Lake Cumberland Compass, October 2024 by LCCompass

Beating the odds

We’re pleased to give you this fourth issue of Lake Cumberland Compass. If there’s anything I have learned in this process, it’s that these pages generally do not materialize without a few tears. You’ll understand what I mean when you read what some very brave women have to say about their journeys with breast cancer. We are incredibly blessed to be able to share their heartfelt and tender words with you this month. Once you get through the very emotionally-packed accounts, please go back and re-read the pages. Heed their sound advice about early detection, and learn some valuable ways you can show support of someone in your life who may be on a similar journey.

Also on our table for October, is a story by Eli Parker about a group of men who run together. They’ve been doing it for years and I can imagine, they’ve run hundreds, if not thousands of miles together, while keeping fit and enjoying each other’s company.

We take a look at the Living Bread Soup Kitchen as the organization prepares and gives away thousands of meals each year to our community members in need. Learn how you can help their mission. Tyler Adams takes us on a tour of the great Kentucky wilderness where he finds inspiration and guides others to the nooks and crannies, and amazing waterfalls all around us.

We’re promoting resources and information for our Spanish speaking community about diabetes education and awareness this month. Check out the class offered by the Lake Cumberland District Health Department.

Thank you for picking up this issue and supporting this venture while we do what we love, tears and all.

Volume 1, Issue 4 October 2024

—EDITOR / DESIGNER— Lisa Rowell

—ADVERTISING SALES—

Jordan Rowell

—CONTRIBUTORS—

• Eli Parker

• Tyler Adams

• Ashley Hoseclaw, RN

• Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital

• Lake Cumberland District Health Department

Lake Cumberland Compass is an independently published periodical in Somerset, Kentucky, by Compass Communications, LLC. Content is for entertainment purposes only. Print copies are distributed throughout Pulaski County. Digital flip books are available for free at LCCompass.com.

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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored for retrieval by any means without written permission by the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited materials and accepts no responsibility for the contents or accuracy of claims in any advertisement. Lake Cumberland Compass is not responsible or liable for any errors or omissions and reserves the right to refuse or reject any submitted content. The opinions of contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher.

LCCompass.com

email: info@LCCompass.com

Facebook: @LCCompass

Format: Online ISSN 2998-3576

Format: Print ISSN 2998-3568

Cover Photo of Lindsey Sexton by Mikki Simmons

Member: SomersetPulaski Chamber of Commerce

Feeding

Nature

its

Skench Outdoors

Gina and Bill Gaylor have been feeding the hungry in our community for years. Read about what their plans for the future behold.

Diabetes en nuestra población latina

Lea sobre lo que significan los niveles de A1C y cómo puede controlar los suyos. Nuestro departamento de salud local ofrece una clase para ayudarle a aprender más.

We asked Brooke Cary Whitis, of our local American Cancer Society, to connect us with breast cancer survivors for this story. We had no idea there would be seven very tender-hearted accounts from our friends and neighbors, who were willing to share very personal stories about their journeys with breast cancer. Some are still mid-journey. These seven Pink Warriors are a fraction of the vast number of women who have been impacted by this disease, not only in our communities, but worldwide. While reading their stories, you may notice they use words like, “blessed, strong, faith, and support,” throughout their accounts.

We hear about it every October. We know we should be getting mammograms. We do the walks. We listen to the talks. We do our self exams and visit with our health care providers. Awareness and early diagnosis are key. We know this, yet in today’s day and age, one in eight women will develop breast cancer.

Statistics

Although Kentucky ranks high for lung and colon cancers, it falls somewhere in the middle when it comes to breast cancer diagnoses in the U.S. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, where someone resides could have an impact on the chances of receiving a breast cancer diagnosis.

While the breast cancer incidence rate is much higher in states like Connecticut, Rhode Island, and

Statistics from the National Breast Cancer Foundation showing breast cancer incident and mortality rates in the U.S.

Massachusetts, the NBCF states that the mortality rates are much lower in those states than in southern states like Mississippi, Oklahoma, Georgia, and Louisiana, where breast cancer incidence rates are lower.

There is so much we still don’t know. The NBCF says that it’s not entirely clear what causes breast cancer, however, genetics play a role, and quite possibly, the impact of environmental pollutants and toxic chemicals could as well.

The organization indicates that higher survival rates are likely a result of factors such as overall

health, early detection, access to treatment, and better education and awareness about the importance of early detection.

Types of breast cancer

Not all breast cancers are alike. The most common type is invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), which makes up about 70-80 percent of all breast cancers. Other types include: ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS); lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS); invasive lobular cancer

Breast Cancer Seven Stories of Survival

Story by Lisa Rowell

(ILC); triple negative breast cancer (TNBC); inflammatory breast cancer (IBC); metastatic breast cancer (MBC); breast cancer during pregnancy; medullary carcinoma; tubular carcinoma; mucinous carcinoma; Paget’s disease of the breast or nipple; metaplastic breast cancer; phyllodes tumors; and angiosarcoma of the breast. The NBCF has informative descriptions of these at: nationalbreastcancer.org/typesof-breast-cancer.

Detection

We’re fortunate to have access to technology such as 3D digital mammography close to home at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital. This advanced technology helps distinguish harmless abnormalities from real tumors, leading to fewer callbacks and less anxiety. Every mammogram is read by a radiologist with advanced training in breast imaging.

We talked with Jessica Simpson, RN, about this technology and her role in helping people through this difficult diagnosis. As the Nurse Navigator, Jessica works with individuals who are diagnosed with breast cancer and helps them through their journey from diagnosis to the start of their treatment.

Jessica’s role is fairly new, having been implemented at LCRH’s Imaging Center in 2021. She says, “It’s tailored to where you are,” in the journey. She is able to talk with and help guide people in real time.

Jessica explained that while regular screening results still come from your health care provider, diagnostics have same-day results from one of three radiologists on staff at the Imaging Center. Jessica is there to help guide you through further diagnostics such as ultrasounds and biopsies.

Jessica says she is happy to schedule tours of the equipment at the Imaging Center and answer questions for anyone who might be interested.

“Sometimes people just need an ear,” and Jessica is happy to be that ear.

Learn more about LCRH’s 3D mammography and breast care at: lakecumberlandhospital.com/ mammogram

Lindsey Sexton

A registered nurse living in Monticello with her husband, Jeff, and their three children, Lindsey Sexton was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) and microinvasive carcinoma in May of 2021.

“With much prayer and discussion with my team of doctors, I decided to take radical measures and have a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction,” Lindsey said.

“Due to early detection and the radical surgery, I did not have to receive chemotherapy or radiation treatment,” she added.

this time. Phone calls and cards of encouragement were a few of the other things they provided,” Lindsey said.

She said her work family at Wayne County High School was also supportive, as were her parents, Gene and Rita, who helped with her children.

Lindsey’s friends: Emily, Anita, and Jamie, gave her a girl’s day before her surgery.

“My best friend, Jessica, was my chauffer and daily motivational coach,” she said.

She also said her brother Kevin and his family were supportive. “He came and sat with my husband during my nearly seven-hour surgery,” she said.

“Honestly, my entire community stood beside me and carried me through.”

Lindsey received her treatment at Baptist Health in Louisville.

Lindsey’s gratitude through her breast cancer journey runs deep. “I had the most amazing support system,” Lindsey recounted. “They literally stood in the gap and carried me and my family through one of the hardest times in my life.”

