You At Your Best

sPoNsor CoNteNt sPeCiAl to NWA DeMoCrAt-gAzette Dr. William Kendrick, Dr. Rex Porte, Dr. Michael Rogers and Levi Hudson, PA-C provide high-quality, comprehensive medical care for all ages at the Washington Regional Shiloh Clinic in Springdale. Services offered at Shiloh Clinic include preventive care, physicals, treatment of acute illnesses and injuries, and chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Dr. William Kendrick earned his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and completed an AHEC residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Dr. Rex Porte earned his medical degree from the American University of Antigua College of Medicine and completed an AHEC residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He is board certified by the American Academy of Family Physicians and is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Michael Rogers earned his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Science and completed an AHEC residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest. He is board certified by the American Academy of Family Physicians and is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Levi Hudson, PA-C, earned a physician's assistant's master's degree at Harding University. He is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician's Assistants. Appointments at Shiloh Clinic, located at 513 N. Shiloh St., in Springdale, are available by calling 479- 419-9902. The clinic is open Monday – Thursday 7:45 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Friday 7:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome. More information is available at wregional.com. Primary care for all ages at Shiloh Clinic sPeCiAl to NWA DeMoCrAt-gAzette A survey published last year by a Florida healthcare organization found that the top excuse men give for not getting an annual checkup is that they are too busy. "Out of nearly 9,000 hours in a year, it seems most people could spare an hour or two reviewing their health with their primary care provider," says Michael Rogers, MD, a family physician at Washington Regional's Shiloh Clinic. "Making time for a health screening could help you catch a potential health problem early, when it is most treatable. Spending a little time on preventive care could help improve the quality and length of your life," Dr. Rogers says. A typical checkup will include a discussion of any symptoms you may be experiencing. It's important that men pay attention to any worrisome symptoms and educate themselves about the leading causes of death for men: heart disease, cancer and accidents. Heart disease Coronary heart disease is the most common manifestation of heart disease, Dr. Rogers says. It occurs when vessels responsible for carrying blood to the heart narrow to the point where the specific heart tissues' demand exceeds what is being supplied. When severe enough, this can lead to a heart attack. "The five leading modifiable risk factors for this are high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and smoking," Dr. Rogers explains. "These are issues that can be screened for and educated on during checkups with your primary care provider." Men's coronary heart disease symptoms typically include: • Chest pain or squeezing, fullness or pressure • Pain in shoulders, arms, neck, throat, jaw or back • Shortness of breath • Palpitations or irregular heartbeat • A faster heartbeat • Weakness or dizziness • Nausea • Sweating Cancer The most common cancers among men are prostate, lung and colorectal. "Although warning signs for each type of cancer are different, the earlier we can detect them, the better the chances of survival," Dr. Rogers says. Call your doctor if you experience these symptoms that can be associated with prostate cancer: • Difficulty passing urine; slow or weak urinary stream; need to urinate frequently, especially at night • Blood in the urine • Trouble getting an erection, or impotence • Unexplained pain in the hips, back, spine, chest or ribs • Weakness or numbness in legs or feet; loss of bladder or bowel control "Prostate cancer typically doesn't present symptoms in its earliest stages, so even symptom- free men should talk with their doctor about whether screening is appropriate for them," Dr. Rogers says. See a doctor if you notice the following symptoms, which can be associated with lung cancer: • Coughing frequently or coughing up colored mucus or blood • Pain when coughing • Shortness of breath or harsh breathing sounds • Voice changes or hoarseness • Recurrent bronchitis or pneumonia Tell your doctor if you have the following symptoms, as they can be a sign of colorectal cancer: • Change in bowel habits—consistency or shape • Feeling as if another bowel movement is needed when it's not • Rectal bleeding; dark or bloody stools • Unexplained cramps or abdominal pain • Constant fatigue • Unexplained weight loss Accidents For men, accidental injury is often caused by vehicle crashes, falls and burns. "Awareness and adequate precautions can help prevent many of these injuries," Dr. Rogers says. So, slow down and take no unnecessary chances when working with: • Ladders • Power saws • Grills • Fireplaces • Nail guns • Electric wires He also recommends that people always carry a list of their current medications as well as their healthcare provider's contact information. "People have it within their power to reduce the risk of accidents as well as lower their risk for certain diseases," Dr. Rogers says. ""Making healthy lifestyle choices and taking time for preventive healthcare can help lead to a longer and hopefully more enjoyable life." Making time for Kendrick Porte rogers Hudson health SATURdAY, JUlY 27, 2019 | AUgUST - mEn'S HEAlTH nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST | YOU AT YOUR BEST | 13

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