Healthy U — September 2017

A special edition of the Times Record

Volume 1, Edition 8, September 2017

MEN’S

health Robotic surgery helps prostate cancer patients Local program helps men reach out for help Baldness a common concern

HEALTHYU Contents VOLUME 1, EDITION 8 | SEPTEMBER 2017

14-15 Finding fitness Don’t let time prevent you from adding exercise to your day

10

Robots aid pancreatic cancer surgery

Local doctor says procedure means less pain, faster recovery

22-23

Medical directory Access to the area’s leading medical providers by category so readers can easily find contacts for their areas of need.

12-13 Building resilience Area recovery program helps men learn to find help 2

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HEALTHYU

about

Publisher Crystal Costa

HEALTHYU

Editor Mardi Taylor

Healthy U is a monthly publication of the Times Record, focusing on issues of health and wellness for the River Valley area.

It publishes the third Saturday of every month.

For more information: ccosta@swtimes.com

Contributing Writer Carole Medlock Photographers Brian Sanderford, Jamie Mitchell Production Manager Christy Morrison ADVERTISING Sales Manager Julie Newman

Dedicated to men’s unique healthcare needs.

At Sparks Urology Group, you’ll find a full range of services just for men, including: • • • •

Urologic and male reproductive conditions Robotic-assisted surgery options Kidney and prostate cancer Kidney surgery

• Kidney stones • Urinary incontinence • Vasectomies

Sparks Urology Group 5500 Ellsworth Road, Fort Smith

To schedule an appointment, call 479-709-DOCS.

WE OFFER SPECIALIZED CARE FOR MEN AT

Kyle Ronald Basham, M.D. Knobloch, M.D.

John Lange, M.D.

John David Terrell, M.D.

Lauren Smith, PA-C

EVERY STAGE OF LIFE.

Members of the Medical Staff of Sparks Health System

HEALTHYU

SEPTEMBER 2017

3

Officer relies on faith, Sparks physicians after cancer diagnosis

By Alicia Agent Sparks Health System

It all started with an "annoying cough."

David Hendrickson, 39, assumed what anyone else experiencing late spring in Arkansas might — "It’s just allergies." But that cough persisted, despite treatment. Finally, a primary care physician referred Hendrickson to a pulmonologist, Dr. Arturo Meade, at Sparks Clinic Lung Center for a computed tomography (CT) scan of his lungs.

“Both of my lungs were just full of spots, it looked like paint splatter,” Hendrickson said.

A biopsy showed that Hendrickson had abnormal cells in his lungs, which attributed to the persistent cough, high blood pressure and fluid building around his heart.

Hendrickson and his then fiancé met with Dr. M. Denton Stam, a cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon who provides robotic-assisted surgical services to patients with lung diseases at Sparks Regional Medical Center, to discuss his options.

“Everyone told us to go to bigger cities like Little Rock or Dallas for tests and treatment, but once we met Dr. Stam we decided this was where we were meant to be,” said Jessica Hendrickson. “We felt very comfortable with him and he explained the procedure simply, but thoroughly.”

Dr. Stam robotically Dr. M. Denton Stam removed two small portions of Hendrickson’s lung for a biopsy. It was after the procedure that the Van Buren Police officer was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer which David and Jessica Hendrickson [PHOTO COURTESY JESSICA HENDRICKSON] had spread to his spine and liver.

This type of minimally invasive diagnosed in the early stages of lung bleeding and less pain. lobectomy surgery, which involves cancer. Hendrickson was released to go After his diagnosis, Hendrickson approximately 5 tiny incisions, as home in just two days. chose to undergo chemotherapy at opposed to a large one, is greatly Other benefits of robotic-assisted the Cancer Center at Sparks under changing the outcomes for patients surgery include quicker recovery, less the supervision of Dr. Varant 4

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Arzoumanian, who was recommended to him by a friend who had received cancer treatment. After three rounds of chemo, the CT showed a tremendous improvement in his lung cancer, Hendrickson said.

He and his wife say they’re happy they were able to access advanced cancer treatment so close to home, especially since the two were in the middle of planning a wedding.

“We know we are in good hands here. We’ve never left an appointment feeling hopeless,” Hendrickson said.

“From the nurses to the office staff to the physicians — we’ve never had a bad experience.”

With faith, immeasurable community support and advanced medicine on their side, the couple was married in June and Hendrickson’s health is improving. He says in August he received a good report from his oncologist and the cancer in his lungs is in remission. While Hendrickson is undergoing immunotherapy at Sparks for the cancerous spot on his liver, the couple calls the experience a blessing in disguise.

“He’s going to have an amazing testimony, he’s going to see this through.

We’re not done — we have five kids — we have a life,” his wife said.

While Hendrickson experienced that ‘annoying cough,’ lung cancer frequently has no symptoms at all in the early stage, according to the American Lung Association. Lung Cancer Screenings are suggested for those, such as smokers or former smokers, who may be at risk.

Sparks Plaza Outpatient Imaging has been designated as a Lung Cancer Screening Center by the American College of Radiology. Screening is recommended for adults ages 55-77 and have a “30 pack-year smoking history,” currently smoke or have quit smoking within the last 15 years. Talk to your doctor to find out if a Lung Cancer Screening is necessary for you or visit SparksHealth.com for more information.

Men must be more

PROACTIVE with health

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Men don’t have the best track record when it comes to taking care of themselves. It’s safe to say we all know someone who is just plain stubborn about going to the doctor.

Even if they exhibit clear symptoms that should be checked out, say wheezing, chronic fatigue or worse, it can be a challenge to get them to seek medical help.

Of course, not all men are like this. In fact, as a whole, men have been getting better about taking care of themselves, according to new data gathered by the American Academy of Family Physicians. “Men have begun paying more attention to their health and acting to maintain good health,� says Wanda Filer, MD, MBA, president of the AAFP and a practicing family physician. “They are getting physical exams, increasing their exercise activity, and getting their health care from their regular doctor.�

With this encouraging news, it’s important to remember that men’s health is still a big concern.

By keeping the following three points in mind, you can help yourself, or a loved one, lead a longer and healthier life.

Health care is preventive, too. It’s a common misconception that you go to the doctor only when you’re sick or not feeling well. So, what’s the most common barrier that prevents men from seeing a doctor?

Answer: Themselves. According to a 2016 survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of the AAFP, 31 percent of men wait until they feel extremely sick

before seeing a doctor, and 21 percent say they have no reason to go to a doctor when feeling healthy.

Early detection and preventive care are two of the most important ways to maintain health and prevent potential health concerns from becoming major problems.

Step away from the screen. Though more men exercise in 2016 than they did in the AAFP’s 2007 survey (80 percent vs 74 percent), many men still spend a considerable amount of time looking at screens.

In the 2016 online survey of 916 men across the country, the AAFP found that men spend, on average, about 20 hours each week working at a computer and 19 hours in front of a television.

While it’s nearly impossible to avoid screens in this day and age, men should be motivated to take on more physical and active hobbies that can reduce stress and improve their physical health.

Develop a relationship with a family physician. An important step men can take

to ensure they receive regular checkups and preventive care is to regularly visit a family physician.