Lindsey said in addition to her husband never leaving her side, her church family — First Christian Church of Monticello — was supportive of her and her family through the illness. “They prayed over us, provided food for us, and when the food ran out, there were gift cards for more. They made sure my kids were thought of during

She also expressed gratitude to “Taylor, Nisha and Greg for continuing to encourage and support me for a goal I was determined to achieve.”

Lindsey also acknowledged the Pink Warriors who, she said “waded the trenches before me.”

“Honestly, my entire community stood beside me and carried me through. The best way I received support was through the prayers of my family, my friends, my church and my entire community. God’s masterful touch is all over my story.”

Lindsey wants other women who are going through a similar journey to know, “You are stronger than you know and give yourself credit for. You have a super power within you waiting to be released. Keep going and you can do hard stuff!”

“I am doing great now,” Lindsey said. “It’s hard to believe that it has been three years since my diagnosis and surgery. At this point, I hope I can flip roles and offer support to other Pink Warriors in the fight. 

Amber Leigh Finley

A 43-year-old single mom, Amber Leigh Finley was diagnosed with stage 3A, grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma in August of 2021.

“I’ve had a double mastectomy, a total hysterectomy, chemo, radiation, an ICU stay, injections, and an AI (aromatase inhibitor),” Amber said.

“My mother died of lung cancer, my father has bladder cancer, my aunt has endometrial cancer, my cousin died of colon cancer, my uncle died of liver cancer, my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer two months after I was and now hers has spread to stage four,” she said of her family’s harsh battle with cancer.

“It is just everywhere and it’s hard to breathe when I think about my boys growing up and probably having to deal with this as well.”

Amber said her diagnosis was frustrating. “I went and got my mammogram when I was supposed to,” She explained. “They noticed an area of concern, did an ultrasound and decided that it was fine. Eight months later, I had stage three breast cancer. 

Laura Rutherford Phelps

For Somerset resident Laura Rutherford Phelps, her journey with breast cancer literally altered the course of her life.

Laura said she did not have the support of her husband at the time, and was able to find the courage to walk away from her home of 21 years. “Everyone deserves a partner that will be 100 percent supportive and committed during a life altering event,” she said. It’s something she’s since found in her husband Jeff whom she said is the most supportive, peaceful and loving man she’s ever met.

She is joyfully in the midst of her second career as an HR consultant, after completing her degree, and is living life enjoying her family, which includes daughter Brandi and her husband Ian, and their three sons. She said she is also the proud mom of two “bonus” kids.

It’s been a bumpy road to get where she is now. “On March 27, 2014, at precisely 8:07 a.m., my phone rang and that call would change my life drastically,” Laura said. She had just been told she had mucinous carcinoma of the right breast.

“I was only 44, so how could this be true?” Laura thought. This type of cancer, although rare, is most often diagnosed in much older women.

“I knew I had to face this challenge head-on. I told myself I was strong, I

could do this. It was a daily pep talk to myself,” Laura recalled.

“Even if my then husband didn’t provide support, others would step up in ways that made up for it. My siblings took me to surgeries, they took me to treatments, they doctored the wounds,” she recalled.

Laura’s course of treatment included surgery and radiation. She was also able to undergo reconstructive surgery in 2014. She still has yearly visits with her oncologist. She took Tamoxifen for the next eight years to help reduce the risk of the cancer returning.

“Every pill and every pain that pill caused was a reminder of the battle I was fighting, and it was a symbol

of my commitment to living my life fully and with peace,” she said.

“Breast cancer is a journey that can often feel incredibly isolating. You start down this path, and even though you’re surrounded by doctors and loved ones, the fear and uncertainty can make you feel very much alone. I was blessed to be connected with other ladies who had also walked my path. That’s why I strive to be a voice and a source of support for other women — and men — who are facing this diagnosis. I want them to know they are not alone and that there is a community of survivors ready to lift them up.”

In 2016, the American Cancer Society named Laura a Voice of Hope. 

WHAT FACTORS AFFECT

Brandy Patton

A resident of Albany, Ky., 41-yearold Brandy Patton was diagnosed with HER2+, stage 2 breast cancer in February of 2018.

“I knew something was not quite right when I noticed drainage from my right breast. I kept putting it off, thinking it would go away,” she said.

Several months later, she said she was experiencing severe chest pain. “The first doctor I went to diagnosed me with an ulcer — no examination, no tests, just a diagnosis.” She said she awakened that night to feeling like something had ruptured in her chest, accompanied by extreme stabbing pain.

“I immediately went back to the doctor that morning demanding an X-Ray,” Brandy said. Not receiving a diagnosis she felt was accurate, she decided to meet with her gynecologist who confirmed a lump in her right breast. The gynecologist’s office couldn’t get her in for a mammogram for two months

“She had me get an appointment with another doctor to see what was causing the chest pain.” Within minutes, she said she was having labs drawn, an EKG run, and was scheduled the following week for a mammogram.

“From the day of my mammogram until now has been an extreme roller coaster, to say the least,” Brandy said. Within a matter of a few days, she had a mammogram, then ultrasound, sonogram, contrast mammogram, two biopsies, then genetic testing, all

to be on the receiving end of a phone call telling her she had breast cancer.

“The doctor that performed my mammogram and the other tests knew something was up because on the day of the biopsy, she asked me where I wanted to go, just in case. I had no idea, so I calmly told her to send me to where she would send her daughter, and she immediately made a recommendation.”

Within the next few days, Brandy was meeting with a surgeon, an oncologist, and a cardiologist.

“I was diagnosed with HER2+, which had spread to my lymph nodes and was considered an aggressive type of cancer.”

Brandy said the doctors wasted no time. It was a total of 11 days from her diagnosis to her first chemo treatment.

Brandy said getting used to the numbness of her entire chest after a bilateral mastectomy was challenging and it was also a shock to lose her long hair.

“Cancer is a monster, that is true! But what I decided from day one of my diagnosis was that I would FIGHT, I would not ask ‘why me,’ and I would have a winning attitude.”

She recalled the words of a woman she met at her first chemo treatment. “I met several people but there is one lady that will forever be with me the rest of my life. She said, ‘You have the right to cry, scream, and have a pity party, but you put a timer on that pity party because life doesn’t stop for me, you, or anyone else. Feel sorry for yourself for 10 minutes, then put on your big girl pants, and kick cancer’s butt.’ ”

And that is precisely what she did. “I would cry until I couldn’t anymore when I was in the shower. When I got out of the shower, I was good to go for a while longer. I chose to fight for me, my kids, my family, and everyone else. For the one reading this: YOU HAVE GOT THIS and YOU ARE NOT ALONE! God loves you, and I love you!” 

Melissa Coop

Melissa Coop is a Somerset resident who was diagnosed in March of this year with IDC –malignant neoplasm, estrogen receptor positive (CMS/HCC).

The 54-year-old administrative specialist senior with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, has three adult sons and one grandson. She lost her second husband just eight days after her diagnosis.

“After biopsies, it was decided that I would have a lumpectomy, followed by radiation and a five-year course of hormone blockers,” Melissa said. She received her treatment in Lexington at the Markey Cancer Center.

