Seniors, Can We Talk? Plan for the Inevitable

Caroline Beauchamp is a local insurance agent for M & P Insurance & Investment Services. She offers personalized life and health insurance solutions and is known for her widelypublished informational column, ‘Caroline, Can We Talk?’.

Happy New Year to each of you. I hope 2023 offers you good health and happy memories. Talk about resolutions and make plans for 2023 to be a good year to look back on.

Ruth did not end 2022 on a happy note. I have not told you about Ruth’s brother, Greg. About five years ago a tree fell on his leg. The accident, in combination with his diabetes, required that his leg be amputated up to his knee. Greg never really got used to wearing his prosthetic. It seemed like he seldom felt good; there was always something bothering him. Even though Greg was retired, he had always been active before his accident (he was a young 70 year old).

In late 2022 Greg really started having health problems. He required injections every couple of hours at home. His wife, Toni, worked. Financially she had to continue working. Friends

(including Ruth) took shifts every day giving Greg his injections while Toni worked.

Greg and Toni were wonderful people. Like many, they did not save for retirement or unexpected expenses they might have (like the every 2 hour injections he needed).

Greg continued to feel bad. After going to several doctors with no diagnosis or treatment, he finally found a doctor who thought he knew the problem. An exploratory procedure was performed which confirmed that he had an infection in his brain that was not treatable.

Ruth continued to see her brother every day. She always took a smile and an uplifting, loving conversation trying to put a smile on his face.

Greg was buried two days after Christmas.

Ruth is continuing to help Toni, his wife/widow. When Greg worked, he had life insurance through his employer. When he retired, he lost that life insurance. That was the only life insurance he had (like so many, he depended on his employer for medical and life insurance). When he retired, he enrolled in Medicare and

Medicare plans. He didn’t think about life insurance; it was simply overlooked. Greg overestimated the cost, thought it was more than he could afford and didn’t get any details.

Even though Greg’s wife, Toni, is turning 65 this year, she must continue working. She is losing his monthly income she depended on.

If you know Ruth, be prepared to get a call from her suggesting you review your life insurance and that you have enough so that your family is not put in a financial burden when you die. Yes, Ruth, has reviewed her life insurance. She feels she has enough life insurance to do what she wants – not a huge amount. Enough to pay any outstanding bills like credit cards, continue the care and insurance on her house and car until they are sold, and monies to give to the charities and friends who touch her heart.

Please think about Gary and Toni –have peace with the plans you’ve made. If you want to talk, always feel free to call 501-868-6650 and say “Caroline, can we talk?” N

Crawford Moves to New Location

Jerrkia

Davis

Kayla Crawford, APRN, Family Medicine provider, is now seeing patients at White River Health Family Care, previously known as the Newport Medical Diagnostic Clinic. She joins providers Dr. Mitchell Keel and Marlo Hargrave, APRN.

As an APRN, Kayla provides primary care, including wellness exams, to patients of all ages. She is focused on providing quality care to residents of Newport and surrounding areas, as well as maintaining direct communication with her patients and the healthcare community.

Kayla completed the LPN to RN program at University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) in 2004. She graduated with her Master of Science as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Walden University in May of this year. She is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Kayla has over 19 years of nursing experience.

Patients who see Kayla at White River Health Family Care in Southside, previously known as the WRMC Medical Complex Southside, will be transferred to the care of one of the other providers at White River Health Family Care Southside: Jennifer Blaney, APRN; James Bridgeman, APRN; Tanner Oliver, APRN; or Brandon Wommack, APRN.

White River Health Family Care is located at 2200 Malcolm Avenue,

Suite B, in Newport. The clinic is open Monday through Thursday from 8AM to 5PM. To make an appointment, call (870) 512-2500 N

New Provider Announced at the Children’s Clinic

Jerrika Davis

Katie Webb, APRN, is accepting patients at White River Health Pediatrics, previously known as The Children’s Clinic, located at 1700 Harrison Street, Suite N in Batesville. Katie is working alongside Drs. Melody Moody, Amanda Smith, Meagan Smith, and Tyler Sandlin, APRN.

As an APRN at White River Health Pediatrics, Katie is focusing on treatment of sick patients from infancy to young adulthood. She offers appointments scheduled in advance and same-day appointments. She is focused on treating residents in Batesville and surrounding areas, as well as maintaining direct communication with her patients and the healthcare community.

Katie completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Arkansas State University. She completed a Master of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University.

Katie found her calling to become a nurse during high school after her grandpa had an accident that almost cost him his life. However, because of the amazing nurses and healthcare staff, her grandpa survived and shared 13 additional years with his family. This experience led Katie to pursue nursing.

Katie started her career in healthcare as an LPN working in nursing homes and urgent care. After becoming an RN, she focused in on pediatric care with Cardiovascular ICU experience. She worked in the infant toddler unit caring for patients from newborn to three years of age.

“One thing I loved about Cardiovascular ICU is the relationship you build with the patients and families because of the amount of time you spend with them. I loved watching the kids grow-up and seeing where they started and being there through thick and thin with them,” said Katie. “In this role I will be able to do the same, and help them grow into young adults. My goal for my career to have the reputation of being compassionate and caring, that parents and caregivers know their child is not just a number or diagnosis.”

During her time working with children, Katie was nominated for a Daisy Award three times. A Daisy Award is given to a nurse monthly or quarterly based on criteria established through a hospital’s mission and values.

“Being a mother myself, there is nothing more precious to me than my children,” said Katie. “I understand the level of trust families are giving me and I do not take that for granted.”

Katie and her husband have two sons and lots of chickens. She is from Wilburn, AR. In her spare time, she loves all things outdoors including mowing and days at the lake. She also enjoys cooking and baking.

White River Health Pediatrics is open Monday thru Friday from 8am5pm. To make an appointment with Katie, call (870) 262-2200. N