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DOCTOR’S ORDERS: DON’T FEAR THE WELLNESS VISITS C R E E N S H OT: P R EVE NTATIVE S C R E E N I N G S C H E D U LE

GET ACTIVE: AVOIDING THE WORKOUT WOES

KYLE FLECK, MD, GEORGIA SPORTS MEDICINE'S NEWEST ORTHOPEDIC AND SPORTS MEDICINE SPECIALIST

MEN’S HEALTH

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E X P LO R E YOUR SCREENING SCHEDULE for preventing health problems.

S H A R EGET UP AND MOVING with easy exercise tips from Tiftarea YMCA.

in this issueI N S P I R EMARGARET RICHARDSON-NIXON, MD, explains why men avoid the doctor.

PhysicianSpotlight

SAY HELLO TO ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON KYLE FLECK

JOB: “I am a board-eligible orthopedic surgeon with special training in sports medicine.”

PASSION: “Whether it’s providing pain relief for a senior through a total joint replacement or helping a young athlete maximize performance on the field, I find fulfillment in serving others.”

PATIENTS: “Orthopedic conditions and athletic injuries are life disrupters for patients. When we are able to solve a problem, it means everything.”

HOBBIES: “Being from South Georgia, I enjoy hunting and the great outdoors.”

EXERCISE: “I try to maintain a regular exercise regimen, but chasing around my three small children keeps me pretty active.”

E N H A N C EOUR TOP PICKS for healthy (but tasty) snacks on the go.

WELCOME to the Tift Regional Medical Center

physician spotlight! Meet your local doctors, hear about their community involvements, and learn about their hobbies outside the hospital.

M O V E + N O U R I S HLANGSTON CLEVELAND, MD, does the heavy lifting on working safely.

TIFT REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER 901 East 18th StreetTifton, GA 31794www.tiftregional.com 229-382-7120 WEST CAMPUS2225 Highway 41 NorthTifton, GA 31794www.affinity-clinic.com Affinity Clinic: 229-391-4100 COOK MEDICAL CENTER 706 N Parrish AveAdel, GA 31620www.cookmedicalcenter.com229-896-8000

PREVENT COMMON SPORTS INJURIESIt’s that time of year—the weather is warm-ing up, and both kids and adults are excited to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. We talked to orthopedic surgeon Kyle Fleck, MD, with Georgia Sports Medicine about the best ways to avoid injury during that pickup basketball game or ultimate Frisbee tournament. “The most common sports inju-ries by far are ligament strains and muscle sprains, both of which you can often

prevent by stretching and warming up before any kind of strenuous exercise,” said Dr. Fleck.

KYLE FLECK, MD, WITH GEORGIA SPORTS MEDICINE To make an appointment with Dr. Fleck, talk to your provider about a referral or call (229) 386-5222.

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E N H A N C EOUR TOP PICKS for healthy (but tasty) snacks on the go.

M O V E + N O U R I S HLANGSTON CLEVELAND, MD, does the heavy lifting on working safely.

DON’T be a Doctor DodgerNEARLY 60% OF MEN say they won’t see a doctor even if they think they have a real health issue. That’s a serious claim! Hear from Margaret Richardson-Nixon, MD, with Affinity Clinic as she explains why it’s important to be brave for annual wellness visits.

Q: WHY DO MEN PUT OFF SEEING A DOCTOR?Many men are simply uncomfortable talking about health issues. Others don’t have a doctor and don’t feel the need to find one. With wellness visits, men often think, “If I’m healthy, why do I need to take time out of my day to go to the doctor?”

Q: DO WELLNESS VISITS REALLY SAVE LIVES?When you go to your yearly wellness visit, your doctor is going to make sure you are up to date on the life-saving screenings you need. It’s also the perfect opportunity to get answers about any unexplained symptoms you might be brushing off.

Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE PUTTING OFF THEIR WELLNESS VISIT?Remember, you deserve to take care of your health so you can be there for the ones you love. Set aside the excuses and take the first step toward routine check-ups by scheduling an appointment with a local physician.

MARGARET RICHARDSON-NIXON, MD, INTERNAL MEDICINE, AFFINITY CLINIC. Being proactive and getting preventative checkups could save your life. To make an appointment with Dr. Richardson-Nixon, please call (229) 391-4100.

ANTHONY BURKE, DO, CARDIOLOGY, AFFINITY CLINIC. To make an appointment with

Dr. Burke, call (229) 391-4100. In the case of sudden and severe symptoms, seek emergency treatment—you may be having a heart attack.

I N S P I R E | R E J U V E N A T E

HEART HAPPENINGSFor most adults, a heart attack is a common health concern. However, heart disease is easiest to treat when diagnosed early. Hear from Anthony Burke, DO, about the symptoms of heart disease that you need to know, and talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

CHEST DISCOMFORT This common sign of heart disease may feel like tingling, pressure, pain, or tightness.

