2022 Health Guide

2022

NORTHEAST ARKANSAS & SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

HealthGuide

Skin Cancer Prevention

School Offers Occupation Classes Walking, Running & Exercise

Mission Statement: We believe all students can learn regardless of their socioeconomic or cultural status. With community and parental support, we accept the responsibility of providing the basic skills and knowledge needed to provide a balanced general education.

School diStrict Rector School District

Johnny Fowler, Superintendent 870-595-3151

Rector High School

Nathan Henderson, Principal 870-595-3553

Rector Elementary

Mark Manchester, Principal 870-595-3358

n Concurrent courses for college credit through Arkansas State University and Black River Technical College n Online school choice applications n Outstanding extracurricular activities

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2022 Health Guide

n Excellent preschool program n Short, efficient bus routes n Baseball and softball summer league conducted through the City of Rector

Visit us at http://rector.k12.ar.us/

CONTENTS

4 Kidney Care Plan that fits 6 your Lifestyle 7 Choking Burn Tips to Remember 8 School Offers Occupation 10 Classes Save A Life 14 Walking, Running and 16 Exercise 9 Questions for your 20 Ophthalmologist Stroke 22

Sking Cancer Prevention & Experience with Melanoma

Jennifer McKenney PharmD 264 N. 3rd Ave., Piggott, AR 72454

870-324-5310 https://mckenneypharmacy.com

Free Delivery Included

STAFF

Dianna Risinger, General Manager Jane Gatewood and Gayla Johnson, Contributors Jennifer Hargrove, Sales Lois Grooms, Graphic Designer CherryRoad Media OFFICE:

Piggott...........(870) 598.2201 Publisher’s Note: Northeast Arkansas and Southeast Missouri Health Guide is published annually and distributed free in Clay, Craighead, Greene, Mississippi, Poinsett, Cross, St. Francis, and Phillips counties in Arkansas and Dunklin County in Missouri.

Contact the office at the above number for information on advertising.

The health advice given in the Northeast Arkansas and Southeast Missouri Health Guide 2022 is not meant to replace the advice of a certified physician.

If there is an emergency, please contact 911 immediately. @2022, CherryRoad Media

Mayor of Rector: Teresa Roofe

2022 Health Guide

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Skin Cancer Prevention and Local Woman’s Experience With Melanoma

S

pring is upon us and summer is getting closer, this means more skin exposure to the hot sun and increasing chances of getting skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Fortunately, it is the one cancer that can be seen.

Unfortunately, most people do not realize how serious skin cancer can be.

Ashley Parker Pollard was diagnosed with stage 2 melanoma in 2009. Melanoma is the deadliest of skin cancers.

Like everyone else, Ashley never thought it would happen to her. “I never dreamed I’d get it. I’d get dark as a kid, we lived at the pool in the summer. I never burned, so this was a shock. I also didn’t realize that skin cancer was deadly,” observed Ashley.

“I never tanned in the tanning bed a lot; however, I was a lifeguard for two years and I think that was probably when I was exposed. I was in the sun

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eight hours a day and didn’t use sunscreen,” she recalled.

There was a mole in the middle of her back, which had probably been there around three years.

“The mole started to scab over and started bleeding, then it started changing,” said Ashley.

This prompted her to show her mom, who insisted she get it

“The doctor took it out and took lymph nodes out from each of my arms to see if it had metastasized. Thankfully, it had not, which meant I did not have to have chemo.”

Now, Ashley uses sunscreen of SPF of 75 if she can find it, reapplies it every hour, and wears a hat when out in the sun.

Ashley urges people to watch your skin, use sunscreen and stay out of the tanning beds.

“Skin cancer is serious and deadly. It can also disfigure you when having some removed if they are bad enough,” was Ashley’s parting wisdom.

Melanoma is the deadliest of skin cancers. Rates of diagnosis for the disease have increased dramatically over the past three seen about. Taking her mother’s decades, outpacing almost all advice Ashley made an appoint- other cancers. Today, it is one ment to get it checked. of the most common cancers “I went to Jonesboro where found among young adults in the doctor did a biopsy and it the United States. came back as stage 2 melanoma.

Self-exams are an important I was scheduled for emergency part of keeping skin cancer at surgery and I had surgery the bay. Examine your face, inspect next day,” continued Ashley. your scalp, check your hands,

2022 Health Guide

scan your arms, torso, upper and lower back and your legs.

Use a mirror under good lighting, get a friend or family member to help, if possible. It is also important to check the soles of the feet, palm of hand and under the nails. These areas are often forgotten.

Look in the mirror with these words in mind: New, Changing, or Unusual. This includes a growth that increases in size and appears pearly, transparent, tan, brown, black or multicolored. A mole, birthmark or brown spot that increases in size, thickness, changes color or texture or is bigger than a pencil eraser. A spot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, crust, scab or bleed. An open sore that does not heal within three weeks. If you notice any one of these it is time to see a dermatologist Fact is, the sun feels good on your skin, nevertheless, sunburn is well known to be bad for skin. It is not just the long days at the beach, pool or river that can damage skin. Each run out to get the mail, walk the dog or commute to work without sun protection also adds to the damage that can lead to skin cancer (as well as leathery skin, dark spots and wrinkles). Most do not realize that skin can burn and get sun damage through untinted car windows.

