Well Now November/december

A MAGAZINE FOR HEALTHY LIFESTYLES IN SEARCY, ARKANSAS.

Singing The Blues

NOV./DEC. 2012

n

Virtual CareLives saved viavideo connector

Have YourselfA Healthy Holiday

Healthy Pets,Healthy Owners

Education Is Key To Managing Diabetes

Advice from Searcy experts

Experts offer help for the holiday blues

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I hope this edition of WellNow magazine fi nds you and your family looking forward to the holidays. As we planned this issue, our discussions contin-

ued to revolve around the importance of “moderation” in maintaining a healthy lifestyle during the holidays. So we went to some local experts for their advice. On the pages ahead, Cassie Sharpmack, a clinical dieti-tian at White County Medical Center, off ers some simple suggestions to successfully survive the holidays without sabotaging your healthy lifestyle. Charlotte Davis, the Child Nutrition Director at Searcy Public Schools, suggests some healthier alternatives to traditional dishes. And Lea Glenn, a Searcy wife, mother of two and registered dietitian, shares her family’s approach to moderation during the holidays. We’ve also sought the advice of Katie Cullum, a county extension agent for family and consumer science. For some, the holidays are not so happy, and the seasonal blues set in. Erica Goodwin, our correspondent at White County Medical Center, shares the services available for our friends or relatives who may need some professional encouragement or support in their lives. The mission of WellNow magazine is to provide information, and perhaps some inspiration, to readers on topics related to health and wellness through the stories of their friends and neighbors. Again in this issue, Searcy residents have been kind enough to share their stories with us on a wide variety of topics from their lives. Our thanks and good wishes go out to them. I hope you enjoy the magazine, and have yourself a healthy holiday.

WellNow is published bimonthly by The Daily Citizen, offi ce at 3000 E. Race Avenue, Searcy, AR 72143, 501-268-8621. The con-tents of WellNow are copyrighted, and material contained herein may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. Articles in WellNow should not be considered specifi c advice, as individual circumstances vary. Products and services advertised in the magazine are not necessarily endorsed by WellNow.

From th e Publisher

PublisherMike Murphy

E D I T O R I A L

Wendy Jones

Molly Fleming

Kyle Troutman

Jacob Brower

Erica Goodwin

M.A. Webb

Mike Murphy

Kathy Murphy

L A Y O U T & D E S i g n

A D V E R T I S I N G

Beverly Newton

Teresa Harvey

Bruce Black

Regina Meyers

Teresa Mason

D I S T R I B U T I O N

Curtis Stevens

David Barnes

CitizenDailyThe


NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 l VOLUME 1 / ISSUE 4

Please send correspondence to: Mike Murphy, Publisher, The Daily Citizen, 3000 E. Race, Searcy, AR 72143.

You can email to: [email protected]

Mike MurphyPublisher


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6 ❘ well now ❘ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

contents NOVEMBER/DECEMBER2012

FEATURESEDUCATION IS KEYTO MANAGING DIABETES 10

SINGING THE BLUES 14Experts offer help for the holiday blues

LOCAL FARMER HASONE-OF-A-KIND CROP 16Organic edamame soybeans believedto offer health benefits

MODERATION IS KEYTO HEALTHY HOLIDAY 18Searcy mom offers helpful eating tips

VIRTUAL CARE 28Lifesaving care provided via video connector

HAVE YOURSELF AHEALTHY HOLIDAY 32Searcy dietitian offers nutritional advice for the holidays

WOMAN’S FAITHSTRENGTHENED BYPERSONAL TRIALS 34Searcy woman is active in disaster relief efforts,church ministries

HEALTHY PETS,HEALTHY OWNERS 38Searcy animal shelter has variety of petsseeking homes

SEARCY WOMAN USESCRAFT TO GIVE BACK 42Searcy woman crochets caps for children’s hospital

LOCAL MOTHER COPESWITH AUTISM DIAGNOSIS 44Searcy school provides resources, support

SEARCY’S TOP DOCTORSSHARE TIPS ON MAKINGTHE HOLIDAYS HEALTHY 46

On The Cover: Kevin Cash embraces his dog, Magic, a pit bull rescued from the Searcy Animal Shelter. The shelter rescues a variety of dogs and cats.

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contributorsM O L L Y M . F L E M I N G

Molly M. Fleming spent time with the animals at the Searcy Animal Shelter for her story focusing on the benefi ts of pet ownership. Numerous studies have shown the benefi ts of owning animals including lower heart rates and blood pressure and being more ac-tive. “After talking with the staff I found that these ani-mals not only benefi ts their health but also their lives,” Fleming said. “Just remember though, bringing home an animal can be a life-changing experience. Anyone interested in owning a pet should do research before making the decision.” Fleming is the senior staff writer for The Daily Citizen.

W E N D Y J O N E SNews Editor of The Daily Citizen Wendy Jones developed the ideas for the bulletin items on pages 20-23. Jones fo-cused on the holidays, a time many people struggle to maintain exercise and healthy eating. Tips include trans-forming the Thanksgiving table, exercising at home and staying healthy through the holidays. “The most important thing this holiday season is to not get overwhelmed and listen to your body,” Jones said. The briefs also cover the health benefi ts of nuts and becoming a marrow donator. Events highlighted include the Great American Smokeout on Nov. 15 and Grief Recovery Retreats hosted by a Searcy couple.

J A C O B B R O W E RJacob Brower, editor of The Daily Citizen, said he was happy to tell the story of Carolyn Kenney, a Searcy woman who has gone on 10 trips in the past three years as a member of the White County Community Emergency Response Team. Brower is a native of the Joplin, Mo., area, which was devastated by a tornado in 2011. He made several trips to the area in the weeks following the storm and has seen fi rst-hand the major impact emergency response plays. “You see emergen-cy response collectively, but it’s nice to tell the story of an individual who volunteers to do this crucial work,” Brower said.

E R I C A G O O D W I NErica Goodwin serves as a marketing specialist at White County Medical Center. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Arkansas-Little Rock and a bachelor’s degree in journalism/public relations from Arkansas State University. Erica resides in Searcy with her husband, Jonathan, and daughter, Eliza. She covers medical innovation for WellNow magazine.

K A T H Y M U R P H YKathy Murphy spent the 1990s hands-on in the news-paper business with husband Mike Murphy, publisher of The Daily Citizen. During that time, she did whatever jobs needed to be done, which, sooner-or-later, included most of them. She’s helping out WellNow magazine by fi nding someone for our regular “healthy spaces” feature, and doing the story and photo. Her piece for this edition is on Searcy wife, mom and dietitian Lea Glenn. Kathy spends most of her time as Executive Director of the White County Community Foundation and watching out for her children Connor, 18 and Morgan 13.

B E V E R L Y N E W T O NBeverly Newton began as a graphic artist at the Com-munity Shopper/Daily Citizen in 1999. She specialized in ad design. Beverly graduated in 1980 with a bachelor’s degree in commercial art and a minor in art education. She developed the typography and graphic elements for the new WellNow magazine and is responsible for the layout and design. Her hobbies include drawing, reading, music, and spending time with her 15-year-old son, Trey.

K Y L E T R O U T M A NHolding multiple editorial positions at three Arkansas colleges, Kyle Troutman has covered everything from University of Central Arkansas sports to hard news at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. In this issue, Trout-man takes a look at the health benefi ts of locally grown organic soybeans. “I buy organic goods when I can, and I take pride in White County housing the only certifi ed organic soybean farm in Arkansas,” he said.

M . A . W E B BFor a story in this issue, M.A. Webb spent time with a local mother whose daughter suff ers from autism, and the pediatric clinic that is helping her. Kids First in Searcy serves over 80 children and specializes in providing treatment for any child with developmental problems. Webb also spoke with Carolyn Bowman, whose hobby gives back to those in need. Bowman crochets and do-nates hats to the Knitting for Noggins program at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock. “It was fun to learn about crochet and how much the hats benefi t the hospital,” Webb said.


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Education is key to managing diabetes

When Judy Burger fi rst noticed the signs of diabetes in 1990, she was in denial. She knew the symptoms all too well after her son was diagnosed with diabetes in 1982 at the age of 15, but she wasn’t

prepared to face the disease herself.A visit to the doctor for a separate medial issue confi rmed Burger’s fear:

her blood sugar level was very high; she had diabetes. “I’ve always been in good health, so it did come as a surprise,” she

said. “As a child and into adulthood, I’ve always exercised and eaten a healthy diet. Of course, it was also a surprise when my son was diagnosed. He was an active teenager, and I always made sure our family meals were well-balanced.”

The main symptom she noticed was extreme thirst; also, Burger said she noticed signifi cant hair loss, along with blurred vision and occasional inco-herency and loss of focus. “Fortunately, the internist I was seeing conferred with a diabetologist, a diabetes specialist, and they collectively decided that I should take insulin shots instead of a pill.”

Originally from California, Burger and her husband Tom moved to White County, just outside Searcy, more than seven years ago. The pair are avid water skiers and sought an ideal location to settle where they could buy land, build a home and also dig a small lake. Burger said the couple continues to water ski daily when the weather is warm, and they couldn’t be happier with their decision to retire in Arkansas.

In the past, Burger benefi ted from the diabetes support groups her son attended. The mother and son duo created their own support system and shared thoughts and ideas about how each of them could manage their diabe-tes well. After attending a health fair at White County Medical Center several years ago, Burger discovered that the hospital offers a support group for those with diabetes.

Burger said she greatly appreciates the educational opportunities offered through the monthly Diabetic Support Group, led by WCMC Clinical Dietician Charlene Foster, and feels empowered to manage her diabetes successfully.

“I have learned portion control, which is really important for a dia-betic,” she said. “About 99 percent of the time, I can accurately count the carbohydrates I’m eating, thanks to learning the technique of reading and understanding labels to determine what I need and what I don’t need out of a product. Also, I’ve learned more about appropriate meal plans and how much to include of what foods on a plate.”

After becoming a regular member of the Diabetic Support Group, Burger encouraged WCMC Certifi ed Diabetes Educator Julie Smith, RN, MSN, to

Judy Burger, an active member of the Diabetic Support Group and Insulin Pump Support Group at White County Medical Center, displays her compact insulin pump.

B Y E R I C A G O O D W I N


start an Insulin Pump Support Group for individuals – like her – who use insulin pumps to control diabetes.

At the monthly Insulin Pump Support Group meetings, Smith discusses insulin lows and how to treat those situations; new medications that can be used to treat diabe-tes; and, how to program a pump with the information needed to best manage insulin levels.

“Charlene and Julie have so much knowledge to offer about diabetes and how to manage it well,” Burger said. “They are a wonderful asset to the hospital for diabetics in that they provide great information about healthful eating and managing insulin/medi-cations for those with diabetes.”