SHORTNESS OF BREATH Take note if you find yourself out of breath after moderate activity, like climbing stairs.

SPREADING PAIN If you have chest pain that extends down your arms or legs, know that it is a classic symptom of heart disease.

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WORK SMART TO WORK SAFESPEND ALL DAY LIFTING HEAVY ITEMS? PROPER FORM AND A STRONG BACK WILL HELP YOU PROTECT YOUR BACK AND KEEP YOU WORKING. HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KEEP IN MIND.

According to Langston Cleveland, MD, proper form is vital to preventing workplace injuries. As Medical Director of Occupational Medicine at WorkSmart Occupational Health, Dr. Cleveland wants people to know that they ought to see a doctor if their back pain lasts for more than a week or causes tingling or numbness in the legs. To help prevent a workplace injury, make sure you use proper technique when lifting heavy items. Start by following these tips:

ALWAYS USE YOUR LEGS TO LIFT HEAVY OBJECTS: keeping your back straight, squat down and use your leg strength, not your back, to lift yourself up.WHEN IN DOUBT, FIND A BUDDY: for awkwardly shaped or especially heavy objects, always find a partner to help with the lifting.KNOW YOUR RESOURCES: understand what tools are available for you at work to help with heavy objects and use them regularly.

You can also try these back-strengthening exercises to keep your back in top shape, no equipment needed:

HIP BRIDGE Strengthen and stretch all of the muscles along your spine—lay on your back, knees bent and feet hip-width apart. Using your core and back, raise your pelvis, hold, lower, and repeat.

PLANKS Strengthen your core and lower back—lie on stomach, and lift yourself up onto your toes and fore-arms, keeping your back and legs parallel to the floor.

CHAIR CRUNCH A strong core will support your back—lie on your back, with legs on the seat of a chair. Using stomach muscles, lift up your shoulders. Keep your chin pointed up to avoid straining your neck.

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LANGSTON CLEVELAND, MD, OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE, WORKSMART. WorkSmart Occupational Health provides medical services

for local employers. Learn more at www.discoverworksmart.com or call (299) 353-6320.

1Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2017 | 2National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 2016 | 3Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014 | 4Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014

Shifting Gear

Exposure to vapors, gasses, dust, and fumes

in construction and manufacturing has a serious effect on lung capacity and function and often leads to COPD.1 Consistently wearing appropriate FACE MASKS can prevent this.

Across all industries, at least 13% of workers who were exposed to high noise

levels had hearing impairment.2 Hearing loss is one of the most common work-related issues, but proper EAR PROTECTION cancels noise above harmful levels.

There are around 120,000 foot injuries caused by work incidents in a year.3 Most of those are caused by wearing improper footwear. Regulation STEEL-TOE BOOTS protect against falls, punctures, chemical spills, and falling objects.

Falling objects is one of the biggest causes of accidents, with around 240 deaths yearly being caused by falling objects or equipment.4 Proper HARD HATS soften

the blow by absorbing and redistributing

the impact.

SPEND ALL DAY LIFTING HEAVY ITEMS? PROPER FORM AND A STRONG BACK WILL HELP YOU PROTECT YOUR BACK AND KEEP YOU WORKING. HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KEEP IN MIND.

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This is a great, healthier alternative to the beef variety.

N O U R I S H | M O V E

Healthy On-the-GoEating healthy doesn’t require extensive preparation or shelling out lots of cash. Try these great options for your next lunch, whether you’re packing or buying on the go.

o ra n g e s

These grab-and-go fruits are available

at most convenience stores.

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Up your protein intake with a small, portable

packet of peanut butter, available at most

gas stations.

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This yummy snack is super- portable, and an easy addition to your meal.

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REST YOUR EYES. Follow

the 20-20-20 rule. Set a timer to remind you to look away from your screen every 20 minutes at an object that is about 20 feet away for a full 20 seconds.

FIRST STEPS

Try almonds if you’re looking for more protein or cashews if you need

some healthy fat in your meal.

Sometimes, your smartphone can be a pain. If your thumb and hand are feeling the strain, try these tips to reduce the wear and tear your smartphone can cause.

TAKE A BREAK The easiest way to limit or prevent pain is to put the phone down. Stretch your fingers, rotate your hand and wrist, and don’t pick up your phone for a little bit.

VOICE-TO-TEXT If you’re texting regularly, try using this feature to give your fingers a break.

KEEP IT SHORT Instead of sending long text messages, get to the point to save yourself some effort.

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TIFTBIT COLONOSCOPIES SAVE LIVES! Between 2000 and 2010, the number of colonoscopy studies tripled in the US, and colon cancer rates dropped by 30%.

