Progress 2020 - Health

February 29 and March 1, 2020

THE GAZETTE, EMPORIA, KANSAS

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Health

The heart of a hospital

in the area through Advancements people education and intervention.

“It’s an exciting time help Newman for cardiovascular mediRegional Health cine because we’re seeing a huge change in quality of keep life and longevity,” he said. cardiovascular “Newman Regional Cardiology is equipped to provide patients live life-changing and life-savmedications and procelonger, healthier ing dures.” lives Advancements in

By Melissa Lowery

Special to The Gazette

treating heart disease

Newman Regional CardiHeart disease is the lead- ology offers multiple treating cause of death for men, ment options for cardiovaswomen and people of most cular conditions, ranging racial and ethnic groups in from coronary and peripheral artery the United to States, ac“The important thing is diseases high blood cording to to recognize your family p r e s s u r e , the Centers stroke and for Disease history, identify risk heart failure.

Control. factors, and ‘know your In addition In Lyon to helping County, apnumbers.’ They can all be p a t i e n t s proximately with lifestyle 139 people addressed.” modificadie of cardiovascular DR. DOMINIC “MICK” HURLEY tions, the disease each Newman Regional Health cardiologist c a rd i o l o g y staff and year. p h ys i c i a n s Dominic “Mick” Hurley, MD, a cardi- keep up to date on advanceologist at Newman Regional ments in medications and Health Cardiology, wants to procedures to treat heart reduce those numbers and conditions.

A new group of medicaimprove quality of life for

tions called PCSK9 inhibitors have been shown to dramatically reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and even cause regression of plaque in arteries in up to half of patients.

Another class of medications recently developed to treat diabetes, called SGLT2 inhibitors, has been proven

to reduce the risk of heart attack and heart failure by more than 30 percent. Both classes of medications are now clinically available and prescribed on an individual basis.

“These medication advances are exciting and life-changing,” Hurley said.

“We’ve been using the PCSK9 inhibitors more and more during the last couple of years in addition to statin therapy, and the SGLT2 inhibitors during the past year, with a lot of success.”

Hurley is board certified in Interventional Cardiology, in addition to Internal

Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases, Vascular Medicine and Endovascular Medicine, meaning he is skilled to practice general cardiology as well as the insertion of stents, pacemakers, traditional defibrillators Please see Heart, Page 12

KEEPING EMPORIA HEALTHY

ADAM BLAKE/GAZETTE

ADAM BLAKE/GAZETTE

Will Spencer is a second-generation owner of the health food store.

Nature’s Paradise Health Food Store continues legacy

By Adam Blake adam@emporia.com

A continued dedication to quality products and willingness to go above and beyond for each and every customer has allowed Nature’s Paradise Health Food Store to establish its legacy of “Keeping Emporia healthier than ever before” since 1994.

One of the city’s only dedicated health food and supply shops, Nature’s Paradise has been locally owned and operated by the Spencer family since its inception. The store was started by Steve and Car-

ol Spencer in Sept. 1994 don’t understand why Emin a 300-square foot space poria doesn’t have its own across from the Kress health food store.’ One Building at 5 East 7th St. night, he called my mom “My dad was actually a and told her, ‘I know what traveling salesman, and he we’re gonna do.’” was working for a Kansas The Spencers soon outcorporation at the time,” grew their original location said son and current Na- and moved just three months ture’s Paradise Owner Will later to a new space on the Spencer. “He was one of corner of 10th and Commertheir top sales marketing cial streets in an old gas stapeople until tion. Nature’s he suffered So really, what we do here P a r a d i s e a heart atcontinued t a c k . Fo l - is all about taking the time growing in lowing that, to listen. That’s why we’ve popularity as he was out members of and about lasted as long as we have.” the Emporia learning to community WILL SPENCER, eat more welcomed Nature’s Paradise healthy, so the new loHealth Food Store owner he could cation with t a ke c a re open arms. of himself.

