Source Spring 2017

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Athens-Limestone Hospital

Outpatient Surgery Center s l a t e d t o o p e n i n e a r ly 2 0 1 8

Dr. Paul Noel, local surgeon, recently performed his 20,000th surgery pg 10 Latest in Technology - FilmArray Delivers Fast, More Accurate Test Results pg 36 Source_Spring_2017.indd 1

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Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation Board Members Ray Neese, President Annette Barnes Dick Chittam Monya Claborn Amanda Clardy Deborah Daws John Eubanks Mac Graham Tim Green Jessica Jones

Thank You for supporting Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation Events The Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation is a non-profit 501(c) (3) charitable organization. The ALH Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of directors from Athens and Limestone County who are motivated by a desire to further the healthcare services of Limestone County and surrounding areas.

The mission of the ALH Foundation is to build relationships and

Mark Maclin

broaden financial resources to sustain the healthcare programs,

Russ Mitchell

projects, and services of Athens-Limestone Hospital.

John Morris

Because of generous donors, our Fall 2016 event fundraisers

Susan Riddle

provided our hospital with advanced technology and helped

Tiffany Pack

further our women’s health programs.

Cary Payne

The Crystal Cup Golf tournament grossed a total of $31,327!

David Pryor

These funds helped Athens-Limestone Hospital purchase radiology

Teresa Smith

equipment, a C-arm, used in surgery to assist physicians with

Leah Stephens Shelli Waggoner Jennifer Williamson Carlos Ann Woodward

surgical procedures. The C-arm has superb image quality, flexible mechanical features and is easily transportable through the hospital. “The new c-arm has allowed Athens-Limestone Hospital to expand the number of surgeries we can do daily. With surgery expanding and the complexity of our cases ever growing, the features with the new C-arm were a great addition to our radiology equipment,” said Helen Copeland, Director of Diagnostic Services.

The Pink Elephant Luncheon grossed a total of $27,148.00! Funds raised at the luncheon assisted in expanding ALH’s Stereotactic Breast Biopsy program.

Stereotactic breast biopsy is the gold standard for biopsying calcifications in breast tissue. These tissues are not seen under ultrasound and are hard to mark for a traditional surgery procedure. Stereotactic procedures are done under a local anesthetic and the patient can go back to normal activity after the procedure.

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SAVE DATES

the

Crystal Cup golf tournament SEPTEMBER 14, 20 17

THE Pink ELEPHANT LUNCHEON October 18, 2017

You can help save lives through the Pink Garbage Can Project by purchasing a 96 gallon or 64 gallon rolling garbage can from the AthensLimestone Hospital Foundation. The garbage cans are sold for $75 each and the profit goes toward the Pink Elephant Fund. This fund allows men and women in Limestone County to receive mammograms and aids in technology and purchases of new mammography equipment for Athens-Limestone Hospital.

To purchase a pink can, call or visit: Athens Limestone Hospital Foundation 721 W Market Street, Suite C, Athens, AL 35611 P: 256-233-9557 F: 256-233-9375 • foundation@alhnet.org

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F e at u r e A r t i c l e s

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DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE ALH Outpatient Surgery Center PHYSICIAN PROFILE Dr. Paul Noel WELCOME Dr. Max Boone, ALH’s Newest Health Partner THE INSIDE STORY IMM Improving ER Care at ALH Health tips Surviving Spring Allergy Season MAKING A DIFFERENCE ALH Patient/Family Advisory Council Travel – Costa Rica!

Recipe - Costa Rican Arroz con Pollo THE LATEST IN TECHNOLOGY FilmArray Delivers Faster, More Accurate Test Results

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Canebrake Club - Live.Play.Belong.

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Hospice of Limestone County – Camp Hope

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Pool Healthcare and Esthetics

ASU Center for LLL Kids Camp on the Square

V O L U M E 5 | I S S U E t h r ee | s p r i n g 2 0 1 7

A Publication of Athens-Limestone Hospital published by | TW Publishing, LLC PO Box 1241 Athens, AL 35612 sourceoflimestonecounty@gmail.com

publisher | Teresa Gibbs

contributing | Katie Clark

writers Teresa Gibbs Patricia Hartley Karen Malone Brenda Parker photography | Danielle Collins Teresa Gibbs advertising | Teresa Gibbs

sales sourceoflimestonecounty@gmail.com 256-431-6112

graphic | Cindy Young design cindy@cindyyoungdesign.com

Traditions of Athens Senior Living ALH Services, Centers and Clinics Athens Health and Rehabilitation North Alabama Research Center Bank Independent Community Program On the cover: Rendering of the future Athens-Limestone Hospital Outpatient Surgery Center by Chapman Sisson Architicts.

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

L-R: F ront Row Dr. Paul Noel; Beth Pitman, Scrub Tech; Nicole Beasley, RN Back Row Anthony Blackwood, RN; Doris Stewart, RN Physician Profile, page 10.

©2017. 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.

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3/28/17 11:53 AM

Congratulations

Athens-Limestone Hospital Outpatient Surgery Center Slated to Open Early 2018 On January 20th Athens-Limestone Hospital (ALH) held the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Outpatient Surgery Center to be built at the Limestone Medical Village located near the corner of Highway 72 and Lindsey Lane in Athens. The $25 million project is slated to open in early 2018 and is the largest healthcare project of its kind to be planned for our area. In addition to six outpatient operating rooms, the 75,000 sf facility will house the medical offices of OrthoSports Athens, ALH imaging and laboratory services, and a pharmacy with convenient drive through.

During the ceremony local civic leaders, hospital administrators and physicians thanked the many community partners for making this facility possible.

We are fortunate to live in a community in which our leaders put such a priority on the community’s ease of access to quality health care. Hospitals are institutions within a community that most people take for granted until a medical emergency or other need for hospital services arises. Often, we do not give much thought to the quantity and quality of services offered by the hospital in our community. However, upon admission of yourself or a loved one, the value of scope and quality of services the hospital offers is quickly realized. A community the size of Athens and surrounding Limestone County is fortunate to not just have a hospital, but a thriving hospital and medical community.

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DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE IN YOUR HOMETOWN HOSPITAL!

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d i s c o v e r t h e d i ff e r e n c e

Athens-Limestone Hospital Outpatient Surgery Center Slated to open in early 2018 b y K a r e n M a l o n e

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Hospitals in smaller communities often struggle to keep their doors open in today’s climate of third party insurers and adapting to changes in federal health care regulations governing Medicare and Medicaid. In spite of the hurdles within the medical industry, Athens-Limestone Hospital is thriving and continues its vigorous expansion. According to David Pryor, ALH President, “Having an affiliation with a larger system like Huntsville Hospital allows access to better purchasing power for supplies. Also, just as important, it allows access to resources that we could not afford as a stand-alone hospital in regards to quality and patient safety. There are all kinds of initiatives we would not be able to develop on our own, or at least not as easily, without the support of a big system.”

Pryor states that the dynamic growth and success of ALH can be attributed to several factors: - the environment of compassionate care that is continually being cultivated with hospital staff, - improved quality of service over the decades, - convenience of location for the local population, and - the robust growth of the community.

Pryor took over the role of hospital president two and a half years ago when Kelli Powers transitioned over to Huntsville Hospital as the CFO. In his 32 year career in

the medical field, Pryor has directed his focus on patient safety and he has continued to build upon the momentum of success previously established by Powers to enhance the quality of care from the patient safety perspective.

“We have added a lot of initiatives across the facility that just focuses on keeping patients safe while they are in the hospital,” he says. The hospital continues on its journey to become a Highly Reliable Organization (HRO) aiming for zero patient harm. Employees are trained and empowered to make decisions to reduce hospital acquired infections, patient falls and other preventable events that are unique to individual departments. This training along with the hospital’s mission to “provide each patient with the exceptional quality care, service, and compassion we want for our loved ones” has improved overall patient care.

This is reflected in patient surveys and recently achieved accolades such as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama recognizing ALH’s Maternity Care and Knee and Hip Replacement as Blue Distinction Centers. Also, ALH has been ranked in the top ten hospitals in Alabama by Health Grove, a leading medical data research company.

Another new concept in the health field that has developed in the past few decades is what is known as transition care. It is a big part of Quality Assurance within

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We’re doing everything we can to help the patient stay healthy. the ALH system. Pryor maintains, “Care transition has evolved over the years. It’s a partnership with other health care providers in the community so that patient care is from primary care through emergency room to hospital surgery to discharge back to primary care or nursing home. We’re all partners in providing a continuum of care provided to the patient that existed before the patient arrived at the hospital. We’re doing everything we can to help them stay healthy.”

