Health Journal 20140211

HealthJournal NORTH MISSISSIPPI

WINTER 2014

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Winter 2014 Editor

Leslie Criss

Reporters

Michaela Gibson Morris Ginna Parsons

Photography Thomas Wells Adam Robison Lauren Wood

Layout Design Crissy Bland

Advertising Director

Richard Crenshaw

Special Section Advertising Project Leader Amy Speck

ON THE COVER Photo by Thomas Wells.

4 | North Mississippi Health Journal

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INSIDE

Irondeficiency–6 Hearty,healthysoups–8 Packalunch–10 Substanceabuseproblems–12 CrossFit–16 Gyrotonic–17 Yoga–18 Piloxing–19 Life-savingscreenings–20 Winterwaterwonderland–22 Learningtoswim– 24 Settinggoalsin2014–25 Massagetherapy–27 Resources–28

ADAM ROBISON | DAILY JOURNAL

To subscribe to the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, call (662) 678-1617. To advertise in this or other supplements of the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, call Amy Speck at (662) 678-1611 or email her at amy.speck@journalinc.com.

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The North Mississippi Health Journal is a publication of the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal.

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Feeling washed out?

Iron deficiency can cause failure to thrive in kids, adults

BY MICHAELA GIBSON MORRIS DAILY JOURNAL

Lack of iron can leave folks fatigued, sluggish and unfocused. It’s the most common nutritional deficiency and the leading cause of anemia in the United States, according to Centers for Disease Control.

Most people with iron deficiency have no symptoms, but it can cause problems if it goes undiagnosed and untreated for a long time.

“Typically it’s picked up on routine lab work,” said Saltillo family physician Dr. Richmond McCarty.

Iron is a critical component of red blood cells, which deliver oxygen to the cells around the body. It helps the muscles store and use oxygen. Iron is a critical component of enzymes that help digest food and power other reactions.

There are certain times in life when people are more vulnerable to developing iron deficiency, like rapid growth spurts in childhood and pregnancy. Conditions that cause blood loss, like bleeding ulcers and heavy menstruation, can cause iron deficiency.

It’s generally treated by increasing iron intake and improving iron absorption.

“Some of the changes I’ve gotten with diet and lifestyle changes are dramatic,” McCarty said. “That’s usually the way to go.”

More iron isn’t necessarily better for people with healthy levels, McCarty said. Supplementing beyond the recommended daily allowances – which are usually covered in a multiple vitamin – can lead to health problems.

Some research has connected excess iron to Alzheimer’s disease and increased inflammation that can make coronary artery disease worse.

“Iron is not as benign a supplement as we once thought it was,” McCarty said.

IN CHILDREN

Children are most vulnerable to iron deficiency during infancy and puberty. During both periods, it’s the rapid growth that increases the need for iron, said Dr. Keith Watson, a West Point pediatrician.

With infants, iron deficiency is most commonly a feeding issue,Watson said.

Infant formula is routinely supplemented with iron.

6 | North Mississippi Health Journal

Dietary sources are the most efficient at delivering iron to the body.

The recommended daily allowance for teen and adult females is 18 mg a day. Men generally need about 8 mg a day.

• Beef, chicken, lamb • Certain kinds of seafood like clams and shrimp • Fortified dry cereals • Beans • Spinach • Foods rich in Vitamin C can boost absorption of iron.

Want more? www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/basics/vitamins/iron.html

“Breast milk has less iron, but it’s easier to absorb,” Watson said.

In some children, severe reflux can inhibit how much a child can eat, and they can develop anemia that affects their growth.

Most commonly, Watson sees problems when parents opt to feed infants something other than formula or breast milk. Some people opt for cow’s milk or other milk substitutes that don’t have the same levels of iron as fortified formula or breast milk do.

“The pediatrician needs to know if the milk needs to be fortified with iron,” Watson said.

Over time, iron deficiency and anemia can create significant problems for infants.

“Prolonged iron deficiency can cause severe delays that are long lasting,”Watson said. “It can be very serious.”

Fortunately, it’s rare that the problem cannot be easily remedied,Watson said.

“Iron deficiency usually is not a problem (that can’t be fixed) unless there’s congenital illness,” Watson said.

Drinking too much milk can also impact a child’s iron levels, McCarty said.

“The calcium irritates the stomach, creating a process so that the iron doesn’t get absorbed as well,” McCarty said.

Iron deficiency problems can pop up again as pre-teens and teens hit another period of rapid growth.

“Diet plays a huge role for teenagers,” Watson said. “Most of them don’t eat properly anyway.”

Girls can be particularly vulnerable during this period as their bodies manage the growth and the start of menstruation.

Teens who lack energy and seem fatigued even after getting a full night’s sleep – teens need 8 to 10 hours – may need to be evaluated.