Eventually, He’d often have to travel the store grew larger than the for the things he needed building could accommodate and got pretty fed up with yet again, and the Spencers that. He eventually said, ‘I were faced with a decision to

either build on their current location or look for a new home.

Fortunately, that home was quickly found at 1511 W. 6th Ave. in a former Country Kitchen. After a remodeling period, Nature’s Paradise was established in the location it currently occupies today.

“We’ve made it our job to follow the trends and keep up with the industry ever since that point,” Spencer said. “In 2009, my dad was unfortunately diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, so they both came to me and said, ‘Hey, Will. We know you

just got back from your time with the Air Force, but we wanted to know if you would be willing to take your dad’s position. I said ‘Yes’ with no questions asked, and jumped right in … It’s really been a great thing so far. We continued to pride ourselves in helping people, first and foremost. Every business, of course, has to make money to keep afloat, and this is something that takes care of our entire family. But at the same time, we really consider everyone in the local community as part of our family, too.”

To this day, Will continues his mother and father’s tradition of meeting faceto-face with all clients and otherwise curious visitors to his store, helping them make educated decisions on purchases ranging from supplements and dietary aids, to natural medicines, healthy meal options and even CBD-based items.

“One of my main goals is to always carry the highest quality of products,” Spencer said. “All of the companies that we deal with are dealt with on a personal Please see Health, Page 12

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February 29 and March 1, 2020

STARTING GOOD HABITS Students at FHTC help children learn good dental hygiene

Bosiljevac said. “We don’t rush them in and out.”

Bosiljevac has heard stories about children receiving more money (from the “Tooth Fairy”) for teeth they have lost that do not have cavities.

One of the aims students and instructors have is getting children used to the

By Linzi Garcia habit of visiting the denlinzi@emporia.com tist and having a positive Flint Hills Technical experience, so when they College is helping keep visit another dentist, they smiles bright for the young- are comfortable with the equipment and know what est Emporians.

FHTC interacts with to expect. Since FHTC only does preventative hygiene, children sometimes throughout the dentist “We need children.

I want the school year, requir- the students to experience w i l l re f e r children ing each who need working with children.”

FHTC stuother serdent to do CHERYL BOSILJEVAC vices to a a children’s FHTC Dental Hygiene pedadontist cleaning Program instructor — a dentist and examwho speination four cializes in times per c h i l d r e n ’s semester. dental health.

“It seems like all the stuBoth the students and dents love the kids,” Dental the children, as well as Hygiene Program Instruc- parents, augment their tor Cheryl Bosiljevac said. education when working Dental hygiene students together. Bosiljevac said complete the exam, and educating children and they are overseen by a den- parents is her favorite part tist and licensed hygienist. of children’s visits. SomeNot only do the students en- times the parents have joy interacting with the chil- not received proper dendren, but the children have tal hygiene education, so educating them with their a positive experience, too.

“They love it when you child is both important and count their teeth, and they fun. FHTC provides a flyer have a story to tell for ev- about the acidity of comery tooth they’ve lost,” mon foods and drinks and

LINZI GARCIA/GAZETTE

The dental hygiene room of Flint Hills Technical College.

encourages people to rinse their mouths after consuming something acidic.

Bosiljevac warns against putting juice in bottles and using bottles for children who are old enough to use cups. Children’s dental health is not directly related to parents’ dental health, unless connected to another genetic relation. Dental health can be an area in which parents, or other caretakers, can bond with the child.

Bosiljevac said she has heard stories where par-

ents and children stand on one foot and set a timer for brushing their teeth; others make funny faces in the mirror. Some parents let the child brush their teeth for fun, or they try brushing their teeth with the non-dominant hand. As long as the teeth get thoroughly brushed, good dental hygiene can be fun.

When people bring children in, parents also often schedule an exam for themselves, other family members or friends, to

make it a social hygiene endeavor. Bosiljevac reminds everyone that we have our teeth for a lifetime, so it is important to keep them healthy.

FHTC is looking for more children to work with. The general guideline is for everyone to visit the dentist every six months.

