Focus on Artesia Spring 2016 by FocusNM.com

SPRING 2016

04 06 10 12

FROM THE EDITOR FOCUS ON DENTAL HEALTH

A FAMILY THAT IS ALL SMILES FOCUS ON THE SPIRIT

THE HEALING POWER OF PRAYER FOCUS ON CHIROPRACTICS

BEATING THE ODDS

FOCUS ON EMERGENCY CARE

FOCUS ON POWER OF PRAYER

FOCUS ON BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

FOCUS ON MAINSTREET

FOCUS ON TOTAL WELLNESS

PROVIDING THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE CARE HEALING POWER FROM A HIGHER SOURCE

MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS PLAY A CRITICAL ROLE IN WELLNESS

DOWNTOWN LOWDOWN PARK AND WALK A WELLNESS CENTER FOR THE MIND, BODY AND SOUL FOCUS ON THE CHAMBER

BUSINESSES OF THE MONTH RIBBON CUTTINGS NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

ABOUT THE COVER

Various photos from stories inside this edition of Focus on Artesia - The Health & Wellness Edition. Staci Guy, Editorial Director - Kristy Crockett, Advertising Photography by Staci Guy, Devon Rae Photography & Submitted Photos Special Contributors: Elisabeth Jackson, Beverly Kodesh, Danielle Brady, Liana Swarengin, Kyle Marksteiner & the Artesia Chamber of Commerce FOCUS ON ARTESIA IS PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY AD VENTURE MARKETING

Ad Venture Marketing, Ltd. Co. • 866.207.0821 • ad-venturemarketing.com All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission of the publisher is prohibited. Every effort was made to ensure accuracy of the information provided. The publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for errors, changes or omissions.

SPRING 2016 | A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

F O C U S from the editor

Is there a difference between being “healthy” and being “well”? STACI GUY

Editorial Director

FOCUS ON ARTESIA

Last year during our planning meeting, I knew I wanted to dig into the healthcare industry for our spring issue, but I wasn’t sure exactly what that meant or how it would look. As story ideas began to unfold I realized something interesting—“health” seems to be a physical state of the body, while “wellness” is an overall state of being. This realization caused me to rethink the theme of our spring issue altogether, and instead of simply classifying it as a healthcare edition, I wanted it to focus more on overall wellbeing. Typically speaking, when we think about our health we think about our bones and ligaments, our organs and our bodily functions. Being “healthy” indicates our physical bodies are working properly and functioning as they should be. Wellness, on the other hand, is different. It includes, but is not limited to, a physical state. Wellness, in my mind, is all-encompassing and includes things like being mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically in balance. If we break it down, each component is as vital as the next in order to achieve an overall state of wellness. If we are not physically well, it will affect just about every other aspect of our lives. For instance, if I have a toothache, my mental state will begin to suffer because of the constant state of pain that accompanies a toothache. And if I am suffering from anxiety or depression, I will often suffer from headaches, fatigue, or any number of physical ailments. Spiritually speaking, if I am physically fit and healthy yet internally I feel as though I don’t have a purpose in life, my mental state will suffer and eventually it will manifest in a physical ailment. They are all interconnected and must be in balance in order to live and function to the best of our abilities.

FOCUS ON ARTESIA | SPRING 2016

For this issue of Focus on Artesia, we wanted to share with our readers some examples of people in our community that are finding ways to achieve and maintain spiritual, emotional, mental and physical wellness. On the spiritual side of wellness, freelance writers Liana Swarengin and Beverly Kodesh share insight about the healing power of prayer and having faith in a higher power. Their stories can be found on pages 20 and 10. In terms of mental and emotional wellness, contributor Kyle Marksteiner wrote a phenomenal article on page 24 about mental health and a couple of local practitioners who are working to help treat and combat behavioral issues on a local level. And of course our spiritual and mental wellness is manifested in our physical wellbeing, which is why we included stories about oral health, which you can read about on page 6, chiropractic on page 12, and emergency medicine on page 16. Speaking of our physical bodies, we even included a fun and insightful write-up about massage therapy, esthetics and acupuncture and the effects those practices have on our overall wellness on page 30. As you read through this issue, I hope you will analyze your own life and see which areas, if any, can use a little fine-tuning

in order that you might achieve a balanced state of overall wellness. Perhaps you can relate to the struggles of dealing with anxiety and realize you would be best served by making an appointment with one of the specialists mentioned in Kyle’s piece on mental health. Maybe the piece on chiropractic can help explain a possible cause of your digestive issues or regular headaches. If your skin is feeling drab or unhealthy or if you can use a little purification and relaxation in your life, you’re sure to find something in the Eternal Youth Day Spa story that will help you reach your desired state of wellness. There really is something for everyone in this issue! Friends, it is my sincerest desire that you live a healthy life, full of purpose and joy, and that you honor the spirit within you in all that you say and do. The eternal optimist in me can’t help but think about how much more impactful we can be and how much more peaceful and beautiful our world would be if we all focused on getting the “self ” healthy inside and out. It starts with you! Be well!

Best Wishes, - Staci Guy, Editorial Director A B O U T T H E E D IT O R

Staci Guy is the editorial director of Focus on Artesia. She can be reached at staci@ad-venturemarketing.com.

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F O C U S on dental health

by Staci Guy

id you know that gum disease has been linked to life-threatening diseases such as oral cancer, heart disease, diabetes and respiratory ailments? According to the American Dental Hygienists Association, nearly 80% of American adults suffer from periodontal (gum) disease and don’t even know it. When looking at overall health and wellness, it’s important not to gloss over the role the mouth plays. Maybe it’s fear or money or even a perceived lack of time, but for whatever reason, many people avoid going to the dentist. The staff at Smile Xpressions Family Dentistry works hard to eliminate as many obstacles as possible when it comes to proper dental health and wellness. They take the needs of their patients seriously while still maintaining a family-friendly office atmosphere. They pride themselves on making sure everyone is happy and satisfied, from the patients to the staff. “It’s like a family here,” exclaimed Missy Williams, long-time office manager. “We have all grown old together, even our patients! It’s comfortable, like a family.” Creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere is something that was important to Dr. Bill Greenhaw. Many

of the ladies on staff today actually began their careers under Greenhaw and stayed on even after a new dentist entered the picture in 2006. Much to the surprise of many, that new dentist was a young woman named Kay Younggren, a 1998 graduate of Artesia High School. Having grown up in a small Texas town, Younggren said when her dad was transferred to Artesia with his work in 1995 she considered it “moving to the big city!” She remembered, “I liked it here right away and fell in love with New Mexico.” During those formative high school years, a medical exploring post taught by Joseph Schiel opened her eyes to the world of healthcare. “We got to go to the hospital and work with some nurses; we went to a couple of dentist’s offices and so forth. That’s when I knew I wanted to do something in the medical field. I just wasn’t sure exactly what.”

fit. After earning a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from McMurry University in Abilene, Texas, she went on to attend Baylor College of Dentistry in Waco, Texas, the same college Greenhaw attended. Because there are no dental schools in the state of New Mexico, the state reserves spots at dental schools across the country for New Mexico students. The program also helps cover the cost of out-of-state tuition. Fortunately for Younggren, Baylor College of Dentistry is one of those schools. In exchange, she had to agree to return to New Mexico and practice dentistry

She continued to pursue her medical interests in college and soon realized she enjoyed doing “small tasks with her hands.” Dentistry was a perfect Dr. Kay Younggren

