ALT Medical Guide Summer 2012 by ALT Magazine

An Impressive Ambassador Savannah McLaughlin, Arkansas Childrenâ€™s Hospital Ambassador for 2012

Summer 2012 33

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SUMMER 2012 /contents

k / COVER

An Impressive Ambassador

F E AT U R E S 38

An Impressive Ambassador

Ouch!

Danger in the Dorms!

RRFCU Mortgage Department

Savannah McLaughlin has been named an ACH (Arkansas Children’s Hospital) Ambassador for 2012, the 100th Birthday year for this birthplace of miracles in Little Rock, AR.

Swimmers Ear

HELPFUL INFO 50

Financial Focus

The True Light

Resource Guide

Publisher and Editor / Debbie Brower Associate Editors / Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson Photography / Image Forward Photography, Debbie Brower, Jaclyn Gooding, Miranda Johnson, Rozana Page

Sales & Marketing Manager / Charlie McMurphy

Swimming Fun...or not...

Swimmers ear can be very painful. Check out our tips! 36

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Feature Writers / Jane Bouterse, Anne Fruge

w w w. a l t - m a g . c o m

info@alt-mag.com 200 Heather Dr., Texarkana, TX 75501 (903) 334-9605

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July 2012

By Jane Bouterse

She almost bounces when she walks through the familiar College Hill Elementary School hallways. Obviously, the polished floors and walls covered with pictures and the colorful creativity of children provide her a comfortable space. She is Savannah McLaughlin, a sprightly nine year old whose short, naturally curly, dark blonde hair frames her small, smiling face. Savannah is 48 inches tall, weighs 52 pounds and has bright green eyes that seem to capture every detail of the space she occupies. She is a busy third grader who likes drawing, coloring and painting in art, enjoys reading and participating in plays and finds math fun. Her art work can be admired online at www. artsonia.com, the Kids Art Museum which displays K-12 artwork from kids all over the world. Selections can be viewed, favorites chosen and even purchased, if desired. As for reading, Savannah relishes magic fairy books. Because Savannah and her family, grandparents Donna and Ken McLaughlin, often visit Gulf Shores, Alabama, and the sea life found there, she has fallen in love with dolphins. “They are really kind,” Savannah explains, “and they have a blow hole and squirt water. They are fun.” Kindness is an easily detectable characteristic of this child. When she was five years old, her curly locks reached her waist until she happened to see a picture of St. Jude Children with no hair. When Donna explained they had lost their hair because of cancer, Savannah volunteered to have 12 inches of her hair cut for Locks of Love. The change in her own hair is still evident. No matter, Savannah moves on. Near the end of her school year, Savannah and her third grade classmates staged a play about immigration. She played a German and learned to say “Guten Tag!” meaning, “Good morning!,” “Good day!”, or “Good afternoon!” “That sounds so funny,” Savannah laughs but adds. “I said, ‘This country rings. It brings freedom to all its immigrants.’” Then she joined in the singing of “This Land is Your Land.” Savannah admits she enjoyed the opportunity to perform, but “it was kinda’ scary.” As she has already discovered, however, these performances are providing her some valuable experience.

Savannah has been named an ACH (Arkansas Children’s Hospital) Ambassador for 2012, the 100th Birthday year for this birthplace of miracles in Little Rock, AR. The ACH website explains that “Arkansas Children’s Hospital, a private, nonprofit institution, is the only pediatric medical center in the state and is one of the largest in the nation. With 316 staffed beds, Arkansas Children’s Hospital is a tertiary care, regional referral center treating children from birth to age 21, who come from every county in Arkansas and many nearby states. “ACH is committed to working with others to achieve high quality, cost-effective, fully accessible services for Arkansas’ most precious resource—our children, without regard to race, religion, or inability to pay.” The children who benefit from the services of Arkansas Children’s Hospital serve as Ambassadors of ACH and tell their stories whenever they have the opportunity. Savannah admits that “I really don’t like talking”-- she would rather be dancing. “I have to talk to a bunch of people at once. I’m really scared about that,” but she never allows her fearful boundary to stop her. She knows making people aware of the wonderful doctors and nurses at ACH is important. This impressive little girl speaks from personal experience. When Savannah was born eight weeks premature in a Little Rock hospital, she was placed in an incubator for eight weeks. She was July 2012

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covered by an air tent with tubes running everywhere, and “no one was allowed to touch me” she reports. The McLaughlins--Donna, an Inspector for the City of Texarkana, TX Health Department, and Ken, then an employee of Gordon’s Jewelers -- maintained a loyal vigil. They arranged their work hours to allow one or the other of them to be by Savannah and her mother’s sides at all times. “We just passed each other on the highway,” Donna observes. Eventually, Savannah was nicknamed Thumper by a friend of Donna’s because one foot of this little one was always –it appeared— maintaining a beat. One day a nurse overheard the Thumper conversation and pulled Donna aside. “Honey, do you realize what’s going on? Savannah is going through withdrawal.” Savannah was born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). According to the Mayo Clinic, “Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)* is a condition that results from alcohol exposure during pregnancy.” Problems may be diagnosed in the initial weeks of a child’s life, months or years later. They can include difficulties with

• • • • • • • • •

Growth Facial features Heart health Hearing Vision Cognitive ability Language development Motor skills Behavior

*Although doctors aren’t sure how much alcohol you’d have to drink to place your baby at risk, they do know that the more you drink, the greater the chance of problems. Because there’s no known safe amount of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, don’t drink alcohol if you are or think you are pregnant or you’re attempting to become pregnant. You could put your baby at risk even before you realize you’re pregnant. www.bing.com/health/article/mayo-MADS00184/Fetal-alcohol-syndrome

