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'I'm a doctor and there are 3 things every man must stop doing right now'
Daily mirror | March 7, 2026 5:39 PM CST

It might be a stereotype that men will do anything to avoid going to the doctors, but studies have shown there is some truth to it. Research has shown men are far less likely than women to seek medical help and advice when something's wrong.

Partially as a result of this, men are almost 60 per cent more likely to die before the age of 75, according to figures by the Department of Health and Social Care.

One doctor has outlined three things he says all "grown men" should stop doing now to benefit their health in the long run. Opening his video, US Doctor Amro Mahmoud said: "Here are three things I don't think you should be doing as a grown man, and I'm saying this as your doctor. Let's get into it."

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1: Ignoring blood pressure

Dr Mahmoud's first tip is to monitor your blood pressure. "If you don't know your blood pressure, that's a problem," he said. "High blood pressure does not care how much you bench. It does not care that you feel fine.

"It will quietly damage your heart, your brain, and your kidneys, all while you're arguing on Twitter. Check it, track it, control it, lock in."

According to the NHS, high blood pressure can cause problems such as strokes or heart disease, but does not usually have any symptoms. Low blood pressure can cause symptoms including dizziness or fainting.

Blood pressure readings are displayed as two numbers - the systolic pressure, the highest level your blood pressure reaches, and the diastolic pressure, its lowest level. The NHS says a reading above 140/90 when taken by a healthcare worker, or 135/85 when taken at home, constitutes a high result.

2: Not paying attention to cholesterol

His second tip was to keep control of your cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a fatty substance which can block blood vessels.

"You a grown man eating like you're still in college because you have a fast metabolism," Dr Mahmoud said. "Atherosclerosis also has a fast metabolism. It builds up slowly, silently, then one day introduces itself as a heart attack at 6.30 in the morning.

"Dial in your diet, lift weights, do cardio, know your numbers. I have spoken."

Atherosclerosis is when your arteries become narrowed, making it difficult for blood to flow through them. It can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. According to the NHS, people aged over 65, smokers, those with high blood pressure, and people with relatives who have a history of heart disease are also at risk.

3: Avoiding cancer screenings

Dr Mahmoud's third tip was not to ignore cancer screenings, particularly highlighting the importance of colon and prostate tests. He added smokers should carry out lung cancer screenings too.

"Stop saying I'll deal with it later," he said. "Later's undefeated. Get your physical."

In the UK there are currently three national cancer screening programmes:

  • Bowel screening - offered to both men and women between 50 and 74 in England, Wales, and Scotland, and to those between 60 and 74 in Northern Ireland
  • Cervical screening - offered to women, as well as some trans men and non-binary people aged between 25 and 64
  • Breast screening - offered to women, as well as some trans men and non-binary people aged between 50 and 70

Screening for lung cancer is being offered to some smokers or former smokers aged between 55 and 74 in England. No screening scheme currently exists in Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland. Plans are in place for a targeted prostate cancer screening programme.

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