FOCUS ON ARTESIA | SPRING 2016

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for a minimum of four years in a rural area. It was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up. It placed her right back in Artesia where she would be working alongside her mentor, close to her family, and in a community she loves. “Dr. Greenhaw was my family dentist, and I would work for him some when I was in college, so when he found out I was going to Baylor, he offered me a job after I graduated,” she recalled. “I was so fortunate to have a job waiting for me after I graduated. I didn’t have to worry about it like a lot of students do.” Greenhaw was getting ready to retire and was looking for someone he could turn his practice over to, and Younggren fit the bill. “Part of the reason I’ve stayed on so long is that Dr. Greenhaw was a Christian, and Kay is a Christian. Our morals here are important,” Williams emphasized. Younggren worked alongside Greenhaw for several years before buying him out in January 2009. He stayed on in a part-time capacity for several years before retiring. “We sort of reversed roles,” Younggren joked. Greenhaw officially retired in April 2014. Soon after taking over the practice, Younggren began the planning process of moving the office to a new location. In 2010 she purchased a plot of land near 26th Street and Hermosa Drive, and in 2013 they broke ground on their new facility. “The old location was a 60-year-old dental office—it was a dentist office even before Dr. Greenhaw had it—so we knew it had

to eventually be redone or we would need to relocate,” Younggren reasoned. After years of planning and working with an architect specialized in dental facilities, Smile Xpressions opened the doors of their new office in October 2014. “People really like our new facility,” expressed Williams. “Our patients especially like the nice, big parking lot. It was so tight before and hard to find a spot!” Becoming a dentist is one thing, but taking on an already established practice with a full staff is a whole other ball game. With an office and staff come the responsibilities of a business owner outside the realm of dentistry. “Having a big staff was a little overwhelming at first,” Younggren admitted. “I never took business classes in college; I took chemistry and biology and so forth, but not business. That was probably the hardest part of it, but that’s why I feel fortunate that most of my staff have been here from 15 to nearly 30 years.” Williams interjected, “I feel, in a way, like this is my practice, too,” she confessed. “I feel a connection, a responsibility, an ownership in a sense. I don’t literally ‘own’ it, but I feel like this is my family here.” As has been the case for decades now, the staff at Smile Xpressions Family Dentistry strives to provide their patients with exceptional customer service and high-quality dental care. “We have always tried to think about how others feel coming in there,” Williams explained. “We don’t nickel and dime people; if they’re upset we try to make things right with them. We

PHOTOS: Smile Xpressions Family Dentistry relocated to their new facility, located at 2520 W. Hermosa

Drive, in October 2014. The new state-of-the-art facility is a dream come true for Dr. Kay Younggren and her staff.

“It’s like a family here. We have all grown old together, even our patients! It’s comfortable, like a family.” - MISSY WILLIAMS, OFFICE MANAGER

PHOTO: The staff at Smile Xpressions celebrated the grand opening

of their new location with a ribbon cutting ceremony in October 2014. They hosted an open house and treated visitors to refreshments and tours of the new facility.

don’t try to force anything on anyone; we just really focus on customer service and treating people right.” Part of keeping their customers happy includes providing them with up-to-date technological practices and procedures in order to provide the best care possible. In the everchanging world of medicine and technology, Younggren works hard to make sure she stays current on things going on in the world of dentistry. “Continuing education is important to me,” she shared. “I don’t want to take the bare minimum of courses needed. I want to stay at the forefront.

Things always change in dentistry and I don’t want to play catch-up. I want to know what’s out there and not just rely on what I was taught 10 years ago in dental school.” Most recently she pursued a fellowship in implantology, which took six months to complete and required her to travel back and forth to San Antonio, Texas for three days out of each month. She also recently completed coursework in which she learned how to make oral appliances for sleep apnea and other sleep-related issues. “She is constantly gone to take classes and continue her education,” Williams noted. “But that’s how she stays updated on technology and practices. It’s important for her do to that.” Outside her practice, Younggren is involved in various activities and organizations. She served on the Alumni Board at McMurry University and on the building and SPRC (pastor/staff relations) committees for First United Methodist Church. She is president of the Downtown Lion’s Club, past president of the Eastern New Mexico Dental Society, and is a member of the New Mexico Dental Association.

PHOTO LEFT: The staff takes their practice on the road, visiting residents of San Pedro Nursing Home. PHOTO RIGHT: The

staff at Smile Xpressions believes it is important to teach children about oral health and hygiene. Missy Williams and Brittany Caley teach the children at Grand Heights Early Childhood Education Center the proper way to brush their teeth.

FOCUS ON ARTESIA | SPRING 2016

IN A HEARTBEAT Prevent Gum Disease for Heart Health Gum disease has been called the silent disease because you usually don’t notice symptoms until it’s advanced. If your gums are red, sometimes (or always) bleed when you brush, feel tender, or look swollen... these are the symptoms of gum disease. If your mouth tastes unpleasant or if your gums have receded, you may have had gum disease for some time. Advanced gum disease also looks unattractive... and there’s even more at stake! • Studies show that bacteria from gum infections is in arterial plaque and that therapy for gum disease lessens inflammation throughout the body. • Poor oral health has been identified as a stronger predictor of heart disease over other risk factors. • Studies continue to link oral bacteria, inflammation and systemic diseases. The Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health in America said that the mouth is the gateway to the body, that you cannot be healthy without oral health, and that oral and general health are inseparable. Together, we can prevent and sometimes reverse gum disease. Brush, floss and call us to book your next regular dental appointments. Your heart will thank you!

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F O C U S on the spirit

The Healing Power by Beverly Kodesh

Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge: “Don’t begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don’t try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously so live generously.” (Matthew 10: 5-8 The Message) And so Jesus spoke the commission urging believers to organize themselves into groups aiming to

promote healing for individuals, communities and nations through prayer.

PHOTO: Barbara Britain, a part-time wellness coordinator at First American Bank, is on a mission to help others live life to

the fullest. In addition to coordinating health and wellness programs at the bank, she is a certified hypnotherapist and also initiated a local healing prayer ministry.

Maybe God Himself was stirring up something for Artesia. As things have a way of working out, Barbara Britain moved to Artesia in 2007 from San Diego, California where she was involved with a healing organization named the Order of St. Luke the Physician. She also is a certified hypnotherapist and has helped folks foster habits that contribute to quitting smoking and losing weight. She was hired in 2009 to work part-time at First American Bank as coordinator of its Wellness Program.

She hoped to start a healing prayer ministry here in the pattern of the Order of St. Luke. When visiting with folks at meetings or socially, she talked about her desire. As like tends to attract like, she was instrumental in developing a small group that has been meeting together for about a year now. It has evolved into a pod of earnest believers who gather to pray for friends, family, neighbors and special requests rather than as a study group. Anyone is welcome to attend. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 5:45 p.m. Currently meetings are held at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 1006 W. Bullock Avenue, but five different churches are represented in the group so meeting locations vary. Meeting announcements are published in Artesia Daily Press’ “Around Town” column. Any changes in meeting place or time are announced. Folks also may request to be on an email list to be reminded of time and place. Anyone who feels the need for prayer may call 575-736-2174 to leave a prayer request. If they would like to be called back or desire further information, they may leave a name and telephone number, or just a phone number if they wish to remain anonymous. All information is confidential. What is discussed in the group stays in the group.

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of Prayer Prayers for healing are not limited to the physical, although that is probably most frequent. God also is petitioned for spiritual, emotional and financial issues, or any issue that is hoped to improve the well-being of individuals or situations—even political elections, not for outcome but for what is best for voters and for various crises around the world. Those of us who pray believe God knows every condition and that He will act in His own time and His own way to bring healing—or not, as humans perceive it. Be assured none of those who pray believe they do the healing. Their deep-seated knowing is that God does the healing. That’s God’s job. Those who pray simply desire to bring dire situations to His attention and are well aware that the human definition of healing is not always the same as the divine definition. Healing may happen in the here and now or sometime later or even in the afterlife. And it may come in a completely different way than expected. It may seem to not happen at all. It is God’s decision. One of the inexplicable aspects of praying for others is that the participants may never know the outcome. They know the scripture, “‘My thoughts are not your thoughts. Nor are your ways my ways,’ says the Lord.” (Isaiah 55:8 NKJV)

Wellness Program

“I love what I do,” Britain confessed. She is enthusiastic about the Wellness Program and says her mission as coordinator for all 12 of the bank’s locations throughout New Mexico is to provide information and motivation to help people be well. She provides information for employees to improve their health and strive for a general feeling of well-being. She organizes speakers, competitions and games, provides stress management information and arranges for free flu shots.

“The purpose of the Wellness Program,” she said, “is to educate and motivate employees to take care of themselves and be as healthy as possible. Healthy people feel better and function better—physically, mentally and emotionally. This benefits their home life and their work life.” “I present wellness classes several times a year, usually on healthy eating, stress management or exercise. These are done by videoconference so that all centers may participate,” she stated. Every Friday she sends out an email with a wellness tip and a healthy recipe. Every quarter she sends out a Wellness Bingo with squares such as drinking water, eliminating sodas, eating vegetables and fruit every day, eliminating fried foods, getting enough sleep, getting regular exercise and so on. As people check off the squares for the healthy things they do, they earn wellness points. The points for these various activities translate into cash at the end of the year. Employees are also rewarded with wellness points for being a nonsmoker, as well as for quitting smoking or other tobacco use. Finally, employees are reimbursed for a portion of gym or other fitness class membership fees. She offers a year-long weight-loss challenge called Mission Slim Possible, provides weigh-ins and keeps charts to measure participants’ progress. A Zumba exercise class has recently started and she emails inspirational quotes and images weekly. “The employees are loving it,” she boasted with a grin. “Some people have changed their habits to healthier habits just by participating in the Wellness Bingo.”