As Savannah’s condition became more evident, The McLaughlins—who had cared for her since birth—took steps to gain custody of the child. At two months the papers were signed, and Savannah had the stable home she desperately needed, while Donna and Ken found themselves “former” Empty Nesters. The day they came home with Savannah, Ken and Donna had not only a newborn but also an apnea monitor to monitor her breathing, all the usual baby apparatus along with the promise of sleep-deprived nights. The journey on which they embarked promised and continues to be a challenging one. Yet all appeared to be off to a fairly smooth start. During a routine check-up of two-year old Savannah, a visiting doctor from Arkansas Children’s Hospital noticed she had a heart murmur. Heart murmurs are extra sounds the blood makes as it moves through the heart. They can be “innocent” and outgrown or “advanced” and dangerous. Immediately, she was referred to the Cardiology Clinic at ACH, and tests confirmed the murmur—a not surprising effect of fetal alcohol syndrome. Plans for an every six month examination were implemented and remain in place.

“’From our very first time at the hospital, we felt like everyone went out of their way to treat us with kindness and respect,” writes Donna. 40

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The years passed. Savannah’s medical issues seemed defined and under control. Her mind was sharp; there were no facial or physical deformities or many of the other FAS consequences the McLaughlins had been cautioned might develop. However, at age six, Savannah was still in 3T clothes. Her pediatrician became concerned when she remained on the lowest percentile on each growth chart. Ultimately at ACH, she was diagnosed with another boundary to her health-- failure-to-thrive-syndrome, a consequence of FAS. A test of the pituitary gland, often called the “Master Gland” located between the base of the skull and the optic nerve, was in order. The pituitary gland controls many of the body’s functions, including the hormones responsible for growth. The test began at 6 a.m. and required Savannah to be very still. First, she was given meds to make her sweat. At the end of each hour, the nurses returned to measure how much sweat the gland had generated. This procedure was repeated throughout the day, so by 7 p.m. when the testing finally ended Savannah was hungry, tired and very irritable. Donna reports, “The nurses were all so kind and patient with her. It was great.” The pituitary test also revealed a cyst/ tumor at the base of Savannah’s brain stem. That discovery required that a seven year old Savannah have an MRI. For two hours, she had to lie perfectly still as the test, administered via her bottom, was being given. Nurses consistently encouraged her, “You’re doing so good, Savannah.”

The excitement for Savannah? “I got to listen to Hannah Montana in the big tunnel I got in for my MRI.” The tests confirmed that Savannah’s pituitary gland was not functioning at all. The MRI revealed what currently appears to be a fluid-filled cyst at the base of her brain stem. “Sometimes I can feel it,” Savannah says. Two problems identified; two solutions sought. There was no first and second, but concurrent solutions had to begin. The failure-to-thrive-syndrome has been addressed with hormone shots which Savannah now administers to herself. The shots must be given daily—no skipping on this one, so the medicine (which must be refrigerated) goes wherever Savannah goes. She describes the procedure matter of factly. She uses a pen (much like the pen diabetics can use). The area, usually her thigh, for the shot is swabbed with alcohol; the needle is attached to the pen, then the protective cover removed. Next the medication dosage, 1.0 is dialed. “Then you just take action,“ Savannah says. “Stick. Press the button/cap all the way down; count to 7, then take it out. One time Nana forgot and counted to 10. I was screaming.” Savannah shrugs her shoulders as she explains that her friends are really not that impressed by her shots. “Well, OK, I’ll watch you,” they say. Initially, Savannah was told she would need the shots at least until age 13, but on her last visit to ACH the age was raised to, probably, 17. According to Donna, “When Savannah began taking the shots, they did wonders for her. Although she is still small for her age, she has grown taller and gained weight.” “I don’t want to be fat,” Savannah reminds her Nana, who smiles and shakes her head. As for the cyst/tumor? The doctors are watching it, but their best barometer is Savannah’s dance which she thoroughly enjoys. She studies jazz, ballet and tap with Miss Julie Aultman at Judith McCarty School of Dance. There is no doubt that jazz is Savannah’s favorite as she jumps up from her chair and moves everything that is movable in her young body. “Jazz has lots of different moves,“ she explains—and she seems to know them all. Doctors know if the tumor begins to change that Savannah will be limited in her ability

