Effingham Magazine February/March 2014

Lea Allen:

Her Amazing

JOURNEY

Health and Wellness Issue February/March 2015

Heather N. Bumgardner, NP

We're bringing fa We're bringing family medicine Rincon providers to your providers to your neighborhood.

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CONTRIBUTORS Paige Peebles-McDuffie Paige Peebles-McDuffie is a freelance writer and blogger and relative newcomer to Effingham County. She is a life coach, motivational speaker and the owner of a small company providing international clients with personal and administrative assistance. She is a graduate of East Georgia College and is currently working towards her Masters in Behavioral Analysis.

SUBSCRIBE Make sure you never miss a copy of Effingham’s only full-color lifestyle magazine. Sign-up on-line at www.EffinghamMagazine.com

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Stefanie Barnes Stefanie is a freelance writer and blogger and has lived all over Georgia. Even though she is still fairly new to Effingham County, there is nowhere else she would rather be. She earned her degree in English Language and Literature from Southern New Hampshire University and is currently enjoying being a stay at home mom. Stefanie resides in Rincon with her husband and three children.

on Facebook. Check-out our Facebook page and keep up with the exciting things happening in Effingham.You’ll find us at Effingham Magazine.

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Katrice Williams Katrice Williams recently joined our team as a freelance writer. She is a married mother of two: Nio-14 and Mya-12. She graduated from Georgia Southern University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree and consistently maintained a great literary acumen and a big interest in writing.

Katrice, thereafter, moved to the Atlanta Metropolitan Area to pursue business career endeavors. A few years later, her husband, Tony, received a job offer in our local area, and the family eventually moved to Pooler. After spending a fulfilling amount of time as an at-home mom, she decided to pursue an area of personal attraction—writing. In her spare time, Katrice enjoys the 3F’s: family, food, and fun!! She’s also fond of occasionally writing a bit of good poetry. Katrice can be reached at katricewilliams7@gmail.com.

Katie Conaway Katie Conaway turned her passion for photography into a career three years ago. She started off by taking portraits of friends, family, and nature, which soon developed into a growing business. She maintains a personal touch with each client to ensure they are satisfied with the experience they receive from each session. Client satisfaction is what motivates Katie.

STAFF

Lea Allen

Lane Gallegos

04 February/March 2015 | Effingham Magazine

DiAnna Jenkins

Shane Lasseter

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Effingham Magazine welcomes all letters to the publisher. Please send all letters via email to Julie Hales at julie@idpmagazines.com, or mail letters to P.O. Box 1742, Rincon, GA 31326. Letters to the publisher must have a phone number and name of contact. Phone numbers will not be published.

ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS Effingham Magazine welcomes story ideas from our readers. If you have a story idea, or photo essay you would like to share, please submit ideas and material by emailing Julie Hales at julie@ idpmagazines.com Stories or ideas for stories must be submitted by email. Only feature stories and photo essays about people, places or things in Effingham.

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in this issue February/March 2015

features

08 16 58 63

Lea Allen The Journey To A New Life

Effingham United Way Offering Health Services in Our Community

Dr. Jack Heneisen Rewriting The Book On Affordable Health Care

Meet The Browns A Karate Family

departments

07

Publisher’s Page

specials

25

Effingham Health System

67

Let’s Do Business

71

Meet Your Professionals In Health and Wellness

06 February/March 2015 | www.Effingham Magazine.Com

PUBLISHER’S Thoughts

Our Annual Health and Wellness Issue Julie Hales owner/publisher julie@idpmagazines.com Lane Gallegos graphic design lane@idpmagazines.com Lea Allen administrative assistant/circulation lea@idpmagazines.com DiAnna Jenkins account executive dianna@idpmagazines.com Shane Lasseter account executive shane@idpmagazines.com

Effingham Magazine is proudly produced by:

I am so excited to be writing this letter.

Usually, that is not the case. I mean, how much can one publisher say? Right?

I know my staff thinks I always have plenty to say.

But, this year’s Health and Wellness issue is special to me. This year we are bringing you something a little different, something we have never done before.

We have partnered with Effingham Health System to bring you a magazine within a magazine. The center pages of this publication is actually an entire pullout for Effingham Health System.

Julie Hales, PUBLISHER We are so proud to be bringing the citizens of Effingham County this publication for Effingham Health System. The progress made since their expansion in 2012 is nothing short of amazing. I am honored that Norma Jean Morgan and her staff had the faith in us to handle this very special project.

And, to add to my excitement, we get to bring you our cover story. This young lady has become Effingham Magazine’s super star.

Lea Allen was originally featured in our 2014 Health and Wellness issue, as her year long journey to lose weight began. Through the course of this past year, Lea learned that this was far more than a weight loss journey, it was a complete change of life.

Lea has accomplished her goal for her year’s journey, but her journey will never come to an end. She now has the tools necessary to continue to grow as an individual and to always strive to be the best that she can be.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the members of Lea’s “Dream Team,” Lauren Humphries with Effingham Health System’s ECB Occupational Medicine, Anisa Grantham of Rincon Recovery Resources, Clif Yawn of Yawn’s Gym and Karate and Desmond Crone, Lea’s personal trainer.

All of you have taught Lea so much throughout her journey. The entire staff of Effingham Magazine is so grateful for your time and services.

Lea Allen, we are so proud of the young woman you have become and we cannot wait to see what’s next in your life. We love you!

108 International Drive Rincon, GA 3126 (912) 826-2760

Circulation: Effingham Magazine is publlished bi-monthly (six issues a year), printing 10,000 copies and distributed to over 180 locations.

Reproduction in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

ABOUT THE COVER Effingham Magazine’s very own super star, Lea Allen. Lea, we have followed you and supported you in every step of this journey. We are so happy to be a part of your success!

Cover Photo by Susan DeLoach

www.Effingham

Magazine.com | February/March 2015 07

The Journey To A New Life

“The only journey is the one within.” - Rainer Maria Rilke

W

Story by PAIGE PEEBLES-MCDUFFIE Photos by SUSAN DELOACH

hen we first met Lea Michelle Allen one year ago, she was beginning a very public journey to lose weight. She had no idea that the journey would bring so many other changes to her life.

“I thought, ‘if I can fix my weight, it will fix everything.’ I had no idea that losing weight was just a tiny part of it all,” she shares with a wry smile.

She was no stranger to weight loss or weight gain. She had spent her whole life battling her weight, binge eating, eating in secret and hiding food. She was on her first diet while still in elementary school.

Lea’s family was close-knit and her brother, Joshua, was her best friend and role model all her life. He was four years older than Lea and always encouraged her and built up her self esteem the best way he knew how. Any time she attempted to lose weight, he encouraged her every step of the way.

