You At Your Best

YOU AT YOUR BEST | nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST SEpTEmBER - mEn'S HEAlTH | SATURdAY, AUgUST 26, 2017 | 9 Washington Regional provides clinics throughout Northwest Arkansas SpeCial to nwa deMoCrat-gazette Your best health starts with developing an ongoing relationship with a trusted primary care provider. Washington Regional Medical System offers the largest hospital and clinic network in Northwest Arkansas. Check out the list below to find a primary care provider conveniently located near you. Washington Regional Family Clinics Eureka Springs Eureka Springs Family Clinic – 479.253.9746 Farmington Farmington Family Clinic – 479.267.1001 Fayetteville Fayetteville Family Clinic – 479.463.2000 Harrison Crossroads Medical Clinic – 870.741.3600 Harrison Family Practice Clinic – 870.741.8247 Lowell Advantage Primary Care – 479.463.8150 (non-Medicare Blue Cross members) Springdale East Springdale Family Clinic – 479.463.4887 Har-Ber Family Clinic – 479.463.2333 Shiloh Clinic – 479.419.9902 See a complete listing of clinics and physicians at wregional.com. And, for those times you need medical care but can't see your primary care provider, Washington Regional offers two Urgent Care clinics with extended hours, seven days a week. Washington Regional Urgent Care Fayetteville – 479.404.1010, open 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Johnson – 479.404.4900, open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Washington Regional Medical System offers primary care clinics throughout Northwest Arkansas. 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 Jamal Abdin, MD, a family physician at Washington Regional's Farmington Family 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. Abdin 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. Abdin 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. Abdin 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. Abdin 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. Abdin 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. Abdin 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. Abdin says. ""Making healthy lifestyle choices and taking time for preventive healthcare can help lead to a longer and hopefully more enjoyable life." waShington regional MediCal Center physicianPROFILE: Making time for health Abdin Jamal MD

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