Your Health Matters with Dr. Bradley Biggers and Dr. Russell Gregory

Too Hot to Handle: When Summer Heat Becomes Dangerous

It is hot and dry across Bradley County right now — and it’s been that way for what seems like entirely too long. The county remains under a burn ban after very little rainfall, and recent heat advisories have warned of heat-index values well over 100 degrees. It’s the kind of weather where you can work up a sweat just walking from the house to the truck. In weather like this, staying hydrated is one of the simplest and most important ways to prevent heat-related illness. Most of us know we should drink more water when it is hot, but it is easy to underestimate how much fluid we lose while mowing, farming, working outside, playing sports, or simply spending several hours outdoors. By the time you are extremely thirsty, you may already be behind.

Stay ahead of dehydration
The best approach is to drink fluids regularly throughout the day instead of waiting until you feel thirsty. Water is usually the best choice, but if you are working outside or sweating heavily for several hours, an electrolyte drink can also help replace some of the salt lost through sweat. Drinking regularly throughout the day is better than trying to catch up after you already feel bad. One simple thing to watch is your urine. If it becomes dark or you go many hours without urinating, you may not be drinking enough. Children, older adults, athletes, and people who work outside are especially at risk. Older adults may not feel thirst as strongly, and young children may not recognize or communicate that they need more fluids. Some medications can also make you more prone to dehydration than others. If you have questions about whether one of your medications could affect your hydration or your ability to tolerate the heat, talk with your doctor or healthcare provider.

Know when to stop
Dehydration may begin with thirst, dry mouth, headache, tiredness, dizziness, muscle cramps, or darker urine. If the heat and fluid loss continue, someone may become very weak, nauseated, lightheaded, sweaty, or feel like they are going to pass out. This may be heat exhaustion. If that happens, stop what you are doing and get out of the heat. Go inside or into the shade, sit or lie down, loosen extra clothing, use a fan or cool wet towels, and slowly drink water or an electrolyte drink. Do not try to “push through it” just because you are “almost done.” Just like the heat, the work will still be there tomorrow as well.

When is it time to get medical help?
Many mild cases of dehydration and overheating improve with rest, cooling, and fluids. However, medical evaluation is more important if someone is repeatedly vomiting and cannot keep fluids down, faints, becomes extremely weak, has very little or no urine, or continues getting worse despite cooling down and drinking fluids. The biggest warning sign is a change in the way someone is thinking or acting. If someone who has been in the heat becomes confused, starts acting strangely, has trouble walking, develops slurred speech, has a seizure, collapses, or becomes difficult to wake, heat stroke should be considered. Heat stroke is a true emergency and can quickly lead to serious organ damage.

A little prevention goes a long way
People in Bradley County are used to hot Arkansas summers, but that does not make us immune to heat illness. Try to do strenuous outdoor work early in the morning or later in the evening, wear lightweight clothing, take regular breaks, and keep water nearby. If the yard can wait until early in the morning or later in the day when it is cooler, let it wait. Check on older relatives and neighbors, make sure children and athletes are getting regular water and cooling breaks, and if you work outside, pay attention to the people working beside you. Sometimes a person getting overheated does not realize how sick they are until someone else notices. Most heat-related illness is preventable. A bottle of water, a few minutes in the air conditioning, and knowing when it is time to stop can keep a hot afternoon from turning into a trip to the emergency room.

If you have questions about staying safe in the heat, hydration, or any other health concern, come see us at BCMC Rural Health Clinic, 304 E. Central St. in Warren. Same-day appointments are available, and walk-ins are always welcome. Call (870) 226-8636 for an appointment. BCMC Rural Health Clinic: Where Healthcare Close to Home Matters.

- Russell Neal Gregory, MD, MBA, DABFM

ADHD and the Return to School

As students return to school, families are settling back into routines, homework, practices, and earlier bedtimes. For children with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, the transition can be especially challenging. ADHD is one of the most common conditions affecting school-aged children. It can affect attention, organization, impulse control, activity level, and the ability to complete tasks. While many people think of ADHD as simply being “hyper,” the condition can look very different from one student to another. Some children may have trouble sitting still, waiting their turn, or controlling impulses.