In January of 2010, Joshua was killed in an automobile accident. Lea was devastated. Losing her brother was such a tragedy for her and her family. She no longer had her best friend nor her biggest supporter by her side. And, her eating habits got out of control.

“In September 2010, I managed to lose fifty pounds,” she said, “but my life was still full of bad habits that got in the way of success.” By then, she was caught in a cycle of drugs, alcohol and unhealthy relationships.

In order to lose weight she abused Adderall, a prescription drug used to treat her ADHD. This led to the use of diet pills, marijuana, alcohol and benzodiazepines, like Xanax.

Lea’s drug and alcohol abuse spiraled. Her addiction affected her work, her relationship with friends and her relationship with her family. She reached a point that drugs and alcohol became her only friends.

In late 2011, a friend encouraged Lea to get help. She was leery about the idea of it all, but finally decided to take that leap. She began seeing an addiction counselor, and slowly started to make some progress. Unfortunately, the progress was short lived and Lea’s addictions started to get out of control again.

In 2012, Lea’s boss grew overly concerned about her after seeing the progress she was making begin to slip away. The addictions, once again, were affecting her job and her relationships.

At that time, the suggestion of rehab was placed in Lea’s path.

It was time for Lea to admit to her problem and get the help she needed. She made the right choice.

Lea checked into Recovery Place of Savannah on April 26, 2012. She fought hard for her sobriety, spending four weeks in an in-house program, followed by six weeks of full-time outpa-

08 February/March 2015 | www.Effingham Magazine.Com

tient care, on to ten weeks of half-day care. She was lovingly nicknamed the “poster child for sobriety” by the staff at Recovery Place, as she did everything in her power to make sure she stayed sober. And, she has! Lea will celebrate her three years of sobriety in April.

After rehab, Lea continued to do the things necessary to keep her life free of drugs and alcohol. But, another addiction continued to emerge its ugly head. FOOD! It wouldn’t be that easy In January 2014, the perfect opportunity presented itself during a staff meeting at Effingham Magazine. Publisher Julie Hales recalls, “We were planning our Annual Health and Wellness issue and one of our staff members suggested that we follow someone throughout the year on a journey of losing weight. She suggested we could re-cap their progress in each issue for a year. I immediately thought this was a great idea.”

Julie continues, “As the meeting continued, Lea raised her hand to speak. I was shocked when I heard what she had to say.

She asked, ‘Can I be that person?’”

“I knew this was going to be a very public journey and would take a huge commitment from Lea. She and I discussed all the variables involved. Through our conversations, I knew Lea was determined to be a success. She made my decision easy,” adds Julie Julie quickly began to put a team together to help in Lea’s success. She spoke with Tammy Mims and Marie Murphy at Effingham Health System, Anisa Grantham with Rincon Recovery Resources and Clif Yawn with Yawn’s Gym and Karate. They all agreed, and Lea’s “Dream Team” was formed.

Lea says, “I really have to extend a huge thanks to Effingham Magazine for providing me with this opportunity, and to my “Dream Team” for volunteering their time and services and for being there every step of the way.”

Lea’s Journey began. With the encouragement of an entire community behind her and the guidance of her team, Lea started tackling the obvious problem - her weight. At her first weigh-in, she topped the scales at 299.8 pounds. Her Body Mass Index (BMI) was 55.9 and her body was composed of over 55 percent fat.

“I knew I was overweight. I could look in the mirror and see that. I’d been battling my weight all my life. But to see those numbers in black and white in front of me and to have those numbers explained to me was sobering,” recalls Lea. “I had to realize that I was more than my addiction - that all of the character defects were in place within me long before the

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Magazine.com | February/March 2015 09

food addiction and drug addictions took hold. I had observed and learned behaviors from my friends, my parents, my teachers and everyone else in my life when I was a child. Not all of them were healthy, but somehow I’d taken them on as my own and now I had to learn to let them go.”

The Dream Team Weighs In Lea began working with Anisa Grantham of Rincon Recovery Resources to identify the ways she had been using food to fulfill emotional needs and worked hard to develop healthy coping skills to take care of herself emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually.

Grantham says, “Most people believe that losing weight is the “work” to be done. In counseling for food addiction, we actually address the relationship with food that has been established over time. When the relationship with food is addressed and reframed (or reestablished) is when the weight loss occurs.”

Throughout the counseling process, Lea also worked through the devastating loss of her brother Joshua. “I didn’t realize how much I had been affected by this loss, but the deeper I started digging, the more obvious it became. I had to learn to celebrate his life rather than mourn his death. I had to live my own life differently in order to do that.”

Lea was already a member of Yawn’s Gym through her employment with Effingham Magazine. Gym owner, Clif Yawn immediately jumped on board. He mentored Lea in the gym and coached her in Karate. Lea says, “I found Karate to be a perfect way to learn discipline on a lot of levels.”

Yawn says, “Lea has come a long ways since she started on her journey. She has found the determination necessary to fulfill her goals and make them a lifelong endeavor. Unlike before her journey began, Lea can now do whatever she sets her mind to and be successful.”

Long hard hours at Yawn’s Gym with trainer Desmond Crone paid off.

Lea watched, over the months, as the fat melted away and new lean muscles emerged. Crone says, “Losing 100 pounds was her goal in the beginning, but the biggest changes have been on the inside. This has

10 February/March 2015 | www.Effingham Magazine.Com

truly been an ‘inside out’ journey for Lea. Today, you can find her inspiring and encouraging and even training other women at the gym.”

Lauren Humphries joined the “Dream Team” about halfway through the journey, replacing Matt Syno at Effingham Health System’s ECB Occupation Medicine.

Lea went weekly for weigh-ins, body stats and nutritional guidance. Humphries says, “Lea’s journey is one that defines balance. Lea always had the best outlook even with the stumbling blocks, she was never defeated. She faced her giants so gracefully and always with a smile. Her body went through so many changes and at times you could tell she was exhausted but it came down to this: she didn’t just know the path, she chose to walk it.”

Falling in love with my self - One year later Today, Lea looks in the mirror and sees a confident, smiling young woman with clear skin, bright eyes and bursting with energy. “I’m falling in love with my self!” she exclaims. “I love the shape of my collarbones now that I can see them, I love the curve of my muscles, but most of all, I love me!”

At her final weigh-in, she weighed 182.6 pounds, a staggering 117.2 pound weight loss. Her body fat percentage fell to 40.4%, a reduction of 15.5% and her BMI fell from 54.8 to 33.4.