The convenience of location is also an attractive factor for many clients/patients. Not just saving time because of a shorter commute, but also avoiding the stress of heavy traffic associated with traveling to a larger metropolitan area. Also, costs of overnight stays or daily visits of loved ones can often factor into being admitted to a distant facility. Pryor is acutely aware of the amount of congestion created by the limited onsite parking at ALH on Market Street, so it made perfect sense to build the Outpatient Surgery Center at the Limestone Medical Village Campus.

“This expansion was about convenience. When I came on board in June of 2014 we were hitting a consistent level of surgical volume where we needed to move forward with some type of expansion,” Pryor explains. Convenience does not just stop with the location. Thought put into the planning allowed the facility to be built to be most efficient for the surgeons and the best patient-friendly experience for clients.

The growth of the Tennessee Valley region of North

Alabama has also driven the need for expanded health care. OrthoSports Athens has steadily grown over the past two years, as has other surgeons in the area, and recently expanded their practice to include an office in Rogersville.

The hospital continues to add physicians under its umbrella to help serve smaller outlying communities.

These hospital/physician alliances help support local physicians so they are able to retain their practices in small towns. An important goal of the Huntsville Hospital System is to allow local doctors to serve and thrive in small town settings rather than consolidate health services into one location. “We say small community, but the Athens-Limestone area is one of the fastest growing communities and counties in the state, so it is important that we continue to grow along with the population.” But Pryor adds, “While we have successfully brought in and have been joined by new physicians in the community, we also have experienced physicians that have been serving this community for a long time. For example, Dr. Paul Noel just performed his 20,000th surgery at ALH, which is remarkable.”

When you or a loved one enters a hospital for health care, it can be a very stressful event. It is good to know that, at Athens-Limestone Hospital, all the “behind the scenes” work has taken place before you ever arrive to help make your experience as efficient, safe and pleasant as possible. As we all know, reduction of stress is the first step on the healing journey.

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Ph y s i c i a n p r o f i l e

Dr. Paul Noel 20,000 Surgeries in 20 Years!

Surgical Services of Athens is located near the hospital at 201 N. Malone Street and can be reached at 256-216-6500.

by Katie Clark

Dr. Paul Noel has been practicing general surgery in Athens for nearly twenty years. On September 12, 2016, he performed his twenty thousandth surgery at Athens-Limestone Hospital. Dr. Noel is a great example of the type of experienced healthcare providers working in Athens through Athens-Limestone Hospital.

When asked how he reached his twenty thousandth surgery in such a short period of time, Dr. Noel said, “I am fortunate that the people of Athens and Limestone County have always been very supportive of my practice.”

Dr. Noel, originally from Huntsville, trained in Mobile where he completed his general surgery residency at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. He began operating in Athens in 1998.

The following year he started his own surgery practice, Noel General Surgery.

“Performing general surgery in a small town setting has allowed me to have a broad based practice,” said Dr. Noel. “The interesting range of surgeries, from endoscopy and superficial skin procedures to more complicated cases such as abdominal and cancer operations, has allowed for the addition of Dr. Seth Rayburn, in 2004, and Dr. Cassidy Koonce in 2015. The three of us form a very solid general surgery group here in Athens.”

Over the years, minimally invasive surgeries (MIS) have become the norm in Dr. Noel’s practice. “Minimally invasive procedures are common place now when it comes to removing a diseased appendix or gallbladder or repairing a hernia,” said Dr. Noel. “By using smaller incisions, patients are able to recover much faster than in the past. For instance, an open appendix surgery, that might have required a five to seven day hospital stay, can now be performed laparoscopically, with the patient going home the following day. Instead of four to six weeks of recovery at home, patients are typically back on their feet almost immediately, and to their normal activities in a week or two.”

In addition to the faster recovery time, MIS decreases the risk of post-operative infections and allows us to offer the best surgical care available.”

Dr. Noel also has extensive experience with more traditional open surgeries. “It’s a broad based surgery practice,” Dr. Noel said, “and the reason I came to Athens. I continue to enjoy my practice here to this day.”

When asked how he helps put patients at ease who are nervous about having surgery, Dr. Noel said he discusses their surgical treatment options and helps the patient decide which pathway is the right choice. He strives to get the patient involved in the decision making process and added, “It is very important for patients to be actively involved in their own care.”

Dr. Noel lives in Athens with his wife, Elizabeth. They have two sons who are attending the University of Alabama. Dr. Noel currently serves as Chief of Surgery at Athens-Limestone Hospital. He is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

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Honoring Life. Celebrating Memories.

You and your family can trust the professionals at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home to exceed your expectations, and provide award-winning service – before, during and after your loved one’s funeral.

limestonechapel.com 256-232-1051 322 Highway 31 North | Athens, Alabama 35611

“From a walker to walking with my granddaughters– life is good again.”

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The right rehab is right here in Athens: - Respiratory / Pulmonary care - Short term rehab - Long term nursing care - Diabetic care /education - 24-hour skilled nursing - Post-stroke rehabilitation - PT, OT and Speech therapy - Pain management - Cardiac rehabilitation - State-of-the-art wound care - Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance & private pay accepted

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600 West Hobbs St. Athens, AL 256-232-3461 visit us at www.limestonehf.com

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Caring for You

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Nestled against the beautiful and luxurious North Alabama landscape, Canebrake Club of Athens offers an 850-acre meticulously maintained and masterfully planned community.

It is rich in wonderful neighbors, active lifestyles, and good living— not to mention the beauty of nature all around. Canebrake Club’s vision for residents and members is to LIVE. PLAY. BELONG. This vision is evident in every area of the community.

include access to the pool, tennis facility, and Founders House—the Club’s full service private dining area. Canebrake Club offers its own full-service real estate experience with Teresa Tester. Teresa is a seasoned real estate professional who is on-site and available to guide potential residents through a flawless Canebrake Real Estate experience.

Live.

The crown jewel of the Canebrake Club community is its 18-hole championship golf course. Designed by the world renowned architect Ron Garl, the course offers opportunities for golfers at all skill levels. At Canebrake it is believed that the true measure of a great course is not only that it must pose a challenge, but also that it must be enjoyable to play. Set against the backdrop of North Alabama’s pristine woodlands and waterways, the golf operation is led by award-winning PGA of America professional Micky Wolfe.

Canebrake has made a commitment to ensure that members and residents are treated to a superb

It has been said that Canebrake Club is a good life for every stage of life. Canebrake Club makes country club living available to all. The Club offers a wide range of ready-to-build home sites for an amenity-filled living opportunity with custom built homes ranging from 1,400-squarefoot patio homes, for small families or empty nesters, to 7,500-squarefoot dream homes on 2.5 acre estate lots. It is a true golf community, as it offers a unique opportunity to build right on the golf course.

Other unparalleled highlights of home ownership at Canebrake Club

play.

playing experience. However, golf isn’t the only opportunity to enjoy outdoor play at Canebrake. “We have made Canebrake Club more than a place to play golf,” Wolfe says. “The unique atmosphere created at Canebrake is contagious.

It’s why we’ve seen our club grow even in the toughest of times.”

The unique atmosphere Wolfe boasts can be found in all areas of the Club’s offerings, including six lighted, clay based tennis courts, designated fishing lakes, and multiple natural walking trails that wind throughout the community.

These perks are available to the whole family. Club members and Canebrake residents are also afforded the benefit of hours of relaxation around the beautiful Canebrake pool. It swells with social activities throughout the swimming season and is sure to be a family hot spot during the sweltering Alabama summers.

Belong.

Along with a place to live and a place to play, Canebrake Club offers a true community atmosphere—a

For more information on PLAY. BELONG. contact Micky Wolfe – micky@canebrakeclub.com You can reach Canebrake Club at 256-232-2412. Visit Canebrake Club online @ canebrakeclub.com.

You’ll find them on Facebook at Canebrake Club of Athens, AL

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athens.edu

place to call home. Members and residents have the special opportunity to get to know their neighbors through activities and gatherings at The Canebrake Lodge, home to Founders House Restaurant and Partinis Bar—both member favorites. The Lodge is a sprawling gathering place for Club members and residents to enjoy memorable experiences created by an expert culinary team. Dining opportunities range from elegant RSVP-only dinners to quick working lunches. Founders House is proud to be equipped to meet a family’s varying dining needs. They’re also honored to offer several familycentered activities throughout the year including Breakfast with Santa, the Canebrake Easter Egg Hunt, the Little Goblins Hayride, and more.