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to move—no running or walking and no coordination. More drastic actions will then be in order. Although Donna and Ken have been “totally honest” with Savannah about her medical problems and included her in discussions of both diagnosis and treatment, they have also succeeded in creating for her a “normal” life. Savannah knows some choices she cannot make, like participation in robust athletics or ever consuming any alcohol. Children born with FAS can never take a drink. Alcohol for them is like holding a loaded gun to their bodies and pulling the trigger. Savannah also understands the importance of eating properly and making certain that she receives her medication. Otherwise, her life revolves around the “usual.” She enjoys good times spent with her friends Mackenzie Parker, Faith McGregor and Morgan Williams (“Her family is like a family comedy show.”) and Gabby Reed. They like to watch TV and play on Wii—especially Mario Brothers games. American Girl Dolls are fun, too, and Savannah saves her money for special trips to the American Girl store in Dallas. Savannah’s doll is from the Depression, and she understands that she cannot pull her hair or get the skin wet. “You have to be responsible.“ “I clean my room and help Nana with the laundry sometimes,” Savannah explains, as she accounts for the doll money she earns. “I load and unload the dishwasher. One time I didn’t do it all and Nana got half of my allowance.” Donna listens and smiles a knowing smile. Savannah realizes that whatever rules exist they are for her own good, but sometimes rules are hard. “I have $127 right now, but I can’t take it all to the American Girl store because I have to go on vacation, too.” “She’s tight,” Donna adds. “She will spend your money sooner than she spends hers.” Donna and Savannah obviously have a healthy relationship. Apparently the McLaughlins have defined Savannah’s boundaries clearly but do not prohibit her from attempting to move beyond them, hard as that may be. Savannah is dealing with the challenges of growing up in addition to the imposition of medical problems created for her by her mother’s choices. The paths all of the family must walk are not easy. As Donna acknowledges, the ACH support groups, especially the Circle of Friends, have been an invaluable source of strength and information, while “Our church has gone over and above ‘in support of the family—a trying time but a blessing time,’” according to Donna. “I’d do it again.” Meanwhile, “Savannah continues to visit the ACH Endocrinology Clinic, and she is seen by the Cardiology Clinic as needed.

When she is older, she wants to attend the University of Arkansas and become a doctor at ACH, so she can help real babies.” In the interim, Savannah—talking and dancing and learning-- is serving as an Impressive Ambassador for the Arkansas Children’s Hospital. 42

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Smallest Miracles... Most Experienced Hands...

Arkansas Children’s Hospital, a private, nonprofit institution, is the only pediatric medical center in the state and is one of largest in the nation. With 316 staffed beds, Arkansas Children’s Hospital is a tertiary care, regional referral center treating children from birth to age 21, who come from every county in Arkansas and many nearby states. Arkansas Children’s Hospital is a place where our society’s most vulnerable and wounded —whether by birth, accident or fate—experience miracles every day. “Every gift, large or small, helps Arkansas Children’s Hospital make sick kids better. When you give to ACH, whether it be of your time, talent or resources, you help us to provide care, love and hope for children who come through our doors seeking the very best in medical care. Giving to ACH is an investment in the future—theirs AND yours.”

Contributions are always welcome and can be made in a number of ways:

• • • •

Donate online – use your credit card Donate by Mail – ACH Foundation/ 1 Children’s Way, Slot 661/ Little Rock, AR 72202 Donate by Phone – Call 501-364-1476 to make a credit card donation by phone Other Ways to Give – Check out www.giving.archildrens.org

There are so many in Texarkana who benefit from and contribute to Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Please join them and all of those children who deserve a chance to live healthy lives! Savannah, with the help of ACH and Donna and Ken McLaughlin, attempts to move Beyond the Boundaries which seek to bind her. These three continue to show how caring is so important and takes a great deal of courage—a lesson for us all.

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Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the ear canal. Normally, If you stick your finger in your ear, you’re feeling a little of the ear canal. But if you have swimmer’s ear, and you stick your finger in your ear — OUCH! It can be red and very sore! Swimmer’s ear — also called otitis externa (say: o-ty-tus ek-stur-nuh) — is different from a regular ear infection. Swimmer’s ear happens when bacteria grow in the ear canal, which is a passageway to the eardrum. In that canal, you’ll find delicate skin that’s protected by a thin coating of earwax. Most of the time, water can run in and out of the ear canal without causing a problem. For instance, you don’t usually get swimmer’s ear from taking baths or showers. Bacteria get a chance to grow when water stays in the ear canal and it washes away the protective coating of earwax. Excessive swimming can wash away the protective wax and lead to lingering wet conditions in the ear canal. Bacteria grow, and the ear canal gets red and swollen.

How to Identify Swimmer’s Ear Swimmer’s ear may start with some itching, but try not to scratch because this can worsen the infection. Ear pain is the most common sign of swimmer’s ear. Even touching or bumping the outside of the ear can hurt. The infection also could make it harder to hear with the infected ear because of the swelling that happens in the ear canal. If you think you or your child may have Swimmer’s ear, you should see your doctor. It is likely that antibiotic eardrops will be prescribed. Follow the doctor’s orders, and take plenty of time for the infection to completely heal before getting back in the water. The healing process can sometimes take as long as a week to ten days.

Preventing Swimmer’s Ear Simply put, Swimmer’s ear can be avoided by keeping water out of our ears. Fortunately, that doesn’t mean that your kids can’t swim and enjoy the water. Consider an over-the-counter ear drying agent that contains isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) or one with acetic acid and aluminum acetate (Star-Otic). If you prefer to DIY, it is possible to create your own homemade swimmer’s ear prevention solution by mixing equal parts of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar, and putting it in your child’s ears after he or she swims. Another option for keeping water out of your kids’ ears is to use a barrier such as earplugs, earbands or swimcaps. Just be sure to keep an eye out for any ear irritation with the use of these water barriers. 46