Others may appear quiet but frequently daydream, lose assignments, forget instructions, or struggle to finish their work. Many students have a combination of these symptoms. The beginning of the school year can make these difficulties more noticeable. After the less structured days of summer, students are suddenly expected to wake up early, follow a schedule, sit through lessons, remember assignments, and manage multiple responsibilities. Parents can help by creating consistent routines at home.

Regular bedtimes and wake-up times are especially important because poor sleep can worsen attention and behavior. A predictable morning routine, a designated homework area, and simple checklists can also be helpful. Breaking larger tasks into smaller steps is often more effective than repeatedly telling a child to “focus.” Keeping backpacks, shoes, school papers, and other frequently used items in the same place can also reduce unnecessary frustration.

Communication between parents and teachers is important. Teachers may notice patterns that are difficult to see at home, while parents can share strategies that work well for their child. Classroom accommodations may include preferential seating, reduced distractions, written instructions, movement breaks, extra organizational support, or additional time when appropriate.

Treatment for ADHD should be individualized. Behavioral strategies, parent training, school-based supports, and counseling can all play important roles. Healthy habits such as adequate sleep, regular physical activity, good nutrition, and limiting excessive screen time may also improve overall functioning. Medication is another effective treatment option for many children. Stimulant medications, including methylphenidate- and amphetamine-based medicines, are commonly used and have been studied extensively.

Non-stimulant medications are also available and may be appropriate for some patients. Medication decisions should be made carefully with a healthcare provider, with regular follow-up to monitor effectiveness, appetite, sleep, growth, blood pressure, and possible side effects. Medication is not the right answer for every child, but for some students it can make a substantial difference in their ability to learn and function. It is also important to remember that not every energetic, distracted, or forgetful child has ADHD. Poor sleep, anxiety, learning difficulties, stress, and other medical or developmental concerns can cause similar symptoms. A proper evaluation looks at a child’s behavior over time and in more than one setting.

Children with ADHD are not defined by their diagnosis. With appropriate support, structure, and treatment when needed, they can thrive academically, socially, and personally. As another school year begins, patience, communication, and consistency can go a long way toward helping every child succeed.

- Dr. Biggers

Backpacks, Bedtimes, and Better School Days

Welcome back to the BCMC Public Health Series. I’m Dr. Russell Gregory, and I’m glad to be with you again as we continue talking about health topics that matter to our families and our community. School is back in session, which means families are settling back into alarm clocks, backpacks, homework, practices, and the daily challenge of getting everybody where they need to be on time.

But there is one part of the school routine that is easy to overlook: Sleep. We spend a lot of time making sure our children have the right school supplies, the right clothes, and everything they need for class. But one of the most important things we can send them to school with is a brain and body that have had enough rest.

How Much Sleep Do Kids Actually Need?
Usually more than we think. Children ages six to 12 generally need 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night, while teenagers need about eight to 10 hours. That can sound like a lot, especially when you start working backward from the time the alarm goes off.

If a child has to wake up at 6:30 in the morning, going to bed at 10:30 or 11:00 simply may not leave enough time for adequate sleep. And teenagers are not exempt. Teens still need a significant amount of sleep even though their schedules often become busier with school, sports, jobs, friends, and phones.

Why Does Sleep Matter So Much?
Sleep is not just downtime. While children sleep, their brains and bodies are doing important work. Adequate sleep supports attention, learning, memory, mood, behavior, and overall health. Poor sleep can show up as difficulty concentrating, irritability, daytime sleepiness, poor school performance, and behavioral changes. Sometimes a child who seems unusually moody, inattentive, or difficult in the morning may not need another lecture. They may need another hour of sleep.