For more information on LIVE, contact Teresa Tester at teresa@ canebrakeclub.com or 256-656-9731.

YOUR UNIVERSITY YOUR WAY

It’s

amazing how 2 short years athens.edu 13

transform the rest of your life.

YOUR UNIVERSITY can

YOUR WAY calhoun.edu

Your Community. Your College. Your Future.

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W EL C O M E Dr. Max Boone of Eastside Family Medical Athens-Limestone Hospital’s Newest Physician Partner

by Karen Malone

Coming to Athens was a great move. I stepped into a fairly busy practice and never looked back.

It’s been a great 27 years and I look forward to many more.

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In today’s fast-paced and technology centered medical world it can sometimes seem that the disease or the condition is being treated and not the patient.

As a member of the baby boomers, I have childhood memories of our family doctor making house calls with the classic black medical bag and stethoscope. I remember Dr. Van Sickle giving my younger sisters their school vaccinations as well as general medical assessments to family members not feeling well.

However, my most vivid memory is of a visit he made on a Sunday afternoon while my parents were away. I had stepped on a piece of glass and had a deep cut on the bottom of my foot. The baby-sitter gave him a call. (My parents had left his number in case of an emergency in those pre-mobile phone days.) He drove to the house, picked me up, took me to his office, stitched up my foot and delivered me home – all before my parents knew or arrived back home. While physicians don’t make house calls anymore, many physicians still base their practice in the old-fashioned and time honored tradition of treating their patients like family.

Dr. Max Boone, a well-respected Athens community family physician, is one such practitioner. The family culture he has created with his patients is demonstrated by the many citizens of the Athens-Limestone Community who have trusted him with their physical care for over two decades. In return, they treat him like family as well. He and his wife were hospitalized due to a very bad accident in 2014, and one of the unit nurses could not believe the number of patients who came to visit their doctor! “It was a humbling experience to receive so much love and concern,” Dr. Boone said.

As a family physician, Dr. Boone said he may treat a sprained ankle, hypertension, and pneumonia all in the same day, maybe even in the same visit. “I am passionate about taking care of people that I’ve been seeing for 20 or 25 years,” said Dr. Boone. “It’s exciting and fulfilling!”

Dr. Boone’s father, also a physician, passed along wisdom he learned to his son. “My dad used to tell me

that if you just listen, the patient will tell you most of what you need to know. If you’re in a hurry, you tend to interrupt which ends up taking longer to get the information.”

In 1990, after residency and a four year practice in a small Arkansas town, Dr. Boone and his wife, Chris, began looking at several relocation options, including Athens, because they had family here. “I talked to Phil Dotson, who was the Athens-Limestone Hospital CEO at the time,” said Dr. Boone. “He said there was a physician, Dr. Stanley Hand, looking to bring in a younger doctor so he could retire. We learned what a great reputation Dr. Hand had after 40 years of practice.” So they made the move to the small town of Athens.

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“Coming to Athens was a great move,” said Dr. Boone.

“I stepped into a fairly busy practice and never looked back. It’s been a great 27 years and I look forward to many more.”

While it is easy to reminisce about the ‘good old days,’ there are definite improvements with today’s medical practices. “Now medicine is much more of a partnership between healthcare, the patient and the family,” Dr. Boone explained. “People are much better informed about their health these days.”

“I purchased, from a local antique mall, an old prescription bottle, because it had Dr. Hand’s name on it.

It doesn’t even say what medication was in the bottle. That doesn’t happen now, good thing,” added Dr. Boone.

Through his partnership with Athens-Limestone Hospital, Dr. Boone is looking forward to the enhancement of service to his patients. “With all the changes in medicine,” said Dr. Boone, “it’s becoming increasingly

difficult to be a solo practitioner. I plan to practice for several more years, and, while I think I could have done this in my own practice, it’s getting harder to manage the business aspect. That can be a distraction from the patient care.”

“Athens Limestone Hospital, and its association with Huntsville Hospital, has great support services in terms of specialty care and inpatient care when needed,” Dr. Boone explained. “I’m now able to take all the different health insurances, which is very hard to do on your own.

I’m also seeing the advantage of being able to readily access reports from the hospital, Medical East, and other physicians. It’s nice being able to focus more on just taking care of my patients.”

Eastside Family Medical is located at 22289 Medical Village Drive, Athens, AL 35613 and can be reached at 256-232-1414. They are now accepting new patients including Medicare patients.

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the inside story

Island Medical Management (IMM) Improving Emergency Room Care at Athens-Limestone Hospital

by Karen Malone

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Who among us is not familiar with the fast paced, high intensity scenes of Hollywood’s Emergency Rooms (ER)? While all the drama makes for great program ratings it doesn’t reflect the average day in most hospital emergency rooms. ER’s that deal with high numbers of trauma cases are found in highly urbanized areas. Small community hospitals ERs are driven by the needs of the local community and Athens-Limestone Hospital (ALH) is no different. ALH is focused on providing and continually improving access to compassionate, competent and quality hospital care especially in an emergency situation.

Currently the ALH Emergency Department sees about 100 patients per day. Two major enhancements ALH has made to improve emergency care in our community is 1) the

addition of the hospital’s affiliated Medical East Walk-In Clinic and 2) partnering with Island Medical Management. The main focus for this group is to serve the community in Emergency Care.

The Medical East Walk-in Clinic was built about 10 years ago on Highway 72 East and designed with the purpose of easing the strain on the ALH Emergency Room (ER). It is common for many people to use the ER as their primary source of medical care, even when it is not an emergency. When people do not have a relationship with a primary care physician the ER is often their only health care option. The lack of a relationship with a primary care physician can be due to many reasons including good health with no chronic need for a physician, lack of medical

insurance, or even fears surrounding medical care itself. But eventually, a situation arises where an individual so desperately needs relief that emergency care becomes the only viable option. The Walk-in Clinic provides an alternative to the hospital ER. “When Medical East Walk-in Clinic opened, we quickly saw a reduction in the number of people presenting to the ER during the clinic’s operating hours. The current operating hours are from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm and they are packed most days with patients with colds, complaints of headaches and symptoms such as these. One of the benefits of having our own urgent care is that if the patient should need a hospital admission or more medical attention than the walk-in clinic can give, Medical East staff can call

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directly to ALH ER and have transport arranged to the ER,” explains Jan Lenz, ALH Chief Nursing Officer. The relationship between hospital and clinic allows for medical records, tests, and lab results to be readily available when the patient arrives. This eliminates repeated medical tests and lab work.

Although the ER and Walk-in Clinic are available if needed, Lenz encourages everyone to select a primary care physician. Even individuals without health issues benefit from an annual wellness check-up, and if an emergency arises there is a health history to provide guiding information. ALH continues to build partnerships with physicians in Athens and the smaller surrounding communities. Selecting a partnering ALH physician further strengthens and enhances the quality of care an individual will receive in an emergency situation simply due to the ease of sharing medical records, tests and results.

When Lenz came on board ALH in 2001, from a large Birmingham hospital, she had some concerns about the level of care she would find in a small, community hospital.

“I was so pleasantly surprised to find a wonderful community hospital that wasn’t trying to be everything. They were trying to concentrate on the needs of the community and that is what we still do.”

In 2016 ALH became a full partner of the Huntsville Hospital (HH) system. The resources available to ALH through this partnership create the greatest benefit to our small, community hospital. Lenz says, “The partnership allows shared access to expertise and medical equipment that may not necessarily be required on a daily basis, but is critical for health enhancement when it is

needed.” In other words, it allows our community access to emergency care we could not afford to offer. Lenz continues, “As an example, we [ALH] provide wonderful obstetric care for both moms and newborns, but we also have the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at HH. Our partnership with HH allows a higher level of care if needed, with absolutely no difficulty in transferring; same thing with the Heart Center and our ability to transfer our cardiac patients, as well as trauma which Huntsville manages.”

ALH has OB/ Pediatric, Orthopedics, ENT, Neurology and many other specialty areas that can be provided cost effectively, safely and efficiently locally. It is wiser to consolidate some medical services for the region at Huntsville Hospital. Lenz adds, “We don’t do neurosurgery. We don’t have a cath lab here. And we don’t do open-heart surgery, because we have our partner, Huntsville Hospital, that does that and we can get our patients there as quick as 17 minutes.”

Another major improvement to the emergency services of ALH was the partnership with Island Medical Management (IMM), Emergency Providers, in August 2016.