Nearly eight in 10 men (79 percent) have a regular doctor or health care professional they see when they are sick or want medical advice, however, a family physician not only treats the whole person, but the whole family.

This is because an individual’s health should be a concern for the entire family. The value of a family physician is that they perform routine checkups, immunizations and screenings.

They can also treat chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure, asthma, arthritis and depression.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jerry Richards, ACA, BC-HIS Graham Hearing 1005 Lexington Ave. Fort Smith 479-783-5250 2708 N. Broadway Poteau, OK 918-649-0223

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HEALTHYU

SEPTEMBER 2017

5

GOING, GOING,

GONE: Male pattern baldness a common concern for men

JoAnne Viviano More Content Now

It all started ted when Derrick Hawthorne wass 18 years old.

Just a bit in front at first, then more and more until he was left with a ring of hair around d the equator, creating a look he calls “the he Caesar.”

“I went from rom a full head of hair to none,” Hawthorne wthorne said.

Over the next few years, he came to terms with what nature had in mind for his hair.. Now, at 28, the Columbus, Ohio resident ent shaves his head clean and wears a fulll red beard. tern baldness can be trauMale pattern matic for men. And it strikes a lot of them.

By the age ge of 30, about 30 percent of men havee male pattern baldness; by age 50, about out 50 percent join the club.

And by age 70, 80 percent of men have some sort of baldness, said Dr. Matthew Kunarr of OhioHealth Primary Care Physicians cians in Dublin. attern baldness has been “Male pattern ce the beginning of time. It’s around since ccurring phenomenon,” said a natural occurring David Gail,, director of education at the Ohio State College of Barber Styling in Whitehall. en suffer from it starting out “Most men wn, working its way towards in the crown, t’s a very, very common the front. It’s thing.” mon that men often discuss So common

6

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it with their physicians, said Dr. James Barnes of Mount Carmel Medical Group in Pickerington.

“Men don’t typically come to the office very often, but when they do that’s one of the things they complain about,” he said.

It can cause psychological stress as they come to terms with a change in appearance that some men consider unattractive, Barnes said.

Dr. Aaron Clark said he hears complaints about hair loss about every other week in his part-time practice.

He tries to set realistic expectations.

“I usually help

them understand that to some extent it’s a ... natural part of the aging process, said Clark, chief cess,” clinical officer for PrimaryOne Health centers and a clinical

associate professor of family medicine at Ohio State University.

But doctors say the only thing to worry about with baldness is your ego.

While some reports have said that men with baldness are more likely to develop colon cancer or hypertension, Kunar said the association is loose. Men who are concerned about their health should talk to their doctors, he said.

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Kyle Basham, MD Sparks Urology Group 5500 Ellsworth Road, Fort Smith, AR 72903 479-709-7295

The extent of one’s male pattern baldness likely is influenced by genetics and hormones.

Men who have a father who is bald or balding are five times more likely to go bald than men whose fathers have a full head of hair, Kunar said.

He said another factor is the amount of dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, circulating in one’s body. The DHT binds to receptors in hair follicles and leads to baldness.

Besides urging acceptance, there are a couple things doctors can suggest.

Minoxidil, known commonly by the brand name Rogaine, is available over the counter. It’s a liquid that is massaged into the the scalp.

“It’s effective for not only regrowing hair, but also it’s more effective for keeping you from losing the hair you’ve got,” Barnes said.

He said doctors also can prescribe finasteride (brand name Propecia), an anti-testosterone pill that supplants hormonal hair loss. However, there is some concern that the drug can mask a marker for prostate cancer, and some men are reluctant to use it.

Either way, the key is seeing your doctor as soon as possible.

“You may want to talk about the hair loss before it’s gone, because keeping what you have is easier than regrowing it once it’s gone,” Barnes said.

Clark said that men complaining of baldness generally express an understanding that it’s a natural thing, but still want to try something before they move onto full acceptance. He said many men who try minoxidil or finasteride only do so temporarily because it slows the progression of hair loss but

doesn’t lead to the outcomes they want.

There are surgical options, too, doctors say, but they are costly. Some cost $10,000.

There are two main types of surgeries, Clark said, both based on transplanting healthy follicles from the back of the head to bald areas.

This can be done by moving follicles one by one, a procedure that can involve 600 to 8,000 grafts and take four to eight hours.

Another option is a “follicular unit” transplantation, in which a surgeon removes a strip of tissue from the back of the head, gathering good follicles that are then delicately placed in the scalp.

Kunar said, in his practice, complaints have declined over the past 10 years or so as more men embrace baldness or shave their heads for a clean look.

At the College of Barber Styling, the same is true.

Men there, Gail said, don’t complain about hair loss. Instead, they come in for a shave.

“It’s a resolution or resigning to the fact that ‘Hey, I’m going bald, so I’m gonna just shave this stuff and forget about it,’ “ he said.

Hawthorne, a student at the college, said it was rough to lose his hair at first, but now he’s proud to be part of the “bald head club.” Besides, his grandmother and girlfriend think he looks good, he said, so that’s all that matters.

“I just came to the fact that I looked good with a bald head, I would still be able to accomplish anything I could do with long hair as a baldie,” he said.

“I’ve just grown to deal with it and make it work.”

IS PROSTATE CANCER HEREDITARY? Yes. While prostate cancer does occur in men without a family history of it, those whose fathers or brothers have been diagnosed with prostate cancer have an increased risk of developing the disease.

SHOULD I BE SCREENED FOR PROSTATE CANCER? Men between the ages of 50 and 75 who are in good health should consider being screened. Most prostate cancers in the early stages are detected during screening with a prostate-speKQÅ K IV\QOMV 8;) JTWWL \M[\ WZ I LQOQ\IT ZMK\IT M`IU ,:-

I’VE BEEN GETTING UP TO URINATE MORE FREQUENTLY AT NIGHT. IS THAT NORMAL? Nocturia, or urinating during the night, can increase with age, but may also be caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia *80 IT[W SVW_V I[ IV MVTIZOML XZW[\I\M *W\P *80 IVL frequent urination are common in aging men; however there are multiple ways to treat these conditions.

IS ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION (ED) A NORMAL PART OF AGING? 6W -, KIV JM KI][ML Ja W\PMZ ]VLMZTaQVO UMLQKIT KWVLQ tions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. You should talk to your primary care physician and urologist about this. There are numerous treatment options for -, \WW HEALTHYU

SEPTEMBER 2017

7

What beats diet and exercise for best health ever?

Researchers believe relationships keep us happier, healthier

have, the family you keep, the time spent in nurturing relationships.

Some researchers believe it’s even You know your name, your shoe size, more important than diet and exercise. and I’ll bet you know this, too: If you “What keeps us healthy and happy want to live a healthier, happier life you as we go through life?” asks Harhave to exercise regularly and eat well. vard Medical School professor and But what else? Think now: Wear your researcher Robert Waldinger at the seat belt? Get a poodle? Buy low, sell start of his popular TED talk explaining high? the results of the Study of Adult DevelIt’s relationships! And I don’t mean opment, the longest-running study of with your doctor. It’s the friends you human happiness ever done.

Marilynn Preston Creators Syndicate

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“The clearest message that we get from this 75 year study is this,” Waldinger says. “Good relationships keep us healthier and happier.”