Cleanings and exams for the general public cost $20, regardless of insurance, though college students and veterans are free.

“We need children,”

Bosiljevac said. “I want the students to experience working with children.”

FHTC now has a special unit for children that makes taking x-rays of the mouth easier and more comfortable. Children and adults should brush and floss their teeth every day, and fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash are recommended, as long as they are not swallowed.

To schedule a dental appointment with FHTC, call 341-1352.

CROSSWINDS SHOWS COMMUNITY IMPACT

By Zach Hacker

zach@emporia.com

Community members recently learned first-hand the impact CrossWinds Counseling & Wellness makes in its seven-county service area.

Powerful testimonials

by CrossWinds clients highlighted the Celebrate CrossWinds breakfast at Webb Hall on the campus of Emporia State University. Three pre-recorded videos and one live speech featured people from all walks of life who hit rock bottom, but got back up with the help they received at CrossWinds.

The stories of each person’s CrossWinds journey emphasized the importance of mental health and how getting help can turn someone’s life around.

One of the stories came from an Emporia teenager who said, before getting help, he felt “broken” and “so alone.”

“All of the pride and the joy I had in my life had suddenly changed,” he said.

He turned to alcohol, drugs and self-harm as ways to cope with his pain. Finally, when his mother found him crying while on the phone, he asked for help.

He received aid at CrossWinds and said his life has improved in several ways since he began working on his mental health.

“I can smile without hiding behind a mask,” he said.

“Thank you, CrossWinds, for helping me find the person I am today; for helping me find my true self.”

Another young person said she had lived with depression for as long as she could remember, but a

breakup with a long-term boyfriend pushed her into a deeper, downward spiral. She didn’t get out of bed and had law enforcement show up at her home for welfare checks multiple times. She was hospitalized more than once, and at one point tried to overdose on her medications.

After agreeing to get help at CrossWinds, she said her life has improved in a big way.

“I look forward to waking up every day,” she said.

The third video testimony featured a couple from Emporia whose son threw tantrums and lashed out in angry fits. The couple didn’t know what they could do to help him, and at one point feared the stress was going to put a strain on their marriage.

Eventually, they took him to CrossWinds, where he was able to learn coping skills and they were able to learn how to better handle his outbursts.

“He needed help and someone to talk to,” the wife said. “We needed help, too.”

Finally, in a live testimonial, an Emporia man said he was homeless, suicidal and dealing with alcoholism before he found CrossWinds.

His life changed when he met a case manager named Steve, who “treated me with dignity and respect that I’d never felt before.”

He was able to quit drinking, go back to school and is now employed by CrossWinds. He hasn’t had a drink in seven years.

CrossWinds CEO Amanda Cunningham said, as community members, it’s important to hear those stories, to be aware of the resources available and how they

ZACH HACKER/GAZETTE

Four CrossWinds youth volunteers recite a poem at the beginning of the Celebrate CrossWinds event.

can help family members, friends, neighbors and loved ones.

“We know the impact each of you can have on those around you,” she told the hundreds of people in attendance. “We make a difference in people’s lives every day.”

C ro s s Wi n d s s e r v e s about 5,000 people in its seven-county service area.

It works in each of the 17 school districts in that region and has helped 1,200 children get the help they need without missing a lot of school or forcing parents to miss work.

In 2019 alone, it has provided 900 televideo counseling sessions and used technology to help 600 more patients.

There are 80,000 people living in CrossWinds’ service area. Studies show 1 in 5 people could benefit from getting some sort of help with their mental health.

ZACH HACKER/GAZETTE

Webb Hall was packed for the Celebrate CrossWinds breakfast.

Cunningham said that means there is still a long way to go in getting everyone the intervention they need.

The event also served as a fundraiser for the organization, and Cunningham said that gap highlights the importance of helping CrossWinds financially. She said currently each clinician has

about 120 patients, and some psychiatrists see 20 patients per day.

“When we fill that gap it means we have fewer suicides,” she said. “We have fewer people in our jails or in emergency rooms because they didn’t know where else to turn.”