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Rethinking The American Dream In A New Economy Investor psychology meets retirement planning in the midst of an economic meltdown. It’s time to re-evaluate the way you make decisions in regard to spending, saving, borrowing and investing. The economic meltdown of 2008 has created an urgent need to rethink everything you thought you knew about money, retirement and even yourself— welcome to Retirementology®. Retirementology examines concepts from the field of behavioral finance. It focuses on helping you understand how your attitudes, emotions and subconscious feelings can sometimes cloud your financial decisions. And the impact of emotional financial decisions could be even more damaging in this new economic climate. Retirementology also challenges the popular notion of a retirement zone, which suggests that the most critical times for planning are the five years before and the five years after retirement. Instead, Retirementology contends that your whole working life is your retirement zone and that every spending decision made from the

time you earn your first paycheck can impact the lifestyle you will lead in retirement. If you are one of the many people who have been impacted by the meltdown, then time is of the essence if you’re going to put together 4 a plan you can feel good about. The good news is that the advisers, products, programs, education, tools and techniques are in place to help you get on track to the retirement you envision. This is Not your Father’s Retirement Future generations of retirees may have more to think about. What your parents were able to count on in retirement might not be there for you. Healthcare Nightmare 8 Your fiscal health can be dramatically affected by your physical health. A couple aged 65 who has Medicare may still need more than $250,000 for healthcare premiums and out-of-pocket expenses if they live to an average life expectancy. Social Insecurity The Social Security Administration projects that the program will pay out more than it takes in by 2016, and by 2037, benefits may run out altogether. The Pension Plunge One challenge facing retirees is the decline of traditional pension plans. More and more of the pensions that do exist are at risk. The Pension Guaranty Corporation, the government fund that insures pensions, ran a deficit of $22 billion in 2009. The question is:

“What will you do next?” 1 Doolittle, Hilland, Online Forex Trading, “6600 Foreclosures Per Day,” October 8, 2009. 2 Zoomerang, 210-person survey, March 2, 2010. 3 Workforce Management, “More Employees Borrowing Against 401(k) Plans,” March 20, 2008. Quotes taken from Retirementology focus groups in September 2009. 4 Mark Jewell, Yahoo! Finance, “Retired couples may need $250k for health care,” March 24, 2010. 5 Social Security Administration, “Highlights of Financial Position,” Fiscal Year 2009 Performance and Accountability Report, 2009. 6 Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation press release, “PBGC Releases Annual Management Report for Fiscal Year 2009,” November 13, 2009.

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by Anne Fruge

There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. John 1:9

“The best lesson I ever learned is on his life, but he was not ready to yield to stayed in a shabby hotel, and every day how to trust God when you can’t see a way the call. In 1986, Jordan knew that God not we called about apartments,” Jordan says, out,” Reverend Larry D. Jordan says. “I’ve only wanted to help him in his personal life, “but, we had no rental history or money for known tough times. I’ve felt helpless and but also use his experiences to help others. a large sum per month, and I was feeling like there wasn’t a way out, but if you can He gave his life to the ministry, preached his helpless. I had trusted God when I took the trust God, then He will bring you through it.” first sermon, and has been preaching ever job, and I felt like He wasn’t providing for Jordan grew up in the small town since. me. I finally threw up my hands and said, of McGehee, Arkansas, where his mother, “I never had any formal seminary ‘God I’m tired.’ Not soon after, one of the Ella May Jordan, always made sure her training,” Jordan says. “I learned from other apartment owners called and said, ‘You five boys were in church on know, when I first moved Sunday. here, someone took a “As a kid, chance on me and “This to me is what ministry is all about: coming up in a single gave me a place to parent home with stay, and I’m going to meeting the needs of others. I want my life to five kids, things were do that for you.’ We already tough, but my moved in the next be remembered because I tried to reach and help mother was a great week, and I learned people become the best they can be. I don’t want role-model,” Jordan that I had to continue says. “With no help, to trust God when I to see them just satisfied with their life, I want she made sure we had couldn’t see a way clothes and food. She out.” them to excel.” Reverend Larry D. Jordan worked hard and rose After three up early and showed us years in Dallas at every single day that she the Ben Washington cared about us. She taught us Baptist Church, God sent that regardless of circumstance, you can do pastors, my childhood in church and the Jordan back to McGehee to pastor his anything in the Lord and seeing her live that word of God. Being raised in church really home church, the Bold Pilgrim Missionary out really instilled that in me.” changed my insight into the world, and I Baptist Church. He ministered there until It was in later dark times that began to pray for God to show me ways that July 1990 when he accepted a job at St. Jordan came to rely on the philosophy that He could use me.” James Missionary Baptist Church where he Ella May taught her boys. Jordan was born However, just because he has served for nineteen years this month. with cataracts and had to wear thick glasses surrendered his life to ministry doesn’t mean His move to Texarkana and position in to see normally. He carried his family’s that Jordan did not continue to face trials the church has allowed Jordan to use his circumstances like a shroud and was and tribulations where he had to trust God. passion for reaching young people to start embarrassed of his physical appearance In fact, it was in those times that Jordan several new and innovative ministries in the and hand-me-down clothes. learned some of the most important lessons. community. “I thank my mother for raising me Jordan felt God leading him to a One of the ministries that Jordan in church. You know, God says that if you job in Dallas after graduation from college. is most proud of is Boys to Men, a program train up a child in the way he should go He had never driven in a city before, so he that seeks to help encourage young men then he will not stray from it,” Jordan says. asked a friend to drive him for the interview. to be productive in society and school. Dr. “I remember having thoughts of suicide, and After getting the job at Allied Marketing, Cook, Jordan’s eye doctor, told him about I let God minister to me. I think that’s why I Jordan moved to Dallas. However, when he a program at their church to help foster have a heart for young people. I remember arrived, he had no place to stay and every and mentor young men, and Jordan saw what it was like to be looked down on, and I apartment seemed out of his “country boy” the vast importance of such a program in want to help kids realize how much they can price range. Jordan and his friend would their community. Now, boys from ages 2-17 overcome when they trust in God.” leave the parking lot from work, then circle gather on Mondays from 6-7 p.m. to go over After graduating high school in back around and park so they could sleep in Biblical lessons about attitude, behavior, and McGehee, Jordan attended University of our car. respect for themselves and authority. Arkansas in Pine Bluff and felt God’s calling “After we made a little money, we “I believe this ministry is vital to our 52

