Source - Spring 2015

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Athens-Limestone Hospital Physician Listing p. 10 Physician Guided Weight Loss p. 21 R e ad So urc e o nline at athens limes tonehos pital.com Source_Spring2015.indd 1

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Hello

T

his year promises to be another growth year for Athens-

Limestone Hospital as we continue to bring in new doctors and specialties, open new clinics, and add new health care programs in Limestone County.

In February, we opened the doors to our new Advanced Wound Care Center next to Medical East and began seeing patients. This summer, we’ll add Hyperbaric Chambers to the center, taking the healing process to the next level. Our mission with the Advanced Wound Care Center is to provide all patients with dedicated and specialized attention, enabling them to return to a full life free from the pain of chronic wounds.

We are blessed with many great centers, clinics and physicians in our area. We receive patient testimonials every day. In this issue of Source you’ll read about some of our patients and we’ll introduce you to four new doctors who have recently joined our team of physicians. You’ll also find included, a physician directory for easy reference to all of our doctors, clinics and specialties. This will be a good tool for you to use should you wish to write your doctor a thank you note in honor of Doctors’ Day, Monday, March 30.

On Saturday, April 11, we’ll come together for our Annual Gala: Puttin’ on the Glitz (see page 24 for more information.)

We hope that you’ll join us and celebrate all the wonderful things that are happening in our Hospital and Foundation.

We have a lot to be thankful for and I’m so proud to be a part of this wonderful community.

I hope that you’ll enjoy reading the nice things our patients have to say about their care at Athens-Limestone Hospital, and hope that you will be as proud as we are of our accomplishments as we continue to strive to be your first choice in healthcare in our service area.

Sincerely,

David Pryor, MSHSM President Athens-Limestone Hospital is an affiliate of the Huntsville Health System.

A Publication of Athens-Limestone Hospital

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5 6 8 10 13 14 15 16 16 18 20 21 22 24 26 28 32 34 35 36 42

ALH Welcomes Physician Profile Dr. David Purner A Publication of Athens-Limestone Hospital

Calendar of Events Physician Listing A Matter of Heart

published by | TW Publishing, LLC PO Box 1241 Athens, AL 35612 sourceoflimestonecounty@gmail.com

Organ Donation is a Noble Gift

A Word From Our Patients

Athens Neurological

Waiting For a Transplant Carlota OB/GYN Public Storm Shelters Belle Athena Nutrition & Recipes ALH Foundation Gala Heroes Among Us (Meningitis) Awareness Brings Hope OrthoSports

publisher | Teresa Gibbs editor | Betsy Harris

contributing | Katie Clark

writers Teresa Gibbs Betsy Harris Diane Magnuson photography | Elles Photography Teresa Gibbs Scott Harris Joseph Scott

advertising | Teresa Gibbs sourceoflimestonecounty@gmail.com 256-431-6112

graphic | Cindy Young design cindy@cindyyoungdesign.com

Hospice of LC offers Camp Hope Warmer Weather Brings Local Car Shows Bridal Directory Travel - Florida Bound Special Building Section

On the cover: Dr. David Purner, Medical East Tenley Romine, daughter of John and Mallory Romine Photographer: Danielle Collins

Elles Photography

119 Hwy 72 East, Athens elles_photo@yahoo.com ellesphoto.net

For advertising rates, contact Teresa Gibbs at sourceoflimestonecounty@ gmail.com or 256-431-6112. For additional copies, call 256-431-6358.

Source: a Publication of Athens-Limestone Hospital, 700 W Market St., Athens, Alabama, is published by TW Publishing, LLC, PO Box 1241, Athens, AL 35612. Š2015. All rights reserved. No material in this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publisher.

Source is intended as a reference periodical only, not as a medical manual.

It is not intended to replace the care and advice of medical professionals.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of this publication. No liability can be attached to or be accepted by TW Publishing or ALH for any errors, omissions, inaccuracies or other statements made by advertisers or writers within. Mention or advertising of specific companies or organizations does not imply endorsement by ALH or TW Publishing.

Learn more about ALH online at athenslimestonehospital.com

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Athens - L imestone H ospital W elcomes

Cardiology Crystal Walker, M.D. Limestone Heart Center 101 Fitness Way, Suite 2700 Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 233-9273 Fax: (256) 216-1920

February is American Heart Month. This February Athens-Limestone Hospital welcomed Cardiologist Crystal Walker, M.D. to Limestone Heart Center.

Here, Dr. Walker shares with us some of the most common heart-related pains that warrant a call to your doctor’s office or to 911.

Patients frequently describe their heart pain as a ‘burning or pressure’ in the center of their chest. It is also not uncommon for the pain from the center of the chest to radiate down an arm or up the neck.

A feeling of heaviness associated with activity, be it athletic or just a stroll up the stairs, is doubly alarming. If it feels like an ‘elephant is sitting on your chest,’ whether constant or intermittent, do not hesitate to immediately call 911, as this may be a sign of a heart attack.

Anyone diagnosed with diabetes should be especially attuned to any kind of shortness of breath or chest pain they are experiencing. However, it is important to understand that not everyone experiencing heart problems will have the same symptoms. For instance, women should recognize that their heart problems may manifest in atypical symptoms such as neck, back, jaw or arm pain. Although these seem unrelated to heart troubles, women experiencing consistent neck, back, jaw or arm pain should consult with their practitioner. Dr. Walker states that these atypical symptoms are the most neglected of serious heart pains, as well as the most frequently misdiagnosed.

The bottom line for maintaining a healthy heart is that any new or consistent pain warrants a call to your health care provider. Don’t ignore them, and don’t be afraid to talk to a loved one if they express some of these recurring symptoms.

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Pediatrics Ahmad Alkilani, M.D. Tots & Teens Pediatric Clinic 27669 Capshaw Road, Ste. B2 Harvest, AL 35749 Phone: (256) 262-0535 Fax: (256) 262-0536

Urology John Hinson, M.D. Limestone Urology Associates Medical Office Building 101 Fitness Way Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 262-2170 Fax: (256) 216-1960

Hospitalist Matthew Hanserd, M.D. Athens-Limestone Hospital 700 W. Market St. Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 233-9292

Read Source online at athenslimestonehospital.com

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P hysician P rofile Dr. David Purner: A Man with a Mission

David Purner, M.D.

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by Katie Clark

If you’ve lived in Athens for very long, you are probably aware of Medical East. And if you’ve been in Athens a little longer than others, you may even remember the days before the walk-in clinic was in business. Dr. David Purner, one of the men responsible for starting the clinic in 1997, is well-known in the community for his work at the clinic, as well as in various hospitals around the area. But his pride and joy in the medical community is Medical East, one of Athens’ premiere walkin medical clinics.

Dr. Purner grew up in Johnson City, Tennessee, and attended college at the James H. Quillen College of Medicine. He graduated on a military scholarship in 1984. After graduation, Dr. Purner spent four years as an army doctor, and interned at the William Beaumont Army Medical Center. His military career led him to the Athens area in the late 1980s and Dr. Purner fell in love with the Tennessee Valley. However, when the first Gulf War started, Dr. Purner left Alabama to serve in Desert Storm. When he finished his time overseas, he remembered his love for the area and returned to Alabama instead of going back home to East Tennessee.

Dr. Purner started out as an emergency room physician at a local hospital and became acquainted with medical staff in Decatur, Huntsville, and Athens, as well as surrounding towns. He became a valuable physician in the local medical community, so when the need for a walk-in clinic in Athens was recognized, Dr. Purner was an obvious choice.

“The need for a local urgent care clinic was great,” Dr. Purner said while recalling those early days. “Patients were waiting five to seven days just to see their doctors. Those who couldn’t get in to see their regular physicians were going elsewhere for care.”

Medical East was opened in December 1997, and the new resource to the community was an immediate hit. The blessing to the area was obvious, but Dr. Purner ended up with an even greater benefit. Starting the clinic was how he met his wife. Laura was one of his first nurses at the clinic. She was originally from the Athens area, and she worked as an ER nurse before coming to Medical East. After four years of working side-by-side, she and Dr. Purner were married.

Dr. Purner and Laura have a daughter, Kristen, who recently graduated from Auburn as well as twin sons Walt and Will who are seniors at Athens Bible

Medical East • 15243 Greenfield Drive, Athens • 256-771-0994

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Dr. David Purner, Laura, Walt and Will at the Jefferson Memorial in Washington DC.

Neha Patel, CRNP

School. Dr. Purner also has two grown children from a previous marriage, and four grandchildren.

Dr. Purner and his family are active members of the community and in their local church, They also enjoy supporting St. Jude Children’s Hospital and American Red Cross.

Family is important to Dr. Purner, and relaxing with them is one of his favorite past times. He and his twin boys, Walt and Will, enjoy fishing. He also enjoys traveling and attending music concerts with his wife. Reminiscing about his and Laura’s travel adventures, Dr. Purner said,” once, we drove all the way to North Carolina just to hear the Eagles!” Dr. Purner also loves golf. He had to give it up for a time as he recovered from hip replacement surgery but after working with OrthoSports in Athens, he is back to enjoying his game!

Medical East, which is a part of the Athens-Limestone Hospital medical community, has grown tremendously over the last seventeen years. They went from treating minor injuries and illnesses to also providing drug and alcohol screenings, pre-employment and DOT physicals, workers comp treatments, and other diagnostic testing such as MRI’s, x-rays, mammograms, and more. Medical East also operates as an occupational medicine clinic, offering drug and alcohol screening, EKG and pulmonary function testing, pre-employment and DOT physicals, Spirometry, and workers compensation treatment.

Dr. Purner works closely with CRNP Neha Patel who came to the practice over three years ago. Neha has been with Athens-Limestone Hospital for fourteen years. She earned her Master’s in Acute Care and Family Care from UAH, and she is a valued member of the Medical East family. When she’s not working at the clinic or tending to things at home, she can be found out in the community, shopping and meeting people. She and her husband have been married for twenty-one years, and they have two sons, Chintan, eighteen and Krishan, eleven.

Medical East is open seven days a week, and no appointment is necessary.