As a result of the meetings, Burger said she is eating considerably less breads and starches. “Unfortunately, I love breads and starches,” Burger admitted. “Giving up carbs is not an easy thing to do, but for me, living without carbs offers a better and healthier life. You have to decide for your-self that this is what you want to do.”

Also, since carbohydrates provide cells with needed fuel for energy, Burger has to be careful about what she eats to be able to have the energy to water ski. Often during warm-weather days, she will have an extra protein bar to give her the proper nutrition needed for the rigorous activity, otherwise she runs the risk of experiencing an insulin low.

Burger encourages those who are

diabetic to wear a medical alert identifi ca-tion to inform others about the condition. “You never know when you might be in an accident or situation where you cannot com-munity with others,” she said. “Even when you experience an insulin low, you may not be able to communicate effectively with others, which may lead to a misdiagnosis. I always wear a bracelet that reads ‘Diabetic’ on the back when I’m out and about.”

Successful Management through Education

Due to the prevalence of diabetes in both Arkansas and throughout the nation, the American Diabetes Association declared November as American Diabetes Month®.

White County Medical Center offers diabetes education classes and support groups to help those like Burger learn more about successfully controlling their disease. WCMC has one of only 37 recognized Diabetes Self-Management Education Classes in the state, and the only one in White County.

Diabetes has become increasingly widespread in Arkansas. The most recent information from the Arkansas Department of Health states that Arkansas has one of the highest percentages of diabetes in the nation. The disease is the sixth leading cause of death in Arkansas and the fourth leading cause of death among African Americans.

Diabetes Self-Management Education Class

This comprehensive class is devoted to diabetes education through 10 hours of classroom instruction and personalized training. Class topics include: diabetes-re-lated medical conditions and complica-tions; exercise and diabetes; how glucose and insulin work in the body; monitor-ing blood sugar and regulating blood glucose; nutrition; oral medications and insulin; and sick day management. The class typically meets for a few hours on the second, third, and fourth Tuesdays of the month, depending on the availability and needs of the group. An initial assess-ment is required.

Diabetic Support Group Meet with others to share what works best for you in controlling diabetes. Be encouraged and encourage others as you learn new things about diabetes and how to manage it. The group meets the fi rst Monday of the month at 5 p.m. in the Hubach Conference Center Rooms B & D. The $5 session fee includes a meal; however, the meeting is free if the dinner is not included.

Insulin Pump Support Group This group will benefi t you if you are new to the pump or want to better manage your diabetes by using a pump. Diabetes educators at WCMC are certifi ed to assist in insulin pump usage. The group meets the fi rst Monday of the month at 3:30 p.m. in the Hubach Conference Center.

All classes are held at WCMC at 3214 E. Race Ave. Classes are approved by the American Diabetes Association as meeting the nation-al standards for diabetes self-management education. For more information, WCMC Cer-tifi ed Diabetes Educator Julie Smith at (501) 380-3450 or [email protected].

Judy Burger and Peggy Greer have developed a close friendship as they’ve attended the monthly Diabetic Support Group meetings at White County Medical Center.

Resources off ered at White County Medical Center for those with

diabetes include:


“Education is a priority,” says WCMC Certifi ed Diabetes Educator Julie Smith, RN, MSN. “Our goal is to teach patients with diabetes the skills they need to successfully manage the disease. With this knowledge, patients have the tools to become active participants in their healthcare.”

According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 25.8 million people in the United States — both children and adults — have diabetes and an estimated seven million individu-als have not been diagnosed. Also, the disease is often considered an underlying cause of death due to the complications it can lead to, such as heart disease, stroke and kidney dis-ease. Other health problems related to improperly managed diabetes include high blood pressure, blind-ness and amputations.

Types of Diabetes

According to WCMC Clinical Dietician Charlene Foster, diabetes con-sists of four categories: Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes; gestational diabetes, which is developed during pregnancy; and pre-diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune dis-ease of the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, which requires taking insulin daily, whether it be in pump or pill form.

“With Type 1 Diabetes, the pancreas can

no longer make the insulin necessary to transport sugar from the blood into other cells for energy,” Foster said. “This form of diabetes most often develops in children and young adults; however, people over the age 40 can also develop Type 1 Diabetes.”

Nearly 95 percent of all people diagnosed with the disease have Type 2 Diabetes, which is also knows as adult-onset diabetes. Risk factors for developing Type 2 Diabetes include: obesity, an unhealthy/unbalanced diet, older age, a family history of diabetes, a history of gestational diabetes and impaired glu-cose tolerance and physical inactivity.

Also, African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans and Asian Americans and Pacifi c Islanders are at higher risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes.

Foster said the signs and symptoms of diabetes include frequent trips to the bath-room; unquenchable thirst; losing weight without trying; weakness and fatigue; tin-gling or numbness in the hands, legs or feet; blurred vision; skin that is dry or itchy; and,

frequent infections or cuts and bruises that take a long time to heal.

“Most often, diabetes is found when people have something else going on in their bodies and their primary care doctor does a blood test and fi nds that the fasting blood sugar/glucose level is high,” Foster said. “A fasting blood glucose of 70 mg/dl to 99 mg/dl is normal. If your fasting blood glucose level comes back between 100 mg/dl and 125 mg/dl, then you are considered to have impaired fasting glucose, which is also known as pre-diabetes.”

Type 2 Diabetes is preventable, and Foster said that some diabetics fi nd that losing weight can either stop or prevent their diabetes from getting worse. “If it goes too far, individuals can end up being diabetic for life and having to take medica-tion to manage their diabetes for their entire lives,” she added. “After being diagnosed with diabetes, patients and their doctor will

be able to decide what works best for them.”

By offering the Diabetic Support Group at WCMC, Foster said the goal is to show those with diabetes how to eat better through meal planning. Also, guest speak-ers share tips and information on how to best manage their diabe-tes. Topics discussed during the monthly meetings include counting carbohydrates, reading labels, stress management, blood sugar meters, wound and foot care and staying healthy during the winter months.

“Eating the right type of food in the right portion and getting plenty of exercise such as gardening, walking, and housekeep-ing chores is so important to managing diabetes, as well as preventing the disease,” Foster said. “Any activity that gets your body moving is positive; a minimum of 30-45 minutes of exercise between three to fi ve times per week goes a long way to manage and prevent diabetes.”

White County Medical Center Certified Diabetes Educator Julie Smith, RN, MSN, talks to Orville Stephens about his blood sugar meter at a recent Diabetic Support Group meeting at WCMC.

The signs and symptoms of diabetes include frequent trips to the bathroom; unquenchable thirst; losing weight with-out trying; weakness and fatigue; tingling or numbness in the hands, legs or feet; blurred vision; skin that is dry or itchy; and, frequent infections or cuts and bruises that take a long time to heal.

“

“

– Charlene FosterWCMC Clinical Dietitian


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HOPE. DREAM. LAUGH. REJOICE.

In this season of possibilities,

we hope your every wish comes true.

Merry Christmas and many thanks for

your goodwill and support all year long.



Phrases like “Happy Holidays” and “’Tis the season’” will fill the air as the hustle and bustle of the holidays nears; people will share good tid-

ings and cheer as they are out and about shopping and planning family gatherings. For some, the holiday season is not so happy, as the seasonal blues set in around this time of year. White County Medical Center’s Compass and Clearview staff members are highly aware of the seriousness of the mental health illnesses that plague society, including seasonal affective disorder, also known as seasonal or holiday blues. “It is refreshing to caregivers and loved ones, as well as our patients experiencing depression, to know that mental health services are available to assist them in overcoming temporary setbacks,” Compass and Clearview Program Director Larry Bryant said. “One of our goals is to motivate them to remain active so they will continue to be productive and involved with their family and friends during the holidays.” “On occasion, people need a mental and physi-cal ‘time out’ to assess their current situation,” Bryant

added. “They need the support and validation of oth-ers in similar circumstances; plus, they need direction from our treatment team to help them get back on track. Here, they get the encouragement and motiva-tion they need to regroup and move forward with their lives.”

Keeping the Blues at Bay

“Everyone struggles, and we all have prob-lems,” said Behavioral Health Community Outreach Coordinator Eric Yarbrough, RN. “There is no shame in that. Nobody wants to come to the hospital for a few days, but if those few days can positively impact the rest of their life, then, it’s well worth it.” Research has shown that depression is actually linked to the brain’s chemistry and genetics, not per-sonal weakness, in people of all ages. To combat the feelings of sadness, forgetfulness and trouble sleeping, Yarbrough recommends getting out of the house to connect with other people. “Even though it may sound easy to most of us,

Singingthe Blues Experts off er helpfor the holiday bluesB Y E R I C A G O O D W I N


that is actually a hard thing to do,” he said. “People who are depressed feel unmotivated and want to be isolated, which can turn into a vicious cycle if it is done repeatedly. The more people isolate themselves, the worse they will feel. What we find is that once people have gotten out once or twice, they feel much better.” “Maintain your normal routine as much as possible,” Yarbrough suggested. “Keep your regular sleeping patterns, eat regular meals, exercise, take prescribed medications and go to your appointments. Exercise causes a lot of good-feeling hormones to be released, which can lessen the feelings of depression.” In addition to getting out and about, another way to defy the seasonal blues is to treat yourself to something you enjoy, especially if it’s something you haven’t done in a while – consider it a gift to yourself. However, be sure to avoid alcohol because it acts as a depressant.

Course of Action

Compass is available for treatment of people ages 18 to 64, and Clearview is for adults age 65 and older. The mental health programs offer a combination of treatment, rehabilitation and care, as well as education for family members. Therapy is tailored to each patient’s emotional needs including one-on-one and group counseling, family sessions and activities. The Compass and Clearview staffs take pride in spending individual time with patients in order to understand their needs. Mental Health Technicians monitor their patients around the clock, and patients have an assigned nurse each shift that is able to educate them about their medications. Social workers provide therapy in a group setting, while individual and family counseling is done as well. Family meetings are used as an oppor-tunity to educate the family on their loved one’s condition and help reinforce to the family members the importance of their role in supporting the patient’s follow-up aftercare plan. Also, family members of Compass and

Clearview patients are invited to call anytime to request updates on the patient’s status, and both programs have open visitation hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. so that family members have more time to visit their loved ones at their convenience. “We want to give the families the assurance that we are taking good care of their loved one,” Larry Bryant, Compass and Clearview Director, said. Compass includes daily patient-driven community meetings where each patient is given the opportunity to give feedback about their treatment to their individual healthcare team. “Their comments are written down with the expectation that there will be an action plan set,” Bryant explained. “We’ve learned that by giving patients an outlet on a frequent basis, it allows them to take ownership of their own treatment, and it lets them know we want to care for them in the best way pos-sible. Through the community meetings, we can address any issues the patient may have; we want to prevent them from distractions as much as possible in order to help them recover.” Yarbrough suggested seeking medical attention for yourself or a loved one if you notice the following symptoms that last longer than two weeks: feelings of worth-lessness, hopelessness and guilt; persistent sadness or anxiety; unexplained crying; withdrawal from activities and relationships that were pleasurable before; memory loss or confusion; changes in eating or sleeping habits; decreased energy; and thoughts of suicide. He added that Compass or Clearview may be an appropriate solution.