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community because in today’s time, a lot of young men need role models,” Jordan says. “Young men get the idea that church is just for women, but we try to show them how to become men of God. I tell them, you can do some things in life, but with God you can do more.” The young ladies group, Christian Charmers, is led by his wife to help teach young women to respect themselves and lead the lives of Godly women. “At the church and through these ministries, we seek to encourage young men and women in all situations,” Jordan says. “We help instill in them that there will always be someone to help you when you help yourself.” Jordan also sees the importance of teaching Godly values to today’s youth through his work as the I.S.S. instructor at College Hill Middle School. Jordan was specifically asked to take the job by the superintendant because of his rapport with young teens. Jordan wasn’t looking for a full time job on top of his ministerial duties, but he saw another opportunity to reach kids that were not receiving help or support at home. “I ask the kids that come through I.S.S. if they love their parents, and they say that they do,” Jordan says. “But, I tell them that love is an action word. Their parents show them love by bringing them to school, giving them clothes and food and those phones they always have in their hands.

Then, I tell them, how do you show your love for them? By coming to school and getting into trouble? It gets them thinking and helps put them in a new perspective. I seize every opportunity I can to drop a nugget of wisdom into their lives.” It was his work with teens that brought Jordan to a young man, Alex Peoples, that Jordan took under his wing. Jordan worked with him all throughout high school and encouraged him while he attended Arkansas State University. Alex got his degree, a job, his master’s degree and Jordan married him and his wife just a few months ago. “This is the kind of goal that makes me feel like I’ve done something with my life,” Jordan says. “I’ve touched one life. I helped one life move in the right direction. That is how I want to be remembered, especially when I see so many kids who don’t make it. The odds were stacked against Alex, but he still made it through.” A lot of Jordan’s nurturing and encouraging skills come from his experiences as a parent to four kids: Larry Dewayne Jordan Jr., Jennifer Jordan, Darius Blake and Blake Jordan. “My days are long,” Jordan says. “My day starts at 3 a.m. I go to the gym at 4 a.m. then get to school by 6:30. After school, I run home and then spend most evenings in the church for ministry and classes. I couldn’t do it without the support of my family and their belief in our ministry.”

Another community service project that Jordan is passionate about is a coat drive for area schools with the Elbethel Baptist District. Working in the schools has allowed Jordan to see kids get off of the bus with their arms tucked into their shirts, cold and without a jacket. “I try to touch them with my encouraging words, but I know that God calls us to fill a physical need as well, and these kids need warmth,” Jordan says. “So, we work with counselors at each campus to get a list of students who would be deserving of a new coat, and we deliver it to them. God says that to be a good receiver, you have to be a good giver, and that applies to all aspects of life. Sometimes to help someone it takes filling a physical need, but other times it’s about giving up your time or talents. We all have some way that we could get involved in our community and help.” Pastor Jordan also leads a marriage class that helps young couples strengthen their marriage and deal with each other. “A marriage is not a match made in heaven,” Jordan says, “It’s about two people trying to become one, and that takes a lot of work, mentoring and Christian example.” Though he has a lot on his plate, Jordan also hopes to start a new ministry over the summer that encourages young people to work out. Physical fitness is already a passion for Jordan, and he says that kids run up to him and ask to “see his muscles.” “It sparks a conversation because they want to know where I work out and why,” Jordan says. “I teach them that health is important. You function better in all areas if you are in better health. A lot of these kids can’t do PE because they have diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. We want to encourage them to exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout their lives.” In order to see the health initiative ministry get off the ground, Jordan needs weights and machines that people would be willing to donate for him to set up a training room at the church. Jordan imagines that they could meet for one hour a day, three to four days a week to work out. “If you really want to reach kids, you’ve got to do things that they like doing,” Jordan says. “Kids at this age are fascinated with working out and getting muscles. But, this is also a time for us to train them and teach them about frustration, having a positive mind, getting away from the “I can’t” attitude. Frustration and “I can’t” follows them in the classroom, sports and at home, but by using the weights we can talk about how to deal with these things.” “This to me is what ministry is all about: meeting the needs of others. I want my life to be remembered because I tried to reach and help people become the best they can be. I don’t want to see them just satisfied with their life, I want them to excel.” July 2012

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Dangers in the Dorms...

Heading off to college is an exciting time, but there are some things you should be prepared to prevent. Meningitis

freshman out of the game during their first semester.

it is advised to find new living arrangements as soon as possible.

Colds and flu

Athlete’s foot

The petri dish of a dorm room is the perfect breeding ground for the flu (normal and swine) and the common cold. These respiratory conditions are passed through vapor droplets, infecting everything they touch, such as a desktop or the remote control.

When it comes to a shared shower, flipflops are the way to go. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot thrives in warm and wet environments, like the shower or locker room. These infections are especially prominent in communal areas because anyone could have it.

How to avoid Meningitis: Students should prepare for college by getting a meningitis vaccination. It is also important to wash their hands frequently, wipe down countertops and other shared surfaces, avoid close contact with someone who is sick, eat healthy and get plenty of sleep.

How to avoid Colds and Flu: Hand-washing is your best bet against colds and flu. Try to steer clear of friends who are sick, and consider wearing a face mask during a campus outbreak of the flu.