“This has probably been one of the hardest things I have ever done. But, at some point along the way, it stopped being hard and became just me, living life,” Lea says, “Tackling my inner demons that fueled my addictions was key.”

Over the past year, she’s graduated from struggling to walk 20 minutes on a treadmill to finishing her first 5K race. She has now set a personal goal of running a 5K once a month in 2015.

She’s changed her relationship with food and says “I’ve learned to cook!” She prepares snacks and lunches in advance to cut down on binge eating, and restricts the times of day she has her meals.

“It’s not going to be the same process for everyone, but this is what works for me,” she says.

She eats 1400 - 1500 calories per day at her current weight and activity level. This translates to three meals and two or three snacks throughout the day. She keeps her meals nutrient dense with healthy proteins, fats and complex carbs for optimum energy and nutrition.

She says, “I can always tell when I’m not taking care of myself and I’m out of synch. I get food cravings for my food triggers. It’s always a sign that I need to pay more attention. I will always be a food addict but now I have the tools to address my addiction.”

Some of those tools include journaling, spending time in the gym, yoga, taking time to prep food for meals and snacks, and time spent each day in spiritual reflection.

Lea’s list of personal accomplishments include being able to cross her legs when sitting, wear a belt proudly, take a bath in a tub instead of showering, fit in the booth at restaurants and comfortably wear her seat belt in her car.

She dropped from a clothing size 26 to a size 14 and is having fun playing with different clothing options and discovering her

personal style.

She also discovered what it feels like to work hard and accomplish something on her own for the first time. She reveals, “I have always had people take care of me in life and things have always been given to me. This is one of the first things that I have actually had to do the work myself and been able to see the results of the internal and external work that I have done.”

Her relationships are different this time around too. She is currently dating someone, adding “Now that I’ve learned to love myself, I’ve learned to let other people love me too.”

Lea says, “Any one that is ready and willing to do this CAN do this. All the tools and resources you need are right here in this community.”

“I have spent most of my life numbing every feeling I had. Now, I am learning how to allow myself to actually feel emotions -which can be very uncomfortable for me but is necessary for growth,” says Lea. She adds, “It took every past failed attempt to lose weight to get me where I am today.

My past is an asset to me. I am grateful for everything in my life good and bad that led me to this moment right here, right now.

Sobriety was the foundation that made this possible. Through sobriety, I found a God of my understanding. I did the work, He gave me the strength.”

The changes are noticeable The external changes in Lea are obvious.

She’s over 100 pounds slimmer. Her curves are more defined, her face is leaner and her smile is brighter. She stands a little taller and walks briskly as she moves through her day.

What’s not as immediately noticeable are the internal changes. Those are the changes those closest to her see and admire.

Co-worker and friend Lane Gallegos shares, “I look back at her pictures from a year ago and I see such a sad little kid and she breaks my heart. But today, I see her face and her eyes and her smile - they are just so different. She’s confident as a professional, and takes greater pride in not just her work but in who she is as a human being. Now, she’s a beautiful woman who inspires me daily with her positivity and energy for life.”

Gallegos also reveals that Lea’s journey has inspired the entire office to adopt a healthier approach to eating. “This whole thing has changed the way we eat as a group.”

Publisher and boss, Julie Hales adds, “The changes I see in Lea are remarkable. And, I am not just referring to the physical change. The journey she has been on over the past year has changed her in so many different ways. As she told me recently, I think I am finally growing up. And, she sure is.”

“From being someone that sees Lea on a daily basis, I have had the privilege of watching her throughout her journey. I saw the good days, and the bad days. In the beginning, there were more

bad days than good. But, quickly things began to change. She began to see her progress, she began to battle her demons and her progress began to multiply. I am so proud of her and what she has accomplished,” adds Julie.

Every story has an end. But in life, every ending is just a new beginning.

Lea’s year long journey with Effingham Magazine has come to an end, but her personal journey never will end. In her own words, “my life is just beginning.” She plans to continue working with members of her Dream Team on her own, and has plans to pursue education as a personal trainer.

“This has probably been one of the hardest things I have ever done. But, at some point along the way, it stopped being hard and became just me, living life.”

January 2014

January 2015

BEFORE: Weight Body Mass Index (BMI) Body Fat % Visceral Fat Rating Body Water %

12 February/March 2015 | www.Effingham Magazine.Com

299.8 lb 54.8 55.9% 19 33.3%

AFTER Weight Body Mass Index (BMI) Body Fat % Visceral Fat Rating Body Water %

182.6 lb 33.4 40.4% 7 42.9%

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The United Way:

Raising the Bar While Making a Difference Story by KATRICE WILLIAMS

“The more you become aware of and respond to the needs of others, the richer your own life becomes” - Mollie Marti

S

ervice is typically defined as the action of helping or doing work for others. It can mean a host of different things depending on the vantage point from which it’s viewed. Since its founding, the United Way Organization has diligently and dutifully worked towards setting a stellar standard in the public service arena through community aid and outreach programs. The United Way was founded by a group of religious leaders in Denver, Colorado who sought to remedy many of the city’s health and welfare problems by providing charitable services. The founders created an organization to collect local charity funds, coordinate relief efforts, and make emergency assistance grants.

Presently, the United Way continues to gratefully capitalize on the gracious and selfless giving power of some in order to make an enormous difference in the lives of many. It’s a tremendous privilege to have such essential principles being put into action in our own community by our very own United of the Coastal Empire Robert H. Demere, Jr. Effingham Service Center.

Prior to 1990, anyone in the surrounding area who wished to obtain services provided by the programs that United Way helped to fund had to travel to Savannah to receive the needed help. This often posed a great inconvenience to many people. Additionally, even campaign funds that were raised in Effingham were sent back to these Savannah based programs, since there was no local

16 February/March 2015 | www.Effingham Magazine.Com

office.

However, in 1990, The United Way of the Coastal Empire Effingham Service Center (in Rincon) was created by a group of dedicated community leaders who knew that a local facility was needed to address the needs of individuals in the area. This very notable group included: Ruth Lee, Norma Jean Morgan, Rebecca Boston, Gussie Nease and the Fort Howard Paper Company (present-day Georgia Pacific Savannah River Mill). As a matter of fact, Bonnie Dixon, who’s currently the Area Director, also joined the team in 1990. At the time, a United Way Office was opened up in Effingham’s Department of Family and Children Service’s Building. The building provided ample space for charity initiatives. An advisory board was established and proved to be very beneficial, especially as the center began to grow its services. Some of the first charitable programs included Brown-Bag program for the Elderly, an adult Literacy Program and Savannah Speech and Hearing. As time passed, it became obvious that a larger office space was needed, being that an important goal of the center was to help as many people as possible. Consequently, the office later moved into and purchased the vacant Rincon Kindergarten Center. This 15,000 square foot facility allowed for even more space, located at 711 Zitterour Road in Rincon.