Melissa encourages those yearly mammograms. “Had mine not been detected during a yearly mammogram, my outcome would have been much different. When I went for my lumpectomy, there were no traces of cancer to be found! The area was so small that the biopsy removed all the cancer!! Early detection is the key!”

Melissa says she’s doing well, “I have started the hormone blocker. So far no side effects or issues with it. I’ll be having a hysterectomy in December. Being pro-active and trying to prevent recurrence.”

“God was my biggest support through my journey!” Melissa exclaimed. “I have two wonderful churches that were very supportive of me, as well as my family and friends.” Melissa said she received support through personal visits, texts, and online messages. 

Heather L. Hurt-McAninch

A Russell Springs resident, Heather Hurt-McAninch is the program director and therapist for Adanta Sexual Assault Resource Center.

The 43-year-old married mother of two credits getting a mammogram for the early detection of a precancerous condition called atypical hyperplasia, which was diagnosed

Alesia Brake

Happily married to her high school sweetheart, with a nine-year-old son, 37-year-old Alesia Brake received her diagnosis on December 7, 2021.

The Monticello resident who works as a nurse said it’s a day “that will forever be vividly burned into my memory.”

“I was initially diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), stage 1 grade 3 hormone positive

last July. The condition is an accumulation of abnormal cells in the milk ducts and lobules of the breast, and it increases the risk of developing breast cancer.

Heather’s biopsy revealed ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which is the presence of abnormal cells inside a milk duct in the breast. This is considered one of the earliest forms of breast cancer.

and pre-op, Heather was scheduled for a double mastectomy last August.

“I was so blessed to have caught this early.”

“I was so blessed to have caught this early,” Heather said. “I would have never known had it not been for a mammogram.” She said she knew she had to fight, stay strong, and stay positive.

Heather received her treatment at Brown Cancer Center in Louisville, Baptist Health of Louisville.

In a whirlwind of appointments with surgeons, gene testing, an MRI,

HER2 negative,” Alesia explaned. “However, when I had surgery it was upgraded to stage 2B grade 3 with lymph vascular and lymph node involvement.”

Alesia underwent a bilateral mastectomy at Brown Cancer Center, without reconstruction, in January of 2022, which was followed by six chemotherapy treatments and 33 radiation treatments. She underwent a hysterectomy at Markey Cancer Center, as it was discovered she had the BRCA 2 gene mutation. “These are both amazing facilities that provide top notch care,” she said.

Alesia had a year-long course of oral chemo (Verzenio) and said she is currently on hormone suppressants.

Alesia said her husband Isaiah and son Porter were her rocks throughout her treatment and surgeries.

“My husband was, and has to this day, been by my side every step of the way,” she said. “My son, who was seven at the time, learned how to

“During this surgery they took two lymph nodes from my right side. Both were tested and came back negative. I did not have to have any chemo or radiation,” she said. The day after her surgery, Heather developed a hematoma which needed to be drained.

After a series of complications in the coming months, Heather said her plastic surgeon began the expanding process but with no breast tissue, she said her skin was so thin it could not handle the process. The expander — a balloon-like implant used during breast reconstruction to stretch the skin and muscles to make room for a permanent implant — had become exposed.

‘strip’ and empty my JP (JacksonPratt) drains and make sure I had all the love and support any mom could ever ask for.”

“I was blessed with an amazing work family that provided meals for us for weeks after surgery,” Alesia said. “My parents have been amazing and would walk through fire for us.”

“My best support has been through talking with other women who have walked this same path,” she said. Alesia said she struggled to find support from women her age. “God blessed me with that group of women and even placed a prayer buddy in my life that spent many late nights praying with me and listening to my doubts and fears.”

Alesia said she is doing well but does have some post-chemotherapy symptoms that she is fighting and learning to cope with.

“I thank God for each day I am granted with my family. I still would (continued on next page) (continued on next page)

Heather’s story (continued from previous page)

Heather was able to have reconstruction surgery on one breast in December, while the other needs to heal before she can have it reconstructed. That is scheduled for this coming January.

“I had an army of support from so many people,” Heather recalled. “My family, my friends, my church family, my community, and complete strangers.” She said they were with her at all times. Heather said her best support came through prayers, which she said she felt every step of the way, saying there was peace knowing God would take care of her.

Your Healthiest

Heather’s advice to women is: “Get screened! Know you are not alone and there are so many people that will support you. I am a huge advocate for early screening and recommend this to any woman.”

“I am still on this journey, a little over a year later,” Heather said. “But I am so thankful.”

After-school pickups. Work responsibilities. You spend your life caring for others.

Now take some time to care for yourself. Staying healthy means understanding your breast cancer risk – that’s why we offer 3D mammography services to provide greater accuracy for your cancer screening. And it’s not just mammograms. Our commitment to total breast health includes breast MRI, ultrasound, biopsies, Magseed localization, and more.

We’re here for you, so you can be here for the ones you love. We’ll help you live your healthiest life.

Schedule your mammogram today. Call 606.678.3545

“I have good days and bad days, but I am blessed to be where I am. I am thankful I was given another chance and God spared me. 

Alesia’s story (continued from previous page)

love to have a group of women my age that can support each other through this trying journey. I would love to eventually be able to partner with supports to offer a form of mentorship for young women as I believe it would have helped me immensely in my early days of my diagnosis.”

“I want women to know that breast cancer doesn’t only happen to women over 50; it can happen at any age, unfortunately.”

Alesia said if her mother had not been diagnosed with IDC in situ a month prior to her own diagnosis, she would not have insisted on an early mammogram which she says saved her life.

“My best support has been through talking with other women who have walked this same path.”

“Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself. You know your body and your needs,” Alesia stressed to other women. She wants them to know they have a choice in their care. “You can choose your own care and you can insist on the best of the best.”

“Do those mammograms and monthly self exams they literally may save your life like they have mine.” 

Additional resources:cityofhope.org; nationalbreastcancer.org; cancer.org; Lakecumberlandhospital.com

KeepRUNNING

By Eli Parker

It’s no secret that regularly running can help contribute to a healthy lifestyle. “There’s no bad side effects to running. Everything about it is good,” said Mark Hamm, an active local runner. “It doesn’t cost hardly anything to get into. You just lace up your shoes and go out and do it. It’s something that [someone of] any fitness level can start with. I really think it’s almost the perfect exercise.”

Yet the challenge that often comes with running is finding the motivation to do so. For Hamm, however, his motivation stems from the companionship with his fellow runners. For over twenty years, running has brought together a group of men ranging from forty to seventy years old.

Despite growing older, these men continue to push themselves into maintaining an active lifestyle, whether it be running at local races or out-of-state marathons or just in the early hours of the morning for practice and exercise. “We have people in a group that are in their seventies that are probably healthier than most forty-year-olds,” said Willie Dick, another member of the group.

“This group kind of got together and started running primarily for health in general,” Hamm added, “but, certainly, I think their goal at the time was to create this group that ran local and regional races, and

their ultimate goal was to qualify for [the Boston Marathon] and most of them have.”

Not only do these men find respect in the field of running, but in their respective professions as well, as the group consists of medical professionals (deemed the “mentors” by the others), business owners, technicians, and those in other various occupations. “It’s not often that you put a group of high-performing guys together and they get along,” said Hamm.

Of course, the bond of these men goes beyond just “getting along,” but rather one that resembles a brotherhood. “With this group, it’s just a space where I can let my guard down and I can just be me,” said Hamm. “It’s a space where everybody supports you and has your back.”