Covering up is the best protection, but who wants long sleeves and pants all summer

long? Staying in the shade is highly recommended, wearing sunscreen (except for infants under six months old) and wearing sunglasses, which are a fun fashion accessory will protect eyes and the skin around them.

Say no to tanning beds. Use of a tanning bed before age 35 increases the risk of melanoma by 75% according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Using sun protection consistently from an early age is the strongest defense against developing skin cancer. Nothing is perfect though and one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that all adults do monthly self-exams and see a dermatologist yearly or more frequently if they see something suspicious or have risk factors.

-Gayla Johnson, TD News Staff

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Create a kidney care plan that fits your lifestyle, mobility, health status, and dietary needs.

For the 37 million adults in the United States living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), research offers promising insights into ways to improve and prolong kidney health. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is using innovative research to change the way we understand, treat and prevent kidney disease. Future research discoveries may allow doctors to provide targeted treatment plans that better suit the individual and improve health outcomes.

NIDDK’s Kidney Precision Medicine Project (KPMP) is one example of research that is helping to gain a deeper understanding of the causes and types of kidney disease. CKD was thought to be one disease with one cause and one treatment. Today, we understand that CKD has many causes and there are many potential treatment paths. KPMP aims to transform the future of kidney care by collecting kidney tissue samples from people across all races, ages, and walks of life. With knowledge gained from studying the samples, one of the goals of KPMP is that health care professionals will be able to provide treatments and prevention approaches best matched to each individual, building paths to better kidney care.

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“Precision medicine research is key to finding new ways to improve the health of people with kidney diseases,” says NIDDK Director Griffin P. Rodgers, MD. “As researchers work toward developing more and better treatment options, there are steps people with, or at risk for, kidney disease

Create a kidney care plan that fits your lifestyle, mobility, health status, and dietary needs. – Courtesy photo

can take today to build their own path to better kidney care.”

Three ways you can build your path to better kidney care are to be an active participant in your care, follow your care plan and build a kidney-healthy lifestyle.

Being an active participant in your care means working with your health care team to create a kidney care plan that fits your lifestyle, mobility, health status and dietary needs. Ask questions, identify healthy habits you can stick to, and talk with your team if adjustments are needed.

Following your care plan means taking medicines as prescribed and attending your med-

2022 Health Guide

ical appointments. Also, consider getting vaccines recommended by your doctor and do your best to follow a kidney-healthy lifestyle.

A kidney-healthy lifestyle includes making physical activity part of your routine, maintaining a healthy weight, choosing a healthy meal plan, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol and getting enough sleep. Each of these areas can be personalized to help meet your needs and health goals.

For example, physical activity is beneficial for both your physical and mental health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity each day. If you can’t fit in 30 minutes at once, try 15 minutes twice a day, or 10 minutes three times a day. Find activities that fit your environment, budget, and mobility. Go for a walk with a friend, ride a bike, look for free or low-cost fitness classes offered in your community or follow along with a workout video from your own home. You don’t have to make changes all at once! Even gradual progress can help you protect your kidneys and slow the progression of kidney disease.

For more information on building your path to better kidney care, visit the NIDDK website at www.niddk.nih.gov. To find out more about KPMP research, visit www.kpmp.org/about-kpmp.

-Special to the Times-Democrat

CHOKING Choking is a common breathing emergency. A conscious person who is choking has the airway blocked by a piece of food or another object. The airway may be partially or completely blocked. A person whose airway is completely blocked can’t breathe at all.

With a partially blocked airway, the victim is often still able to breathe, although breathing is difficult.

If a choking person is coughing forcefully, let him or her try to cough up the object. A person who is getting enough air to cough or speak is getting enough air to breathe. Stay with the person and encourage him or her to continue coughing. However, if the person continues to cough without coughing up the object, call for an ambulance.

When someone is choking, you must get the airway open quickly. To do this, give a series of quick, hard thrusts to the victim’s abdomen. These abdominal thrusts are also called the Heimlich maneuver. These upward thrusts push the abdomen in, putting pressure on the lungs and airway. This forces the air in the lungs to push the object out of the airway - like the cork from the bottle of champagne.

TO GIVE THE ABDOMINAL THRUSTS TO ADULTS • Stand behind the victim.

• Wrap your arms around the victim’s waist.

• Make a fist with one hand and place the thumb side against the middle of the victim’s abdomen just above the navel but below the rib cage.

• Grab your fist with your other hand and give quick, inward and upward thrusts into the abdomen. Repeat these thrusts until the object is forced out or the victim becomes unconscious.

• If a conscious victim is too big for you to reach around and give effective abdominal thrusts, give chest thrusts.

Give chest thrusts to an obviously pregnant victim. Chest thrusts are like abdominal thrusts, except for the placement of your hands. Place your fist against the center of the victim’s breastbone. Grab it with your other hand and give quick thrusts into the chest.

• If the person stops breathing, start CPR immediately.

CHOKING WITH CHILDREN • Try to remove the object that is blocking the airway by creating an artificial cough.

• Wrap your arms around the child’s waist.

• Make a fist with one hand and place it against the middle of the child’s abdomen, just above the navel.

• Grab your fist with your other hand.

• Give quick upward thrusts into the abdomen until the object is forced out.

• Stop giving thrusts as soon as the child coughs up the object or starts to breathe or cough.

• Watch the child and make sure that he or she is breathing freely again.