Really? Absolutely, says Waldinger, who is the fourth director of this legendary study, which started in 1938, tracking a total of 724 men from Boston — a mix of Harvard sophomores and poor boys from rough neighborhoods.

These kinds of in-depth, longitudinal

research projects are “exceedingly rare,” he explains. They usually fall apart in 10 years: Subjects drop out; scientists lose interest; funding dries up.

But the Grant Study, as it’s known, continues on even today, with some 60 of the original men studied still alive and in their 90s.

Every two years the Harvard scientists come back to them with questionnaires and live interviews,

plus blood draws, evaluations of their medical records, brain scans, and talks with their children, spouses and partners.

Like millennials today, Waldinger says, these men started out believing that fame and wealth and high achievement in the workplace were what they needed to live the good life.

Oh, boy, were they wrong. For men and women, health doesn’t come from wealth.

And happiness results from having loved ones at your side, not long work hours at your desk.

Here are the three big lessons professor Waldinger outlines in his talk, which you can listen to on YouTube.

There’s also an in-depth book that dives deeper into the findings, called “Triumph of Experience: The Men of the Harvard Grant Study” by Harvard psychologist George E. Vaillant.

Connect to others. “People who are more socially connected to family and friends and to community are happier, physically healthier and they live longer than people who are less connected,” he reports.

“Loneliness is toxic,” he goes on.

People who experience their lives as lonely are less healthy, their health and brain function declines earlier, and their lives are shorter than those of people who are not lonely. And the sad fact, Waldinger says, is that 1 in 5 Americans report they are lonely.

Conflict is unhealthy. It’s not just the number of friends you have that’s important, he says. It’s the quality of those relationships that matters.

“High-conflict marriages without much affection turn out to be pretty bad for our health,” he says, whereas having good, warm relationships are actually protective.

When the researchers looked at 50-year-old men, “it wasn’t their middle age cholesterol level that predicted how they were going to grow old. It was how satisfied they were in their relations.”

If they had supportive ones going for them at 50, they were most likely to be healthy and happy at 80.

Save your brain. The third biggest lesson learned from the Grant study is that nurturing relationships don’t just protect our bodies; they affect our brains.

If a person feels he can count on his significant other “when the going gets rough,” their memories stay sharper, longer.

Want to grow older, better?

Waldinger says it might simply “be a matter of replacing screen time with people time, or doing something new together — long walks or date nights.”

The Blue Zone researchers have also confirmed that in geographic areas where people live exceptionally long and healthy lives, daily socializing makes a world of difference.

So ask yourself: What’s the state of your own relationships? Do you have enough genuine friends and supportive family to add more life to your years and years to your life?

Call a pal now. Go out for a coffee or a beer. Talk, listen, reflect.

What a wonderful way to work out.

HEALTHYU

SEPTEMBER 2017

9

Prostate cancer patients benefit from

ROBOTICS Technique means less pain, faster recovery

By Carole Medlock Contributing Writer

Robotic surgery can be the key to a faster recovery for most, according to a local doctor well-versed in the relatively new approach to a common disease in men.

Dr. John D Terrell, M.D., of the Sparks Urology Group said the benefits of robotic surgery to treat prostate cancer are significant and include less pain, a lower risk of transfusion, a shorter hospital stay and a faster return to activity and normal function.

Terrell has performed hundreds of robotic surgeries to treat prostate cancer since he started at his local medical practice in 2014.

A prostatectomy, when performed robotically, is minimally invasive, Terrell said, which results in less blood loss and a quicker recovery — four incisions of an inch or less are required to perform the surgery robotically, compared to a much larger incision site for traditional surgery.

The larger incision site increases the possibility a patient would require a transfusion and demands a longer period of recovery.

Although robotic surgery is more expensive than traditional surgery, Terrell said patients reclaim the difference in cost by spending less time in the hospital returning to work sooner, both of which save a patient money in the long run.

He added that insurance companies appear cognizant of the benefits of robotic surgery and don’t seem to limit a patient’s ability to choose robotic over traditional surgery.

“Robotics was one of the reasons I chose urology,” Terrell said. “Urology has always been on the front end of new technologies. It’s the thing I do in my practice that I enjoy the most …”

Surgical robots are expensive, and Terrell said it takes both demand and financial ability for a hospital to acquire the technology. Sparks 10

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Dr. John D. Terrell of Sparks Urology Group uses robotic surgery to treat prostate cancer. [PHOTO COURTESY SPARKS HEALTH SYSTEM]

Regional Medical Center has two robots: one older generation robot and one of the newest generation.

The ability for a surgical robot to be adapted and used for multiple medical disciplines makes securing the technology more financially feasible, Terrell said. Robotic surgery can be performed on other organs in the body including the bladder, kidneys and lungs, among others.

Terrell said there are several segments of the population that are at higher risk for prostate cancer.

Included are aging males, African American males, males with a firstdegree relative diagnosed with the disease, and males exposed to Agent Orange.

Terrell suggests that men in the higher risk categories have a baseline

screening around the age of 45 and then check back in between 50 and 55 years old. In the case of family history, Terrell said screening should take place five years before their relative was diagnosed.

In many cases of prostate cancer, the second most common cause of cancer death in men, there are few or no symptoms at all, Terrell said. If symptoms occur, they could be difficulty urinating, bone and back pain or blood in the urine.

But Terrell stressed that most patients have no symptoms, which is why screening - someone being checked when there are no symptoms at all - is important in fighting the disease.

Once a diagnosis of prostate cancer is made, Terrell said a determination of

the cancer’s stage and grade, in addition to an assessment of a patient’s overall health status, will determine the best course of treatment. In some cases that treatment may not be as aggressive as surgery or radiation.

However, if surgery is the best course of action, Terrell said he is pleased with his ability to be able to offer robotic surgery as an option for his patients and is confident in its advantages over the conventional alternative.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness month. Sparks will host a free seminar let by Terrell from noon to 1 p.m. Sept. 19 led at the Shuffield Education Center inside Sparks Regional Medical Center. Lunch will be provided, and registration is required.

Call (479) 709-DOCS or visit SparksHealth.com.

Know your risks for pancreatic cancer More Content Now

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly cancers, with a mere 29 percent one-year survival rate.

In 2016, pancreatic cancer became the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States, surpassing breast cancer.

The time frame between diagnosis and death is often short. Only 7 percent of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer survive five years.

This is incredibly small compared to prostate cancer or breast cancer, where more than 90 percent of patients survive for five years after diagnosis.

“Most people are unaware of how deadly pancreatic cancer is,” says Jim Rolfe, president of Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation. “These chilling statistics can serve as an eye-opener that motivates people to learn more about their risks and contact their health care professional.”

Early detection is important Although pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly cancers, early detection can significantly impact survival rates. The five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer approaches 25 percent if cancers are surgically removed while they are still small and have not spread to the lymph nodes.

Know your family, know your risk Family history is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. When you know more about your genetics and which members of your family have been affected by pancreatic cancer, you can better manage your own health.

To make the process easier, the Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation has introduced a new series of online tools. Visit www.KnowMyRisk.org to download a worksheet and access other helpful tools that let you explore your family history and become your own health advocate.