They are housed in the Limestone Medical Village. They are committed to providing comprehensive, quality, and affordable medical treatment for the whole family.

Read Source online at athenslimestonehospital.com

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C alendar of events

Join us for Lots of Fun in the Athens/Limestone County Area!

Every Monday - Elkmont Pickin’ & Grinnin’, Elkmont Depot, 6:30 pm 2nd Tuesday of each month - Limestone Ladies, at the Golden Phoenix 216 U.S. Highway 72W, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm 3rd Tuesday of each month - Partners in Pink, for Athens area breast cancer survivors in the Education Room of A-L Hospital, 6 pm 3rd Wednesday of each month - Senior Fellowship (50 and over) at the Veteran’s Museum 100 Pryor Street, 11:30 am 1st & 3rd Thursday of each month - Athens Dulcimers Strummin’ at the Athens Recreation Center, 270 U.S. Highway 31, at 6:30 pm Contact Jerry Todd 256-233-1262 1st Saturday of each month - Alabama Veterans Museum Coffee Call at 8:00 am - 9:30 am EVERY SATURDAY - Elkmont Market, downtown Elkmont at Railroad St. 8:00 am - weather permitting.

Receive information and reserve booth space in advance by calling 256-627-3139.

MARCH 8

• 13th & 14th - 9th Annual Elkmont Red Carpet Affair Beauty Walk Elkmont High School Gymnasium • 14th - Athens Home and Garden Show at the Limestone County Event Center on 114 West Pryor Street in Athens

APRIL • 1st Saturday April through October - Cruise-In on the square, 3:00 - 6:00 pm • 3rd Friday night of each month April - August - Singing on the Square, 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Free Event

ALH Foundation Gala

• 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th - Athens Historic Walks every Saturday in April, Athens-Limestone Visitor Center, 10 am, Free Event • 11th - ALH Foundation Gala at the Westin, 6:00 pm • 11th - Heel and Crank Duathalon Mooresville, teamrockettri.org/content/races/heel-crank • 25th - ALCTA’s Outdoor EXPO and KALB’s Earth Day, Free Event

For more information about these events and other area events, VisitAthensAL.com or call 256-232-5411.

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M AY • 9th - Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo Parade, 12:00 pm line-up 1:00 pm kickoff • 15th - Athens State University Homecoming 2015 President’s Open House, Corner of N. Beaty St. and Bryan St., 2:00 pm • 15th - Special Needs Rodeo Limestone County Sheriff Rodeo Arena, 10:00 am -1:00 pm • 15th & 16th - 33rd Annual Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo, gates open at 6:00 pm

June • Every Saturday June through August - Athens Saturday Market at the Limestone County Farmers Market 409 West Green Street, 8 am - 12 pm • 6th - Bike MS North Alabama Fitness Park, Fitness Way and Washington Street • 19th - 20th - Elkmont Lions Club Smokin’ Railroad Street Barbecue, Downtown Elkmont • 25th (through August 1st) Athens Lions Club Kiddie Carnival Open every Thursday, Friday & Saturday night, 6:30pm-9:30pm except July 4th.

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Read Source online at athenslimestonehospital.com

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P hysician L isting Anesthesiology Jon Franklin Bignault, M.D. Athens-Limestone Hospital 700 W. Market St. Athens, AL 35612 Phone: (256) 233-9292 Fax: (256) 233-9278 Jimmy Dunn, M.D. Athens-Limestone Hospital 700 W. Market St. Athens, AL 35612 Phone: (256) 233-9292 Fax: (256) 233-9278 Benjamin Ladner, M.D. Athens-Limestone Hospital 700 W. Market St. Athens, AL 35612 Phone: (256) 233-9292 Fax: (256) 233-9278 Cardiology Crystal Walker, M.D. Limestone Heart Center 101 Fitness Way, Suite 2700 Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 233-9273 Fax: (256) 216-1920 Dermatology Stephen Mallette, D.O. Mallette Dermatology, PC 707 U.S. Hwy. 31 S., Suite F Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 771-1995 Fax: (256) 771-1965

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Emergency Medicine Milton George, D.O. Athens-Limestone Hospital 700 W. Market St. Athens, AL 35612 Phone: (256) 233-9151 Fax: (256) 216-1981 Wayne Jones, M.D. Athens-Limestone Hospital 700 W. Market St. Athens, AL 35612 Phone: (256) 233-9151 Fax: (256) 216-1981 Doug Moore, M.D. Athens-Limestone Hospital 700 W. Market St. Athens, AL 35612 Phone: (256) 233-9151 Fax: (256) 216-1981 Tracy Pool, M.D. Athens-Limestone Hospital 700 W. Market St. Athens, AL 35612 Phone: (256) 233-9151 Fax: (256) 216-1981

Wallace Seay, M.D. Athens-Limestone Hospital 700 W. Market St. Athens, AL 35612 Phone: (256) 233-9151 Fax: (256) 216-1981

Patrick McEldrew, M.D. Athens Family Medicine 102 Sanders St. Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 232-2275 Fax: (256) 232-4401

Family Medicine Binod Bista, M.D. Waddell Center Family Medicine 902 W. Washington St. Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 216-9777 Fax: (256) 216-9776

MedWest Community Healthcare 7715 U.S. Hwy. 72 W. Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 729-9477 Fax: (256)216-9729

Capshaw Family Care 27669 Capshaw Rd., Suite 2 Harvest, AL 35749 Phone: (256) 216-1996 Fax: (256) 216-1940 Samantha Davidson, M.D. Athens Primary Care 101 Fitness Way, Suite 1200 Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 232-0636 Fax: (256) 232-1281 Jaime Daza, M.D. East Limestone Family Medicine 15024 E. Limestone Rd., Suite F Harvest, AL 35749 Phone: (256) 233-4886 Fax: (256) 233-4522 Randy DeArment, D.O. Waddell Center Family Medicine 902 W. Washington St. Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 216-9777 Fax: (256) 216-9776 Christopher E. Edwards, M.D. Athens Primary Care 101 Fitness Way, Suite 1200 Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 232-0636 Fax: (256) 232-1281 Melissa Gray, M.D. Waddell Center Family Medicine 902 W. Washington St. Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 216-9777 Fax: (256) 216-9776 Ernest L. Hendrix, M.D. 108 Sanders St. Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 230-1116 Fax: (256) 230-1156 Belinda Maples, M.D. Athens Primary Care Associates 101 Fitness Way, Suite 1200 Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 232-0636 Fax: (256) 232-1281

Rogersville Family Care 16023 Hwy. 72, Suite A Rogersville,AL35652 Phone: (256) 247-3818 Fax: (256) 262-2160 Tennessee Valley Family Medicine 26642 Main St., Hwy. 53 Ardmore, AL 35739 Phone: (256) 423-8744 Fax: (256) 216-9652 William Woodall, M.D. Athens Primary Care 101 Fitness Way, Suite 1200 Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 232-0636 Fax: (256) 232-1281 Family Practice/Obstetrics Belinda Maples, M.D. Athens Primary Care Associates 101 Fitness Way, Suite 1200 Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 232-0636 Fax: (256) 232-1281 General Surgery Cassidy Koonce, M.D. • Coming Fall 2015 201 N. Malone St. Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 216-6500 Fax: (256) 216-8777 Paul Edward Noel, M.D. Surgical Services of Athens 201 N. Malone St. Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 216-6500 Fax: (256) 216-8777 P.B. Ravi, M.D. Athens Limestone Surgery Associates 102 Sanders St. Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 232-2275 Fax: (256) 232-4401 Seth Rayburn, M.D. Surgical Services of Athens 201 N. Malone St. Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 216-6500 Fax: (256) 216-8777

Learn more about ALH online at athenslimestonehospital.com

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Hospitalist Olakunle Philip Akinsoto, M.D. Athens-Limestone Hospital 700 W. Market St. Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 233-9292

Medical Weight Loss Steve Shassberger, D.O. Belle Athena 22335 U.S. Hwy. 72 E., Suite C Athens, AL 35613 Phone: (256) 233-2744

Gregg P. Moody, M.D. Athens Professional Plaza 1005 W. Market St. Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 233-2914 Fax: (256) 230-9005

Matthew Hanserd, M.D. Athens-Limestone Hospital 700 W. Market St. Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 233-9292

Neurology Lynn Boyer, M.D. Athens Neurological 1005 W. Market St., Suite 11 Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 262-2178 Fax: (256) 262-2177

Orthopedics/Sports Medicine J. Patrick Boyett, D.O. OrthoSports Athens-Limestone Medical Village 15243 Greenfield Dr. Athens, AL 35613 Phone: (256) 233-2332 Fax: (256) 216-3579

Eduardo Bazan Lavanda, M.D. Athens-Limestone Hospital 700 W. Market St. Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 233-9292 Tracy Pool, M.D. Athens-Limestone Hospital 700 W. Market St. Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 233-9292

Obstetrics/Gynecology Oliver E. Carlota, M.D. Carlota OB/GYN 1005 W. Market St., Suite 9 Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 233-3100 Fax: (256) 233-2277 Martha McLaughlin, M.D. Valley Women’s Center 22335 U.S. Hwy. 72 E., Suite C Athens, AL 35613 Phone: (256) 233-5000 Fax: (256) 233-5361

Internal Medicine Chandra S. Koneru, M.D. North Alabama Primary Care 1015 Hwy. 72 E. Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 232-2505 Fax: (256) 230-3226

Thomas C. Pitman, M.D. Valley Women’s Center 22335 U.S. Hwy. 72 E., Suite C Athens, AL 35613 Phone: (256) 233-5000 Fax: (256) 233-5361

Vijaya Koneru, M.D. North Alabama Primary Care 1015 Hwy. 72 E. Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 232-2505 Fax: (256) 230-3226

Steve Shassberger, D.O. Valley Women’s Center 22335 U.S. Hwy. 72 E., Suite C Athens, AL 35613 Phone: (256) 233-5000 Fax: (256) 233-5361

Yassin S. Mohamed, M.D. Athens Internal Medicine Athens Professional Plaza 1005 W. Market St. Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 232-0801 Fax: (256) 232-5918

