Empathy and openness can change health outcomes. Yet men still die, on average, six years earlier than women, often from preventable causes. That reality isn't just about individual choices; it's about the cultural expectations boys grow up with. When men prioritize their well-being, they're not just investing in their future; they're setting an example. Boys learn from listening and observing others through modeling. When they see you take your health seriously, they're more likely to do the same.

Dr. Jim Heise, MBA, FACP, is a primary care physician at Door County Medical Center's Sturgeon Bay clinic and serves as the hospital's Chief Medical Officer. He sat down with us to discuss the reasons behind these disparities and offer practical advice for boys and men to take charge of their health.

Knowing your body—and discussing it—can lead to an early diagnosis, more treatment options, and better outcomes. It all starts with paying attention.

Get to Know Your Body

The human body is nothing to be embarrassed about. We all have one, and if we're fortunate, we get to keep it for as long as possible. You know your body better than anyone else, so when changes or irregularities arise, you'll likely be the first to notice.

Testicular cancer is most common in younger men, and all it takes to stay ahead of a bad health outcome is a monthly self-exam.

How to Perform a Testicular Self-Exam (via Johns Hopkins Medicine):

1. A warm shower is ideal; it relaxes the scrotum and makes the exam easier.
2. Roll each testicle gently between your fingers. Look for any lumps, bumps, or changes in size or shape.
3. It's normal for one testicle to hang lower or be slightly larger than the other.
4. Don't mistake the epididymis (a soft, coiled tube behind the testicle) for a lump.
5. Note any swelling, soreness, or heaviness, especially if it's new or persistent.

Contrary to popular belief, cancerous masses are often painless. If you feel something unusual, don't wait to follow up with your doctor.

The prostate is another feature of the male reproductive system that deserves attention. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among American men. Yet, it receives less awareness than other cancers, partly due to stigma and the fact that it typically affects older men. "Many men will die with prostate cancer, not from it," says Dr. Heise. "The key is appropriate screening and timely follow-up."

As for the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test versus a digital rectal exam (DRE), Dr. Heise explains that it's not a one-size-fits-all approach.

"These days, the literature suggests that the best approach is to use the PSA blood test if a person decides to proceed with screening. It's not automatic anymore. It's a conversation we have with each person."

The Value of the Annual Visit

Many common diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and sleep apnea, do not occur overnight but rather over the years. The key, says Dr. Heise, is reframing how we talk about prevention, making it clear that engaging with a doctor doesn't mean something's wrong; it means you're doing something right.

Even if you feel perfectly fine, an annual exam keeps you on track and informed about your health. When a patient says, "I'm super healthy and have no worrying symptoms," Dr. Heise responds with encouragement: "That's great! Keep it up! Now let's take a quick look at some preventive steps we can take to keep it that way."

For the average middle-aged man, the visit typically includes a metabolic panel (checking kidney, liver, and electrolyte function), as well as cholesterol and blood sugar levels. However, Dr. Heise makes sure patients understand what they're being screened for and why.

"This is an opportunity for you to ask anything." He continues, "Discussing healthy living with a patient is a collaboration. As one now-retired attending told me in residency, the patient is the 'president.' I, as the doctor, am the advisor to the president."

Even for those who consider themselves private, Dr. Heise encourages finding a clinician you trust. "Address your concerns in that space of privacy. It's one of the best decisions you can make for your health."

Everyday Empathy

Mental health is inseparable from whole body health. Men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women, yet many mental health campaigns still struggle to reach and resonate with male audiences.

"The lack of resonance in mental health initiatives for men can be attributed to societal expectations, stigma and cultural norms that discourage men from seeking help," says Dr. Heise.

At the heart of this issue is vulnerability and the long-standing belief that expressing emotion is a sign of weakness.

One of the biggest obstacles to progress is the stigma that reinforces harmful ideas of masculinity, the notion that men "tough it out" and suffer in silence. But these expectations aren't just upheld by men. Anyone, regardless of gender, can perpetuate this cultural pressure, and it starts in childhood.

We can break down those barriers by:

1. Encouraging open conversations and learning how to recognize and name emotions as they arise. Check-ins with family and friends let us know we are not alone.

2. Promoting mental health education that normalizes emotional well-being as part of overall health. A great starting point is CredibleMind, Door County's free, confidential online mental health hub. The platform offers expert-reviewed videos, podcasts, books, local resources, and interactive tools that help users assess and improve their mental well-being.

Personal Health, Shared Responsibility

Men's health isn't just a men's issue; it's a community issue. Bridging the empathy gap requires us to change how we communicate, care for, and support the men and boys in our lives. The path forward involves both public advocacy and personal action. Whether you're doing a self-exam or prioritizing better food choices, every step counts.

Boys learn from you. Give them something powerful to model. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Heise or your primary care provider, please call Door County Medical Center at (920) 743-5566.

Sources:

Johns Hopkins Medicine (2025). Retrieved from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/testicular-cancer/how-to-perform-a-testicular-selfexam-advice-from-urologist-nirmish-singla?.

Men's Health Month (2025). Retrieved from: https://menshealthmonth.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Mens-Health-Month-Toolkit-2025-3.pdf.