“It’s a simple blood test that takes

about 30 seconds,” Watson said.

Although teens aren’t at risk for the same kinds of developmental problems as infants face with prolonged iron deficiency, it can impact their ability to function and concentrate, resulting in poor performance at school or in sports, Watson said. Proper diet and a multivitamin usually solve the problem.

ADULTS

For adults, iron deficiency anemias usually leave them feeling run down. It can stress the entire body. It can be dangerous for people whose bodies are already struggling to deliver oxygen to their cells, like those with COPD and severe coronary artery disease.

“It’s a failure to thrive,” McCarty said.

“If your car is running a quart low on oil, it’s going to do some damage.”

Adults don’t have the iron demands associated with rapid growth; iron deficiencies and anemias usually are connected to leaking, lack of production or destruction of red blood cells, McCarty said.

Heavy menstrual cycles are a common culprit. McCarty has seen patients who had their iron levels drop so low that most would need a transfusion.

Contraceptives can sometimes be used to decrease the bleeding along with nutritional supplements, McCarty said. In severe cases, invasive procedures like a hysterectomy may be the most effective treatment.

Certain medications, like anti-clotting medicines and heavy use of anti-inflammatory medicines, can irritate the stomach lining and block iron absorption. Then treating iron deficiency becomes a balancing act with other health conditions and medications.

“It does need to be addressed,” McCarty said. “We need to clarify what is causing it.”

Hearty and Healthful Winter soups hit the spot and help the waistline, if you know what you’re looking for

By Ginna Parsons | Daily Journal TUPELO –With winter upon us, it’s not hard to enjoy a bowl of hearty, steaming soup at the supper table. But to make sure you’re getting the most healthful meal possible, opt for a broth-based soup.

“You want to stay away from anything that says cream of, bisque, chowder or beefy,” said Tali Landrum, a registered dietitian at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. “If you do want a creambased soup, that’s fine, but go for the cup, not the bowl. They’re not necessarily bad for you; it’s how frequently you consume them.”

Landrum touts the benefits of broth- or tomato-based soups because they’re generally lower in fat and calories and because they typically offer lots of good-for-you vegetables.

“Several studies suggest that eating a cup of broth-based soup before a meal can help fill you up so you don’t eat as much” when the main course arrives, she said. “But you want to look for a cup of soup that’s 150 calories or less.”

If you enjoy making your own soup, Landrum offers several suggestions. First, watch your salt use.

“Don’t put in a lot of salt when cooking soup in batches because after it’s sat in

“

the refrigerator, the flavor intensifies and it may be too salty,” she said. Also, if you’re using store-bought stock, choose one that’s lower in sodium, like Swanson’s less-salt chicken broth.

She also suggests staying away from lentils or potatoes if you’re planning to freeze leftovers because they don’t hold up well in the freezer.

But, Landrum emphasizes, the best soups are made from fresh ingredients.

“Fresh or frozen vegetables are usually a healthier product than canned vegetables, especially for people watching their sodium intake,” she said.

Soup can be served as an appetizer or as the main course as long as it contains both vegetable and protein sources, Landrum said.

“Start with fresh vegetables and then your protein is going to be some kind of legume, like kidney beans, lentils, garbanzo beans or black beans, or lean turkey, chicken or beef,” she said.

A normal serving of soup as a meal is one and one-half cups. Paired with a side salad or a piece of fresh fruit and a slice of whole-grain bread, this meal meets several of the USDA’s daily requirements for fruits and vegetables.

Several studies suggest that eating a cup of broth-based soup before a meal can help fill you up so you don’t eat as much.

But you want to look for a cup of soup that’s 150 calories or less.

”

Quick Italian Beef and Vegetable Soup

celery, potatoes, garlic and sugar in oil for 5 minutes. Add broth, nutmeg and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature. Puree in batches in a blender or food processor. Return to the kettle and heat through. Makes 4 servings.

THOMAS WELLS | DAILY JOURNAL

Thick and Hearty Minestrone

Quick Italian Beef and Vegetable Soup 1 MEDIUM ZUCCHINI 1 POUND GROUND ROUND 1 GARLIC CLOVE 1 ⁄2 TEASPOON PEPPER 1 ⁄4 TEASPOON SALT 3 (14-OUNCE) CANS LOW-SODIUM BEEF BROTH 1 (14-OUNCE) CAN ITALIAN-STYLE STEWED TOMATOES, UNDRAINED 1 CUP SLICED CARROTS 1 CAN NAVY BEANS, RINSED AND DRAINED 2 CUPS LOOSELY PACKED TORN FRESH SPINACH Cut zucchini in half lengthwise; cut each half cross-wise into 1⁄4inch-thick slices. Set aside.

Brown ground round and garlic in a large Dutch oven, stirring until beef crumbles; drain. Stir in pepper, salt, broth, Italian-style stewed tomatoes, and sliced carrots; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes.

