Welcome to Arkansas Urology

‘Tis the season to overindulge and let our guard down when it comes to healthy choices during the holidays. We are mindful of the extra pounds that sneak on, but what about the increased risk of compromising our urinary system? With a few simple diet tips, we can enjoy the season and avoid bladder issues.

Moderation is the key when it comes to all the holiday foods and drinks. Limit the amount of sugary, acidic and rich foods because they can directly irritate the bladder. When these foods are eaten in higher than normal quantities, it puts a strain on all our body’s systems including the urinary tract. Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables and fiber. This will help prevent constipation, which can put additional pressure on the bladder.

Enjoy your glass of wine or cup of holiday cheer but remember that alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it causes the urgency and frequency of urination and that can create some uncomfortable bladder issues. Coffee and tea also act as diuretics plus they contain caffeine which can irritate the bladder. Drinking plenty of water is even more essential during the holidays. Consider switching between a glass of water and your holiday drink during the festivities. Then keep your water bottle handy during shopping trips and strive to drink eight cups everyday to stay hydrated.

And those extra pounds we mentioned, any weight gain can contribute to a decrease in bladder control. It’s the most wonderful time of year and by celebrating in moderation, you will be able to enjoy the holidays without (bladder) interruptions. 

Are you a smoker or do you know one?  Smoking can make one more at risk for lung cancer, and it can also increase the risk for prostate cancer. However, the truth to that claim is a little complicated.

Results are very mixed when it comes to smoking having a direct link to causing prostate cancer. Smoking affects certain hormone levels through exposure to carcinogens, which can affect your risk for prostate cancer.

While recent studies have not conclusively said that smoking will make you more likely to develop prostate cancer, research has found a link. Studies have shown that smokers who have prostate cancer have a much higher recurrence rate than nonsmokers. In one study, current smokers were 40 percent more likely to have tumors return after treatment compared to men who never smoked. They were also more than twice as likely for the cancer to spread from the prostate and 89 percent more likely to die from cancer. The good news is that patients who quit smoking 10 years previously were not significantly different from men who never smoked, which should be extra motivation for you to permanently kick the habit.

While smoking may not directly lead to the development of prostate cancer, it can make it more aggressive or more fatal. Smoking has so many other effects on your health; for any current smokers, there’s no better time to quit than now!

Did you know diabetes and urology are actually closely related to one another? Diabetics can be more at risk for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other urinary functions such as overactive bladder. Most people with diabetes either have hyperactive or underactive muscles that push urine out of your body, so that sets up for bladder issues.

Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure too and is often referred to as diabetic kidney disease. The main things to keep an eye out for when it comes to your urological health are your bladder and kidneys. If there is not enough insulin in the bloodstream it has the potential to harm your kidneys. As a result, it can be difficult to sense when to use the restroom which when not emptied can allow for bacteria to grow.

Adopting healthy choices into your everyday life can help to improve and maintain your urological health. Eating a healthy diet, exercising and getting enough rest are all positive contributing factors and are a great place to begin on improving your health.

Remember, if you are experiencing any urological issues it is best to consult with your doctor to keep your blood sugar levels in range. Also, if you are experiencing sexual dysfunction in addition to bladder control concerns, be sure to tell your doctor. They can help diagnose and prescribe treatment plans specific to your needs.

Do you ever find yourself working long hours and skip your chance for a bathroom break? Do you often end up “holding it” for an extended time? This can cause damage to your bladder.

Remember when you were young and your parents would say “you can come back and play but you need to go to the bathroom?” We tend to forget this simple rule when it comes to emptying our bladders.

Your bladder can hold about two cups of urine. Even though your bladder can hold slightly more if needed, it’s a bad idea to push it beyond its capacity. Using the restroom when needed is a major health factor that most forget about.

Don’t ignore your body telling you to go. Holding your bladder for long periods of time can have adverse effects like UTIs or other issues. Bladders that aren’t emptied when needed can lead to renal failure due to electrolyte issues since metabolic waste leaves the body when urinating.