Getting Back Into the School Routine
Now that school has started, many families are finding out just how difficult it can be to get everyone back on a consistent schedule. After a summer of later nights and later mornings, children may still be struggling to fall asleep early enough to get the rest they need before that morning alarm goes off. At this point, consistency is key. Try to keep bedtime and wake-up time as predictable as possible, including on weekends when you can. Avoid letting a difficult week lead to dramatically later bedtimes over the weekend, which can make Monday morning even harder. It may take a little time for everyone to settle back into the school-year rhythm, but a consistent routine usually makes mornings—and school days— much easier.

The Phone May Be Part of the Problem
For many families, the biggest bedtime battle is no longer the television. It is the phone. A child may technically be “in bed” at 10:00 but still be watching videos, texting friends, scrolling through social media, or playing games much later. One simple rule can make a big difference: bedtime should also mean bedtime for the phone. Consider charging phones and tablets somewhere outside the bedroom overnight. That removes the temptation to check one more notification, watch one more video, or respond to one more message. And parents, this is one of those areas where our example matters too.

Make Sleep Part of the Routine
Good sleep does not have to involve anything complicated. Try to keep bedtime and wake-up times reasonably consistent. Give children time to wind down before bed. Keep the bedroom quiet and comfortable, and avoid turning bedtime into another hour of screen time. For younger children, a predictable routine—bath, brushing teeth, a book, then bed— can help signal that the day is ending. Older children and teenagers may need a little more independence, but they still benefit from structure.

What If Your Child Is Still Struggling?
Occasional trouble sleeping is common. But if your child consistently has difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, getting up in the morning, concentrating during the day, or adjusting to a healthy routine despite your best efforts, there may be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Sleep difficulties can sometimes be associated with anxiety, ADHD, mood concerns, stress, behavioral issues, sleep disorders, or other medical conditions. Sometimes what first appears to be simply a bedtime problem is a sign that we need to look a little deeper. If your child is struggling, make an appointment with us at the BCMC Rural Health Clinic. We would be happy to help. In addition to evaluating your child’s overall health and sleep concerns, our behavioral health specialist, Tiffany Wargo, is able to provide further insight and individualized recommendations on a case-by-case basis, as needed. Every child is different, and sometimes figuring out why a child is struggling is the most important step toward helping them succeed.

Bottom Line
Now that school is underway, we are asking a lot from our children. We ask them to wake up early, pay attention, learn new information, remember assignments, behave appropriately, participate in activities, and do it all again the next day. Giving them enough sleep will not solve every problem, but it gives them a much better starting point. So while you are checking backpacks, homework, and tomorrow’s schedule, take a look at bedtime too. Because better school days may start long before the first bell rings.

BCMC Rural Health Clinic: Where Healthcare Close to Home Matters

— Dr. Russell Gregory

Too Hot to Handle: Recognizing Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Welcome back, everyone. It's Dr. Biggers with BCMC Rural Health Clinic. Due to the recent heat wave we’ve been experiencing here in South Arkansas, I thought it would be pertinent to discuss how to recognize and treat heat-related injuries.

During the summer, sweating and feeling tired after working outdoors may seem normal. However, heat-related illness can develop quickly while mowing, farming, working construction, playing sports, or simply spending too long outside. Recognizing the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke could save a life.

Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses too much water and salt through heavy sweating. Warning signs include weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps, heavy sweating, and cool, pale, or clammy skin. A person may also have a fast pulse or feel as though they might pass out.

Anyone showing these symptoms should stop physical activity and move to an air-conditioned building or shaded area. Loosen unnecessary clothing and cool the person with wet towels, fans, or a cool shower. If the person is awake and able to swallow normally, have them slowly sip cool water or an electrolyte-containing drink.

Seek medical attention if the person is vomiting, symptoms are worsening, or they do not improve within about an hour. Heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke if it is not treated.

Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. It occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature. Signs may include a body temperature of 103–104°F or higher, confusion, unusual behavior, slurred speech, severe headache, loss of coordination, seizures, or unconsciousness. The skin may be hot and either dry or sweaty.