Oncology Noel C. Estopinal, M.D. 201 Sivley Rd., SW Huntsville, AL 35801 Phone: (256) 551-6590 Fax: (256) 551-6592

E.G. Norwood, M.D. Athens Limestone Hospital 700 W. Market St. Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 216-9643 Fax: (256) 233-9279

Brian Mathews, M.D. Oncology Specialties, PC 3601 CCE Dr. Huntsville, AL 35805 Phone: (256) 705-4224 Fax: (256) 534-2605

Nauman Qureshi, M.D. Athens Internal Medicine Athens Professional Plaza 1005 W. Market St. Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 232-0801 Fax: (256) 232-5918 James R. Walker, M.D. Limestone Internal Medicine Center 101 Fitness Way, Suite 2700 Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 262-2100 Fax: (256) 233-9528

Harry James McCarty, III, M.D. The Center for Cancer Care, P.C. One Hospital Dr., Suite 100 Huntsville, AL 35801 Phone: (256) 880-4464 Fax: (256) 880-4468 Ophthalmology Arnett Carraby, M.D Vision America 1207 E. Forrest St. Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 216-5860 Fax: (256) 216-5862

William Lawrence, D.O. OrthoSports Athens-Limestone Medical Village 15243 Greenfield Dr. Athens, AL 35613 Phone: (256) 233-2332 Fax: (256) 216-3579 Jack W. Moore, M.D. SportsMed 22423 Hwy. 72 E., Suite A Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 230-9607 Fax: (256) 230-9609 Eric Stanford, D.O. • Coming Fall 2015 OrthoSports Athens-Limestone Medical Village 15243 Greenfield Dr. Athens, AL 35613 Phone: (256) 233-2332 Fax: (256) 216-3579 Otolaryngology Sam F. Frankel, M.D. Valley ENT Associates 1005 W. Market St., Suite 8 Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 233-1650 Fax: (256) 233-7244

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R. Keith Hill, M.D. Valley ENT Associates 1005 W. Market St., Suite 8 Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 233-1650 Fax: (256) 233-7244 Jumin Sunde, M.D. • Coming Fall 2015 Valley ENT Associates 1005 W. Market St., Suite 8 Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 233-1650 Fax: (256) 233-7244 Pain Management Benjamin Ladner, M.D. Athens-Limestone Pain Center 209 Fitness Way Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 262-2190

Read Source online at athenslimestonehospital.com

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P hysician L isting Pathology Priya Gore, M.D. Pathology Associates 2904 Westcorp Blvd., Suite 108 Huntsville, AL 35801 Phone: (256) 533-1480 Fax: (256) 536-4158 Pediatrics Ahmad Alkilani, M.D. Tots & Teens Pediatric Clinic 27669 Capshaw Road, Suite B2 Harvest, AL 35749 Phone: (256) 262-0535 Fax: (256) 262-0536 Wesley C. Crowell, M.D. Central Pediatrics 101 Fitness Way, Suite 1100 Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 233-0712 Fax: (256) 233-3535 Shraddha Shrestha, M.D. Athens-Limestone Pediatric Clinic 101 Fitness Way, Suite 2100 Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 216-9730 Fax: (256) 216-9731

Podiatry Tara Blasingame, D.P.M. The Foot Group, PC 205 Malone St. Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 232-2009 (256) 772-8566 Fax: (256) 774-8211 Pulmonology Al Scherff, M.D. North Alabama Pulmonary & Sleep Consultants P.O. Box 1183 902 W. Hobbs St. Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 771-7575 Fax: (256) 771-1454 Radiology Paul Jeffrey Fry, M.D. Athens-Limestone Hospital P.O. Box 999 Athens, AL 35612 Phone: (256) 233-9292 Fax: (256) 233-9573 Sleep Medicine Eduardo Bazan Lavanda, M.D. Athens-Limestone Sleep Clinic 205 Sanders St. Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 771-7378

Al Scherff, M.D. North Alabama Pulmonary & Sleep Consultants 902 W. Hobbs St. Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 771-7575 Urgent Care David Purner, M.D. Medical East 15243 Greenfield Dr. Athens, AL 35613 Phone: 256-771-0994 Urology John Hinson, M.D. Limestone Urology Associates Medical Office Building 101 Fitness Way Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 262-2170 Fax: (256) 216-1960 B.C. Sahu, M.D. 707 W. Market St. Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 233-3303 Fax: (256) 444-1160

Samuel Trotter, M.D. Limestone Urology Associates Medical Office Building 101 Fitness Way Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 262-2170 Fax: (256) 216-1960 ound Care/ W Hyperbaric Medicine Patrick McEldrew, M.D. Advanced Wound Care Center Athens-Limestone Hospital 15243 Greenfield Dr. Athens, AL 35613 Phone: (256) 216-3505 Fax: (256) 216-9506 P.B. Ravi, M.D. Advanced Wound Care Center Athens-Limestone Hospital 15243 Greenfield Dr. Athens, AL 35613 Phone: (256) 216-3505 Fax: (256) 216-9506

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Learn more about ALH online at athenslimestonehospital.com

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Specialties include: Alzheimer’s and other Dementia Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Concussion Dizziness Evaluation of Headaches Multiple Sclerosis Neck and Back Pain Parkinson’s Disease Peripheral Neuropathy Seizures Strokes Tremors and other movement disorders Trigeminal Neuralgia

Electroencephalogram (EEG) testing for epilepsy and other brain disorders.

EEG is a test that detects electrical activity in your brain using small, flat metal discs (electrodes) attached to your scalp. Your brain cells communicate via electrical impulses and are active all the time, even when you’re asleep. This activity shows up as wavy lines on an EEG recording.

Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) and Electromyography (EMG) testing for carpel tunnel, cubital tunnel, neuropathy etc.

Electromyography (EMG) is the recording of electrical activity from the muscles. A needle contains a small electrode that records the extracellular potentials from the muscle. Therefore, the EMG makes a statement about the motor axons, but does not assess the sensory axons.

Now accepting new patients 1005 W. Market Street, Suite 11, Athens, AL 35611 • 256-262-2178 An estimated 10 million Americans have Essential Tremor (ET), a neurological condition that causes shaking of the hands, head, voice and, occasionally, of legs and trunk. Some people have a feeling of internal tremor.

ET causes trouble with anything requiring fine motor skills such as: writing, eating, buttoning clothes, etc.

Progressive ET is often thought of as a disease of the elderly, but it can manifest at any age, even infancy.

Usually it shows up as a mild tremor early in life and progresses to debilitating with age. The goal of our support groups is to help those affected learn to control the disease rather than let it control them. Many people who have ET become reclusive, so our support groups throughout the nation are trying to reach those people and let them know that they don’t have to be embarrassed about shaking.

Also, because of lack of information and frequency of misdiagnosis, our support groups’ mission is to educate the public about this condition.

The North Alabama ET Support Group meets bi-monthly at the Madison Wellness Center on Highway 72.

For more information contact Elise H. Hickman, 256-230-2594 or oxford108@gmail.com. We invite anyone interested in ET to join us.

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A Matter of Heart

by Katie Clark

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Athens resident Jessica Morell’s second pregnancy was a great one. She avoided the high blood pressure she’d experienced in her first pregnancy, and she made sure to walk more and stay hydrated. At twenty weeks Jessica and her husband Brian learned they would be bringing another girl into their family—their first daughter Riley was three years old at the time. They were the typical happy and healthy family.

Jessica’s OB-GYN, Dr. Pitman in Athens, was studious with her care. The baby’s heartbeat was monitored regularly, but no problems were ever fully identified. Dr. Shassberger happened to be on call when Jessica went into labor. The birth went well, and the Morells were introduced to their beautiful new baby girl Raegan.

The next couple days in the hospital passed with nursings and diaper changes. Things were going well, and Jessica and Brian were excited to take their new baby home.

However, before they left the hospital they were visited

by Raegan’s pediatrician, Dr. Shraddha Shrestha of Athens Limestone Pediatrics. When Dr. Shrestha examined Raegan, she immediately found cause for concern.

Raegan’s breathing was too labored. The following day the Morells took Raegan to see a pediatric cardiologist per Dr. Shrestha’s referral.

“The doctor was waiting on us at the door,” Jessica remembers. “He started an echo on Raegan and with the first touch of the wand said, ‘Wow, that’s a big hole.’”

Raegan was immediately transported to Children’s Hospital in Birmingham so the hole in her heart could be repaired. Once in Birmingham they learned Raegan had a heart defect called Interrupted Aortic Aberrant RSC DORV.

Open heart surgery was performed on November 5, 2014, and later she was given a pacemaker and a g-tube (feeding tube). However, things did not go well for baby Raegan. On December 18, 2014, she medically coded. She was put on a ventilator and given a heart catheter. They learned her heart was failing.

Raegan was immediately placed on the UNOS transplant list, with a status of 1A. She was also given an adult-sized pacemaker to fully pace her heart until the transplant could be performed.

In spite of the terrifying journey, the Morells have remained upbeat. “We have always had the feeling that we are right where we need to be,” Jessica said. “God gave us this journey for a reason.”

The Morells are currently living at Birmingham’s Ronald McDonald House of Alabama. Once a heart is found for Raegan, and the transplant is performed, they will be allowed to return home to Athens on strict precautionary guidelines. “She will have round the clock care for the first year,” Jessica said. Jessica and Brian, along with two family members, are taking classes on how to care for Raegan during that time. “We felt it was very important to have multiple adults who know how to take care of her,” Jessica said.

Raegan will have a team that works with her for the rest of her life. She will have routine heart biopsies, EKG’s, x-rays, and other various medical procedures.

Through all this the Morells remain positive. “It sounds like a lot of work,” Jessica said, “but it is so worth it!”

Learn more about ALH online at athenslimestonehospital.com

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Organ Donation is a Noble Gift When my brother passed away, his noble gift made life-saving transplantation possible and gave me the desire to be an organ donor, as well. Through this gift of organ donation, we can all give someone a second chance at life.

The demand is far greater than the supply • There are more than 121,000 people in the U.S. on the waiting list for organ transplants.

• Another person is added to the organ waiting list every 11 minutes.