Stir zucchini slices and beans into mixture; cover and cook, stirring occasionally, 4 to 5 minutes or until zucchini is crisp-tender. Remove from heat; stir in torn spinach. Makes 5 to 6 servings.

Tuscan Tomato Soup 2 ⁄2 CUPS FRENCH BREAD CUBES 1 TEASPOON OLIVE OIL 4 GARLIC CLOVES, MINCED 2 CANS DICED TOMATOES 1 CAN CHICKEN BROTH 1 TABLESPOON BALSAMIC VINEGAR 1

11⁄2 TEASPOONS DRIED PARSLEY 1 TEASPOON DRIED OREGANO 1 ⁄2 TEASPOON PEPPER 5 TEASPOONS PARMESAN CHEESE Preheat oven to 400 degrees. To make croutons, arrange bread cubes in a single layer on a jelly roll pan. Lightly coat bread with cooking spray. Bake for 10 minutes or until dry and toasted. Set aside.

Heat oil in a large saucepan over low to medium heat.

Sauté garlic for 2 minutes.

Add tomatoes, broth, vinegar, parsley, oregano and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Divide croutons among five bowls. Ladle 1 cup soup over croutons and sprinkle each with 1 teaspoon cheese. Makes 5 servings.

3 TABLESPOONS OLIVE OIL 1 LARGE ONION, CHOPPED 6 LARGE FRESH MUSHROOMS, SLICED 3 CLOVES GARLIC, CHOPPED 1 TABLESPOON FRESH BASIL OR 11⁄2 TEASPOONS DRIED BASIL 1 TEASPOON FRESH OREGANO OR 1⁄2 TEASPOON DRIED OREGANO 1 TEASPOON FRESH PARSLEY 5 CUPS WATER 1 (20-OUNCE) CAN MIXED VEGETABLE JUICE COCKTAIL 4 CARROTS, THINLY SLICED 2 ZUCCHINI, SLICED 1 ⁄2 SMALL HEAD CABBAGE, SHREDDED 1 ⁄2 CUP ELBOW MACARONI In a 6-quart saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add

onion, mushrooms, garlic, basil, oregano and parsley. Sauté for several minutes. Add water and vegetable juice cocktail. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add carrots, zucchini, cabbage and macaroni. Cook just until vegetables and macaroni are tender. Makes 8 servings.

Chicken Noodle Soup 1 TABLESPOON MARGARINE OR BUTTER 1 CUP CHOPPED CARROT 1 ⁄2 CUP CHOPPED ONION 1 ⁄2 CUP THINLY SLICED CELERY 1 TABLESPOON ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR 5 TO 6 CUPS LOW-SODIUM CHICKEN BROTH 1 CUP WATER 1 ⁄4 TEASPOON SALT 1 ⁄4 TEASPOON PEPPER 2 CUPS UNCOOKED WIDE EGG NOODLES 1 POUND SKINNED, BONED CHICKEN BREAST HALVES, CUT INTO 1-INCH PIECES 2 TABLESPOONS CHOPPED FRESH PARSLEY Melt margarine in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add carrot, onion and celery; sauté 3 minutes. Stir in flour. Gradually add broth, water, salt, and pepper, stirring with a whisk; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes. Add noodles and chicken, and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes. Stir in parsley. Makes 8 servings.

Creamy Vegetable Soup 3 CUPS THINLY SLICED CARROTS 1 CUP CHOPPED ONION 2 ⁄3 CUP CHOPPED CELERY 11⁄2 CUPS DICED PEELED POTATOES 1 GARLIC CLOVE, MINCED 1 ⁄2 TEASPOON SUGAR 2 TEASPOON COOKING OIL 4 CUPS LOW-SODIUM CHICKEN BROTH DASH GROUND NUTMEG PEPPER TO TASTE In a Dutch oven or soup kettle over medium-low heat, sauté carrots, onion,

Tuscan Tomato Soup

North Mississippi Health Journal | 9

Double Duty

Slim your budget and your waistline by packing lunch If you’re looking to shave expenses and calories, make new plans for lunch.

The USDA estimates meals away from home average 134 calories more than meals prepared at home for the same food. But the gulf widens if you compare a turkey sandwich on wheat with baked chips and carrots – about 550 calories – to the meatloaf blue plate – about 850 calories.

An insulated bag, like this Cinda B from Elizabeth Clair’s in Tupelo, can keep your lunch fresh in style.

Punch up your lunch with tasty local treats, like fresh rolls from Simply Sweet by Margarete Bakery or locally grown St. Bethany Fresh tomatoes, available at Todd’s Big Star and Sprint Marts.

ADAM ROBISON | DAILY JOURNAL

Divided containers, like those available from Ziploc, can keep foods separated until you’re ready to nosh.