“ It’s not often that you put a group of highperforming guys together and they get along ”

—Mark Hamm

Through their endeavors, the group has gotten to run all over the United States, from marathons in Louisville, Tennessee, Indiana, and South Carolina, to as far west as the Dixie Trail in California, and “everywhere in between.” However, the group seemingly finds the most excitement in participating in the annual Bourbon Chase – an over 200-mile relay that takes place on the historic Kentucky Bourbon Trail – where they call themselves the Southern Express and have placed every year for the past ten years.

However, every run doesn’t just take place on the race trail. For these guys, the real running takes place at the “protected time” of 5 a.m. “By the time 8 o’clock rolls around, Mark Hamm and Willie Dick at the Great Smoky Mountain Half Marathon, September 6, 2024. (Submitted photo)

most people’s days are just starting,” said Dick. “We’ve been up for three hours. We’re wide awake and ready to go.”

All the while, these men are driven by both a competitive spirit and sense of togetherness. “I think it’s a combination of competitiveness and then the fellowship of the same group of guys getting out there, getting along, and just talking and telling stories and having a good time,” said Hamm, reflecting on what’s motivated his running experience. “It’s one of the few healthy ways for a group of men, nowadays, to get together and do stuff.”

Outside of age, gender, or profession, these men strive to stand as a testimony to being passionate about maintaining a healthy lifestyle while feeling a sense of belonging. “Whatever it is, find something you enjoy and enjoy doing with other people. You got to keep moving,” said Hamm. “I see so many people

that turn forty and just sit on the couch and that’s just the way to poor

“Just start. Don’t expect anything big,” added Dick. “Just do what you

Willie Dick, Mark Hamm, and Louie Childers at the Pilgrimage at the Park run last fall. (Submitted photo)

BNavigating the challenges of

BULLYING

By Lake Cumberland District Health Department

ullying is a significant concern for parents, as it can have lasting effects on a child’s emotional and psychological well-being. Addressing this issue requires a positive and supportive approach. In recognition of October as National Bullying Awareness Month, here’s a guide to help parents manage and lessen the impacts of bullying on their children.

Open communication channels

The first step in dealing with bullying is encouraging open communication with your child. Create a safe and supportive environment where your child feels comfortable sharing their experiences. Encourage them to talk about their day, and listen closely without immediate judgment or solutions. This not only helps you understand the nature of the bullying but also reassures your child that they have your support.

Educate your child about bullying

Talk with your child about what bullying means. Explain the different forms it can take— physical, verbal, social, and cyberbullying—and help them understand that it is not their fault. Be sure they understand that they deserve to be treated with respect and that speaking up is crucial.

Work with the school

Once you’re aware of the bullying, work with your child’s school to address the issue. Schedule a meeting with teachers, school counselors, or the principal to discuss the situation. Schools have policies and procedures for dealing with bullying, and working together can lead to effective solutions. Keep communication lines open with the school to check on progress and ensure that the bullying is being addressed properly.

Teach coping strategies

Help your child with coping strategies to manage their emotions and responses to bullying. Teach them techniques such as assertiveness training, deep breathing exercises, and positive self-talk. Role-playing different scenarios can also help your child practice how to respond to bullying situations.

Monitor online activity

With the rise of cyberbullying, it’s important to monitor your child’s online interactions. Keep track of their social media use and ensure they are aware of privacy settings and online safety practices. Encourage them to report any cyberbullying and reassure them that they can come to you with any online concerns.

Seek professional help

If bullying has caused significant emotional issues or if your child is struggling to cope, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. Therapists and counselors can provide support and strategies to help your child deal with the effects of bullying and build resilience.

Encourage positive selfesteem

Support your child in developing a positive selfimage and strength. Engage them in activities that build confidence and allow them to form healthy friendships. A strong sense of self-worth can help reduce the negative impact of bullying and help your child to stand up for themselves.

In dealing with bullying, the goal is to create a supportive environment where your child feels valued and confident. By working together, you can help your child meet these challenges and become stronger. n

Create a safe and supportive environment where your child feels comfortable

S Highway 27 Ste 10

Bus: 606-676-0000 tammy@tammyhill.net www.tammyhill.net

Our Great

Kentucky Outdoors

Story and photos by Tyler Adams

We’re so lucky to live in a place like Southern Kentucky. Being surrounded by these hills and hollers embeds in a lot of us a want to be outside from a young age. If you were anything like me as a kid, you were in the backyard or a field with dirt (mud depending on the weather, that of which changes every time you look up at the clouds) up to your eyeballs until the sun set, and that’s how you knew it was dinner time. As an adult things change and priorities shift, but one thing has never changed: the want and need to be outdoors.

As I’ve grown older and the stresses of life start hitting, I think that there’s nearly nothing more important than keeping attention on personal mental health. Everyone copes and handles these things differently, but why not utilize one of the most bountiful resources we as Kentuckians are blessed with: the outdoors?! Even just a simple walk outside could benefit you in different ways, and if that walk turns into searching up the nearest hiking trails-no matter your skill level or ability-you won’t hear a complaint from me!

I’m Tyler Adams, a husband and father of three who’s a Kentucky native, born and raised in Kings Mountain, just north of Eubank. Online I go by Skench Outdoors, a persona I created three years ago with a nickname given to me as a kid. Through this outlet, I have been exploring the deep recesses of our state and more specifically the vast and action-packed Daniel Boone National Forest. I’ve learned about so many things along the way and a lot about how the world is the setting for so many different creatures and plants that work together in a harmony. It creates a balance that’s so delicate and important, but strong. Armed with a camera, I take home the stories and lessons I learn while I’m out there, and share it with people who care about this land like I do.

I’ve spent these past few years studying plants, geology, and tons of other -ologies. Basically, if it fits in my camera, I take it home and learn about it a little at a time. This has been part of a journey that’s shifted a lot for me, as I find the way these things work together inspiring (continued)

Dog Slaughter Falls

and captivating to say the least. What started everything was plants, arches and waterfalls. I had no clue we had such a feature-rich area surrounding Pulaski County!

Our geology in the southern part of the state calls for just as many cliffs and crags as our amazing Red River Gorge, but it’s much more shallow, covers a lot more area and offers a lot more opportunity for strong watersheds. On the other hand, a lot of the rock under our earth in this area is limestone but mostly sandstone which is super susceptible to erosion. This erosion helps create some fascinating formations tucked deep into the Daniel Boone National Forest.

Here’s something crazy to think about: in Kentucky we have over 2,700 documented naturally occurring arches, typically made of sandstone. In Pulaski and McCreary counties alone there are 706 arches! You can visit a lot of them as they’re in the Daniel Boone

National Forest and the database is publicly available, but they’ll take some work to get to: some arches can be offtrail for miles, away from any drivable road and dozens more from civilization.

Hunting for these calls for a little bit of expertise just in navigating rough terrain and pre-planning, and a thirst for exploring areas that may not have been visited in the past decade or more in some cases. A geological inventory report run by a joint task force involving the CIA, FBI, Forest Service and other agencies in the early 1980s revealed that some of these remote locations contained remnants of Native Americans from nearly 2,000 years ago!