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Print out the worksheet and call or visit your grandparents, parents and other extended family members. You may not be aware that someone a few generations removed from you was affected by cancer. Having this conversation can be empowering, because once you know your risks you can take charge of your future.

Consider genetic counseling When considering how personal a cancer or disease diagnosis can be, it is no surprise that medicine is looking at our DNA to uncover information.

This makes genetic counselors an important part of the health care team, helping you ask the right questions and uncover familial genetic risk factors.

If you learn you have a history of pancreatic cancer in multiple family members, you should consider meeting with a genetic counselor to assess your level of risk. From there, the counselor and your doctor can decide on a course of action.

To learn more about genetic counseling and find a local certified genetic counselor at the National Society of Genetic Counselors’ database, visit www.KnowMyRisk.org.

Take charge and be empowered “Don’t take a backseat when it comes to your health,” says Rolfe. “The first step toward early detection of pancreatic cancer is understanding your family history. From there, you can make informed decisions that help you live a full, healthy life.”

I’ve heard that in-home care is Lori Williams only for those who are very sick. Is CEO & co-owner that correct?

A: Non-medical, and available to any adult who is looking for a little 2613 Market Trace extra help around the house. This Fort Smith, AR includes help with personal care and hygiene, meal preparation, medication 72908 reminders, transportation, etc. or maybe 479-242-2273 just the enjoyment of the company of a caring and capable companion. www.GAHSC.com Is quality of care we would receive at home inferior to care in a facility?

A: In-home care is highly personalized, one-on-one care, with a dedicated caregiver or care team that comes to you, to meet your unique needs at a time that works best for you.

Is In-home care expensive; more than assisted living or a nursing home?

A: The cost care is based on the number of hours you need each week, and sometimes the level of care. The wonderful thing is that you will not be paying for time or services that you do not need or desire. This means in-home care is typically an economical option, and good value, as compared to assisted living or nursing home care. Medicare does not currently pay for NON-MEDICAL, at-home care services, but most long-term insurance policies will reimburse for these expenses.

I’m am providing the care for my loved-one and wondering if I might need some help?

A: To remain healthy and strong - physically, emotionally and mentally we all need a break from time to time.

Caring for a loved-one often turns into a 24/7 job leaving the family caregiver exhausted, emotionally and physically.

Every caregiver needs to have periods of relief so that they have time to recharge and take care of themselves. In-home care is the perfect choice to provide care while you rest, regenerate, and refresh.

My loved-one needs 24-hour care, would in-home care be an option for her?

A: In-home care can be provided for just a few hours or around the clock!

Once you have expressed your unique situation and needs an experienced care team will be created to provide care to your loved-one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Is in-home care only for those who are 65 or older?

A: The majority of clients receiving

in-home care are 65 or older. However, services can be provided to anyone who is 18 or older and just needs a little extra help at home. This includes those that may have a disability, chronic illness, is on hospice or those recovering from a recent surgery or injury.

We have used other care options, such as a hospital, assisted living, nursing home, and now hospice. How can in-home care services help improve my loved-one’s quality of life?

A: In-home care services often supplement the care provided by hospitals, assisted living centers, nursing homes and hospice by working closely with all those involved in your care, including LWK\WZ[ [WKQIT _WZSMZ[ IVL PW[XQKM [\I‫ ٺ‬ to ensure you are receiving the highest quality of care possible. These other care options work with you on their set schedule. In-home care services are available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including holidays.

Will I have any say about who comes to my home and provides my care?

A: <PM ÅZ[\ XZQWZQ\a Q[ \W XZW^QLM you with the best care possible and your input will be invaluable to accomplish this! Your personality and care requirements will be the starting point to match you with the perfect caregiver. However, sometimes people just don’t “click.” Be sure to provide your feedback as to who you are comfortable with and when/if changes to your care team need to be made.

Is it true that all home care workers steal from the elderly and/or abuse them?

A: There is no denying that this happens from time to time and, unfortunately, it gives a bad name to all of the caring and honest caregivers. This makes it even more important to work with an in-home care company that you feel comfortable with and can trust. Hiring independent “private-duty” caregivers may seem like \PM JM[\ WX\QWV ÅVIVKQITTa J]\ Q\ Q[ LMÅnitely not the safest. A reputable in-home care company will provide you with the assurance that each caregiver has undergone a thorough background and reference check, and that they are insured and bonded.

HEALTHYU

SEPTEMBER 2017

11

Building Resilience Harbor Recovery Systems program helps men learn to reach out for help

By Carole Medlock Contributing Writer

A local recovery center is launching a new program designed to help men move past the effects of trauma in their lives to a more meaningful existence.

Harbor Recovery Systems is offering a new program, Building Resilience, aimed at giving men a place to talk about hurt and trauma they may have experienced, according to Tyler Limore, the center’s director of outpatient services.

“Whether it be the way they’re built, or societal expectations, men have a hard time asking for help,” Limore said.

The program is designed to foster an environment where men can get together and talk about their emotions and about trauma in their lives.

Limore identified a difference between big and small trauma, but said the end result can be the same.

He said smaller traumas are less likely to be discussed, and therefore are not processed and can compound.

The center’s new program is designed to deal with both.

Jordan Griffie, an experienced counselor, will facilitate the group, providing education and guiding discussion.

Mindfulness, acceptance and communication are among the skills that organizers hope to pass along to participants, Limore said.

“The educational process has to do with how people behave; thoughts, feelings and actions, and improving those to get past the unworkable behaviors that keep people stuck,” said Limore.

The program will be delivered once weekly for a period of six weeks so participants will take part in six sessions.

The group is limited to 12 members who will be accepted into the program on a first come, first served basis. The next session will start on Oct. 4.

Limore said although the new program falls under the category of 12

SEPTEMBER 2017

HEALTHYU

The staff at the Harbor Institute, from left, Deirdra Pledger, CIT; Dana Crawford, Family Recovery coach; Tyler Limore, ADC, RDS, program operations director; Tosha Wilson, CIT; Philip Witcher, CIT; and Jordan Griffie, program counselor. [JAMIE MITCHELL/TIMES RECORD]

outpatient treatment, Harbor Recovery Systems also has programs that provide residential treatment for local residents who may be experiencing difficulties with substance abuse and possible co-occurring disorders such as family problems, anxiety, and personality disorders.

Many people rely on substance

Harbor Institute classroom, 4500 Kelly Hwy. [JAMIE MITCHELL/TIMES RECORD]

Harbor Institute CIT Philip Witcher works from his desk at the outpatient facility, 4500 Kelley Hwy. [JAMIE MITCHELL/TIMES RECORD]

Harbor Institute CIT Tosha Wilson works from her desk at the outpatient facility, 4500 Kelley Hwy. [JAMIE MITCHELL/TIMES RECORD]

abuse to cope with symptoms of mental health disorders and that becomes a cycle they are locked into, he said.

Limore said their program’s philosophy is to meet people where they are, and based on their values, help them meet their needs and their goals provided it is in their best interest and the best interest of their families.

“If I could tell people something, it would be to reach out. It’s a difficult

call to make, but it pays off so much for the people that do it. It’s hard to imagine three more powerful words than ‘I need help.’ A lot of people need it. A lot of people want it. But reaching out and asking for assistance makes all the difference in the world,” Limore said.

