Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Ask an EXPERT
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“I have heard that young men should do selfchecks for testicular cancer. What does that mean?”
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Great question! The testicular self-exam Answer: is not commonly discussed, but is important to know since a proper exam can identify abnormal lesions. Abnormal testicular lumps range from noncancerous lesions including hydroceles, varicoceles, testicular or epididymal cysts, or infections to cancerous lesions such as testicular cancer. Testicular cancer is a common cancer in men between the ages of 20 and 40. With early detection, testicular cancer has a very high cure rate. Performing a self-examination is important for early diagnosis. In general, it is recommended that young men start performing monthly self-exams at puberty. Self-examination is performed by grasping the testicle and gently rolling it between your fingers and thumb to feel for abnormal lumps or bumps. Each testicle should be examined separately. It is important to know that testicular masses may not be painful. The best time to perform the exam is usually during a bath or shower. If you feel any firm areas or any discrepancies between both testicles, then you should immediately see your primary care provider or a urologist for a formal evaluation. While many of these lesions are not cancerous, early detection of testicular cancer is crucial for having a great prognosis.
“I have heard your community is offering a new technology to assist your resident in memory care. Can you tell me more?”
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Absolutely! We are excited about this new Answer: program and are getting such positive engagement from our residents. Both of our communities in NWA, Village on the Park—Bentonville and Rogers have been exploring a new program called, “It’s Never 2 Late” or (IN2L). This innovative touchscreen system is designed specifically for older adults, regardless of their physical or cognitive ability. IN2L’s media library offers over 4,000 social, educational, and gaming options. It’s much more than a touchscreen computer. Our Director of Life Enrichment personalizes each resident’s Life History to create positive content that assists everyone with successful engagement—including resident’s family members. Content includes information such as puzzles, music selections, interactive games, trivia, and spiritual experiences. It also provides opportunities to Skype with family members anywhere in the world! All content is monitored to ensure that it is appropriate. We’ve encountered great success with this technology with our Memory Care Neighborhood. Even our Independent and Assisted Living Residents appreciate the benefits of this program. It’s portable and user friendly, allowing everyone to experience IN2L! If you would like more information about how IN2L is being utilized at Village on the Park—Bentonville or Rogers, please call or schedule a tour today! Also visit, www.in2l.com to learn about this technology! this technology!
“My mother doesn’t drive anymore and I am not always available to take her to her appointments and events. She needs help getting places and just getting out of the house, even just for lunch or an outing. Also, she is sensitive about being seen with someone in a “nurse’s uniform.” Can you help?”
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Absolutely. A caregiver can be hired to Answer: drive your mom to appointments, shopping, errands and outings on a regular or an as-needed basis. Getting out of the house can contribute to a positive outlook and keeping a person connected with the world. It can also help relieve stress for you, and give your mom a new sense of independence and company when getting out and about, without having to ask for help. A caregiver can wear regular clothes if the client prefers, and can become a companion and friend, as well as a helper. The advantage of in-home care is that it can be customized to the needs of the client. An agency can help you find the exact level of assistance you are looking for. If you have further questions, please feel free to call us for a free, no obligation consultation on caregiving assistance. Contact our Fayetteville office at 2208 Main Dr., (479) 587-9551; or our Rogers office at 104 N. 37th St., (479) 636-7700.
“Justin, my husband and I just moved to Arkansas from New York. We had wills and power of attorney documents prepared several years ago while we were there. Do we need a new plan now that we live in Arkansas?”
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I’m glad to hear that you have some Answer: estate planning documents currently in place, and I’m happy to be able to tell you that your documents are not invalid just because you moved from one state to another. However, I would recommend that you speak with an attorney in Arkansas to make sure that your documents actually still do what you want them to do. After several years pass, and especially after a big move like you’ve experienced, it is possible that some modifications and updates could be in order. More importantly, you only mentioned having a will and power of attorney documents. Many people don’t realize that a will still has to go through probate court. Probate is very costly, time consuming, public, and stressful. Many people in Arkansas choose a living trust as their primary estate-planning document instead of a will. Probate is not as costly and difficult in some states as it is in Arkansas, so it is very common for us to meet new Arkansans with wills instead of trusts. Call today and set up a no-charge strategy session to find out how we can help. To learn more, check out our website, ElrodFirm.com.