How to avoid Athlete’s foot: Wear flip-flops in communal showers and hallways. Make sure to dry in between the toes to prevent fungal growth.

Mono

Students needn’t worry about a little mildew on the shower curtain, but mold infestation— in walls, for example—can be extremely hazardous to your health, particularly for those with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions.

Sharing tiny dorm rooms and walking the halls with hundreds of other students is a surefire way to spread the germs that cause bacterial meningitis, a serious and potentially fatal infection that affects the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Like the flu, bacterial meningitis can be spread through saliva (by kissing or drinking after one-another, for example).

Mononucleosis, also known as “the kissing disease,” can be a nightmare for some college students. It can put them in bed for four to six weeks! However, others might not even realize they have it. Unlike the airborne flu, mono is usually passed on through close contact like kissing or sharing drinks. How to avoid Mono: Avoid mouth-tomouth contact and constantly wash hands. Recovering from mono usually means weeks of bed rest, which can really put a new

Mold

How to handle Mold: Mold thrives in warm, wet conditions, so small-scale cases typically can be prevented by keeping clothes, bathrooms, and kitchen areas dry. However, if you notice signs of a dorm-wide infestation—such as a diffuse mildewy smell,

Bedbugs These tiny, blood-sucking bugs are not unusual on campus. Bedbug infestations require professional help and are expensive to treat, but they are even harder to prevent. While pests that thrive on uncleanliness can be avoided by sealing food containers and minimizing clutter, bedbug infestations can occur for no apparent reason. How to avoid Bedbugs: Avoiding used furniture and carefully checking luggage after traveling may help prevent an infestation. If you or your dormmates already have bedbugs, washing linens in hot water and using mattress covers may keep bedbugs from spreading.

RRFCU Mortgage Department Hosts Hawaiian Luau and Ice Cream Social RRFCU Mortgage Department held a Hawaiian luau and ice cream social on June 19th in the Mortgage Department on Summerhill Road. Realtors were taken to a Hawaiian oasis and received a Lei as they entered and had a feast on an Ice Cream Sundae bar. Realtors from through the Texarkana area came to hear what RRFCU Mortgage can do for the home buyers, builders, and realtors. Susan Lansdell, Mortgage Manager greeted the guests and thanked them for coming. She started the event off with drawing names to win a Kindle Fire. A draw down was held with 10 contestants. The last 5 contestants did not go home empty handed. They won BBQ tools, Special drink bucket, a RRFCU Canvas Chair, and a summer wall hanging. The last contestant standing won a Kindle Fire. Charlie Magee with Coldwell Banker Realty was the lucky winner. ALT Magazine July 2012 54

During the event, speakers gave valuable information regarding their fields. Speakers talked on various topics such as Home Inspection , Title Work, Insurance, appraisal, and lending. The staff at RRFCU would like to thank all of the realtors for coming out for this event. Photos: 1 - RRFCU Mortgage Staff : Susan LansdellMortgage Administrator, Sara GuernseyReceptionist, Teresa Smith-Underwriter, Anya Patterson-Loan Originator, Jane Richards-Mortgage Loan Originator , Ashley Sutton-Loan Underwriter/Closer, Helen Carter-Loan Processor, Cathy CochranSecondary/Market specialist. 3 - Charlie Magee receiving his Kindle from Susan Lansdell, RRFCU Mortgage Administrator. 2 - Charlie Magee with Coldwell Banker.

99 YEARS OF BANKING FOR THE PEOPLE You choose to bank with Peoples State Bank for life and bring your children and grandchildren for so many reasons. Here is just one.

Reason #29

Let us help pay for the special events in your life...vacation, remodel, or wedding. The possibilities are endless with a personal loan built just for you!

5600 Richmond Rd Texarkana, TX

Member FDIC PeoplesState.com

903-838-2300 July 2012

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Ark-La-Tex Resource Guide Air and Heating Central Air 450 S. Kings Highway Texarkana, TX 75501 903.832.1212 Krause Service Company, Inc. 200 Industrial Blvd. Nash, TX 903.831.3912 Apartments Arista Apartments 3515 Arista Blvd. Texarkana, TX 903.255.7869 Legacy at Pleasant Grove 5911 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 888.763.2676 Richmond Oaks Apartments 2815 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.832.6150

ALT Magazine

July 2012

Summerhill Woods Apartments 4501 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.793.7888

Banks MilWay Credit Union 5001 West 7th Street Texarkana, TX 75501 903.832.2004

Westwood Apartments 101 Redwater Rd. Wake Village, TX 903.832.8446

Peoples State Bank 5600 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.838.2300

Attire Abby Gayle’s 4012 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0088

Red River Federal Credit Union 2700A University Ave. Texarkana, TX 75503 903-735-3000 800-822-3317

Gayle’s 4059 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0056

Texar Federal Credit Union Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.223.5626

Attorneys Allyson Perkins DeCanio, Attorney Tyler, TX 903.469.3307

Texarkana First Bank 3601 East 9th St. Texarkana, AR 870.772.0222 615 Sam Houston Dr. New Boston, TX

3625 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.793.6955

Culinary Creations Pam Elliott 903.831.4674

Wells Fargo Bank 3615 E. 9th St. Texarkana, TX 903.838.1187 1301 Arkansas Blvd. Texarkana, AR 903.223.1545 2900 St. Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.223.3516