}Screenings

DON’T SLACK ON GETTING SCREENED. TAKE A LOOK AT COMMON SCREENINGS MEN NEED AND WHEN YOU OUGHT TO START THEM:

AGE 35

CHOLESTEROL —test every 3–5 years

AGE 40

BLOOD PRESSURE—test at least every 2 years

DIABETES—talk to your doctor about your risk levels and whether you need to be tested

AGE 50

COLONOSCOPY —test every 10 years

PROSTATE CANCER—talk to your doctor about whether or not you’re at risk and need to be tested

AGE 65

ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM—if you’ve ever smoked, talk to your doctor about this ultrasound test

Getting to the BOTTOM OF IT

Colon care isn’t at the top of the to-do list for most men, but it should be.

Understanding your risk level for colon cancer and getting regular colonoscopies are vital for prevention, early detection, and treatment of this common cancer. Hear from Ali Esmaili,

MD, gastroenterologist at Affinity Clinic, on what you need to know about colon cancer.

People at a higher risk for colon cancer include those who:

+ Are overweight + Maintain a sedentary

or inactive lifestyle + Smoke tobacco + Have a diet high in red

meat or processed meat + Heavily use alcohol

According to Dr. Esmaili, taking steps to adjust your

lifestyle and eating habits can greatly lower these risks.

There are some risk factors that you don’t have control over, such as family history. “It’s important to make sure your doctor has all of your medical

information to help you find out whether you’re at a higher risk for

colon cancer,” says Dr. Esmaili.

For most, colonoscopies should begin at age 50 and should

generally reoccur every 10 years, based on your risk levels. Remember, early detection is vital, so don’t put off scheduling your next colonoscopy.

ALI ESMAILI, MD, GASTROENTEROLOGY, AFFINITY CLINIC. To make an appointment with Dr. Esmaili, talk to your provider about a referral or call (229) 391-4100.

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TRACY NOLAN, MD, GENERAL SURGERY, SOUTH GEORGIA SURGICAL. To make an appointment with Dr. Nolan, talk to your provider about a referral or call (229) 382-9733.

PARTNERS IN COMMUNITY HEALTH

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S H A R E | G R A B ’ N ’ G O

Close to the ChestWhen most people hear of breast cancer, they associate it with women. According to general surgeon Tracy Nolan, MD, with South Georgia Surgical, men are less likely to develop breast cancer due to lower levels of certain hormones that affect the cells within the breast. However, it is estimated that there will still be 480 breast cancer death, among men in the US in 2018.

Like all cancers, early detection is key. Dr. Nolan says that men are less likely to report symptoms of breast cancer, causing diagnosis at a later stage than most women. If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to discuss them with

your doctor:

+ Lump or hard knot in the breast, chest, or underarms

+ Change in the size or shape of the breast

+ Sore or rash on the nipple

Don’t wait until symptoms get worse—just as with any other cancer, early detec-tion is key. Besides, if something you think is a symptom of breast cancer turns out not to be serious, it will only give you peace of mind to talk to a doctor.

PUTTING A FORK IN YOUR COUCH

POTATO WAYSREADY TO GET MOVING AND GET HEALTHY?Start Slow Kicking off a new exercise program is exciting, but start slow by working out one or two days a week. Make a sched-ule that works for you and stick to it.

Find What’s Fun Don’t hesitate to try a variety of work-out options—like weight-lifting, walking, group fitness classes, and more—to find what you enjoy most.

Focus on Form Pay attention to your form to avoid causing injury—if you’re getting too tired to perform an exercise correctly, it’s time to take a rest.

The Tiftarea YMCA offers lots of exercise options to help you continue your health journey. Try swimming, aerobics classes, or working out in the Wellness Center.

Tift Regional Health System has partnered with the Tiftarea YMCA to offer a range of health, exercise, and fitness services. Learn more at www.tiftareaymca.org or call (229) 391-9622.

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F O R Q U E ST I O N S about Tift Regional Health System and On Health magazine, call 229-382-7120.

This magazine is not intended as specific medical advice and is not a substi-tute for professional medi-cal treatment or diagnosis. Consult your physician with any questions about your health.

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Expanding your family circle is an exciting thing, but can add stress to any relationship. If you’re trying to support your pregnant partner, OB/GYN Bishara Baddour, MD, says, “Start with future planning. Take some weight off of your partner’s mind and sit down together to figure out what steps need to be taken to be ready for baby.”

Affinity Physicians for Women offer pregnancy planning and management. Learn more at www.affinitywomen.com or call (229) 391-4130.

Pregnancy Support

BISHARA BADDOUR, MD, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY, AFFINITY PHYSICIANS FOR WOMEN

BISHARA BADDOUR, MD, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY, AFFINITY PHYSICIANS FOR WOMEN