Eric Yarbrough, RNBehavioral Health Community

Outreach Coordinator

Larry Bryant, Director WCMC Compass andClearview Program

For more information,please call Compass for ages 18 to 64 at (501) 278-3370 or Clearview for ages 65 and older at (501) 278-3365. Both behavioral health units are located on White County Medical Center’s South Campus at 1200 Main Street in Searcy.


Local farmer hasone-of-a-kind crop

B Y K Y L E T R O U T M A N

Hundreds of Arkansas farmers grow soybeans, but White County’s Shawn Peoples has a crop unlike any other.

Peoples, who runs a farm outside Higginson and owned by Joe Taylor, is Arkansas’ only certified farmer of organic edamame soybeans, and the organic beans are believed to be safer than non-organic beans.

“Because we don’t use lab-made chemicals, I have no fear of letting my kids walk out, pick some beans and eat them,” he said. “I would not let them do that in a conventional field.”

To get the organic label, Peoples does not use products like Roundup, Valor, or other select chemical brands, instead using natural chemicals, such as Dipel and Neem Oil.

“We use some chemicals, but they’re all biological,” he said. “They’ve all been around for about 40 years and are not made in a lab and proven to be healthier.”

Chassie Sharpmack, a clinical dietician at the White County Medical Center,

Organic edamame soybeans believed to off er health benefi ts

Shawn Peoples picks some pods off one of his organic edamame soybean stalks at his White County farm in late September. Peoples said his organic crop is healthier because it avoids using lab-made chemicals as pesticides.


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said the edamame soybeans, a cross between a Japenese soybean and a native soybean, offer multiple health benefits, and even more if grown organically.

“Edamame beans offer a good source of protein and antioxidants, and is good for bone health,” she said. “They’re obviously better when grown organic because they are not treated with chemicals or pesticides, which can cause early onset of puberty and many other issues.”

Sharpmack said although the edamame soybeans have many health benefits, there are also studies suggest-ing over-eating of the beans can lead to complications.

“Studies have linked the beans to breast cancer, dementia and thyroid problems,” she said. “I suggest you eat them because they are good for you, but try not to eat them every day. And, the use of any type of pesticide will increase those risks.”

Sharpmack said those allergic to soy should steer clear of the beans alto-gether, and she wouldn’t feed them to her kids unless they’ve been cooked.

“Most people boil them and maybe salt them,” she said.

Sharpmack said phytoestrogens are what studies refer to when saying the beans can cause cancer.

“Phytoestrogens mimic estrogen, and that can cause cancer,” she said. “But, there are a lot of research that says edamame beans help prevent estrogen-related cancers.”

Peoples has been farming organically for a decade, operating 1,200 acres of 100 percent organic farmland.

“I feel like I’m doing something to benefit my children,” he said. “I believe eating organically is a healthier way to live.”

Peoples’ edamame soybeans are pro-cessed in Mulberry, flash frozen, then made available at Costco and Sam’s Club stores.

Lea Glenn photographed in the kitchen of her Searcy home.

Moderation is keyto healthy holiday

Searcy mother off ers helpful eating tipsB Y K AT H Y M U R P H Y

The holidays are a social time of year. Family and friends gather to celebrate with decorations, pres-

ents, drinks, food, food, and more food. Staying true to your health goals can be a challenge and Registered Dietitian, Lea Glenn, is not immune to the occasional pretext to treat oneself.

“We have excuses to treat ourselves throughout the year with birthdays, anniversaries, and all the holidays,” said Glenn. “We celebrate with fellowship and food so it all goes back to making healthy food choices.”

Moderation is one key to focus on dur-ing the holidays. But people have different definitions of moderation, according to Glenn.

“My definition is to pursue super healthy foods during the week so if you slip on the weekend you’re right back on track Monday. But some people forget to be moderate and splurge from Halloween through New Years.”

In addition to healthy food choices, physical activity is important to maintain-ing a healthy lifestyle. Glenn is a fitness instructor and has been at Searcy Athletic Club for ten years. She is certified to teach body pump and floor, interval exercises.

“I have a friend whose philosophy is ‘you get healthy weight in the kitchen and you get physically fit in the gym.’ So if we don’t change the way we eat, we’ll not obtain our healthy weight,” said Glenn.

Glenn and her husband Doug, owner of Searcy Industrial Products, and their two children, Anna Grace, 12 and JD, 10, spend time with extended family at Thanksgiving and Christmas. At these large gatherings everyone brings a favorite dish which makes it even harder to not overindulge. Glenn does her part by bak-ing something sweet yet nutritious.

“This year I’m bringing chocolate chip quinoa cookies, not only are they deli-cious they’re packed with protein, fiber, and B-vitamins,” she said.

During the year, the Glenns maintain a busy schedule between kids’ activities,

church, and work. The holidays create more demands on time so Glenn has a repertoire of quick, easy, and nutritious meals. Taco wontons with black bean salsa is one of her meals and she suggests using leftover turkey for this recipe.

Wontons can be purchased in the produce section. Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray and crisscross two wont-ons pressing them into each tin. Place a big spoon of cooked ground turkey (or chopped leftover turkey) mixed with taco seasoning in each tin and add a pinch of cheese. Bake at 375 for 12 minutes or until edges are brown and crisp. Add a small dollop of sour cream and salsa.

For the black bean salsa, combine two can of black beans, a small jar of roasted red peppers, chopped, (use ½ or whole jar), one can of mandarin oranges, drained, fresh cilantro to taste, one chopped avocado, two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, one tablespoon olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Dip chips or add to wontons.

When asked about fat-free or reduced products, Glenn uses full fat products but in moderation. She suggests many reduced options are chemically altered thus not making them as healthy. She also refers to the “yo-yo” effect induced by many fat-free products.

“When the US started its fat-free craze, sugar was added to boost taste. The added sugar spikes blood sugar levels so insulin comes to the rescue to reduce these levels which triggers a feeling of hunger when, in fact, you might not actually be hungry. That’s the yo-yo effect.”

Glenn advises to use complex carbs, lean proteins, and healthy fat products which provide normal increases in blood sugar and thus avoid the spikes.

Glenn received a degree in Family Consumer Science from UCA. Then in 2008 she completed her Master of Science degree from UAMS. She maintains a daily pursuit of health and healthy food choices.

CHOCOLATE CHIP QUINOA COOKIES

1 cup cooked quinoa1 cup uncooked oatmeal fl akes1 cup unsweetened or sweetened, shredded coconut 2 TBS almond butter4 large VERY RIPE bananas½ cup sugar1 tsp vanilla½ cup chocolate chipsPinch sea salt

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. In large bowl, mash bananas, add vanilla, almond butter, and sugar. Add quinoa, oatmeal, coconut and pinch of salt. Mix until well combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and drop batter on to cooking sheet. Bake 25-30 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.

CHOCOLATE CHIP PUDDING BREAD

1 ½ cup sugar2 cups canned pumpkin½ cup canola oil½ cup fat-free instant vanilla pudding mix2 eggs (or 4 large egg whites)2 cups all-purpose fl our1 cup wheat fl our2 tsp ground cinnamon1 ¼ tsp salt1 tsp baking soda1 cup semisweet chocolate chipsCooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine fi rst 5 ingredients in a large bowl stirring well with a whisk. Lightly spoon fl our into dry measuring cups, level with a knife. Combine fl our, cinna-mon, salt, and baking soda in a medium bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Add fl our mixture to pumpkin mixture, stirring just until moist. Stir in chocolate chips. Spoon batter into 2 (8”x 4”) loaf pans coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes or until top splits (wooden pick in-serted in the center comes out clean). Cool 10 minutes in pans on a wire rack, then remove and cool completely on wire rack

well now l bulletin

Tips for staying healthy during the holidays

November is National Marrow Awareness Month and those who join the registry could help save a life. The purpose of the month is to encourage people who are in good health to volunteer to be placed in a special registry coordinated by the National Marrow Donor Program to donate marrow in the future if needed.

“According to marrow.org, there are more than 10,000 people every year that are in need of marrow,” said Sherrie McAleese, Harding Administrative Secretary for the Deans of the College of Pharmacy.

The registry has more than five million potential donors and is able to keep track of all three sources of stem cells: marrow, peripheral blood, and umbilical cord blood.

“Awareness months like this are important because it highlights the cause and shows that this is a need in the world,” McAleese said. “Things seem to be overlooked often. When you have events or awareness months it reminds people that this is needed and gives people the opportunity to join or help.”

Marrow can be used to aid patients with life-threatening diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma, certain types of anemia and other conditions if they are not responding to standard treatment.

The Harding School of Pharmacy will host a Bone Marrow Registry Drive this spring.

“We typically hold the event in the fall, but we felt like we needed to get a different variety of participants,” McAleese said. “We are afraid we are getting the same people showing up and we didn’t have near the sign-ups last year, so we are hoping for more this year by holding it in the spring.”

The event will be held March 29 from 1-6:30 p.m. and March 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Center of Health Sciences.

“We show a video to participants so they are informed about the process,” McAleese said. “There is a fear of the surgery, which is not always needed, and also lets them know if they qualify.”

Those who qualify are given a form to complete and a pharmacy student will evalu-ate the form to make sure they qualify. A swab is then completed. The program will mail off the swab and the person will be put in the registry to be a future donor.

McAleese added that each person will be provided a donor card with their donor number on it and anytime they want to check on their records or update their informa-tion they can do so online.

Anyone of any race, gender, or ethnic group who is age 18 to 60 can join, as long as they meet the health guidelines of the National Marrow Donor Program.

“The more people we have sign up the better chance we have at saving lives,” McAleese said.

For more information visit marrow.org/Join.

Staying healthy is important, but can be made difficult around the holi-days. Trying to juggle parties, family time, dinners, Santa, shopping, cook-

ies and everything else can be overwhelming. The following tips can help guide you through the holidays, and hopefully leave you feeling healthy and prepared for the new year.

• Spend time with family: First and foremost, remember to spend time with

people you love. According to jigsawhealth.com, people should embrace the holiday spirit, and put aside old grudges or differences. “Spending time with family gives you a deep connec-tion with your loved ones,” said Katie Cullum, a County Extension Agent - Family and Consumer Science for the White County Extension Service. “When you spend time with them you are laugh-ing and telling stories and it’s good for you to be around that positive energy.”

