Kerr County People Magazine July August 2020

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People

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on s r e t e eP

Kerr County

T H E P R E M I E R CO M M U N I T Y M AG A Z I N E

July-August | 2020

Since 2007

O F K E R R CO U N T Y, T E X A S

At home with At home with

Angie and Cory Angie and Cory Edmondson, Edmondson,

Peterson Health’s Health’s CEO CEO Peterson

THANK YOU !

This issue is dedicated to the Frontline Heroes of COVID-19

FEATUR ING A N EN CO R E C OV ER S T O R Y the evolution of a legacy

Look

inside

JULY - AUGUST│ 2020

Page 23

A R T I C L E S 5 Dr. Miloy 8 Backyard Birding with Wild Birds Unlimited 30 Gardening with the Plant Haus 2 34 Health Tips with the Apothecary Shoppe 35 Dietert Center 36 Insurance Tips with Amber Thomason

C O V E R

S T O R Y Page 10

Putting a face with community health care Kerr County People Kerrville, Texas Info@KerrCountyPeople.com

830-285-0973 Diane Ferrell Editor & Publisher diane@kerrcountypeople.com Mark A. Jackson Art Director|Graphics studiorio@omnitx.net

Contributing Editors Skye Alexander Anne Schneider Contributing Writers Skye Alexander Kathleen Cook Cover Photographer Megan Smart Photography Contributing Photographer Tony Gallucci

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Visit Us At KerrCountyPeople.com KCP reserves the right to edit and/or refuse all submitted materials. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of KCP. Content is copyrighted by KCP and may not be reproduced without written permission. All rights reserved. Copyright 2020, Kerr County People Magazine.

4 | JULY-AUGUST 2020 | KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE

Cover Photo by Megan Smart Photography

W ELL N ESS TI P S

Strategies

for Beating Coronavirus —and other viruses

Modifiable chronic conditions:

by David R. Miloy MD

T

he coronavirus falls into the common cold family, but clearly Covid-19 is a viral strain that can be life threatening in some people. When it comes to avoiding or surviving it—and other viruses—as well as avoiding upper respiratory infections, influenza, and pneumonia, we can employ three layers of protection. These are: 1. Physical distancing—the most important strategy. If you must have contact avoid getting closer than six feet. Wear a mask.

2. Personal hygiene—wash your hands with soap and water for twenty seconds or use an alcohol-based solution of 60% or more to cleanse hands. Keep the hands away from the eyes, nose, and mouth. Wear gloves and a mask when in public—this is particularly important at the grocery store, refueling your car, etc.

3. Personal health—if you do become infected with the Covid-19, you’ll fare better if you’re as fit as possible. The following are actions you can take now to improve your odds: Sleep: Seven or eight hours per night is ideal. Six hours is the minimum. Inadequate sleep leads to elevated cortisol levels in your body. This stress hormone decreases immune function and makes you more susceptible to infection and predisposes you to a poor outcome.

Exercise: Aerobic exercise thirty minutes per day improves immune function.

Nutrition: Plays a very important role in immune function.

Sugar and processed carbohydrates suppress the innate and adaptive immune response. This is especially critical for those who are obese, diabetic or advanced in age. Keep sugar intake to than 25 grams or fewer per day and eliminate processed carbs such as crackers, chips, breads, and flour.

Emotional well-being: This is especially important with the fear and isolation created by the pandemic. Both can lead to increased cortisol levels which decreases immune function.

Staying in contact with family and friends by telephone, video conferencing, and social media is very helpful. Also, using this down time to focus on a new hobby or acquire a new skill such as learning a new language can give you a sense of purpose.

1. Smoking—stop now!

2. If indicated: update your Pneumovax and Prevnar vaccines 3. Asthma, emphysema or COPD—work with your doctor to make sure your inhaler regimen is optimized 4. Obesity—start supervised lifestyle changes immediately 5. Depression/Anxiety—seek help now and start a supervised exercise program

The above measures are the most critical and have the greatest impact on keeping you well. In addition, consider supplementation with the following. All of these are safe and their effectiveness in preventing or treating upper respiratory viral infections is backed by high quality studies. Taking them does not guarantee you won’t get the coronavirus, but they may help.

Vitamin D • People with normal levels are at decreased risk of upper respiratory infections.

• Dose: 2000 I.U. per day Vitamin C • Reduces duration of symptoms • Dose: 500- 1000 mg/day Zinc • Shown to reduce duration of the common cold by up to 33% • Must start before or within 24 hours of symptoms • Dose: 20 mg/day Echinacea • Dose: 2400 mg/day for prevention or 4000 mg/day if infected Garlic • Dose: 2.5 grams/day. Maintenance dose before getting sick Flavonoids • Reduces upper respiratory infections by 33% and duration by 40% • Found in colorful vegetables and fruits Be safe, stay well, and reach out if I can help.

David R. Miloy MD, internist and life/ wellness coach is located at 1411 Water Street, Kerrville and may be reached at 830-895-5599. Visit his website OptimumHealthDoc.com.

KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE | JULY-AUGUST 2020 | 5

Megan Sma PHOTOGRAPHY

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KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE | JULY-AUGUST 2020 | 7

BACKYA R D BI R D I N G

Mamas & Papas

I

by Kevin & Linda Pillow

t’s that magical time of year when nesting season is at its peak. Baby birds should be all around, flapping their wings in anticipation of food from their parent. Sometimes three or four babies are chasing their parents, even standing on each other’s heads trying to get to the food first.

Always a hoot to observe.

Most summer and year-round residents are working on their second or even third brood by now. However, it’s June and July when we see an abundance of babies fledging the nest.

You may see birds building in nest boxes or bushes and trees, getting ready for their last brood of the season. If you have nest boxes that have been used, it is recommended that you clean out the box after each brood, which encourages them to build again. Hopefully, you’ll get to witness the birds leave the nest—it’s amazing to watch how the parents coax the babies out by calling them from a distance. One by one, they take flight for the first time.

Albeit, they kind of hop and flit at first. Bird parents often fledge their young at dusk. Always be mindful if you have dogs or cats around when the birds fledge. Keeping an eye on when they start nesting will help you gauge when they may fledge, thus keeping the animals indoors away from the birds. Most birds here have approximately a 30-day window from when they laid eggs to the birds leaving the nest.

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Kevin & Linda Pillow are the proud owners of Wilds Birds Unlimited Nature Shop located at 855 Junction Hwy in Kerrville. Each staff member is a Certified Bird Feeding Specialist and can help you discover a refuge in your own backyard. 830-895-7393.

8| JULY-AUGUST 2020 | KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE

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KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE | JULY-AUGUST 2020 | 9

putting a face

Cover Story

by Anne Schneider

Angie and Cory love making salsa for giving to friends and relatives.

Photo by Megan Samrt Photography 10 | JULY-AUGUST 2020 | KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE

with community health care Peterson Health CEO’s first year “I’ve always been interested in health

care and helping others,” says Peterson Health CEO Cory Edmondson. “I’ve developed a servant leadership mindset as a result of the experiences in each of my job positions, starting with durable medical equipment for home health in Odessa, Texas. Going into the homes of people in vulnerable conditions taught me compassion and empathy.”

These humble words come from a man whom Peterson Health hired out of 250 applicants. Cory and his wife Angie arrived in Kerrville a year ago when he began work as the CEO of Peterson Health.

The dynamic duo “I couldn’t do what I do without Angie,” Cory states about his wife of thirty years. “She is my daily inspiration—we made the decision together to come to Kerrville. My job here is more of a partnership with Angie. Our relationship is vital to the organization. She pushes me to be my best, in my faith and in my relationships with others.”

Admittedly his biggest fan, Angie shares, “Cory was a Sr. V.P. at Midland Health and God made it clear He had something new for us. We didn’t know exactly what that was until two and half years later. When Cory accepted the position at Peterson we held to the thought that God doesn’t call the equipped, he equips the called.”

The high school sweethearts met in Amarillo and both attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock. They earned their BA degrees, Cory in management and Angie in education, married and moved to Austin where their first son Colton was born. After graduation in 1991, Cory accepted a sales job with Summers Electric, an electrical supply company.

“But he didn’t love the work so when a friend approached him about the medical equipment business he seriously looked into it,” says Angie. “Cory joined Family Home Health Equipment at their new office in Odessa, becoming the owner and manager of that store.”

The births of sons Grant and Luke followed in Midland where Cory worked eighteen years in administration at Midland Health.

Ten years after earning his BA, Cory returned to college and received a Masters in health care administration from William Howard Taft University—one of the first to offer online courses.

Angie continues, “At the time our boys were little so Cory would get up early around 5 a.m. to study and do his course work and when necessary he worked in the evenings after the boys went to bed. He managed that while working full-time and always making time for me and the boys.

“Throughout our marriage, I’ve been grateful for Cory’s support of me staying at home to be full-time mom to our three sons.

He’s always appreciated and valued what I’ve done in our home.

Now that all the kids are grown, we’re enjoying the empty nest season and discovering what is next for us.”

Part of their plan includes taking care of themselves with exercise and trying to eat a healthful diet. Cory is also encouraging Angie’s budding golf game. continue to next page KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE | JULY-AUGUST 2020 | 11

Continued from previous page

Taking a closer look “We had lived in Midland for twenty-five years when I received the call from Peterson Health about the CEO position,” Cory recalls. “I researched Peterson and discovered a solid hospital and quality care that continued to improve in monitored areas. That was important—I knew to accept this job offer it had to be the right position for me, the right geography, and the right culture or organization. I found all three in Kerrville’s Peterson Health.”

Recognizing that Peterson Health’s decisions are made locally, not at a corporate level in some faraway city, Cory wanted to be part of that nimble, flexible management style. In his research, he discovered that Peterson Health is foundationally strong as well.

“Peterson Health is always evolving, moving the needle,” explains Cory. “I was pleasantly surprised to see the growing service lines in a community our size—sub-specialties like cardiology, women’s care, and orthopedics. People have the option of remaining closer to home and receiving quality health care.”

Summertime memories.

Angie and Cory with sons Colton, Luke, and Grant and daughters-in-law Katie and Mattea .

12 | JULY-AUGUST 2020 | KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE

Cory and Angie attend the 2020 Peterson Health Gala.

A Christmas past.