For more information about Building Resilience, Limore said to call the center at (479) 785-4083 or visit the center located on Kelley Highway.

Harbor Recovery Institute Program Operations Director of Outpatient Services Tyler Limore, ADC, RDS, inside the Harbor Recovery Institute classroom. [JAMIE MITCHELL/TIMES RECORD]

HEALTHYU

SEPTEMBER 2017

13

Find ways to add

PHYSICAL FITNESS into your routine More Content Now

Being resourceful with your daily routine can deliver big payoffs when it comes to increasing your activity level. Incorporating physical fitness into your everyday activities can save you time and also burn calories, and it doesn’t have to take much time or effort.

“For many people, the biggest obstacle to getting more exercise is time,” says Danielle Johnson, physical therapist and wellness physical therapist for the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program.

“People feel stretched between their

career, child care demands and family commitments. Thinking of spending an hour extra at the gym may feel overwhelming.”

If you don’t have time to fit in a scheduled workout, try using daily tasks to incorporate fitness, Johnson advises.

“You’ll still be able to reap the benefits of exercise by using small bouts of movement throughout the day. Two 10-minute walks, a few sets of stairs and some five-minute intervals of bodyweight squats, lunges or push-ups can add up to big health benefits.”

Here are some tips to get moving throughout the day:

Turn chores into exercise.

• Mow the lawn or do some gardening. The physical benefit is good for your health, plus gardening can enhance your mood, and the food you grow offers great nutritional benefits.

• Try bicycling to run errands. Leave the car in the garage and bring out your bike for a quick run to the grocery store.

• Turn household cleaning into a mini workout. “For example, mopping floors gives your shoulders and back a workout, and can burn more than 100 calories in just 30 minutes,” Johnson says.

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Robbie Simmons, a member of Phat Tire Bike Shop Team, heads toward the Zippidee Doo Dah bike trail Aug. 29 in Fort Smith during a regular Tuesday evening group ride. The ride is open to the public and begins at the McClure Amphitheater. [BRIAN D. SANDERFORD/TIMES

Kris Carroll, owner of Fast Rack Modern Cycling Solutions in Fort Smith, heads toward the Zippidee Doo Dah bike trail on Aug. 29 in Fort Smith. [BRIAN D. SANDERFORD/TIMES RECORD]

RECORD]

Find fitness opportunities with friends.

• Instead of going out for dinner or drinks with friends, do something physical, like taking a walk, going for a bike ride or engaging in a physical activity like tennis or bowling.

• Take your dog to the park, or play with them in your own backyard. A game of fetch is not only great exercise for your furry friend — it works your muscles, too.

• Join or start a sports team with your friends. Whether it’s softball, basketball or soccer, taking part in a sport you enjoy will improve both your physical and mental well-being.

Stay curious and improve upon what you’re already doing.

• Do you already walk daily? Try walking faster or choose a challenging route with hills.

• Take up a new summer outdoor sport, such as canoeing, paddle boarding or inline skating.

• If there’s a cause you feel passionate about, try training to participate in a run or walk to raise funds.

• If you play golf, walk the course and carry your own clubs instead of using a cart and caddy.

“Every little bit counts,” Johnson says. “Research suggests that as little as 10 minutes of cardiovascular activity can make a big difference in your health and fitness measures. I often equate health to putting away money for retirement.

Putting away savings, even in small amounts, will add up big over time. The same can be said for your health. Investing in opportunities to be active, even for short periods of time, adds up. The key is to be consistent.”

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SEPTEMBER 2017

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Why ‘roughing it’ is good for you A few days of camping tunes up your circadian clock

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Ben Guarino The Washington Post

As the weekend warrior knows, falling asleep may come a little easier when it happens beneath the stars. A new report from the University of Colorado, Boulder, backs up that woodsy wisdom with evidence taken from a small group of campers. A weekend trip was enough to make a difference in the rise and fall of the hormone melatonin, which regulates our biological clock. And a week spent outside in winter — thanks to the exposure to 9 hours of sunlight daily, rather than the artificial stuff — shifted sleep times earlier and reset the body’s circadian clock.

We are so delinquent about getting consistent sleep, according to a 2016 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, that a third of the population snoozes for fewer than seven recommended hours of sleep a night.

“Living in our modern environments can significantly delay our circadian timing and late circadian timing is associated with many health consequences,” said Kenneth P. Wright, a sleep researcher and author of the new study published in the journal Cell, in a news release. “But as little as a weekend camping trip can reset it.”

Wright’s previous research suggested a week of summer camping was enough to shift sleepers to be more in sync with the rise and fall of the sun.

“Lights have a powerful effect beyond vision,” Wright told Popular Mechanics in 2013, when the summer study was published. “When we go abating that internal biological time, there are consequences.”

In the first part of the 2017 followup study, Wright and his colleagues wanted to know if less time spent outdoors would have a similar effect.

They compared nine campers, who spent two summer days and nights outdoors in Colorado, against five people who stayed indoors for a weekend. They were exposed to a fourfold increase in natural light. Saliva swabs of the weekend campers revealed their melatonin levels rose 1.4 hours sooner each evening.

Although they did not go to sleep earlier than they had during the week, the campers did not stay up any later, either. For those who stayed at home,

weekends meant staying up later at night and sleeping in later in the morning. A weekend “phase delay,” as the scientists described it in the study, “contributes to social jet lag on Monday morning.”

The effect was not quite as profound as spending a week outside, but it was still a significant change. “Weekend exposure to natural light was sufficient to achieve 69 percent of the shift in circadian timing we previously reported after a week’s exposure to natural light,” Wright said in the statement.

The second approach asked a different question - would there be a seasonal difference between a week spent outdoors in the winter versus the summer? Winter campers, as you would expect, were exposed to fewer total hours of sunlight than summer campers. But the light winter campers received was 13 times stronger than if they had spent a winter week indoors; the scientists attribute this difference to the fact that, during winter, a larger proportion of our light is artificial. The Rocky Mountain campers fell asleep about 2.5 hours earlier, and slept for longer amounts.

“In summary,” concluded the researchers, “our findings demonstrate that the human melatonin rhythm adapts to short summer and long winter nights when living in a natural lightdark cycle — something that has been assumed but never demonstrated with

respect to the ‘natural light-dark cycle.’”

But camping should not be viewed as a panacea for the sleep-deprived, as Wright made clear in an interview with the BBC. “We’re not saying camping is the answer here, but we can introduce more natural light to modern life,” he said. Unless an effort is made to keep up with a natural cycle, such as early morning outdoor walks and weaning ourselves from screens in the evening, we are likely to return to our indoor habits.

Sleep experts have long cautioned that disrupted circadian rhythms have lasting impacts. “We are the supremely arrogant species; we feel we can abandon four billion years of evolution and ignore the fact that we have evolved under a light-dark cycle,” University of Oxford circadian neurobiologist Russell Foster told the BBC in 2014. “What we do as a species, perhaps uniquely,

is override the clock. And long-term acting against the clock can lead to serious health problems.” Late circadian timing, Wright and his colleagues noted in the new paper, has been associated with poor school performance, obesity and mood disorders.