Collaboration with IMM continues to insure high quality care and service for our community. Before Island Medical Management came on board at the ALH Emergency Department, the Left-Without-Seen rate was noted to be greater than 3.2%. Since that time that rate has been effectively reduced to 1.5%. This is due in large part to the working relationships IMM has established with multiple departments throughout the AthensLimestone Hospital Healthcare System.

Dr. Dewight Cowley, IMM Assistant Medical Director, says, “ALH serves a wide range of patients within

the Emergency Department. From Pediatrics to Geriatrics, we pride our self on providing quality care for all our patients and every attempt is made to utilize the resources within the Athens-Limestone Community, but there are times when our patients are best served at larger facilities like Huntsville Hospital. These cases include certain types of trauma, cardiac and renal cases.”

The Athens-Limestone Emergency Department is always staffed 24 hours a day with an Emergency Medicine Doctor. The supporting staff include, Emergency medicine Advance Practice Providers, A wonderful cast of Medical Specialist, Hospitalist, Nurses, Technicians, Respiratory Therapist, Laboratory and Radiology support personnel supports them in a collaborative effort in providing quality care to all our patients.

Lenz says, “The ER physicians and nursing staff are top notch as far as maintaining their competencies and being on the cutting edge of ER practices. Almost every day there is some type of educational offering by the hospital for staff.”

In addition to the best practices and technical education, the hospital also maintains its focus on safe, effective and efficient care striving to be a Highly Reliable Organization (HRO). Lenz concedes, “Some would argue that a hospital is too complex of a service institution to strive for ‘zero errors.’ Although there may never be a hospital that actually reaches that perfect goal, every hospital should continually be striving for perfection. ALH administration and staff look at everything every day to determine areas to improve safety, effectiveness and efficiency.

ALH wants to get as close to the ‘zero errors’ standard as possible.”

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ASU Center for Lifelong Learning Summer Camp for Kids - on the Square

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We all want the best for our children. Sending them to summer camp is an opportunity for them to grow and have fun with their friends. Choosing the right camp for your child can be difficult. What are the ratios of campers to counselors? What is the philosophy of the program? What kind of schedule will the program have? Are they staying overnight or just for the day?

The school year is almost over and children will be out for the summer.

When looking for something to do this summer, think of the Athens State University Center for Lifelong Learning. Every summer we offer camps for children ages 8 through 12.

Why choose the Center for Lifelong Learning? Our camps are planned for fun first and include an academic component to keep children learning during the summer. We offer a wide variety of programs for boys and girls including sports, academics, and interests. In most cases, all fees are included in the price of the camp. Another reason to choose camps at the center is the ratios of campers to teachers. The Center for Lifelong Learning hires experienced teachers who work with just ten to fifteen campers at a time in most camps.

The Archery Camp will be offered again this year as well as two new camps for the sports enthusiast – Golf and Soccer Camp. Last year Archery had a waiting list so be sure to register early for these camps.

From Cows to Cotton, Stop Motion Animation, and Smart Photography will be back this year. The From Cows to Cotton Camp will be touring new farms and focusing on different kinds of farmers. Stop Motion Animation and Smart Photography will also be adding new components and techniques.

New this year, is a Creative Writing Camp which will teach campers how to develop stories. Campers will take home a collection of short stories written during camp. Also new this year, is a Cooking Camp, co-sponsored by Food Fite. Camper will learn kitchen skills and cook a meal to take home for dinner.

Most of the camps will meet Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 am to12:00 pm or from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Field Trip Fridays are planned for each week of camp. Those campers who enroll in Field Trip Fridays will take short trips to local sites like the Huntsville Botanical Gardens and other interesting places.

Information about all of the camps and trips offered through the Center for Lifelong Learning is available on our website at athens.edu/cll.

If you have questions about any of the camps, call Camp Coordinator, Nancy Croomes at 256-233-8260.

Center for Lifelong Learning, on the Square in Athens, is located at 121 S Marion St, Athens, AL 35611. Visit our website at athens.edu/cll, or call us at 256-233-8260. Like us on Facebook @ Center for Lifelong Learning at Athens State University.

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HEALTH TIPS Surviving Spring Allergy Season • Shut it out! A fresh breeze blowing through the house is nice, but if the pollen count is high, keep the windows and doors closed to protect your indoor air.

Install a HEPA filter on your air-conditioning system.

Have pizza trailer - will cater!

Let us bring the party to you!

We cater all types of special events and offer a special catering menu for your occasion.

• Remove, wash and wipe! After being outdoors, your clothes, shoes, hair and skin are covered with tiny pieces of the outside world. Remove your shoes outside the door and throw your clothes into the washer. Take a shower and change into something clean. Wipe your pet’s paws and fur when bringing them indoors as well.

• Stay Healthy! Eating a good diet, keeping your weight in check and living a healthy lifestyle are all a part of staying strong and warding off sickness.

• Clean it! Harsh chemicals can irritate your nasal passages and aggravate your symptoms. Use natural cleaners like vinegar or baking soda. Use a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter to trap allergens.

Wear a mask when you work in your yard or vacuum.

Check with a drugstores or medical supply store for a respirator mask to block pollen and other allergens.

• Rinse It Out! A nasal rinse cleans mucus from your nose and can ease allergy symptoms. It also can whisk away bacteria, thin mucus, and cut down on postnasal drip. Buy a rinse kit or make one using a neti pot or a nasal bulb. Mix 1/2 teaspoon salt with a pinch of baking soda in 8 ounces of warm distilled or sterilized water. Lean over a sink and gently flush one nostril at a time.

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• Soak! A warm, relaxing bath often brings relief to nasal congestion. Try adding bath salts or essential oils.

• Rest! If you feel totally lousy, give your body a rest and go to bed early or take a sick day. Overdoing it and running around when you feel awful will only make you feel worse.

Book your Graduation Party by April 15, 2017 and receive a 10% discount. Orders over $100.00 receive an additional 5% discount.

1260 Hwy 72 East, Athens (in the strip next to Starbucks)

256-434-8400

• See your allergist! Valley ENT’s physicians offer management of both acute and chronic allergy problems, including comprehensive allergy testing and immunotherapy. “If you struggle with recurrent or chronic sinus problems or allergies, we can design a medical regimen specific to your individual allergies that works year round,” says Dr. Hill.

JoesWorldFamousPizzeria.com Read Source online at athenslimestonehospital.com

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M A K IN G A DI F F EREN C E ALH Patient Family Advisory Council Working Hard for the Community

by Katie Clark

Over the last several months the Patient Family Advisory Council (PFAC) at Athens-Limestone Hospital has been hard at work for the people of the Athens area. Made up of advisors who have “been there,” so to speak, the PFAC recently met to discuss how they can better minister to those families experiencing end-of-life issues and decisions.

When hospital staff members expressed a desire to better help families facing this heartbreaking reality, the PFAC went to work. “While a hospital can be a place where life enters the world, it is also sometimes the place where an earthly life ends,” said Judy Wilson, a member of the PFAC. Judy is a retired Federal Volunteer President, and she was recommended to the council by hospital CEO David Pryor.

As you may recall, in our Summer/Fall issue, we shared information about a special luncheon held at Athens State University for health professionals in the community.

Dr. Monica Williams-Murphy, author of It’s OK to Die, spoke at the seminar. Dr. Murphy is the Medical Director for Advance Care Planning and End of Life Education at

Huntsville Hospital. She is also an award-winning writer and national speaker. Her philosophy states, “Proper advanced planning creates a powerful opportunity for the end-of-life to become a time of peace, closure and even healing.”

The PFAC is honoured to be helping to bring a new level of palliative care to Athens-Limestone Hospital.

The PFAC meets regularly, and they recently welcomed five new members into the council. They continue to work diligently for the people of Limestone County.

The PFAC recently welcomed five new members: Luis F. Vargas, Pat King, Helen Carter, Chief James Chambers and Caroline Page.

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Get Ready for CAMP HOPE! It’s almost that time of year again! Time for some sunshine, food, fun and a little bit of healing! This year’s Camp Hope will be held on Tuesday, June 5th at Camp Helen in the East Limestone Community.

Volunteer training dates will be in April and May. Those interested in being a volunteer for the day will be required to go through an hour of training and a complete background check.

“This is my third year as coordinator of Camp Hope and my heart is all in it!” said Camp Coordinator, Emily Sandlin. “It will be an amazingly day, full of fun, friends, learning and healing. We’ve got some exciting activities planned such as waterslides, swimming, fishing and other fun things that make the afternoon a memorable and great time for kids who have experienced loss. To me, the most special part of the day is the balloon release, closing the day and helping to release the feelings that may have been dragging the camper down.

•Y ou don’t have to have suffered a hospice loss to come to camp.