Many of us remember our previous Kerrville hospital, fondly referred to as “Sid Pete.” When the new hospital was built, a community of health care grew up around it and was called Peterson Regional Medical Center.

Cory continues, “Today, Peterson Health is an integrated health system—serving as an umbrella for services provided under eleven different rooftops to include, but not limited to: hospital, home health, hospice, ambulatory care center, ambulatory surgery center, physicians group, urgent care center, and transitional care. Peterson Health incorporates all these entities to offer care for the whole person in all phases of life. We are also expanding to the surrounding communities such as Bandera and Comfort.”

Cory and Angie celebrate 30 years of marriage in July 2020.

“If you’ve always lived in Kerrville or only worked at Peterson, you may not know how good you have it,” says Cory. “The community can be proud of what we have at Peterson Health and rally behind it.” continue to next page

Edmondson Wedding-Reception KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE | JULY-AUGUST 2020 | 13

Continued from previous page

“Growing up in the West Texas Panhandle molded me as a person,” Cory reminisces.



The Lubbock Avalanche announces Cory's new venture in 1993.

14 | JULY-AUGUST 2020 | KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE

CEO—what it takes “Growing up in the West Texas Panhandle molded me as a person,” Cory reminisces. “It required hard work and rolling up your sleeves. It developed an entrepreneurial spirit in me.”

Angie adds, “I love the story told of when Cory was a teenager and regularly mowed his grandparents’ lawn. He would sit and talk with them after the work was finished.

"Cory’s grandfather, who served for many years as a trustee of the board for BSA Health System in Amarillo, told him one day that Cory would be the CEO of a hospital. He didn’t think much of it at the time but Cory reflects on that today and can’t help but wonder if it was the power of suggestion or prophetic.”

Cory admits, “This first year has been like drinking from a fire hose. I’ve experienced non-stop discoveries, gained understanding, and sought ongoing evaluation. I appreciate hearing so many positive comments coming from all sides, but also want to know where we can improve.”

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Looking toward the future of Peterson Health, Cory concludes, “Its future lies in growth through deliberate and sustainable decisions while being good stewards of resources.

That will propel us another seventy years.”

Find out more about Peterson Health, your awardwinning integrated health care system. Visit its website PetersonHealth.com.

Anne Schneider is a writer and Reiki Master. She leads training in both Reiki and Tai Chi at her Kerrville studio.

KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE | JULY-AUGUST 2020 | 15

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KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE

letter from the editor Dear Friends and Neighbors, We find ourselves living in extraordinary times, each of us uniquely affected by the pandemic. The one thing we all hope for is that our health needs are met by the services offered in our community.

The next seven pages are filled with The Evolution of a Legacy—Peterson Regional Medical Center, published in 2015. In light of recent events it’s the perfect time to take look back at the hospital serving our community since 1949.

Yet so much has changed since this 2015 publication. After twenty-four years of loyal service Peterson CEO Pat Murray retired in April 2015. After Pat’s retirement, Peterson welcomed Cory Edmondson as CEO of what is now Peterson Health—which includes Peterson Regional Medical Center, as well as numerous other medical services.

As CEO, Cory is leading Peterson through unprecedented times—dealing with the threat of the COVID-19 virus, making sure Peterson and its staff are prepared to handle whatever comes our way. Thankfully, unlike many places, Kerr County has remained virtually untouched by COVID-19 as of the publishing of this Kerr County People issue.

Thankfully, in these uncertain times we can count on much remaining the same. Peterson Health continues to grow, extending services beyond Kerrville, as well as adding new doctors and services. And not surprisingly, Peterson continues to rack up awards for excellence.

Perhaps most importantly, Peterson Health is still locally owned and operated.

In a time when most hospitals are part of a larger conglomerate, it’s comforting to know decisions are made by people who live here and understand and care about our community. We know that they have our backs and will determine how to best care for us during this, as well as any other crisis that might arise.

We hope you enjoy both the history of Peterson on the following pages and the current cover story about its newest CEO, Cory Edmondson (page 10).

Treat yourself to a leisurely long read to gain a better appreciation of how fortunate we are to have medical care of this stature in our community.

To your health!

Diane

Diane Ferrell Publisher/Editor Kerr County People Magazine

22 | JULY-AUGUST 2020 | KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE

RE Y O C N A N EE R S T O R COV

KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE | JULY-AUGUST 2020 | 23

RE O C N A N EE R S T O R Y COV

the evolution of

by Anne Schneider

Imagine

the Texas Hill Country a decade after the Great Depression’s start– it’s 1939 and Kerrville’s population hovers around 5,500. Pioneer rancher Sid Peterson, after fifty years of working cattle and horses, clearing land for the railroad, and ultimately helping countless people survive the Great Depression in the Hill Country, dies in a San Antonio hospital—over sixty miles from his Kerrville home.

Peterson’s sons Hal and Charlie vow to family, friends, and neighbors that Kerrville and its environs will have a fully-equipped, modern hospital of their own. The Peterson brothers soon establish the Hal and Charlie Peterson Foundation and, just ten years after their father’s death, Sid Peterson Memorial Hospital opens its doors—a fitting legacy for a man who cared so profoundly for his fellow man.