PHOTOS: Zumba, a dance fitness program, is one of the offerings employees enjoy as a part of the wellness program at First American Bank. Bel Samora, Cheryl Bartlett, Gracie Aranda and Shaye Coats strike a pose before class and then break a sweat while showing off their dance moves.

Take a look at some of the comments she has received from employees: “Yummy! I LOVE

YOUR RECIPES! I try them all the time and they become my favorites!” • “Thank you. I am so excited to have this opportunity to help get me more motivated to get up, get out and get going. I have never worked for a business/ bank that gives this as an extra incentive.” • “Barbara! I LOVED this message & really needed to hear it today.” • “Thanks for the post. Today’s post literally helped me to take a breath and relax.” • “I surely enjoyed your conference but best of all I learned a lot!!!” • “I have learned a lot in these classes. I especially like visualizing myself in a peaceful, quiet place. I will try listening to some of the music you mentioned today. Thank you for your program. Life is stressful and I will be using the things I learned in your class. Nice to know that fake laughing and smiling are beneficial.”

Britain is a dedicated musician, singer and music lover. She incorporates music into various healthy activities such as exercise or meditation because in her opinion, certain rhythms provide benefits that help make the process more enjoyable and thus easier to maintain. She has two grown daughters, one in California the other here in Artesia, four grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren. Music has a strong influence in her life. The first morning she woke up after moving to Artesia, the song You’ll Never Walk Alone was playing in her mind. With a big smile, she contended, “I knew I was where I needed to be.” SPRING 2016 | A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

F O C U S on chiropractics

FOCUS ON ARTESIA | SPRING 2016

by Staci Guy

more than one occasion Jillana Burgess Plummer has beat the odds. She wasn’t supposed to become a chiropractor, she wasn’t supposed to own her own business and she wasn’t supposed to survive an ultralight plane crash. Society told her she wasn’t supposed to do all those things, but a Higher Power told her she was. In the 1960s and ‘70s, most women in America took one of a handful of career paths after high school: they either became teachers, secretaries or flight attendants, or they stayed home to raise a family. None of those options interested Burgess though. She knew even as a child that her career path would look much different thanks in large part to one significant experience. “I knew when I was eight I was going to be a chiropractor,” she shared. She went on to explain that at the time, her mother had been suffering from frequent headaches. Through chiropractic adjustment, Dr. James Woodlee was able to eliminate her mother’s headaches completely. “She didn’t have to take medicine and I saw how powerful chiropractic was. That’s when I knew what I wanted to do. That’s when I saw how the body can heal itself,” Burgess marveled. Woodlee would become an important mentor in her journey through chiropractic.

PHOTO: Jillana Burgess, D.C.

Photo by Staci Guy

BEATING THE ODDS IN COLLEGE

That eight-year-old girl would, in fact, go on to follow her dream of becoming a chiropractor. After graduating from Artesia High School in 1977, she went on to study pre-medicine at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales and then spent four years at a chiropractic college in Pasadena, Texas, graduating in 1983. At the time only 10% of the entire field of chiropractic was comprised of females. “I really had to work hard to prove myself,” she reminisced. “Not only was I female, but I was also the youngest student there; I was only 19. But I was very determined.” With a strong Christian faith, Burgess continued going to church while in chiropractic college and made it her mission to succeed not only in school but in life. How did she do it? By sticking to the six Ds she expected of herself since childhood: drive, desire, dream, determination, dedication and discipline. “I write it in all of my journals, and it was in all my diaries growing up; it’s a life model, so to speak,” she explained. “I knew what I had to do, and I worked hard to do it. Church and school were my only activities.” Fortunately for Burgess, her parents prepared her as best they could for the road ahead. Entering an intense medical schooling program at the age of 19 forced her to “grow up,” but

she was able to rely upon what her parents taught her and the lessons they imparted. “My parents didn’t push me, but they encouraged me,” she expressed. “They prepared me by teaching me about money management, time management,… how to wash clothes, things that I would need to know once I was out on my own.” While college served to prepare Burgess academically, it was also the place where she learned to develop a “thick skin” and where she would learn how to use the words of nay-sayers to fuel her drive and determination. “People would tell me, ‘If you were going to go to all that schooling, why don’t you become an RD, a real doctor?’ All that did was to motivate me even more to finish school and start my own practice so I could start helping people.”

BEATING THE ODDS IN THE WORKPLACE

If you’ve crunched the numbers, by now you’ve likely realized that Burgess was only 23 years old in 1983 when she graduated with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. She was not even in her mid-20s and was already well on her way to an established, long-lasting practice in the medical field of her choice. Or so that’s what she thought. “Since I was only 23, the banks wouldn’t lend me any money to start my own practice,” she confessed. SPRING 2016 | A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

“They said to come back when I was 25.” Burgess wasn’t about to let another nay-sayer get in the way of her dream, so she did what any ambitious professional would do: she went job hunting. She recalled meeting a fellow chiropractor at a chiropractic conference and she knew he lived close-by. “His name was Dr. Darrell Atchley in Lovington. I needed a job, so he interviewed me on the phone and then sent me flowers!” she expressed. It turns out that accepting the job with Atchley in Lovington was the best thing that could have happened for the young doctor. “I went to work for him and it was the best year and a half,” she mused with fondness. “I learned how to be an employer, which I needed in order to start my own practice.” At the golden age of 25, Burgess had nearly two years of experience under her belt, and more importantly, PHOTO: Jillana Burgess, D.C., poses for a photo with one of her mentors, Dr. Darrell Atchley, who offered her her first job as a chiropractor.

the banks felt comfortable loaning her money. She moved back to her hometown to follow through with her life-long dream of opening her own chiropractic practice. In January 1985 Burgess went into business with fellow chiropractor Dr. Dee Witherspoon, where she remained for four years before starting her solo practice in 1989. Through the years she remained close to Atchley, who showed faith in her from the get-go. “In fact, his daughter realized through watching me that women can become chiropractors, too, so she went on to school and became a chiropractor as well! She even came and filled in for me when I went on my honeymoon in 1990,” she exclaimed. Having been a doctor of chiropractic for nearly 33 years, Burgess conceded it’s not a business you enter “for the money,” but rather for service and because it’s your passion. “You do it because you love helping people,” she emphasized. Opening up about her personal life, Burgess

believes anything is possible with determination and faith in God. Becoming a chiropractor is something she feels God called her to do and it’s not a task she takes lightly. “Since I didn’t get to have children, this is my baby,” she proclaimed of her practice. “When God tells you to do something, you can not do it and be miserable, or you can obey Him and be fulfilled. It’s been an exciting ride. I can’t imagine doing anything else!”

BEATING THE ODDS IN SURVIVAL

Unbeknownst to Burgess, her biggest act of determination to date would come not in the form of schooling or business ownership but in the act of survival. In 2008 she and her husband took a trip to Tennessee to visit his son. Though her instincts told her not to, she decided to board an ultralight airplane to get an aerial view of the beautiful fall colors. As they circled the mountain, the plane began to fall. “We fell 200 feet, but miraculously we landed in some foliage,” she marveled. “We could have landed in trees that were all around us and hung there; we could have landed in a river that was close by, where we likely would have drowned, but we didn’t. We landed in foliage.” When her husband and the others in their party realized the plane had not returned from the other side of the mountain, panic set in and they knew something was amiss, so they prepared to begin searching, not for them, but for their remains. “They told Bob and our friends that we would be in pieces and that they needed to be prepared for what they might find,” she recalled. “I should have died...I knew it was bad when we landed, but I also knew I didn’t die because when we landed I was in immense pain, and I know there’s no pain in heaven.” Miraculously, everyone survived. While her husband’s son, who was also on the plane, escaped with minor injuries, Burgess sustained significant injuries to her neck and underwent extensive surgery, which put her out of commission for several months. “I was highly encouraged to sell my practice and take disability…It took sheer determination, [but] I came back.” During the four months it took her to recover, she had two chiropractors come in to work and keep her practice

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THESE ARE SOME OF THE AILMENTS WHICH MAY BE TREATED BY A DOCTOR OF CHIROPRACTIC