• Never “dangle” a child’s feet - lower yourself or raise child to your level.

CHOKING WITH AN INFANT Choking is a major cause of death and injury in infants. One reason is that infants learn about their world by putting objects in their mouths. Small objects, such as pebbles, coins, beads, and parts of toys are dangerous if an infant puts them in the mouth. Infants also often choke because it takes a long time to develop their eating skills. Infants can easily choke on some foods that an adult can eat, such as nuts, grapes or popcorn.

To prevent choking, never let an infant eat alone. Never prop up a bottle for an infant to drink alone. Always stay with an infant during meals or snacks. Cut food into small pieces. Do not give an infant foods, such as nuts that could lodge in the airway. If you suspect that an infant has an object in his or her mouth, check with your fingers and remove it. Regularly check floors, rugs, and other places for pins, coins and other small objects that an infant might pick up and put in his or her mouth.

Like a child who is choking, a choking infant can quickly stop breathing, lose consciousness, and die. If the infant is coughing forcefully, allow the infant to continue to cough. Watch the infant carefully. If the infant does not stop coughing in a few minutes or if the infant coughs weakly, makes a high-pitched sound while coughing, or cannot cry, call 911 for help. To clear a blocked airway, you will need to give back blows and chest thrusts.

• Position the infant face down on your arm, with your hand supporting the infant’s head.

• With your other hand, strike the infant between the shoulder blades 5 times.

• Turn the infant over, place two or three fingers in the center of the breastbone, and give 5 chest thrusts.

• Each thrust should be about 1 inch deep.

• Turn the infant face down again and repeat back blows, followed by chest thrusts.

• Stop as soon as the object is coughed up or the infant starts to breathe or cough.

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BURNS

There are several types of burns: chemical burns, electrical burns, heat burns and radiation burns. The severity of the burns depends on the temperature of whatever caused the burn and the length of time the victim was exposed to the burn. The severity is also affected by the burn’s location, size, age and medical condition of the person.

A burn that involves only the top layer of skin is the least severe.

The skin is red and dry and the burn hurts. These burns usually heal in 5 to 6 days.

Deeper burns are also red. They have blisters that may open and weep clear fluid. The burned skin may look blotchy. These burns are usually painful and the area often swells.

Some burns destroy all the layers of skin and the tissue underneath. They can even destroy bones. These burns look brown or blackish. The tissues underneath may appear white. These burns can sometimes be surprisingly pain-free because nerve endings have been destroyed. These burns are critical.

A critical burn needs immediate medical attention. Critical burns can be life-threatening. It isn’t always easy to tell how severe a burn is right after it has happened. Call for an ambulance immediately if a burn victim is having trouble breathing or has burns on more than one part of the body. Call if the victim has burns on the head, neck, back, hands, feet or genitals. Call for any burns caused by chemicals, explosions, or electricity.

Burns caused by flames or hot grease usually need medical attention, especially if the victim is a child or an elderly person. Burns caused by hot liquid or flames that contact clothing also are serious, since the clothing keeps the heat in contact with the skin. Some fabrics even melt and stick to the skin. All these burns may look minor at first, but they can continue to get worse.

CARE FOR BURNS

• •

•

• •

Stop The Burning - For example, you may have to put out flames that have caught clothing on fire.

Use Cool Water To Cool Burns - Immerse affected area in tub or shower if able. Use soaked towels, sheets or other types of cloth to apply to the face or other areas that can not be immersed. You must get the heat out of the burn.

Cover The Burn With A Dry Sterile Dressing - or at least a clean one, to prevent infection. Bandage loosely, don’t put any pressure on the burn.

Keep Victim Comfortable - and from being chilled or overheated.

Seek Medical Treatment Immediately

TIPS TO REMEMBER:

Do not use ointments on burns, they can seal in the heat. Don’t use home remedies, some can cause infections. Don’t break blisters, keeping the skin unbroken helps prevent infection. Don’t remove pieces of cloth that stick to a burned area.

Chemical Burns should be flushed with large amounts of running water until the ambulance arrives or you seek medical help. Victims must take off any clothes that have chemicals on them. If the chemical gets in the eye, flush the affected eye from nose outward to prevent washing chemicals into the unaffected eye. (Seek medical help immediately).

Electric Burns - Never go near a victim you think has been injured by electricity until you are sure the power is turned off. The burn itself may not be the major problem but tissues underneath may be severely damaged. Check breathing if unconscious, check for fractures, cover burn with a dry sterile dressing. Do not try to cool burn. Keep victim from getting chilled.

Radiation (sun & other exposure) - Cool burn if it is minor and no blisters. Apply antibiotic ointment and cover to prevent infection. Severe - stop burning and cover to prevent infection. Keep from getting chilled. Call medical help immediately.

For any burn except a very minor burn, you should seek medical help immediately. Burns that are life threatening are:

1. Burns involving breathing difficulties.

2. Burns that cover more than one body part.

3. Burns to head, neck, hands, feet or genitals.

4. Burns to any child or elderly person.

5. Burns resulting from chemicals, explosions or electricity.

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2022 Health Guide

PIGGOTT SCHOOL DISTRICT Success Is What We Do.