• Exercise: With all the events going on, don’t forget to stick

to a regular exercise program. “Set aside the time you plan to exercise,” Cullum said. “Literally write it on your calendar and add more activities dur-ing the day. Park far away from the store so you are walking farther, get up and walk around dur-ing TV commercials and just try to get up early and exercise before the busy day starts.”

• Watch your food intake: There are so many treats around the holidays it

is hard to say no, so don’t, just be careful not to overindulge. “It’s not that eating a lot around the holidays is so bad, but that we tend to do this all year round,” Cullum said. “Every taste adds up throughout the day. I fi nd a lot of people are suc-cessful at losing weight when they track what they eat throughout the day.”

• Relax: It’s easy to get stressed out, but try and remem-

ber to relax and take things one at a time. “When we get stressed we tend to want to eat more and exercise less, so relaxing helps your mental state,” Cullum said. “You will make better deci-sions when you are relaxed. Just remember to focus on the things that are important.”

Alicia Simpson, Ryan Umeh and Elizabeth Scott, students at the Harding School of Pharmacy, volunteered to take down names during the 2011 Bone Marrow Registry Drive.

November is National Marrow Awareness MonthRegistry helps save lives


Nuts have diff erent health benefi ts

The American Cancer Society is marking the 37th Great American Smokeout on Nov. 15.

The society encourages smok-ers to use the date to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day. The event is recognized the third Thursday of November and began in the 1970s.

“Quitting tobacco is so diffi cult because a ‘dual addiction’ exists,” said White County Medical Center Healthworks Wellness Coach Judy Glenn R.N., B.S.N. “There is a physical addiction to the drug nicotine. When that drug is removed, a person often expe-riences ‘withdrawal symptoms’ such as anxiety, insomnia, irritability, headache, dizziness, cough and fatigue. In addition, there is a psychological addic-tion to the habit itself. This psychological addiction is often more diffi cult to overcome than the physical addiction.”

According to the society’s website, cancer.org, tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the U.S. More than 45 million Americans smoke cigarettes, however, more than half of these smokers have attempted to quit for at least one day in the past year.

“There is so much out there to help aid people in quitting tobacco,” Glenn said. “There are cessation programs, support groups, individual therapy or coaching, nicotine replacement therapy, and prescrip-tion medications.”

Research shows that smokers are most successful in kicking the habit when they have support.

“I don’t recommend that people do it on their own,” Glenn said. “It is least effective in quitting and stay-ing quit. Getting help improves success rates. I have found that using a combination of approaches is most effective.”

Smoking is responsible for nearly 1 in 3 cancer deaths, and 1 in 5 deaths from all causes. Another 8.6 million people live with serious illnesses caused by smoking.

“It will take some work for those who want to quit,” Glenn said. “But the benefi ts will defi nitely be worth the effort. It may take several attempts and that’s OK. Just keep trying and you will be successful. The only way to truly fail is to quit trying.”

For more information visit cancer.org or call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.

Great American Smokeoutencourages quitting smoking Eating nuts as part of a

healthy diet can be good for your heart. National Cashew Day is Nov. 23, and while no one knows for sure the origin of this day almost every type of nut has a lot a nutrition packed into it.

“Nuts are good source of protein and good fats,” said Katie Cullum, a County Extension Agent - Family and Consumer Science for the White County Extension Service.

According to mayoclinic.com, nuts contain unsaturated fatty acids and other nutrients and are a great snack food. They’re inexpensive, easy to store and easy to take to work or school.

“Unsaturated fats are good fats,” Cullum said. “Good ones are the ones that are not trans or saturated. They are still a fat, but they have benefits.”

The type of nut isn’t that important although some nuts have more heart-healthy nutrients and fats than do others.

“Almonds and walnuts are probably the healthier kind,” Cullum said. “But really any kind is good and makes a great snack.”

People who eat nuts as part of a heart-healthy diet can lower the LDL, low-density lipoprotein or “bad,” cholesterol level in their blood. High LDL is one of the primary causes of heart disease. Eating nuts also reduces the risk of developing blood clots that can cause a fatal heart attack.

Although it varies by nut, most nuts contain at least some of these heart-healthy substances:

• Unsaturated fats: It’s thought that the “good” fats in nuts — both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats — lower bad cholesterol levels.

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3s are a healthy form of fatty acids that seem to help your heart by, among other things, preventing dangerous heart rhythms that can lead to heart attacks. Omega-3 fatty acids are also found in many kinds of fish, but nuts are one of the best plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

• Fiber: All nuts contain fiber, which helps lower your cholesterol. Fiber also makes you feel full, so you eat less. Fiber is also thought to play a role in preventing diabetes.

• Vitamin E: Vitamin E may help stop the development of plaques in your arteries, which can narrow them. Plaque development in your arteries can lead to chest pain, coronary artery disease or a heart attack.

• L-arginine: Nuts are also a source of l-arginine, which is a substance that may help improve the health of your artery walls by making them more flex-ible and less prone to blood clots that can block blood flow.

“To incorporate nuts into your diet try adding walnuts to a bowl of oatmeal or cereal,” Cullum said. “The key to eating nuts is moderation. Keep in mind, you could end up canceling out the heart-healthy benefits of nuts if they’re covered with chocolate, sugar or salt.”

Judy Glenn


While gym memberships and exercise equipment can all be helpful in weight loss, they are not always necessary. Many exercises can be done in your home on your own

schedule.“I exercise at home because it is more fl exible than a gym mem-

bership,” said Kristen Snow, a Searcy resident. Snow exercises to two workout videos and has a set of fi ve and

ten pound weights. “I use the Jillian Michael’s Yoga Aerobic Strength Training and the

other is fi ve ten minute dance routines that target diff erent areas of the body and covers diff erent types of exercises,” Snow said.

According to fi twatch.com, there are several exercises that you can do at home, without the need for any equipment.

Walking: If the weather is nice get outside and enjoy the scen-ery but if the weather has other ideas, you can just as easily get an eff ective walking workout at home. If you have a fl ight of stairs, go up and down them a few times. This will help to tone up your legs, while getting some low impact aerobic exercise as well.

Pushups: Do these however it works for you. Do them on your knees, instead of keeping your legs straight. Or, do them standing up against a wall. You will be building up arm strength and working out muscles in your chest area.

Leg lifts: These are great for building up strength and muscles in your legs. If you fi nd it hard to do the exercises with your legs straight, try bending them slightly.

Crunches: The best exercise for building up and strengthening abdominal muscles. When you’re just getting started, don’t worry about getting your head all the way up. So long as you’re going up until you feel the stretching of the muscles, you will see some benefi t.

Jogging In place: Jogging is a great exercise for your heart. You can jog in place at home while watching TV or listening to music. The only equipment required is a good pair of shoes, to eliminate any stress to your legs.

Squats: These work well for legs and buttocks. You can even just try these by sitting and standing up again from a regular chair, if you’re fi nding them to be too diffi cult.

Light weight lifting: Use whatever you can fi nd in your house. Start out with something lighter, such as a can of peas, and work yourself up to heavier items. You can use milk jugs, laundry deter-gent bottles or even water jugs.

Dancing: Dancing is great for your heart. Not only that, but it can lift your spirits as well, and give your overall feeling a boost.

Step exercises: Using the steps in your home, you can do rep-etitions which will tone your leg muscles.

Research shows you will be more likely to keep up with the exercises when you’re comfortable, so exercising from home may be for you.

“Make sure you are doing exercises the correct way and be aware of your body,” said Snow. “Know when you are hurting your body and helping it. Most importantly, just exercise.”

Exercising can be done at home

From left, David and Debbie Matthews along with Nancy and Rusty Mead-ows, facilitate Spark of Life Retreats for those going through grief.

A Searcy couple is helping those in grief through Spark of Life Retreats.

David and Debbie Matthews host the retreats throughout the year at Tanglewood Resort Hotel and Conference Center in Pottsboro, Texas.

“We lost our grandson in 2007 and we saw the pain that our daughter-in-law and son went through,” Debbie said. “We feel like we need to give back and help people that are experiencing loss, because we have been through it.”

The couple formed the Spark of Life Foundation in 2009 and have held 14 retreats since. According to the website sparkoflife.org, those attending only pay for the transportation to and from the retreat. The retreats are for all adults, single or married, who are experiencing grief of any kind.

“We have people come from all walks of life with all kinds of losses and we try and give them hope,” Debbie said.

The couple are certified specialists in grief recovery and lead the retreats. In addition to their specific training in grief recovery, they also have 35 years of counseling which includes working with people who have experienced grief in various ways. Working as co-facilitators are certified specialists in grief recovery Rusty Meadows, MSMFT, LPC, and his wife Nancy.

“Those who come to us, their emotions are raw and they are hurting,” Debbie said. “To see them smiling after the retreat and have such joy and hope, that is what keeps us going with these retreats.”

For those who are apprehensive about attending a retreat, Debbie says it will be worth it.

“Just give it a chance,” Debbie said. “For a lot of people it is difficult because they are scared and hurting, but once you make it through a retreat it is worth it.”

For more information visit sparkoflife.org or call Debbie at (501) 230-3008.