The authors of the study argued that, even when we cannot get away into a campground for the weekend, lessons from the outdoors can be applied to our indoor lives. Architects could consider funneling more natural light into a building, for instance, Wright said in the news release. He encouraged “lighting companies to incorporate tunable lighting that could change across the day and night.”

And, yes, good sleep hygiene also means letting go of phones and logging off Twitter as you prepare to hit the hay.

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SEPTEMBER 2017

17

What is a

reducetarian?

New diet aimed at ingesting less meat A study by Loma Linda University, a Christian health sciences school in California, found that among 73,308 When it comes to diets, “all or Seventh-Day Adventist men and nothing” is a hard motto to live by. women, compared to typical omniFor example, think of the person who vores, those who ate less meat had up could be a vegetarian but just can’t to a 15 percent lower risk of death. give up bacon, or the vegan who “In fact, eating less meat and more occasionally slips up. A new movewhole, plant-based foods is one of the ment — reducetarianism — aims to be lifestyle habits that unites the people mindful of eating less meat but not living to 100 and beyond in hot spots cutting it out altogether. of longevity ... . Reducetarians enjoy The term “reducetarian” was coined these benefits by setting manageby Brian Kateman, an instructor in able and therefore actionable goals to the Executive Education Program at gradually eat less meat. For example, the Earth Institute Center for Envithey may forgo eating meat for lunch ronmental Sustainability at Columbia if they will have it for dinner, skip University. He also co-founded and is eating meat on Mondays or eat it only president of the nonprofit Reducetar- on the weekends,” Kateman said. ian Foundation and author of “The From an environmental standpoint, Reducetarian Solution.” a study conducted by the University “A reducetarian describes a person of Minnesota calculated that if people who is mindfully eating less meat: ate more plant-based proteins versus red meat, poultry and seafood, as meat, it could reduce greenhouse gas well as less dairy and fewer eggs, emissions by up to 55 percent. regardless of the degree of reduction or motivation for cutting back. They How to start play around with Meatless Mondays, veggie-heavy lunches, smaller Registered dietitian nutritionist protein portions, vegetarianism and Sharon Palmer, author of “Plantveganism to see what works best for Powered for Life” (sharonpalmer. them,” Kateman said. com), says, “I believe that everyone can gain health benefits by cutting Good for you, the planet back on animal proteins and eating more whole, minimally processed Reducing the amount of meat you plant foods. The research strongly eat is good for your health and for the supports this style of eating for planet, Kateman said. reducing the risk of heart disease, Melissa Erickson More Content Now

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obesity, cancer and type 2 diabetes.”

Cutting back on animal foods can also make a big difference in lowering your carbon footprint.

“By opening up plant-based eating to a broader definition, such as reducetarian, we can be more inclusive of healthy plant-based diets that support eating less animal foods and more plant foods,” Palmer said. “Not everyone may be ready to eat a 100 percent plant-based diet, but everyone can cut back on animal foods.

“We have a long way to go in the U.S. We are the top consumer per capita of meat in the world, so what if everyone cut their meat intake in half? That

would make a huge impact on health, the environment and animal welfare.”

For people interested exploring and succeeding at a new diet, try to make small changes, step by step, Palmer said.

“For example, you could start with Meatless Monday. Eat completely plant-based one day a week, and then when you have that mastered, you might make another small change, such as switching to whole grains, including pulses (beans, lentils, dried peas) at least a few times per week in place of meat, eating more vegetables. Aim for six servings a day,” Palmer said.

When masculinity and aging clash Melissa Erickson More Content Now

People who project an aura of toughness and independence — manly men — can face problems as they are confronted by the development of health issues, loss of spouses and loved ones, retirement and needing to be a caregiver for ailing family members in later life.

“Who you are in the past is embedded in you,” said Kaitlyn Barnes Langendoerfer, a doctoral student in sociology at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, and co-author of a review that mined narrative data from nearly 100 previously published studies. “Men have trouble dealing with older age because they’ve followed a masculinity script that left little room for them to negotiate unavoidable problems.”

Studies of gender and aging warrant more attention, she said.

“As we age, society tends to lump everyone together as ‘older adults’ instead of recognizing that gender still plays an important role in our aging process,” said Langendoerfer, who noted that there is “a dearth of research focused on masculinities and aging.”

The study found that men who followed dominant ideas of masculinity struggled with grief — a vulnerable state — and caregiving, which is associated with femininity, she said.

“While many men admitted that they did cry, they stated that they did not cry in front of others because that would be ‘sissy stuff.’ Other men immersed themselves various types of work to manage their depression. Loss of a spouse may also mean that men have to adapt to changes within their household. For example, they may need to learn to cook and do certain chores that their partners may have taken care of for them,” Langendoerfer said.

Changing your way of thinking is hard, but helping a spouse or loved one is easy.

“If I had to give one tip, I would

suggest that listening to their partner is important and understanding that the changes that occur in late life (such as driving cessation, becoming diabetic, etc.) may conflict with their partner’s masculine identity. Since many men in our study spoke about self-silencing, spouses/partners should encourage their partners to express their emotions and/or concerns to them, as they may feel like speaking to their spouse within the home is a safe space,” Langendoerfer said.

“We live in a culture of extreme diversity, the ascendance of women and the decline of the alpha male,” said Douglas LaBier, director of the nonprofit Center for Progressive Development, in Washington, D.C., which works to promote psychological health in the workplace and in personal lives.

“The key to better health and better relationships is to embrace equality and learn to be a collaborative couple,” LaBier said. “Within couples, the female partner can try and convey a sense of empathy.” She may say, “How scary this must feel. The world is changing under your feet,” he said.

While emphasizing that the world is changing, a couple needs to work well together as a team to avoid divorce, LaBier said.

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HEALTHYU

SEPTEMBER 2017

19

Healthier snack ideas for 20

SEPTEMBER 2017 HEALTHYU

DAD

QA

More Content Now

He may always ensure his kids have access to fresh fruits, lean protein and plenty of water, but Dad’s personal snacking habits might not be so healthy.

If so, he’s not alone; chips are the snack food of choice for 63 percent of Americans, and 91 percent of us snack daily, according to a Nielsen report.

“Many dads who are diligent about providing healthy food options for their families could stand to do better for themselves,” says Dr. Michael Roussell, a nutrition consultant and nutrition adviser to Men’s Health magazine.

“Good health is not a given for American fathers. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for American men, and the American Heart Association says nearly 10 million have been diagnosed with diabetes. The National Institutes of Health estimate three out of every four American men are overweight or obese.”

Unfortunately, many of Dad’s favorite snacks may be unhealthy, from chips and cookies to nachos and wings.

Families can work together to help everyone ditch bad snacking habits and replace them with healthier choices that are still Dad-friendly, Roussell suggests.

Here are five better-for-Dad (and everyone) snack options that still offer the flavor, satisfaction and convenience fathers love: Pistachios: “Pistachios should be a go-to delicious snack for your father,” says Roussell. “He might already snack on pistachios while watching the big game, but you should encourage him to add them as an everyday snack in lieu of traditional snack foods like cookies and chips.”

Pistachios contain healthy fat, fiber and protein that contribute to a feeling of fullness and satisfaction between meals.

Snacking on pistachios can also reduce risk factors for heart disease, according to research from Penn State University.