• In the United States, 18 people die every day and thousands die every year waiting for a donor organ that never comes. You have the power to change that.

by Betsy Harris

Make the commitment • Decide to be an organ and tissue donor. It is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make.

• Your decision to be a donor can save up to 8 lives through organ donation and enhance many others through tissue donation.

• Don’t keep your decision a secret; share the news. Tell your family and friends about your decision. You have the opportunity to be one of the individuals who can make miracles happen.

To register or learn more, please visit alabamalifelegacy.org

Despite the fact that the public supports organ and tissue donation, there is still a tremendous shortage of organs and tissues.

• Most of the U.S. population supports organ and tissue donation, including strong support from health care professionals and virtually all organized religions. Yet, far too few people have actually joined a registry or discussed the topic of donation with their families.

• Of all the deaths in the United States, only 2% result in organ donation. If everyone who could donate did so, the waiting list for transplants would be greatly reduced.

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Read Source online at athenslimestonehospital.com

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A word from our patients Outstanding Professionalism and Superb Patient Care

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My wife Carol and I moved back to Alabama a few years back after retiring from the Washington D.C. area to be near family and especially our grandchildren. We settled into a Limestone County address on the Tennessee River and began living the “good life.” Both of us have always done yearly medical check-ups and, after age seventy, a couple of years back, we both started doing check-ups every six months with our primary care physician. He believed we were both in excellent health from all of our tests. Then on July 3, 2014, just before our grandchildren were to arrive for the 4th, I had a very bad heart attack in our driveway. Thank God for the Athens-Limestone Hospital who dispatched an ambulance after our 911 call. Within fifty minutes from my first chest pain, they had me on the operating table in Huntsville. That included a quick check-in and check-out at the Athens-Limestone Emergency room before transporting me to Huntsville. Your staff helped save my life.

However, that was just the beginning. When I returned to my cardiologist after being released from Huntsville Hospital, he recommended twelve weeks of cardio rehab that I could do in Huntsville, Decatur or Athens. The Decatur rehab center suggested I go to Athens because it was a new facility and closer to my residence. Again, thank God I chose Athens! On day one, when I first met Ms. Jennifer Horton and Ms. Shelley Shelton, they took me under their professional wings and helped me overcome my fear of over exertion that might cause another heart attack. The monitoring system they use is second to none and most of all they really care about every patient. They know everyone by their first names and they know everyone’s medical history.

I want to share with you just how good they are and how important they are to those of us that have benefited from cardio rehab. I can’t say enough about their dedication and

Waiting for a Transplant

their caring for those they help. Thank you so very much for having such a wonderful organization within the AthensLimestone Hospital system! Please pass on my thanks and my family’s thanks to them for all their professionalism and caring efforts.

Warmest regards,

J. Glenn Whited, Col. USAF (Ret) White House Communications Agency (Ret) General Dynamics Intelligence & Space Systems (Ret)

by Katie Clark

As the old saying goes, life can change on a dime. That’s exactly how things happened when Athens resident, Thula Carter, saw her doctor for a simple sinus problem. Thula’s whole life changed.

“I told my doctor that I was having sinus problems, and he checked my throat and ears. Then he listened to my lungs, Ms. Carter said.”

Then Thula was told something she wasn’t expecting to hear from her doctor. “I’m more concerned about your lungs than your sinuses,” he said.

Thula was sent to Athens-Limestone Hospital for a CAT scan which revealed a very slow but progressive pulmonary fibrosis. Ms. Carter was in danger of going downhill very quickly at any time. She was told she would

need a double lung transplant, but she was in no shape for the surgery.

Working with pulmonary specialists out of East Limestone and later Huntsville, along with joining Pulmonary Rehab at ALH, Ms. Carter began a regular routine to get into shape. “The people at ALH did a wonderful job,” she said. “My Pulmonary Rehab team consisted of Jennifer Horton and Shelley Shelton. They helped me become more active, and I got to the point where I was walking three miles a day, even with my oxygen!”

After two years of treatment, rehab and waiting, Thula heard more bad news. Her acid reflux was keeping her from being able to have the transplant locally. She was

Medical East • 15243 Greenfield Drive, Athens • 256-771-0994

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l to r Jennifer Horton, Thula Carter, Shelley Shelton

given a choice of different hospitals and eventually ended up in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where she continues waiting for her transplant today. Ms. Carter has been on the lung transplant waiting list for over seventeen months now. She has no hard date for her surgery, but she continues with therapy to keep her in shape for when the time comes.

“The people at Athens-Limestone Hospital Cardiopulmonary Rehab were fantastic,” Thula said. “They did everything they could do to help me, and prepare me for coming to Pennsylvania.” She went on to brag about Jennifer Horton, director of Cardiopulmonary Rehab at ALH. “She still calls to check on me every few weeks, and we keep in touch.”

Ms. Carter will continue living in Pittsburg until the time of her double lung transplant. She and her family live at the Neville Family House, which houses patients undergoing medical treatment. She called it her “home away from home.” When the time comes for her transplant she will remain in Pittsburg for three months for continued care. After that, she will return home to Athens and travel back and forth to Pittsburg every two months

for evaluations and to make sure the lungs aren’t being rejected.

Ms. Carter misses her home, but she’s thankful for the thorough examinations done by the Athens-Limestone Hospital care providers. She praises ALH and staff for the exceptional job they did in preparing her for the huge changes her life was undertaking. “They were wonderful in everything they did for me.”

Jennifer Horton is the director of the Cardiopulmonary Rehab Department at ALH. The main goal of Cardiopulmonary Rehab is to help patients recover from a cardiac episode or help those with chronic lung disease.

Improvements are made in exercise capacity, endurance, and quality of life, thus making activities of daily living easier. It is not only an exercise program but also tailors to each individuals need for education and knowledge about his or her disease or episode. The classes are three times per week in the new Medical Office Building across the street from the hospital and are covered by most insurance companies. Their contact phone number is (256) 262-6674.

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Read Source online at athenslimestonehospital.com

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The birth of a new baby is always an exciting event for any family.

From that first cry to the baby-soft skin, new life should be celebrated.

Athens resident Ray Neese has had the pleasure of experiencing the blessed birth of six grandchildren now, all delivered by Dr. Oliver Carlota, OB-GYN, at Athens-Limestone Hospital.

Mr. Neese is the Vice President of Bank Independent in Athens, where he has worked for the last ten years. He is also President of the Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation, which raises money to support the hospital. Mr. Neese has enjoyed getting to know Dr. Carlota through the birth of his grandchildren.

“Dr. Carlota and his wife Amy have been long time supporters of the foundation,” Ray said. “And Dr. Carlota and his staff have been wonderful throughout all my grandchildren’s deliveries.”

Ray’s oldest grandchild is fourteen-year-old old Rhett and his youngest grandchild is Zoey who is two. There are four grandchildren in between, Carly who is nine, Sydney Rae who is seven, and a set of identical twins, Annalee and Mackenzie who are four. And Dr. Carlota has delivered each of them.

Twins weren’t expected, but when Ray’s daughter and son-in-law went to learn the gender of their baby, they learned they were having not one but two girls!

“Dr. Carlota assured us that both babies were fine,” Ray said.

“But as a precautionary measure he sent the mother to UAB for examination from her 20th week up to her 34th week. He was not above sending her to another doctor to make sure mother and babies were healthy.”

Ray was able to be present in the delivery room during two of his six grandchildren’s births. He always felt welcomed, and couldn’t speak highly enough of the work Dr. Carlota and his staff did.

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Dr. Carlota’s office is located in Athens near the hospital. They offer an array of obstetric and gynecological services, as well as a range of healthcare products.

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BIKE MS: RIDE TO THE ROCKET JUNE 6, 2015 » 1 DAY » 25,45,75, OR 100 MILES REGISTER TODAY! » BIKEMS.ORG OR CALL 800.344.4867

THANK YOU TO OUR RETURNING CORPORATE PARTNERS AND BIKE TEAMS:

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Read Source online at athenslimestonehospital.com

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Athens-Limestone Hospital is not a Public Storm Shelter.

Athens-Limestone Hospital no es un ReFugio Publico Para Tornados.

LIMESTONE COUNTY COMMUNITY STORM SHELTERS & SAFE ROOMS, BUILT ACCORDING TO FEMA SPECIFICATIONS • ARDMORE COMMUNITY SHELTER 29910 Park Ave., Ardmore, AL 35739 • ARK OF PROMISE COMMUNITY SHELTER 15199 Browns Ferry Rd. Athens, AL 35611 • CLEMENTS COMMUNITY SHELTER 9158 U.S. Hwy. 72 W., Athens, AL 35611 • Cowford Community Shelter 14024 Grover Dr., Athens, AL • GOODSPRINGS COMMUNITY SHELTER 33634 AL Hwy. 99, Anderson, AL 35610 • PLEASANT GROVE COMMUNITY SHELTER 9080 Upper Snake Road Athens, AL 35614 OTHER COMMUNITY SHELTERS/ SAFE ROOMS

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• ARDMORE CITY HALL 25844 Main St. Ardmore, Tennessee 38449 • GOOD SHEPHERD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1418 Old Railroad Bed Rd. Madison, AL 35757 • LESTER COMMUNITY SHELTER 30306 Lester Rd., Lester, AL 35647 • OWENS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 21465 AL Hwy. 99, Athens, AL 35611 Will be open to the public after school hours only • WEST LIMESTONE HIGH SCHOOL 10945 School House Rd. Lester, AL 35647 Will be open to the public after school hours only

North Alabama's Leader in Workforce and Economic Development The largest of the two-year institutions comprising the Alabama Community College System, Calhoun is recognized among the region’s most successful economic and workforce development engines, providing educational and training opportunities to approximately 12,000 credit students, more than 3,500 non-credit students, and dozens of area business and industry.

As an institution on the cutting edge of providing excellence in teaching and service, Calhoun is home to many of the state’s most innovative, cutting-edge programs.

Calhoun is preparing the workforce of the future.