Call 911 immediately if heat stroke is suspected. Move the person into the shade or air conditioning and begin cooling them while help is on the way. Remove excess clothing and use cool water, wet towels, fans, or ice packs around the neck, armpits, and groin. Do not force fluids into someone who is confused, unconscious, or unable to swallow safely.

Prevention
Heat illness is often preventable. Drink water regularly rather than waiting until you feel thirsty. Take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning, wear lightweight clothing, and avoid the hottest part of the day when possible. Older adults, young children, outdoor workers, athletes, and people with chronic medical conditions require additional caution.

Certain medications can also increase your risk of heat-related illness, including diuretics, commonly called water pills, beta-blockers, and some allergy and psychiatric medications. If you take daily medications, talk with your healthcare provider about whether you need to take extra precautions in the heat.

Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle, even for a short time. Temperatures inside a car can rise dangerously within minutes, even with the windows cracked.

Most importantly, pay attention to your body and the people around you. Confusion or altered behavior in the heat should never be dismissed as someone simply “getting too hot.” Treat it as an emergency.

If you have questions, come see us at BCMC Rural Health Clinic, located at 304 E. Central Street in Warren. Call (870) 226-8636 to schedule an appointment—walk-ins are always welcome. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

BCMC Rural Health Clinic — Where Healthcare Close to Home Matters

-Dr. B

July 2026: Feeling fine? That’s a great time to see your doctor

Welcome back to the BCMC Public Health Series. I’m Dr. Russell Gregory, and I’m glad to be with you again as we continue talking about health topics that matter to our families and our community.

This week, we’re talking about wellness exams. One of the most common things I hear from patients is, “But I feel fine. Why do I need to go to the doctor?” Well, that is actually the point. Most of us are pretty good at making a doctor’s appointment when something hurts, starts swelling, will not stop coughing, or otherwise demands our attention. But some of the most important reasons to see your doctor do not come with symptoms at all. That is where the wellness exam comes in.

What is a wellness exam?
A wellness exam is about prevention. Instead of asking only, “What is wrong today?” we take a look at the bigger picture. Depending on your age and health history, we may review your blood pressure, weight, medications, family history, lifestyle, mental health, and vaccinations. We also make sure you are up to date on recommended screenings for conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and cancer.

Many serious health problems are quiet in the beginning. High blood pressure does not usually send you a warning letter. High cholesterol does not make your cholesterol hurt. Diabetes can be present for years before someone realizes something is wrong. The goal of a wellness exam is to find the things that may not be waving their hands and asking for attention yet.

Isn’t that what my regular doctor visits are for? Not exactly. A sick visit focuses on something happening right now. You have a sore throat, a urinary tract infection, abdominal pain, a rash, or an injury. We figure out what is wrong and decide what to do about it.

A chronic disease visit focuses on managing a condition you already have. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, COPD, heart disease, or another long-term condition, we may review your numbers, check lab work, refill or adjust medications, and make sure your treatment is working. A wellness exam is different because it looks ahead.

The easiest way to think about it is this: A sick visit asks, “What is wrong today?” A chronic care visit asks, “How are we doing with the conditions you already have?” A wellness visit asks, “What can we do today to keep you healthier tomorrow?” And yes, you may need all three.

You can see your doctor several times a year and still be behind on preventive care. If every appointment is spent talking about your blood sugar, blood pressure, aching knee, or whatever problem brought you through the door that day, it is easy for things like cancer screenings, vaccinations, and other preventive care to get pushed to the side.

Who needs a wellness exam?
Pretty much everyone. Children need wellness visits to make sure they are growing and developing as expected. Adults need preventive screenings throughout life. As we get older, our health risks change, and our preventive care needs change with them.

The exact recommendations are not the same for everyone. Your age, medical history, family history, and individual risk factors all matter. For patients with Medicare, an Annual Wellness Visit may look a little different from a traditional physical. It focuses heavily on identifying health risks and making sure you have a personalized plan for the preventive care you need. The important part is simply making time for prevention, no matter your age.