Hal

Charlie

24 | JULY-AUGUST 2020 | KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE

a legacy

1949-2015

Peterson Regional Medical Center

Unique from its beginning

SPMH—unlike many Texas hospitals of the time—was built solely through the Foundation’s private funds and donations.

Hill Country residents never paid a tax to construct or operate the hospital. But Hal and Charlie believed that a source of income beyond patient revenue would be required for the new 55-bed hospital on the corner of Sidney Baker and Water Streets.

The Petersons’ novel solutions caught the attention of Time magazine. In its July 18, 1949 issue, Time reported on the elevenpump gas station constructed under a canopy on a corner of SPMH property’s ground floor and noted that there was commercial business space rented on three of the original six floors. Tenants included doctors on the hospital’s medical staff, the Kerrville Bus Company, a Good Year tire and appliance store, an attorney, and a beauty parlor.

The Hospital’s original administrator E.E. Martin oversaw several other industry innovations. Noteworthy as a first among the country’s hospitals, the nurse call system was set up as an intercom—allowing patients and nurses to converse. SPMH also was the first hospital to boast central air conditioning.

“At that time, it was very difficult to find a contractor to bid on A/C for an 88,000 square foot hospital,” wrote Mr. Martin.

Martin’s suggested soft color palette for the interior—“muted terra cotta, silver mist, dove gray, and pale green”—replaced the stark white that was the norm in hospitals at the time. And three suites were “tastefully decorated with a western theme and wood furniture.” A roof garden graced the building as well, with a panoramic view of the Guadalupe River and the surrounding hills. Not only a perfect place for patients to convalesce in the sunshine, the roof garden provided a popular venue for community dances.

A Houston Chronicle article dated June 18, 1950, quoted Hal Peterson on SPMH. “There

are larger hospitals, of course, but there is the Peterson medical system and in 1999, the no finer one in any other Texas city.” To that Board of Directors appointed him CEO. he added, “That’s not bragging, that’s stating Lisa affirms, “In his twenty years of service the facts.”

Mr. Murray has played an important role The current Director of Marketing/ in our performance and stability, allowing Community Relations Lisa Winters observes, PRMC to continue to move forward with “This positive, progressive attitude has been strategic planning and the development of a sustaining force at Peterson. It has resulted new services. This enables us to give back to in a health care center with equipment and the community as much, or even more, than services that far exceed those expected in a we receive.” facility its size in a rural Texas community.”

Operating as a non-profit private hospital for sixty-six years, Peterson has witnessed Stepping into the future monumental changes. “Old models don’t In November of 2005, the Hospital’s name work,” Pat states. “How we care for changed to Peterson Regional Medical Center. patients, the technology, the resources, PRMC President and Chief Executive Officer J. the community’s needs—these change Patrick Murray explains, “It’s a modification dramatically over time. Our mission to that pays tribute to the Peterson legacy of provide exceptional, compassionate, patientservice while more accurately reflecting centered healthcare reaches far beyond the the evolution and expansion of health care walls of our buildings.” services we offer. The name ‘medical center’ also defines our role as the region’s premier Jay and Emily Brady of Kerrville agree healthcare facility.” wholeheartedly. Their first child Katherine Lillian Scott Brady was born on January 2, Pat himself is considered something of 2015, at PRMC’s The Baby Place. “Long before a legend at Peterson. Born and raised in the birth of our daughter, we did so much Temple, TX, he spent summers at Camp research online, read books, and attended Stewart near Hunt, TX. He later attended classes,” shares Emily. graduate school in San Antonio and then moved out of state. Pat returned to Texas in continue to next page 1995, to serve as Assistant Administrator of KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE | JULY-AUGUST 2020 | 25

continued from previous page

“We knew we did not want just the normal standard of care for my delivery so we chose Peterson. We found its standard practice so progressive— things like hydrotherapy for labor and rooming-in for baby and mother— these and more put Peterson way ahead of the curve.

“At Women’s Services and The Baby Place I was treated with such respect—the doctors and nurses valued my experience as an individual.

Mine wasn’t just another routine birth to them. As it turned out, I had a medically necessary C-Section—and we still had a wonderful experience.”

Emily concludes, “Even if we lived in a larger city, we’d come back to Peterson Regional Medical Center for our next baby’s delivery.”

Growth and expansion

Over the years, Peterson’s walls changed significantly. Expanded x-ray, laboratory, and other supplementary services displaced the old SPMH gas station in 1963. The next year a seventh floor was added. Fourteen years later, construction began on a seven-story professional building adjacent to the hospital. The Guy Griggs Professional Building created office space for the hospital’s increasing medical staff.

On January 1, 1990, SPMH separated from the Hal and Charlie Peterson Foundation and each organization formed its own board of trustees. “Sid Peterson Memorial Hospital became an independent, non-profit, 148-bed community hospital supported solely through patient revenues and private donations,” according to Lisa.

y a r r u M Pat

PRMC Chief Executive Officer

26 | JULY-AUGUST 2020 | KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE

The coming decade brought more changes—SPMH was the anchor for the newly named Peterson Regional Health Care Center that included the Professional Building, the Rehabilitation Unit at SPMH, and the Town House Residential Center. On off-campus sites, the Hospital developed Peterson Home Care, Peterson Hospice, and Peterson Diagnostic Services.