256/306-2500

256/890-4700

(Decatur)

(Huntsville)

PETS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN ANY SHELTER, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THOSE BEING USED AS SERVICE ANIMALS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. Learn more about ALH online at athenslimestonehospital.com

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Belle Athena Customized Medical Weight Loss Programs for Every Lifestyle Belle Athena weight loss program is geared towards people with a desire to improve their bodies. Our physician guided supervised programs are designed for anyone who wants or needs to lose significant weight. There are 2 program options available: 9-weeks or 18-weeks with follow ups for 1 year. Both options have payment plans available.

Teresa Fields

The Journey of Success Let us introduce you to Teresa Fields, Athens-Limestone Hospital Sleep Center Manager. She has made the commitment to start her journey to a new lifestyle. Her weight loss roller coaster began after the birth of her only child. She struggled to lose the 65 pounds that she gained during her pregnancy and to develop a healthy lifestyle routine that would foster weight loss. She has attempted using numerous weight loss programs where she found some shortterm success but unfortunately no long-term weight maintenance.

Teresa’s motivations to commit to our program are very personal.

She has several memories of seeing photos of herself and literally crying. She feels hypocritical when speaking with her sleep-center patients about sleep apnea and how being overweight affects them.

“Even though I have been successful and lost weight, the hardest part of the program is getting through food-centric celebrations with family and friends,” according to Teresa. She feels the easiest part of the program is her appointments with Dr. Shassberger. “He is kind, easy to talk to and not critical. This is a sensitive subject and he makes you feel at ease.”

Join Teresa on her journey. At week 12, she had lost 20 pounds of body fat. How does she feel so far? “I know I have a long way to go, however, I am feeling better about the process every day.

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Locations Valley Women’s Center 22335 US HWY 72 Suite C Athens, AL 35613 Ph.: 256-233-2744

Athens-Limestone Wellness Center 209 Fitness Way Athens, AL 35611 Ph.: 256-233-2744

Read Source online at athenslimestonehospital.com

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Dr. Steve Shassberger

3/3/15 9:13 AM

N U T R I T I O N & R ecipes When you’re trying to lose weight, what you eat makes a difference. Dr. Shassberger has shared some of his favorite healthy, low-calorie, low-sodium recipes that he recommends for his patients. These dishes are low in calories and sodium, but they are high in nutrition and flavor!

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Speaking of sodium: Substituting sea salt for regular salt does not reduce your sodium intake (unless you use less since the grains are larger, allowing you to see it on your food). Morton’s Lite Salt contains half of the sodium of regular salt, and is especially good for those who don’t salt by taste, but by how many shakes of the salt shaker they use. Do not use No Salt or other salt substitutes that contain potassium chloride (check the label) until you clear it with your doctor or pharmacist.

In combination with certain other medicines, this can result in a dangerously high level of potassium in your blood. Flavorings like onion salt or garlic salt, flavor awakeners or meat tenderizers like Accent also contain as much sodium as regular salt.

Try experimenting with herbs, onions, garlic to add flavor without adding salt.

There are many lists on the internet that give guidelines on using herbs tastefully.

A good idea is to talk to a licensed dietitian when you are put on a special diet.

Diane Magnuson Registered and Licensed Dietitian Certified Diabetes Educator Coordinator of the Athens-Limestone Hospital Diabetes Program

Salmon N o r we g i a n - Norwegian-Style St y l e O v eOven n RRoasted o a s te d Salmon Ingredients

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

3 oz. Honey ¼ Cup + 2 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice ¾ oz. Garlic, Fresh Minced ¼ Tbsp Salt ¾ Tsp Ground Cumin ¾ Tsp p Paprika p 1 Tsp Ground Coriander ¼ Cup + 2 Tbsp White Wine ¼ Cup + 2 Tbsp Olive Oil 3 oz. Parsley Leaves, Fresh Chopped 1 lb. 2 oz. Salmon Fillet,, Raw,, 6 - 3 oz. Pieces

Preparation

Combine honey, lemon juice, garlic, salt, cumin, paprika, coriander, wine, oil and parsley for marinade.

Mix well.

Pour marinade over fish. fish Hold overnight in refrigerator at to marinate. marinate Drain and discard excess marinade. marinade Bake in a 325 degree F. standard oven for 12 minutes or until golden brown.

Serves 6 Portion: 1 Fillet

B r a i s e d Br Maiaseh d iMah Mia Mh ahii wi wthi t Ingredients

12 Cups Low Sodium Vegetable Broth 3 Cup ps Cooked Couscous in Veg g. Broth 1 ½ Cups Great No rthern Beans, Dried.

Picked, Rinced & Dra 6 oz. Red Pearl Onion ined s, Fresh 2 Tbsp Olive Oil 2 Tbsp Garlic, Fresh, Minced 6 oz. Fen F nell, Fre F sh, h Jul J liienne 6 oz. Carrots, Fresh, Julienne 1 ½ Cups Sherry Wi ne Vinegar 6 Mahi Mahi Steaks , 4 oz, Raw

Coh usco Cus ouscou

s

Nutrition Facts (pe

r serving)

Preparation

Prepare Vegetable Broth and Couscous according to recipe Drain and discard exc s. Soak beans in wa ess liquid. Blanch oni ter overnight in ref ons. Drain well. Pee In a sauté pan, hea rigerator. l. t oil. Add garlic, fen nel and Add beans car rot. Sauté. Deglaze ns, onion and broth pan th. Simmer until bea wit h vin ega r.

Transfer liquid and ns are tender. Strain half the vegetable mix liquid id, reserving liquid ture to a food proces Sear each Mahi Ma and vegetables separa sor or blender. Pro hi steak in a small sau tely. cess until pureed. ce pan. Add pureed mix minutes. Place ½ cup ture to cover 3/4 of couscous on servin g the plate. Top with 1 Ma steak. Simmer for 10 with ½ cup reserved hi Mahi steak and 1 oz vegetables. ladle braising liquid.

Serves 6 Garnish Serving Size: 3 oz. scallops over 6 oz. risotto

Learn more about ALH online at athenslimestonehospital.com

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Satay Style Chicken Yakitori h Citrus Crust t i w t u b i l a H d e Bak ing)

Nutrition Facts (per serv

Ingredients 1 ¼ Cup Soy Sauce 1 ¼ Cup Sherry 3 oz. Granulated Sugar ced 1 oz. Ginger Root - Fresh, Min ced Min h, Fres ic ¼ oz. Garl

, lb Chicken Breasts - Boneless es ¾ lb.

Piec Skinless, Raw, Random 1” h, Sliced 1 ¾ lb. Green Onions - Fres Only) ½” Lengthwise (White Part (3 Pieces Per Skewer) ed in cold 12 Wooden Skewers - soak t i utes f 30 min t r for wate 2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil

to a boil garlic for marinade. Bring ce, sherry, sugar, ginger and sau soy sk whi d. an, olve cep diss sau is In a medium utes or until sugar heat and simmer for 5 min over moderate heat. Reduce with 3 pieces green onion. ken chic es piec 2 te rna to marinate.

On each wooden skewer, alte 1 hour, but no more than 3, ers. Refrigerate for at least skew ken chic r ove e inad Pour mar e inade.

425 degree F. Drain and discard excess mar pans. Bake in a preheated s with oil. Place skewers on degrees F. 165 is ken chic of ture Lightly oil or spray sheet pan pera until minimum internal tem or utes min 4 for n ove standard

paration Prep

Serves 6 Portion Size: 2 Skewers

Chicken Yakitori Satay Style

C h i c k e n Ya k i t o r i S atay St y l e Ingredients 1 ¼ Cup Soy Sauce 1 ¼ Cup Sherry 3 oz. Granulated Sugar 1 oz. Ginger Root - Fresh, Minced ¼ oz. Garlic - Fresh, Minced

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

¾ lb. lb Chicken Breasts - Boneless, Boneless Skinless, Raw, Random 1” Pieces ¾ lb. Green Onions - Fresh, Sliced 1 ½” Lengthwise (White Part Only) (3 Pieces Per Skewer) 12 Wooden Skewers - soaked in cold water t for f 30 minutes i t 2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil

Preparation p

In a medium saucepan, whisk soy sauce, sherry, sugar, ginger and garlic for marinade. Bring to a boil over moderate heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes or until sugar is dissolved.

On each wooden skewer, alternate 2 pieces chicken with 3 pieces green onion.

Pour marinade over chicken skewers. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but no more than 3, to marinate.

Drain and discard excess marinade. marinade Lightly oil or spray sheet pans with oil. Place skewers on pans. Bake in a preheated 425 degree F. standard oven for 4 minutes or until minimum internal temperature of chicken is 165 degrees F.

)

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Serves 6 Portion Size: 2 Skewers

tely.

h

Read Source online at athenslimestonehospital.com

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G ala

You're invited to attend the 2015ALH Foundation Gala The Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation is proud to present its annual Gala “Puttin’ on the Glitz,” April 11th, 2015. The event will be held at the Westin at Bridge Street Town Centre in Huntsville, AL. The money raised from this year’s Gala will continue to help remodel patient rooms and purchase new hospital beds. This fun event is a party that many Limestone County residents look forward to each year. The Gala will begin at 6 p.m. with a Cocktail Hour and Silent Auction. Mix and mingle with your friends inside the lovely hotel and outside on the terrace garden, bid on fabulous auction items, and enjoy what this year’s Gala has to offer.

The cocktail hour will be followed by dinner in the Mediterranean Ballroom and an evening of dancing

to the freshest R&B showband in the Mid-South! G3, under the direction of Garry Goin, features awesome male and female vocals, first-rate sound, and a vast array of songs you love from the 50’s to the newest hits of today.

Check out our Facebook page, Athens-Limestone Hospital Gala, and keep up to date with what’s going on! You can check out additional silent auction items that will be showcased at Gala.

Gala tickets are $175/person and can be purchased by messaging us on Facebook, mailing a check to ALHF, 100 Sanders St. Athens, AL, 35611, or by calling the Foundation office at (256)233-9557.

We look forward to seeing you at the Gala and appreciate all of your support!