The United Way would definitely not be what it is today without the phenomenal volunteers and staff that adds tremendous

value on a daily basis.

Citizens are also encouraged to show concern for their community and get involved as much as possible. Regarding the United Way Mission, Dixon states, “We want to improve the caring power of the community.”

The United Way of the Coastal Empire serves four counties: Effingham, Chatham, Bryan and Liberty. The Effingham United Way falls under their leadership.

Bonnie Dixon, Presently, United Area Director Way has four main areas of focus, which include: Education and Youth Development, Basic Human Needs, Health and Wellness and Economic Independence.

These areas are major focal points of the various programs offered by the Service Center. Additionally, Mrs. Dixon confirms that a Free Healthcare Clinic Action Committee is reviewing the community’s need for such. It is the committee’s hope that Free Healthcare Julie Dickey, services will be availAssistant Director able in 2016 and will benefit those who cannot afford medical care. A few of the health/medical programs offered by our local United Way include the Savannah Speech and Hearing Program, The Medical Equipment Lending Library, MedBank, The Coastal Center for Developmental Disabilities, Hospice Savannah and a Yoga class.

The Savannah Speech and Hearing Program is actually one of our local United Way Center’s oldest programs. Being of tremendous benefit to clients, the program’s main areas of focus are speech and audiology.

Speech therapy is usually done for young children, but most audiology-based therapy is typically made up of adults. The program offers several services

to those in need like technical assistance for hearing aids, screenings, and consultations. Beth McIntosh, the program’s director, tells that “some of the services are highly specialized” understanding that there can be an array of very delicate issues affecting one’s speech and hearing.

Over forty people were assisted last year alone. McIntosh desires to raise public awareness about the program to reach as many in need as possible. Concerning the future, she comments, “We hope to grow the program.” She goes on to say, “We’ll be

there for as much as there is a demand for us.”

Furthermore, our local group offers a Medical Equipment Lending Library Program which started in 2000. It provides medical equipment for individuals who are in need and may not be unable to pay the high costs normally associated with such equipment. Julie Dickey, the Assistant Director of the local organization who also indirectly oversees the Medical Equipment Lending Library, mentions some of the items provided, which include: wheelchairs, canes, walkers, shower chairs and potty seats.

This program has proved to be incredibly helpful to many of our senior citizens and others having both temporary and long-term impediments. The items are loaned to customers based on their need. This insures that it may be used to help as many people as possible. The Medical Equipment Lending Library also accepts gently used equipment which is in turn loaned out. Donations are tax deductible.

MedBank, a third program started in 1992, has long extended great medical services to many underprivileged people in need of medical care. The program includes two main services: Access Benefits Online (ABO) and Prescriptions for Chronic Illnesses. ABO allows clients to come directly into the MedBank Office to speak to a representative in order to see what type of care they would most qualify for. A MedBank professional takes most of the time-consuming legwork and unwelcomed stress from the process.

Most business is handled online which allows the process to flow even more smoothly. MedBank also works with pharmaceutical companies to offer free prescriptions to customers. This assistance allows customers to attain needed insulin, inhalers, and a host of other essential medications. The staff, under the direction of Liz Longshore, tries to keep the needs of their clients in mind.

Longshore states, “I feel we serve the community very well.”

Moreover, the Coastal Center for Developmental Disabilities www.Effingham

Magazine.com | February/March 2015 17

significantly contributes to the overall United Way Mission. The program is newer than many of the others, being launched in the area less than five years ago. It’s designed to empower adults with developmental disabilities to become more independent and play an active role in society; it helps to put their career aspirations within reach. Jarrell Dickey, the Communications Coordinator, declares, “It’s a great and strong United Way Program.” The service properly matches individuals with opportunities that best suit their professional and personal needs. It’s referred to as “community employment.” Applicants are offered job training within their field of interest; long term support and job coaching insures that candidates will have an opportunity to achieve their objectives; individual progress is also monitored. Companies tend to be well pleased with the results that they get—high quality candidates with incredible work ethics.

The CCDS partners with a variety of companies, including International Paper, Gulfstream Aerospace, JCB, and Oneida just to name a few. In fact, many employees actually reach their 25-year employment mark; some even go beyond that. The coastal center currently serves over 400 individuals in the whole servicing area with developmental disabilities.

The CCDS also reaches out to our future leaders. Referred to as Project Search, this service gives high school students the opportunity to complete an internship during their senior year of school; approximately ten students are chosen to participate in the program each year. This gives these young adults the chance to gain important skills while building a really impressive resume.

Most build long-term professional, business relationships during their intern period; they are usually offered careers upon graduation.

The Center is very thankful to all their partners and clients who help to make the program a success. Mr. Dickey notes, “It speaks a lot of the community that businesses open their doors and give us a chance.”

The Hospice Full Circle Grief Support Program is a phenomenal service that’s also provided. This program reaches out to individuals during one of the most difficult times in their lives—when a loved-one is lost. It offers grief counseling to help them deal with the many delicate emotions and changes. The program assists individuals in almost every area that could possibly be impacted, from financial counseling to transportation services. Nothing is irrelevant! This care and support is available to adults and children alike.

Full Circle is there for their community to offer a helping hand, attentive ear, or whatever is needed. Barbara Moss, Bereavement Counselor,

18 February/March 2015 | www.Effingham Magazine.Com

comments, “We are all working together for our community.” She tells of how beneficial the support program is and how much she appreciates being a part of it and the entire organization. She says, “I love the United Way.” She humbly goes on to say that she loves being “a small part of this great work.”

If that’s not enough, another popular program that our Effingham United Way offers is a Yoga Class, which is taught by local physician, Dr. Jack Heneisen. He says that yoga is proven to build strength, flexibility and balance. Dr. Heneisen reports, “It’s good for the mind; it helps anxiety and depression.” It can also be safely done by people of all ages with little to no investment. The doctor says, “You don’t need expensive equipment.”

Interestingly enough, studies also show that it’s the best physical exercise for a variety of medical conditions, including arthritis and fibromyalgia. The doctor notes, “I have a lot of people with medical conditions that come.” Dr. Heneisen says that he “keeps it simple” in his class which he has named “Half the Yoga.” This insures that almost anyone at any level can participate. It is even a great exercise for older seniors. In fact, several studies were done in nursing home facilities that showed fall rates and hip injuries being cut in half by groups who were regular yoga participants.

The class size is normally about 25-30 people who enjoy flexing and stretching their way into a healthy body.

