Blog

Kayaking is a Healthy and Fun Way to Explore the Natural State

You may not think the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) has a whole lot to do with canoeing, kayaking, or paddling. Surprisingly, it’s a big part of what they do. While AGFC does primarily deal with hunting and fishing, they also are all for preserving our beautiful waterways. Whether you’re canoeing, paddling, or kayaking, there are some great spots to float here in Arkansas and AGFC is ready to teach you the tips and tricks you need to become a kayaking connoisseur!

Understanding The Truth About Male Depression

Depression is a topic that many of us may only associate with women or children, and not necessarily with men. The truth is, depression affects everyone, regardless of your gender. It's also more common in the US than you may think. Today we’re discussing the myths surrounding male depression, as well as some resources you can use to find help when you need it.

Living With Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) doesn’t mean your heart has failed, only that it isn’t pumping as well as it should. A weakened heart cannot keep up with its workload. It’s not able to pump enough oxygen and nutrient-rich blood throughout your body. The result is fatigue and shortness of breath; some people also have coughing. HF, also called congestive heart failure, makes everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or carrying groceries very difficult because of shortness of breath.

Alcohol Worsens Depression; Depression Worsens Alcohol Abuse

In the United States, more than 140,000 people die each year from alcohol-related causes. Primary care physicians are often the only medical professionals that an at-risk drinker will encounter, placing them in a prime position to help reduce premature morbidity and mortality from alcohol use. Incorporating annual screenings for alcohol misuse into primary care practices will aid in detecting risky or hazardous alcohol use before the onset of abuse, dependency, and physical and social injury.

Lyme Disease Is Hard to Identify; Increasing Rapidly

Lyme disease is described as a “quiet plague.” It is the fastest growing infectious disease in the United States. There are an estimated 400,000 new cases of Lyme disease and related illnesses every year in this country. That’s more infections that HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, colon cancer or breast cancer. Lyme disease (LD) has the potential to affect everyone who goes outdoors.

Start Young to Prevent Osteoporosis

The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) estimates around 54 million Americans have osteoporosis or low bone mass (osteopenia). Osteoporosis is a disease that gradually weakens your bones to the point where they break easily. It is the most common bone disease, affecting people age 50 or older. It robs many people — mainly older women — of their ability to live independently. Thankfully, we can help our patients prevent osteoporosis by encouraging them to look for the warning signs early and to maintain a healthy lifestyle.