Baby carrots add color, crunch and nutrients to a healthy lunch.

10 | North Mississippi Health Journal

Typically folks spend between $7 and $15 on lunch out. Most packed lunches cost between $2 and $4 a meal.

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When the party’s

OVER

Substance abuse doesn’t just go away

BY MICHAELA GIBSON MORRIS DAILY JOURNAL

best intentions of not going down the same road as family members,” Vail said.

Often an addiction develops as someone seeks to cope with an undiagnosed, untreated mental health issue.

“That’s why screening is so important,” Vail said.

Recovery isn’t like getting over an infection with a two-week course of antibiotics. It takes work to enter and maintain recovery.

“There’s no cure for it, but treatment can happen,” Baggett said.

“It can stay in remission … You have to develop spiritual life and a support system.”

Organizations like NCADD, which provides free screening and information, facilities like North Mississippi Medical Center

GET HELP

Behavioral Health Center, which offers an outpatient addiction program, and primary care providers can help guide families coping with addiction.

There is a range of options for treatment for addiction. Some people need inpatient treatment to break the hold of addiction. Others can use a combination of individual private counseling, drug and alcohol

Y

Maybe it was the shouting match over who ate the last piece of pie at Christmas. Or the wreck on the way home from a New Years’ Eve party.

The family togetherness during December often rips the blinders off for those struggling with substance abuse.

“Every year in January and February in particular, we’ll have a 35 to 40 percent increase in the number of crisis calls and appointments for assessments,” said DodyVail, executive director of the Tupelo chapter of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency, commonly known as NCADD. While most people think of illegal drugs like crack, meth and heroin, they’re not the most common abused substances.

“The No. 1 culprit is still alcohol,” Vail said. “A close second are narcotic pain pills.”

Yet, people often dismiss abuse of pain pills, alcohol and marijuana as “not that bad,” said Pat Baggett, intensive outpatient addiction counselor at North Mississippi Med-

ical Center Behavioral Health.

Addiction is a chronic disease, Vail said. Scientific research has shown that substance dependency is a brain disease, not a moral failing. Watchful waiting doesn’t make it go away.

“They don’t have to be ashamed to ask for help,” Baggett said. “It is a real illness. The real shame is not getting help.”

While recovery is not easy, there’s every reason to be hopeful that people can regain control of their lives.

“There are effective and progressive treatments that work,” said Vail, who will celebrate 25 years sobriety herself in January.

“People can and do recover.”

It’s a myth that someone must hit bottom before they get better, she said.

“Early intervention is the smart way to go,” Vail said.

Some people are just more vulnerable to substance abuse than others. Addiction can be hereditary. It can strike even when people know they are at risk.

“It can take off like a wildfire despite their

Sobriety isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. It helps to have someone who’s been there before show you the way. Addiction support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Celebrate Recovery, are available across Northeast Mississippi.

Al-Anon, a group for family and friends effected by addiction, is also available. Find out more, Pages 30-31.

12 | North Mississippi Health Journal

Warning signs of drug dependency • Increased risk-taking, despite life-altering risks, like driving while impaired despite the risk of injuring themselves and others or going to jail.

• Defensiveness when they’re questioned over their use.

• Secretive or questionable behavior.

• Unexplained absences from home or work.

• Angry outbursts and irritability.

• Personality changes.

• Disinterest in hobbies or work.

• Inability to cope with normal life stresses.

• Blaming others.

DENIAL

During the earlier stages of addiction, the person will often build up a tolerance, needing to use more and more. They’re able to still manage at work, although they may be withdrawing from things they used to enjoy, as well as from their family.

“They don’t look drunk,” Baggett said, and it’s easy to pretend there isn’t a problem.

“I can quit anytime” should be a red flag that you’re in denial about the state of a substance dependency, Vail said.

Families can be in denial, too.

“They don’t want to admit that it’s true,” Vail said. “It can be a

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FAMILY INTERVENTION

The family can’t achieve recovery for the person with an addiction, just as they couldn’t go through heart surgery for a person with coronary artery disease.Yet families can provide critical support.

Families often see the problem before the person with the addiction. Usually, with alcohol, the family sees the source of the problem.

“With drugs, family often doesn’t know what the problem is, but they know something’s wrong,” Baggett said.

Many people struggling with addiction think their problems aren’t impacting anyone else.

They need to hear how their addiction is affecting other people.

That’s why family interventions can be very effective.

“It’s important to talk honestly, but not accusingly,” Baggett said.

“These are the problems. These are the issues.”

Families shouldn’t try to intervene while the person is drunk or high.

“They can’t hear you,” Baggett said. “They’re not rational when they’re using.”

Then, it’s up for the individual to face down the addiction.

