People say that boys have a lot to learn, and that when they become men, they become wiser. Who would say that when men become fathers, they would be healthier?

According to a 19-year study done by David Kerr, assistant professor of psychology at Oregon State University and lead author, fathers change for the better.

In Kerr's study, 200 at-risk boys were analyzed annually from the age of 12 to 31, observing how the subjects' crime, tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use changed over time. Under those parameters, the researchers found that after men become fathers for the first time, crime, tobacco, marijuana and alcohol use went significantly down.

In addition to these findings, the researchers discovered that men who were at their 20s and early 30s when they became fathers showed greater decreases in crime and alcohol use, compared to those who had their first child in their teens and early 20s.

But aside from improving a man's disposition, About.com's Wayne Parker said that there are others things that improve as well. Here are the top ten things that men can take as they enter fatherhood:

1. Personal health improves - research shows that men who become fathers make better choices, this translates to one's health

2. Activity level increases - because of having kids, activities such as playing and walking with them increases a man's activity level

3. Reduces stress-related ailments - for healthy families, a stable father is less likely to have stress-related health problems, according to the National Institute of Mental Health

4. Become more nurturing - transitioning to fatherhood and having a family causes a man to forget his self-focused habits and become more nurturing

5. Avoid getting depressed - because of a man's married life and children, he is less prone to becoming depressed

6. Loving work - research shows that committed fathers are more comfortable in their jobs, getting a sense that they are performing well

7. Dealing with life - fathers have better coping skills in life

8. Children learn better - involved fathers get the benefit of having their children learn life skills faster and better

9. Personal freedom - committed fathers are less likely to be admitted to hospitals, fewer accidental and premature deaths

10. Sex life improves - research shows that loyal fathers have more and better sex than men not in a family relationship