Some of the waterfalls in our state are absolutely second to none, too! We have nearly 1,400 waterfalls in our beautiful Bluegrass, and tons of those are visitable and on public property as well. McCreary, Laurel, Pulaski, Rockcastle, and Whitley

counties are home to over 600 of them! We’re in a goldmine of an area for anyone with an explorer’s heart without a doubt. These are also able to be visited nearly at will as most are within the confines of the Daniel Boone National Forest.

Included in those impressive numbers are definitely some waterfalls that are harder to get to for the hiker looking for a challenge, but some of our greatest features have been so noticed and lauded that our Forest Service and State Park agencies have really made some amazing places and venues to enjoy them:

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is a great place to view our beautiful Cumberland Falls, and it’s packed with family fun things to do nearly year-round. The amenities here offer up the ability for anyone of any skill type to be able to observe a beautiful, massive waterfall that’s a part of the Cumberland River. Cumberland Falls is 65 feet tall and

Bee Rock

Natural Arch

125 feet wide, making it the widest waterfall recorded in the state!

Natural Arch Scenic Area is host to Natural Arch, an amazing sandstone arch that stands over 45 feet tall and 100 feet wide. This is an arch with a fully paved pathway to a scenic overlook, so it can be enjoyed by anyone. If you are able and want to go further, a couple flights of steps are all that stops you from standing under the arch itself. The fall color here is pretty incredible to witness!

These places, along with tons of other places in the state have offered me such a new perspective into the landscape we were born in. I didn’t realize it when I started my first couple of hikes, but the effect that nature has had on my mental health is immense. Seeing new things and constantly giving myself the challenge of a new place to see or a new plant to spot has made me appreciate a lot of the smaller things that exist around me.

Be sure this fall season to get out and enjoy some of what Kentucky has right out your front door.

just wanted some people to hike with, some have said they didn’t know of any “good places to go,” so understand there’s no requirement other than wanting to get out and get some fresh air, and maybe learn something along the way!

sure to look for information on that coming soon via my Facebook or Instagram!

Per season, I intend on holding a group hike somewhere in southern Kentucky to help motivate people to get outdoors in any way they need the push. Some have told me they

Our last Group Hike was in August to Dog Slaughter Falls and to a couple of the off-trail arches I spoke of that are more easy to access, but are located off-trail. We had a blast and saw tons of wildlife, flowers and fungi along the way! The 2024 Fall Group Hike will be to two overlooks to observe our fall leaves and the beautiful colors they show off. Be

Be sure this fall season to get out and enjoy some of what Kentucky has right out your front door. No matter if it’s a planned 14-mile backpacking hike or a simple hike to an overlook or to a lake’s edge, I think getting out into Kentucky a little bit could be a good thing. n

Find Tyler online on Facebook or Instagram at skenchoutdoors where you can follow along on the adventures, see more photos, and find out about joining his next group hike.

Cumberland Falls

Living Bread Soup Kitchen Feeding the hungry for 15 years

Story by Lisa Rowell

After talking with Monica Patiño for all of five minutes, one is left with the heartwarming impression that if Gina Gaylor could find a way to feed every hungry person, she’d do just that.

Monica is the spokesperson for the Living Bread Soup Kitchen, which is located at 321 South Maple Street in Somerset (behind the library). Founded by Gina and her husband Bill, Monica said LSBK has provided thousands of meals over the course of 15 years. It’s all been thanks to volunteers and donations.

Monica said what started as a free spaghetti dinner back in 2009, quickly turned into the Living Bread Soup Kitchen we know today. “Gina saw a need and kept believing God would provide and every week He did.”

Although the free meals given by the organization are take-out only at the present time, Monica said they hope to one day have a facility that can offer a sit-down environment that offers a more family-type atmosphere.

Lofty goals for the future of LSBK include access to washers and dryers, and showers — especially for the

homeless — and free meals on a daily basis. “She thinks in the long term,” Monica said of Gina. The dream is to have a facility where they can offer anything of need from haircuts to clothing, all in a safe place with no judgment.

The free meals are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays of each week starting at 3:00 p.m. at the South Maple Street location, and continue until the food runs out. Monica said between 300-400 meals are given out each day. From January 1 to September 4 of this year alone, the organization has given out 21,120 meals to community members.

Volunteers pack food containers on a Thursday afternoon in preparation for a line of hungry folks who are thankful for a meal. (Lisa Rowell photo)

LBSK also provides a food box distribution on the third Tuesday of each month. They currently assemble and give away about 150 food boxes each month.

“Gina and Bill are very caring about the community,” Monica said, adding that they don’t want to see anyone go hungry.

The organization is very involved in sharing resources, and working in collaboration with other community organizations to help meet needs.

Monica said national resources help as well. Blessings of Hope (blessingsofhope.com) helps in getting excess food to those who need it most. They have community chapters throughout the U.S.

How you can help

Living Bread Soup Kitchen warmly accepts donations. Monetary donations can be made via paypal link at the LBSK website (See QR code on this page); mailed to LBSK, PO Box 382, Ferguson, KY 42533; or dropped off at the South Maple Street location. As they grow their fund for their own building, they are also seeking a walk-in freezer.

Monica offered encouragement to church groups and other

organizations wanting to help make a difference by having a special collection. “If each congregant or member donated $1, imagine what a difference that could make.”

Monica said the types of items needed on a regular basis include dish washing soap, paper products, all types of pasta and sauces, instant rice and potatoes, large garbage bags, and more.

If your organization would like to host a food drive, you can have a box dropped off and your location and LBSK will pick it up when it’s full.

Volunteers are always welcomed for a variety of tasks.

You can follow Living Bread Soup Kitchen on their Facebook page to see what’s needed and to learn about upcoming events. October events listed on their page include a Christmas vendor show , a motorcycle/Jeep ride at White Lily Community Park, and a fall festival at Cornerstone Baptist Church which includes a chili cookoff. n

Coming

this

fall: A Novel by Gabrielle Gray

…the cloth wrapped around their union was spun from a heritage of turmoil engulfing Georgia and Kentucky in the decades following the Civil War… Get notified when the novel is released.

To Each the Other Sent

Let our readers know about your upcoming events, your sales, and your services or offerings with an ad in Lake Cumberland Compass.

Your ad also shows our readers your support of our desire to tell great stories about amazing people in and around our community.

email: info@LCCompass.com or call Lisa at (802) 793-4218

Carolyn Sparks named CEO of Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital

Carolyn Sparks has been named the new CEO of Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital. Sparks, who has served as interim CEO since May, brings over a decade of experience in healthcare leadership to her new role.

Sparks has been a leader with Lifepoint Health since 2013, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership. Before joining Lake Cumberland as the interim leader in May, she served as CEO of Highpoint Health - Riverview and Highpoint HealthTrousdale in Tennessee, where she made a significant impact. During her tenure at Trousdale, Sparks led the facility to achieve the Lifepoint Health National Quality Leader recognition in July 2022, a demonstration of her commitment to transforming safety culture and enhancing patient care standards.

“Carolyn is an exceptional leader whose dedication and expertise have consistently driven positive outcomes,” said William Haugh, president of Lifepoint Health’s central division. “Her strategic vision and commitment to quality patient care make her the ideal choice to lead Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital. I am confident that under her leadership, Lake Cumberland will continue to thrive and deliver outstanding healthcare services to our community”.