Just a few of the many Silent Auction items available this year:

A three night stay at the Grand Panama in Panama City Beach, Florida 24

A spacious 3-bed, 3-bath condo unit provides plenty of open spaces for the whole family to enjoy. You’ll get complete access to the Grand Panama Beach Resort’s extensive amenities. Enjoy the multiple pools, hot tubs and Tiki bars, their expansive roof-top sundeck or modern fitness center. You will be steps away from the famous and stunning sugar white beaches of Panama City Beach.

A four night stay at the Admirals Quarters Condominium, Orange Beach, Alabama*

2 bedroom (1 king/2 fulls), 2.5 bath *Stay during March, April, May, September, October, November, or December (based on availability) Donated by: Jack and JoAnn Bauer, Philip and Lynn Lawler, Taz and Melissa Morell.

Auburn Football signed by Gus Malzahn

“War Eagle” For our Auburn fans, a signed football in a beautiful glass case.

Enjoy a day at Rock City in Chattanooga, Tennessee Family pass includes 2 adult tickets and 2 children tickets to enjoy the beautiful Rock City.

Learn more about ALH Foundation at athenslimestonehospital.com

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Alabama Shakes Autographed Squier by Fender Bullet Strat The Bullet Strat with tremolo is a simple and practical guitar designed for beginners and students.

A one night stay and breakfast for two at the Westin at Bridge Street Town Centre any weekend of your choice Moonwalk and Party Rentals • One Free Concession Winner • $100.00 off of $200.00 total party equipment rentals

Kate Spade bag and Private Party at Kate Spade Bridge Street Town Center.

Girls just wanna have fun!

Michael Kors Watch from Michael Kors Bridge Street Town Centre Bello Sorto: Anti-Aging Hydra Facial and European Facial Four VIP tickets to Shakalaka in Huntsville, AL Many, many beautiful items from Pimento’s on the Square in Athens

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You Can Help Save Lives By Purchasing a Pink Garbage Can!

Now available … SMALLER PINK Garbage CANS! 64 gallon garbage cans for use in Limestone County!

You can help save lives through the Pink Garbage Can Project by purchasing a 96 gallon rolling garbage can or a 64 gallon garbage can from the Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation. The cans are sold for $75 each and the proceeds go to the Pink Elephant fund to support mammogram scholarships and breast cancer technology in Limestone County.

Please call 256-233-9557 to place your order.

Read Source online at athenslimestonehospital.com

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H eroes A mong U s

Awareness Brings Life

by Katie Clark

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KNOW THE SYMPTOMS The most common symptoms include fever, chills, severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, confusion, decreased level of consciousness, and seizures.

Additional symptoms may include decreased consciousness, weakness, rapid breathing, light sensitivity, skin rash, dizzy spells, easily agitated.

Additional symptoms seen in babies and children may include arched-posture, more noticeable bulging fontanelles (the soft spots in baby’s skull), poor feeding or irritability, a fever of mysterious origin.

No parent wants to dwell on the fact that losing their child could become a possibility. Sadly, many families are forced into this reality on a daily basis.

Athens residents Talbot and Michelle Elkins are one of those families.

Their daughter, Jessica, passed away in December 2007. Jessica, a fifteen-year-old cheerleader at Athens High School, became ill shortly before Christmas in 2007. Michelle, Jessica’s mother, took her to the doctor where Jessica was diagnosed with the flu. However, Jessica’s condition quickly worsened, and she was eventually taken to the hospital where she was diagnosed with spinal meningitis. Jessica passed away on December 26, 2007, only a few days after becoming ill.

Jessica’s untimely death threw her family into sorrow, but in the darkest of days Michelle says their family and friends surrounded them with light. Praising her “church family” at First Baptist Church and the entire community, Michelle said, “They always knew when a comforting word, card, or hug may be needed.” She also credited her “work family” at Athens-Limestone Hospital for helping pull her through. She continues to be grateful to the community for their unwavering support of the Elkins’ efforts to spread awareness of meningitis.

In fact, raising awareness was one of the key factors in helping the family move forward after Jessica’s death. Michelle said, “We continue to bring awareness of meningitis as often as possible to this community and the State of Alabama. This helps us continue on with our daily lives because we hope to help another family avoid going through what we have to deal with every day.”

Michelle and her entire family, including daughter Emilee and son Michael, worked diligently to start a college fund for local students, in Jessica’s honor. It is called the “Live. Love.

Laugh. Jessica Elkins Memorial Fund.”

“It is very uplifting to see another student getting an education with funds in memory of our Jessica,” Michelle said.

The Elkins worked tirelessly to bring awareness to the area, and they were pleased when the Athens City Mayor proclaimed September 23 as Meningitis Awareness Day in Athens. It was also a victory when the Alabama Senate and House of Representatives passed the Jessica Elkins Act in 2014. This law requires public schools in the state to send home information regarding meningococcal meningitis to students in grades 6 through 12.

The family continues to promote awareness by holding free vaccination days, 5K’s and other runs, as well as making media appearances in Jessica’s honor.

Learn more about ALH online at athenslimestonehospital.com

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“As you can see, our whole family is involved in keeping Jessica’s memory alive,” Michelle said. She and her husband Talbot own a family business, and Michelle works at Athens-Limestone Hospital. Their son Michael is a senior at Athens High School. Their oldest daughter, Emilee, was recently married to Hunter Daws.

Emilee and Hunter were high school sweethearts and were dating when Jessica got sick and passed away so he has been a part of the family through all of this as well. Emilee now teaches 8th grade math at Athens Middle School.

“If I could give an encouraging word to someone else,” Michelle said, “it would be to keep your faith and trust the Lord to get you through.”

She also wants everyone to know that there is a meningitis vaccine, and it is recommended for children ages eleven and up. It is her deep desire to keep other families from facing the heartache they live with every day.

You are invited to attend 1st Annual Meningitis Awareness Birthday Luncheon & Celebration In Memory of Jessica Elkins’ 23rd Birthday Wednesday, September 23rd 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Athens Limestone Hospital Education Department Tickets are $20.00 and may be purchased through the ALH Foundation and in the ALH Gift Shop Tickets go on sale July 1, 2015 Limited seating available.

Proceeds benefit the Jessica Elkins Meningitis Foundation.

Brian William Passe November 15, 1951 - January 3, 2015 It is with great sorrow I bring you news of the death of one of our writers - a dear friend - Brian Passe.

For the past three years Brian has been writing articles for Source. His story about a veteran, Dempsey McLemore, was the first “Heroes Among Us” article published in the first issue of Source (Summer 2012). In fact, Brian himself was a “hero among us.”

After retiring from the government, Brian was able to fulfill his dreams of writing and photography. Brian often went on medical mission trips. Not that he knew anything about medicine, he just loved taking pictures and helping others. Brian had a servant’s heart.

Though Brian suffered chronic physical pain most of his life, he had a laugh that was infectious and he brought joy to others. He was described by those that knew him as a kind and encouraging man who was genuine and a friend to everyone he met.

He attended Lindsay Lane Baptist Church where he was known as the “camera man” because anytime you saw him around church, he had a camera with him. As well as writing for Source, he published a book, was a ghost writer for another, and was active in Faith Writers, an on-line group of Christian writers. He also had his own website called “His Words” where he talked about his pain, his heart and his loves. He dearly loved his wife, Sue, adored his daughter, Kelly, and was crazy about his grandchildren, Cole and Haley. He loved his son-in-law Jacob Falconbury, as if he were his own son.

Just after the New Year began, Brian Passe went to be with the Lord as the result of a heart attack. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.

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Teresa Gibbs Source Publisher

Read Source online at athenslimestonehospital.com

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OrthoSports Athens Hometown Orthopedic Care

by Katie Clark

For the past thirty-three years, Tania Forrest has been caring for nursing home patients. She knows what it means to work hard. So when Tania began experiencing knee pain, she chalked it up to occupational wear and tear and just kept going.

However, in 2013 the pain in her knees became too hard to manage. When getting home from work after each nursing shift at Ardmore Nursing Home, she would be nearly bedridden. Walking was painful, and going up and down stairs was almost impossible.

an integrated staff of nurses, physical therapists, and technicians to bring state-of-the-art care to Athens and the surrounding community. They utilize the latest technology such as in-house musculoskeletal ultrasound and have access to outstanding physical therapy and MRI facilities here in Limestone County.

To learn more about OrthoSports, visit their website at orthosportsathens.com.

I feel truly blessed to be a patient of Dr. Boyett and the OrthoSports team.

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It was at that point Tania knew it was time to seek help. She was referred to an orthopedic specialist and saw Dr. Patrick Boyett at OrthoSports in Athens. “Dr. Boyett was wonderful,” Tania said of her experience.

“I would highly recommend him and Dr. Lawrence and the entire staff at OrthoSports. They were friendly, cooperative, and inviting.”

Dr. Boyett did x-rays of Tania’s knees, then he walked her through her diagnosis and proposed treatment.

Tania ended up requiring a total knee replacement.

Her first surgery was performed in July 2013 at AthensLimestone Hospital, with a replacement of the right knee. The procedure went well, and after a few weeks of physical therapy, Tania was able to return to work in October 2013. She managed to deal with the pain in her left knee until November 2014, when she had it replaced as well.

Today Tania is doing very well. She started with a walker, progressed to a cane, and is now walking unassisted.

“I feel wonderful!” Tania said. “I feel truly blessed to be a patient of Dr. Boyett and the OrthoSports team.”

OrthoSports is located in Athens and is the most advanced orthopedic care center in Limestone County.

Dr. Patrick Boyett and Dr. William Lawrence work with

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If you would like to place an ad in the next issue of Source, have a story idea or would like to share a comment, call Teresa Gibbs at 256-431-6112 or email sourceoflimestonecounty@gmail.com.

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And if you have Medicare, as most seniors do, this may help cover the cost of up to 100 days of in-patient rehab at our facility. Afterall, you’ve got a lot of reasons to get going again.

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Read Source online at athenslimestonehospital.com

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Hope for a brighter tomorrow, hope for a life without the pain of loss, hope for healing and happiness.