Piggott High School 533 E Main St. Piggott, AR 72454 870-598-2572 Elementary School 895 E Main St. Piggott, AR 72454 (870) 598-2546 Superintendent Freddie Bowen

Board of Education Hope Burns Jennifer Rahn Chris Roberts Bradley Dunlap Jim Threatt Piggott High School Principal: Paul Seegraves Elementary Principals: Brock Swann Erica Harris

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Rector High School offers health occupation classes

A

n opportunity faced Superintendent Johnny Fowler of the Rector School District last year when Kocaina Blount, then school nurse, acknowledged that she was interested in becoming an adjunct faculty member with Black River Technical College.

Holding the adjunct faculty position, Blount would teach a growing number of courses leading to possible CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) certification. With CNA Certification, students leave high school with opportunity for immediate employment, earning above minimum wage.

Rector High School’s Career and Technical Education classes in health care were originally funded as a “start-up” program through the Carl Perkins funds, granted through the State Department of Education. The classes have expanded each year from the foundations course and medical terminology to Anatomy and Physiology.

Students in the health care program are also receiving college credit through BRTC since Blount is affiliated with the college and the high school. Concurrent courses in the core curriculum are commonplace now with many students starting college with credits in their pockets, the courses paid for with some grants and a minimal cash outlay from students. Students such as Devin Brown can enroll in a college pre-med curriculum with several college credits and hands-on experiences.

Devin will be graduating in

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Rector School nurse, teacher and mentor Kocaina Blount. –Courtesy photo

May with multiple areas of interest for college. “I really like the sciences and have always thought I wanted to be a doctor.

To have the opportunity to experience the clinical portion of the

Devin Brown is shown being assisted by lift mechanism as part of the CNA course.

–Courtesy photo

CNA coursework is important to me and others.” Lyric Morrow added, “What if a person thought medical was what they

2022 Health Guide

wanted to do and then got into the nitty-gritty and found they were not cut out for the rigor of reality. They would have wasted a lot of time and money.” Devin commented further that his goal at the present is the more holistic approach to medicine which is the osteopathic program offered at Arkansas State University.

The current enrollment of students is the second full group to complete the coursework and sit for the CNA testing. The CNA test includes a written portion and a skills portion. The skills portion contains components focused on body systems, health and diet, infection control, prevention practices, mental health, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and safety. The examiner chooses three areas for the skills test and a testing student must not miss what is termed a “critical component” item or a failure mark is recorded.

Cierra Rients has been able to fit in only one class for the health occupations curriculum. “I wish I could have started taking these classes earlier. I’m thinking now that not only am I still interested in Ag classes for the future, but my interest in pediatric work or Occupational Therapy has been heightened. It’s a win-win since I can earn college credits and be employed as a nursing assistant while getting courses for a registered nurse or certifications for physical therapy assistant. My horizons have broadened.”

Cierra and Devin both commented on how the medical field is changing so rapidly with

the COVID-19 pandemic playing such a huge role in everyday life. So much of this year’s senior class has been affected during their high school years by COVID, from at-home learning to suspension of activities that make the high school experience unique. Zoe McNabb added that when people become accustomed to staying at home, they can spiral into depression and face other mental health issues. “Mental Health components is one of the skill areas we concentrate on in our classes. CNA training helps us realize how to interact better and notice what is going on with people of all ages.”

Rector students are dressed in their coursework. –Courtesy photo

Zoe continued to share that her goal is the RN degree at ASU with a specialty in trauma nursing. “I like the pressure and work in the ER would fit my personality.” Students who have goals beyond high school and a method to achieve those goals are one step closer to successful adult lives, made possible by programs such as the health occupations offerings at Rector High School. Zoe works now with the CNA program as does Katie Lamar who is employed at Rector Nursing and Rehab. The nursing home requires a person be certified as CNA before employment. “I ultimately want to be a travel nurse. Now, I work in the afternoons and have earned hours in the high school program also. It gives me the kind of experience I need. The residents become like family and at first, I didn’t know if I could really do what was necessary to care for my residents. Now, they are like part of my family. I talk to them and hear about their lives and I look forward to doing whatever it is that they need. I’m there for them.” Hannah Crow said she did not really care for the clinical portion of the course and it was good to find that out sooner rather than later.

Blount shared that with the big group of juniors coming into the program, the future looks good.

“Mr. Fowler wants to keep on adding courses so that I’m teaching every course I can. That way, the kids have even more opporPPE’s ready for tunities afforded

Students enrolled in the Health Occupation class at Rector High School learn CPR training. –Courtesy photo

them.”

Lyric inserted, “It’s a great program and I’ve taken advantage of the high school program.

Currently, I’m also enrolled at BRTC getting hours and credit for my phlebotomy certificate.

I’m going to have both CNA and phlebotomy certificates…all earned while I’ve been in high school. The program is not for the weak, though. It’s a lot of work, a lot of tasks you might shy away from, but it’s so worth it.”

Blount, as teacher and mentor, has observed the importance on the faculty of knowing medical terminology. In teacher education courses, medical terminology is not offered. Adults come to Nurse Kocaina to ask about unfamiliar health-related words the doctor might have posted in “my chart” using medical terminology. Knowing basic first aid, the recognition of common drug names, CPR skills, and medical terminology have become lifetime learning skills. Zoe McNabb concluded what the class had been saying, “Even if a person does not plan on a medical career or a nursing profession, the foundation course and the course in medical terminology is helpful in all of life. It’s the basics. All that we learn is valuable in life, regardless of career choice.”