PHOTO: Jillana Burgess Plummer made a list of 50 things she wanted in a husband in order to make sure she didn’t “settle” for someone that she wasn’t supposed to be with. When she met Bob Plummer at a church reunion in 1989, she knew right away he was “the one” because he met all 50 criteria, right down to the “curly hair.” Some of the other criteria included his money management skills, his values and strong morals, and his sense of humor. “He got along with my friends and family, church wasn’t an option for him it was a given, and he was fun-loving and helped keep me balanced,” she beamed. “He’s my best friend, partner and soul mate.”

afloat. She was forced to permanently alter her lifestyle, but she said she still manages to live life to the fullest. Though the process was difficult and painful, Burgess said God taught her some important lessons through it all. She gained a better understanding of the struggles she often “saw” with her patients but never “experienced;” she learned the importance of being a “God pleaser” rather than a “people pleaser;” and she walked away with a newfound appreciation for life, second chances, grace and mercy. “I was led to the best doctors that helped me recover,” she revealed. “People here were praying for me. They brought food. They were so kind and incredible. I was in so much pain, and this town lifted me in prayer. I will always be grateful for that.” If there’s one bit of advice Burgess would pass on to others, it is to stay focused. “Put your blinders on and stay focused on your dreams and desires, regardless of what others might say,” she advised. “If God sees that you are working toward it, He will bring it to pass. If you go on a detour, that’s okay. Refocus on your dream and work hard.”

Her faith is a big part of everything she does, both personally and professionally. “It’s integrated in everything. I’m not a ‘calendar Christian’ or a ‘geographical Christian;’ it’s just who I am all the time,” she admitted. The most rewarding part of owning her own practice as a chiropractor is seeing people get well and live life to the fullest without pain, or in some cases, despite pain. “I pray with my patients, over my patients and for my patients. I want them to live the best life they can!” Outside her practice, Burgess is involved with her church family at First Baptist Church, Altrusa Club, Artesia Trailblazers, United Way and Emmaus. She also served on the Artesia General Hospital Governing Board from 2009-2012, and has served on the board at Artesia Emergency Relief (which was originally the Red Cross) since 1989. “It has been an incredible experience taking care of our own people,” she gushed. She has been married to her best friend and soul mate, Bob Plummer, since 1990, and together they have two “fur babies.”

• Back, Hip and Leg Pain • Regular or Migraine Headaches • Neck Pain and Stiffness • Arm and Shoulder Pain • Muscle Spasms • Constant Tiredness and Fatigue • Vertigo • Extreme Nervousness • Digestive Symptoms • Numbness of Arms or Hands • Numbness of Shoulders • Pain Between the Shoulders • Neuralgia and Neuritis • Muscle Swelling • Spinal Curvature • Anxiety and Irritability • Inability to Concentrate • Insomnia • Cold Hands or Feet • Slipped Discs • Pinched Nerves The spinal column needs special care and you’ll fell better with regular chiropractic adjustments. When the spine is in line, the joints move freely, nerves are clear and there is no pain. When there are vertebral subluxations, or the “spine is out of line” there is poor joint motion, nerves are pinched and pain is present. Chiropractic adjustments move the vertebrae to their proper alignment, thus reducing nerve pressure and allowing the body to heal and return to a normal state of health. So don’t think “it will go away.” Call today for an appointment and let us help you enjoy a healthier life!

Burgess Chiropractic Center 575-748-3305

F O C U S on emergency care

PROVIDING THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE CARE

by Danielle Brady, CAC, AFD Administrative Assistant

The Artesia Fire Department (AFD) has always made great strides in providing the highest level of emergency medical service (EMS) care possible. AFD now incorporates some of the broadest protocols and procedures found throughout New Mexico. AFD responds to about 2,300 calls annually, and the response area covers over 2,000 square miles including all of Artesia and other parts of northern Eddy County. Operating from two stations, AFD currently has five ambulances in circulation to provide first response medical care. Each shift consists of 10 line personnel—a captain, two lieutenants and seven firefighters—to man the two stations every day of the year. Firefighters fill multiple roles when responding to fire, EMS, rescue or hazardous PHOTO: EMS Week Proclamation for the City of Artesia in 2014

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materials (hazmat) calls in any given shift, which requires them to make appropriate responses based on the type of call, location, safety and staffing needs. Each year AFD completes over 5,000 hours of EMS training. All line personnel are required to obtain at least an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician license with additional requirements as they advance in rank. To date, 17 AFD members have continued their education to earn Paramedic licenses.

“Division Chief Kevin Hope has been the main driving force behind ensuring that our guys receive the best training possible,” stated AFD Chief J.D. Hummingbird. “It is very important to us to have qualified technicians, and Chief Hope has created and fostered that opportunity for all AFD.” The development of these educational opportunities translates into better patient care. At least two crew members, one of which is almost always a paramedic, respond to every 911 dispatch. The addition of paramedics to AFD has led to advancements in patient care and fostered new treatment options and additional Critical Care Paramediclevel training for long term treatment and transport of the most severely injured and sick patients. Advanced Life Support (ALS) techniques have been instituted and additional

"Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It's what you do for others."

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advanced medications and innovative new equipment are carried on the ambulances to be used or distributed at response sites. Along with taking advantage of educational opportunities and training, AFD strives to offer the best diagnostic tools available for patient care. Two years ago, AFD upgraded its department training with the addition of five Advanced ALS Simulator manikins, which allows personnel at all levels of EMS licensure to train and practice real life patient care skills and treatments on a life-like manikin. AFD was the first department in southeastern New Mexico to utilize ultrasound for patient care. Ultrasound in the pre-hospital setting allows faster recognition of life threatening injuries, which in turn factors into transportation to the nearest appropriate facility. AFD uses ZOLL X Series cardiac monitors, which employ the best cardiac and vital sign monitoring capabilities available on the market today. Other advanced equipment AFD uses includes non-invasive diagnostics for carbon monoxide poisoning, intravenous medication pumps and ParaPAC automated ventilators. AFD reviews 100% of all EMS reports for quality assurance and quality control to ensure all patients receive the best care possible. AFD shares its directing physician, also known as the medical director, with local medical flight services in the area, which allows up-to-date, progressive treatment. This enables AFD to provide identical levels of care between critical care, air and ground ambulances. Superior equipment, advanced training and interagency collaboration have resulted in AFD having a 64% higher success rate than the national average for cardiac arrest calls. Chief Hummingbird stated, “If not for the foresight of the Artesia City Council and Mayor Phil Burch in helping us build and develop the department, we would have a totally different story to tell. We are so blessed to work at a very well-equipped station and attribute all these advanced tools and additional training opportunities entirely to them.”

PHOTOS: (FROM TOP - LEFT TO RIGHT) Artesia Fire Department’s First Paramedic Class • Rescue of the SKP RV Community in Eddy County During a Flooding Incident • Older Ambulances • Artesia Fire Department Circa 1956 (photo courtesy of the Artesia Historical Museum & Art Center) • EMT Refresher Training Scenario • Accident Response • AFD Vehicles

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PHOTOS HONORED FOR THEIR DEDICATION

Fire Marshal James Abner and firefighter Brenden Harvey recently won the Liberty Mutual Firemark Award for their dedication to community service and fire education in New Mexico. They are currently also being considered for the national award. Liberty Mutual honored the men with a catered reception at the Public Safety Complex in late January. On hand for the celebration were local dignitaries, officials from the Artesia Public School District, fellow firefighters and EMTs, family members and friends. When asked if they wanted to address the crowd after receiving their awards, both men humbly declined. “It’s not about them,” commented Jason Ellis, who presented the awards on behalf of Liberty Mutual, “it’s about what they do for the city. That’s what sets these men apart and why they were selected for this award.” Mitzi McCaleb, principal at Grand Heights Elementary School, also offered her thoughts about the honorees. She commended Abner’s work ethic, calling his dedication a value to the community. Harvey, she said, is viewed as “strong and brave and heroic” by the students at her school, and it is “rare to see people at his age so dedicated to his job and his community. He is a true hometown hero.”

