Welcome to Arkansas Urology

The summer is often referred to as kidney stone season and for good reason. We all know when it is hot out, our bodies try to cool off by sweating. It’s hard to keep cool when you aren’t properly hydrated. Dehydration is the most common cause of kidney stones. 

Kidney stones are hard clumps of minerals that sometimes form when your body doesn’t have enough natural chemicals in urine that prevent clumping. These clumps, or stones, can be very painful as they move from your kidneys and through your system. They form when the balance of water, salts, minerals and other substances in urine is off because your urine contains more crystal-forming substances like calcium than the fluid in your urine can dilute.

When you aren’t drinking enough water, the body is unable to eliminate excess minerals through urination. When this happens, those minerals can settle and form stones. The simple solution to avoiding kidney stones? Drink more water!

When we think of kidney stones, we often think of what we are drinking, not so much what we are eating. But what we are putting into our bodies is so important! Watch what you eat this summer. Tangy foods like barbecue for example can make kidney stones more likely because they are high in salt, protein and sugar. Fruits and vegetables are your best bet. The best thing you can do this summer is to be proactive rather than reactive. Make sure you are staying hydrated and eating the best food to fuel your body.

This month we are talking all things men. With June being Men’s Health month, we wanted to share how important it is for you to seek regular checkups and be an advocate for your health. Keep reading to see how Arkansas Urology can help you in any and every stage of your health journey.

Testicular cancer is more common in men from ages 15 – 35. While testicular cancer is rare, your risk for it does go up if you have a family history of it. We would recommend mentioning any information you have about your family’s medical history to your doctor on your next visit. The good news is that it’s highly treatable even if cancer has spread somewhat. There is not a typical screening, but we do recommend self-checks, so you can see a doctor early if it starts to develop. Look for a lump, feelings of heaviness or an ache or any pain or discomfort in that area.

Prostate cancer affects older men typically and is the No. 1 cancer risk for men. We recommend prostate cancer screenings starting at age 50. This can be done sooner if you are at higher risk. About one in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetimes. The average age of men at the time of their diagnosis is 66.

The five most common cancers for men are prostate, lung, colorectal, bladder and melanoma. At Arkansas Urology, we also treat bladder cancer of those five. There is no typical screening only symptoms to look for, such as blood in your urine, burning pain and needing to go more frequently.

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.

Women and men are so very different. What is a health risk to one, might not be one to another and vice versa. Arkansas Urology takes pride in educating women on the various health issues that affect women. We want to partner with you as you take on the challenge of living healthier lives. That being said, here are seven simple health tips just for women:

1.Quit Stressing
Stress can have such a negative effect on your body and mind. Since stress can often manifest itself as a physical illness, you should assess stress factors in your life and take measures to reduce them. Taking time to let go can do wonders for your mental health, too. Go for a run, read a book, or meditate to alleviate your stress. You’ll be surprised how at ease you will feel when you let things go and let the stress go with it.

2. Stop Trying Quick Fixes
We all have fallen for the new craze of quick dieting fixes that just never seem to work. They often seem too good to be true yet we try them anyway and then get stressed because they didn’t live up to our expectations, which is not a healthy cycle (see #1 - quit stressing!). Realistically, all we need is a basic diet of fruits and veggies. It’s 80% what you eat and 20% exercise. Take some time to meal prep before your week gets started and get back to basics.

3. Move
Heart disease is the number one killer among women. Getting enough exercise is crucial to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It doesn’t have to be a strenuous activity, but just getting up and walking around the block in your neighborhood can help. Try a workout class with your friends to make it fun! Keep moving and stay active. Exercise and eating right are basic foundations of a healthy lifestyle.

4. Maintain a Healthy Sex Life
This counts as exercise! There are several benefits to getting the rush of endorphins and hormones that can be released as you take part. Better sleep, a stronger immune system, and even a younger looking appearance are all benefits. This can also help to reduce your stress as well.

5. Don’t Wait to Talk to Your Doctor . . . About Anything
If you are noticing things with your body that just aren’t right, talk to your doctor. Listen to what your body is telling you! You are the best advocate for your health and you have to take care of it. We have an expert team of doctors ready to answer all of your questions and help you with any women’s or pelvic health issues you may be experiencing. Don’t wait! It’s better to ask and learn sooner, rather than later.

6.Get Enough Sleep
It's been said that women often need more sleep than men. Not getting enough sleep can lead to multiple health problems. Feeling restful can help your day feel more productive as well. Try powering off your cell phone 30 minutes to an hour before you go to bed. The light from your screen makes it difficult to fall asleep, and this will help to turn your brain off. Start by reading a book or meditating on a few breathing exercises to slowly relax before you fall asleep. It makes a huge difference.

7. Put Yourself First
Putting yourself before others can seem selfish at first glance. But, in reality, how well can you serve others if you yourself aren’t taken care of? In order to offer your best to those around you, set aside some time to relax or do something for yourself. Feeling guilty is not allowed!