-Jane Gatewood, TD News Staff

2022 Health Guide

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Celebrating years of service

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For those who are able to be away from home, senior centers

We assist older persons and caregivers by planning, coordinating, and delivering services suited to their needs.

We offer a safety net for individuals and families faced with changes brought on by the aging process who face challenges with living in their homes.

Care coordinators visit clients in senior’s homes to complete applications for benefits, coordinating services as well as assistance with correspondence. With their help, patients can more easily be signed up for services. They also install emergency response systems. Customer service links people with resources in their home communities. We assist with Medicare questions and enrollment in prescription drug plans. The ombudsman program helps families with patients in nursing homes and care facilities.

When the ability for self-care is a problem, we help with activities of daily living — bathing, exercise, housework, and medication assistance, as needed. Registered nurses plan patient care and supervise aides. Aides who pass background checks visit and care for their patients.

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2022 Health Guide

are visible in many communities throughout the twelve counties served and provide congregate meals, home delivered meals, socialization, and transportation. The Agency provides funding and offers services and programs on site.

Employment opportunities are available for those who are

still interested in careers including the Older Worker Program.

Many persons over age 55 have been helped to find a second career.

We help to link senior volunteers so that they can use lifelong skills to enhance their communities. Foster Grandparents may qualify to earn a tax-free stipend as well as supplemental accident and liability insurance while on duty.

Wellness and lifestyle programs suit special interests of our clients such as exercise classes, Tai Chi, chair Yoga, evidence based classes, and workshops. Our support groups are geared to assist those who provide care such as the Alzheimer’s Support Group, Spouses as Caregivers, or Caregiver Support Group.

Agency representatives for all counties can be contacted by calling the toll-free number, 800-467-3278, by email sent to referral@eaaaa.org or on-line at www.e4aonline.com.

East Arkansas Area Agency on Aging delivers quality care, family focused services and advocacy for the aging population while maintaining a servants heart.

Since 1978

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You can help save a life Being a hero and helping repair the world may be easier than many people realize. How? Become a blood stem cell or marrow donor, volunteer or a supporter.

The Problem Every three minutes, someone in the United States is diagnosed with a blood cancer such as leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society estimates that 186,400 people will experience this frightening news just this year.

While a bone marrow or blood stem cell transplant can serve as a cure for leukemia and other blood cancers, only 30 percent of patients have a matching donor in their families. The remaining 70 percent must hope that a compatible stranger Lifesaving stem cell donor Josh Posner met his transplant recipient Dave Fromcan be found through the global registry. son in May 2021 in Boca Raton, Fla. – Courtesy photo Seeking Solutions For the past 30 years, one organization has been singularly passionate about engaging the public to get everyone involved in curing blood cancer. Gift of Life Marrow Registry, a nonprofit based in Boca Raton, Florida, works globally to find matching bone marrow and blood stem cell donors for patients battling nearly 100 diseases, including blood cancer, immune disorders and sickle cell.

One Man’s Story The best chance of finding a matching donor is with people who share the same ethnicity and race—and Gift of Life was founded due to a lack of Jewish donors in the national registry when Jay Feinberg was 22 years old and unable find a match to cure his leukemia.

Determined to save his life, Feinberg’s family and friends set on a 4-year grassroots donor recruitment campaign, resulting in the enrollment of more than 60,000 new donors in the worldwide bone marrow registry.

Feinberg eventually found his lifesaving match, and his diagnosis started the butterfly effect that became Gift of Life.

Feinberg has never taken for granted the gift that his bone marrow donor gave to him, and he has turned a moment of personal crisis into a lifetime of achievement for the greater good and now, you can be part of it.

“Every day I live is a day I am blessed to pay it forward,” said Feinberg. “Everyone has the power to spread light by joining the registry and giving the most precious gifts of all—hope and health.”

Gift of Life Marrow Registry Under Feinberg’s leadership as the Founder and CEO, Gift of Life Marrow Registry has grown into a multi-faceted organization that operates a global marrow and blood stem cell donor registry, donor collection center, cellular therapy laboratory and a soon-to-launch biotech entity. To date, the organization has a membership of nearly 400,000 individuals who have volunteered to save a life, and it has also facilitated more than 4,100 transplants.

What That Means To The Jews Through many years of recruiting and partnerships with Jewish communities and organizations, Gift of Life has radically increased the rates of survival for patients of Jewish descent (from 5 to approximately 80 percent), and is working to do the same for other ethnicities and races.

What You Can Do You can join Gift of Life’s donor registry with the common goal of saving lives. Signing up is simple and can be done with a quick and painless cheek swab and the completion of a form to give consent.If you’re between 18 and 35 years old and in general good health, visit www.giftoflife.org/register to get your free kit.

-Special to the Times-Democrat

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2022 Health Guide

Outpatient Behavioral Health Services Individual, Couple & Family Counseling Psychiatric Evaluations Psychological Evaluations Medication Management School-based Mental Health In-home and Telehealth Services Play Therapy

Toll-free: 877.595.8869 • familiesinc.net

LIFE IS MEANT TO BE ENJOYED!

