Page 124 - South Mississippi Living - October, 2026

HEALTHY LIVING
story by Dr. Nickie Harris-Ray
Men can face significant health risks,
as identified by the Mississippi State
Department of Health. The leading causes
of illness and death among men in
Mississippi include:
•
Heart Disease
•
Cancer
•
Lung Diseases
•
Stroke
•
Diabetes
Heart disease is the leading cause of
death for men in Mississippi, with
rates among the nation’s highest.
Your risk increases due to factors
such as a sedentary lifestyle, poor
eating habits, and sometimes family
history.
Cancer is the second leading
cause of death. Your risk of cancer
can increase if you miss regular
screening tests and follow unhealthy
lifestyle habits, such as a poor diet
and lack of physical activity.
Mississippi has one of the highest
rates of diabetes in the nation. It
is a dangerous long-term chronic
disease that can cause disability
and death. If you struggle with
obesity, your risk of chronic illness
and early death increases. Smoking
also raises your risk of developing
almost all types of cancer.
You can prevent many of these major causes of
illness and death by making improvements in your
health and encouraging healthy changes in your
community. You can take simple, effective steps to
improve your health.
Quit smoking and limit alcohol. Smoking
puts you at risk for early death from heart disease.
Alcohol increases your risk of developing several
of the top cancers affecting men. Seek
help if you need support quitting
smoking.
Eat sensibly. Make smart food
choices beyond fast food. Aim for
a wide variety of vegetables and
other healthy foods in moderate
portions.
Be active every day. Aim for at
least 30 minutes of brisk exercise
daily, even if you break it into
10-minute sessions. Walking is a
great way to start, but any physical
activity helps reduce your disease
risk and control your weight.
Get regular checkups. Annual
wellness visits with your doctor
help you track your health, catch
problems early, and take steps
to stay healthy. Your doctor can
support your journey to a longer,
healthier life.
124 | October 2026 www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living