Why does it matter?
Nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure, and many do not have it under good control. The tricky part is that high blood pressure often causes no symptoms at all. You can feel perfectly fine and still have something going on that deserves attention. Finding high blood pressure before a stroke is better than finding it afterward. Finding diabetes before kidney, eye, or nerve damage develops is better than finding it afterward. Finding cancer early, when the prognosis is better, is better than waiting until symptoms appear. That is really what preventive medicine is all about.

We cannot prevent every illness, and no wellness exam comes with a guarantee that you will never get sick. But we can identify risks earlier, catch problems sooner, and give ourselves a better chance to do something about them.

Bottom line:
Do not wait until your body starts yelling to pay attention to what it may have been whispering. A sick visit helps us take care of what is wrong today. A chronic disease visit helps us manage the health problems you already have. A wellness exam helps us look ahead. So, if you are thinking, “I feel fine,” that might just be the perfect time to schedule a visit with your doctor.

If it has been a while since your last wellness exam, come see us at 304 E Central in Warren, or call (870) 226-8636 for an appointment. Walk-ins are always welcome. BCMC Rural Health Clinic: Where Healthcare Close to Home Matters

— Dr. Gregory

June 2026: Leave the Sunburns to the Tomatoes

Why sunburns matter more than you think
Summers in South Arkansas mean more time outdoors, but that extra sunshine comes with a hidden cost. Sunburns are not just painful — they are a sign of real skin damage that adds up over a lifetime and raises your risk of skin cancer, the most common cancer in the United State.

Research shows that even a single blistering sunburn significantly increases the risk of skin cancer. A history of sunburn can double the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form. And more than 90 percent of melanoma cases are linked to UV radiation from the sun. Sunburns also put you at an increased risk of more common skin cancers such as basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma.

Children are especially vulnerable
Kids’ skin is more sensitive to UV damage, and sunburns during childhood are strongly linked to skin cancer decades later. Despite this, more than half of U.S. high school students report getting sunburned each year.

Simple steps to protect your family
Limit direct sun during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and seek shade. Wear protective clothing — long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) to exposed skin. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating. Avoid tanning beds — they are a known cause of skin cancer.

Protect babies and young children with shade and sun-protective clothing. Sunscreen can be used on children six months and older but avoidance and covering the skin with clothing is always superior to sunscreen.

When to see a doctor
Check your skin regularly for new or changing spots. Remember the “ABCDEs” of melanoma: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving size or shape. If anything looks unusual, see your doctor promptly. Having your physician perform annual skin cancer screening exams is always a good idea.

A few minutes of prevention today can make a big difference tomorrow. Enjoy the sunshine — just do it safely. If you have questions please come see us at BCMC Rural Health Clinic, 304 E Central in Warren. Call 870 226-8636 for an appointment—walk-ins are always welcome. BCMC Rural Health Clinic: Where health care close to home matters.

- Dr. Biggers

May 2026: Pediatric Obesity: Helping Kids Grow Up Healthy — Without Shame

Welcome back to the BCMC Public Health Series. I’m Dr. Russell Gregory, and I’m glad to be with you again as we continue talking about health topics that matter to our families, our community, and our future.

This week, we’re talking about pediatric obesity. This is a common issue, but it can also be a sensitive one. Many parents worry about it. Many kids and teenagers feel embarrassed by it. So, before we talk about BMI, food, exercise, or treatment, I want to start with something important: a child’s weight is not a character flaw, and it is not a parenting report card.

Pediatric obesity is a medical condition. Like any medical condition, it deserves care, honesty, and compassion. About 1 in 5 children and adolescents in the United States have obesity. That does not mean families are failing. It means this is a real health issue affecting real families in every community. The best approach is not shame or blame. It is support, education, and a plan that the whole family can work on together.

What do we mean by pediatric obesity?
In adults, BMI is usually discussed as one number. In children, it works a little differently because kids are still growing. A child’s BMI is compared with other children of the same age and sex on a growth chart.

That comparison is called a percentile. A percentile simply tells us where a child falls compared with 100 children of the same age and sex. For example, if a child is at the 95th percentile, that means their BMI is higher than about 95 out of 100 children in the same group.