If you have an enlarged prostate, it can lead to retaining urine involuntarily. This may make it difficult to use the bathroom.

You should not make a habit of holding your urine all the time. Find a way to take short bathroom breaks. If you know that your work schedule is hectic, take advantage of down times even when you don’t feel the need to go. Or set reminders if you get busy and distracted for short breaks. For the sake of your health, don’t just hold it!

If you are experiencing bladder issues, we can help. Contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our expert doctors. 

Contrary to popular belief, erectile dysfunction is not a normal part of aging, and age doesn't factor in as much as you might think. However, there are a few things that you can do to prevent it.

There is not one single thing that causes erectile dysfunction, rather it can be a combination of many things. While this affects men of all ages, it is more common in older men. A few factors that contribute to this are:

• Stress, depression, anxiety
• Smoking, drugs, drinking
• Lack of exercise
• Diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol
• Nerve disorders
• Certain medications
  

Often, it is not one isolated issue, rather they are combined physical and physiological issues that affect the ability to get and sustain an erection. While erectile dysfunction can have a less than positive impact on your sex life, it can be treated.

There are several options that can help whether it’s lifestyle changes, medications or remedies. Working out, eating a healthier diet, reducing stress and finding someone to talk about anxiety or depression are all good things that can help prevent erectile dysfunction.

The good news is that you don’t have to live with ED. There are treatments available to help maintain your sex life. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from a trusted physician. Since erectile dysfunction can have several underlying causes, such as heart disease, it is best to consult with a doctor who can help.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers. Yet, it is also one of the most treatable types of cancer today. Because of that, there are ways you can educate yourself about the disease and learn how to cope with a possible diagnosis. Here are six facts about prostate cancer:

1. More than 200,000 men are diagnosed annually with prostate cancer, and an estimated 30,000 of these will die of the disease.

2. About one in nine men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, and about one in 41 will die of it. Prostate cancer is serious, but most men diagnosed do not die from it.

3. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men, second only to skin cancer, and is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, behind lung cancer.

4. Not all prostate cancers are alike. More than 90 percent are found when they are confined to the prostate gland, and while some spread early and require treatment, many others are slow-growing and are unlikely to cause serious problems during a man’s lifetime.

5. The prostate-specific antigen test (PSA) measures the level of a protein produced by the prostate that circulates in a man’s blood. When there is a problem with the prostate, PSA levels are higher. For example, men who have a common condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) may have elevated PSA levels (BPH is not cancer).

6. Changing your diet and exercise regimen can help to reduce your risk of prostate cancer. Try to avoid consuming alcohol, caffeine and sodium. Be sure to check with your doctor before making any major changes to your diet.

To learn more about the widely accepted treatments available at Arkansas Urology, visit our Prostate Cancer Center. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer or needs to schedule a screening, give us a call today. We can help you through this journey from diagnosis to treatment, call 1-877-321-8452.

Did you know there are things you can be doing to help with your prostate health? What we put into our bodies is extremely important. When we provide our bodies with the proper nutrients it aids in keeping our health in the best condition. Here is a list of foods to keep in mind for prostate health.

1. Broccoli
A good rule of thumb is always make sure you have something green on your plate. Is your plate bland and brown or colorful? Thinking this way will help you look for those vegetables to add to your plate.

2. Cayenne
Really, any peppers will do. The ingredient that makes the pepper hot, capsaicin, is thought to help reduce the growth of cancer in the body. If peppers aren’t your spice of life, you can also try using cayenne as a supplement.

3. Green tea
Green tea is packed full of antioxidants like polyphenols, which are believed to help reduce inflammation and fight cancer.

4. Turmeric
Turmeric is full of curcumin. This is great for reducing inflammation and helps your body to increase it’s intake of antioxidants. It is also thought to help fight cancer cells.

5. Brazil Nuts
These nuts are a good source of zinc, thiamine, magnesium, and are rich in selenium, a mineral that is believed to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

6.Berries
Berries are another great source of polyphenols and are full of antioxidants. They are also full of fiber, potassium and vitamin C.