To learn more about how

to donate to CrossWinds, visit crosswindsks.org/donate.

“All of us have been touched by mental health issues in one way or another,” CrossWinds board member Karen Reeves said. “Our challenge is to educate the public on the resources we have available and how to get help.”

February 29 and March 1, 2020

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DISCUSSION CENTERS ON DANGERS OF VAPING team that has been studying the effects of vaping and e-cigarettes, from nicoVaping has been touted tine-free products containas the healthier alternative ing only PG/VG (propylene to traditional cigarettes for glycol and vegetable glycera number of years, but ques- in) to products containing tions have surfaced in recent nicotine, and monitoring the months as the number of vap- affects on lung capacity in ing-related casualties contin- mice, sheep and human caues to climb. daver lungs.

Dr. Michael Kim of the “One of the first projects University of that was ini“It’s daunting, it’s scary Kansas Medtiated was to ical Center’s and the tobacco industry is vape mice,” Division of he said. “So, Pulmonary going to continue making they vaped and Critical money on the backs of our them chronCare Mediically — bakids.” cine presentsically an ed findings hour a day, DOUG EPP, of KUMC’s for five days a Emporia Public Schools research on week, for four Board of Education member the longmonths, and term affects what they of vaping found was recently at actually quite Flint Hills Technical College troubling. Basically, it showed as part of a program hosted that if you add nicotine during

by Healthier Lyon County. a lung function test, they had Kim started his presen- impaired lung function. ... tation by talking about the Basically, by vaping the mice history of e-cigarettes. The over four months, we gave devices were first introduced them COPD.” to the market in 2007, first Mice used in the study designed to look like tradi- had lung capacities of smoktional cigarettes. They have ers, with increased mucus evolved over the years to and severely harmed airways. include modifiers and refillWith sustained expoable cartridges, to the pod- sure to nicotine products, based JUUL devices popular the lungs in sheep subjects among teenagers today. developed traits commonly Kim said a myth that has seen in patients with Cystic been perpetuated over the Fibrosis — a hereditary dislast four years claiming that ease that affects the lungs vaping is “95 percent safer” and digestive system, which than smoking regular ciga- causes the body to produce rettes is far from the truth. thick and sticky mucus that “There’s a myth that e-cig- can clog the lungs and obarettes are 95 percent safer struct the pancreas. than traditional cigarettes, Kim said it’s important to but it was so egregious, remember that vaping prodthis report, that The Lancet ucts are not regulated and — one of the pre-eminent products marketed as 0 permedical journals in the US cent nicotine likely do have — released an editorial,” traces of nicotine in them. On Kim said. “What they found average, one pod of vaping was that this ‘95 percent saf- liquid will contain the same er’ myth was the opinion of amount of nicotine as one a small group of people with pack of cigarettes. The lack of no pre-specified expertise in regulation also means that a tobacco control.” number of “counterfeit” prodThose involved in creat- ucts are on the market, as well ing the myth had ties to the as the information on how to e-cigarette industry, giving manufacture products readily them reason to create a false available online as well. narrative without actual “I don’t even know what research to back up their a counterfeit pod means if claims. nothing is actually regulatBut research conducted at ed,” Kim said. “Everything is KUMC has turned up some different and we don’t know troubling results, Kim said. what’s in anything, pretty Kim is part of a research much. I think one of the big

By Ryann Brooks

brooks@emporia.com

RYANN BROOKS/GAZETTE

Dr. Michael Kim presents research on vaping at Flint Hills Technical College.

problems is people making their own vape oils and their own e-liquids and just experimenting and they’re experimenting with these chemicals in their lungs.”

As of November, there were 2,290 cases of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury (EVALI) which have been reported to Center for Disease Control from 49 states (all except Alaska), the District of Columbia, and two U.S. territories (Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands).

There have been 47 deaths confirmed in 25 states and the District of Columbia.