F O C U S on power of prayer

from a

W by Liana Swarengin

hen your doctor asks you to sit down, it’s generally not a good sign. It means that you need to brace yourself, because you’re about to receive some tough news. If you’ve ever been in that situation, you know the feeling. Palms begin to grow clammy and sweaty at the same time as wild knots dance maliciously in your gut. Even though

PHOTO: Liana and Lance Swarengin are the picture of happiness

after a frightening couple of months leading up to the birth of their son last year. Photo by Devon Rae Photography

you know that the atmosphere hasn’t undergone some cataclysmic change, it still feels as though the air has suddenly become harder to breathe. At a check-up during my ninth month of pregnancy, I was told to sit down. But the news that was about to hit us wasn’t about me, it was about the little life I was growing. After a routine checkup several weeks prior, it had appeared that perhaps I was measuring a little smaller than I should. My obstetrician/ gynecologist (ob/gyn) suggested

that I have an ultrasound done at my next appointment. During that appointment I ended up having two ultrasounds done and was hooked up for fetal monitoring as well. According to the images, it appeared that our baby was only measuring 34 weeks, even though I was 37 weeks along. But more troubling than that, it also appeared that our baby might have a very serious heart defect. After consulting with a high-risk ob/gyn in Albuquerque, my doctor explained to us that I was now considered a high-risk pregnancy, and that it looked as though our baby may have a heart condition called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Essentially, the left side of our baby’s heart looked much smaller than the right side according to the ultrasound images, and that wasn’t good. My doctor then strongly suggested that we pack our bags and head to Albuquerque that very night and stated it was very likely I would be delivering that weekend. Probably one of the worst things a person can do after receiving any sort of medical news is look it up online. Medical websites tend to exploit worst case scenarios and provide statistics that are downright frightening. If our baby did indeed have a Hypoplastic heart, we were looking at three major surgeries and a potential heart transplant down the road, provided that our little one even survived. We went home and packed and did

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our best to mentally prepare ourselves for what may lie ahead. As my husband gathered the car seat and diaper bag, panic overwhelmed me. With heavy sobs and hot tears pouring from my eyes, I looked at him and asked, “What if we don’t get to bring our baby home?” With all the strength he could muster, my husband smiled at me and said, “Don’t worry babe, we will bring our baby home.” Upon our arrival, I had several more ultrasounds done as well as an echocardiogram on the baby. Thankfully, the Hypoplastic heart was ruled out, yet something still seemed amiss. After meeting with the pediatric cardiologist and the high-risk ob/gyn, it was decided that I ought to stay in Albuquerque until my due date, which was still several weeks away. I was advised not to return home at all, fearing that if I were to deliver elsewhere our baby would have to be airlifted back to Albuquerque, and we certainly didn’t want that to happen. Our weekend trip up north turned into nearly a month. Thanks to the generosity and kindness of our family, friends, and church we were able to survive that extended time away from home. But more than that, we were able to survive because of the power of prayer. Before we ever left Artesia, we were placed on several prayer chains and had people praying for us all over the state. The serious heart condition we were anticipating had miraculously resolved itself overnight. Every time a problem seemed to arise—and arise they did— we stopped and prayed and asked others to do the same. And every time we went to God in prayer, our hardships began to clear up one by one. PHOTO: John Oliver Swarengin was born a couple of weeks early after doctors feared he was suffering from a congenital heart condition. His family is convinced, however, that a Greater Power healed his body before he was even born.

Eventually, the doctors decided that the best thing to do would be to go ahead and induce me a couple of weeks early. They wanted to go ahead and get the baby out so that they could truly see what exactly was going on with our little one. Interestingly enough, the night I went in for induction they found that I had already started going into labor on my own. The next day I gave birth to our sweet son, John Oliver Max. He was much larger than what the ultrasound had suggested and was soon cleared of any serious heart defects. Although he was kept in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) for a little over a week, we were eventually able to bring him home on oxygen. After about a week we were able to wean him from the oxygen, and slowly but surely life began returning to normal. Now, the skeptic may look at our situation and claim that it was merely coincidence that everything worked out the way that it did. Or, perhaps they would suggest the ultrasounds were simply faulty or some sort of mistake had been made along the way. I suppose one could choose to see it that way, but our family sees the whole thing as a miracle.

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We believe that God saw us through our hard times because we chose to have faith in His good plan for our lives. We believe that the prayers of our

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a birthday gift. The kindness of these two people, who were essentially strangers, was absolutely beautiful. What a wonderful reminder how far a simple act of kindness can go. My husband and I will never forget them.

friends and family were heard and answered in order to glorify God as the true Healer. We believe that science can do its best to provide explanations for why things happen the way they do, but at the end of the day there are some things that are simply unexplainable. And we believe that we were allowed to go through our hardships in order to gain some life-altering perspective. Up until this point, I had truly taken my health and the health of my family for granted. It is easy to become complacent with our lives when things are going well if we don’t intentionally remember to be thankful for all God has blessed us with. Our time in Albuquerque was a sobering reminder how frail our humanity is and that we are never guaranteed another tomorrow. Not only did I personally learn to be more grateful for our physical well-being, I also learned the importance of maintaining strong spiritual health as well. Thankfully, my relationship with God was intact before all of this happened, and through it all my faith only grew stronger. I don’t say that flippantly. Growing up, I spent many years trying to do life on my own without God. During that time I suffered from incredibly poor

FOCUS ON ARTESIA | SPRING 2016

spiritual health; my soul was chronically ill. I know what it’s like to struggle through dark nights, to inhabit a dismal state of depression, and to live without hope. I never want to be in that place again, and I’ve learned that the only way out is to cling to the light that Jesus has to offer. Without faith, hope is ultimately futile. My husband and I also experienced how healing it can be to receive love from others. People reached out to us in a way that was truly humbling. We’ve always been the “independent” type and prefer to handle things on our own. Our time away from home taught us that people need one another and that it’s okay to ask for help. Friends and family came to visit us, care packages and meals were prepared for us, and encouragement and prayers were continually sent our way. Not only that, the day before our daughter’s fourth birthday, two of the NICU nurses surprised us all by bringing her

So take time to care for yourself and care for others. Make it a point to nurture both your physical body and your soul. Don’t be afraid to perform random acts of kindness towards others, even if they’re strangers. Be willing to fully accept loving gestures when they’re extended your way. And above all, remember to turn to the only One who can provide both strength and hope during difficult seasons of life. It will certainly do you good. PHOTOS ABOVE: Big sister Adeline snuggles up with her new baby brother, John Oliver Swarengin. • Liana poses for a photo at her son’s bedside in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at an Albuquerque hospital. PHOTO BELOW: Proud daddy Lance Swarengin relishes his

first moments with his newborn son.

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F O C U S on behavioral health

MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS PLAY a CRITICAL ROLE in WELLNESS by Kyle Marksteiner

No wellness package is complete without a look into behavioral health, but some unique challenges in New Mexico have made the issue difficult for many area residents. A wave of investigations into the billing practices of some state providers ultimately resulted in turmoil for many of the state’s most vulnerable citizens. Thankfully, a number of agencies, including Artesia General Hospital (AGH), have stepped up to fill the void that resulted. In 2014, AGH greatly added to its behavioral health services to expand outpatient mental health care for area residents as well as dementia and depression services at the special Senior Care Unit at the hospital.

screening for someone concerned about a potential disorder, substance abuse issues and elderly care. There’s a shortage of these services in Southeastern New Mexico, so to say that the two keep busy would be a gross understatement. Dr. Ron Haugen received his doctorate in nursing practice in

forensics from the University of Tennessee. He received both his Master of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees in nursing from New Mexico State University. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and playing the drums. Oh yeah, and he was awarded the Excellence in Advanced Practice Nursing award at the 2015 New Mexico Nursing Excellence Awards. Caley has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Graceland College in Iowa and a master’s in nursing with an emphasis in adult psychiatric mental health from New Mexico State University. She is board certified by the American Nurse Credentialing Center as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Her personal interests are

As part of that effort, AGH brought in two talented local professionals in psychiatry: Ron Haugen and Susan Caley. The two rotate between serving at a clinic in Carlsbad and the Memorial Family Practice in Artesia. Caley and Haugen are both boardcertified nurse practitioners who specialize in psychiatric issues, which includes dealing with any mental health disorder, including

FOCUS ON ARTESIA | SPRING 2016

Ron Haugen, DNP, CNP, CNS Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Susan Caley, CNP