In 1993, a federal study based on Medicare data designated SPMH as one of the top ten hospitals in the western US. Five years later, SPMH received the 1998 Excellence in Community Service Award from the Texas Hospital Association.

Lisa explains, “The THA honored Sid Peterson Memorial Hospital for its assistance with the development and on-going support of the Raphael Community Free Clinic in Kerrville, where the hospital donates all laboratory and radiology services for clinic patients as well as supplies and volunteer support.”

1949-2015 In celebration of her 75th birthday, triumphant Dr. Katherine Jeter of South Carolina unfurls PRMC banner on Mt. Kilimanjaro - just five months after her serious bout of pneumonia and rehab at the Hospital.

Embracing the 21st Century

In February 2000, the Hospital initiated a medical air transport service operated by a national firm. The addition of helicopter availability on-site introduced swift pick up and transfer of patients in critical condition from outlying communities surrounding Kerrville to SPMH. It also enabled immediate transport for patients to other facilities if necessary.

That same year, at the corner of Cully Street and Hill Country Drive on part of 35 acres of off-campus land, the Peterson Regional Ambulatory Care Center opened—a 52,000 square foot facility offering convenient outpatient imaging, laboratory, rehabilitation, infusion therapy, endoscopy, and same-day surgical services.

“At the end of the year 2000, SPMH again received national recognition when it was named one of the Top 100 Hospitals in the nation for orthopedic services,” reports Lisa. “Patients in the top 100 hospitals had lower orthopedic-related complications and mortality rates, and spent fewer days in the hospital. These hospitals also showed a lower cost per patient.”

Kristy Vandenberg, Executive Director of The Ultimate Gift of Life Foundation, shares, “Recently, I had a double knee replacement and I am very pleased with the quality of care provided by Peterson Regional Medical Center. The hospital doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and everyone—from my initial registration to my discharge—were very professional and focused on getting me back to life. I feel very blessed to live in a community where we have access to doctors who are top-notch and to an exceptional medical treatment facility.”

Marking another first in the Texas Hill Country, the Acute Rehabilitation Unit opened in 2002—the first inpatient rehabilitation care facility created to serve local residents. This meant patients needing inpatient rehab care no longer had to be moved to San Antonio or Austin facilities. Imagine the extraordinary difference this made to patients diagnosed with stroke, paralysis, arthritis, amputation, complex fractures, multiple trauma, and neurological disorders—and what that must have meant to their families.

Healthcare is dynamic—ever changing and ever evolving—just like our community. In 2004, SPMH expanded its services to include

the Wound Care Center with the acquisition of two new hyperbaric oxygen chambers. That same month, a state of the art cardiac catheterization and interventional radiology lab opened. Once again, new SPMH services helped patients avoid lengthy trips to and from San Antonio.

“Being a non-profit, our care is personal-experience driven,” Pat notes. “A patient’s experience in a hospital colors their perspective of what a hospital is and what makes it tick. And every patient has a story—who and what they were before they came to us. Honoring their story while providing them the highest standard of care and making them comfortable in the hospital setting is a fundamental part of our mission.”

Dr. Katherine Jeter of South Carolina attests to that. In 2013, she and husband John (Jack) came for a visit to what has been their family’s cabin in Hunt, TX, since 1928. They planned to celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary. But things took a turn for the worse after Katherine arrived coughing badly. A day later, she was rushed to PRMC’s Emergency Room and was placed on a ventilator for eight days and stayed in ICU for twelve days.

“I was a 74 year-old with fulminating staphylococcal pneumonia,” Kathleen shares. “My brother who is a surgeon in Vail flew down to take me himself to the University Hospital in San Antonio. But after staying with me in Kerrville for two days in the ICU, he told me the care I was receiving was so excellent that he wouldn’t move me.

“Of course, I was not your typical 74 year-old either,” adds Kathleen.

“At the time of my hospitalization, I was in phenomenal condition and had plans to celebrate my 75th birthday by hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro.

“The doctors, nurses, and physical therapists honored my goal—and five months later I climbed the mountain. To honor them, I took a Peterson banner to the summit of my climb and unfurled it there for a photo.

“The exceptional care I received at the hospital inspires me to this day—I was the center of everyone’s care and my treatment was tailor-made. ‘Patient-centered care’ is not just a cliché at Peterson.” continue to next page KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE | JULY-AUGUST 2020 | 27

Groundbreaking ceremony for the Peterson Regional Ambulatory Care Center which opened in 2000, at the corner of Cully Street and Hill Country Drive. continued from previous page

Making history

Lisa continues, “In December 2005, the month after changing SPMH’s name to Peterson Regional Medical Center, we broke ground on the new facility and initiated the largest construction project in Kerrville history. Thanks to the support of the community, more than $19.4 million was raised and helped us open the new facility on April 6, 2008. The new PRMC offers a wonderful healing environment for both our caregivers and those whom we serve.”

Located on the 35-acre campus at the end of Wesley drive and west of the Peterson Ambulatory Care Center, the PRMC provides patients with a beautiful open environment and 124 spacious rooms. A greatly expanded Food and Nutritional Services Department also gives patients appetizing room-service choices. And because PRMC groups together clinical and diagnostic departments, the seamless delivery of patient care is facilitated.