Kim said while many of those deaths have been linked to products containing THC, another common factor has been Vitamin E acetate. One theory has been that the Vitamin E acetate, when inhaled, coats the lungs and makes it difficult to breathe. More research is being conducted on EVALI. Christina Cowart, Kansas Grassroots Manager for the Cancer Action Network, then spoke about the push to raise the age for tobacco sales to 21 in Kansas in 2020.

Cowart said 27.1 percent of high school students reported using tobacco prod-

ucts last year and 20.8 percent reported using e-cigarettes. Ninety-five percent of adults who smoke started smoking before age 21 and almost all started prior 26.

Cowart said there was more involved than just simply amending the age and said provisions should cover all tobacco products — including e-cigarettes — provide education and training to the public and retailers, implement measures for active enforcement, prevent tobacco companies from creating new categories of products that would exempt them from tobacco control laws, does not penalize youth and would not pre-empt other jurisdictions from passing strong tobacco laws.

“I think a lot of it is just talking to your lawmakers and I think so many people are intimidated by that, but I think it’s so critical right now,” she said. “They like to hear from their constituents.

They get tired of talking to lobbyists. Providing testimonies on bills, talking to the media, educating other parents, people that you work with, because we just heard tonight there’s just so much misinformation and ignorance around what’s in these

vaping products, and I think kids are picking them up and thinking they are harmless and thinking there’s not nicotine in them, and not even realizing that they’re becoming addicted.”

Cowart said those seeking more information can visit www.acscan.org or can email her at christina.cowart@cancer.org.

Doug Epp, who serves on the Emporia Public Schools Board of Education, said he was troubled by what he learned.

“It’s daunting, it’s scary and the tobacco industry is going to continue making money on the backs of our kids,” he said. “The fact that you can do such a large amount of lung damage in a short amount of time — just like anything, the fact that young people don’t have a lot of impulse control doesn’t help — but in this case you can do permanent, excessive damage. It comes down to monitoring and how are we going to tamp this down in schools?”

Epp said board members will have a chance to attend sessions on vaping during the Kansas Associations of School Boards convention next month.

“We’ll be dealing with that, but I came here because I wanted to get a heads up on what we’re looking at,” he said.

Healthier Lyon County Program Director Teresa Briggs said the organization would be working on getting e-cigarettes placed on the City of Emporia’s existing Indoor Clean Air Ordinance, which was passed in 2009.

“We’ve approached the city commission already and I think they just need more information and education on vaping itself,” Briggs said.

“I was hoping that some of them would have been here this evening, but that is one thing we want to do. Many communities have had to go back and update their ordinances because those devices were just starting to come into view when we got our original ordinance passed.

It’s nothing new; it’s very simple to do. I’m hopeful we can get that accomplished here in the next few months.”

Briggs said Healthier Lyon County will continue educating the community about vaping through public events and on social media. Follow Healthier Lyon County on Facebook to stay up to date on events and information.

FHCHC FINISHES 2019 IN THE BLACK Center hires new medical director

By Adam Blake

adam@emporia.com

for fiscal year 2019.

“All the positives you’re seeing here are directly related to the center’s turnaround plan,” Ringgold said. “Obviously, this puts us in a great position, and one that’s definitely a preferable way to start the new year. I just want to thank all of our staff for staying committed and doing a great job last year. It was something that couldn’t have been accomplished without a team effort.”

Members of the Flint Hills Community Health Center Board of Directors received exciting financial news and an update on the organization’s ongoing search for a full-time medical clinic director during a brief meeting last month.

Center welcomes After providing an overnew medical view of the center’s December financials — which director showed a net gain of about CEO Renee Hively of$10,000 — FHCHC Chief Financial Officer Steph- fered positive news of her own to conanie Ringclude the gold contin“It’s definitely exciting meeting, ued on to saying the for us to find someone announce center had that the orthat already has a bit of a reached an ga n i z a t i o n a g re e m e n t finished footprint in Emporia.” with Dr. Va2019 with RENEE HIVELY, nessa Cook an overall FHCHC CEO to become profit of its medical $207,000. clinic direcAlthough tor within last year ’s financials won’t be offi- the next 90 days. She will cial until undergoing an take over for Dr. James April audit, Ringgold said Fast, who retired from the it marked the first time in position in December.