Try to avoid your consumption of alcohol, caffeine and sodium and instead increase your intake of fresh fruit and vegetables. Of course, always check with your doctor before making major changes to your diet.

If you often feel like you are running on empty and dealing with a lot of stress recently, you may experience bladder issues. Stress can affect our bodies in many different ways and often manifests physically. How can you reduce your stress and improve your health?

Stop pushing yourself past your limits. Our lives are so fast-paced and slowing down can really help to stop the chain reaction of stress affecting your health in negative ways. Stress often leads to a poor diet and less exercise resulting in sleep issues. All of which can lead to more health issues. 

There is no magic pill to reduce stress. It’s important to identify stress triggers and then work to eliminate some of them. We know that work or family issues are part of your everyday life. Simple techniques to help like exercise or mediation can help. Learn to say no to some things and make sure you have someone to talk to when you are feeling overwhelmed.

Think of your body like a computer. When you only open a few programs at a time, the computer runs very well. When stress begins to affect the bodies programming, it consumes so much space that all systems are disrupted, even the bladder and urinary tract can suffer. Stress can create the urge to frequently urinate due to the tense muscles putting pressure on your bladder. Stress can indirectly contribute to the formation of kidney stones due to the chain reaction discussed above. Since stress can manifest physically, it is important to reduce the amount of stress in your life.

If you could simply look at life’s big picture, you would come to realize - most things that stress you out are not worth the toil they take on your overall health.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most common type of infection and account for over eight million doctor visits every year. Most people have experienced the terrible burning feeling and the relentless urge to pee. So how can you avoid getting another UTI?

Urine is actually very sterile but the tube called the urethra that allows urine to exit can also allow bacteria to enter and invade the bladder. One of the simplest ways to avoid a urinary tract infection is – if you have to go - GO! Holding urine for long periods of time allows any bacteria in the bladder a chance to grow. Drink a lot of water especially in the summer to help flush out the urinary tract system.

Women are more likely to contract a urinary tract infection because they have shorter urethras which allow bacteria quick access to the bladder. You can introduce bacteria while using the restroom or having sex. Always wipe from front to back after using the bathroom; keep the bladder empty and the area clean. Some simple things you can do to help prevent UTIs include wearing cotton underwear and drinking cranberry juice.

Kidney stones can also be a culprit because they can block the urinary tract and back up the urine and give bacteria plenty of time to grow. Diabetes can also increase your odds of contracting a UTI.

One in two people will get a urinary tract infection at some point, so remember if you are experiencing UTI symptoms such as painful and frequent urination, cloudy or smelly urine and fever, you need to contact your doctor. And if you need to go – GO!

Jellyfish appear as a smooth, translucent bell in the ocean waters and are often seen on the beach shoreline. They are fun to watch and may appear harmless at first. However, when our skin comes in contact with the jellyfish’s tentacles – the pain is instant! Angry, red, whip-like lash marks radiate from the sting site and it starts to itch, burn and throb. Thankfully, the discomfort will peak after about five minutes and dissipate over the next few hours.

So what do you do if you or a family member has an encounter with one of these translucent, bulbous creatures? Don’t pee on it! Experts suggest that urine may even worsen the sting.

The recommended treatment is to immediately get out of the water and remove any tentacles. Use something such as a credit card to brush them off or lightly rub sand over the site. Do not scratch the stung area because the remaining stinging cells will fire and release even more venom. After you remove the tentacles, treat the pain by immersing it in hot water for at least twenty minutes.

Jellyfish stings can spoil an afternoon at the beach, so always keep your eyes open. If you see dead jellyfish on the shoreline beware they will be present in the water also. Although most jellyfish found along our beaches are not dangerous to people, if you are traveling to other countries be cautious as some species of jellyfish are extremely toxic. If the person shows signs of a severe allergic reaction, always seek immediate medical attention.

The jellyfish sting is so painful you will be anxious to find relief but urine is not your answer. It is a medical myth!