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

reading, travel and spending time with her granddaughter. Carlsbad resident Haugen, who began his practice in Southeastern New Mexico in 2007, said he’d worked with AGH for several years as a contractor and then on a part-time basis, but the hospital entered into a full partnership with him and Caley in November 2014. While hospitals in large cities often have behavioral health components to their portfolio, it is rare for hospitals in smaller communities to do so. “This was basically a new idea for them,” he acknowledged. “There were lots of surveys about what the community felt was needed,” added Caley, who has been an Artesia resident for several decades now. She is a well-known psychiatric nurse practitioner in the area, and among other assignments, she recently served in that capacity at the corrections center in Roswell. Richard Gibson, Executive Director of Behavioral Health Services with Artesia General Hospital, elaborated on the decision. “Our hospital’s own Community Health Needs Assessment, the Eddy County Health Council Assessment and visits to the ER (emergency room) have attested to the community’s need for behavioral health service. This global need was acknowledged in the Accountable Care Act that mandated behavioral health treatment to be addressed by insurers in parity with physical health treatment, offering citizens more financial support in seeking treatment to restore their mental health.” About half of Haugen and Caley’s patients are referred by a primary care provider or specialist, but the other half are selfreferred. They only see and treat patients age 14 and older, with an emphasis on those over 18. Because the brain is such a complex body part, psychiatric diagnosis is extremely

“The reality is that most patients want to establish consistency with someone and develop a relationship. That’s true with all health providers, but a relationship with a mental health provider is one of the most important relationships you can have.” difficult. Where do you begin with someone who comes in concerned about a potential disorder? “The interviewing process is very important,” Caley explained. “We’re looking at the thought process and how they present that, but we’re also looking back at their history of how they’ve responded to different medications.” Other issues to consider include family history and whether or not there are any current substance dependencies. “When we started school, there was a ‘nature vs. nurture’ discussion, but now I think it is more clear that it is nature and nurture,” Haugen stressed. “It’s people’s experiences along with underlying medical issues.” In the case of an addict, therefore, a psychiatrist will have to attempt to navigate the extremely complicated human mind to try to determine whether the drug caused the

psychological issue, or was an outcome of the issue, or (most likely) some overlapping combination of the two. Haugen and Caley may also order diagnostic tests, if they feel they are needed. “It’s all considered together,” Haugen continued. “We’re always having to look at interactions and potential risk.” Medication is a part of the package, but by no means the only treatment. While some people express hesitancy toward the idea of any medication for a behavioral health issue, the reality is there are chemical imbalances that serve as the platform for so many different issues labeled as mental illnesses. Much like a diabetic might need insulin, Caley explained, someone with a mental health issue might need medicine to balance out what his or her body is not doing on its own. An anti-medicine philosophy presents some unique challenges. For example, some rehabilitation centers demand that patients not be taking any psychotropic drugs, but those drugs are often needed to stabilize chemical imbalances needed to make rehabilitation effective. “As nurse practitioners, we prescribe medication,” Caley pointed out. “We also do some therapy and counseling, but we don’t have a lot of time.” Therefore, the practitioner will often recommend additional counseling or therapy from a

psychologist or other expert in the area. Psychiatrists are sometimes accused of handing out multiple pills when they could just prescribe one, Caley noted, but that isn’t the case. Mental medication is extremely complicated, and it is often a matter of finding the right recipe, not just the right medicine. Sometimes that recipe needs to be refined over time. “And that recipe always includes lifestyle changes,” Haugen added. “People do significantly better with therapy and lifestyle changes in combination with medicines.” Caley and Haugen also play an important role with Artesia General Hospital by supporting psychiatry needs related to the hospital’s Senior Care Unit. There, they assist with mental health issues that focus on the elderly, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. “The majority of our patients there have dementia,” Caley continued, noting that end of life issues can be even more complicated. “It’s very complicated when you have dementia plus pre-existing mood problems.” The state mental health shakeup was disruptive, and especially so to a group of vulnerable individuals, Haugen revealed. Some services switched providers multiple times, which resulted in employee turnover. Many behavioral health services, Susan Caley and Ron Haugen, board-certified nurse practitioners who specialize in psychiatric care, serve Eddy County residents from offices in Artesia and Carlsbad.

PHOTO:

such as the Crossroads program in Carlsbad (a rehab center for women with children), no longer exist. Consequently, psychiatric services have been in very high demand in the area. “While we are a separate entity from some of them, we do work with everybody,” Haugen assured. “It’s been a big transition for patients, and every time there is a corporate change (with one of the area’s other behavioral health providers), we’ve had an influx of very frustrated patients.” Haugen’s clinic in Carlsbad, which operated in the same location prior to his affiliation with AGH, has been a source of stability for some. Employees such as Yvette Leos recognize many of the region’s patients and can rely on past experiences. “The reality is that most patients want to establish consistency with someone and develop a relationship,” according to Caley. “That’s true with all health providers, but a relationship with a mental health provider is one of the most important relationships you can have.” And diversity also helps, since one patient may relate better to Caley or Haugen, or to someone else. “You also need to feel like you have a choice,” she concluded. Make no mistake about it, Southeastern New Mexico still needs more behavioral health employees. “We’re actively looking for more clinicians and therapists,” Haugen declared. “We’d really like to see

the hospital expand to where we’re offering more traditional therapy.” What Southeastern New Mexico has done well is develop volunteer and faith-based programs that complement professional services, Haugen and Caley agreed.

Changing Times

Historically, there has often been a stigma against individuals with mental health problems, in that some people have often been less understanding of those problems than they are of purely physical ailments. Haugen observed that over the past nine years in the profession, he has gradually seen more and more acceptance in terms of people willing to seek mental health treatment for themselves or recommend it for family members. “The stigma is still there, but it is getting better,” he shared. “There are very few families who can look at themselves and say there’s not somebody who has had a challenge,” confided Caley. “And life is stressful!” In the information age, there’s also a lot of access to information online, but there’s some drawback there. Who hasn’t decided they are dying of 12 diseases after looking something up online? But Haugen and Caley say the benefit is a positive. “If they are doing a self-diagnosis and then coming in, they are recognizing that something is affecting their functioning,” Caley observed. With mental or behavioral health being increasingly seen as the linchpin to overall physical health, professionals such as Dr. Ron Haugen and Susan Caley will become increasingly valued.

FOCUS ON ARTESIA | SPRING 2016

The Memorial Family Practice in Artesia is located at 702 North 13th Street and can be reached at 575746-3119. The Carlsbad office is located at 1101 W. Pierce Street and can be reached at 575-725-5562.

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F O C U S on mainstreet

Downtown Lowdown IT’S NO SURPRISE THAT MOST EVERYONE WANTS TO BE A LITTLE HEALTHIER.

ELISABETH JACKSON

Executive Director

ARTESIA MAINSTREET

In recent years, the national weightloss trend has moved from a focus on numbers on a scale to a more well-rounded approach to health and wellness. The belt-clip pedometers of the past have become today’s high-tech health trackers. The one on my wrist tracks not only steps taken but stairs climbed and my heart rate, and it even has the ability to track my sleeping patterns. The health tracker is an approach that many can latch on to. Daily goals provide motivation to get up and move more. Or, for the competitive types, you can challenge your friends and family to see who can take the most steps in a week. In fact, those steps could have a great impact on your life longevity. A study published in PLOS Medicine journal showed that adding 150 minutes of brisk walking to your routine each week (30 minutes a day, five days a week) can add 3.4 years to your lifespan Whether or not you have your own tracker (hint: many smart phones have free apps that do this for you!) you can accomplish your daily step goal just by stepping out your door. Spring has officially sprung in Southeast New Mexico. The days are longer, and it’s that small window of time in the year that the temperatures are reasonable and (on some days) the wind is manageable. Take advantage of it and get outdoors!

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Research has shown that walks in nature can improve your mood and are associated with significantly lower depression and stress. Enjoy your outdoor surroundings with a walk in the Downtown MainStreet district. A brisk walk on Main Street from 1st to 7th and back again takes about 15 minutes and you will have walked nearly one mile. A walk around the entire MainStreet district is just under 2 miles and would take 30 minutes to complete with a brisk walk (see suggested walking route image below). Window shop our downtown merchants during your lunch break. Or, create your own walking route, with a goal to visit each of the bronze sculptures along your way. Lace up your sneakers and grab your

co-workers, your family or your best furry friend and walk Main Street! Enjoy the sunshine and know you’re doing something for your own health and well-being. And who knows, you may even discover someplace new in your own downtown!

You can stay up to date with the latest from Artesia MainStreet by liking us on Facebook. Find us at www. facebook.com/artesia.mainstreet. For more information, you can also visit our homepage at www. artesiamainstreet.com or call 575746-1117.