We hope these tips help you better your health throughout the year. Don’t get overwhelmed trying to meet all of these goals. Pick one and stick to it, then once you feel like you have made it a habit, try to be consistent in another area. The more conscious you are of taking care of your health, the more that will be reflected in your decisions. If you have questions about your health, Arkansas Urology is here to answer them and provide you with education and information to assist you in making the best choices when it comes to your health.

Urologists and gynecologists are two different specialties of medicine that do have some overlap but in reality are very different. A key difference is that while gynecologists treat only women, a urologist would treat both men and women, and occasionally children. While certain illnesses could require a trip to the urologist, there are actually many reasons a healthy women might schedule an appointment outside of a regular gynecologist visit.

In both men and women, the sex organs and urinary tract are connected or closely located in the same area of the body, which means a gynecologist would treat many similar ailments that a urologist might for women. However, as specialists, urologists are trained in other treatment techniques and fields of study such as surgery, disorders of the liver and kidneys, and may also have greater insight when it comes to issues of infertility in couples due to their greater understanding of both male and female fertility.

For healthy women, urologists can be a fantastic resource for preventing common health problems that arise in women through different stages of life. In fact, many urologists will have specialized experience with life stages such as pregnancy, post childbirth and menopause, and can even help you prevent things like incontinence, pelvic pain and urinary tract infections before they set in.

If you’ve visited a gynecologist before for incontinence, pelvic pain or sexual discomfort, but found that your symptoms returned or your condition became chronic, now is the time to seek out the consultation of a urologist. Their breadth of knowledge of both the human reproductive system and the waste removal system works means that they can help you reach a diagnosis sooner. Their training in targeted treatment techniques means you can get back to life as normal in no time.

To speak with a representative about your questions, or to schedule an appointment with one of our providers, call us at 877-321-8452 or contact us online here. Don’t let your quality of life be diminished by uncomfortable symptoms. At Arkansas Urology, we’re here to help you make the most of your health through every stage of life.

Everyone could benefit from making some simple changes to their diet to improve their health. Your urological health is especially sensitive to the foods you eat. This means diet changes improve an already healthy system, as well as ease common urological disorder symptoms, very quickly! When looking at simple changes you can make, there are a few “rules of thumb,” to keep in mind. 

1. Avoid Acidity

Most people with disorders of the bladder will already know acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus can be irritating to the bladder lining. What you probably didn’t know is that everyone is affected by this acidity to some degree. Avoid loading up on lots of acidic foods in one sitting, especially when you aren’t drinking enough water, to avoid concentrating this acidity in the urinary system for prolonged amounts of time.

2. Be Wary of Spice

Spicy foods can react very similarly to acidic foods in the body. You will have to determine for yourself just how spicy you can go before you notice irritation, but a good guideline is to keep especially spicy meals limited to once per day or even once per week. You might consider limiting spice all together if you experience episodes of irritation consistently.

3. Prioritize Hydration

The best way to protect your entire urological system is to keep your body as hydrated as possible. Determine how much water you really need by taking your body weight in pounds, dividing that number by two, and then divide that number by 8. This will be the number of cups of water your body requires to stay optimally hydrated. If you are active, you should add an extra glass of water for every 30 minutes of exercise.

4.Monitor Caffeine

Caffeine intake should also be included in the discussion of hydration because caffeine is a natural diuretic. This means that caffeine causes your body to naturally flush itself of water, and can be irritating to the bladder if consumed in large quantities without replenishing your water supply. Remember to supplement your water intake by one additional glass for every cup of coffee consumed.

These are the basics of dietary concerns for those with urological conditions, and they are also excellent starting points for improving your diet with urological health in mind. Take a few moments to consider this list and “spring clean,” your dietary choices next time you order out, grocery shop, or meal plan and see what a difference it makes on your overall health! To ask questions about your personal dietary concerns, or to schedule an appointment with a provider, contact us online or give us a call at 877-321-8452 for more information.

Taking your health seriously is one of the most important things you can do to protect and prolong a happy life. When it comes to your urological health, it’s important to understand that any symptom could be a serious symptom, and most of them should be addressed right away.

A urologist is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of disorders of the urinary system. This means any time you experience pain or “burning,” in an area like the lower abdomen, the lower back or when urinating, you might need to see a urologist. Likewise, noticing a painful area or even a lump could be a sign of certain types of urological cancer. If you’re a man over 40, you should already be seeing your urologist annually for prostate cancer screenings.

Another good rule of thumb is to always be aware of what “normal” urine looks like for you. While shade may vary from person to person, urine that is consistently dark may be a sign of dehydration. Bloody, very dark, black, cloudy, or foul-smelling urine are all signs you should see your urologist immediately, as they could be a sign of serious infection.

If in doubt, it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health. Most urological conditions, when caught early, are highly treatable with minimal downtime. Your urologist is also trained to help you modify your lifestyle for optimal health no matter what condition you may have, maximizing your quality of life and minimizing recurring symptoms.

If you’ve experienced any of the symptoms discussed in this article, or if you’d like to learn more about how a urologist can help you improve your lifestyle and manage your condition, we’d love to discuss options with you. Give us a call at 877-321-8452 to speak with a provider today.

