Posted on June 13, 2025
In South Mississippi, it is not uncommon to hear a parent tell their young son who has just suffered a minor injury to “rub some dirt in it.” This phrase, which is intended to encourage mental and physical toughness, may, however, subconsciously teach young men to ignore their pain and subsequently their health. When this perspective leaks over into adulthood, the effects can be detrimental to men.
The month of June is designated as Men’s Health Month, making it the perfect time to address this dangerous mentality, discuss health concerns that affect the male population, and provide men with the tools needed to live longer, healthier lives.
In addition to being less likely to seek help, men are also naturally less aware of danger than their female counterparts. This means they are more likely to place themselves in dangerous situations, often causing bodily harm. These two things combined have huge implications on mortality rates among the male population. According to a 2022 article from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men lived on average to age 74 while women lived on average to age 80. This means that men are statistically expected to live around five years less than women.
We know from a statistical perspective that most men are living shorter lives than women, but how do we remedy this? Here are some powerful physician-recommended habits that men should be incorporating into their daily lives.
“Although men are at much higher risk for having high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, heart disease and various other medical conditions, they still go to the doctor at much lower rates than women,” said SCRMC Internal Medicine physician, James M. Beasley, MD.
Certain factors such as age, family history, lifestyle choices and health background contribute to the frequency with which men should go to the doctor. The Mississippi State Department of Health recommends that you visit your doctor at least once a year. When deciding what doctor to establish care with, it is a good idea to start with a primary care physician. Men of any age can benefit from regularly seeing this type of physician, who can make necessary referrals to a specialist including, an endocrinologist cardiologist, oncologist or urologist.
When it comes to testing, recommendations vary depending on many individualized patient factors. It is, however, recommended that even seemingly healthy men receive regular blood glucose testing, blood pressure and cholesterol checks.
Additionally, men ought to be checked for various types of cancer, especially prostate cancer. The Mississippi State Department of Health recommends that men over the age of 55 consult with their physician about prostate cancer testing. It is advisable for patients with a family history of prostate cancer to begin testing sooner.
“As physicians, we can make recommendations for testing all day long, but it is up to the patient to follow through with receiving the test,” said Dr. Beasley. “These tests and screenings are lifesaving and are certainly worth the hassle.”
Maintain a healthy routine:
As life gets busy, it is easy to neglect your health and fall into unhealthy patterns. One of the best things men can do for their health is to adjust their lifestyle and make healthier choices.
“Men of any age should be eating healthy, exercising often, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption and making efforts to stop smoking,” said Dr. Beasley. “These are not easy adjustments, but they lower your risks of developing cancer, diabetes, heart disease and many other serious conditions substantially.”
Do not neglect your mental health:
Men should monitor not just physical health but also mental well-being. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, “1 in 10 men experience depression or anxiety but less than half will receive treatment.” This propensity to deny oneself treatment has devasting effects. A March 26, 2025, article from the CDC asserts, “the suicide rate among males in 2023 was approximately four times higher than the rate among females.”
“Mental health matters and seeking help is the bravest thing a person can do,” said Dr. Beasley. “Do not neglect your mental health. It matters immensely.”
Make an improvement in your lifestyle and care strategy. Begin today by scheduling an appointment with a provider at South Central Internal Medicine by calling 601-649-2863.