Camp Hope offers bereavement services to children, ages 5 to 11, who have experienced the death of a loved one. Camp Hope helps by providing time to be with other children experiencing similar losses,

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providing opportunities to express feelings of grief and loss, providing one-on-one contact with buddies for companionship and providing fun activities.

Camp Hope Teen is for campers ages, 12 to 15, and is staffed by an energetic group of teenage volunteers (Camp Hope Volunteers must be over the age of 16 and must pass a background check and training session before becoming Camp Hope volunteers).

This year our camp will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at Camp Helen Baptist Campgrounds in East Limestone, with new Camp Director Emily Sandlin! To learn more about Camp Hope, visit athenslimestonehospice.org or call Hospice of Limestone County at 256-232-5017.

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Warmer Weather Brings Local Car Shows

by Joseph Scott

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The warmth of the sun, birds filling the air, and plants blooming usher in the time of year when you are ready to get outside and do something fun. For the car guy, it also announces the much anticipated car show and cruise-in season. Are you plugged into the local car show scene?

If not, you might be asking “What’s the big deal with car shows and why would I want to go to one?” Attending local car shows is a great family friendly activity and the perfect way to get outside and see some remarkable classic cars and trucks as well as some awesome late model muscle cars of today.

Strolling through the classic hotrods and cool vintage cars is one of the most fun memories I have of spending time with my dad. We would walk around and I would listen intently as he reminisced about the cars and told me stories of which ones he had owned.

Great music and the aroma of good food fills the air as you go back in time and relive what my dad calls

“the good-ol-days.” Many times these shows are raising money for a local charity or organization which offers a fun way to support your community.

So if you have a classic car or truck, get it shined up and ready to hit the shows. Pack your lawn chairs and cooler and go soak up some sun while hanging with your gearhead buddies and talking about all the upgrades and mods you did to your car or truck during the winter. Even if you don’t own a classic car or truck, grab the wife and kids, get out and take in the sights and sounds of one of these local shows.

Kids are so into video games these days, it’s a great change of pace for them to get out and experience an up close look at some awesome chrome and shiny paint jobs. Then watch their faces light up when they hear the unforgettable sound of an American V8 engine as it fires to life….I can smell the gasoline in the air now!

2015 Car Shows in our area APRIL 18th Champion Chevrolet presents: “Eli’s Block Party-Car Show” benefiting St. Jude at Lindsay Lane Baptist Church, Athens, AL • 9am-2pm April 18th Vets with Vettes “Open Car Show” at Joe Davis Stadium, Huntsville, AL April 25th “Cars on the Square” car/truck show at the downtown square, Athens, AL May 9th Rocket City Mustang Club “All Ford Show” at Sears, Huntsville, AL May 23rd Point Mallard Car Show at Point Mallard Park, Decatur, AL

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T R AV E L

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Florida Bound

b y Te r e s a G i b b s

If you’ve read many of my travel articles, you know that my husband, Wyman, and I have a convertible and often get the urge to put the top down and hit the road. Wyman is retired and I am fortunate enough to have a job that I work mostly from a computer. So … have computer … will travel!

Recently we heard the sounds of the waves and felt the pull of the gulf, drawing us south. Our 35th wedding anniversary was coming up, the winter skies were gray - it was a great time to visit Florida. But then, anytime is a great time to visit Florida. We grabbed some beach towels and sun screen, loaded the car and hit the road - heading south.

Our first stop was Pensacola Beach. We met up with our son, Hollis, and our daughter-in-law, Amira, who live in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. If there’s anything better than spending time at the beach, it’s spending time at the beach with family. After enjoying a few days of sand and sun, we headed further south.

We usually drive the coast line when traveling to South Florida, but we got a late start that day, so we took U.S. 19.

Around dark-thirty we started looking for a motel for the night.

When we reached the little town of Shamrock, we happened upon a magnificent historical lodge. Putnam Lodge was built in the late 1920s by the Putman Lumber Company. Then, and still today, stenciled pecky cypress columns impressively decorate the lobby and dining room of this twenty-five room lodge which has been beautifully restored. The next morning we headed toward Anna Maria Island, south of Tampa.

Anna Maria Island is a seven-mile strip of sandy white beaches. The island is made up of three cities; the southern city of Bradenton Beach, the central city of Holmes Beach and the northern city of Anna Maria. Anna Maria Island is located off the coast of Bradenton where you’ll find museums, parks, nature trails and other attractions.

Haley’s Motel on Anna Maria is central to all the delights this vacation paradise has to offer. We had reserved a two bedroom guesthouse since our daughter, Dana, and our granddaughter, Katie, were flying in from Charlotte, North Carolina to spend some vacation time with us.

One gorgeous evening, we took a fifteen minute drive south to the beautiful island of Longboat Key. We enjoyed a delicious dinner at the Lazy Lobster of Longboat Key, which happens to be our favorite restaurant in the area.

In fact, it’s one of our all-time favorite restaurants with fantastic food, reasonable prices and a friendly staff - from the hostess to the owner who goes from table to table meeting and greeting his diners.

The Lazy Lobster offers lunch and dinner menus along with an early diners’ menu. With lobster cooked so many ways, it’s always hard to decide which dish to choose, so we each ordered something different so we could sample a variety of dishes. From the lobster bisque and lobster “scargot” (lobster chunks, garlic-herb butter and Swiss cheese) to the whole stuffed Maine lobster, everything was fabulous. We also had chilled ahi tuna with a seaweed rice salad (which Katie loved), grilled scallops, shrimp and grouper.

Everything we had was delicious including the grand finale homemade cheesecake.

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Haley’s Motel is more than a great place to stay! It’s Old Florida in an area beautifully landscaped and painted in bright beach-y colors. Haley’s has been welcoming guests to scenic Anna Maria Island since the 1950s. Since those days all units have been updated with modern conveniences and now offer more fun than ever. Haley’s Motel is all about service.

Family members Tom, Carol and Eric go out of their way to make sure you have everything you need to make your stay comfortable. Just ask and they’ll tell you where to find the best restaurants, fun bars with live music, great shopping and the best beaches for shelling.

Haley’s Motel has everything you need to relax and unwind.

The heated pool and sun deck offers plenty of lounge chairs and there are tropical gardens throughout the property with benches, chairs, and tables for you to enjoy a picnic, good book or cool drink.

There are beach towels, umbrellas, carts and sand toys for guests’ use, so each day we loaded up a cart and strolled down to the beach. Haley’s is located only a short two minute walk from the white sugar sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico and central to all the delights that an Anna Maria paradise has to offer.

Park your car and ride the trolley. The free trolley runs the entire length of the island allowing you to visit all parts of the island. We enjoyed the Anna Maria City Pier and boardwalk at the north end of the island and shopping in the boutiques on Pine Avenue. The trolley also takes you through Holmes Beach where you can stop and do a little more shopping. If you get off at the plaza, you’ll find art galleries, souvenir shops, boutiques and some great restaurants. This is also where folks go for island night life and music - the Tiki Bar at Island Flea or Lobsta’s are both crowd pleasers. Bradenton Beach is at the south end of the island where you’ll enjoy the views from the Bridge Street Pier and watching the boats sailing down the Intracoastal Waterway. There are plenty of great restaurants in this area including some with outdoor dining.

With so much to see and do, it is no wonder that flipkey.com recently listed Anna Maria Island as a top family vacation destination.

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Just off the coast of Sarasota is Siesta Key, home to Siesta Key Beach, voted #1 beach in America by TripAdvisor for 2014 and and by Dr. Beach in 2011. This beach is blessed with the world’s finest, whitest sand. The soft, powdery sand us make up of 99-percent pure quartz sand and is always cool under your feet, even on the hottest of days. Siesta Key Village is the hub of Siesta Key, where you’ll find restaurants, gift shops and more.

Within walking distance of Siesta Key Village and across the street from the white sandy beach, is The Ringling Beach House. When we walked into our cottage, I immediately smiled - the décor was blue and green with hints of orange and yellow - I love bright, beach-y cottages! We needed a pack-andplay and high chair for Katie. No problem A&A Baby and Beach Rental had everything we needed to make baby comfortable. The resort provides beach chairs and umbrellas along with sand toys.

Katie was all set for more beach time.

Blue skies and not a cloud in sight - it was the perfect morning to be on the beach.

Lying with my eyes closed, I could hear the sound of waves crashing ashore and the sound of seagulls circling overhead. I could smell the salt water and feel the moisture in the air. I was totally relaxed with the bright sunshine warming my body. Suddenly I was brought out of my trance by a rather raspy voice shouting over the sounds of the wind and waves. “Reeeelaaaax your booooody!” It was the voice of Ava Csiszar, the instructor for the yoga class we had found on the beach. Arms spread out and bent knees flopped open, I was sure I resembled a dead frog, but so did Dana along with the other fifty or more men and women who had assembled that morning for yoga on Siesta Key Beach. Stretching in the morning is a great way to start out the day.

We were sad when the week was over and Dana and Katie had to leave. Fortunately the airport is very convenient to Siesta Key which made it easy for them to come and vacation with us.

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We packed and headed even further south - to Key West, where it all began - for me, that is. That’s where I was born some fifty-odd years ago. I must have gotten sand in my shoes. According to legend, once Key West sand gets in your shoes, you’ll return again and again. I guess it’s true. I finally got to go back to Key West about six years ago and now we keep returning.

Our favorite place to stay in Key West is Ambrosia Key West, an awesome bed-and-breakfast. Key West is truly a place where you park your car and never need to get

back in until you’re ready to leave. Some of our favorite daytime activities are touring the island from the water on a Barefoot Billy’s Jet Ski, snorkeling and dolphin watching boat trips. We’ve learned a lot about the history of Key West while enjoying the narrated sightseeing tour aboard the trolley and the Conch train. The sunset dinner cruise is awesome and they also offer wine, champagne and party cruises. And if you’re brave enough, there’s the Ghost and Gravestones “frightseeing” tour.

We always enjoy attending the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square. It’s a sight to behold as the sun makes its descent into the horizon, musicians and street performers come out, as do local food vendors and artists. Sing, dance, shop, eat, meet and mingle at Mallory Square - it’s an authentic Key West experience.

