sickness prevention ,” explained Dr . Dixon .
“ We know that if we can deal with overweight issues and obesity , we can hopefully prevent or prolong the time until diabetes and high blood pressure might occur ,” Dr . Dixon explains .
When asked if smoking coupled with obesity exemplifies health issues , Dr . Dixon says it can intensify health issues like high blood pressure , heart disease , and certain cancers .
Diet , exercise , smoking ( and vaping ) cessation , and managing stress can go a long way in preventing of a host of health issues . However , Dr . Dixon explains that some issues , such as high cholesterol can have genetic causes .
The American Medical Association cites additional means of disease prevention to include knowing your blood pressure and diabetes risk , reducing the intake of highly processed foods ( including sugar and sodium ), if consuming alcohol to do so in moderation , and following your PCP ’ s instructions about taking any prescribed medications . As always , your PCP is going to have the best recommendations for you .
Dr . Dixon says getting adequate exercise to maintain health can include carrying a pedometer in your pocket ( or utilizing your phone ’ s fitness tracker ) to make sure you ’ re getting those recommended 10,000 steps a day in . He says checking a pedometer makes you conscientious of how much you ’ re actually walking and you ’ re more likely to walk a bit longer to meet a goal . He adds that taking a brisk evening walk of 15 to 30 minutes can be impactful .
“ We have walking tracks at Rocky Hollow . You can go to the mall and walk inside , but even outside when it ’ s nice ,” Dr . Dixon says .
“ It ’ s about creating time to do that . You have to make that part of your regimen ,” he says .
As far as diet goes , Dr . Dixon says , “ We ’ re a fast food society . It ’ s easy to grab something which is high fat , or high sodium . So even when you ’ re eating out , you have to think about things to eat healthy . More vegetables , more fruits . More grilled and less fried ,” he recommends .
Dr . Dixon says having your family on board with healthier options helps as well . He says this can include eliminating the salt shaker at the table .
“ Most men don ’ t get their blood sugar pressure checked very often ,” Dr . Dixon says , “ You should have your blood pressure checked at least two to three times a year .”
“ Most people don ’ t know what their cholesterol is , so get your cholesterol checked every five years , unless you ’ re high risk . If you have a strong family history of elevated cholesterol or heart disease , you might want to get your cholesterol checked sooner .”
“ If you ’ re over 45 or overweight , you need to have a diabetes screen ,” Dr . Dixon says .
“ Colon cancer screening should start at age 45 , or ten years prior to the diagnosis of colon cancer in a first degree relative , Dr . Dixon explains .
“ Prostate cancer in men — we used to say PSA exams after age 50 , rectal exams after age 50 . What I tell people is , if you ’ re higher risk for prostate cancer , you need to see your provider to determine the appropriate screening .”
Dr . Dixon says people can be asymptomatic until the disease is more advanced . “ It ’ s a disease of older people , but people that get prostate cancer in their 50s , or early 60s , it is a more aggressive type cancer . If you have a first degree relative with prostate cancer and a younger person , you need to see your provider and talk about screenings .”
When it comes to lung cancer , Dr . Dixon says our region is especially high . Kentucky has the highest rate of lung cancer incidence and mortality in addition to a higher rate of smoking than the national average .
“ We do what ’ s called low dose lung CT screening for people age 50 to 80 that have smoked more than 20 packs in their lifetime . There are some people that after they have quit for a period of time , you don ’ t need to screen them , but that needs to be discussed with their provider ,” Dr . Dixon says .
Another screening Dr . Dixon urges is for skin cancer . He stresses that with the abundance of outdoor recreation in our area , including the lake , skin cancer screenings are very important . “ Any changes in moles , changing color , itching , bleeding need to be evaluated quickly ,” he stresses . “ Basically , keep an eye on anything that ’ s suspicious .”
Symptoms and warning signs
Aside from regular screenings , Dr . Dixon advises seeking medical attention for symptoms or warning signs of a health issue that might otherwise go ignored . “ Chest pain , chest pressure when you ’ re walking or exerting , shortness of breath , swelling of your lower extremities , faint feelings or feelings of rapid heart rate . Any weaknesses or neurological symptoms . Any of these things you need to get checked immediately ,” Dr . Dixon states .
“ If they are acute onset , go to the emergency room . If they ’ ve been happening for a short period of time , go to the emergency room or your private provider .”
Other symptoms that should not be ignored include :
• Excessive snoring
• Changes in bowel habits
• Frequent heartburn
• Vision troubles
• Excessive thirst
• Frequent fatigue
• Memory loss
Overall , by paying attention to changes in their health , and detecting issues early through screenings , men — and women — can avoid or prevent potential complications and help to maintain their optimal wellbeing . When was the last time you saw your doctor for a checkup ? --- Dr . J . Barry Dixon is a family medicine physician , specializing in primary care and preventative care for patients of all ages . He has been employed by Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital since 1991 . He is a member of the Kentucky Academy of Family Physicians , the Kentucky Medical Association , the American Association of Family Physicians , and the American Medical Association .
30 • SEKY - Southeast Kentucky Life JUNE 2024