A College Perspective:
Why Preventative Health Matters for Men in their 20’s
Blog Contributor: Shelby Leventhal
* The thoughts, opinions, and viewpoints of this blog do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint or stances of Men’s Health Network.
Feeling healthy in your 20’s can make doctor’s appointments seem unnecessary to many young men.
Many men fail to address their health until the last minute, when it is already in serious jeopardy, and studies show that men are about 33% less likely to visit the doctor than women due to fear of receiving a poor diagnosis. Young men should not feel like they cannot take preventative care measures, because those are the ones that catch issues early and help ensure a longer and healthier life.
Often, habits built during early years like the twenties lay the framework for health habits in the future.
There is a prominent stigma when it comes to men going to the doctor, especially preventatively.
Many men grow up hearing phrases like “tough it out” when they are not feeling well. Because of this, seeking medical care for smaller concerns can sometimes feel unnecessary. It is also common for small symptoms to be ignored.
Rather than making an appointment, many men wait to see if the issue goes away on its own.
College life can make this mentality even stronger. Between classes and demanding schedules, many students feel they do not have the time to prioritize their health. However, I have noticed that even when young men do have free time, prioritizing their health is often the lowest priority. I think a large part of this is the social environment they surround themselves with.
If all of their friends “tough it out,” why should they be the first one to seek help?
Because so many young men grow up hearing phrases like “tough it out” and “man up” when it comes to health, these messages can create harmful ideals. While they may appear like tough love, they can reinforce the idea that showing concern about health is a sign of weakness rather than responsibility.
Because of this, many men feel like they must remain resilient through everything. Though resilience can be a strong trait, ignoring health concerns can lead to bigger problems later.
Forming healthy habits every day can help prevent bigger issues in the future.
Because college life is so busy, many young men neglect their sleep, a healthy diet, and their mental health. Late nights followed by early mornings are normalized in college, whether it is because of studying or socializing. Then, because they are so stressed, many try to power through their day and rely on quick, unhealthy meals. I have also noticed that young men normalize this routine, but these lifestyle habits can greatly affect long-term health. A large part of preventative care includes daily habits, not just doctor’s office visits.
Preventative healthcare in your twenties is important because many long-term health habits begin during this stage of life. When young men feel healthy, they often assume medical care is unnecessary because of the stigma that the doctor is only for “sick people.” However, regular checkups can help identify potential health concerns before they become serious problems. The habits discussed earlier can have lasting effects on overall health. Preventative care also allows individuals to better understand their bodies and recognize when something needs to be monitored.
Addressing small concerns early can help reduce the risk of health problems later in life. Many chronic health conditions begin developing in early adulthood, which makes preventative healthcare especially important during this time.
From a college woman’s perspective, I have seen many different attitudes when it comes to dealing with health, and very few include attending regular doctor visits. I have noticed that when my male friends are sick, many of them do not even take over-the-counter medicine to cope, likely because they do not want to rely on anything.
They live by the phrase “I’ll deal with it later” and often do not seek medical care until they are extremely ill.
I have also noticed that even when young men are very sick, they still participate in social activities and may go out to consume alcohol or other substances despite fighting illness.
Because I care about men’s health so much, I encourage my male friends to take their health seriously. Even simple conversations about getting enough sleep, managing stress, or seeing a doctor when something feels off can help normalize taking care of their health. These small reminders can go a long way in building healthier habits.
Preventative healthcare may not always feel like a priority in your twenties, especially when many young men feel healthy and busy with everyday responsibilities. However, ignoring small symptoms or skipping routine checkups can lead to bigger health concerns over time. Challenging the “tough it out” and “man up” mentality can help encourage healthier habits and more open conversations about men’s health. Simple steps like scheduling regular checkups, paying attention to sleep and nutrition, and addressing health concerns early can make a significant difference over time.
Prioritizing preventative healthcare today can help ensure a healthier future tomorrow.
About the Author:
Shelby Leventhal is a senior at the University of Kentucky, pursuing a degree in Communications and Journalism. She is a Spring 2026 intern with Men’s Health Network and an avid writer. She is also a dedicated member of Delta Zeta sorority, and is known for her vibrant personality, leadership, and commitment to fostering a sense of community.
Outside of academics, Shelby enjoys a variety of hobbies that reflect her dynamic interests. She’s an enthusiastic participant in recreational sports, a lover of music, an adventurous cook, and a devoted friend to all things furry. Whether she’s cheering on her Wildcats or spending time with her sorority sisters, Shelby brings creativity and energy to everything she does.