Searcy couple off er Grief Recovery Retreats


well now l bulletin

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER EVENT CALENDAR

STRONG WOMEN Class designed for midlife and older women to help improve bone density, fl exibility, strength and arthritis and reducing falls. Participants need ankle weights, dumbbells, a towel, water bottle, closed-toed sneakers and comfortable shoes. Class is led by Katie Cullum, a certifi ed Strong Women instructor who has taught classes for over fi ve years.When: 9-10 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and 4:45-5:30 p.m., Monday, WednesdayCost: $12 per year Where: Old Carder Buick Building, corner of Hawkins and Hartsfeld, in SearcyMore information: (501) 268-5394 or email [email protected] TAI CHIClasses are for all ages to help improve balance, fl exibility, strength and reduce stress and pain. Participants should dress comfortably and can be barefoot or in comfortable socks and sneak-ers. No equipment is required. Classes run 45-60 minutes.When: 11-12 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday, June 10-July 13Cost: $15 due prior to classWhere: Old Carder Buick Building, corner of Hawkins and Hartsfeld, in SearcyMore information: (501) 268-5394 or email [email protected] REMIX WORKOUTClasses are for men and woman and incorporate high energy workouts using weights, ball and various other equipment. Instructor is Letha Tripp.When: 9-10 a.m., SaturdayCost: $20 for 10 weeksWhere: Old Carder Buick Building, corner of

Hawkins and Hartsfeld, in SearcyMore information: (501) 278-8570

YOGA FOR HEALINGClasses are for men and woman and off er a slower pace yoga convenient for beginners or those healing from a chronic disease. Instructor is Teresa McLeod.When: 5:30-6:30 p.m., Monday and ThursdayCost: $20 for 10 weeksWhere: Old Carder Buick Building, corner of Hawkins and Hartsfeld, in SearcyMore information: (501) 278-8570

VARI YOGAClasses are for men and woman and off er a variety of yoga poses and positions. This is an advanced class. Instructor is Sharon Middleton.When: 4:45-5:45 p.m., Tuesday, ThursdayCost: $20 for 10 weeksWhere: Old Carder Buick Building, corner of Hawkins and Hartsfeld, in SearcyMore information: (501) 278-8570

PRENATAL YOGALed by a Certifi ed Yoga Instructor Jessica Lynch, this is a specially-designed yoga class for expect-ant mothers in any trimester. A doctor’s written permission is required to join the class. Mats are provided, bring a pillow and blanket.When: 6:30-7:30 p.m., TuesdayCost: FreeWhere: Old Carder Buick Building, corner of Hawkins and Hartsfeld, in SearcyMore information: (501) 380-1277 or e-mail [email protected]

MASSAGE THERAPY For anyone who would like to feel better through massage therapy. A variety of massages

are off ered. Massage Therapist is Shela McAnally.When: By appointment onlyCost: $25 per 30 minutes for relaxation therapy; $35 for one hour of relaxation therapy; $55 for hot stones and other more therapeutic massagesWhere: Old Carder Buick Building, corner of Hawkins and Hartsfeld, in SearcyMore information: (501) 743-0490

WATER EXERCISE Classes are for women to help with arthritis and joint or back pain. When: 6:30-7:30 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday and 8:30-9:30 a.m., Monday-FridayCost: $90 for four months beginning in May or $25 per month or $3 per class visitWhere: Harding UniversityMore information: [email protected]

SURVIVORS OF SUICIDEA support group for anyone who has lost a friend or loved one to suicide.When: The fi rst Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m.Cost: FreeWhere: South Campus of the White County Medical CenterMore information: www.robertelliottfdn.com or (501) 278-4357

GRIEF RECOVERY RETREATSHosted by a Searcy couple David and Debbie Matthews, the retreats are for any adults who are experiencing grief of any kind.When: Held throughout the yearWhere: Tanglewood Resort Hotel and Conference Center in Pottsboro, TexasMore information: sparkofl ife.org or call (501) 230-3008

To keep the body in good health is a duty ... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear. — Buddha


keeping our community healthy


T hanksgiving is all about abun-dance or, often, overabundance. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

“There are lots of things one can do to make the dinner table healthier,” said Charlotte Davis, District Child Nutrition Director for Searcy Public Schools. “Decrease the fat content by reducing the amount of butter and margarine used. Turkey is actually quite healthy but it’s really the dressing, that can be unhealthy.”

When it comes to the side dishes, think fresh.

“Work in fresh vegetables instead of canned,” Davis said. “They will contain the most nutrients.”

Davis suggests using dark green veg-etables and not iceberg lettuce for salads. Iceberg lettuce is essentially water and has very little nutrients.

Dessert does not have to be overloaded with sugar.

“Stay away from pastries,” Davis said. “Think more about fresh fruits. Every year my family makes apple crisp or you can make a sugar free cheesecake for those

who want some-thing cold.”

The White County Extension Service off ers these healthy alterna-tives to classic Thanksgiving dishes.

Make Thanksgiving a healthier affair

Apricot-glazedturkey breast

1 (5 pound) turkey breast half, skinned and boned4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced2 tablespoons peeled and sliced ginger root1/2 cup Chablis or other dry white wineVegetable cooking spray1/3 cup reduced-calorie apricot spread1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard2 teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce

Directions: Cut 10 (2-inch) slits in turkey breast. Stuff slits with garlic and ginger root slices. Place turkey breast in a shallow dish, and pour wine over top. Cover and marinate in refrigerator for about eight hours. Transfer turkey breast to rack of a roasting pan coated with cooking spray. Insert meat thermometer into thickest portion of breast. Combine apricot spread, mustard, and soy sauce, stirring well. Brush one-fourth of mixture over breast; cover with aluminum foil, and bake at 325 degrees F for 1 1/2 hours. Baste with apricot mixture. Bake, uncovered, an additional 30 minutes or until meat thermom-eter registers 185 degrees. Baste with apricot mixture every 10 minutes. Transfer turkey breast to a serving platter; let cool slightly before slicing. Yield: 10 servings (about 165 calories per 3-ounce serving)

Chestnut andsausage stuffi ng

1 teaspoon butter or stick margarine8 ounces sweet Italian turkey sausage3/4 cup fi nely chopped onion1/2 cup fi nely chopped celery1 cup diced tomato

1 teaspoon dried thyme1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage1/4 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon black pepper6 cups (1-inch) cubed French bread (about 8 slices), toasted1 1/2 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth1 cup coarsely chopped cooked shelled chestnuts (about 1 pound in shell)

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage; cook until browned, stirring to crumble. Add onion and celery; sauté 4 minutes. Add tomato and next 4 ingredients; sauté 3 minutes. Combine sausage mixture, bread, broth, and chest-nuts in a large bowl. Spoon into an 11 x 7-inch baking dish. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes. Yield: 8 servings (1/2 cup serving size, about 209 calories)

Fresh cranberryrelish

1 navel orange, cut into chunks1/2 lime, cut into chunks3/4 cup pitted dates1 large tart apple, cored, cut into chunks1/2 cup sugar12 oz. (3 cups) cranberries

Directions: Process orange and lime in food processor until fi nely chopped. Add dates, apple, and sugar and process until apple and dates are chopped. Add cranberries and process until coarsely chopped. Serve at once or refrigerate and serve cold. Yield: 4 1/2 cups (about 60 calories per 1/4 cup serving)

Light pumpkin pie2 cups canned pumpkin2 eggs or 1/2 cup egg substitute or 4 egg whites slightly beaten3 tablespoons sugar12 packages equal1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/2 teaspoon ginger12 ounces of evaporated skim milk10 inch unbaked pie crust

Directions: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Combine fi rst 8 ingredients beginning with pumpkin and ending with evapo-rated skim milk. Pour into pie shell. Bake at 425 for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325 and continue baking for another 45 minutes or until knife inserted into center comes out clean. Cool.Yield: 10 servings (About 163 calories)Charlotte Davis


501 268-6161

2119 W. Beebe-Capps Expw., Suite 4Searcy, AR 72143

www.SearcyPT1.com

Searcy Physical Therapyis a member of Rehab Net

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Virtual CareLifesaving care provided via video connector


Calvin Covington talks to Arkansas SAVES Nurse Facilitator Jasper Fultz, LPN, about how he successfully regained the full function of the right side

of his body after receiving a powerful medication through the Arkansas SAVES program.



Time is of the essence when faced with an emergency situation, espe-cially when the life of a loved one is

uncertain. It took mere seconds for Mary

Covington to realize her husband Calvin was experiencing a stroke as he returned home from work one morning to rest.

“I noticed that the right side of his mouth was drawn, and he couldn’t use his right leg or arm,” she said. “I remem-ber telling him, ‘you’re having a stroke, we have got to get you to the emergency room!’”

Despite his being unable to talk, Mary instinctively knew Calvin was suffering from a stroke after seeing her mom expe-rience similar symptoms many years ago.

The stroke began when Calvin pulled into the driveway of his home. “It took me a minute to figure out that I couldn’t use my right arm and hand to turn the key and remove it from the ignition,” he recalled. “Instead, I had to use my left arm and reach over the steering wheel to move the gear shift and turn the key.”

As Calvin lumbered up the sidewalk to his home, he fell on a bicycle; amazingly, he still managed to climb up the front stairs and get into his house.

In a bit of a panic, Mary helped him change out of his dirty work clothes before using an office chair just outside the front door to wheel him to the car. She was on a mission and acted quickly to make the 30-minute trip from Augusta to the Emergency Department at White County Medical Center in Searcy.

“As soon as we arrived, I told the Emergency Department staff that my hus-band was having a stroke,” Mary recalled. “They came out immediately and got him into the trauma room. It all happened so fast.”

“It seems like I got a little better when they put me in the CT machine, but then, it happened all over again,” Calvin said. His initial stroke was followed by two additional strokes.

Once the stroke was confirmed, the Emergency Department staff imple-ments the Arkansas SAVES program to help save Calvin’s life. (SAVES stands for Stroke Assistance through Virtual Emergency Support.)

Through Arkansas SAVES, the WCMC Emergency Department nurses connected to stroke expert and Neurologist Margaret Tremwell, M.D., at Sparks Health System in Fort Smith via video conferencing. The nurses were able to demonstrate Calvin’s classic stroke symptoms to the neurologist by using the two-way interactive video camera during his exam.

Upon seeing his condition, Dr. Tremwell recommended t-PA (tissue plas-minogen activator). When administered within three hours of the first signs of a stroke, t-PA has the potential of reversing the effects of a stroke.

Mary gave the okay to administer t-PA. “Before I knew it, the Emergency Department staff had him loaded in an ambulance and rushed him to UAMS,” Mary said. “They continued to give him the medicine on the way to Little Rock.”

“By the time we went through Beebe, I could already move my right arm and leg and had full function of the entire right side of my body,” Calvin said. “And, I could talk to the paramedics in the ambulance.”

The Covingtons estimated that the onset of Calvin’s stroke happened around 9:30 a.m. on a Friday. They reached the WCMC Emergency Department by 10:30 a.m., and Calvin was admitted to UAMS before noon. After spending only four days in the hospital, Calvin was discharged from UAMS the following Monday morning and returned to work the next day.

“He has worked hard every day of his life,” Mary said. “He is strong-willed and independent; a workaholic – there is not a lazy bone in his body!”

Arkansas ranks third in the nation for

number of stroke-related deaths, which is why UAMS developed Arkansas SAVES. WCMC, in partnership with UAMS, is one of several hospitals throughout the state that is part of the Arkansas SAVES system.

The innovative telemedicine program allows stroke victims throughout the state to be properly diagnosed and treated by an off-site neurologist with the help of emergency department physicians and staff.

Thanks to the quick thinking of his wife, the WCMC Emergency Department nurses and the Arkansas SAVES program, Calvin experienced a quick and successful recovery.

Connectivity Expands Services

“Telemedicine offers an exciting future for healthcare,” said WCMC Emergency Department Director Teresa Ferricher. “Due to limited resources, it is difficult to have specialty care in all areas of the state; however, through video conferenc-ing, we have the ability to rapidly access to physicians who specialize in those services, such as neurological medicine and burn care.”

“All Emergency Department nurses at our hospital receive special training in stroke assessment, and we repeat the training on a yearly basis,” she added. “We work very closely with UAMS and Sparks Health System in Fort Smith when a patient comes into our hospital with one-sided weakness, facial drooping or slurred speech, which are all common signs of stroke. Through our training and technology, we are able to connect with the neurologist at one of those facilities.”

