men smoke, while only 15 of 100 adult women light up. Whether you go through a couple of packs a day or only smoke every once in a while, it’s time to talk to your doctor about how to stop.
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Back Away From the Bar
Ladies know when to say no better than guys do. They’re only half as likely to abuse alcohol as men. That’s not the only bad news -- dudes are also more likely to binge and to stay drunk longer.
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Play It Safer
Guess which gender takes more risks. Guys are usually the ones who don't wear seat belts, drive too fast, or make all-out war out of a friendly pickup basketball game. Slow down and think twice before you act -- and wind up in the ER.
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Keep Your Skin Safe
Men spend more time in the sun. But they're less likely to use sunscreen correctly, if at all. Use enough to fill a shot glass, and reapply every 2 hours.
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Watch What You Eat
The healthy eating award goes to the gals. Guys eat more meat, while women eat more fruits and vegetables. Men are more likely to eat runny eggs, raw oysters, and nearly raw beef. The fact is, some guys just don’t want to eat their veggies. Don’t be that guy.
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Wash Your Hands
Don't touch that bathroom door handle. Way more women wash their hands more often (and better) than men -- especially after they use a public restroom. That gets rid of germs that can cause disease. Plus, women are much more likely to use soap than men. Bottom line: If you don’t want to catch a cold, the flu, or something worse, scrub down!
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Get Checked Out
One way to stay healthy: Go to the doctor. Men are about twice as likely as women to say they haven't seen a doctor in the past year. Don’t tough it out. Ask the doc how often you should come in and what tests they suggest for someone your age. Then make an appointment and get it over with.
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Keep Your Mind Healthy
While women may be more likely to get depressed, there's also a better chance they'll get help for it. Guys, the first step to shaking off the blues is to see a doctor or a mental health expert. The sooner you get started, the faster you’ll feel better.
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Sources Medically Reviewed on 02/17/2020 Reviewed by Jennifer Robinson, MD on February 17, 2020
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SOURCES:
Ajrouch, K. The Journals of Gerontology, March 10, 2005.
American Academy of Dermatology: "Sunscreen FAQs."
American Psychological Association: "Helping men to help themselves."
Borchgrevink, C. Journal of Environmental Health, April 2013.
CDC: "Current Cigarette Smoking Among Adults in the United States," "Excessive Alcohol Use and Risks to Men's Health," "Summary Health Statistics for U.S. Adults: National Health Interview Survey, 2012."
Emanuel, A. Appetite, December 2012.
Harvard Health Publications: "Addiction in Women."
Holt-Lunstad, J. PLOS, July 27, 2010.
Mendrek, A. Psychiatry Journal, 2014.
National Institute of Mental Health: "What Is Depression?"
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: "Are Women More Vulnerable to Alcohol's Effects?"
National Sleep Foundation: "Do women need more sleep than men?"
National Sleep Foundation: "National Sleep Foundation 2005 Sleep in America Poll."
National Sleep Foundation: “Sleep Duration Recommendations.”
Shiferaw, B. Clinical Infectious Diseases, June 2012.
Skin Cancer Foundation: "You are at risk."
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: "Alcohol."
Reviewed by Jennifer Robinson, MD on February 17, 2020
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information.
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