FHCHC’s 18-year history Currently employed as a that the center finished in family medicine physician the black. It was also under at Ascension Via Christi in budget by about 10 percent Manhattan/Wamego, Cook

GAZETTE FILE PHOTO

is familiar with Emporia and has practiced throughout the Lyon County area in recent years.

“It’s definitely exciting for us to find someone that

already has a bit of a footprint in Emporia,” Hively said. “She’s going to be a full-time provider with us and will hopefully be able to come aboard in the next

month or two.”

During the meeting, the FHCHC Board of Directors also: • Approved credentialing and privileging for Autumn

Howard, LPN and Janelle Moran, LPN • Updated company shelter in place and evacuation policies

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HEART From PAGE 9 and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (CRT-D).

“CRT-D is another major cardiovascular advancement that not only saves lives, but improves the quality of lives,” Hurley said. “It’s an implantable device for patients with heart failure that involves insertion of three leads — one into the right ventricle and one into the right atrium like a pacemaker, then a third lead onto the outside of the heart through a cardiac vein to the left ventricle. It helps the heart contract synchronously to restore proper cardiac output, plus it has a built-in defibrillator so if the heart does stop, it automatically shocks the heart to restore proper function.”

Facilities and personnel make the difference in the quality of care available at Newman Regional Cardiology, Hurley said. The highly advanced Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (Cath Lab), the new Emergency Department and the Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) give patients access to the latest testing and interventions, coordinated in those adjacent units at NRH. In addition to Dr. Hurley, a board-certified inter-

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150 minutes/week — Recommended aerobic exercise 120 over 80 — Normal blood pressure Less than 100 — Recommended LDL or “bad cholesterol” level for most people Less than 7 — Recommended Hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1c) level for those with diabetes 10 percent — Amount of weight reduction that significantly improves blood pressure and heart health in overweight individuals 0 — Cigarettes that are “OK” for a healthy heart ventional cardiologist, the cardiology team includes skilled and caring nursing staff, respiratory therapists, radiology staff, ECG monitoring technicians and cardiac rehab staff.

“Thanks to all of them, we have an excellent regional care center,” Hurley said. “Patients can have the majority of cardiac needs addressed and treated here, close to home.”

However, like many communities our size, Newman does not have the resources for the Cath Lab to be available 24/7. If a patient arrives in the middle of the night with cardiac distress, “the physicians and staff are experienced and trained to provide immediate care, and if necessary, to make the decision whether to provide ongoing care at NRH or to transfer the patient via helicopter.”

Hurley spends three days a week at the hospital and two days at the clinic,

where he provides consultations, testing and monitoring and focuses on developing relationships with patients to help prevent adverse cardiac events.

“The clinic is a place where patients can come and feel welcome asking questions,” he said. “They might simply gain reassurance that their symptoms aren’t caused by a heart problem. They may need non-invasive testing.

We work closely with the primary caregivers in the region to evaluate questions about blood pressure, lipids and cardiac rhythm management.”

The hospital benefits from an important additional resource: The Emporia State University School of Nursing.

Hurley said the enthusiasm and energy from nursing students combined with the hospital’s experienced staff makes for a better patient experience.

“We are fortunate to have the School of Nursing right here,” he said. “We really have a hidden gem here in Emporia with the constant flow of nursing and allied health students and graduates who are coming into the program to blend with our experienced staff. We truly benefit from the evolution of nursing care, which grows from experience and established methods, infused with new energy, skills and education, which is a real plus for our patients.”

Misconceptions about heart health February is Heart Health Month, so we asked Hurley to dispel some common misconceptions about heart disease.

For example, someone might think that consistently high blood pressure is “normal” for them, and therefore nothing to worry

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about. That’s not the case, according to Hurley.