Julie’s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.3354

Business Services Pride Enterprises James & Cynthia Pride Texarkana, TX 903.832.5550 Cakes Coldstone Creamery 4228 St. Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.838.2653 Julie’s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.3354 Reception Arts Becky Risinger Ashdown, AR 870.898.5273 Caterers/Private Chef Big Jake’s BBQ 2610 New Boston Rd. Texarkana, TX 903-793-1169 1521 Arkansas Blvd. Texarkana, AR 870-774-0099 603 W. Commerce Hope, AR 870-777-1000 170 N. Constitution Ave. Ashdown, AR 870-898-2227

Sugar & Spice Catering Shari Frachiseur 903.276.4389 Twisted Vines Florist and Cafe 218 W. Broad St. Texarkana, TX 903-792-2700 Wendy’s 4201 Stateline Avenue Texarkana, TX 2902 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 3737 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 1615 N. Hervey Hope, AR 124 N. Loop Highway 59 Atlanta, TX

Gayle’s 4059 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0056 OMG Lulu 3211 Kennedy Lane Texarkana, TX 903.223.8135 116 Polk St. Jefferson, TX 903.665.8855 Dental/Endodontics Texarkana Endodontics, PA Jason Michel, DDS 1826 Galleria Oaks Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.793.7411 Dry Cleaning Holiday Cleaners Locations throughout Texarkana Area 870.773.4072 Electrical Services Mr. Electric 903.838.0161

Wingstop 2700 Richmond Road, Suite 14A1 Texarkana, TX 903.255.0090 4501 N. State Line, No. 106 Texarkana, TX 903.792.9464

Entertainment CableOne 855-692-4121

Church Highland Park Baptist Church 2401 Hazel St. Texarkana, TX 903.792.6996

Event Locations Garrison Gardens Texarkana, AR 71854 870.773.0275

Clothing Abby Gayle’s 4012 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0088

Legendary Shooting Sports 925 Brower Lane Texarkana, TX 903.334.9605

Regional Arts Center Cabe Hall 321 W. 4th Street Texarkana, TX 75501 903.792.8681

Silvermoon on Broad West Broad at Texas Blvd. Texarkana, TX Texarkana Convention Center Crossroads Busines Park Texarkana, AR Twin Oaks Mansion 903.244.7070

July 2012

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Estate and Garage Sales Somewhere in Time 903.277.3392 903.278.2259 Financial Planner Dustin Stringer Stringer Wealth Management 1620 N. Kings Highway Nash, TX 903.223.0011 Fitness Centers Anytime Fitness Richmond Road 3415 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.794.5348 Lyfe Fitness 819 N. Kings Highway Wake Village, TX 903.832.0133 Florists Ruth’s Flowers 3501 Texas Bllvd. Texarkana, TX 903.793.6711 www.ruthsflowers.net Twisted Vines Florist and Cafe 218 W. Broad St. Texarkana, TX 903-792-2700 58

ALT Magazine

July 2012

Unique Flowers 4801 Loop 245 Texarkana, AR 870-774.1300

Serendipity Salon of Texarkana 4308 Texas Boulevard Texarkana, TX 903.255.0554

Funeral Home Texarkana Funeral Home 4801 Loop 245 Texarkana, AR 870.774.1200 3515 Texas Blvd. Texarkana, TX 903.794.1200

Style Studio Lisa Harris 3201 Kennedy Lane Texarkana, TX 903.223.1719

Chapelwood Funeral Home 1015 N. Kings Highway Nash, TX 903.838.5300 Furniture Oak Creek Furniture 8024 West 7th St. Texarkana, TX 903.832.0793 Gifts Dot’s Ace Hardware 3411 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.838.0059 Hair Care A Total Change 930 N. McCoy Blvd., Suite 6 New Boston, Texas 75570 903-628-6135

Hospice Dierksen Hospice 6500 N. Summerhill Road, Suite 2B Texarkana, TX 903.793.6350 Hospitals Christus St. Michael Health System 2600 St. Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.614.1000 Health South Rehabilitation 515 West 12th St. Texarkana, TX 903.793.0088 Wadley Regional Medical Center 1000 Pine St. Texarkana, TX 903.798.8000

Hotels Best Western Texarkana Inn & Suites 5219 Crossroads Parkway Texarkana, AR 870.774.1534 Clarion Lacross Hotel 5100 N. Stateline Ave. Texarkana, AR 870.774.3521 www.lacrosse-hotel.com Courtyard by Marriott 5001 North Cowhorn Creek Texarkana, TX 903.334.7400 Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott 4209 Mall Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.838.1000 Holiday Inn Express & Suites 4545 Cowhorn Creek Road Texarkana, TX 903.223.0008 TownePlace Suites by Marriott 5020 North Cowhorn Creek Texarkana, TX 903.334.8800

Insurance Farm Bureau Insurance 4413 Morris Lane Texarkana, TX 903.838.8707 911 W. US Highway 82 New Boston, TX 903.628.3451 Greg Cockerell State Farm Insurance 4807 Texas Blvd. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.793.7502 Ron Morrow State Farm Insurance 3306 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.832.5505 Invitations I Do Wedding Favors Debra Jones 903.826.9879 Jewelers Alexander’s Jewelers 3701 Mall Drive Texarkana, TX 903.832.3557 Micah’s Jewelers 2812 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 903.735.2336 Make-up Gayle’s 4059 Summerhill Square Texarkana, TX 903.792.0056 Salon Visage Esthetique Mary Ann Robbins 4506 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.794.4007 Sanctuary Kimberly Parham, M.D. 3502 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.334.8661 Methadone Treatment Arkansas Treatment Services 408 Hazel St. Texarkana, AR 870.774.0421 Photographer Carla Snyder Photography Texarkana, USA 903.244.3553 Image Forward Photography 200 Heather Dr. Texarkana, TX 75501 903.334.9605