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Ambrosia Key West is located in Old Town where you’ll find many museums and attractions such as Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum, Harry S. Truman Little White House, Key West Museum of Art and History and streets lined with art museums, gift shops, ice cream parlors, restaurants and more. Head out any direction and stroll the palm-lined streets with gingerbread mansions and tin-roofed conch houses.

Take a one-and-a-half mile bike or scooter ride to the pristine beach at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. Duval Street is only three blocks away, while the Ernest Hemingway Home and Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory are one mile. Key West International Airport is four miles east.

Ambrosia Key West is in a former tropical nursery.

All fifteen suites and historic Conch houses are individually decorated and feature unique accents such as original artwork, hardwood floors, French doors or pebble stone showers, plus free Wi-Fi. Ambrosia Key West features private verandas, a hot tub, two refreshing pools, patios and luscious gardens with stone sculptures and fountains.

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It’s at least a two-day drive home from Key West, so we decided to stop back by Siesta Key for a few more days. We had stayed at Siesta Key Bungalows on a previous trip and loved it.

The tropical island of Siesta Key is home to 3 beautiful beaches. On the north end of the island is Siesta Key Beach, voted #1 Beach in America by Dr. Beach in 2011, Crescent Beach, named for its shape, is near the middle of the island, and located on the south end is Turtle Beach, a quiet and private beach, perfect for relaxing away from the crowds. A mile north of Turtle Beach, hidden amongst luxurious homes and sitting on Heron Lagoon, is Siesta Key Bungalows.

This charming boutique inn offers 10 one-bedroom old Florida style bungalows, some overlooking the tranquil, blue salt waters of the lagoon, and others overlooking the tropical courtyards.

The grounds are beautifully landscaped and red brick pathways lead to the water’s edge where you’ll find a small private beach with lounge chairs for relaxing. You’ll find more chairs on the dock where you’ll enjoy fishing and relishing in the splendor of the lagoon.

The swimming pool is heated seasonally and there are floats and toys for playing with the kids. Bicycles and kayaks are provided for guests’ enjoyment. Enjoy the views as you quietly paddle thru the calm waters or tour the island on a bicycle. The island is bicycle friendly and has sidewalks the entire length.

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Siesta Key Bungalows was given the 2013 White Glove Award for Superior Small Lodging. Owner, Gayle Luper, has a knack for creating tropical oasis. Sister property, Bungalow Beach Resort, is located on Anna Maria Island another paradise!

Siesta Key is connected to Sarasota by two bridges.

We always enjoy going to the Sarasota Farmers Market on Saturdays where there’s always lots of food, veggies, sweets, music and more. This time Jen & Ray, a Sarasotabased acoustic duo, were singing. We loved their music and even bought their cd. Also in the downtown area are boutiques, spas, restaurants, museums, live theaters, performing arts and more.

Nature trails and parks are abundant in the area. We took our bikes to Myakka River State Park one sunny day and enjoyed getting out on the back roads. On previous trips to the park we’ve enjoyed the airboat tour and

tram ride through the park. It’s a great park for bird watching, spotting alligators and other wildlife.

Another interesting place to visit is Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium located on Longboat Key. We took Dana and Katie before they left and Katie loved watching the colorful fish along with sharks, manatees and see turtles.

There’s always something going on in the Sunshine State!

For help in planning your Florida vacation, visit these websites: putnamlodge.com bradentongulfislands.com haleysmotel.com lazylobsteroflongboat.com mote.org visitsarasota.org ringlingbeachhouse.com aababyrentals.com

yogaonsiestabeach.com keywestattractions.org fla-keys.com ambrosiakeywest.com barefootbillys.com siestakeybungalows.com myakkariver.org

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S pecial S ection Building our Retirement Home To build or not to build? To move or not to move? These were the questions my husband, Wyman, and I had asked ourselves over and over for the past several years. Both of us grew up with our fathers in the service and have a great appreciation for traveling. Atmore, a small town on the Alabama/Florida state line was always home base for Wyman and Rainsville, a small town in north-east Alabama became home for me when I was thirteen and my father retired from the Navy. After traveling with Wyman’s company for several years, we moved from Black Mountain, North Carolina to Athens, Alabama to be closer to family.

When Wyman retired and our children were all out on their own, we began discussing moving back to the mountains or to Florida.

We’ve always enjoyed Florida winters and summers in the Smoky Mountains.

We started spending a lot of time in Florida during the winter and enjoyed the mountains in the summer. In the meantime, we became grandparents and were becoming more and more attached to our granddaughter, Tenley, who lives

b y Te r e s a G i b b s

in Athens with her parents. Well … those grandchildren sure pull at your heartstrings and when we ran across a piece of land in Elkmont with wooded hills and a stream meandering thru it’s beautiful valley, we decided it resembled the Smokies well enough that we just might be able to call it home.

Because we had built a few homes in the past, we were apprehensive about going through the process again. We would need to build a bridge across the stream, but we could just picture driving across that bridge and up the hill to our retirement home. After much prayer and

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deliberation, we purchased the property, built a bridge, then began looking at house plans. Not being the type to go with the flow, we wanted something different - a small cabin like you’d see in the mountains, but not too rustic. Not finding the perfect house plan, we drew up our own. We had some great ideas that were a little out of the ordinary and needed a builder that would be able to work with us, but let us be as involved as we wanted to be. After interviewing several, we knew Steve Peck, with Old South Homebuilders, was the builder we needed.

When we broke ground in the middle of May, 2014, we had already made plans for a long road trip. Our son, Hollis, was getting married in California, the end of May. We felt Steve had grasped what we had in mind, so we headed out, giving him permission to make any major decisions that needed to be made. If you’ve ever built a house, you know things don’t always move along quickly, but much to our surprise, when we returned after four weeks, we had a house in the dry!

The rest of the process went just as smooth and on September 15, 2014, we moved into our new home. We’ve built houses before and they don’t always turn out the way you envision, but this house sitting on the hill overlooking the valley was just what we had envisioned. We felt like we had a little piece of the Smokies in Elkmont, Alabama.

Steve was great to work with and even let us choose some of our own sub-contractors. The sub-contractors he works with, and the ones we chose, were some of the best - showing up when they said they would, sticking to their

quotes, and working with us when we made changes.

I would like to acknowledge and thank the following companies for their helpfulness and excellent work: AllStar Plumbers, Inc., sent a large crew to install our plumbing fixtures. We were very impressed with the neatness of their work and the speed at which they performed their job. When they finished the job, they picked up, swept up and left the place cleaner than they found it. We’ve previously used them on small projects and have always been pleased with their work. AllStar, owned by Chuck Robinson and managed by John Romine, Jr., has a reputation for their honesty, integrity and professionalism.

David Martin Heating and Air was very flexible in that his installation crew made extra trips due to unforeseen circumstances. When we changed our mind about the location of the return air, he had no problem making the change. When an issue came up with our a/c unit after moving in, David quickly arrived and had It up and going again that morning. Though it was no more than a faulty circuit breaker, we were impressed with how quickly he responded.

Steve and Wanda Clutts, owners of the Floor Gallery, have many years of experience in the flooring industry and they were great in helping us coordinate flooring and tile. We spent a lot of time browsing through their large showroom with a wide variety of styles and prices.

They had no problem with us taking as many samples as we needed. Their prices were very reasonable and their

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service is outstanding. Even though we were building a small house, they gave us the same personal attention they would give someone building a mansion.

Hamlin Homes, took care of our foundation work and roofing. They sent out a big crew to get the job done, did great work and cleaned up before they left. In talking with owners Nick Hamlin and Sam Gates, you get the idea that they pride themselves on quality work. You can see some of their quality work at Linton Estates, their new subdivision located on Linton Road in Athens.

Byron Hodges, owner of Hodges Cabinet Shop, Inc. is the most helpful cabinet maker I’ve ever dealt with. He came to my house, took the cabinet sketch I had drawn up on paper and actually drew it out on the sub-floor so we could see what would work and what wouldn’t and gave us suggestions. Now we have a nice flow for working in the kitchen. He built my kitchen island and master vanity from photos I found on internet. They turned out beautiful and so did the rest of our cabinets.

Holts Pest Control provided our termite pre-treatment.

Holt’s has been in business serving the area for many years and we’ve always heard good things about the company owned by Larry Holt. We had used them before and found them to be honest, reasonable and reputable. Besides new construction pre-treatment, they offer protection against pests and termites to area homes and businesses.

They are the only Athens based authorized Sentricon System© dealer.

Buying plumbing fixtures was easy thanks to the

helpful folks in Huntsville at McCrary Plumbing Supply Corporation. They have a large display showroom with a wide variety of faucets, sinks, commodes, showers, baths and everything else to get the job done. Most of what we chose was in stock, but they were happy to order a particular kitchen faucet I had seen online. Sherry Hargrove was a very knowledgeable salesperson and made choosing our fixtures easy.

When choosing siding, we wanted to go with wood, but did not want the upkeep and the problems with bugs and boring bees that goes along with it. Travis Pepper, manager of Quality Vinyl, showed us a beautifully prestained walnut colored textured siding that looks much like cedar and will only require hosing down every couple years. We also purchased our double hung Energy Star Windows from them. We saved time, money, and have only to upkeep the exterior of our home with a garden hose.

I loved the personal one-on-one customer service I received from Deborah Willis at The Light House in Decatur. The showroom has hundreds of indoor and outdoor light fixtures and fans to choose from and several books to browse through. I took several books home and spent hours deciding on my lighting. I went into the store several times to get suggestions and Deborah was always very helpful. They even offer after hour appointments and on-site consultations. A nice bonus - they include bulbs with every light fixture!

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Find educational classes offered at athenslimestonehospital.com

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Read Source online at athenslimestonehospital.com

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Learn about ALH career opportunities online at athenslimestonehospital.com

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Read Source online at athenslimestonehospital.com

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A Publication of Athens-Limestone Hospital

PRST STD US Postage PAID Huntsville, AL Permit 97

Athens-Limestone Hospital P.O. Box 999 Athens, Alabama, 35612

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