The United Way makes such a huge difference in the lives of many. There are many different programs provided to help those in need. Barbara Moss puts it best when she points out, “It’s like a one-stop shop.” With its numerous charities, it continues to provide high levels of aid for so many in our local area. There has been a noteworthy amount of growth over the years, and even more is expected. With such a “core group,” the organization’s success is inevitable.

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Dr. Jack, Rewriting The Book On Affordable Healthcare Story by PAIGE PEEBLES-MCDUFFIE • Photos by KATIE CONAWAY

F

amily Health Care Practitioners and General Practitioners are quickly giving way to specialists. In a day and age when many doctors offices are part of large health care conglomerates and touting the latest in technology, one General Practitioner in Effingham County is taking a different approach to healing.

Dr. Jack Heneisen of New Concept Healthcare or “Dr. Jack” as he is known to his patients is rewriting the book on affordable healthcare and is taking medicine back to the basic art of listening, diagnosing and healing.

“Getting a medical history, listening to the patient, and a good stethoscope are all that are needed to diagnose most conditions,” explains Dr. Jack. “You have to spend time with the patient and you have to put your hands on the patient in order to properly diagnose them.”

He works hard to make sure that each patient gets what they need. “Eighty five percent of most medical problems that come through my door are easily preventable,” he says. “Some patients are more willing to put in the hard work to make necessary lifestyle changes to accommodate changing health needs.

Other patients are unable or unwilling to do the same and prefer prescriptions. You have to meet them where they are and go from there.”

For Dr. Jack, along with a growing number of doctors trying to recapture the simplicity -- and profitability -- of old fashioned family medicine, one solution seems to lie in taking out one ingredient: insurance companies.

Dr. Jack doesn’t accept insurance, other than Medicare, and New Concepts Healthcare is run with a small staff in order to keep cost to patients low. Most of the patients he sees are uninsured.

Instead, his patients pay a flat fee of $50 and he is able to charge less than half the Medicare cost for most procedures. While insurance policies vary, he says, “I think that most of my prices are about what a patient would usually pay for a copay.”

Those that are insured are given appropriate paperwork for filing with an out-of-network provider.

He also fights back against high pharmacy costs by favoring less expensive but tried-and-true generic prescriptions available for $4 each over more costly, name-brand drugs that are often cost-prohibitive to the uninsured, and not necessarily more effective.

Dr. Jack also keeps a list of specialists willing to accept Medicare rates for those patients needing referrals for more serious diagnoses.

On an immediate level, this translates into much closer contact

58 February/March 2015 | www.Effingham Magazine.Com

with each of his patients. “It’s basically having a relationship with my patients and being upfront and honest with no barriers. It’s me trying to do what’s best for my patients as opposed to trying to manage an army of coders and billers,” he shares.

He still takes his patient notes the old fashioned way - pen to paper. He says, “when a patient, especially the older ones, see you typing away on a laptop or computer, they automatically think you aren’t paying attention. When I’m writing in their charts, I can make eye contact easier with the patient and assure them that I am listening.”

“Our only concern is making things easier for our patients,” Heneisen explains. “They know that I’m paying attention, and the fact that I’m not rushed means that I am able to make a better diagnosis.” And in the end, that’s a profitable outcome for everyone ... with the possible exception of insurance companies.

The big challenge in selling this idea is the concept of health insurance and health care have become synonymous. “People don’t make a distinction,” he said. “People need to think about health care instead of health insurance to get health care.” Even with the roll-out of the Affordable Care Act, Heneisen says a majority of his patients are still uninsured.

History of putting patients needs before fears The ideals by which Dr. Jack practices medicine do not always coincide with how the current healthcare system operates.

In 1992, Heneisen became medical director for St. Joseph/Candler Medical Group in Rincon. As the growth of Effingham County outpaced the ability of health care providers to provide adequate care, Dr. Jack soon found himself short-staffed, overworked and facing a moral, ethical and medical dilemma. How could he best serve his patients regarding prescription refills when he was understaffed and governed by an archaic set of rules.

At the time, Georgia, unlike the other forty-nine states, was the only state that barred nurse practitioners from prescribing medications and Dr. Jack found his options limited. Today, that legislation has changed, thanks largely in part to the attention brought to the matter during Heneisen’s investigation and trial.

As is his nature, the good of the patient won out over bureaucracy and in 2003, the clinic counted nearly 20,000 patients when Dr. Jack Heneisen ran afoul of the DEA and Federal authorities over the use of pre-signed prescription pads.

After a two year investigation and well-publicized trial, Dr. Jack spent eight months as a guest in a federal prison in Jesup Georgia

for illegally disposing of pre-signed prescription pads. He also admitted to illegally writing blank prescriptions for nurse practitioners who saw patients on his days off. The vast majority were for routine medications such as antihypertensives and antibiotics.

“The handful of opiate or narcotic prescriptions were for patients in long term pain management,” clarifies Heneisen.

“Furthermore, suddenly stopping such medications pose serious risks, including death, and patients can not be allowed to go into withdrawals.” He felt he had no choice but to do what was ultimately the most right thing for his patients.

Heneisen said his intention was to see more patients served, not for financial gain and he voluntarily surrendered his medical license before serving just under a year in federal prison.

When life hands you lemons…

“I had plenty of time to sit and think about what’s wrong with the system,” he said. “And I’m a firm believer that if somebody hands you lemons, you don’t make lemonade. You make lemon meringue pie.”

He grew enraged, angry, and incensed with the system that prevented him from practicing medicine in accordance with his oath and his principles. He came out with the concept for a new clinic and the seeds of the book in his mind. The clinic opened in 2006 after his medical license was reinstated. It would take him seven more years to get the book down on paper and in the hands of the reading public.

Medicine Inc., A Doctor’s View of How You’re Being Ripped Off By Medical Care At Every Level is written in a clear and conversational style for everyone to understand. With 11 chapters and only 90 pages long, it doesn’t bog you down in confusing statistics

60 February/March 2015 | www.Effingham Magazine.Com

or medical terminology.

From the first chapter, “Medicine is Sick” to the final chapter “Fixing the Problem,” Dr. Jack tackles every level of medical care. He explains how skyrocketing medical costs are driving Americans to the brink of national bankruptcy and what can be done about it. “This isn’t just about the uninsured who struggle to pay for the most basic are or who simply do without. The health care crisis is about everybody who needs to see a doctor,” writes Heneisen.