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2016

Annual Artesia Events Smokin’ on the Pecos BBQ Championship June 24-25

Fourth of July Celebration July 4

Red Dirt Black Gold Festival August 27

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Eddy County Fair & Rodeo July 25-30

Clays Crusher Fun Shoot September 16-17

Art in the Park October 15

Balloons & Tunes November 5-6

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F O C U S on total wellness

A Wellness Center for the Mind, Body and Soul by Staci Guy

Esthetician

t the Eternal Youth Skin & Wellness Spa, an underlying theme is in place, and it can be summarized in two words: overall wellness. “Studies show touch and our senses can be very healing,” expressed spa owner Nichole Lopez. “When we take care of ourselves wholly—body, mind and soul—you feel better and can be a better you.” Lopez realized several years ago the importance of overall wellness and set out to create an environment in which people can experience specialized treatments and therapies. Eternal Youth Spa encompasses everything from customized facials to ion cleansing, full body waxing to microdermabrasion. Think of it as a one-stop shop for body and skincare needs. Before most of her services are even rendered though, she said she likes to conduct free consultations with her clients to better learn their concerns, expectations and needs. “I believe in educating my clients so they know what they are getting, what it’s doing and how it will work for them,” she noted. “From there I will customize their treatments. I approach each situation with an open mind; it’s individualized.” For instance, if a client comes in and says he has not been feeling well, she said she will often suggest an ion cleanse or a body PHOTOS: Nichole Lopez, a licensed esthetician, opened Eternal Youth

Skin Spa & Wellness Center as a means of helping others live full, healthy lives.

FOCUS ON ARTESIA | SPRING 2016

wrap, which are used to eliminate toxins from the body. If someone has skin issues, she can recommend certain types of facials, creams or procedures like microdermabrasion or dermaplaning. “We will sit down and talk about the best treatments to get the results they’re looking for,” she explained.

Growing up, Lopez’s mother owned a modeling school in Clovis and would often talk about the importance of taking care of oneself and feeling good on the inside as well as the outside.

“It was always instilled in us to feel good about ourselves and take care of ourselves,” she recalled. “That carried over, and when I got older, I wanted to work in a relaxing, calm environment using natural ingredients and promote it on a daily basis.” She went on to open a full-service spa in Clovis for several years until her husband, football coach Paul Lopez, decided to take a coaching job in Carlsbad. “We wanted to live in Artesia, though, because we heard good things about the community and the schools,” she admitted.

IONIC FOOT BATH DETOX The Ionic Cleanse Detox Machine is a high-tech water detoxification system that facilitates the body’s ability to heal itself. The Ionic Cleanse Detox Machine is a water foot-bath that utilizes stainless steel electrodes, which cleans, balances, and enhances bioenergy, a vital force present in the body’s fluids. The action of the machine is to help your body with: • Less Fluid Retention • Reduction of Inflammation • Improved Memory • Improved Bladder Control • A More Balanced pH • A Stronger Immune System • Significant Pain Relief Reflexology teaches us that each foot is actually an outlet through which the body attempts to cleanse or rid itself of heavy metal and toxic waste built up in numerous areas of the body.

While using the Ionic Cleanse Detox Machine, you will actually see the cleansing process as the water interacts with a compound electric current along with a magnetic field structure. Subsequently, this cleansing process attains the correct frequency required to restore cells to a healthy state, while releasing years of bonded waste. It is important to realize that the Ionic Cleanse Detox Machine enhances the effects of other therapies. The buildup of toxins throughout the body compromise our health and appearance. Symptoms of someone in need of a detox are numerous and may include: headaches, poor sleep, tiredness, nausea, thrush, constipation, sluggishness, difficulty waking up, allergies, wrinkles, stress, hormone imbalance, bags under the eyes, depression, lowered immunity, dull skin, overweight, spots and acne, mouth ulcers, anxiety, age spots, eczema/ psoriasis and candida.

After moving to Artesia and getting her family settled, she felt it was time to take the leap and open a second spa. Eternal Youth Skin & Wellness opened for business last year in a multi-room facility located at 510 W. Texas Avenue. “I believe going to spas helps us cope better with stress, and it’s a good way to take care of yourself, which means you can take better care of your family as well,” she reasoned. From the spa’s inception, she has focused on offering clients a well-rounded approach to wellness, which is why she partnered with a group of individuals who share her like-minded approach: a doctor of Chinese medicine who offers acupuncture and two massage therapists. While the four individuals operate independently from one another, they often function as a referral system and advocate for one another. Their shared location creates a seamless process. “We all share the building, but we have individual practices,” she stated. “The thing we have in common is our holistic approach and our desire to help people feel good and be well: mind, body and soul.” Nichole Lopez, licensed esthetician, can be reached at 575-693-1695.

Acupuncture

ow much do you know about the practice of acupuncture? If you’re like most people, you know it involves tiny needles and can be used for a variety of purposes. If you have never experienced the procedure before, that’s probably about the extent of your knowledge. But did you know acupuncture is a medical practice that is thousands of years old and is one of the oldest practicing forms of medicine to date? According to experts, acupuncture is highly individualized. For example, if 50 people with the common cold got acupuncture, each person could have different acupuncture points in their treatment. For this reason, it requires the precise direction and guidance of a licensed physician within the medical system of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which also consists of other modalities such as herbal medicine, nutrition, physical therapy and special exercises (such as Tai Chi and Qi Gong). Keely Holder is one such doctor. A five-year veteran of oriental medicine, Dr. Holder set up her practice alongside Nichole at 510 W. Texas Avenue intending to broaden her client base to include those interested in overall wellness. “I knew I wanted to do something in alternative health,” said the one-time restaurant manager. “I went to an acupuncturist one day, and she suggested I visit a school in Albuquerque, so I checked it out.”

SPRING 2016 | A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Initially the school told Holder they were not accepting new students at the time. Twenty minutes later, however, she received a phone call that changed everything for her. “They said, ‘If you can get all of this done in two days (the application process), you’re in.’ So I got busy and got it done in 36 hours.” Having first made a career in the restaurant business, Holder felt unfulfilled and unsatisfied. Like many people who enter the field of healthcare in any of its forms, she realized her deepest desire was to help make a difference in the lives of others. Acupuncture came as a natural, effective means of fulfilling her own desires while still offering help to others. “I love what I do,” she confessed. “I’m always amazed at how effective the medicine is. It doesn’t matter who I treat or what I treat them for, it always makes a difference.” In many cases, individuals seek out PHOTO: Keely Holder, a doctor of oriental medicine, uses the practice of acupuncture to help her clients achieve balance of the central nervous system, which often cures a variety of ailments.

FOCUS ON ARTESIA | SPRING 2016

treatment for one ailment or issue and end up benefiting, sometimes unexpectedly, in other areas as well. “Basically, any place that you’re out of balance comes back into balance with treatment,” she explained. “That’s what acupuncture does. [It] brings the body back into balance. Acupuncture deals with your central nervous system, and once that’s fixed, everything else falls into place.” One common deterrent acupuncturists are forced to address in prospective patients is a fear of needles. It is important to note that acupuncture needles are not like the hollow point needles used to take blood or give injections. They are much smaller, and in most cases patients can barely feel them. Additionally, they are disposable and used only once. (The comparison chart below depicts the size of a typical acupuncture needle). Another topic Holder said she often addresses is that of belief. “A lot of people think you have to believe in

ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENTS Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health and the World Health Organization to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems, including: • Addictions • Allergy Symptoms • Anxiety • Arthritis • Asthma • Bronchitis • Cancer Treatment Side Effects • Carpal Tunnel • Chronic Fatigue • Colitis • Common Cold • Constipation • Dental Pain • Depression • Diarrhea • Digestive Disorders • Dizziness • Facial Palsy • Fatigue • Fertility • Fibromyalgia • Grief • Headaches • Incontinence • Insomnia • Irritable Bowel Syndrome • Lower Back Pain • Menopausal Symptoms

• Menstrual Irregularities • Migraine • Nausea • Obsessive Thinking • Pain • PMS • PTSD • Reproductive Problems • Sciatic Pain • Seasonal Affective Disorder • Shoulder Pain • Sinus Infection Symptoms • Smoking Cessation • Sore Throat • Sports Injuries • Stress • Swelling • Tennis Elbow • Traumatic Injuries • Trigeminal Neuralgia • TMJ • Urinary Tract Infections • Weight Loss

Acupuncture works by inserting tiny sterile needles into specific points along pathways called meridians on the body. Although the precise mechanism is not known, these points and meridians are a network connecting the central and peripheral nervous systems with the glands, organs, blood vessels, bones and body tissues. The meridians supply fundamental energy and nourishment to the body’s systems. Blockages and imbalances along the pathways can be caused by many internal and external factors. A blockage can result in pain, illness, disease and/or emotional problems. Acupuncture can relieve the blockage and allow the body’s systems to function normally again. It can enhance resuperative power and immunity, support physical and emotional health and improve over-all function and well being.