Another historical step for PRMC was the purchase of the da Vinci Surgical System in 2011. “The Board led the way to raise $1.6 million to help acquire this leading edge, advanced robotic medical technology,” reveals Pat. “PRMC is the only Hill Country healthcare facility to offer the System and during the first year of use, over 250 GYN and Urology procedures were performed at our hospital—more than double our goal at year one. And as of this writing, the da Vinci Surgical System has been used in almost 500 procedures.”

Two years later, the Cailloux Professional Building opened its threestory 30,000 square foot structure to house Peterson Medical Associates physicians—with additional space for lease by PRMC medical staff and physicians.

Just last year, PRMC’s stroke services expanded to include Tele-stroke.

Partnering with Methodist Healthcare’s South Texas Tele-stroke Network, this program allows Peterson’s Emergency Department staff to have complete access to a Texas-licensed network of neurologists—all on staff and credentialed with PRMC. “After a stroke when minutes count,” Lisa elaborates, “the video-enabled examination system in the Emergency Department and a wireless laptop with an on-call neurologist, offer real-time communications with excellent audio and video synchronization between the patient and the physicians.”

Continuing to meet the specialized needs of the community, Peterson also operates Peterson Community Care, Peterson Specialty Care in Boerne, and on the first of June this year, opened Peterson Urgent Care.

28 | JULY-AUGUST 2020 | KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE

1949-2015 Partners in the community

The PRMC’s primary service area consists of Kerr, Kimble, Bandera, Real, Edwards, Gillespie, Medina, and Kendall Counties—a combined population base of over 187,000. Its dedication to meeting the needs of the community across the region, leads to the Center’s organization, facilitation, hosting, and sponsoring of free educational seminars and classes year-round.

With activities geared for newborns to senior citizens, from prebirth to end-of-life, PRMC participated in over 120 community events in 2014. These included health fairs and screenings in four counties, monthly child birth and breastfeeding support classes, monthly joint-replacement surgery education classes, Advanced Directive workshops, the region’s largest flu shot clinic, a six-lunch speaker series for women 55+, and the Executive Women’s Club’s Baubles and Beads Breast Cancer Event.

Award-winning orthopedic surgeon team, named to America’s Top 100 in 2013 and currently five-star recipients from Healthgrades in Total Knee Replacement, Total Hip Replacement, and Hip Fracture for the fifth consecutive year. Pictured left to right are William Allen, MD; Robert Mitchell, MD; Clint Morris, MD; Ryan Veurink, MD.

Volunteers from the community are another important building block in PRMC’s strong foundation. More than 100 individuals donate thousands of hours to help fulfill Peterson’s mission. They receive training to work one-on-one with patients or to serve behind the scenes. These generous people make financial pledges, as well, and contributed funds to help acquire the da Vinci System. continue to page 31

In 2011, Peterson Regional Medical Center acquired a da Vinci Surgical System.

This state-of-the-art combination of computer and robotic technologies created a new category of minimally invasive surgery.

KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE | JULY-AUGUST 2020 | 29

G ARDEN I N G

TIME TO

PREPARE

YOUR FALL

GARDEN

by Trena Cullins

It’s that time of year to begin preparing for your fall garden.

Yes, in the heat of the summer. If your spring garden swam away in the moist month of May, now is the time to get that green thumb back in the garden.

Fall is actually a great time to have a vegetable garden. The spring storms are no longer with us and starting your second crop of tomatoes in July will ensure that you’ll have tomatoes long into October. If you wait until August or September to plant tomatoes the first frost will likely have them instead.

Choose an area that’s sunny until about 3 in the afternoon—this way tomatoes have some shade in the August heat. We do know how hot it can get in August.

It’s also a good time to plant the last round of peppers, squash, and cucumbers. If you’re lucky, a corn crop will give you plenty to eat and you’ll have the stalks for fall decorating.

This is also the time to get those additional garden areas ready for your fall crop plantings. It won’t be long before time to plant winter crops, so start adding compost to those beds so they’ll be ready when the plants arrive.

This is also a really good time to find your favorite swimming holes.

Gardening in the cool of the day, or late evening with a quick dip in between.

Texas Master Certified Nursery Professional Trena Cullins (#4985) has been with The Plant Haus 2 for twenty years. Trena and her experienced staff have the knowledge to serve your gardening needs. 604 Jefferson, Kerrville. 830-792-4444.

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We Also Do Aquatic Vegetation 30 | JULY-AUGUST 2020 | KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE

Call 830-370-3489 Locally Owned & Operated

1949-2015

continued from page 29

Kerrville Daily Times columnist Joseph Benham conveys his appreciation for Peterson’s volunteers and more. “I’ve been a patient eleven times in the old Sid Peterson Hospital and six times in the new Peterson Regional Medical Center hospital.

I’m a big fan of the Auxiliary’s volunteers. They are always stopping in to deliver mail and flowers or just to wish you well. Their smiles are therapeutic and they make your day.

“Additionally, the high degree of professionalism of both the doctors and the nurses continues to impress me,” maintains Joseph. “The quality of care I’ve received—most memorably after my heart attack and my pacemaker implant—has helped me to further my 60 years as a journalist.”

CEO Pat Murray concludes, “Everyone who works in this environment is passionate about helping others—they care about their stories.”