• J ust because you’ve come to camp before, doesn’t mean you can’t come again!

•C amp Hope is funded by various local support grants and gifts.

•C amp Home costs our campers nothing!

It’s completely free.

If you want to volunteer or if you know a child, aged 5 to 15, who may benefit from a day of fun after suffering a loss, please email Emily Sandlin, Camp Hope coordinator at ekphsandlin@yahoo.com.

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Pool Healthcare and Aesthetics - Be the Ideal You!

by Brenda Parker

Do fine lines and wrinkles have you looking and feeling less than your former youthful self? Do you feel tired, run down? Pool Healthcare and Aesthetics offers many innovations that can improve mind, body and spirit.

In the field of aesthetics, Skinfinity is an innovative fractional ablative radiofrequency technology designed to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars and stretch marks. Other treatments include PRP (platelet rich plasma) hair growth enhancement, micro-needling, chemical peels and facials. Laser treatments include skin rejuvenation and resurfacing, as well as hair and tattoo removal. Xeomin® and Botox® injections improve the look of lines and wrinkles. Obaji® skin care products are available.

Are you looking for a successful way to lose weight?

Talk with Pool Healthcare and Aesthetics about their multidisciplinary approach with calorie reduction and medications (as warranted).

They offer pharmaceutical-grade supplements and hormone replacement therapies to aid in correcting damaged bodies and to replace essential nutrients to boost an aging body.

Pool Healthcare and Aesthetics helps patients manage hypertension, COPD, diabetes, hypothyroidism, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, age-related illnesses and other chronic conditions.

Dr. Tracy Pool graduated from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham, and completed his residency in Family Medicine at Huntsville Hospital. He has served North Alabama for 20 years.

“More recently, I have expanded my training in aesthetic medicine to include Xeomin® injections, nutrition and anti-aging treatment,” Dr. Pool said.

Ashley Pool, Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner, is Dr. Pool’s wife and colleague. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. She has served North Alabama for 18 years. Recently, she received a master’s degree from Vanderbilt University in Healthcare Management.

“My goal through balanced medicine is to assist others in weight management, aesthetics and general wellness,” said Ashley. “I’m here to help each person who comes through our doors be the best version of himself or herself possible, and enjoy a high quality of life.”

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DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE IN YOUR HOMETOWN HOSPITAL!

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FREE

genetic cancer risk testing For 30-year-old Women and Men in North Alabama

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Thirty-year-old women and men in Madison, Jackson, Limestone, Marshall and Morgan Counties are being offered a free simple cheek swab genetic test, developed by Kailos Genetics, to identify an increased risk of breast, ovarian and other cancers.

The test also is being offered at a reduced cost of $129 to adults 19 and over in these five counties.

Visit www.hudsonalpha.org/information-is-power or call 256-327-0510 for more information

800-234-1234 | redfcu.org Federally Insured by NCUA.

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Traditions of Athens A Unique Senior Living Option

by Katie Clark

Traditions of Athens is set to open in Spring of 2017. For more information, visit traditionsseniorliving.com or call 256-444-3255.

“I love this place!”

Traditions of Athens 24

will soon be opening its doors. The senior living community, located in front of the Limestone Medical Village Campus on Highway 72, is an exciting and welcome addition to the area.

“Traditions will provide a new and unique senior living option for the town of Athens,” said Traditions CEO Wes Bartlett.

The vision for Traditions Senior Living originated in 2013 when Mr. Bartlett moved from his home in Pennsylvania to Nashville, Tennessee.

Having dedicated his career to senior housing, Bartlett is the co-founder of Traditions Senior Living, an LLC, which now oversees the management of several communities in the Southeast.

He is passionate in leading the Traditions team to his goal of service,

not only to the residents of his senior living homes, but also to the staff, residents’ families, investors, and the community. He says their goal is to have the Traditions customers say, “I love this place!”

When Bartlett’s team began scouting possible areas for a new Traditions community, they quickly realized they had identified a prime location when they came upon Athens. They saw a community where the seniors had to relocate to Madison, Birmingham, or even Chattanooga to find care that met their needs. They knew they could provide a closer option.

Additionally, Bartlett said, “We liked the area because of its growth, demographics, and opportunity to make a difference. The great restaurants were a plus too!”

Bartlett also cited the proximity to Athens State University and Calhoun Community College as a positive in their decision-making process, with hopes that these respected institutions might provide future employees for Traditions.

Traditions’ hope is to break the stereotypes of senior living and to create a special environment that is highly regarded. Traditions has developed a culture that is deeply rooted in respect—in fact, respect is the cornerstone of the Traditions experience. “We have created policies and procedures that demonstrate our respect for our staff,” said Bartlett. “This translates into our staff treating residents and their families with a high degree of dignity and respect.”

Traditions also looks to provide

DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE IN YOUR HOMETOWN HOSPITAL!

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a fun atmosphere for its residents through intellectually, spiritually, and physically stimulating programs and social gatherings. A prime example is their dining experience. Not only will they offer key nutrition and delicious options, but they will also focus on the social aspect of the dining experience through initiatives like “chit chat” cards placed at the table to help stimulate conversation. They will provide a quality environment that leads to seniors living longer, healthier, and more productive lives.

They hope to be a resource for their residents as well as a resource for all seniors’ issues in the Athens community.

Athens leaders have been inviting and enthusiastic of Traditions’ goals.

They recognize this senior living community can be a source of pride for North Alabama. Traditions will be providing employment opportunities for the area, and when the project

is fully completed they will be employing at least thirty-five full and part time employees. These positions will include caregivers, housekeepers, activities coordinators, administration specialists, and culinary staff.

The community will offer sixty-three studio, one-bedroom, and twobedroom assisted living apartments.

Their highly-qualified care team will provide the extra care residents need by monitoring their health care in conjunction with their physician.

Families can have peace of mind knowing their loved ones are being well cared for.

Traditions of Athens also plans to develop twelve independent living townhomes. In total, the campus will house roughly 58,000 square feet of living space, as well as community rooms, a private dining room, a bistro lounge, a salon, an exercise room, a craft area, and even a library.

Services will include on-site staff

available 24 hours a day. They will also include three delicious meals served daily, a variety of programs including exercise, music, cooking, gardening, housekeeping and laundry services, on-site therapy, an emergency medical alert system, and the list goes on.

Traditions is pleased to have Executive Director Keeton Griggs of Athens on their team. “He brings with him the type of passion for seniors and leadership qualities we expect to drive the culture at Traditions of Athens,” said Bartlett.

The team is also excited to have Anna Bates of Russellville working with them. She is the marketing director and has a wealth of senior housing experience. She is dedicated to being a resource for any senior issues within the community. Bartlett says they continue to grow their team and are looking forward to their collective success.

Feel good about this decision.

Experience truly gracious living Traditions of Athens provides a high quality, home-like environment for older adults who might benefit from some level of assistance. Every resident at Traditions finds a unique mix of security, independence, privacy, companionship, and physical and social well-being.

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All inclusive pricing includes 3 meals a day, all care levels, programs, transportation and housekeeping.

Athens’ Premier Assisted Living Call today to schedule your tour

(256) 444-3255 Pre-Opening Special: Deposit before April 30th and receive free cable TV and landline phone.

Opening Soon EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

© 2017 Traditions Senior Living, LLC

Read Source online at athenslimestonehospital.com

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ATHENS-LIMESTONE HOSPITAL OFFERS THE FOLLOWING SERVICES - Breastfeeding - Childbirth - Diabetes - Individual Nutrition • Emergency Services • ENT/Plastics • Family Medicine • General Surgery • Gastrointestinal Endoscopy • Imaging • Internal Medicine • Intensive Care Unit (ICU) • Laboratory

• Advanced Wound Care • Bone Density • Bronchoscopy • Cardiovascular • Cardio-Pulmonary Rehabilitation • Dermatology • Diagnostic Imaging • Educational Classes including: - American Heart Association - Basic Life Support

• Long-term Acute Care • Lung Screening • Mammography • Mother/Baby Unit • Nephrology • Neurology • Obstetrics/Gynecology • Occupational Medicine • Oncology • Ophthalmology • Orthopedics • Otolaryngology • Pain Management

• Pediatrics • Physical Therapy Services • Podiatry • Pulmonology • Radiology • Rehabilitation • Sleep Medicine • Sports Medicine • Surgical Services • Urgent Care • Urology • Wellness Center

centers Athens-Limestone Emergency Medical Services (Ambulance) • 256-233-9504 Advance Wound Care Center Dr. Patrick McEldrew, Dr. Jason Hatfield Surgeons: Dr. Seth Rayburn, Dr. Cassidy Koonce, Dr. Paul Noel 256-216-3505 15243 Greenfield Drive • Athens, AL 35613