BEHAVIORAL INDICATORS

Providing therapeutic services to children, adolescents and adults across Northeast, North Central & Central Arkansas.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Anxiety Irritability Chronic sadness / unprovoked crying Fearfulness Aggressive or disruptive behavior Frequent school or work absences Poor interpersonal relations Suspicious or secretive behavior Lack of self-control Hyperactivity Excessive psychosomatic complaints Suicidal thoughts or attempts Homicidal thoughts or attempts Helplessness Disturbed sleep patterns Alcohol or drug abuse

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Drop in school / work performance Depression Anger Changes in appetite and / or weight Unusual fears Change in behavior or personality Withdrawal / isolation Running away from home or school Animal cruelty Poor self-esteem Dependency Chronic fatigue

425 W. Jackson, Piggott, AR

870-598-2236 Dennis Blake, M.D.

Brandy Pace, A.P.R.N. Megan Rathel, A.P.R.N.

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Walking, running and exercise key to health and wellness It’s a lifestyle. It’s a choice. Purposeful living for good happen to me. I’ve always kept a routine for activity because if health starts for most people in their background, their raising, I don’t, I’ll add pounds and I don’t want that, either. I do whatand a desire to maintain their general good health. A strong ever it takes to stay healthy and well.”

That positive attitude is shared by many steady walkers mind, body, and spirit take a person down paths to face the tomorrow with a healthy disposition. Some people go to the gym and some runners in Rector. An entanglement with arthritis, a for daily exercise while others walk or run at their own pace. diagnosis of osteoporosis, a double-digit pound increase after The joke is “If I’m running, a bear is after me and I only have to the COVID-19 quarantine and confinement have affected many people. Those health conoutrun you.” scious individuals have deHealth and wellness are gifts cided to do something about and like gifts received by some preventing health crises or people, the gift can be wasted, facing the crisis head-on. underutilized, undervalued, or Dedicated, faithful discarded. Others seize the gift, walkers and joggers don’t in this case, looking good health care too much about varyin the eye, and claiming it, whating temperatures or weathever the personal cost. For some, er conditions. “Even if it’s much self-talk is required to really cold, I bundle up and gather the resolve to step outside run,” shares Gail Ford. “I am the door. For others, exercising, motivated to stay moving walking, or working outside in a and healthy. There is rarely garden is a habit that’s been cula day that I don’t get in my tivated their entire lives. morning run.”

“I was raised in the country, Another motivation and we were always outside. It’s she shared is that when she where my happiest memories gets to the top of the hill at are, my best days. Even when I the back side of the Woodworked at the garment factory land Heights Cemetery, she back in the 1980s, I’d go to the knows she has to make it park (Rector Memorial Park) and back home. “It’s a push, but jog. At other times, like when I do it.”

Kim (daughter Kim Isom) was Thompson and Huffstill living at home, I’d jog or man have modified their walk or do some of both before walk routine to accommowork.” These personal memories date for extremes in temcome from Martha (Beckley) perature and weather condiThompson who took the advice tions, moving to a six-day of Home Extension economist Debbie Baker who suggested – Vicky Gipson (left), Alma Webb (center) and Patricia Mabrey walk-week and being atproudly display their trophies earned in the 2021 Rector Helping tentive to local weatherman walk, then jog, then walk – at Hands Foundation 5K. –TD photo Jane Gatewood Ryan Vaughan’s invitation to your own pace.

Martha’s walking partner and friend is Jane (Kennedy) be “weather aware.”

These same ladies also work-out with core building exerHuffman who made a conscious decision to get into a walking routine and to exercise frequently to keep a healthy core. Her cises and weights at the AMMC Wellness Center, the cost nommotivation came from seeing her mother who suffered from de- inal. They’ve established a 45-minute routine, rotating among bilitating arthritis become unable to walk. Her mother would the weights and the machines. An attendant will guide choices say that the walking hurt, so she didn’t do it, then she couldn’t, on the machines, they say.

In addition to staying physically active, the ladies have which sometimes translated to wouldn’t. “I don’t want that to

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found that diet and nutrition are critical to maintaining a healthy system.

“I’ve quit sodas. I drink herbal tea – hot, caffeine free.

My favorite is cinnamon apple and I like the lemon flavor. All the teas are herbal,” commented Thompson. “Meals are lean and green, for the most part.

Walking buddies Martha Thompson (left) I’ve done a lot and Jane Huffman can be seen daily at the of reading and Judy Leach (nurse Rector Memorial Park. –TD photo Jane practitioner and friend) has encouraged me to keep doing what I’m doing.”

To add to the benefits of a healthy diet, Huffman said she feels her best when she is outside. Whether I am exercising, walking, or gardening, the time outside gives me a place to channel energy. I can be high-strung and being outside keeps me calm, she confesses. It’s for mental and physical health that I gravitate to the great outdoors. When I garden, I gain perspective on the world. Deep breathing, long strides – it all helps me. Everybody knows what helps their own bodies.” Local health experts share Huffman’s thoughts saying that clinical depression can be curbed with walking. “Walk it off,” in more ways than one.

Simeon Snow also shared his journey to complete marathon distances as recorded on his phone. He can compete against others or challenge his own times. “I had put on pounds after COVID-19, so I started walking to lose that extra weight.

Then, I found the way to further challenge myself and that was the app for marathon walking. Throughout 2021, I walked

The annual Rector Helping Hands Foundation 5K held Labor Day weekend is not only a time for camaraderie but is a good source of exercise. –TD photo Jane Gatewood

1000 miles. I also walked a marathon and almost another, less five miles due to an ankle flare-up.” Ken Roden does not walk as much as he once did, but he says he’s still trying to keep up the good habit. Pat Mabrey is always out for a walk, sometime with a young friend but always with a smile. Couples walk in the evenings, early afternoons invite dog-walking, and anytime, parents are walking with their children riding bikes or scooters.