“We are also able to connect with specialists at Arkansas Children’s Hospital through video conferencing. This is very helpful when we have an extremely ill child in our Emergency Department, or patients with severe burns. The specialist

can work from his/her office or department and see our patient in our Emergency Department and help guide their care.”

In order to provide the best care pos-sible for all patients, the telemedicine equipment also benefits patients who do not speak English. With the assistance of the equipment, a patient can be connected to a translator who speaks their language, even sign language. Video conferencing equipment is also used to provide WCMC continuing education classes that are broadcast from UAMS to doctors, nurses, dietitians, social workers and other spe-cialists at WCMC.

The future of telemedicine includes

setting up video conferencing stations in doctor’s offices throughout the state, which will allow patients to visit their primary care doctor’s office, yet see a spe-cialist in Little Rock, without the added expense of traveling.

Receiving Healthcare at Home

The WCMC Home Health Agency has also benefited from advances in telemedicine. Through a $102 million federal grant given to UAMS, WCMC was one of several Home Health agencies throughout the state provided with video conferencing equipment to facilitate bet-

ter communication with patients.Melva Dean Johnson, of Des Arc,

better known simply as “Dean,” has been using the video conferencing equipment since it became available at WCMC in August.

“It has been a blessing to have this equipment since I was discharged from the hospital,” Dean said.

“I spent five days in the hospital due to a bout with pneumonia and came home with the care of the Home Health nurses. I’m thankful to God for the technology and the tools, as well as the nurses and doctors, that have helped in my recovery. Having the equipment here at home has saved me several trips to Searcy.”

According to Arkansas SAVES Nurse Facilitator Jasper Fultz, LPN, WCMC has been

a part of the Arkansas SAVES net-work since 2009 and several lives have been saved through the program.

“Thanks to the Arkansas SAVES program, we have seen a number of stroke pa-tients return to their nor-mal lives within weeks of having a stroke, or within days, like Mr. Cov-ington,” Fultz said. “Our nurses take great pride in making a diff erence in the lives of our patients through extensive prep-aration and training.”

“Stroke patients in the past had fewer op-tions to reach the help they needed in time to reverse the aff ects of a stroke,” Fultz added. “With this program, there is hope when you or your loved ones act FAST.”

Strokes are often called “brain attacks,” according to Fultz. Much like a heart attack aff ects the heart, a stroke aff ects the brain in a similar way. Two million brain cells die every minute during stroke, increasing risk of perma-nent brain damage, disability or

death. Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke and acting fast to seek medical attention can save a life and limit disabilities.

Ischemic stroke occurs when

arteries are blocked by blood clots or by the gradual build-up of plaque and other fatty deposits; about 87 percent of all strokes are ischemic. Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain breaks leaking blood into the brain; these strokes account

for thirteen percent of all strokes.

Regarding stroke, Fultz said preventative medicine is the best medicine. “The best de-fense is a good off ense,” he remarked. “Maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet, exercise, stop smok-ing – or don’t start in the fi rst place – and take medications for blood pressure as prescribed

by your doctor. If you do notice the symptoms of a stroke listed above in a loved one, call an ambulance immediately.”

Act FAST

Act FAST: Signs of a Stroke

Face: Facial droop or uneven smile

Arm: Arm numbness or arm weakness

Speech: Slurred speech, diffi culty speaking or understanding

Time: Call 911 and get to the hospital immediately


White County Medical Center Home Health Agency patient Dean Johnson talks to Home Health Nurse Kelly Chism, RN, via video conferencing equipment.

The 30-minute drive from Des Arc to Searcy may seem like an easy drive through the coun-tryside to some, but for Dean the drive is exhausting and waiting in a doctor’s office can present a health risk. Dean has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as lung cancer. Although she is on her way to becoming a survivor, Dean’s immune system is more suscep-tible to germs due to her illnesses.

According to Home Health nurse Steffie Parish, RN, Dean is one of the first two Home Health patients to use the telemedicine equipment. “When Dean asked me if I used text messaging, I knew she would be an ideal candidate to use the equipment,” Parish said with a smile.

Parish visits Dean at her home in Des Arc periodically throughout the week, while Home Health nurse Kelly Chism, RN, connects with Dean via the video conferencing equipment at her home. Every day at 10 a.m., Dean uses the medical devices attached to check her vital signs. The video conferencing system is equipped with a thermometer, blood pressure cuff, stethoscope and pulse ox monitor.

“The equipment was a welcome sight, and I’ve enjoyed using it,” Dean said. “Knowing that it’s here when I need it and being able to call Kelly and have her listen to my heart and lungs if I suspect that I might be getting sick is reassuring – it really gives me peace of mind. The telemonitoring equipment is easy to use; the step-by-step instructions on the screen tell me exactly what to do, like where to place the blood pres-sure cuff,” Dean said. “Plus, it’s touch screen.”

Medical tools connected to the video conferencing equipment allow Chism to hear Dean’s heartbeat and receive instant feedback on her other vital signs. Once the computer captures those numbers, Dean pushes a button to send all the information to Chism at her office in Searcy. After Chism reviews Dean’s vital signs to make sure they are good, the print out goes into a file, which is shared weekly with Dean’s primary care physi-cian Jim Citty, M.D.

“During one of my video conference calls with Kelly, she was able to deter-mine that I needed medication,” Dean said. “She called Dr. Citty and his nurse was able to call in a prescription to my local pharmacy in Des Arc within 10 minutes! It saved me a trip to the doctor that I didn’t feel up to making anyway.”

“I’m thankful the Home Health nurses don’t mind driving the 30 miles to come see me,” Dean said. “It reminds me of the olden days when doctors used to make house calls; now, we have these wonderful nurses who make house calls!”

Dean’s husband Bob agreed. “We definitely recommend the WCMC Home Health Agency and the telemedicine equipment to anyone who has a need for it. We are thankful to have nurses like Steffie and Kelly; it has helped us so much. It eases my mind to know that Steffie and the other healthcare profes-sionals are checking on Dean, otherwise I’d just be sitting around wondering how she was doing and not knowing what to do if she wasn’t alright.”

Parish’s goal in caring for Dean is to keep her out of the hospital and teach her how to manage her COPD during the 60- to 90-day time frame most patients remain in the care of WCMC Home Health. “I am blessed to have met Dean and Bob and feel like part of their fam-ily now,” Parish said. “They have both learned a lot about signs and symptoms to watch for in Dean’s everyday health, but I’m still going to miss them when I don’t see them on a weekly basis!”

For more information about Arkansas SAVES in the White County Medical Center Emergency Department, or the WCMC Home Health Agency, please log onto www.wcmc.org.




Have Yourself aHealthy Holiday

T The holidays are often a time of overindulgence on favorite seasonal foods like pumpkin pie and

other sweet and savory dishes, which can be loaded with calories.

After the masses of Halloween candy finally leaves store shelves, Thanksgiving, Christmas and

New Year’s Eve, soon follow with delicious – and tempting – side dishes and desserts. The causes for

celebration make the months from October through January seem like an endless excuse for eating.

(Let’s not forget tailgates and football parties!)

With the abundance of goodness during the holidays, how can one maintain a balance between

trying to live a healthy lifestyle, yet still enjoy the holiday season? White County Medical Center

Clinical Dietitian Chassie Sharpmack offers simple suggestions to successfully survive the holidays

without sabotaging a healthy lifestyle while enjoying the time with family and friends.


How much does the average person gain during the holidays?

AMost studies suggest the average person gains less than a pound; however, if that

weight is not lost after the holiday season those pounds add up over the years.

Q

Q What plan of action do you recom-mend before attending a big holiday gathering of family and friends?

A Eat a healthy snack before you go to a holiday gather-ing to prevent yourself from over indulging in high

calorie items. Make sure you include lean proteins, whole wheat/whole grain items, vegetables and fruits.

What should we be doing during the holiday season to make sure our health/weight does not spiral out of control?

A It is good to start a healthy workout program before the holidays begin and to continue with that re-

gime throughout the holidays.

Q

How can we survive the holidays – without the weight gain– while also enjoying our favorite things? (Is it possible to do both?)

AThere are two diff erent ways to enjoy the scrumptious holiday meals. One option is to cut back on your

favorites and have smaller portions of the high calorie items. Things like turkey breast and roasted vegetables are healthier items, while casseroles and desserts may be on your high calorie radar. Another option is to make lower calorie ver-sions of your favorite holiday items. There are many recipes for lower calorie pies and side dishes.

Q

It seems like most of theeating and indulging involves gatherings with family and friends. Should we avoid these gatherings altogether?

A Instead of focusing solely on food, we should focus on spending time with our

family and friends.

Q

What can we do after the holidays to return to our normal healthy lifestyle, or start a new healthy lifestyle program?

AEven if you have over indulged during the holidays, one or two days of over eating will not throw you

totally off your healthy lifestyle. Get back on track as quickly as possible and share the leftovers with your neighbors!

Q

Chassie Sharpmack, a clinical dietitian at White County Medical Center, discusses food labels with a client.

W


Woman’s faith strengthened by personal trialsCarolyn Kenney of Searcy is active in disaster relief eff orts, church ministriesB Y J A C O B B R O W E R

When a Searcy woman heard reports of Hur-ricane Issac hitting the Gulf Coast in September, she knew exactly what needed to be done.

Disaster relief is old hat to Carolyn Kenney. A member of the White County Community Emergency Response Team, she has gone on 10 disaster relief trips in the past three years, the most recent being the relief effort in Gulf Coast.

“I like activity,” she said. “My nature is to get out and do things that are physical. I think I can help more people that way. I want to be known as an encourager. That’s what Jesus did. People can be downtrodden or poverty-stricken and I want them to know that there’s some hope.”

Faith is important to Kenney, and she has

relied on it throughout hardships in her life. Kenney’s middle son, Kirk, at age 4 was

diagnosed with a rare condition called Fanconi aplastic anemia, a genetic disease in which the body does not produce all the components of blood marrow that is needed. The recorded incidence of the disease is one in every 350,000 births. Medications and steroids used to stimu-late the bone marrow would cause massive weight gains.

The disease puts people at risk of internal bleeding, so Kirk could not play contact sports in school at Jacksonville High School, where the family lived at the time. He did, however, play drums in the band and expressed his emotions through poetry.

well now l faith

Carolyn Kenney of Searcy visits with a reporter on the front porch of her Searcy home. Kenney is active in several community service activites, including disaster relief.


Kirk lived longer than doctors expected, but still died in 1980 at age 19.

“It’s hard to lose a child, but he was a Christian,” Kenney said. “I know where he is.”