When you hear the words “prostate cancer,” feelings of fear can creep in. While prostate cancer can portray itself as a scare, it doesn’t have to. We know the news can seem very scary but here at Arkansas Urology, we believe that you don’t have to fear them. Prostate cancer is common and about one in nine men will be diagnosed with it. Yet, it is also one of the most treatable types of cancer today. A prostate cancer diagnosis doesn't have to be cause for panic early. Here are a few reasons not to fear prostate cancer.

1. The main reason you do not have to fear prostate cancer is that it is treatable. The five-year survival rate for men with local or regional prostate cancer is almost 100%. Arkansas Urology has state-of-the-art treatment centers and technology. We are better prepared than ever before to help you beat prostate cancer. Our doctors are board-certified and ready to walk with you through every step of the way.

2. The second reason you can have peace is that your care can be individualized to you. We have a great team of doctors who know what treatment will be best for your specific case and are ready to assist you with anything and everything you may need.

3. Early diagnosis helps to catch prostate cancer early and improve outcomes. We offer screenings to check for prostate cancer. We believe so much in treating and beating prostate cancer that we even host free screening events in the fall for men to get tested each year.

Having concerns about prostate cancer are valid, but the good news is you don’t have to be scared. Often the fear of prostate cancer does more harm to an individual than the cancer itself.

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.

Pelvic health is a factor of our lives that many people don’t begin to consider until they start experiencing age and illness. Being proactive is the key to promoting pelvic health and maintaining it through life! Here is our advice for steps you can take right now:

1.Strengthen the Pelvic Floor.

The Kegel exercise is the best way to exercise the muscles that contain the contents of your pelvis, aka your pelvic floor. These muscles keep different organs in place, maintain the function and control of the bladder and bowels, and help maintain the muscle tone needed for a satisfying sex life. Practicing Kegels one to three times daily will optimize your results.

2.Maintain a Healthy Body Weight

All factors of health are generally connected in one way or another. As you age, eating healthy and staying active will help prevent a multitude of diseases, and incontinence is one of them.Excess weight puts a strain on the pelvic muscles that often leads to weakening and tearing. Avoiding it will lessen the strain on your pelvis as a whole.

3.Understand the Way the Body Ages

As we age, the body lessens its collagen production, leading to decreased connective tissue and more stress on the area. This can be lessened with the inclusion of some supplements to your diet, like glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate.

The important thing to remember about pelvic health is that prevention is key. Consistency with pelvic floor exercises, particularly during pregnancy, and a generally healthy lifestyle are the best ways to promote and maintain pelvic health. If you’d like more personalized information about how to improve your pelvic health, or have decided it’s time to reach out for treatment of pelvic pain, visit us online or call 800-255-1762 to schedule an appointment. With modern treatment, there’s no need to suffer in silence.

Heart health and urological health are closely linked in many ways, and in some ways, researchers don’t even fully understand yet. Many heart conditions are tied to some urological diseases, and a good rule of thumb is to assume that any healthy habit that is good for your heart, will also be good for your urological system.

While it is true that bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men, it is actually much less likely in women. In fact, while men have about a 1 in 27 chance of being diagnosed with bladder cancer than women who are closer to 1 in 89. However, it is still relatively common, increasingly so for those over the age of 55. It is impossible to say whether any holistic measures can definitively prevent cancers, however there are a few lifestyle changes you can make to drastically improve your odds.

1.Don’t “Hold It.”

While the occasional crisis of finding a restroom won’t give you cancer, it is extremely important to treat your bladder with respect and empty it often. Holding urine when you feel the urge to urinate forces your body to hold onto toxins and other substances the body needs to eliminate. The concentrated urine is irritating to the bladder lining, and can distend the muscles around the bladder making proper control and complete elimination difficult over time. These weaknesses of the bladder are what can lead to various kinds of pelvic dysfunctions such as incontinence, bladder and kidney infections, pelvic muscles tears and eventually even cancer.

2.Drink Plenty of Water

Water is the ultimate substance for health. Drinking eight or more glasses a day helps to flush your body of impurities, even potentially cancer-causing impurities, and also gives your bladder plenty of opportunities to function properly throughout the day. If you know you aren’t getting enough, start slowly by adding an extra glass to your routine and build up your intake.

3.Limit Exposure to Risky Substances

Smokers are at least three times more likely to get bladder cancer than non-smokers. Alcohol is a diuretic and bladder irritant that can chronically irritate or injure the bladder if abused. Arsenic in water sources and exposure to industrial chemicals in the workplace are also significant risk factors in contracting bladder cancer. Limiting or eliminating your exposure to these substances can drastically improve your chances of avoiding this disease.

When typical cancer-causing risk factors are eliminated, the main defense against bladder cancer is a generally healthy lifestyle. Plenty of water, activity, fresh fruits and vegetables are the best ways to fuel your body to run as optimally as possible, which is the best way to avoid illnesses and cancers of all sorts. If you believe you may have a pelvic illness or injury, or if you’d like to discuss your bladder cancer risk factors with a professional, schedule an appointment online or call Arkansas Urology at 800-255-1762.