This article is written for men, so I am addressing them directly, but my experience tells me that many women will find it helpful to leave this where they could see it!

Mistake 1 Avoid the Doctor

You already know you need to drop a few pounds and cut back on the beer and crisps. Besides, you feel fine. Men are geniuses when it comes to finding reasons not to see the doctor.

But one of the most important things you can do for your health is schedule — and show up for — a regular visit.

Mistake 2 Think heart attacks apply to other people

Now this is genuinely something most men worry about for their dad or granddad, without thinking it might apply to them too. But the threat is often there for much younger men.

If heart disease runs in your family, it could find you as early as your 30s. No matter what your age is, make it a point to take care of your heart.

Mistake 3 Ignoring your snoring

You may ignore it, but your partner usually won’t, and about half of men who snore have something called obstructive sleep apnea.

It does more than just annoy the person next to you. This disorder can make you stop breathing for a few seconds. It’s also linked to heart disease and high blood pressure.

Mistake 4 Skip sunscreen

We’re not just talking about golf or beach days. You should slather on a product with an SPF 30 or higher every time you go outside to prevent skin cancer.

Most men never put it on their faces — or any other exposed skin. Protect yourself from skin cancer, and get the bonus of smoother skin!

Mistake 5 Refuse to get help for sexual difficulties

Yes it can be hard to talk about, but having a problem in this area has nothing to do with your masculinity. Chances are they aren’t caused by your state of mind, either.

For example, the main cause of impotence is usually a lack of blood flow to the penis. This can also be a sign of heart trouble, so don’t ignore it but get professional help.

Mistake 6 Depression isn’t helped by alcohol

Because more women than men get depressed, the idea that it is a “female problem” often keeps the more than 6 million men who have it from seeking help.

As a result, more men turn to drugs and alcohol to help them feel better. This just makes depression that much harder to spot — and treat.

Mistake 7 Ignoring your trips to the bathroom

How many times have you gone to the bathroom today? Really, who has time to keep track? Maybe you should because if you go more than eight times a day or more than twice at night, it could be more than a nuisance.

It could be a sign of a medical problem like enlarged prostate, overactive bladder (OAB), or even some forms of cancer. Talk to your doctor about it.

Mistake 8 Avoiding the dentist

Generally women are more likely than men to get routine dental checkups, but it is just as essential for men too.

Not only because they can spot and prevent oral problems, but your mouth can also reveal symptoms of things like diabetes, Crohn’s disease, lupus, and even leukaemia.

Mistake 9 Not having a varied diet

It’s a rare man who gets enough fruit and vegetables during the day. Doctors suggest four to five servings of each for a heart-healthy diet rather than just the traditional meat and potatoes.

Having a varied nutrient-rich diet also lowers the odds that you’ll have a stroke, cancer, or digestive problems. And it keeps your blood sugar in check too if you have any risk of diabetes.

Mistake 10 Tempt fate

Men are adventurous, some of you just love to drink, smoke, gamble, drive fast, or jump out of planes, things that women are less likely to do.

Yes these things are fun, but all of them can be bad for your health. Why? Some men do drink more than they should which messes with their judgment especially if driving.

Others just spend less time worrying about the outcome of their actions, they don’t see the consequences. However, if you continually overindulge and challenge your health well sometimes, it pays to think twice to reduce your potential health risks.