Medicine Inc., A Doctor’s View of How You’re Being Ripped Off By Medical Care At Every Level was published in February 2013 and is growing in popularity. The book is available on Amazon.com in print and Kindle e-book. You can also get a copy at New Concepts Healthcare for $10.

www.Effingham

Magazine.com | February/March 2015 61

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Meet The Browns:

A Karate Family Staying Healthy Together

O

Story by DIANE JONES • Photography by KATIE CONAWAY

ne of the most important factors to consider when you make the choice to start leading a healthy, well balanced life, is commitment. Couple that with encouragement and the desire to participate together as a family, and you will get an idea of just what the Browns have found in Martial Arts. Meet the Brown’s; Joseph, Kris, and Eric.

It all started back in July of 2010 when Joseph and Kris Brown decided that Eric was ready and at the perfect age, to get into some kind of sport. They looked into recreation sports like basketball, baseball and football. And with little thought they considered the possibility of Martial Arts. They had always heard that karate teaches discipline and it also helps to build strong character.

Along with that, Karate does have a sports element to it, as well as a learning defense, and for those that want to take it a step further, there is competitive tournament sparring. Joseph said “We began to check into local Dojos, one name kept coming up, Cliff Yawn.” Sowith that they made the call, and enrolled Eric in karate. His first class was the following Thursday evening, Joseph and Kris were very curious and interested, so they joined several other parents and sat quietly in the back of the class to observe just what all the excitement was about. They were “very intrigued with what they witnessed as instructor Todd Odom taught Eric’s

first class,” never realizing that their family was about to embark on a life changing adventure. This adventure would not only bring them closer as a family, but would also teach them that a family that plays, practices and commits to this sport together would also enjoy the other benefits that go along with it, getting healthy together while learning the amazing Art of Karate.

On the way home, they began discussing Karate. Joseph said, “even with me on my crutches just weeks after knee surgery and Kris still fighting the pain of a previous and very difficult back surgery, we decided at that point that we all wanted to sign up and start taking classes as a family”.

Karate is not just a hobby or sport. For those who take it serious, and are willing to put in the hard work, the benefits are life changing. It is a lifestyle. Yes, karate is their choice of sports and it has become a permanent way of life in the Brown’s home.

Karate teaches so much, along with self defense and self discipline. It is also known for helping to build incredible confidence like self control, courage, and obedience. It also teaches one self respect and honor. No other sport could offer all of these very important attributes, life lessons and values. The best part is that the entire family can participate. After several months of training, August 19, 2010 the Brown’s achieved their first level White Belt, (9th KYU) Joseph, Kris and Eric wearing a big ole smiles said www.Effingham

Magazine.com | February/March 2015 63

“that made it very clear that performing martial arts was definitely something that our whole family was going to enjoy.”

Kris is remarkable, even with the medical issues that she has, she says that “she began to regain a lot of her flexibility, and there was an immediate relief of some of her pain.”

Although she wasn’t able to compete with her husband and son, because of the implanted pain pump device, she has never had a second thought of continuing on. The rest of the students know of her condition and are willing to work with her limitations. They all agree that each of the instructors at Yawns Karate are tough, and really make you work hard. But in doing so, you are sure to succeed and that makes it all worth it.

On August 25, 2012 Joseph and Eric competed in their first tournament at the 4th Annual Rattlesnake Challenge in Claxton Georgia. They were up to the Green Belt (5th KYU) at this point.

The father and son competed in sparring, weapons and forms and proudly brought home 1st and 2nd place trophies. They continue to compete in different tournaments with Kris right there supporting them all the way and taking lots of pictures.

November 18, 2013, they started with the first kick off tournament for South Carolina Karate Circuit as Brown Belts (2nd-1st KYU). They have traveled all over South Carolina competing in

64 February/March 2015 | www.Effingham Magazine.Com

various tournaments. The first year of circuit ran through October of 2014. Both Joseph and Eric were awarded State Champions along with seven other students of Mr. Cliff Yawn.

On January 1, 2015 the entire Brown family was promoted to 1st degree Black Belts. It is just amazing and remarkable knowing what this family has accomplished through their commitment.

Just think, four years ago it all started with a notion that their son was ready to start playing in a sport.

With Joseph recovering from knee surgery, and Kris battling major back problems that required surgery, today they are healthy and well. As a family, they have all earned 1st degree Black Belts in Karate. Both Joseph and Eric continue competing in the South Carolina Karate Circuit. Their most recent tournament was the second annual Mustang Classic where both finished 1st place.

Joseph said “Performing Martial Arts is a huge part of our lifestyle. We all appreciate each and everyone of the instructors that have guided and instructed family to this point,” Joseph says. We are all planning to continue Karate with no end in sight. “This is a great family sport with benefits that will last a lifetime,” he adds.

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Tues-Sat 10-6 • www.ThatDressStore.com 183 Commercial Drive, Rincon • Tues-Sat 10-6

NOW LOCATED IN EffINghAm

• Garage Doors • 24 Hour Service • Preventive Maintenance • New Sales & Installs • Service & Repairs • Commercial & Residential • FREE Estimates For Service Area

South Effingham High School March 28th Effingham High School April 18th

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o r P ng i t a br e l e C

t h g i N

THEN 1974 Tuxedo Rentals Starting at

Now 2015

69.95

$

Curiosity Shoppe Jewelers Jewelry, Collectables & Unique Gifts

(912)826-5885 210 N. Columbia Ave. (Hwy 21) Rincon, GA 31326 Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm

183 Commerical Court, Rincon • (912)826-3505 68 February/March 2015 | www.Effingham Magazine.Com

Celebrating 45 years in business

Liberty Tax Service Story by STEFANIE BARNES • Photography by DIANNA JENKINS

T

ax season is upon us! Most of us dread this time of year because filing income taxes can sometimes be complicated and take a lot of time out of our already busy lives. Luckily, there are options available locally that do the dirty work for us!

If you’ve ever lived in Rincon, surely you’ve seen the smiling faces dressed as the Statue of Liberty waving to cars as they pass

by Liberty Tax Service on Highway 21. Nestled in the shopping center behind Dairy Queen, right next to Dominoes is where you’ll find a knowledgeable staff who are ready to help you prepare your tax return this year.

Liberty Tax Service in Rincon is sure to provide not only the most accurate service, but also the most enjoyable service. Taxes and “fun” do not typically go hand in hand, but owner Richard Barrero (part of the Zittrauer family of Effingham) believes that a tax service should provide the absolute best service when filing your taxes, as well as being served by friendly, familiar faces who truly care about their neighbors.

Smiling faces, refreshments at the door, even a children’s area with books and toys are just a few of the perks you will notice right away when walking through the door at Liberty Tax. While these are all spectacular extras that you certainly won’t find anywhere else, what really matters when choosing a tax service is what doesn’t meet the eye.