“If family and friends are increasingly telling you they’re concerned, don’t let denial set in – get screened,” Vail said.

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testing services, sober living centers and outpatient treatment.

Recovery support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, are often invaluable resources as people work to become sober and stay sober.

“They’re free, anonymous and plentiful in Northeast Mississippi,” Vail said.

Because addiction affects the whole family, the whole family needs to be included in education about addiction and recovery.

“Alcohol and drug addiction makes the whole family system sick,” Vail said.

Ala-Anon, a group for family members of people with addictions, can be particularly helpful.

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Gyrotonic, 17

Jump in

CrossFit, 16

Pump up your fitness routine with something new or new to you Here are four exercise options that will challenge your body and stretch you in new directions. Piloxing, Gyrotonic, CrossFit and yoga all have forms that can be modified for beginners and those with physical limitations or scaled up for advanced exercisers.

Before you start any new exercise program: • Talk to your health care provider, especially if you have chronic medical problems.Your

Yoga, 18

doctor or nurse practitioner, who will probably be overjoyed you’re ready to get physically active, can help guide you.

• Introduce yourself to the instructor and let him or her know you’re a beginner. Ask for modifications and guidance.

• Don’t worry about keeping up with the rest of the class. They’ve been doing this longer than you.

• Listen to your body. Slow down, back off if you experience pain.

Piloxing, 19

Jump in

Crossing over CrossFit challenges exercisers to become athletes

BY MICHAELA GIBSON MORRIS DAILY JOURNAL

CrossFit offers a high-intensity antidote for anyone spinning their wheels on a treadmill.

The no-frills workouts pull in weightlifting, basic gymnastics and metabolic conditioning like running or rowing into power-packed workouts. It’s all about getting stronger and faster.

“Everything we do is a functional movement,” said Johnny Bruce, the lead trainer for CrossFit Tupelo. “It all applies to the real world.”

People move from being exercisers to athletes with a focus on pushing themselves to the top of their ability.

“What we do is infinitely scalable,” said John Prince, who owns CrossFit Tupelo. “We have people who have played in the NFL, and we have people who have been deconditioned for a long time.”

The Workout of the Day, or WOD in Crossfit speak, changes every day.

“Crossfit workouts as written are designed to challenge the world’s best,” Prince said.

Each person adjusts the workout, substituting as they need to for their individual fitness level and abilities. But everyone works out side by side, attacking the same muscle groups, Bruce said.

“They do the same workout, it’s just different by degrees,” he said.

The classes are challenging, but with a sense of fun. The music is loud, the sense of camaraderie warm. The workout changes everyday.

“You’ll never do the same workout twice,” Bruce said, unless it’s a benchmark workout to measure how far you’ve come.

Amy Hussey, top left on page 15, works her way through a set of front squats. Free weights are an integral part of CrossFit. Adam Holt, on page 4, executes a muscle up on the rings.

The advanced exercise can be scaled down to help beginners build up to the challenging skill.

Ashley Brown, above, uses the wall for balance during a handstand push up.

At right, Dora Kessler, from left, Rodney Johnson and Stan White check out the Workout of the Day on the Tupelo CrossFit board.

CrossFit vocabulary

Where to find it

• CrossFit 38655, Oxford, (662) 380-5014 • CrossFit of Tupelo, (662) 304-2335 • North Lee CrossFit, Saltillo (662) 322-9919, • Oxford CrossFit, (662) 801-6004 • Starkville CrossFit, (662) 341-6189

16 | North Mississippi Health Journal

What you need

• Comfortable workout clothes and athletic shoes. Because some CrossFit moves can take you sideways or even upside down, it’s a good idea to have a shirt that will tuck in and shorts that won’t flash your unmentionables.

• Bottle of water.

• Be prepared to come in contact with chalk.

It’s used in several different exercises to help with grip.

• Even if you’re a regular exerciser, be prepared to be sore after the workout.

Want more?

Visit crossfit.com

PHOTOS BY ADAM ROBISON | DAILY JOURNAL

• WOD - Workout of the Day • Box - The CrossFit gym • EMOM - Every minute on the minute • AMRAP - As many repetitions as possible • Wall balls - Squatting and then tossing a weighted medicine ball 10 feet up against the wall; catch and repeat

GETTING STARTED

Before starting in regular classes, athletes new to Crossfit usually go through fundamental classes that review the different movements and go over the modifications that help people build toward higher level skills.

Pull up is a basic skill, but someone who hasn’t built the strength or grip to do a pull up can modify using power bands or other adjustments. Before someone climbs the rope off the ground, they would pull themselves up from a prone to standing position.

It’s important to master the form before adding the intensity, Prince said. That’s the best protection against injury.

“When form starts to break down, you alter the movement or remove the weight,” Prince said.