July 2012

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Pet Grooming Georgia’s Pet Salon & Boutique 101 Slaton Nash, Texas 903.223.8223 Physicians Advanced Bariatrics 1939 Morres Lane Texarkana, TX 75503 Carmony Oral, Facial and Implant Center 5305 Cowhorn Creek Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.791.8405 Express Care 5483 Summerhill Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.223.5931 Northfield Accupunture 619 E. 6th St. Texarkana, AR 870.772.8622 Vision Source 4401 Morris Lane Texarkana, TX 903.838.9063

ALT Magazine

Plumbing Central Air/Roto Rooter 450 S. Kings Highway Texarkana, TX 75501 903.832.1212 Real Estate Crown Leasing 6500 Summerhill Road Texarkana, TX 903.792.6000 Gerald Haire Realty Kaci Bennett 3725 Mall Dr. Texarkana, TX 870.903.3049 Gerald Haire Realty Janet Willis 3725 Mall Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.748.5385 Impact Realty Bill and Tracy Spradlin 1200 N. Kings Hwy., Ste 104 Nash, TX 903.748.3186 903.748.2477 Impact Realty Cody Sandone 1200 N. Kings Hwy., Ste 104 Nash, TX 903.276.7565

July 2012

Satterfield Construction, LLC 903.832.4591 www.satterfieldservices.com Teresa Liepman Remax 5120 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 75503 903.276.9464 Refreshments Bolls Distributing 700 E. Broad St. Texarkana, AR 870.774.9283 Vincent’s Fine Wines 6900 N. Stateline Texarkana, AR 870.774.7217 Rentals Dot’s Rentals 814 N. Robison Road Texarkana, TX 75501 903.792.7011 3413 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.838.0551 Twisted Vines Florist and Cafe 218 W. Broad St. Texarkana, TX 903.792.2700

Restaurants Amigo Juan Mexican Cafe 4301 Morris Lane Texarkana, TX 903.334.6971 1200 N. Hervey Hope, AR 870.777.0006 611 Loop 59 Atlanta, TX 903.796.2400 Big Jake’s BBQ 2610 New Boston Rd. Texarkana, TX 903-793-1169 1521 Arkansas Blvd. Texarkana, AR 870-774-0099 603 W. Commerce Hope, AR 870-777-1000 170 N. Constitution Ave. Ashdown, AR 870-898-2227 Coldstone Creamery 4228 St. Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX 903.838.2653 Daddy Dougaloo’s 905 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.791.0172

Dairy Queen Locations throughout Ark-LaTex Fish Creek 1514 Arkansas Blvd. Texarkana, AR 870.223.0595 Hopkins Icehouse Downtown Texarkana, AR Corner of 3rd and Wood 870.774.3333 Ironwood Grill 4312 Morris Lane Texarkana, TX 903.223.4644 Julie’s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.3354

Shorty’s Donuts 2729 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 75501 903.832.6686 Tasty Donuts 1443 N. Kings Highway Nash, TX 903.838.0422 Twisted Vines Cafe 218 W. Broad St. Texarkana, TX 903.792.2700 Wendy’s 4201 Stateline Avenue Texarkana, TX 2902 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 3737 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 1615 N. Hervey Hope, AR

124 N. Loop Highway 59 Atlanta, TX Wingstop 2700 Richmond Road, Suite 14A1 Texarkana, TX 903.255.0090 4501 N. State Line, No. 106 Texarkana, TX 903.792.9464 Retirement/Assisted Living Home Edgewood Manor 4925 Elizabeth St. Texarkana, TX 903.793.4645 Heritage Plaza 600 W. 52nd St. Texarkana, TX 75501 903.792.6700

The Magnolia 4205 Richmond Meadows Texarkana, TX 75503 903.838.7319 Roofing Aqua Roofing Anthony Jewell 3523 Locust Texarkana, AR 903.244.5706 Spas/Salons All About You 4100 Summerhill Road Texarkana, TX 903.803.2050

Salon Visage Esthetique Mary Ann Robbins 4506 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana, TX 903.794.4007

July 2012

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The Sanctuary Kimberly Parham, M.D. 3502 Richmond Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903.334.8661 Ultrasound Services Peanut Gallery Texarkana, AR 870.779.7688 Wedding Attire Bridal Castle 3209 Kennedy Lane Texarkana, TX 903.838.3886 Wedding Coordinators Abracadabra Wedding and Event Planning Debra Mason, Event Coordinator 903.748.4838 damason@cableone.net Heather Kiser Wedding Coordinator 903.314.1582 Wedding Favors Pop Pop Shoppe 2011 Mall Drive, Suite B Texarkana, TX 903.793.0209

ALT Magazine

July 2012

Wedding Planners Abracadabra Wedding and Event Planning Debra Mason, Event Coordinator 903.748.4838 damason@cableone.net Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Locations Ironwood Grill 4312 Morris Lane Texarkana, TX 903.223.4644 Julieâ€™s Deli 4055 Summerhill Sq. Texarkana, TX 903.792.3354 Silvermoon on Broad West Broad at Texas Blvd. Texarkana, TX

Weight Loss All About You 4100 Summerhill Road Texarkana, TX 903.803.2050 Jenny Craig Texarkana, TX 903.831.5366

July 2012