Barrero, a seasoned accountant says, “We want people to feel comfortable when they come to us. Tax time is stressful and we try our best to alleviate some of that. While we do try and make it an enjoyable time, our priority is always accuracy.” Liberty Tax has been open in Rincon for five tax seasons now and they continue to grow each year.

While some individuals may decide to file their taxes themselves, using a tax service is beneficial to everyone. Not only does it save valuable time because the folks at Liberty Tax work around the clock to ensure the biggest refund available, but it could also save you the potential headache that may arise with using a service that isn’t available year round. Barrero promises to be available all year, tax season or not, to assist his customers with any tax related issues.

Currently, Liberty Tax is offering each customer $50 cash toward their services for coming in until February 13th. Barrero also

offers free tax returns for different groups each week beginning at the end of February/early March, so if you are a teacher, member of the military, etc. be sure to keep an eye out for this wonderful chance to see what the staff at Liberty Tax Service can do for you!

Liberty Tax is open Monday-Friday from 7:00 am – 9:00 pm, Saturday from 7:00 am – 5:00pm, and Sunday from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm. You can find them at 591 South Columbia Avenue Suite D in Rincon. Don’t let tax season bring you down when there is a locally owned and operated solution nearby. Let the professionals handle it!

www.Effingham

Magazine.com | February/March 2015 69

Experience Quality ‘

at The Loft Cafe

Quarterdeck Quilts Where inspiration welcomes creativity...

Lots of neW cLasses starting soon

We are offering classes in hand quilting, machine quilting, quilt top making, sewing and machine embroidery classes, technique classes, and more! To sign up, please call the store (912) 754-1865

We offer • Quality Quilting Fabrics • Notions • Patterns • Threads • Stabilizers • Books • Buttons Fun for quilters, sewist, and crafters at all levels of expertise.

(912) 826-5733

Sales, Service, Parts and Accessories for Husqvarna Viking Sewing Machines A quality brand for over 140 years

135 Goshen Park • Ste 150 Rincon, Georgia 31326 Mon-Fri 10am-8pm Saturday 10am-3pm

912-754-1865 • 490 Stillwell Road • Springfield, GA 31329 Wednesday - Friday 9am-5pm • Saturday 9am-3pm • Tuesday by Appointment Only

Broken Windshield?

FREE MobilE SERvicE To You! Windshield Replacement and Auto Glass Repair Serving Savannah, Pooler, Rincon, Hinesville, Richmond Hill and most of South East Georgia.

Effingham Magazine!

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We will be posting pictures and information from each magazine!

108 International Drive • P.O. Box 1742 Rincon, Georgia 31326

912-508-3009 • www.AutoGlassServiceCo.com Chris Sparry and Cindy Sparry

70 February/March 2015 | www.Effingham Magazine.Com

(912) 826-2760 Effingham Magazine is a publication of Independence Day Publishing, Inc.

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Meet Your Professional Effingham Magazine Presents

in Health and Wellness

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We are proud to feature these men and women who specialize in your health and wellness.

Dr. Michael Bailey

Meet Your Professional

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in Health and Wellness

What is your specialty ?

I practice Veterinary medicine with a special interest in dermatology and orthopedics.

What services do you offer your PATIENTs? At my practice, I offer general medicine, surgery, lab work, radiology, boarding and grooming.

How do you think your PATIENTs would characterize you?

I hope they feel I am compassionate and trustworthy. I like pet owners to feel comfortable bringing their pets in and asking questions so they understand any problems with their pet. I would also like the pet to be comfortable and excited to be here. I feel it’s important for pet owners to have trust in me and know I value the relationship with them and their pet.

Why did you choose to practice in EFFINGHAM? I grew up in the country. I enjoy this environment and lack of snow.

Early Drop-Off 7:00am 119 S. Columbia Ave - Hwy 21 & 10th St. Rincon, GA 31326 (912) 826-5251 www.effinghamanimalhospital.com

Meet Your Professional

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Kelly Erola, MD, FAAHPM, FAAP

Chief Medical Officer, Hospice Savannah, Inc. and Palliative Medicine Physician, The Steward Center for Palliative Care, Inc.

in Health and Wellness

What is your specialty ?

I am board certified both in Family Medicine and Hospice & Palliative Care Medicine.

What services do you offer your PATIENTs? Through the Steward Center for Palliative Care I manage the symptoms of patients with serious illness. These patients are seen while in St. Joseph’s/ Candler and at Memorial and in outpatient clinics. I also oversee the care of Hospice Savannah patients and visit them both in Hospice House and in their own home or nursing home.

How do you think your PATIENTs would characterize you?

I believe they consider me to be honest, realistic and compassionate. Most patients want truthfulness and I am willing to spend the time to listen and develop a plan to help them.

Why did you choose to practice in EFFINGHAM? Hospice Savannah is the only community based, not-for-profit hospice serving Effingham County. We know it’s important to give Effingham residents access to expert hospice and palliative care.

(912) 355-2289 www.HospiceSavannahHelps.org

Photo Credit to Dan Biggerstaff

Kim Dennis

Meet Your Professional

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What is your specialty ?

The Y is a charity, dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Since 1999, we’ve been proud to help Effingham County learn, grow and thrive. With programs from A to Z – like athletics to advocacy, dance classes to disease prevention, volleyball to volunteerism – we don’t just strengthen individuals, we strengthen an entire community. Our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Everyone is welcome to participate and no one is turned away due to their inability to pay. Financial assistance is available.

in Health and Wellness

What services do you offer your PATIENTs? For Youth Development: Afterschool Care, Preschool for 3 & 4 yr olds, GA Lottery Funded Pre-K, (912) 826-2199 Youth Sports, Swimming Lessons, Summer Day Camp, Specialty Sports and Arts Camps, Christian 1224 Patriot Dr. Leadership Academy Rincon, GA 31326 For Healthy Living: State of the Art Fitness Center, Fitness Challenges, Cycle Classes, Group Exercise ymcaofcoastalga.org Classes such as Zumba, P90X and Yoga, Youth and Adult Swim Team, Nutrition Classes, Health Education in childcare programs and with members and the community, Diabetes Prevention, Livestrong at the Y, Open Gym for Volleyball and Basketball For Social Responsibility: Monthly Service Projects such as food and blanket drives, Health Education through Health Fair and Healthy Kids Day event, Free health screenings (BP, Sugar) and Flu shot clinic, Free exercise classes to seniors at Effingham County Senior Center, Investment in future leaders of Effingham through the Christian Leadership Academy program FOR YOU, FOR US, FOR ALL.... WE’RE SO MUCH MORE. How do you think your PATIENTs would characterize you?