PRMC Awards

Peterson, the proud recipient of six Healthgrades Awards, is recognized as the only hospital in Texas to receive 5-Stars for hip fracture and total hip and total knee replacement for five consecutive years. Additionally, Peterson holds a trifecta of The Joint Commission’s Gold Seals for Hospital Quality and Safety, its “Back to Life” Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement Program, and its Stroke Rehabilitation. From Healthgrades, the nation’s most trusted, independent source of physician information and hospital quality outcomes: • Five-Star Recipient for Total Knee Replacement for 8 years in a row (2008-2015) • Five-Star Recipient for Total Hip Replacement for 7 years in a row (2009-2015) • Five-Star Recipient for Hip Fracture Treatment for 5 years in a row (2011-2015)

That makes us all part of the Peterson legacy that has brought leading medical services right here to Kerrville—where they should be—close to home, family, and friends.

• Five-Star Recipient for Gallbladder Removal Surgery in 2015

Your health matters—call today. Peterson Regional Medical Center, 830-896-4200, 551 Hill Country Dr., Kerrville. Visit their website at www.PetersonRMC.com

• Five-Star Recipient for Maternity Care in 2014

Anne Schneider is a Kerrville writer and author of Breath Found Along The Way, a book of poetry and face-cast mask art. She offers natural therapy Reiki sessions as well as training workshops and Tai Chi classes at her Ventana Al Cielo Studio. Visit her at www.ReikiTexas.info.

• Joint Replacement Excellence Award for 5 years in a row (2009-2013)

• Five-Star Recipient for Appendectomy in 2015

• One of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement for 2 years in a row (2013)

• One in top 5% in the Nation for Joint Replacement for 3 years in a row (2011-2013) • #6 in Texas for Joint Replacement (2013) • Five-Star Recipient for Joint Replacement for 6 years in a row (2008-2013) • Five-Star Recipient for treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (2013) • Five-Star Recipient for Gynecologic Surgery for 2 years in a row (2011-2012) From The Joint Commission, monitoring national standards for health care quality and safety in hospitals, making PRMC the only hospital in the area to have Triple Gold: • Gold Seal of Approval in the management of Stroke Rehabilitation in 2014 • Gold Seal of Approval after unannounced on-site survey (May 2013) • Gold Seal of Approval for its “Back to Life” Total Knee and Total Hip Replacement Programs (June 2013) KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE | JULY-AUGUST 2020 | 31

32 | JULY-AUGUST 2020 | KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE

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Common sense hygiene practices help to safeguard our health along with good nutrition and exercise. Wisely, we don’t wait until we’re unwell to implement self care.

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This hands-on, non-invasive therapy stimulates your immune system and catalyzes your body’s organic ability to heal itself. Reiki can reduce your stress and relieve your pain. Studies show how these two factors alone greatly influence our health. Find out why over seventy hospitals and clinics in the U.S., including M.D. Anderson and Kerrville’s South Texas Veterans Health Care System, utilize Reiki in their patient programs.

Anne Schneider, a Kerrville Reiki Master with fourteen years experience, is a member of The Reiki Alliance—an international organization of traditional Reiki Masters.

Schedule your Reiki session with Anne at her Ventana Al Cielo Studio.

Interested in learning Reiki as a natural healing therapy to practice on yourself and, if you choose, on others? Anne’s ten-hour weekend Reiki I training is simple and practical.

Contact Anne now to register for one of her next trainings May 29-31 or June 26-28.

Please note that private Reiki sessions and group trainings will follow local self-isolation guidelines in place at the time.

Anne will accept names now for scheduling future appointments and trainings as they become available.

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KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE | JULY-AUGUST 2020 | 33

W ELL N ESS

DRINK UP W ATER is the most important substance after air to sustaining life. Hydration is essential to the chemical and electrical processes of metabolism. And all liquids are not equal— coffee, tea, sodas, and energy drinks are not the equivalent of water and may in fact cause dehydration. Cooler weather is also detrimental to proper hydration.

But, while we all need to consume sufficient amounts of water, tap water can be a source of toxins which are detrimental to our health long-term. Chlorine and fluoride are added to public water systems in trace amounts. Pesticides, herbicides, and other hazardous chemicals contaminate groundwater through runoff and infiltration of soil. And for those who acquire household water from a well, microorganism contamination is another concern. The Upper Guadalupe River Authority (UGRA) provides water testing for a reasonable fee. A list of available tests and fees is available at UGRA.org.

Bottled water packaged in plastic offers little protection as the source of some less expensive brands is nothing more than tap water from another locale. And even premium brands can contain microplastic contamination from the bottle itself.

by Sabrina Griggs, RPH

Various home filtration systems are available to combat contamination— reverse osmosis and distillation systems effectively purify and decontaminate water; however, each presents its unique challenges. You should thoroughly research the options before investing. On that note, anyone who is highly sensitive to contaminants should consider a whole-house system because even bathing in untreated water can result in absorption through the skin. However, either system removes vital nutrient minerals from water which must be replaced by supplementation. The major losses are magnesium and calcium but also include trace minerals such as iron, copper, selenium, chromium, zinc, and manganese. For all your mineral supplementation needs, stop by the Apothecary Shoppe.