As people master forms, they’re encouraged to push their boundaries, to see if they can go a little faster, lift a little more, go for more reps.

There’s a lot of timing, counting and measuring so that CrossFitters can see their progress.

“We keep track of everything,” Prince said.

Jump in

Moving in new directions Gyrotonic brings something new to Northeast Mississippi

BY MICHAELA GIBSON MORRIS

PHOTOS BY THOMAS WELLS | DAILY JOURNAL

DAILY JOURNAL

Gyrotonic literally can move your exercise routine into another plane.

The form pulls from yoga, Tai Chi and dance. There’s an emphasis on spiraling, circular motions.

“Gyrotonics was created to help people of all fitness levels,” said Kristina Carlson, owner of Ice Core Fitness in Oxford and Mississippi’s only certified Gyrotonic instructor.

Like the Pilates Reformer, it incorporates a machine that uses pulleys and weights, but the movements move out in broader ranges of motion for the legs, arms and trunk of the body. The idea is to lengthen and strengthen the body without damaging the joints. The movements flow instead of starting and stopping, Carlson said.

“It’s not pounding or crunching,” Carlson said.

It was developed in the early 1980s by dancer Juliu Hovarth to recover from a debilitating injury that threatened to end his career.

All the exercises are connected to the whole body.

“There’s never anytime you’re doing just one thing,” Carlson said.

The workouts are subtle. They don’t follow the typical pain reward cycle, she said.

“It’s a different kind of soreness,” Carlson said.

“There’s no pain and there’s a lot to gain.”

In an arch curl, the spine is gently flexed and the chest opens as the arms push out in a circle guided by levers on handles set on two wheels. As the student arches to pull back, the core muscles and inner thighs tighten.

As people get comfortable with the machine and movements, they can incorporate flowing movements that can serve as a cardiovascular workout.

“One day a week and people will see an increase in range of motion and flexibility,” Carlson said. “Two to three times a week is great, along with other forms of physical activity.”

Gyrotonic has been very attractive to dancers and athletes, but it’s also helpful to everyday folks. It’s been particularly effective for people trying to overcome pain and range of motion issues, Carlson said. She’s had students who were able to get back to playing golf and tennis.

Carlson was an avid Pilates follower, but she started Gyrotonic after having back and neck pain. She started Gyrotonic six years ago at the suggestion of her Pilates instructor, who had just become certified in Gyrotonic.

“I don’t have issues now,” said Carlson, who became certified to teach in 2013.

It’s important to start with private lessons so an instructor can help learn the movements, Carlson said.

Carlson is planning group Gyrotonic class in 2014 that will be open to those who have covered the fundamentals.

Ice Core Fitness owner and certified Gyrotonic instructor Kristina Carlson works with Don Martin. The form emphasizes spiraling circular movements that strengthen the core and lengthen the spine.

Where to find it

Kristina Carlson is currently the only certified instructor in Mississippi. Ice Core Fitness, Oxford, 662-816-2673

What you need

• Comfortable exercise clothes that don’t restrict your range of movement. Avoid loose fitting pants and shirts.

Vocabulary

Gyrotonics - a holistic approach to movement, the exercise form pulls from yoga, dance and Tai Chi. Developed by dancer Juliu Hovarth.

Gyrokensis - Using the same concepts of spiraling, gentle movement as Gyrotonics, Gyrokensis uses a chair and a mat.

North Mississippi Health Journal | 17

Jump in

Stretch it out Yoga offers benefits for body and mind

BY MICHAELA GIBSON MORRIS DAILY JOURNAL

Instructor Nelda Clayton, bottom left on page 15, leads the Yin-Yang class at Shanti Yoga. The triangle, top, posture stretches out the upper and lower body. Michelle Mattox, from left, Shelaine Pierce and Kaye Cannon, above, hold the tree pose, which strengthens the core muscles and ability to balance.

Yoga Centers

Yoga vocabulary

Yoga originated about 5,000 years ago in India. Traditional names for poses and techniques are in Sanskrit.

18 | North Mississippi Health Journal

What do you need?

• Wear comfortable exercise clothes that aren’t restrictive. Yoga is typically practiced barefoot or in nubby socks.

• Be prepared to get down on the floor, unless the class is specifically a gentle, chair-based class.

• Yoga studios typically have mats and props such as blankets, blocks and straps available for students.

PRACTICAL TIPS

As students learn the yoga poses, they should remember to focus on form and not what other people are doing. Some people are naturally more flexible, and just because some students can’t go as deeply into a stretch as others doesn’t mean they are doing something wrong.

“You want to keep the focus on your mat,” Clayton said.

Students should feel the stretch, but not pain in a posture.

“If you feel pain or are uncomfortable, you need to back off,” Clayton said.

Straps, blocks and different techniques can come into play to help students achieve each pose.