Capshaw Family Care Bridget Fox, CRNP, Danie’l Y. Mills, CRNP 256-216-1996 15024 East Limestone Road, Suite F Harvest, AL 35749

Valley Internal Medicine Dr. Shashanna Ndong Dr. Maria Czarina Acelajado (Dr. A) 256-262-6380 710 West Hobbs Street • Athens, AL 35611

Eastside Family Medicine Dr. Max Boone 256-232-1414 22289 Medical Village Drive Athens, AL 35613

Neurological Services Dr. Theodros Mengesha 256-265-2695 201 Sivley Road, Suite 600 Huntsville, AL 35801

Pain Center Dr. Jon Bignault, Dr. Jimmy Dunn, Dr. Ben Ladner MedWest Community Healthcare 256-262-2190 April Seay, CRNP 209 Fitness Way, 1 • Athens, AL 35611 256-729-9477 7715 U.S. 72 • Athens, AL 35611 Sleep Center Dr. R. Tari, Dr. E. Bazan, Dr. A. Scherff 256-771-REST (7378) 205 Sanders Street • Athens, AL 35611 Wellness Center 256-233-9355 209 Fitness Way • Athens, AL 35612

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Clinics Cardio and Pulmonary Cardio-Pulmonary Rehabilitation 256-262-6674 101 Fitness Way, Suite 2400 Athens, AL 35611 HH Limestone Heart Center Dr. Crystal Walker 256-233-9273 101 Fitness Way, Suite 2700 Athens, AL 35611

Family Medicine Athens Family Medicine Dr. Samantha Ross, Dr. William Woodall, Dr. Patrick McEldrew 256-262-6680 1005 West Market Street, Suite 7 Athens AL 35611

Rogersville Family Care Dr. Charles Gaptuis 256-247-0093 16053 US Highway 72 Rogersville, AL 35652

Neurology

OB/GYN Valley Women’s Center Dr. Thomas Pitman, Dr. Martha Mclaughlin 256-233-5000 22335 US Highway 72, Suite C Athens, Al 35613

Pediatrics

Tennessee Valley Family Care Jennifer Christopher, CRNP 256-423-8744 26642 Main Street • Ardmore, AL 35739

Athens-Limestone Pediatrics Dr. Mohamad El Khatib 256-216-9730 101 Fitness Way, #2100, Athens, AL 35611

Waddell Center Dr. Binod Bista, Dr. Melissa Gray 256-216-9777 902 W. Washington Street Athens, AL 35611

Tots and Teens Dr. Ahmad Alkilani 56-262-0535 27669 Capshaw Road • Harvest, AL 35749

Internal Medicine

Medical East Urgent Care and Occupational Medicine Clinic Dr. David Purner 256-771-0994 15243 Greenfield Drive • Athens, AL 35613

Limestone Internal Medicine Dr. James Walker 256-262-2100 101 Fitness Way, Suite 2700 Athens, AL 35611

Urgent Care

Urology Limestone Urology Associates Dr. Sam Trotter, Dr. John Hinson 256-262-2170 101 Fitness Way, Suite 2300 Athens, AL 35611

Athens-Limestone Hospital is a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Tier 1 Hospital Athens-Limestone Hospital is recognized for having attained the highest level of compliance in the areas of quality, awareness, patient safety and financial awareness.

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After thousands in copays during my hospital stay, I switched to FirstCommunity Medicare Supplement.

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✔ Excellent coverage ✔ NO Copays ✔ Affordable rates ✔ Local Huntsville office

MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT 256-532-2783 www.firstcomm.org Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance.

Read Source online at athenslimestonehospital.com

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Athens Health and Rehabilitation Passionate about helping Alzheimer Patients

by Karen Malone

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Rebecca Jarrard, RN

One of the growing medical concerns for aging Americans is the onset of Alzheimer’s or dementia. Dementia is the loss of brain cell function due to shrinkage (atrophy) of brain cells. Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia in which the nerves and brain cells die. Not all dementia patients have Alzheimer’s, but all Alzheimer patients have dementia. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are medications that can slow the progression of the disease. The earlier these medications are administered, in the stages of the disease, the better results for the individual in helping prolong their quality of life.

The decline in memory and brain function of a loved one is difficult to witness. Alzheimer’s and related dementia can also bring behaviors that are difficult for families and caregivers to deal with, such as: combativeness,

inappropriate language and/or inappropriate sexual advances toward family and caregivers.

In addition, the burden of providing quality care often brings upheaval to family routines as adult children take on caregiving responsibilities. Often caregivers do not know where to begin as they seek to make sense of their loved one’s cognitive decline and “out of character” behaviors. It is an additional layer of stress for those already in a difficult situation.

Although Athens Health and Rehabilitation is primarily a rehab facility offering all disciplines of therapy, they also provide excellent long term care. They are fortunate to have Rebecca Jarrard, RN who serves as a nurse supervisor on their long term care unit.

Rebecca has worked in the field of memory care for a large portion of her career. She

611 West Market Street • Athens, AL 35611 • 256-232-1620 AthensHealthandRehabilitation.com • Call today to take a tour!

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has worked as director of nursing services and has held an assisted living administrator’s license while residing in New Jersey. She served as director and wellness nurse for a 30-bed Alzheimer’s unit, training certified nurse assistants, medication aides and graduate students on how to observe the behavioral patterns of people with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Rebecca is a compassionate advocate for the elderly. In her book, When Alzheimer’s Touches a Family, she says, “Our senior citizens have often made incredible sacrifices for us as a country and for individuals within a family. They are deserving of respect, dignity, compassionate care and kindness as long as they live.”

In her book, she shares the story of discovering the great sacrifice one of her patients had made for our country. His family had come to visit and they were reminiscing through a photo album of his service during World War II. She asked to join the family to learn a little more about this man and inquired about the Purple Heart he was wearing in a photo.

Her patient began to weep. The wife consoled her husband and they moved on to other photos. His wife later related that her husband had played a significant role in breaking the German Code.

Understanding that knowledge and communication are the tools that will help the affected family make the best decisions for their loved ones, Rebecca tirelessly speaks at every invitation by community groups, clubs , churches and more. If you would like more information about her services, visit rebeccajarrard.com. She can be reached at rebeccajarrard@aol.com.

If you are looking for a caring home for your loved one, stop by and visit Athens Health and Rehabilitation, check out their website at athenshealthandrehabilitation.com, or give them a call at 232-1620.

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TRA V EL

Costa Rica!

A Vacation in Paradise! b y Te r e s a G i b b s

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Pura vida (POO-rah VEE-dah) is a common phrase used in Costa Rica.

The English translation for the slogan is “pure life,” but it means much more to Costa Ricans, affectionately called Ticos. It is the expression of eternal optimism. It is a phrase that means no matter how bad life is for you, there’s always someone worse off than you are, making your life look like a “vacation in paradise.”

Speaking of a “vacation in paradise”, have you ever considered visiting the magnificent country of Costa Rica? Wyman and I just got back from there, so if you’ve never been, let me tell you about it!

Costa Rica is a vibrant country full of incredible natural beauty – beaches, waterfalls, jungles, volcanoes, and wildlife.

Guanacaste, the northwestern province of the country, is known for

having beautiful beaches. Fly into Liberia International Airport and you can be in the beautiful beach town of Playa del Coco (Coco Beach) in less than an hour. Calm waves and a shady palm lined beach also make this a favorite for Tico families. Lots of people having fun in a small beach town lined with restaurants and bars can be quite a lively scene, especially on the weekends.

On the outskirts of this energetic town, we found the perfect retreat.

Rancho Armadillo is away from it all, yet close enough for a short drive to the beach for fun in the sun or dinner at a beachside restaurant. Rancho Armadillo is like a bed and breakfast, but it’s even more than that. It’s a 25 acre estate, with wonderfully landscaped gardens, offering beauty in every direction. The views of blue-green shades of the Pacific

DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE IN YOUR HOMETOWN HOSPITAL!

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Pura vida!

The expression of eternal optimism.

Ocean, encircled by mountains, is mesmerizing. The sunsets are spectacular. The surrounding jungle is home to over 50 species of birds, mountain deer, monkeys, iguanas, coatimundi and the endangered Guanacasta Grey Fox. We enjoyed most of our time relaxing in the hammocks hanging from the pavilion and swimming in the ocean view pool. Owner, Rick, is very kind and personable and when you book a stay with him, he will help you plan the remainder of your vacation.