Jerky: Here’s a snack that might already be on Dad’s list of favorites.

Beef jerky clocks in at 80-100 calories for a 1-ounce serving and also provides double-digit grams of protein.

However, some types can have much

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higher sugar and sodium levels, so be sure to read labels.

Alternative chips: Traditional fried potato chips aren’t a great snack choice.

Fortunately, better options are now available, allowing Dad to get his chip fix with a better nutritional profile.

For example, baked potato chips can have significantly lower fat content than fried.

Black bean or lentil chips can provide more protein and fiber. Plus, a better-for-you chip provides the same satisfying crunch as the fat- and calorie-filled varieties do.

Frozen Greek yogurt: Hey, it’s summer, and a man sometimes needs a frozen treat after yardwork or a workout.

Rather than loading up on the fat and calories of ice cream, or the high sugar content of other frozen treats, look to frozen Greek yogurt for a more healthful cold snack.

When frozen, Greek yogurt can compete with ice cream for creaminess, plus it’s rich in protein, calcium and a host of other vitamins and minerals.

Many frozen yogurt makers now offer Greek yogurt versions of popular flavors.

Dark chocolate: It’s high time to set aside the stereotype of dark chocolate as a treat for moms. Dads can love it, too.

While dark chocolate can be higher in calories and fat than some other snacks, it also has nutrients that have been linked to better heart health.

You wouldn’t want him to eat a bar of dark chocolate after every meal, but a 1-ounce bar every now and then could help support Dad’s heart health — and the mental benefits of eating chocolate are a bonus!

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HOW MANY TREATMENTS DO I NEED? Most patients need 3-4 treatments scheduled at one month intervals. Maintenance treatments are then performed every 3-6 months.

SHOULD I GET PRP? Not everybody is a good candidate for PRP. The best results are seen in patients with male or female patterned hair loss. There are many reasons for hair loss. Many patients need a medical workup to eliminate other causes of hair loss.

A dermatologist will be able to properly diagnose your hair loss and discuss if PRP is a good treatment option for you.

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SEPTEMBER 2017

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HEALTH & WELLNESS DIRECTORY 3505 S. 79th Street Fort Smith, AR 479-709-8686

BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE Sparks Behavioral Health 1500 Dodson Ave. Fort Smith, AR 72901 479-709-7455

Mercy Convenient Care – Zero Street 1400 Zero Street Fort Smith, AR 479-573-3082

Mercy Clinic Behavioral Health 2713 S. 74th St., Ste. 203 Fort Smith, AR 479-573-3130

CARDIOLOGY Cardiology Center at Sparks 1500 Dodson Ave., Ste. 60 Fort Smith, AR 72901 479-709-7325 Mercy Clinic Cardiology - Phoenix Ave. 6101 Phoenix Ave., Ste. 401 Fort Smith, AR 479-573-3042 Mercy Clinic Cardiology - Rogers Ave. 7001 Rogers Ave. Fort Smith, AR 479-314-4650

COSMETIC SURGERY Surgical Associates of Fort Smith - Sparks 923 Lexington Ave. Fort Smith, AR 72901 479-709-73504

DISABILITY SERVICES

Mercy Clinic Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery 7001 Rogers Ave., St. 401 Fort Smith, AR 479-452-1188

Bost 1801 South 74th Street, Fort Smith, AR 479-478-5600

Johnson Dermatology 5921 Riley Park Dr. Fort Smith, AR 479-649-3376

DENTISTRY

CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY Sparks Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Inc. 600 Lexington Ave. Fort Smith, AR 72901 479-709-7025

CONVENIENT CARE Mercy Convenient Care – River Valley 22

SEPTEMBER 2017

EAR, NOSE & THROAT Sparks Ear, Nose & Throat Center – West 1500 Dodson Ave., Ste. 260 Fort Smith, AR 72901 479-573-7985

ENDOCRINOLOGY Sparks Thyroid and Endocrinology 4700 Kelley Hwy. Fort Smith, AR 72904 479-709-7460

FAMILY MEDICINE

DERMATOLOGY

CARDIOTHORACIC & VASCULAR

Dentures Today - Sallisaw 1290 W. Mentzer Ave. Sallisaw, OK 918-775-5775

Dentures Today - Fort Smith 2307 So. Zero #103 Fort Smith, AR 479-646-4499 Dentures Today - Van Buren 2308 Fayetteville Road # 1600 Van Buren, AR 479-474-7600

HEALTHYU

Alma Family Medical Clinic - Sparks 937 Highway 64 East Alma, AR 72921 479-632-3855 CarePlus - Sparks 14 Gothic Ridge Rd. Van Buren, AR 72956 479-471-0011 Cornerstone Family Medical Clinic - Sparks 14 Gothic Ridge Road Van Buren, AR 72956 479-474-1100 Greenwood Family Medical Clinic - Sparks 1480 West Center Street Greenwood, AR 72936 479-996-5585 SouthPointe Family Practice - Sparks 3808 Gary Street Fort Smith, AR 72903 479-709-7120 Sparks Clinic Family Medicine 2010 Chestnut, Suite H Van Buren, AR 72956 479-471-4280

Sparks Clinic Family Medicine 6100 Massard Road Fort Smith, AR 72916 479-709-7250 Sparks Clinic Family Practice 4700 Kelley Hwy. Fort Smith, AR 72904 479-573-7990 Sparks Plaza Family Practice 1500 Dodson Ave., Ste. 195 Fort Smith, AR 72901 479-573-7910 Sparks Fort Smith Family Practice 1500 Dodson Ave., Ste. 175 Fort Smith, AR 72902 479-573-7840 Sparks Family Medicine – South 8600 South 36th Terrace Fort Smith, AR 72908 479-709-7465 Sparks Medical Clinic 5428 Ellsworth Road Fort Smith, AR 72903 479-709-7440 Spiro Family Medical Clinic - Sparks 702 West Broadway Spiro, OK 74959 918-962-2442 Van Buren Family Medical Clinic - Sparks 209 Pointer Trail West Van Buren, AR 72956 479-474-3399

Fort Smith, AR 479-221-9922

Mansfield, AR 479-928-4404

Mercy Clinic Primary Care – Paris 500 E. Academy Paris, AR 479-963-5421

Mercy Clinic Family Medicine – Poteau 2110 N. Broadway Poteau, AR 918-647-7416

Mercy Clinic McAuley Family Medicine 3420 S. 74th Street Fort Smith, AR 479-573-3740

Mercy Clinic Family Medicine – Rice Road 2074 Rice Road Waldron, AR 479-637-0250

Mercy Clinic Family Medicine – Charleston 107 S. Logan Charleston, AR 479-573-3120 Mercy Clinic Family Medicine – Ozark 201 S. 70th Street Ozark, AR 479-667-1590 Mercy Clinic Family Medicine – Van Buren 2800 Fayetteville Road Van Buren, AR 479-314-4000 Mercy Family Medicine – Waldron 1341 W. 6th Street Waldron, AR 479-637-2136

GASTROENTEROLOGY Gastroenterology Center - Sparks 1001 Towson Ave., Ste. 100 Fort Smith, AR 72901 479-709-7430

