Concussion Education Seminar

Dr. Dougherty will be speaking at the Concussion Education Seminar on July 10 at the Schmelding Center Auditorium in Springdale from 1-5 p.m. Admission is FREE and will also feature James D. Nesmith, M.D. as a speaker. To register, please contact Alison Moore at 501.472.5400. We hope to see you there!

Avoiding Heat Illness

The temperature is rising faster than normal here in Northwest Arkansas and with football practice starting soon it is very important to know your facts related to heat illness.

The heat from hot temps and the heat produced by your body during physical activity can be a potentially dangerous combination. In order to stay on top of heat illnesses, hydration is key. Drink tons of water -- more than you think you should be drinking. Take frequent breaks from physical activity and stay tuned to the signs and symptoms your body is showing. Also try to wear lightweight and light colored clothing.

Heat illnesses come in various levels of concern:

1. Heat syncope - you might feel dizzy or lightheaded and have pale, wet skin

2. Heat cramps - involuntary spasms of your muscles due to excessive sodium loss through sweat

3. Heat exhaustion - this is the most common form of heat illness seen in athletes. Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion may include: elevated body temperature, elevated heart rate, nausea or vomiting, headache, thirst

4. Heat stroke - this is a potentially fatal condition. Two things that separate heat stroke from heat exhaustion include: a high core body temperate (higher the 104) and altered consciousness, irrational behavior or disorientation. 

Treatment for these conditions can vary, but they typically always include rest from the physical activity, removing excess clothing or gear, resting in a cool, shaded area and re-hydrating. If heat exhaustion or heat stroke are expected, additional measures for safety will be taken, such as immersion in an ice tub.

Be careful in this hot weather and take the extra measures necessary to stay safe while spending time in the heat.

Osteoporosis: "The Silent Thief"

The facts of osteoporosis are startling:

• 1 in 2 women and 1 in 4 men will have an osteoporosis-related fracture
• 24% of hip fracture patients over the age of 50 DIE IN THE FIRST YEAR after fracture
• 20% of hip fracture patients require long term care for the remainder of their lives
• Only 15% can walk across a room unaided six months after a hip fracture

Experts call osteoporosis "the silent thief" because it robs a person's bone with no outward signs. Commonly, the first symptom is a fracture sustained from little or no trauma. For this reason, screening is critical to detecting and treating osteoporosis before a fracture occurs.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) recommends screening all women 65 and older, men 70 and older, or any adult over the age of 50 with a fracture. Screening includes a few blood tests and a bone density scan that typically takes 10-15 minutes. You can read more about the screening process by clicking this link: NOF-Diagnosing Osteoporosis.

New Year "Fitness Resolutions"

Happy new year everyone!

We know that it's that time of year when everyone makes that resolution to get fit, lose some weight and start running more. As part of your "fitness resolutions" for 2012, make sure that you include stretching properly before any physical activity. Spend enough time on your body and your body will respond better and with less injury.

Make sure you visit our website for some great injury prevention and stretching tips.