From Coco Beach, we headed south to Playa Tamarindo (Tamarindo Beach), a popular beach town well known for its amazing surfing and laid-back vibe. At high tide, surfers line up to catch the best waves. Our son, Hollis, spent a few days with us in Tamarindo and decided to hit the waves. Although he had never

tried surfing before, the experts from Kelly’s Surf Shop had him surfing in no time. Kelly’s also offers stand-up paddle board lessons, rents kayaks and bikes and can set you up with many of the area tours.

Tamarindo is one of the most developed beaches on the peninsula with no shortage of hotels and restaurants. Luckily we found the best place to stay, Sirena Serena Boutique Hotel. The hotel is within walking distance to the beach. A car isn’t necessary when vacationing in Tamarindo. Many fine restaurants, ice cream shops, bars, souvenir shops, grocery stores and more are all within walking distance. Resident owners, Jesslyn and Sebastian, recently bought the property and put their heart and soul into developing a beautiful gated retreat nestled in a luxurious tropical setting. Within

the cozy setting is a pool with a waterslide and a covered area where breakfast is served each morning.

The rooms are air-conditioned (which is something you have to look for in Costa Rica) and decorated in bright, beachy colors. Jess and Sebastian are very charming and go the extra mile to make sure their guests have a wonderful vacation.

From the shores of the Pacific Ocean, we headed inland to Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano.

This area of the county offers much to see and do. Besides views of the lake and volcano, there are lush jungles to hike through, spectacular waterfalls to hike to, the lake for boating and rivers for rafting. There’s 4-wheeling, zip lining, horseback riding and more. Visiting the coffee plantation is interesting. Although the area of the country closer to

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San Jose is better known for coffee plantations, there is one in this area. There are also chocolate plantations scattered throughout the country.

While most main roads have been blacktopped in recent years, side roads are usually gravel which can make for a rough ride. Such was the case when heading to Nepenthe Bed and Breakfast located near the lake town of La Fortuna.

Traveling along the mountain cliff, the bumpy road had narrowed so much that I was praying we didn’t meet another car. But when I saw our view, I realized it was well worth the drive. Manager, Augustin was very welcoming and showed us to our charming chalet. From our private porch, we had spectacular views of Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano, and we were surrounded by sounds of the jungle.

The next morning we were awaken by the same sounds - howler monkeys, Toucans, Parrots, Parakeets and a host of other tropical birds. One look out the large glass bedroom windows reminded us we had just spent the night surrounded by the majestic jungles of Costa Rica.

The top of the volcano is often shrouded in clouds, but one morning the misty cloud cover lifted and we were fortunate enough to get a perfect view of the top. This was just after the Lord had presented us with the most beautiful rainbow we had ever seen.

To top off our marvelous morning, we were treated to a delicious typical Costa Rican breakfast of Gallo Pintos (rice mixed with black beans), served with eggs, fried plantains and fruit.

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Recipe The typical restaurant in Costa Rica is called a soda. You’ll find them in every town, on the beach and along county roadsides. A typical Costa Rican meal for lunch or dinner is called a casado. A casado consists of rice and beans, a small serving of pork, beef, chicken or fish, fried plantains, and cabbage salad.

The plantain, is the typical Tico snack. This fruit has the appearance of a large banana, but cannot be eaten raw.

Green plantains are sliced diagonally and deep fried for a crunchy snack. When a plantain become black, it’s ripe and can be cut in half, then sliced lengthwise and fried or baked for a sweet snack.

Another typical Costa Rican meal is Arroz con ___ just fill in the blank – as it can be made with any type of meat and is typically served with a side salad and plantains.

Arroz con Pollo (rice with chicken) INGREDIENTS 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded 1 medium carrot, diced 1 stalk of celery, diced 1⁄2 cup frozen green peas 1/2 cup frozen corn 1 small onion, diced 1⁄2 red pepper, diced 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided 6 cups cooked white rice, cold 5 tablespoons Lizano Sauce* 1⁄2 cup cilantro, finely chopped 1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped salt & pepper *Lizano Sauce is a common condiment in Costa Rica, but is so hard to find in the US that I even ran across a facebook page for Lizano Sauce spottings! But it can be ordered from Amazon. I fell in love with this sauce while I was in Costa Rica and plan to order a couple of bottles.)

Directions 1. C ook carrot, celery, peas and corn in salted water until tender, drain and set aside.

2. In a wok-type pan, sauté onion and red pepper in 2 tablespoons olive oil until pepper is tender and onion is translucent. Set aside in small bowl.

3. H eat remaining 3 tablespoons oil in the wok until hot, then add the cooked rice, stir-frying for several minutes.

4. Add the onion/pepper mixture and mix well; add the Lizano sauce and mix well; add chicken and mix well; add salt and pepper to taste then remove from heat.

5. Add cilantro and parsley.

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To serve in a typical manner, fill a serving-sized bowl with Arroz con Pollo and press down. Turn the bowl upside down onto the dinner plate and slowly lift the bowl.

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C o n g r at u l at i o n s Athens-Limestone Hospital’s Partner in Education Julian Newman Elementary School Kindergarten Teachers Receive Awards

Reducing Hospital Acquired Infection Athens-Limestone Hospital was recently recognized for making strides in a nationwide effort to reduce the incidence of hospital-acquired conditions and prevention of patient readmission.

The Hospital Improvement Innovation (HIIN) is a program, funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) under the Partnership for Patients (PfP) initiative.

The HIIN began in 2010 as a voluntary program for hospitals with the goal of a 20-percent reduction in patient harm and a 12-percent reduction in readmission. Within the first four years, CMS reported an estimated 2.1 million fewer patients harmed and nearly $20 billion dollars in cost savings. By participating in the HIIN, hospitals receive access to resources and tools through Vizient’s collaborative network. Vizient is the nation’s largest member-owned healthcare services company.

Hospitals participating in the HIIN project focus on the following eleven areas: adverse drug events, central line associated blood stream infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, C-diff, falls, pressure ulcers, surgical site infections, venous thrombosis, ventilator associated events, and readmissions. By participating in the HIIN, hospitals receive access to resources and tools in these areas through Vizient’s collaborative network.

ALH was recognized by Vizient for achieving the PfP goals in reduction in catheter associated infection, reduction in surgical site infection and reduction in ventilator associated infections.

We are very proud of our low infection rate at ALH,” said Anita Sowell, Director of Quality Management. “This is another validation of our commitment to keeping our patients safe through prevention of infections while receiving care and treatment at ALH.”

Mrs. Synthia Howell was recently recognized by Fox 54 TV as Tennessee Valley’s Teacher of the Week.

Mrs. Howell has been a kindergarten teacher at Julian Newman for 35 years and says that every morning she still gets up excited about what the day will bring. When asked to what she attributed her success in the classroom, Mrs. Howell credited co-workers, principals and parents as well as her mother, Caulyne Hayden.

“When I was hired as a kindergarten teacher, my mother was a fourth grade teacher, also at Julian Newman. I was fortunate that I was able to work with her until she retired. She helped me understand that my position as kindergarten teacher is not just a job, it is the “call” God placed on my life. I have the honor of impacting young minds; the opportunity to plant and nurture seeds that help in developing lifelong learners and productive citizens.”

Lori Hobbs was recently honored as Julian Newman’s Teacher of the Year at the Athens City School Inaugural Banquet. Mrs. Hobbs was chosen by Julian Newman’s faculty and staff.

Mrs. Hobbs has been at Julian Newman for eight years, three as an aide and five as a classroom teacher. She loves teaching and helping kindergartners overcome new challenges they face. “As I begin helping them become adjusted to school life, they become dear to my heart.” The love she feels for each student is what keeps her motivated. “I look forward to every day,” says Mrs. Hobbs. “I love seeing my students get excited about learning.”

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T H E LATEST IN TE C H NOLO G Y FilmArray Delivers Faster, More Accurate Test Results

by Brenda Parker

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Patients and physicians at Athens-Limestone Hospital are now able to receive faster and more accurate test results, all thanks to a new product, FilmArray from BioFire. The four FDA-cleared panels test for viruses, bacteria, parasites, yeast and antimicrobial resistance genes.

Whether a doctor is trying to discover what respiratory pathogen is making a child sick or the correct remedy for an elderly patient suffering from encephalitis, FilmArray provides the answers quickly. Quicker answers can lead to shorter length of stay, fewer downstream diagnostic tests, improved antibiotic stewardship and better infection control.