Sparks earned a Master of Health Administration (MHA) from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the College of William and Mary, in Virginia. She is an active member of the American College of Healthcare

Executives (ACHE) and has been recognized for her leadership and contributions to rural healthcare, being named among Becker’s Healthcare’s top rural hospital CEOs. Carolyn is also a Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) and has been involved in various community and professional organizations, including serving on the board of the Tennessee Hospital Association’s Small and Rural Health Care, as well as participating in local chambers of commerce and Rotary clubs.

“Stepping into the role of CEO at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital is a true honor,” said Sparks. “Working with such a passionate and skilled team during my interim period has been a privilege, and I look forward to continuing our work together. I am committed to building upon the exceptional services that Lake Cumberland is known for while exploring new ways to improve the health and wellbeing of our community. Together, we will keep advancing our mission of making communities healthier.” n

David Dill, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lifepoint Health; Cherish Strunk, CST, Companywide Mercy Award Winner; and Jason Zachariah, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Lifepoint Health.

Lifepoint Health®, a diversified healthcare delivery network dedicated to making communities healthier, has named Cherish Strunk from Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, the recipient of its 2024 companywide Mercy Award. Strunk, who serves as a certified surgical technician at LCRH, was honored for the heartfelt compassion she shows to patients and colleagues, and her willingness to do anything she can – and give anything she has – to help someone else.

Lifepoint’s companywide Mercy Award is given annually to one of nearly 55,000 Lifepoint employees who has profoundly touched the lives of others and embodies the spirit and values upon which the company was founded. It was established in 2001 to honor the life and legacy of the late Scott Mercy, Lifepoint’s founding chairman and CEO, and is the highest honor a Lifepoint employee can receive.

“Cherish’s passion for going above and beyond to serve others is truly inspiring,” said David Dill, chairman and CEO of Lifepoint Health. “Her warmth, kindness and generosity make her an exceptional representative of Scott Mercy’s legacy and a more than deserving recipient of this distinguished honor.”

Since joining LCRH, Strunk has quickly become a valuable asset to the hospital team, earning the trust, respect and admiration of her colleagues by demonstrating complete selflessness. For example, she spent her spring break this year donating one of her kidneys to save the life of a complete stranger in the community. Through Facebook, she learned about a local retired coal miner who had been living with diabetes most of his life and was in need of a kidney transplant. Though she didn’t know him personally, she felt a strong desire to help. After getting tested, she was deemed a good match and underwent surgery to donate a vital organ to someone who simply needed it more.

“Acting with kindness is what Cherish is known for, and I can’t think of a better example of this than her willingness to donate a kidney and give someone a second chance at life,” said Carolyn Sparks, CEO of LCRH. “It makes me proud to have someone on our team who is so selfless and willing to give back, and I am thrilled for her to receive this well-deserved honor.”

Strunk was formally recognized during a special awards celebration in Nashville on August 28. n

Lifepoint Health honors Cherish Strunk with 2024 companywide Mercy Award

Haelee Schmitt, LPN, honored for outstanding nursing excellence at Lake Cumberland

Regional Hospital

ake Cumberland Regional Hospital is delighted to announce Haelee Schmitt, LPN, as the latest recipient of the prestigious DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nurses. Haelee, who recently joined LCRH’s medical unit after graduating from nursing school, has quickly become known for her unwavering dedication and patientcentered approach. She exemplifies the exceptional standard of care that LCRH strives to provide. The DAISY Award honors nurses who make a significant impact on the lives of their patients as part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize extraordinary nursing efforts.

The DAISY Foundation, a not-for-profit organization based in Glen Ellen, CA, was founded in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who tragically passed away at 33 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), an autoimmune disease. The foundation was inspired by Patrick and his family’s extraordinary care from nurses during his illness and aims to express gratitude to nurses for their profound impact on patients and their families.

gentle care and compassion. She is professional and skilled, and she shows love and a personal touch to her patients.”

Patients, families, and colleagues are welcome to nominate for the DAISY Award, and LCRH’s nurse leadership team oversees the selection of the quarterly recipients. The honoree is celebrated with a special brunch attended by team members, executive leadership, physicians, and peers. Recipients receive a certificate, a DAISY Award® pin, an exclusive parking spot, and a beautifully handcarved sculpture titled “A Healer’s Touch.” Additionally, they are treated to iced cinnamon rolls, a favorite of Patrick’s during his illness.

“ If our world were filled with more people like Haelee, it would be a better place.”

Haelee Schmitt earned this nomination through a heartfelt recommendation from a former patient. The patient expressed their appreciation, stating, “If our world were filled with more people like Haelee, it would be a better place. Haelee has made me laugh in the midst of sorrow and has been like a sister to me with careful,

Stone by Stone Preservation Project

TheSomerset City Cemetery is gearing up for its tenth annual online auction to raise funds for headstone repair and restoration projects at the Somerset Cemetery and the Stanford-Pike Cemetery.

The auction begins on Facebook on Oct. 21 - just search for the group called "2024 Tenth Annual Stone by Stone Preservation Project Online Auction."

Tanya NelsonHackney, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, CPPS, Chief Nursing Officer at LCRH, stated, “We are thrilled to recognize Haelee for her outstanding dedication to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. The DAISY Award program at Lake Cumberland is a heartfelt acknowledgment of our nurses’ compassion and service to our community.”

To learn more about the DAISY Award® or to nominate an exceptional nurse like Haelee, please visit LakeCumberlandHospital. com/daisy-award.n

Now through Oct. 16, donations of items for the auction are being sought. Donations are tax deductible. All proceeds from sales of the auction items will go toward the Stone by Stone Preservation Project.

The auction is held in the Facebook group, with photos being posted of each item that is up for bid. Bidding ends Oct. 25 and winners will be announced shortly thereafter.

The Somerset Cemetery is located on West

Columbia Street near downtown Somerset, and the Stanford-Pike Cemetery is located on North Ky. 1247 near K&T Saw Shop, also in Somerset.

If you have any questions, please contact manager Tricia Neal, (606) 679-3473.n

Ensuring a Safe Start for Every Baby

By Lake Cumberland District Health Department

September is Safe Sleep Awareness Month, a crucial time to spotlight the importance of safe sleep practices for infants. As new parents try to get through the early days of parenthood, understanding and implementing Safe Sleep practices can make a difference in preventing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related causes of infant mortality. Safe Sleep Awareness Month aims to educate parents and caregivers about the best ways to create a safe sleep environment for their babies and promote habits that ensure a healthy start to life.

Understanding Safe Sleep Practices

The term “safe sleep” includes several guidelines designed to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleeprelated dangers. Safe Sleep Kentucky, a program from the Kentucky Department for Public Health, offers the ABCDs to help parents and caregivers provide the safest sleep environment for their babies.

A stands for Alone. Babies should always sleep alone.

There should never be anything else in a baby’s sleep space except for the baby. A pacifier is permissible if the baby uses one, but if breastfeeding, please wait until breastfeeding is well established. Pacifiers should not be attached to a string, cord, stuffed animal, or anything else.

B stands for Back. A baby should always sleep on his/ her back for every sleepboth nighttime and naps. Sleeping on a firm surface on his/her back reduces the risk of SIDS.

C stands for Crib. A baby’s crib should contain a fitted sheet only; no blankets, toys, pillows, bumpers, or other items that could cover a baby’s face and suffocate them. Cribs, bassinets, and pack & plays with firm mattresses are safe places for babies to sleep.