Kenney hopes that Kirk’s struggle will help doctors find better treatments and, hopefully, a cure for the disease. His case is being taught to medical students at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

“That’s a contribution he has given,” Kenney said.

Kenney has two other children, Lisa Edelhuber and Lori Lee. She spent much of her life in the Jacksonville area, where she worked in medical administration for Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System.

In was in Jacksonville that she met her husband, Troy, when he was stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base. The couple dated for six months, every day, when they decided to tie the knot. They were married for 51 years until Troy’s death in 2007 at age 71.

“He jokingly called me his old lady, because we were a month apart,” she said. “He was a wonderful husband. He treated me like a queen.”

The last five years of Troy’s life were difficult. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2002 and the couple moved to Searcy to be closer to their oldest daughter in 2003. Kenney commuted to her job for a short time before retiring in 2004.

Coping through those years were tough. Troy would have nightmares and wake up thinking he was in a different place.

Kenney takes solace in the fact that, even when the disease was at its worst, he always knew his wife.

“Alzheimer’s patients have

their long-term memory intact. It’s the short-term memory they lose,” she said. “He was stationed in Greenland. My daughter Lori pointed out stuff about Greenland one day and they talked about it for 45 minutes.”

Though Kenney remained strong throughout much of the experience, there were times that were tougher than others. One was when she had to leave him at White County Medical Center for two weeks.

“I didn’t want to leave him there,” she said. “I spent the night in his room one night. I couldn’t wait to get him back home.”

Kenney said the experience strength-ened her faith.

“Faith plays a huge role in my life,” she said. “It doesn’t mean everything is going to go wonderfully. The Lord has helped me through so much. As a Christian, you have to have valleys as much as mountains.”

When she is not helping with disaster relief efforts, she stays busy with her hobbies, which include gardening, traveling and playing the dulcimer. She has also been active in the Caring and Sharing program at College Church of Christ for the past four years, which feeds community members and offers weekly devotionals.

“I go get food we have stored and take it to them,” she said. “So many peo-ple in White County don’t have enough food. We like to serve them.”

Caring and Sharing is held at 6:30 p.m. each Monday. The church is located at 712 E. Race, Searcy.

Photos of Carolyn Kenney’s late husband, Troy, remind Kenney of a long and happy marriage. Troy died in 2007 at age 71 after a five-year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.


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Financial FocusTOD Agreement Can ReduceHassles for Heirs

well now l fi nance

Among the reasons you work hard all your life may be so you can leave something to your children, grandchildren or other family members. So, naturally, you’d like to make it as easy as possible for your heirs to take possession of those assets you want them to have. And that’s why you may want to consider establishing a Transfer on Death (TOD) agreement on certain accounts.

Once you’ve established a TOD agreement for your account, ownership of the assets held in that ac-count pass directly to the designated benefi ciaries, bypassing probate. Why is this important? Because probate has three major drawbacks:

Attorney and court fees could devour up to 5% of your estate’s value — which means fewer as-sets going to your loved ones.

The probate process is open to everyone. This means any-one can obtain a copy of your will, the names and contact information for your heirs, the inventory of assets and other documents fi led as part of the probate proceeding.

If your estate has to go through the probate process, it could easily take a year or more for your assets to be distributed to your heirs.

It’s Time Consuming.1 32

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As you can see, you’ve got some good reasons to avoid probate — and a TOD agreement can help. Of course, a TOD agreement can’t meet all your estate-plan-ning needs. While it may be particularly useful in helping you bequeath specifi c fi nancial assets, such as stocks, bonds and other assets held in your brokerage ac-counts, it can’t help you deal with estate taxes or address other complex estate-plan-ning issues.

And that’s why you also may want to consider creating other estate-planning tools, such as a revocable living trust. Similar to a TOD agreement, a revocable living trust allows you to leave assets to your heirs

without going through probate. Further-more, when you set up a revocable living trust, you can control your assets during your lifetime and determine how they will eventually be distributed to your heirs. You could, for example, have money distrib-uted to your children or grandchildren in installments, over a period of years. Many people like having this ability, especially if they are unsure of the money management skills or maturity level of their heirs. Plus, a properly established revocable living trust will carry out your wishes if you become incapacitated. Be sure to consult with your legal advisor to see if a revocable living trust is appropriate for you.

While a TOD agreement can’t take the place of all estate-planning tools, it can complement them. And a TOD agreement off ers another feature that can prove valu-able: fl exibility. Specifi cally, you can revoke or modify your TOD agreement at any time in response to changes in your life or family circumstances.

To determine if a TOD agreement is appropriate for your needs, contact your tax advisor or legal professional. It’s taken you many years to accumulate your assets, so take some time to help ensure they end up where you want them to go.


Healthy pets, healthy ownersSearcy animal shelter has varietyof pets seeking homes

When Gene Weems gets off work every day, he is not usually the most pleasant smelling man,

after spending the day with dogs and cats as the manager at Searcy Animal Shelter.

But he wouldn’t have it any other way.“I just love the animals,” Weems said.

“I like dealing with them. It puts a smile on my face to put an animal into a good home. We’re here to put animals into homes as often as possible. We’re here to save lives.”

The pets adopted from the Searcy Animal Shelter may not be the only ones’ whose lives are saved. Studies are show-ing that pet ownership is beneficial to the owner as well.

According to a study funded by the National Institute of Health, of 421 adults who suffered a heart attack, a year later dog owners more likely to be still alive than those who did not own dogs, regard-less of the severity of the heart attack.

Another study of 240 married couples by the NIH found that pet owners were found to have lower heart rates and blood pressure whether at rest or when undergoB Y M O L LY M . F L E M I N G

Kevin Cash embraces his dog, Magic, a pit bull rescued from the shelter. The shelter rescues a variety of dogs and cats.

Becca Meyers checks on one of the cats

up for adoption at the shelter.

ing stressful situations than those who did not have pets.

Other studies show that dog owners are more active, less likely to be obese, and have greater mobility in their home.

The list of health benefits goes on and on, but for Weems and other members of his staff at the Searcy Animal Shelter, the benefits they receive are deeper than their cardiovascular system.

Working with these animals helps their souls.

“It’s not about the pay,” Weems said. “You have to love animals. I’ve had ani-mals all my life.”

Because of Weems’ and his staff ’s love for animals, the shelter adopts out on average 50 animals a month, and another 20 are returned to their homes. In between those adoptions, the shelter staff makes sure the animals are ready to go to good homes, which isn’t always glamorous.

“This is not cracked up for any average Joe,” Weems said. “You go home smell-ing like pee and poop. Occasionally you get bit. I try to avoid that situation.”

Weems has been with the shelter for five years after spending most of his life in the construction field. The job at the shelter seems fitting for a guy who once wanted to be a veterinarian.

But he’s not the only one animal expe-rience at the shelter.

Becca Meyers of McRae was once seeking a degree as a veterinarian technician.

She started working at the shelter after answering a help wanted advertisement.

“I just fell in love with the place and now I can’t leave,” she said. “You form an attachment to it. It’s more than a job. You have to love it.”

Meyers now owns one of the shelter’s many success stories, Magic. The pit bull was brought to the shelter after being aggressive with another pit bull. As it turns out, Magic was more of the victim in the situation.

“We adopted him because he wouldn’t be able to be adopted out,” she said. “Now, he’s the sweetest and most pre-cious dog.”

Pet owners’ connections with their

Health Benefi ts ofPet Ownership

• Pets can decrease your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and feelings of loneliness

• Pets can increase your op-portunities for exercise and outdoor activities.

(Center for Disease Control)

• A study by the National Institute of Health looked at 421 adults who suff ered heart attacks and found that one year after a heart attack, dog owners more likely to be alive than those who did not have a dog.

• Another study by NIH of 2,000 adults found that dog owners who regularly walked their dogs were more physically active and less likely to be obese.

Gene Weems works on leash-training a dog at the shelter. The shelter employees work with the dogs to get them ready to

be a healthy benefit to a family.

Becca Meyers cleans out a cat kennel at the shelter. The shelter has a number of

cats of all ages looking for homes.



dogs, like Becca and Magic’s, is one way the animals help improve their health. Studies show that playing with dogs, like other enjoyable activities, helps elevate levels of seratonin and dopamine, nerve transmitters that are known to be have pleasur-able and calming properties.

Perhaps it’s these calming effects that keep Weems, Meyers and Kevin Ash coming back to work each day.

“The animals need us,” Ash said. “Who else is going to do it? It’s not about the pay. I could have left a long time ago if it was for the pay. I just love being here. I even volunteer on my days off.”

The love the staff has for the animals helps get them ready to go home and be someone else’s companion, including work-ing with the dogs on a leash and getting them used to working with other people, such as the many volunteers. The animals are given needed vaccinations as well as being spayed or neutered before they leave.

For some of the animals, getting to go home is a life-chang-ing experience.

“I know we do get animals that turn their lives around just by coming here,” Weems said.

But having an animal in the home can be a life-changing experience as well, which is why Weems suggests for people to do their research first.

“Try to find a pet that fits your situation,” he said. For example, if a person is active, they should get an active dog. But if they are known to relax at home, they should get a more mellow animal.

He said these initial steps will help keep animals from end-ing up in the shelter because owners did not know what they were getting themselves into when they purchased the animal.

Meyers said people should also realize that dogs — espe-cially puppies — are not toys.

“Don’t just give a puppy as a present because kids are beg-ging for a puppy,” she said. “Once all the ribbon is off and people realize that it’s not going to stay small forever, then a lot of the times the animals come back here because the owners didn’t realize what they were getting themselves into.”

Well-researched pets can be a good choice for homes with children, as new research by the journal of Pediatrics shows that children who live in a home with a pet during the first year of their life are healthier, compared to those who live in a home without a pet.

A study of 397 children in Finland found that kids with a dog during their first year had 31 percent fewer respiratory tract infections and 44 percent fewer ear infections than children without dogs in their homes.

While these benefits are good for the new owner, Weems, Ash and Meyers are getting a daily benefit from working with the animals at the shelter.

“It takes a special person to cake care of dogs and deal with this. This place is run off of people’s love for animals,” Meyers said.

Tips When Seeking A Pet For A Gift• Do your research.

• Remember that puppies will grow up, get bigger and expensive.

• Don’t forget that the Searcy Animal Shelter has some quality breed dogs.

• Make sure the pet will fi t into your living situation.


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CSearcy woman uses craft to give backCarolyn Bowman crochets caps for children’s hospitalB Y M . A . W E B B

Crocheting is more than a hobby for one Searcy woman. It is a way to give back to those in need.

Carolyn Bowman crochets and donates hats to the Knitting for Noggins program at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) in Little Rock.

“Each year I get a letter from the Arkansas Children’s Hospital asking if I will donate hats,” Bowman said.