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it for it to work,” she admitted. “Like I mentioned earlier, it deals with your central nervous system, so it doesn’t matter if you believe or not, it’s going to work, because once that’s fixed, everything else falls into place.” Dr. Holder works by appointment but encourages anyone interested in finding out more to contact her by phone at 505917-2684 or via email at drkeelyholder@ gmail.com.

Massage Therapy

he third part of the overall wellness puzzle can be found in massage therapy. By definition, massage therapy is the manual manipulation of soft body tissues (muscle, connective tissue, tendons and ligaments) to enhance a person’s health and well-being. That’s the technical definition, but most of us think of it simply as an indulgence, a way we can pamper ourselves. While that’s partly true, studies show that massage therapy is actually far more beneficial than most people realize. Some of the many benefits include stress relief, improving circulation and posture, fighting depression, lowering blood pressure, strengthening the immune system and even speeding up the recovery process for some injuries. Across the hall from Eternal Youth Skin Spa you will find one of the two licensed massage therapists in the building, Martin Sevcik (If you’re trying to figure out pronunciation right about now, it’s chef-cheek!). Born and raised in Czechoslovakia, Sevcik moved to the United States about 20 years ago with absolutely no working knowledge of the English language. He went to work for a floor cleaning company based in Denver, Colorado, which had a contract with the Kmart store located in Artesia. “They sent me here because I didn’t know English and it was a smaller town than Denver,” he recalled. “I was immediately comfortable here. I started learning English through the Literacy Council, found a girlfriend and got married.” Not long after moving Sevcik to Artesia, the cleaning company lost the contract with Kmart and asked him to move back to Denver, “but I was already more comfortable here. I didn’t want to go back,” he confessed.

The Czech native with a growing knowledge of the English language realized his employment options were somewhat limited, so he went to work doing manual labor—mowing lawns, trimming trees, raking leaves and conducting maintenance work for individuals around town. “It kept me going,” he admitted. “Later on when I felt more comfortable with my English, I signed up for massage therapy school.” So how did he make the transition from a lawn and maintenance man to a massage therapist? He said it goes back to his army days in the then-communist country of Czechoslovakia. “I was drafted into the army for two years. They chose our professions for us, and they chose for me to become a paramedic,” he stated, adding, “That is how I got into the medical field.” He went on to explain that the unit to which he was stationed had a soccer team, and the team requested he travel with them to assist with injuries and to provide massages to players. “Although the army was mandatory, I did enjoy the work,” he noted. When he was comfortable enough with the English language, he decided he would take advantage of the opportunity to attend massage therapy school at Artesia Family Wellness Center. He has been in private practice since graduating from the school in January 2012. “For me it’s very rewarding,” he said of his profession. “It is a great feeling to see someone not doing well when they come in and the next day to receive a phone call saying they feel better.” Another thing Sevcik did after becoming more familiar with the English language was go through the rigorous process of becoming a U.S. citizen. Although he was able to go and do just about anything he wanted to with his green card, it wasn’t enough. “I wanted more,” he confessed.

PHOTO: Martin Sevcik, a licensed massage therapist, has steadily built a client base since

graduating from massage therapy school in 2012.

FOCUS ON ARTESIA | SPRING 2016

“I wanted to be a U.S. citizen.” When asked why, he simply stated, “Because it’s the country where I want to live and where I want to be. I like it here. This is my home.” Sevcik said that while all of the individuals that operate inside the shared facility on Texas Avenue have their own practices, they all share a common view of wellness and a desire to work in a holistic type of setting. Logically speaking, the more people they run through the doors, the more exposure each of them receives. Admittedly it has taken some time for his client base to build, but through wordof-mouth, Sevcik said it is growing. “I am just so thankful for this community,” he beamed. “From the beginning, Artesia was the priority and the place I wanted to stay. I would also like to give a big thanks to my wife, Denise Calvert Sevcik, for helping me through school and with the language.” He concluded, “I do have a lot of friends here and have had from the very beginning. People say there’s nothing to do here, but if you have a friend and support, you have enough.” Martin Sevcik can be reached at 575-365-4618.

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F O C U S on the chamber

ARTESIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS OF THE MONTH PROGRAM Every second Monday of the month, Artesia Chamber of Commerce and Artesia Trailblazers recognize a local Chamber member business as Business of the Month. The program is a fun way to let our members know we appreciate the services they provide to the community and their commitment to keeping their doors open for Artesia in good times and bad. When you see the colorful decal on the door of a business you visit, please congratulate the owners and staff as a Business of the Month! Here are last quarter’s honorees...

DECEMBER 2015

GRAMMY’S HOUSE & LITERACY COUNCIL

In December, the Trailblazers honored two charities rather than a business of the month to share the holiday spirit with donations. The Trailblazers donated bed sets to Grammy’s House to give to the families in need. The group also donated funds to Artesia Literacy Council to advance the effort to provide educational services in literacy. Grammy’s House seeks to provide a safe environment for victims and child-witness victims of domestic violence. The Artesia Literacy Council provides no cost, one-to-one tutoring for adults in: reading, writing, English as a Second Language (ESL), Pre-GED, family literacy and precitizenship studies. For more information about how you can help these two organizations, you may call Grammy’s House at 575-7481198 or Artesia Literacy Council at 575-748-9740

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JANUARY 2016

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Artesia Lock & Key has been a member of Artesia Chamber of Commerce for more than 15 years. Proudly serving the community by helping to keep it safe, Artesia Lock & Key can provide key systems, copies of keys, or get you back in when you are locked out.

Bryan Printers is a family owned and operated business that has been serving Artesia for many years. They carry all of your basic office supplies and offer specialty services such as helping to create invitations for your special events or printing your business logo on your office stationery. You can expect top notch customer service at Bryan Printers from the moment you walk in to the moment you leave. Also, if you buy your printer paper in bulk you can have it delivered right to your business! Bryan Printers is located at 120 W. Main St. Call 575-746-3250.

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F O C U S on the chamber Artesia Chamber of Commerce and Trailblazers celebrate with new businesses and existing businesses that join the Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon cutting. Last quarter we were pleased to see new businesses open, one expansion, and a longtime non-profit organization join the Chamber!

WELCOME NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS! THE PADDOCK CAFÉ 11354 Lovington Hwy. Artesia, NM 88210

GRACIES BLACK RIVER CENTER FOR LEARNING

1159 Black River Village Rd. - Carlsbad 575-785-2361 The Artesia Chamber of Commerce and Trailblazers gathered at Black River Center for Learning to welcome the organization and its board of directors as a new member of Artesia Chamber of Commerce. Black River Center for Learning is a camp, conference and retreat center located just outside of Carlsbad and White’s City. The Center provides year-round facilities for individuals and groups with the flexibility to be utilized for a variety of indoor and outdoor programming. Staff will help you plan an event tailored for your needs.

313 W. Main Artesia, NM 88210

THE PADDOCK CAFE

11354 Lovington Hwy • 575-748-8747 The Paddock Cafe recently reopened by new owners, Randy and Sue Seale, and celebrated the reopening with a ribbon cutting. The Seales pride themselves on providing homemade fresh food for their patrons. There’s nothing processed or packaged about what they will be serving you, making the drive to their restaurant in Riverside well worth it.

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BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES ENCHANTED LANDS, REALTORS PMS-ARTESIA FAMILY HEALTH CENTER

1105 Memorial Dr. • 575-746-9848 The Artesia Chamber of Commerce and Artesia Trailblazers celebrated the newest of three expansions at PMS-Artesia Family Health Center. They provide primary care, behavioral health, and dental care. The wonderful and convenient thing about Artesia Family Health Center is that everyone is eligible to receive services provided by PMS! All of their services are open Monday-Friday, primary care from 7 am- 6 pm, behavioral health from 8 am- 5 pm, and dental from 7 am- 5:30 pm.

LOS POTRILLOS

1502 W. Main St. • 575-748-8931 Alma Martinez, the new owner of Los Potrillos, has been in the service industry for 19 years. When given the opportunity to open her own restaurant she was able to make her decision in just a few short days. After recruiting a team of employees she trusted and creating a menu of classic Mexican dishes as well as special family recipes, she was ready to open Los Potrillos as her very own. Congratulations from the Artesia Chamber of Commerce and the Artesia Chamber Trailblazers!

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