“Every posture has a modification,” Clayton said.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN WOOD | DAILY JOURNAL

Many fitness centers around Northeast Mississippi include yoga in their fitness class offerings. Here are a list of studios focused on yoga: • Alive and Well Yoga Studio, Amory, private sessions only (662) 640-1088 • Four Corners Yoga, Amory, fourcornersyoga1@gmail.com • Shanti Yoga, Tupelo, (662) 321-1285 • Southern Star Yoga Center, (662) 513-0001 • Tallahatchie Yoga, New Albany, (662) 507-9251 • The Yoga Center, Tupelo, (662) 372-3233

Yoga – means the union or the yoke.

Asanas – postures or poses in yoga.

Namaste – It can be translated a number of ways but the “spirit in me salutes the spirit in you” is common. Instructors traditionally end classes with expression.

Pranayama – Breathing techniques.

Vinyasa – Typically a more vigorous, fastpaced yoga; sometimes called power yoga.

Yoga isn’t about tying yourself up in knots.

“People will say ‘I’m not flexible enough for yoga,’” said Kaye Cannon, yoga instructor and owner of Shanti Yoga in Tupelo. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

“It’s about becoming more flexible,” Cannon said.

“Even if you attend a class only once a week, you’ll see a difference in flexibility and balance.”

The practice developed thousands of years ago in India. During a class, students move through a series of poses with names translated from the original Sanskrit like Sun Salutation, Warrior II, Downward-facing Dog, Triangle and Tree.

Yoga can have physical, emotional and spiritual dimensions. The poses stretch the muscles around the body, and along with the breathing. The meditative aspects of yoga can reduce stress and decrease blood pressure.

Along with the postures, breathing is stressed during yoga; in fact, many consider breath work to be one of the most important parts of yoga “It’s paying attention to your breath and being very present,” said Nelda Clayton, a Shanti yoga instructor. “It’s what makes it so peaceful. You shut out everything but the breath and the teacher’s voice.”

Not only does yoga promote flexibility, the ancient form of exercise is also quite flexible in is forms.

Power and hot yoga classes are usually faster paced and physically challenging.

“They’ll make anyone sweat,” Cannon said.

At the other end of the spectrum, a gentle yoga class is taught in chairs for folks who would find it difficult to practice.

Iyengar, named for the influential teacher who developed the style, focuses holding the postures for longer periods with great focus on alignment.

Restorative yoga focuses on particularly soothing poses.

Yoga instructors typically have to complete hundreds of hours of training and practice to become certified.

Jump in

Punch up your fitness routine Piloxing brings boxing and pilates together

BY MICHAELA GIBSON MORRIS

PHOTOS BY THOMAS WELLS | DAILY JOURNAL

DAILY JOURNAL

Piloxing can smack down an aerobics class rut.

“It’s a total body workout,” said Anna Thames, who teaches piloxing classes in Tupelo and Fulton.

Piloxing is exactly what it sounds like.

“It’s pilates meets boxing with a little bit of dancing for fun,” Thames said. “It’s a hybrid.”

Piloxing made its debut in 2009 in Los Angeles; Thames earned her certification in January 2013 to bring the classes to Northeast Mississippi.

The class alternates between blocks of boxing and standing pilates-based moves set to pop music. In hour-long classes, the last 15 minutes incorporate floor work. The routines change about every six to eight weeks.

The class moves students in different directions – taking them forward and back and laterally.

“You’ve got to do something different to challenge the body,” Thames said.

Weighted half-pound gloves add extra resistance for the length of class.

“They’re designed especially for this exercise,” Thames said. “A half-pound doesn’t sound like much, but you’ll feel it.”

Thames usually has about a half-dozen to share, but they can be purchased for $20.

Piloxing classes are accessible for people at all fitness levels. Beginners can pass on the gloves until they build up to the class. High impact moves can be modified easily.

“People can work at different levels,” Thames said. “You can make it as hard as you want or you can slow it down.”

Students can opt for athletic shoes, if they like, but they’ll get the most benefit from doing the class barefoot or in slip-proof socks.

“It’s great for your balance,” to do the workout without shoes, Thames said. It pushes the ankles to get stronger.

Although the class was originally developed with a female empowerment theme by creator Viveca Jensen, a trained dancer, boxer and master pilates instructor, Thames has found guys like the class, too.

“They tell me it improves their weight lifting,” Thames said. “It’s a great cross training for everyone.”

Certified instructor Anna Thames takes a class at the NMMC Wellness Center through a high energy Piloxing routine. The exercise form brings together cardio-challenging boxing moves and core-strengthening standing pilates. Weighted gloves add oomph to the workout.

Piloxing vocabulary

Piloxing: A fusion of standing pilates, boxing and dance developed by Viveca Jensen, a trained dancer, boxer, Pilates instructor and body builder.