A child is generally considered to have obesity when their BMI is at or above the 95th percentile. That number is not meant to embarrass a child or define who they are. It is just one tool we use to see whether a child may be at higher risk for health problems and may need some extra support.

Why does it matter?
This is not about appearance. This is about health. Children with obesity are more likely to develop health problems such as high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, asthma, joint pain, and fatty liver disease. It can also affect mental health. Some children struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, bullying, or unhealthy relationships with food.

The goal is not to make every child look the same. The goal is to help children feel better, move better, sleep better, and grow into healthier adults.

What causes it?
There is almost never one single cause. Genetics can play a role. Family history matters. Sleep, stress, medications, medical conditions, food choices, sugary drinks, screen time, and activity levels can all contribute.

We also have to be honest about the world families are living in. Many parents are working long hours. Healthy food can be expensive. Safe places to play are not always available. Kids are surrounded by screens and advertisements for high-calorie foods.

So, the answer is not as simple as telling a child or parent to “try harder.” A better question is: What small, realistic changes can this family make and keep doing?

What can families do?
The best changes are family changes. Singling out one child usually does not help. In fact, it can make things worse. When the whole household works toward healthier habits together, children are more likely to succeed.

A good place to start is with drinks. Cutting back on soda, sweet tea, sports drinks, energy drinks, and juice can make a big difference. Water and plain milk are better everyday choices.

Meals matter too. Try to build meals around lean protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and high-fiber foods. That does not mean every meal has to be perfect. Nobody eats perfectly all the time. The goal is to make the usual routine a little healthier.

Movement is another big piece. Children and teenagers should aim for about 60 minutes of activity each day. That may sound like a lot, but it does not have to happen all at once. Walking, dancing, biking, playing outside, doing chores, or shooting basketball in the driveway all count.

Sleep matters more than many people realize. Poor sleep can affect hunger, mood, school performance, and weight. A regular bedtime, fewer screens at night, and keeping phones out of the bedroom can help.

And remember, the way we talk about weight matters. Avoid teasing, criticizing, or making weight the center of every conversation. Praise effort. Praise strength. Praise energy, confidence, and healthy choices.

When should you talk with your doctor?
Talk with your child’s doctor if you are concerned about weight gain, snoring, daytime sleepiness, frequent headaches, knee or hip pain, irregular periods, dark thickened skin around the neck or underarms, elevated blood pressure, or a family history of diabetes or heart disease.

Your doctor can review your child’s growth chart, check for related health problems, and help build a plan. Some children may benefit from working with a dietitian, behavioral health specialist, exercise program, or family-based weight management program.

For some adolescents with more severe obesity or related medical problems, medications or even bariatric surgery may be appropriate through specialized care teams. These options are not shortcuts, and they are not for every child. But they do remind us that pediatric obesity is a chronic medical condition, and it deserves real treatment options.

Bottom line:
Pediatric obesity is common, complex, and treatable. Shame does not help children get healthier. Support does. The goal is not a quick fix or a perfect number on the scale. The goal is a healthier child and a healthier family, one step at a time.

If you have concerns about your child’s weight, growth, sleep, eating habits, or activity level, come see us at 304 E Central in Warren. You can call (870) 226-8636 for an appointment. Walk-ins are always welcome. BCMC Rural Health Clinic: Where Healthcare Close to Home Matters

— Dr. Gregory

May 2026: The End of the Line: Colon Cancer Screening

Welcome back to the third installment of the BCMC Public Health Series. I’m Dr. Bradley Biggers, and I am happy to continue this journey with you all toward better health and education.

This week, we’re tackling one of the less glamorous — but most important — topics in medicine: colon cancer screening. Let’s be honest: the colon doesn’t exactly get much appreciation. But it works hard for you every day, and one of the best ways to return the favor is by making sure it stays healthy. That’s where colorectal cancer screening comes in.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The encouraging news is that it is also one of the most preventable cancers. Screening can detect problems early — often before cancer even develops — and early detection saves lives. That’s a pretty good trade for a little inconvenience.