Four walls close in, according to most outdoor enthusiasts. Though many ladies and some gentlemen use treadmills at gyms or at home, and some ladies walk inside a life-center, the “outside group” says they look forward to breathing the fresh air and watching whatever is going on with nature at the time. Both Huffman and Thompson share the benefit of good mental health through outdoor activity. “I’m a happier person.

I do this for myself. I know my body and what I need. We’ve enjoyed being walking partners. I think that really helps. We motivate each other. We don’t waste time. We are fast walkers.

Groups of women, men and children participate in the annual Labor Day Helping Hands Foundation 5K run-walk event. Getting in steps has become a lifestyle for health-conscious individuals who long for spring and early summer days of beautiful weather. – TD photo Jane Gatewood

We’re home by 6:15 each morning, having begun at 5 a.m. We walk a course that is four miles. That’s the minimum I walk each day. We want to keep our health, keep avoiding taking medicines, and build stamina, encouraging one another.”

The Helping Hands Foundation annual Labor Day 5K has kept walkers and runners motivated. “Ribbons and trophies are fun to collect and there is a sense of achievement, camaraderie, and personal challenges to receive official timing, applause, and photos,” said one of the Walk-Run event workers having heard from participants for years. “We love seeing walkers come across the line, some matching each other stride for stride like Mrs. Alma (Webb) and Mrs. Vicky (Gipson).”

There’s no substitute for the blessing of good health and what people can do to promote wellness for themselves and their families is important and is encouraging to others, also.

With good weather setting in at long last, neighborhood streets will host walkers and runners at all times of day, each person achieving his own goal.

-Jane Gatewood, TD News Staff

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Arkansas Methodist Medical Center is a beacon of health, hope and healing that has served the Paragould community for more than 70 years.

A lot has changed since those humble beginnings – new facilities, an expanded staff of family medicine physicians and specialists, additional services and a greatly expanded workforce. Today AMMC is the largest non-manufacturing employer in Greene County and a not-for-profit institution providing millions in uncompensated care.

Through the years, one thing has remained constant – AMMC’s desire to provide a community-based, high quality medical center for Paragould, northeast Arkansas, and southeast Missouri. AMMC takes pride in the services offered and strives to achieve a level of quality that exceeds all national benchmarks.

AMMC is a fully accredited, 129-bed medical center and includes more than 140 active and courtesy physicians from family practice to multiple specialties.

AMMC has a staff of more than 700 health care professionals working together in an expansive 400,000-SF facility.

The medical center offers multiple services such as a diabetes care clinic, home health agency, inpatient rehabilitation unit, wellness center, a hospital-owned ambulance service, radiology department (including same-day 3D mammography), cardiac cath lab, cardiac rehab, cardiopulmonary care, physical therapy, women’s services, Chateau on the Ridge Assisted Living and much more.

AMMC’s ongoing commitment to caring for the people of the area is reflected by state, national and international recognition. As a not-for-profit institution, much of the good work that happens at AMMC would not be possible without its healthcare heroes, the AMMC Auxiliary, the Foundation at AMMC and community.

For more information, visit our website at myammc.org.

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Nine questions to ask your Ophthalmologist If you’re like most people, this is a familiar scene: You’re nearing the end of your appointment with your physician, and they ask, “Do you have any ques-

tions?” You want to take advantage of the short amount of time you have with the one person who can decipher tests and explain medical issues specific to you, but you blank.

Getting the most out of your regular eye exam depends on asking good questions. Not sure where to begin? Here’s a list of smart questions to ask your ophthalmologist at your next eye exam:

It’s smart to see your way clear to getting regular eye exams. –Courtesy photo

• Am I at risk for eye disease? There are several risk factors for eye disease, including family history, ethnicity, age and so on. Take the time with your ophthalmologist to identify your own eye health risks.

• Can my other health issues affect my eyes? Several systemic diseases, including high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes, can affect eyesight. Your ophthalmologist is the best person to discuss how your medical history can lead to potential eye disease.

• Why is this test being done? During a routine eye exam, your ophthalmologist will run tests to screen for eye diseases and visual impairment. This can include checking how your pupil responds to light, measuring your eye pressure to screen for diseases such as glaucoma or dilating your eye to check the health of your retina.

• Would you have this procedure yourself? Some eye surgeries are urgently required to protect your vision but others are optional, such as laser eye surgery or just one of a range of treatment options for your condition. An ophthalmologist will be able to help you decide if you are a good candidate for surgery, walk you through the latest data, and discuss potential risks.

• Is this normal? Dealing with dry eyes? Noticing new floaters in your vision? Share these symptoms with your ophthalmologist. They can determine whether this is a normal part of aging or a sign of eye disease.

• I can’t see well while reading or driving. What should I do? Usually, declining vision means you just need new glasses. But in some cases, there are alternatives to glasses that can improve your quality of life. If you’re having a difficult time enjoying your favorite hobbies and activities, ask your ophthalmologist if you’re a good candidate for newer vision correction options.

• Will COVID-19 affect my eyes? Your ophthalmologist is your best resource for the latest information on diseases related to the eye, including eye-related symptoms linked to COVID-19. If you’re recovering from COVID-19, you may have concerns about how your eye health could be affected.