D stands for Danger. Being tired, sleepy, exhausted, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs (including some prescriptions) impairs one’s ability to care for a baby. This makes sharing a bed and other unsafe sleep practices more dangerous. Smartphones and other devices can distract your attention from providing

growing scientific evidence shows that eating too much added sugar over time is

including

sugarscience is the authoritative source for evidence-based, scientific information about sugar and its impact on health.

adequate supervision and lead to safety issues. They also reduce face-toface interaction which is vital to a baby’s emotional and intellectual development.

Beyond the ABCDs

In addition to the ABCDs of Safe Sleep, there are other important things to remember. Do not overheat a baby. If you are comfortable in light clothing, the baby will be too. Keep the room temperature at a comfortable setting for you and the baby will be fine. If your baby does require an extra layer for warmth, dress him/her in layers such as a onesie and a footed sleeper. Blankets should not be used in the bed for warmth.

A baby should never sleep in a car seat, swing, infant seat, adult bed, couch or chair, or any other item not designated for infant sleep. Keep your baby away from cigarette smoke, which includes e-cigarettes and vapes. This is a good time to make your home and car smoke-free.

Provide “Tummy Time” for your baby every day, while they are awake and an adult is watching. This helps with muscle development.

Looking forward

As we observe Safe Sleep Awareness Month, it is essential to remember that the guidelines and recommendations are based on extensive research and have been proven to save lives. By adhering to these practices, parents and caregivers can provide a safer sleeping environment for babies and help reduce the incidence of SIDS and other sleep-related risks. Together, we can make a difference by educating ourselves and others about safe sleep practices. This month serves as a reminder of our responsibility to ensure that every baby has a safe and peaceful sleep, setting the foundation for a healthy and thriving future. n

Benefits of Breasfeeding

Moms choose to breastfeed for many different reasons, but the fact that there are benefits for both mom and baby often helps to influence this decision. For mom, breastfeeding helps in the immediate postpartum period by assisting in decreasing uterine bleeding. When a baby breastfeeds, it causes the hormone oxytocin to be released in the mother’s body. Oxytocin causes uterine contractions, aids in decreasing uterine bleeding, and helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy state faster. Further, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that breastfeeding can help decrease mother’s risk of certain types of cancer, diabetes, postpartum depression and hypertension. Breastfeeding also assists in fostering a bond between mother and baby.

By Ashley D. Hoseclaw, MSN, RN, IBCLC Perinatal Educator, Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital

Ashley.Hoseclaw@LPNT.net

“

Breastfeeding is a supply and demand cycle.”

comfortably hold about a teaspoonful of milk at birth. As the mom’s milk supply gradually increases, the baby’s stomach stretches, and the pair becomes in sync with one another. There are studies that show that after a woman’s first pregnancy, her milk may even come in faster, and she may produce more milk with subsequent deliveries.

In addition to being healthy for mom and baby, breastfeeding is good for our environment. There is no waste created through breastfeeding, such as formula packaging. Perhaps one of the most appealing benefits is that breast milk is free! This is a huge savings for young families, at a time when everything has increased in price. When you exclusively breastfeed your baby, you don’t have to worry about formula shortages or recalls. Convenience is a great perk to breastfeeding. It’s always available whenever and wherever you are, so heating up bottles, mixing, and measuring isn’t necessary.

Ultimately, whatever method a family chooses to feed their baby, ensuring that baby receives adequate nutrition is our goal and we are here to support them in any way we can. n

There are numerous benefits of breastfeeding for baby. Colostrum, which is the earliest milk and the precursor to mature milk, acts as the baby’s first immunization. It helps to keep baby healthy and prevent illness in their earliest days. Colostrum is small in volume, but very concentrated and nutrient-dense. It is the ideal nutrition for babies. Breast milk changes quickly throughout the first days of life and gradually increases in volume, transitioning to mature milk after about four days. Keep in mind that a newborn’s tummy can

A mother’s milk is made specifically for baby. A baby’s body digests breast milk easily so they may cluster feed, or nurse often. This increased stimulation helps mom’s milk transition to mature milk and increase in volume more rapidly. Breastfeeding is a supply and demand cycle. The more the baby nurses, the breasts are stimulated, sending a message to the brain to produce more milk. The first two weeks are crucial in establishing a healthy milk supply. This special milk helps boost baby’s immune system and decreases the risk of allergies, asthma, ear infections, diarrhea, obesity, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), respiratory infections, and more.

can

Woodstock FALL FESTIVAL

October 19

Noon to 6 PM

Gospel & Country Music

Food

Craft Fair

Cake/Pie Auction

Pumpkin Carving Contest

Raffle

50/50 Jackpot

Hourly Drawings

Woodstock Community Center 13215 Hwy 39, Somerset

We’ve all had moments where we’ve felt we didn’t belong. But for people who moved to this country, that feeling lasts more than a moment. Together, we can build a better community. Learn how at BelongingBeginsWithUs.org

Area support groups and resources

Lake Cumberland Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group is for caregivers and other interested people. They meet the second Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at Cumberland Church of Christ in Somerset.

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Pulaski Alzheimer’s Disease Respite is located at 393 South Main Street, Somerset, 606-679-9310

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Pulaski County Senior Center 255 South Maple Street Somerset, (606) 679-0590

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AppalReD Legal Aid Somerset Office: 108 College Street, Somerset, 606-679-7313 or 800-866-7313

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Lake Cumberland Area Development District Counties Served: Adair, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Green, McCreary, Pulaski, Russell, Taylor and Wayne. https://www.lcadd.org/ 2384 Lakeway Drive, Russell Springs, Toll Free: 1-800-264-7093

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Friend for Life Cancer Support Network provides one-to-one peer support for cancer patients and their family members at no cost, assisting individuals diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones as they navigate the path through diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and survival by pairing them with a trained survivor of a similar experience so they can face cancer with someone who’s been there. www.friend4life.org or 502-893-0643.

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LCRH “Latch with Love” offers free, drop-in, informal breastfeeding support, including professional lactation care. This provides breastfeeding families an opportunity for social connection as they navigate challenges and celebrate successes together. Sponsored by LCRH. Check website for info: lakecumberlandhospital.com/ events.

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Lake Cumberland District Ombudsman (Long Term Care) Serving Adair, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Green, McCreary, Pulaski, Russell, Taylor, and Wayne counties. Advocates for residents of nursing homes, personal care homes and family care homes, improving care and encouraging positive change at all levels. Lake Cumberland ADD, P.O. Box 1570, Russell Springs, Toll Free: 1-800-264-7093

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Hospice Adult Grief Support

Meetings are free and open to the public. Somerset bereavement group meets year-round, on the 4th Monday of the month, from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. at 100 Parkview Drive in Somerset. Check website for more information: https:// hospicelc.org/ Call for children’s bereavement services: 800-937-9596

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Operation UNITE - Lake Cumberland Chapter, serves Pulaski, Wayne, and McCreary counties. Coalition meetings are always open to the public. The Pulaski Coalition meets the second Monday of each month at 1 p.m. in the conference room at Lake Cumberland Health Department in Somerset.

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Breastfeeding and Prenatal Classes — Help families welcome new babies with free classes including getting ready for delivery, basics of newborn care, infant bathing, safety and wellness, how to prepare for breastfeeding, and much more. Hosted by Ashley Hoseclaw, MSN, RN, IBCLC, Perinatal Educator and Lactation Consultant. 2024 classes are offered monthly on Tuesday evenings or Saturday mornings. Full class with both components takes about 3 hours. Please register in advance to save your spot. For questions or more information, call 606-678-3176 or visit lakecumberlandhospital.com/ women-and-children.