When Should You Get Screened?
If you are 45 years old or older and at average risk, it’s time to start screening. Major health organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, recommend regular screening from ages 45 to 75.

Adults between 76 and 85 should discuss continued screening with their healthcare provider to determine whether it still makes sense for them.

If you have a family history of colon cancer or colon polyps, you may need to begin screening earlier, so be sure to bring that up at your next appointment.

What Are Your Screening Options?
Colonoscopy — Often considered the gold standard. A physician uses a small camera to examine the entire colon. If polyps are found, they can usually be removed during the same procedure before they ever become cancerous. If results are normal, most people only need one every 10 years. Yes, the prep is not anyone’s favorite experience but think of it as a reset button for your insides.

Stool-based tests (FIT or stool DNA tests) — These can be done at home with no sedation and minimal hassle. FIT testing is performed yearly, while stool DNA tests are typically done every three years. If a test comes back positive, a colonoscopy will still be needed for follow-up.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy — Similar to a colonoscopy but examines only the lower portion of the colon. This is generally recommended every five years.

CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) — A specialized CT scan that creates detailed images of the colon and is usually repeated every five years.

The best screening test is ultimately the one that gets done. Any screening is far better than avoiding screening altogether.

“But I Feel Fine.”
That’s exactly why screening matters.

Colorectal cancer often develops silently, without symptoms. Polyps — small growths that can eventually become cancer — usually cause no warning signs at all. Screening allows doctors to find and remove these growths before they ever become dangerous.

What’s Stopping You?
If it’s the prep, modern options are easier than they used to be.

If it’s fear, remember that serious complications from colonoscopy are very rare.

If it’s procrastination, consider this your friendly reminder to stop putting it off.

Talk with your healthcare provider, choose the screening option that works best for you, and take care of it before it becomes a problem.

If you have questions, come see us at BCMC Rural Health Clinic, located at 304 E. Central Street in Warren. Call (870) 226-8636 to schedule an appointment — walk-ins are always welcome.

BCMC Rural Health Clinic — Where Healthcare Close to Home Matters

— Dr. B

April 2026 - Anxiety: When Is It More Than “Just Stress”?

I’m Dr. Russell Gregory, a Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician at the Bradley County Medical Center Rural Health Clinic in Warren. I'm a recent graduate of the UAMS Southwest Family Medicine Residency Program in Texarkana, Arkansas.

A couple weeks ago, Dr. Bradley Biggers opened our Community Health Column with an important discussion about high blood pressure and why it matters. This week, I’d like to continue the conversation by turning to another common but often overlooked health concern: Anxiety.

We all experience stress. Stress is a normal response to life’s pressures—work, finances, family problems, health concerns, or major life changes. Usually, stress is tied to a specific situation and improves when that situation improves. Anxiety is different. Anxiety can linger even when there is no clear danger, feel excessive, be hard to control, and begin to affect your sleep, concentration, energy, and day-to-day life.

What does anxiety feel like?
Anxiety is not just “worrying too much.” It can show up in both the mind and the body. People may notice:
Constant worry
Feeling restless, tense, or on edge
Irritability
Trouble concentrating
Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
Fatigue
Headaches, muscle tension, nausea, dizziness, sweating, a racing heart, or shortness of breath
That is one reason anxiety gets overlooked. Many people think they are simply tired, overworked, or dealing with “just stress,” when in reality anxiety is affecting how they feel physically and emotionally.

When is it more than “just stress”?
It may be time to talk with your doctor if:
The worry feels out of proportion to the situation
You cannot seem to turn it off
It is affecting your sleep, work, school, relationships, or daily routine
You are starting to avoid places, responsibilities, or situations because of fear
The symptoms keep happening even after life has settled down
The worry is hanging around most days for months, not just a bad week or two.

What can help?
The good news is that anxiety is treatable. Treatment may include counseling, therapy, medication, or a combination of these. Many people also improve with better sleep, regular physical activity, limiting caffeine, reducing alcohol, and learning healthier ways to manage stress before it builds up.