• Should I buy blue light-blocking glasses? What about eye vitamins? There are lots of myths out there about eyes and vision. Before buying blue light-blocking glasses or other over-the-counter products that are advertised to save your sight, get the facts straight from your ophthalmologist.

• My eyesight seems fine. Do I really need to come back? Your ophthalmologist can tell you how often you should be seen based on your age, risk factors and overall health.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends all adults get a comprehensive eye exam by age 40 and every year or two after age 65, even if your vision seems fine. That’s because leading causes of blindness can begin without any noticeable symptoms. An ophthalmologist—a physician who specializes in medical and surgical eye care—can help save your vision before it’s too late.

EyeCare America Can Help If the cost of an eye exam is a concern, the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeCare America program may be able to help. This national public service program provides eye care through volunteer ophthalmologists for eligible seniors 65 and older and those at increased risk for eye disease.

Learn More For further information regarding EyeCare America and to see if you or someone you care for qualifies, visit www.aao.org/eyecare-america.

-Special to the Times-Democrat

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NEW PATIENTS WELCOME • HWY 49 NORTH • RECTOR There are two major types of stroke: those caused by blood clots, that block an artery that carries blood to part of the brain (ischemic strokes), and those caused by bleeding (hemorrhagic strokes).

A treatable disease New drug treatments are being tested that could help certain victims of stroke, but diagnosis and treatment must begin as soon as possible in order for these treatments to be effective.

In spite of their sudden occurrence, strokes can be prevented by managing the risk factors, heeding the warning signs, and acting quickly. Today, early diagnosis and treatment can dramatically improve recovery for stroke victims.

Strokes Misconceptions, prevention, warning signs and the right response behind heart disease and cancer. Each year 500,000 Americans suffer from stroke, and of those 150,000 will die from them. As many as three million Americans have survived a stroke, with more than two million of them sustaining some permanent disability. Strokes occur at all ages, in both sexes, and in all races in every country.

What is a stroke?

A stroke (sometimes called a brain attack) is a loss of blood flow to an area of the brain and may cause disorientation which might lead to injury or death. When blood flow fails, brain cells are robbed of vital supplies of oxygen and nutrients. Some strokes have very little recognizable effect, while others can quickly cause death.

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Misconception Strokes always result in serious disability.

Some stroke symptoms may last anywhere from a few moments to a few hours and then disappear. These brief episodes of stroke symptoms are called transient ischemic attacks or TlAs. Although TlAs usually are of short duration and recovery, you should not down play their seriousness, but seek treatment immediately.

Brain attacks and strokes are two different things. Both brain attacks and strokes describe the symptoms of a patient with an injury to the brain from a lack of blood flow or from bleeding, and both are usually the result of progressive disease that develops over many years.

Treatable risk factors • high blood pressure • cigarette smoking

2022 Health Guide

• TlAs • atrial fibrillation and other heart disease • diabetes Prevention • control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels • stop smoking • maintain a healthy diet • exercise regularly • control blood sugar if diabetic Warning signs If you or someone with you has one or more of these signs, don’t delay!

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.

Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.

Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.

Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

If you are having a stroke Immediately call 9-1-1 or the emergency medical services (EMS) number so an ambulance can be sent for you. Also, check the time so you’ll know when the symptoms first appeared. It’s very important to take immediate action. If given within three hours of the start of symptoms, a clot-busting drug called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) can reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke. tPA is the only FDA-approved medication for the treatment of stroke within three hours of stroke symptom onset.

Pain Management Comes to Piggott Community Hospital Piggott Community Hospital is proud to welcome Mark Clark, CRNA NSPM-C, to their staff. Clark Pain Clinic provides nonsurgical pain management treatment to patients experiencing pain of many kinds. Mark Clark has 30 years of experience as a board certified nurse anesthetist and ten years of experience performing advanced pain management. Clark specializes in nonnarcotic techniques for his treatment plans including injections, physical therapy, at home exercises, mindful meditation or a combination of all these therapies. He treats a number of issues including back pain, knee pain, and migraines, as well as using cutting edge technology with Radiofrequency Nerve Ablations and Botox pain treatments.

The majority of the population will experience chronic pain at some point in their life. Nonsurgical pain management uses non-opioid techniques to provide pain relief. Rather than simply masking the pain, nonsurgical pain management seeks to relieve pain at its source.

Many patients in rural communities don’t have access or availability to quality pain management services. This is why it is so important that Piggott Community Hospital be able to offer comprehensive, multidimensional pain treatments in our local communities.

For Clark, pain management is more than just a job, it’s a passion. He finds it very rewarding to be able to provide a service that is needed by so many. He says he feels great joy when he’s able to bring his patients significant relief from pain that they may have experienced for years.

When asked why he chose to partner with Piggott Community Hospital, Clark had this to say, “The staff and administration are exceptional here. It’s a wonderful hospital, especially for a small community. It’s also close to home. I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to work with Piggott Community Hospital.”

Dealing with chronic pain can be challenging. It can compromise your quality of life and affect your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. The longer you live with pain, the more difficult it can become to control. There is now an available source for pain management close to home. If interested in scheduling an appointment with Mark, please speak with your primary care physician for a referral or contact us directly at 870.598.8383.

And remember, “Life begins when pain ends!”

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