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Lake Cumberland Community Action Agency, committed to improving the health and welfare of the less fortunate through a variety of services and community

partnerships to ensure self-sufficiency and economic stability. 100 N. Main Street, Somerset, Suite 302, 606-679-6203, https://lc-caa.org/.

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There is a breast cancer support group that meets once a month, every third Thursday, usually at Mellow Mushroom in Somerset. The Facebook page available to request joining is: Breast Cancer and Beyond Support Group - Somerset. Admins are Jeri English and Gayle Allen.

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Living Bread Soup Kitchen serves free hot meals to-go to the community of Pulaski County and surrounding counties. Meals can be picked up every Tuesday and Thursday at 3 p.m. at 321 South Maple Street in Somerset. Located directly behind the Pulaski County Library. Every third Tuesday of the month they provide a free food box filled with grocery items (items vary each month). Contact Gina Gaylor at 606-379-6270 for further details or questions.

We’ve done our best to verify accuracy of the content of our resources page. We appreciate your input in helping us make corrections and suggesting additions. We’ll do our best to include as much as space allows and will give priority to health and wellness related groups and resources that are free and open to the public. Our deadline is the second Friday of each month. Please include a small blurb about the organization, who it serves, how to contact you, where you are located, etc. Please be brief. We will not publish random requests from links or Facebook groups or if emails or URLs bounce. Email info@LCCompass.com.

List of community resources: https://secure.lcdhd.org/resources/county/pulaski.pdf

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

AWARENESS MONTH

It can happen to anyone

OCTOBER

OCTUBRE

DOMÉSTICO VIOLENCIA

MES DE CONCIENCIACIÓN

Le puede suceder a cualquiera

Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence, is a serious and widespread problem. In the United States, 2 in 5 women and 1 in 4 men experience contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime and report negative impacts such as injury, fear, concern for safety, and needing services.

Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of employment or educational level, race or ethnicity, religion, marital status, physical ability, age, sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation. However, the burden of domestic violence is not shared equally across all groups, with women and many racial/ethnic and sexual minority groups being disproportionately affected.

It is not your fault

If you are being abused by your partner, you may feel confused, afraid, angry and/or trapped. All of these emotions are normal responses to abuse. You may also blame yourself for what is happening. However, please know that abuse is a purposeful and deliberate behavior where one person uses abusive tactics to gain power and control over another person. Abuse is never the victim’s fault.

Please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 to develop a detailed, safety plan that is specific to your unique situation.

Locally, Bethany House provides safe and secure emergency shelter and services for victims of domestic violence and their children. Outreach services such as court advocacy, support groups, and community education are also available. Contact them at 606-679-1553 or 800-755-2017.

La violencia doméstica, también conocida como violencia de la pareja íntima es un problema serio y generalizado. En los Estados Unidos, 1 de cada 4 mujeres y 1 de cada 9 hombres experimentan violencia sexual de contacto, violencia física y/o acoso por una pareja íntima durante su vida y reportan impactos negativos tal como lesiones, miedo, preocupación por su seguridad y la necesidad de servicios.

La violencia doméstica puede sucederle a cualquiera independientemente de su empleo o nivel de escolaridad, raza o etnia, religión, estado civil, capacidad física, edad, sexo, identidad de género u orientación sexual. Sin embargo, la carga de la violencia doméstica no se reparte por igual entre todos los grupos, siendo afectadas desproporcionadamente las mujeres y muchos grupos minoritarios raciales/étnicos y sexuales.

No es culpa de usted

Si usted está siendo abusada/o por su pareja, usted puede sentir confusión, miedo, enojo y/o que está atrapada/o. Todas estas emociones son respuestas normales al abuso. También puede culparse por lo que está sucediendo. Sin embargo, sepa que el abuso es un comportamiento intencional y deliberado en el que una persona usa tácticas abusivas para obtener poder y control sobre otra persona. El abuso nunca es culpa de la víctima.

Por favor, comuníquese con la Línea Nacional de la Violencia Doméstica al 1-800-799-7233 para elaborar un plan de seguridad detallado específico para su situación particular.

A nivel local, Bethany House ofrece refugio y servicios de emergencia seguros para víctimas de violencia doméstica y sus hijos. También se encuentran disponibles servicios de extensión como defensa judicial, grupos de apoyo y educación comunitaria. Contacta con ellas al 606-679-1553 o al 800-755-2017.

Source: National Resource Center on Domestic Violence — Fuente: Centro Nacional de Recursos sobre Violencia Doméstica

Recursos en Español A1C lo hace todo

Entendiendo la A1C

Se llama prueba de A1C y es muy poderosa

Puede identificar la prediabetes, lo cual aumenta tu riesgo de diabetes. Puede usarse para diagnosticar la diabetes. Y se utiliza para monitorear qué tan bien está funcionando el tratamiento para la diabetes a lo largo del tiempo. También es un paso fundamental en la elaboración de un plan de acción para manejar esta condición con tu equipo de atención de la diabetes.

El panorama: monitorear el tratamiento

Este análisis de sangre relativamente simple puede decirte mucho. Los resultados de la prueba te dan una idea de tu nivel promedio de glucosa (azúcar) en sangre durante los últimos dos o tres meses. Cuanto más altos sean los niveles, mayor será tu riesgo de desarrollar complicaciones de la diabetes. Tu médico te dirá con qué frecuencia debes hacerte la prueba de A1C, pero por lo general necesitarás realizarte la prueba al menos dos veces al año si cumples con los objetivos de tratamiento. Si no cumples con tus objetivos o cambias de tratamiento, es posible que debas hacerte una prueba de A1C con más frecuencia.

Entonces, ¿qué significan los números?

Cuando hablamos de números, no existe un objetivo único para todos. Los objetivos en los niveles de A1C pueden variar según

la edad de cada persona y otros factores, y tu objetivo podría ser diferente al de otra persona. El objetivo para la mayoría de los adultos con diabetes es una A1C inferior al 7%.

Los resultados de la prueba de A1C son reportados en forma de porcentaje. Cuanto mayor sea el porcentaje, mayores habrán sido tus niveles de azúcar en sangre durante los últimos dos o tres meses. La prueba de A1C también se puede utilizar para el diagnóstico, según las siguientes pautas:

• Si tu nivel de A1C está entre 5.7 y menos de 6.5 %, tus niveles han estado en el rango de prediabetes.

• Si tienes un nivel de A1C de 6.5 % o más, tus niveles estuvieron en el rango de diabetes.

Finalmente: la A1C también se define como ‘glucosa promedio estimada’ o eAG

Otro término con el que te puedes encontrar al conocer cuál es tu A1C es eAG (glucosa promedio estimada, por sus siglas en inglés). Tu médico podría comunicar tus resultados de A1C como eAG. La eAG es similar a lo que ves cuando monitoreas tu nivel de glucosa (azúcar) en sangre en casa con tu medidor. Sin embargo, debido a que es más probable que midas tu nivel de glucosa (azúcar) en sangre por la mañana y antes de las comidas, es probable que las lecturas del medidor sean más bajas que tu eAG. n

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