Bowman has participated in this program for 10 years. Last year, Bowman crocheted 3,000 caps for the Knitting for Noggins program.

“We are going to have a bunch of caps to donate this year, but not as many as we had last year,” Bowman said. “We probably have 600 caps right now but we have already donated caps earlier this year,”

According to ACH spokesperson Melissa Wolfe, the program has given away over 211,000 caps since its con-ception in 2006.

well now l faith


“We ask donors that either knit or crochet to make hats,” Wolfe said. “We give them to children as they leave the hos-pital in the winter months.”

The Arkansas Children’s hospital accepts cap donations from September through March.

“At the hospital, they have a big red wagon out and they (the children) choose which cap they want,” Bowman said.

She makes caps of all colors, sizes and styles.

“The hospital sends me patterns,” Bowman said. “They have rules about what kind of hats they need and they have many patterns to choose from. Most of the time if I see a pattern, I can copy it.”

Bowman is active in the community. She teaches a crocheting class at River Oaks every Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. The class averages six to 14 attendees each week.

“River Oaks has been very kind,” Bowman said. “They have been very gen-erous to let us use the facility.”

Catherine Stark regularly attends the crocheting class at the River Oaks Retirement Community and also crochets hats for the children’s hospital.

“It is a good pastime, but I don’t do it like she (Bowman) does,” Stark said.

In addition to teaching the class, Bowman also donates her time to other causes. She volunteers at White County Medical Center every Tuesday. She also

works as a full-time caregiver.“I stay with a lady who is 96 years

old,” Bowman said. “With that care-giv-ing job, I have a lot of time to crochet. Whenever I take her anywhere, I take my crocheting with me.”

She crochets an average of 10 hats each day.

“I probably make 60-70 caps per week,” Bowman said. “Sometimes I make more than 10 a day. I keep it (the materials) by my chair and grab it when I sit down. I like to keep busy. I can’t just sit down and do nothing”

Bowman claims that crochet occu-pies more than just her mind.

“It’s very relaxing,” Bowman said. “It is also good for arthritis. The doc-

tors have told me crocheting is one of the best things for arthritis because it exercises your hands and keeps them moving.”

The weekly class usually produces six or seven caps each week.

“It takes me about an hour to make a cap, depending on the size,” Bowman said. “The ACH wants caps that will fit the bigger kids. Not every-body can make a cap in that time. It makes a difference in how fast you can crochet.”

Some thread is donated, but Bowman often purchases the thread for the program. She said she is thank-ful for those who donated thread in the past. Bowman purchased the thread the class is using this year.

“I got a good deal on this thread,” Bowman said. “A guy was advertising in the classifieds and when he found

out that I donate caps to ACH he gave me a good deal on it. I have had to buy thread, and that gets expensive.”

That is not the only expense Bowman has incurred while donating caps over the years.

“At first, I was mailing the caps and that was costing money,” she said. “I did find somebody that takes them down there now, though.”

Bowman learned how to crochet when she was young and has been crocheting off and on for nearly 70 years.

“I started when I was 8 years old,” Bowman said. “A real elderly woman taught me. It is a craft that is getting lost if we don’t teach younger people to do it. I really would like to get some younger people involved.”

Carolyn Bowman

Catherine Stark

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Local mother copes with autism diagnosisSearcy school provides resources, support

When Tami Fisher brought her daughter home from the hos-pital in July 2008, she never

thought that four short years later she would have to become an expert on a developmental disorder.

Tabitha Thomas, 4, was diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum less than a year ago and the family’s focus has shifted.

“The family is pulling together to try to help her,” said Nancy Fisher, Thomas’ grandmother. “We are trying to do everything we can. It is difficult

because we can see that she is smart but she can’t communicate what she wants.”

Thomas received her diagnosis from Dr. Ed Ashcroft with Kids First in Searcy.

“I took her to see her family doctor eight or nine months ago,” Tami Fisher said. “He didn’t look at her for very long but he recommended that I take her over to the doctor at Kids First in Searcy. That’s when she was diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum.”

According to the Autism Speaks website, Autism spectrum disorder

B Y M . A . W E B B

Tabitha Thomas, 4, of Bald Knob works on a puzzle in her home after school. She attends school at Kids First in Searcy. Since beginning school, Thomas has shown communication improvements.

Tami Fisher and daughter Tabitha Thomas


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(ASD) and autism are general terms for a group of brain development disorders. ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues.

“He didn’t tell us how high she was on the autism spectrum,” Fisher said. “She started school right after the diagnosis.”

Thomas now attends Kids First in Searcy. The Pediatric clinic serves over 80 children in eight classrooms and special-izes in providing treatment and education for any child who has a medical diagnosis or developmental problems. The school also provides medical, developmental therapy and nursing. A social worker is available to work with the families.

“At the time she started school, she didn’t talk or listen to commands,” Fisher said. “Now, she is trying to form sentences.”

Autism is often characterized by difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication. The disorder can also materialize in repetitive behaviors.

“The greatest challenge as the parent

of a child with autism is communica-tion,” Fisher said. “She doesn’t talk. She gets frustrated and has a fit because she can’t get out what she has to say. Also, if she is sick or doesn’t feel good, she can’t just tell me what is wrong.”

The most obvious signs of autism and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between 2 and 3 years of age.

“I noticed that there was something wrong about a year ago,” Fisher said. “She was babbling and trying to talk then she just stopped trying to communicate. This was about the same time that she was starting to learn how to walk. It was like her brain couldn’t handle walking and talking at the same time.”

Other manifestations of autism include difficulties with social interaction.

“She doesn’t like play with other kids,” Fisher said. “She won’t initiate play but she will play with the other kids just not for long.”

The school focuses on the individual needs of each child. Classrooms provide daily support. A development plan is cre-ated for each child.

“Everything is individualized,” said Brenda Powers, program director at Kids First in Searcy. “The program is based on the child’s developmental stage. The earlier they are able to get help, the better the chances are. One of the goals is to transition them into kindergarten,”

Other than school, the family works with Thomas trying to get her to talk.

“Aside from the communication challenges, she is really smart,” Fisher said. “She gets frustrated easily though. Potty training is also an issue. She can’t communicate so that makes it hard.”

Autism affects over two million peo-ple in this country. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that one in 88 American children are on the autism spectrum. An estimated 1 out of 54 boys and 1 out of 252 girls are diag-nosed with autism in the United States.

“I don’t have the key to under-standing autism,” Fisher said. “I don’t understand autism fully myself. I don’t have a total grasp of it. I just research as much as I can so I can help her more.”

Tabitha Thomas, 4,enjoys some time

playing outside herhome in Bald Knob.

She loves to focus onand play with the dirt

and rocks. Thomaswas diagnosed with

autism last year.


well now l advice

Searcy’s Top Docs Share Tips On Making The Holidays Healthy

Gregory Ricca, M.D., Neurosurgeon“Enjoy the holidays and incorporate some form of exercise into family activities. For example, take a fam-ily walk or bike-ride together. Make sure you get out of the house daily for some physical activity.

Food is often the center of our holiday activities and is a wonderful thing to enjoy, but do not gorge yourself. Select an appropriate size plate to eat from (a salad plate is appropriate for those who are trying to lose weight); put the food you want to eat on the plate (make sure it is balanced with more vegetables than carbohydrates); eat all you want to from the plate (try to leave a small amount behind); and avoid going back for seconds. For dessert, eat only half of a normal portion size.

Keep beverages healthy as well. My favorite beverage is water; unsweetened ice tea is also good, and diet soda is acceptable, but I suggest avoid-ing regular soda. Eat more vegetables and nuts for snacks to tide you over, and less candy, cookies and chips. Also, there are many good recipe ideas online that have suggestions for using healthy alterna-tives for your favorite holiday recipes.”

Thomas Day, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon“With the abundance of festive treats and special meals available during the holidays, overindulgence is almost unavoidable. If you don’t want to worry about trying to shed those extra holi-day pounds in January, here are a few

thoughts to consider: 1) Be realistic but reasonable – very few of us have the

willpower to completely abstain from the goodies that our co-workers bake, or decline that extra piece of pie at Thanksgiving. Go ahead and enjoy these things in moderation. If you over-do it at lunch or with mid-day snacking, then, cut back a little at one of your other meals. Also, don’t sample every single cookie in the break room at work!

2) Put a set of scales in your bathroom and weigh your-self every day, preferably at the same time, like when you fi rst get up in the morning. The daily feedback from the scale will help keep you accountable with not overeating.

3) Don’t quit exercising just because ‘it’s the holidays,’ or tell yourself ‘I’ll start after the new year.’ Even if you are walking for 30 minutes a few days a week, keep doing it! If you do not already have an exercise routine, now is a good time to start. There is nothing better for your overall mental and physical well-being than a regular exercise regimen, especially in dealing with the stress of the holidays.”

William M. Gibbs III, M.D., General Surgeon “With the holidays approaching, make a plan to avoid using your hectic schedule as an excuse to skip your workouts. Instead, plan to increase the intensity (and frequency if possible) of your workouts in the weeks prior

to the holidays. This will provide you with a cushion in case you do wind up missing your workout at times due to the holiday rush. More importantly, the positive gains you attain from the increase in intensity before the holidays will encourage you to avoid overindulging so that you make it through the holiday season without backsliding.”

Michael Justus, M.D., Family Practice

“It seems to me that a healthy, happy holiday season begins with the right attitude more than a budget. The best gifts we can give to ourselves and to each other are ‘moderation’ and ‘contentment.’ Moderate portions on

our plates, moderate charges on our credit cards and moderate time in front of the television leave more time in our lives for each other. Unfortunately, learn-ing to be content can be more challenging. What we have is less important than what we do with what we have. Contentment allows us to breathe more deeply, sleep more soundly and laugh more often. Life can be very good with a little moderation and a big dose of contentment.”

Jennifer Faith, M.D., Family Practice “Maintain your activity levels, even during the midst of all the hectic holiday activities, and take time to yourself to maintain an exercise schedule throughout the season. It is okay to enjoy the treats of the season, as long as it is in moderation. Look for reci-pes that you can substitute the sugars and fats for more healthy alternatives. Finally, instead of napping after a holi-day meal, take a brisk walk.

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To us, delivering babies is more than our job. It’s our privilege.Dr. Jackson, Dr. Jones, and Dr. Scott share a dedication to bringing babies into the world. As

skilled, board-certified OB/GYN physicians, they have delivered thousands of babies and take

great pride in caring for the health of women throughout their lifetime. They all are currently

welcoming new patients. Call 870-523-3289 now to make an appointment.

Joy.

Jabez Jackson, M.D., FACOGBoard Certified

Seeing patients in Newport & Pocahontas

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Seeing patients in Newport & Pocahontas

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Well Now November/december

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