GENERAL SURGERY Arkansas Surgical Group - Sparks 1500 Dodson Ave., Ste. 250 Fort Smith, AR 72901 479-573-7940 Surgical Associates of Fort Smith - Sparks 923 Lexington Ave. Fort Smith, AR 72901 479-709-7350

GERIATRICS

Mercy Family Medicine – Booneville 128 Daniel Ave. Booneville, AR 479-675-2455

Adult Medicine Specialists - Sparks 1120 Lexington Ave. Fort Smith, AR 72901 479-709-7260

Mercy Family Medicine – Cedarville 708 Pirates Way Cedarville, AR 479-235-3025

SeniorCare Behavioral Health - Sparks 1001 Towson Ave. Fort Smith, AR 72901 479-441-5601

Mercy Clinic Primary Care – Cliff Drive 3700 Cliff Drive Fort Smith, AR 479-259-9286

Mercy Family Medicine – Magazine 351B E. Priddy Street Magazine, AR 479-969-8768

Mercy Clinic Primary Care – Free Ferry 1000 Waldron Road

Mercy Family Medicine – Mansfield 100 N. Walnut, St A

HEARING

Beltone 1100 Lexington Ave Fort Smith, AR 479-782-5858

HEALTH & WELLNESS DIRECTORY HEARING

Graham Hearing Graham Hearing Services, Inc. 1005 Lexington Ave. Fort Smith, AR 479-783-5250

Center For Hearing 4300 Rogers Ave., Ste. #15 Fort Smith, AR 479-785-3277

HEMATOLOGY/ ONCOLOGY Sparks Clinic Cancer Center 1001 Towson Ave. Ste. 300 Fort Smith, AR 72901 479-709-7435 Sparks Radiation Treatment Center 1502 Dodson Ave. Fort Smith, AR 72901 479-709-7190 Mercy Clinic Oncology 7001 Rogers Ave., Ste. 200 Fort Smith, AR 479-314-7490 Mercy Radiation Oncology 7301 Rogers Ave. Fort Smith, AR 479-314-7545

INFECTIOUS DISEASE Sparks Center for Infectious Disease 1001 Towson Ave., Ste. 200 Fort Smith, AR 72901 479-709-7447

INTERNAL MEDICINE Adult Medicine Specialists – Sparks

1120 Lexington Ave. Fort Smith, AR 72901 479-709-7260 Sparks Plaza Internal Medicine 1500 Dodson Ave., Ste. 180 Fort Smith, AR 72901 479-573-7820 Mercy Clinic Primary Care – Cliff Drive 3700 Cliff Drive Fort Smith, AR 479-259-9286 Mercy Clinic Primary Care – Sallisaw 1015 E. Choctaw Ave. Sallisaw, OK 918-774-0034

INTERNAL MEDICINE & PEDIATRICS Mercy Clinic Internal Medicine & Pediatrics 7800 Dallas Street Fort Smith, AR 479-314-4940

INTERVENTIONAL PAIN MANAGEMENT Mercy Clinic Interventional Pain Management 3501 W.E. Knight Drive Fort Smith, AR 479-709-6755

NEPHROLOGY Renal Care Associates Sparks 1500 Dodson Ave., Ste. 280 Fort Smith, AR 72901 479-709-7480

Mercy Clinic Neurology 7303 Rogers Ave., Ste. 101 Fort Smith, AR 479-314-7590

NEUROSURGERY Mercy Clinic Neurosurgery 2713 S. 74th Street, Ste. 301 Fort Smith, AR 479-573-3723

OBSTETRICS/ GYNECOLOGY Mercy Clinic OB/GYN 7001 Rogers Ave., Ste. 403 Fort Smith, AR 479-785-2229

OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE Sparks Occupational Medicine 8600 South 36th Terrace Fort Smith, AR 72908 479-709-7422

PODIATRY Mercy Clinic Podiatry – River Valley 3501 W.E. Knight Drive Fort Smith, AR 479-709-6700

PULMONOLOGY Sparks Clinic Lung Center 1001 Towson Ave., Ste. 400 Fort Smith, AR 72901 479-709-7433 Mercy Clinic Pulmonology 7303 Rogers Ave., Ste. 302 Fort Smith, AR 479-314-4620

SENIOR CARE

ORTHOPEDICS Mercy Clinic Orthopedics – River Valley 3501 W.E. Knight Drive Fort Smith, AR 479-709-6700

Grace at Home 2613 Market Trace Fort Smith, AR 72908 479-242-2273

Sparks Pediatrics 5428 Ellsworth Road Fort Smith, AR 72903 479-709-7337

NEUROLOGY Sparks Clinic Neurology 3808 Gary Street Fort Smith, AR 72903 479-709-7050

Mercy Clinic Pediatrics 3224 S. 70th Street Fort Smith, AR 479-314-4810

PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY Mercy Clinic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

7001 Rogers Ave., Ste. 200 Fort Smith, AR 479-314-8917

SPORTS MEDICINE Mercy Clinic Sports Medicine 3501 W.E. Knight Drive Fort Smith, AR 479-709-6700

SURGERY Mercy Clinic General Surgery 2713 S. 74th Street Fort Smith, AR 479-573-3101

THERAPY SERVICES Sparks Outpatient Physical, Speech & Occupational Therapy 624 Towson, Ste. B Fort Smith, AR 72901 479-441-5361 Sparks–Van Buren Outpatient Physical Therapy Pulmonary Rehab 2020 Chestnut Van Buren, AR 72956 479-471-4545

WOMEN’S SERVICES Sparks Obstetrics & Gynecology 1500 Dodson Ave., Ste. 230 Fort Smith, AR 72901 479-709-7490 The Women’s Center Sparks 1500 Dodson Ave., Ste. 140 Fort Smith, AR 72901 479-709-1913

WOUND CARE Sparks Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center 1001 Towson Ave. Fort Smith, AR 72901 479-441-5078 Mercy Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center 7306 Rogers Ave. Fort Smith, AR 479-314-2804

UROLOGY

PEDIATRICS

Summit Pediatric Clinic - Sparks 209 Pointer Trail West Van Buren, AR 72956 479-474-3399

Sparks Neurology Center 1504 Dodson Ave. Fort Smith, AR 72901 479-709-7175

2717 S. 74th Street Fort Smith, AR 479-573-3799

Peachtree Village Retirement & Assisted Living Community 1500 Fresno Fort Smith, AR 72901 479-785-5544

Sparks Urology Group 5500 Ellsworth Road Fort Smith, AR 72903 479-709-7295

COMING UP....

ALL ABOUT WOMEN’S HEALTH healthy

SLEEP DISORDERS Sparks Sleep Disorders Center 1001 Towson Ave. Fort Smith, AR 72901 479-441-5255 Mercy Clinic Sleep Medicine

NEXT EDITION: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21ST

living well in the river valley

HEALTHYU

SEPTEMBER 2017

23

Not afraid of thunder.

Bedroom monsters.

Or a colonoscopy.

Being a hero isn’t all that tough. If you’re 50 or older, or younger with risk factors for colon cancer, a colonoscopy could save your life.

People are counting on you.

Defend yourself against colon cancer.

Download our free Colonoscopy Fact Sheet at mercy.net/FortSmithColon

Your life is our life’s work.

24

SEPTEMBER 2017

HEALTHYU