This information is provided for discussion purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Sabrina Griggs, RPH, has thirty years of broad-spectrum pharmaceutical and nutritional healthcare knowledge. She is the owner/pharmacist at Apothecary Shoppe, 1228 Bandera Hwy, Kerrville.

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www.hillcountryaudiology.com 34 | JULY-AUGUST 2020 | KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE

MS067063

CO MM U N I TY

Why the Census is important for our community W

by Brenda Thompson

e at the Dietert Center love providing activities and services to our seniors almost as much as our community enjoys taking part in them, but have you ever been curious as to how these programs are funded?

In addition to donations, some of our programs can be funded by government programs. How much we are allotted depends on information obtained by the Census, and 2020 is a census year. The Census is conducted every ten years, and asks questions about each household, including the size of the household and the age and ethnicity of household members.

This information is then used to determine the number of seats each state will have in the House of Representatives, how much federal funding is given to local programs such as infrastructure, schools, emergency services, Medicaid and the Child and Adult Food Care Program to name a few.

You can see why it is so important that we respond to census this year, as some of our funding may just depend on it. The U.S. Census Bureau hopes to receive the bulk of their responses via the internet. The traditional mail and door-to-door census

Quality Care.

Personal Touch

takers will still be an option, but due to Covid-19, the Census Bureau prefers that as many people as possible complete a few simple questions online at MyCensus2020.gov, or by telephone at 844330-2020. If you choose not to respond, you will be visited by a census taker, with personal visits beginning July 31. All of your information is confidential and won’t be shared with anyone besides the Census Bureau. Remember, the Census will never ask for your personal information such as bank account or social security numbers.

By getting accurate information from the Census, we can continue and possibly expand programs in our community and at the Dietert Center. We look forward to serving you and the community for years to come, and this is your chance to help us.

Brenda Thompson is the Dietert Center’s Executive Director.

Contact her at 830-792-4044, ext. 247, or visit the Center’s website: DietertCenter.org. The Dietert Center is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization located at 451 Guadalupe Street in Kerrville.

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Delivering the freshest flowers since 1954 theroseshopkerrville.com 402 Quinlan, Kerrville, TX 257-8311 KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE | JULY-AUGUST 2020 | 35

INSUR A N CE TI P S

by Amber Thomason

Teaching your kids emergency preparedness Weather emergencies may scare your kids, but helping them understand what to expect can reduce the stress. Carefully go over your family emergency plan and teach them how to stay safe whatever the disaster.

Getting your family prepared for any disaster Complete the following with your family so severe weather doesn’t catch you off guard: • Create an emergency supplies kit. Include a threeday supply of water, nonperishable food, flashlights, blankets and kid-friendly activities. The Red Cross provides a listing of emergency supplies to help you prepare.

• Practice your emergency plan. Include two evacuation routes, a safe room and two different meet-up locations — and make sure kids can run through it calmly.

• Run through the basics. Kids should know how to call 911, identify themselves, identify their location, reach emergency contacts and get to predetermined safe locations.

Teach your kids the various severe weather conditions Teach your kids about the different natural disasters and how to react in each.

• Tornado. If you are in the path of a tornado, go into a tornado safe place. This is typically the lowest level of the building and stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. If you are outside with no car or nearby shelter, lie down in a ditch and protect your head.

• Severe thunderstorm. If you have advanced notice

• that a severe storm is heading your way there are ways to be more prepared. If a storm is sudden, go indoors if you see lightning or hear thunder, and don’t use items that plug into electrical outlets. Avoid using running water, as faucets can conduct electricity.

• Earthquake. Practice the “Drop, Cover and Hold On” method, and learn to recognize safe places in each room at home and at school.

• Hurricane. When you know a hurricane is expected, prepare your home for the possibility of impact.

During the storm stay away from glass windows and doors, and be ready to follow hurricane evacuation instructions from emergency officials if necessary.

• Flooding. Don’t go into flooded areas. Just six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet, and standing floodwater could be contaminated or contain sharp objects. If your car is affected in the storm, assess the damage.

Also, being prepared with a Home Inventory might be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim in the case of lost or damaged possessions, help secure a settlement, and prove useful when verifying property loss for taxes.

Amber Thomason and her staff have over 15 years of insurance and financial service experience and would love the opportunity to earn your business. Come home to a local agent that is dedicated to the life and needs of her customers. 221 Thompson Dr., Kerrville. 830-315-5433.

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KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE | JULY-AUGUST 2020 | 37

S

ome Things Are Difficult to Face Putting things off never makes things easier—only harder.

Families often think it best to only talk about funerals when the time comes.

Actually, if you take care of things now, your family won’t have to take care of things later when it’s difficult for everyone.

That’s why more and more people are talking about funeral arrangements in advance— because they care about their family.

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38| JULY-AUGUST 2020 | KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE

R E S TA U R A N T

Ker r ville Downtown tar ! at the S

Our menu features enough variety to cater to every palate, including steak, seafood, and Mexican food.

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KERR COUNTY PEOPLE MAGAZINE | JULY-AUGUST 2020 | 39

Find Your Style at Moore’s Home Furnishings...

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9:00-6:00 - Monday-Friday 9:00-5:00 - Saturday Closed Sundays