“Someone may think ‘My blood pressure always runs in the 150s, that’s just me and it’s OK,’ but it’s not,” he said. “Elevated blood pressure, or hypertension, is a silent disease that can cause problems after being present for years, even decades.”

Healthy blood pressure, with rare exceptions, is less than 120 over 80. However, occasional spikes in blood pressure are common, including those related to “white coat syndrome,” or elevated blood pressure due to anxiety about visiting the doctor.

“A person coming to the office may be a little bit nervous about being there, maybe worried that the doctor will find something bad, so the blood pressure is higher than normal,” Hurley said. “There are ways of sorting out what is really white coat syndrome versus persistent elevated blood pressure.”

Tools such as an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart), electrocardiogram (ECG) or home blood pressure monitoring help physicians determine if elevated blood pressure is persistent and dangerous. The danger comes from changes in heart function over time, such as the strength of the heartbeat and the relaxation of the heart muscle.

“One of the first changes we see with elevated blood pressure is a problem with relaxation of the heart muscle,” Hurley said.

“Over time, the heart muscle gets thicker and stiffer, which can lead to heart failure, atrial fibrillation and stroke.”

Another misconception is that if someone has a history of heart disease in their family, then they are “doomed” to experience heart problems or heart failure.

“That is not true,” Hurley said. “We now have interventions, including lifestyle modifications, medications and procedures which can dramatically change that outcome.”

“The important thing is to recognize your family history, identify risk factors, and ‘know your numbers.’

They can all be addressed.”

Some simple but effective changes people can make on their own to improve heart health include engaging in regular aerobic exercise, reducing salt intake, increasing water intake and losing weight if they are overweight.

“If you’re overweight, a reduction of weight by 10 percent can significantly reduce blood pressure,” Hurley said. “Not all of these modifications are easy, but they are simple and effective.”

ADAM BLAKE/GAZETTE

Past articles and framed mementos hang in the hallways of Nature’s Paradise

HEALTH From PAGE 9 level. We make sure that they have the insurance backing and we make sure that they have the good and proper manufacturing processes to produce quality products. We know that if somebody comes here to buy something and it doesn’t work, they’re probably not going to stop back anytime soon.”

Spencer’s willingness to speak with customers in order to address more individualized health needs has not only served to build him a steady clientele of return customers and friends of the store, but also allowed him to become more invested in personal success stories. Over the years, Spencer has seen quite a few transformations, many involving much more than simple weight loss.

“We had a family that

came in one time saying that they had been going to numerous doctors, but nobody could figure out why their child was having strokes,” Spencer said.

“They just didn’t know what to do, so I told them to bring in their lab reports so we could review them together. We wanted to really sit there and pick it apart, because often times, I’ve found that nasty symptoms can be caused by even the smallest, minute thing.

“What we ended up finding out was that the child had deficiencies in B vitamins and folic acid. They were low, low numbers, so I said, ‘Let’s start loading him up with some high doses.’

The strokes stopped. Apparently when the mother and father got together to have the baby, it caused a rare genetic defect that caused those symptoms. When they had a second child, they immediately started doing the same treatments, and there were never any strokes.”

ADAM BLAKE/GAZETTE

Currently, Spencer said he has no plans of switching professions anytime soon, as the rewarding quality of his daily interactions has become “too much to pass up.” Moving forward, he hopes to inspire community members to take a personal interest in their health by research-

ADAM BLAKE/GAZETTE

ing their needs, collaborating with their doctors and, of course, coming to him with any questions and comments. Spencer encourages those looking for health resources to reach out during store hours — Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — or

message him through the store’s Facebook page.

“For me, providing services to the Emporia community has been great because I’ve been able to make so many new connections and friends while really helping touch people’s lives, in a way,” Spencer said. “That’s what makes Emporia great.

It’s one of those communities that has so much history and so much else going on that people might not even be aware of. We have celebrities here that people might not even know about. So really, what we do here is all about taking the time to listen. That’s why we’ve lasted as long as we have.”

ADAM BLAKE/GAZETTE