“We are excited to have this new FilmArray product,” said Micheal Estremera, Director of Laboratory Services at ALH. “This product is a molecular identifier for bacteria and viruses. However, it does not replace a culture.”

“Our clinical pharmacist was very much on board with us using this product. Having these results will keep antibiotics from being prescribed when they’re not needed and help to start our patients on the correct antibiotic when they are, both in the hospital and throughout the community,” Estremera said.

Simple, fast and comprehensive, the FilmArray delivers accurate results in about an hour. The tests are ordered by a physician, but it is not required that a person be a hospital patient.

Respiratory (RP) panel tests for 20 respiratory viral and bacterial pathogens in about an hour. A doctor is able to treat an upper respiratory infection much quicker.

Blood Culture Identification (BCID) panel tests for a comprehensive set of 24 gram positive, gram negative and yeast pathogens and 3 antibiotic resistant genes associated with bloodstream infections. The most common causes of bloodstream infections are detected by the BCID panel. Patient survival is increased by this rapid identification.

Gastrointestinal (GI) panel tests stool specimens for a comprehensive set of 22 pathogens. Appropriate treatment and patient management are the results of quickly identifying the correct pathogen. Results help to decrease infectious gastroenteritis, which can lead to severe illness or death.

Meningitis/Encephalitis (ME) panel tests for a comprehensive set of 14 bacteria, viruses and yeast. Faster decisions on the appropriate therapy for meningitis or encephalitis can be made and complications can be prevented.

For more information on FilmArray, call 256-233-9136 or visit biofiredx.com.

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North Alabama Research Center: Today’s Research ... Tomorrow’s Medicine

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North Alabama Research Center (NARC) in Athens provides research through clinical trials to pharmaceutical and medical device industries. Established in 2007, NARC is owned and directed by Jaime McNeese and Tonya Pryor.

The center has developed a strong reputation for quality medical research with its core values of exceptional care and research, along with a professional and friendly staff.

They are privileged to work with some of North Alabama’s best physicians. NARC’s goal is to bring superior health care to North Alabama.

A clinical trial is a test or study of a drug or medical device in people, and is conducted to determine if a product is safe and effective. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets strict rules for the way these tests must be administered. These rules ensure that the participants (volunteers) are treated safely.

“Drug companies, private organizations and government agencies approach us with potential studies on a regular basis,” Beth Braman, Marketing Director, said.

“These entities fund the clinical research study. NARC then conducts the clinical research and coordinates all study-related activities.”

An Institutional Review Board (IRB) must approve all studies before volunteers are enlisted and ensures they are protected. They oversee each study and make sure all medicines, vaccines and devices are safe.

North Alabama Research Center decides in which studies to participate by “choosing studies based on past enrollment for similar studies and concentration of volunteer patients in our area that meet the criteria of that particular study,” Braman said.

Getting enrolled for a study is an easy process. A patient’s doctor can refer the patient to NARC, or a potential patient might see an advertisement and contact NARC directly. After the initial contact with NARC is made, a screening appointment comes next. At this appointment, a volunteer will obtain an informed consent, to determine if he or she wants to be in a study. The FDA requires that participants be given complete information about the study before they agree to participate.

by Brenda Parker

An informed consent must be written so it can be understood. Patients must understand and sign it before agreeing to participate. An informed consent is not a contract, and volunteers can leave the study at any time, for any reason.

The FDA requires that participants understand the following facts: • Study involves research of an unproven drug or device.

• Purpose of the research.

• How long the study will take.

• What will happen in the study.

• Which parts of the study are experimental.

• Possible risks or discomforts.

• Possible benefits.

• Other procedures or treatments that a participant might want to consider instead of the treatment being studied.

• Records are private, but the FDA may look at them.

•W hat medical treatments are available in case of injury, where the treatments can be found and who will pay for the treatments.

• Point of contact for questions.

Participating in a clinical trial allows a volunteer to try a new treatment that may or may not be better than those already used. Drugs work differently in different groups of people, and the FDA wants people from many different groups to participate.

“Our volunteers are part of the next medical advancement. Every medicine and medical device that people use today has gone through clinical research study,” Braman said.

North Alabama Research Center is currently enrolling patients for studies involving C. difficile treatment, COPD, Influenza, and C. difficile vaccine.

North Alabama Research Center is located at 721 West Market St., Suite B, Athens 35611.

To contact North Alabama Research Center, call 256-771-9919, email bbraman@northalabamaresearch.com or visit northalabamaresearch.com.

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Cholesterol Study Convinces Johnson Athens resident Don Johnson first came in contact with North Alabama Research Center when he was helping them relocate their office six years ago.

“About a year later, I was asked to participate in a blind study involving cholesterol control. I gladly agreed. The results were fantastic.

During this time, I had the privilege to meet several people involved with NARC, and I was impressed with every individual there. They were courteous and friendly, all the while displaying a professional attitude toward the volunteers involved.

My philosophy is that sometimes it is good to be selfish.

I admittedly had selfish motives for being a participant because of the idea that I would benefit from the study.

But, more importantly, I was helping to advance products and procedures that would improve the health of thousands, perhaps millions of others.

My experience with this program will encourage my participation in future studies. I would recommend anyone to participate.”

– Don Johnson, Athens, Alabama

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LENDING A HELPING HAND: Bank Independent Community Program Reaches Milestone

Member FDIC

by Patricia Hartley Communications Officer

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When Bank Independent created its Helping Hands community program in 2011, Macke Mauldin set what he thought were lofty goals for the initiative’s first five years.

“I suggested that we try to reach a milestone of 4000 hours of paid volunteer time in the first five years of the program,” says Mauldin, Bank Independent President. “I knew our team members wanted to donate their time giving back to our communities, but I didn’t know just how many or how often local organizations would need our help.”

Mauldin found that organizations of all kinds eagerly welcomed the bank’s offer to provide one to ten volunteers to work on-site as needed up to eight hours a day. Bank Independent teams have done everything from walk and bathe dogs at local animal shelters to stock shelves at local food pantries to sell t-shirts at local festivals.

The volunteer hours have added up, and in just four years and six months the program has surpassed the original five-year goal of 4000 hours by nearly 400. To date, Bank Independent Helping Hands team members from the Athens sales offices have volunteered with Hospice of Limestone County’s Camp Hope, Habitat for Humanity, the Birdie Thornton Center, United Way of Limestone County, Athens-Limestone Animal Shelter and the Poke Sallet Follies.

In May 2014, a team of nine bank employees joined other volunteers from Clements Baptist Church to assist with local tornado recovery efforts. This event was a vivid reminder of the April 27, 2011 tornado outbreak in northwest Alabama, which led to the development of the Helping Hands initiative.

“Our team members immediately reached out to us, wanting to find ways to help those devastated by the storm,” says Mauldin. “We’ve always known that our folks give back to their communities in their personal time, so we developed a paid volunteer program to offer those opportunities during work hours. We’ve heard from some of our partner organizations that our teams can

accomplish several weeks’ work in one day.”

Another cause for celebration comes from the bank’s quarterly “Share” programs, which were also an outcome of the Helping Hands initiative. These programs have given back over $600,000 to communities in northwest Alabama.

“As our team members volunteered at various charitable organizations,” explains Mauldin, “they learned that most of these programs are not only run by volunteers, but depend upon donations from the community to continue their good work. Our Share drives promote these needs and offer folks in our communities a convenient way to give back and help with local efforts.”

The Share programs include Food Share to gather nonperishable food, School Share to collect school supplies, Toy Share to garner donations of toys, and Shelter Share, which collects pet food and supplies for local animal shelters. Donations for every drive are accepted at all Bank Independent locations.

All proceeds of the bank’s Share drives are given to partner organizations in the very communities where they are donated to ensure that local families and efforts are the beneficiaries of their neighbors’ generosity. In the Athens/Limestone area, various donations have been shared with Limestone County Churches Involved, the Department of Human Resources of Limestone County and the Athens-Limestone Animal Shelter.

“I’m proud of our team members for all they’ve done to help us exceed our Helping Hands goals,” says Mauldin.

“And I’m especially thankful to live among such generous people who are always so eager to give back to their neighbors in our community.”

Are you part of a charitable organization in the Athens or Limestone County area that could benefit from Bank Independent’s Helping Hands volunteer program? Visit bibank.com to complete a Volunteer Request Form or contact Erin Letson, Community Engagement Officer at 256-386-5098 for more information.

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Bakery

Baked Goods

Building Material

Certified Public Accountant

Dry Cleaners

Overhead Doors

Refreshments

Restaurants

Worship

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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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