Jackson Free Press

A few weeks ago, I went to visit my dad, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year. It's a cancer that most men "die with, not from," but to have a doctor tell you that you have cancer must surely be a jarring experience.

I didn't realize how seriously my father, an octogenarian, was taking the disease until after our visit, when he gave me a hug.

Now, I know I'm not the only man in the South whose dad isn't big on hugging. The hug is rare for many southern men, one reserved for weddings, graduations and other big once-in-a-lifetime events.

I realized when my father hugged me that he wasn't going to be around forever. I knew this before, of course, but somehow it struck home closer with the hug.

When I think of what I've willingly put my own body through and how neglectful I've been, I shudder to think of anyone else doing the same.

I'm not saying that every man in the state of Mississippi is an unhealthy person on the brink of a heart attack, but at least in my case, I've never seen to my own health as much as my doctors have advised. And I think I'm not the only man who can say that.

It seems like a lot of men believe they're invincible, or at least less predisposed to the illnesses and diseases that affect male friends or family members. I've seen this phenomenon play out more than once.

The Centers for Disease Control says that more than 31 percent of the population is obese in Mississippi, and nearly 70 percent of adults are overweight. How many of those are men?

Of course, plenty of women in Mississippi don't take care of their health as they should, either, but that doesn't excuse men for not taking care of themselves.

So what are the options? Your doctor will probably tell you exercise and diet are the best places to begin. I'm not really that big on exercise. I pretty much hate it, in fact. But that doesn't mean I don't exercise.

I have a job where I spend most of the day sitting—in my driver's seat, at my desk. Realizing this, I decided I would go cycling at least three days a week last summer.

Before you think "Lance Armstrong," let me assure you my typical outing on a bicycle is not 50 miles and several hours. Instead I spend 30 minutes to an hour riding around the city and the area around it.

One of the biggest misconceptions about adding exercise into one's life is that it has to happen every day, and it has to be excruciating. What's more important is that you begin to get a little active so that your body can acclimate to an active lifestyle.

Men also must talk with other men. I'm sure I'm not the only person in Mississippi who knows a man who has intentionally avoided taking care of himself. Letting someone know you care about his health might just spark a life change.

Too many men poor health decisions like smoking, overeating, abusing drugs (prescription or otherwise) and avoiding seeing a doctor regularly.

Once you get to a certain age, men, it will be too late to quit smoking, start exercising or stop overeating. It's important not simply to acknowledge this biological fact of life, but to act on it, and start taking care of yourself now: If not for you, then for the people close to you.

Freelance writer Byron Wilkes enjoys swashbuckling his way through the Mississippi countryside. He graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2009 and currently works part-time at The Meridian Star. He worked as a JFP intern, previously.

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