Many people wait too long to ask for help because they think they should just push through it. But anxiety is not weakness, and it is not something you have to white-knuckle your way through. Getting help early can make a real difference!

Here at BCMC Rural Health Clinic, we also have an on-site Behavioral Health Provider, Tiffany Wargo, APRN, who is available to help patients who may be struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, and other mental health concerns.

When should you reach out right away?
Talk to your doctor if anxiety is becoming frequent, hard to control, or interfering with daily life. Seek urgent help right away if you are in emotional crisis or having thoughts of self-harm. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by call or text, and it is free and confidential.

Bottom line:
Stress is part of life. Anxiety can be too. But when worry becomes constant, overwhelming, or starts interfering with your ability to live your life, it may be time to seek help.

If you have questions, come see us at 304 E Central in Warren, AR. You can call (870) 226-8636 for an appointment. Walk-ins are always welcome.

BCMC Rural Health Clinic: Where Healthcare Close to Home Matters
— Dr. Gregory

April 2026 - The Silent Killer: Understanding High Blood Pressure and Why It Matters

Welcome! I’m Dr. Bradley Biggers. My colleague, Dr. Russell Gregory, and I are starting a recurring health column to help answer common health questions and improve the health of our community. If you have topics you’d like to discuss, please message us on the BCMC Facebook page. We look forward to bringing you clear, up-to-date, and practical health information. Let’s get started!

High blood pressure—also called hypertension—is often known as the “silent killer.” Why? Because most people feel completely normal, even when their numbers are too high. You can go years without symptoms while it quietly damages your heart, brain, and kidneys.

What is a normal blood pressure?
Here are the numbers you should know:
● Normal: less than 120/80
● Elevated: top number 120–129 and bottom number less than 80
● High blood pressure: 130/80 or higher (on a regular basis)

Why should you care?
High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of:
● Heart attacks
● Strokes
● Kidney failure
● Heart failure
● Memory problems later in life

The scary part is—you may feel fine until something serious happens. Both numbers in your blood pressure matter, and even small increases can raise your risk.

Who is at risk?
Anyone can develop high blood pressure, especially as we age. Your risk is higher if you:
● Are overweight
● Eat a lot of salty or processed foods
● Don’t get much physical activity
● Smoke or use tobacco
● Drink alcohol regularly
● Have a family history of high blood pressure
● Have too many kids (this is a joke I just added for myself)

What can you do about it?
The good news: high blood pressure is treatable—but you have to know your numbers.

Check your blood pressure at home, at the pharmacy, or at your doctor’s office. Write it down. If you’re not checking it, you’re flying blind.

These simple steps can lower your blood pressure by 5–8 points or more:
● Cut back on salt
Most salt comes from packaged and restaurant foods—not the saltshaker. Cook more at home and read labels when you shop. Trade canned goods for frozen items instead
● Move your body
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week. A 30-minute walk most days is a great place to start.
● Lose weight if needed
Even losing 5–10 pounds can make a difference. Every 2 pounds lost can lower blood pressure by about 1 point.
● Eat a heart-healthy diet
Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. The DASH diet is a proven way to lower blood pressure.
● Limit alcohol
No more than 1 drink per day for women or 2 for men. Less is even better.

Do you need medication?
Many people do—and that’s okay. High blood pressure often runs in families, and lifestyle changes alone aren’t always enough.

If you’re prescribed medication, take it every day—even when you feel fine. Remember: it only works if you take it.

When should you worry?
● If your blood pressure is consistently 130/80 or higher, talk to your doctor.
● If you ever see 180/120 or higher, this is an emergency—seek care immediately.

Bottom line
High blood pressure doesn’t have to lead to serious problems—but only if you take it seriously.

Check it. Track it. Treat it.

If you have questions, come see us at 304 E Central in Warren. Call (870) 226-8636 for an appointment—walk-ins are always welcome.

Let’s learn and grow together.

BCMC Rural Health Clinic: Where Healthcare Close to Home Matters

—Dr. B