president’s message We all enjoy laughter, but did you know it can also help you stay healthy and fight disease? With its ability to relieve stress and lower blood pressure, laughing can help us cope with life’s setbacks. Laughter therapy is being used in more hospitals as a complement to medicine in treating severe illness. In our cover story, Randolph Walker explores this trend and gives you ideas for adding more laughter to your own life! When someone you love is ill, you want to help in any way possible. Botetourt teacher Bruce Ingram found an unusual way to do that after his wife Elaine was diagnosed with breast cancer. Bruce helped Elaine change her diet to incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and other natural foods. He also encouraged her to exercise more. His account of their success is sure to inspire others. We know that the elderly can suffer complications from the flu, but occasionally young adults do too. Amanda Lovern was only 29 when she suffered respiratory failure and was given a 3 percent chance of surviving a bout with the flu. To save her, Carilion cardiothoracic surgeon W. Scott Arnold, M.D., acted quickly to treat her with ECMO, a new procedure that kept her blood oxygenated and gave her heart and lungs a chance to rest. Alison Weaver tells you her draCarilion Clinic President and CEO Nancy Howell matic story. Agee (right) receives the Ann Fralin Award for support of the arts and education from Della In this issue, we also introduce a new column, to be Watkins, executive director of the Taubman written by our very own doctors. Kimberly Dulaney, Museum of Art. The award showcases an original M.D., a family medicine physician in Rocky Mount, sculpture by noted Roanoke artist Betty Branch. launches the column with a not-so-sweet look at sugar. What you may not know is that it’s now being added to many unlikely products, including spaghetti sauce, bread, and processed vegetables. Dr. Dulaney offers tips on how to spot added sugar, and how to eat a balanced diet while also indulging in a sweet treat now and then! Warm regards,
Nancy Howell Agee President and CEO Carilion Clinic
Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital has been identified by Medicare as one of the best hospitals in the country for hip and knee replacement. For more information, go to CarilionClinic.org/ better-than-national.
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