The YMCA is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization. When asked what we do, it is so difficult to list everything we could be to all of our members and program participants. A simple way to explain it can be shared in three words, WE HELP PEOPLE. We are an organization founded on Christian principles and hopefully the people we interact with daily will be a witness that those principles are evident in the way we operate our programs and treat our members.

Why did you choose to practice in EFFINGHAM? The community sees a need, and they bring the Y to their community through grassroots efforts. For the Effingham YMCA, that happened in 1999. Three community leaders, Rep. Ann R. Purcell, Pete Lancaster and Toby Tyler, saw a need and organized a group of volunteers to raise funds and awareness about what the Y is and how it could benefit Effingham County. The first YMCA programs and facility were established in September 1999. After 7 years of growth and community support, the Effingham YMCA moved into our current facility on 7-07-07. We are now the largest facility of our kind in Effingham County. We boast the only public access pool and if you include Pryme Tyme, are the largest provider of childcare in the county as well, caring for over 1000 children daily throughout Effingham.

Anisa Grantham

Meet Your Professional

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in Health and Wellness

What is your specialty ?

Counseling individuals and couples struggling with substance abuse, eating disorders/food addiction, depression, trauma, grief and daily life stressors.

What services do you offer your patients?

We also offer counseling for food addiction and weight loss (surgical and nonsurgical). We have monthly workshops for people who are preparing for weight loss surgery (Success Habits of Weight Loss Surgery Patients) and also for those who struggle with regain/extended plateau (surgical and nonsurgical) Back on Track. Our other classes include Anger Management and Alcohol and Drug Education.

How do you think your patients would characterize you?

That we are passionate about what we do and about helping our clients become all they can be. We provide a safe and calming environment to make the process easier on our clients.

Why did you choose to practice in effingham County?

Effingham County is my home. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our community and offer hope to those who want to improve their quality of life.

613 Towne Park Dr. West Suite 103, Rincon, GA 31326 (912) 826-0918

Gordon’s Pharmacy Keith Gordon RPh

Meet Your Professional

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What is your specialty ?

We specialize in providing professional, friendly pharmacy services to Effingham County and the surrounding areas.

What services do you offer your PATIENTs? Since we are a community pharmacy, we are able to provide quick and personalized service to patients of all ages, from pediatrics to geriatrics. In doing so, we frequently have to interface with patients’ doctors and insurance companies to make sure that they are getting the best care and affordable medications as possible.

We carry a wide selection of prescription medications. We are also able to special order most medications and have them available the next day. We also have a wide variety of over the counter medications and supplies.

We also offer medications for your animals. We fill many prescriptions for our local veterinarians at Faulkville Animal Hospital.

We accept prescriptions from doctor’s offices via phone, fax or electronic, as well as prescriptions brought in by the patient.

We are contracted with many insurance companies. A few to mention are: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, Medicare, Medicaid, AETNA, and CIGNA (too many to name them all). If you have a question as to whether we accept your insurance company, please give us a call.

How do you think your PATIENTs would characterize you?

As a family owned and operated retail pharmacy, we have made it our priority to provide our patients with a family atmosphere of trust and compassion where they can feel comfortable coming to us with any of their pharmaceutical needs and/or questions. I believe our patients see us as professional, efficient and friendly because we treat them with the same care that we provide to our own family.

Why did you choose to practice in EFFINGHAM? After 18 years working for a retail chain, I wanted to open my own pharmacy. So as a family, we decided that we wanted the pharmacy to be in Effingham County because my wife, DeAnne, and I both grew up in Effingham. We wanted to provide a caring and compassionate atmosphere, as well as affordable prices, to the citizens of Effingham and our friends and family. We have been open now for 2 ½ years.

in Health and Wellness Gordon’s Pharmacy 3010 U.S. 80 Bloomingdale, GA 31302 (912) 988-1780

Give The Gift of Life

Confirmed Blood Drive Location & Dates for Effingham County:

Oak Grove Church, Rincon 2/12/15 5/14/15 7/30/15 9/24/15

Effingham Health System 3/13/15 7/10/15

Effingham County Sheriff’s Department 4/14/15 6/25/15 8/25/15 11/10/15

The Blood Alliance is the sole provider of blood for Effingham Health System Interested donors can always go to www.igiveblood.com to find a drive close to them.

www.igiveblood.com One Hour, One Pint, Saves Three Lives - Give The Gift of Life

MEMORIAL HEALTH UNIVERSITY PHYSICIANS

Y

ou can experience outstanding care at Memorial Health University Physicians - Rincon and Provident OB/GYN Associates in Rincon. Over the years, the physicians and providers there have established a tradition of caring, courtesy and respect with their patients, many of whom are friends and neighbors.

At MHUP – Rincon, Anne-Marie Cole, M.D., Wesley D. Ensley, M.D. and Angela Chumley, FNP, deliver primary care for all ages, from birth to the geriatric years.

Dr. Cole, who is board certified in internal (adult) medicine, practiced for many years in Minnesota.

Her special interests include cardiology, women’s health, diabetes, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. She sees adult patients 18 and older.

“I’m deeply committed to my practice and patients,” Dr. Cole said. “I believe in providing high-quality, focused and effective patient care.”

Dr. Ensley, who is board certified in family medicine, sees pediatric and adult patients. “Our team at MHUP – Rincon is

fantastic. We put our patients first,” he said.

The Rincon office is one of six locations for MHUP – Provident OB/GYN Associates. Todd Robinson, M.D., Melissa Decker Crenshaw, M.D., and Paula Jones, N.P., see patients there each week. They provide a wide range of women’s health services.

The Memorial physicians in Rincon work together to achieve one goal: healthier, happier patients.

Angela Chumley, FNP, Wesley Ensley, M.D. and Anne-Marie Cole, M.D., see adult and pediatric patients at MHUP - Rincon.

241 Silverwood Commercial Drive • Rincon, GA 31326 Rincon: 912-826-8802 • memorialhealth.com/Rincon Provident OB/GYN Associates: 912-826-8820 providentobgyn.memorialhealth.com

Melissa Decker Crenshaw, M.D., and Todd Robinson, M.D., provide comprehensive women’s healthcare at Provident OB/GYN Associates - Rincon.

YAwn’s FiTnEss CEnTER OF RinCOn

OPEN 24/7 Now Accepting Silver Sneaker Members!

Full Gym featuring free weights, machines, cardio equipment and more!

Personal Trainer and Exercise Classes Available Over 7,500 sq feet of workout space

(912) 826-5008 250 Chimney Road, Rincon, GA 31326

Katie Conaway, Owner (912) 658-6893 photography_bykatie@hotmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/PhotographyByKatie1 http://photographybykati4.wix.com/photography-by-katie