What do you need

• Comfortable exercise clothes • Options for footwear include athletic shoes,

bare feet or slip-proof socks • Half-pound weighted gloves, optional

Where to find it

Currently there are two certified Piloxing instructors in Northeast Mississippi: • Anna Thames, who teaches at NMMC Wellness Center in Tupelo and Anytime Fitness in Fulton • Amy Kennedy of the YMCA Oxford

North Mississippi Health Journal | 19

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iet and exercise, a trip to the dentist and maybe even a physical exam are common items on lists of New Year’s resolutions.

Being checked for colon cancer or precancerous polyps is usually not high on anyone’s list.

Here are some important facts that may inspire you to move this important checkup higher on your list: • The American Cancer Society predicts 142,820 new cases of colon and rectal cancer in the U.S. in 2015.

• From this number, 50,830 deaths are predicted.

• The vast majority of these deaths would be avoided with proper screening.

It’s easy to put off having a colonoscopy, similar to the delay in going to the dentist. Everyone dreads it, but once it’s over, the experience is almost always much easier than anticipated. For the vast majority of patients, the discomfort of a colonoscopy is minor or nonexistent due to sophisticated conscious sedation used today.Virtually no one has any memory of the procedure.

So why are about half of those who are considered at high risk for colon cancer not getting screened, even after troubling symptoms present themselves?

Common reasons patients delay having a colonoscopy, even after being ordered by their family medicine physician to undergo the test, include embarrassment related to what they perceive to be an invasive procedure; the inconvenience of having to prepare for and then take time to undergo the procedure; financial issues related to health insurance; and perhaps the biggest reason, fear about the possible outcome.

Most of the misconceptions patients have about undergoing a colonoscopy are alleviated after their first experience. Most patients tell me afterwards they are surprised at how painless and quick the procedure turned out to be.

They are relieved to learn they are cancer-free or that I was able to eradicate problems before they

Dr. Joe Bailey Board-certified gastroenterologist

Most of the misconceptions patients have about undergoing a colonoscopy are alleviated after their first experience. begin by snipping off polyps, which are the precursors of tumors.

Asymptomatic patients, or those not producing indications of a medical condition, over the age of 50, and 45 for African-Americans, should have a colonoscopy. A family history of colon cancer or polyps may dictate examination at an earlier age.

Symptoms that should be taken seriously at any age and that dictate an immediate discussion with a physician include rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habits and unusual or persistent abdominal pain.

Colon cancer is no respecter of age. My patients have ranged in age from 18 to 100. Investigating symptoms and having routine screenings can be absolutely life-saving. I have removed several thousands of polyps over the past 37 years – all were potential colon cancer that never happened. Some of the saddest moments of my practice have come when patients with an unfavorable diagnosis have looked at me and said, “Why did I wait so long?”

With proper screening, colon cancer is a highly preventable and overwhelmingly curable disease.

Take the time to be proactive about your health.

DR. JOE BAILEY is a board-certified gastroenterologist with Amory Gastroenterology Clinic. He has practiced in North Mississippi for 37 years.

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Winter Water Wonderland Dive into H2O fitness

“

BY MICHAELA GIBSON MORRIS DAILY JOURNAL

Carolyn Washington

Water instructor Martha Langley, at left, incorporates strength training into a water workout using foam weights that increase resistance in the water during a class at the NMMC Wellness Center in Tupelo. Water exercisers like Maxine Bobo, below, benefit from the increased range of motion and extra resistance.

Aquatic Center.

The buoyancy of water is a boon to people who are fighting obesity,Washington said. On land, folks who carrying extra weight can struggle to move.

“Depending on the depth, it can take 80 to 90 percent of a person’s weight out of the equation, Washington said. “The water enables you to work harder than you could on land.”

FITNESS FOR ALL

But people who think the water is just for people who can’t exercise comfortably on land are missing the boat.

“I want people in the United States, not just Mississippi, to realize water exercise is not just for old people,” said Anna

Although lap swimming doesn’t burn as many calories as jogging, it delivers a whole body workout that’s easy on the joints.

Aqua Zumba instructor Carolyn Washington gets her class grooving at the Baptist Healthplex in New Albany.

22 | North Mississippi Health Journal

”

Aqua Zumba teacher at the Baptist Healthplex in New Albany

Y

The weather outside may be frightful, but inside, the water is so delightful.

Fitness fans don’t have to wait for summer weather to get a great water workout; indoor pools are open year round.

Young or old, swimmer or walker, serious competitor or playful dabbler, water-based exercise offers a broad range of fitness options.

“It’s a totally different workout with the water,” said CarolynWashington, who teaches Aqua Zumba at the Baptist Healthplex in New Albany. “You can do so much more.”

Swimmers and seniors have long recognized the benefits of water fitness.

Lap swimming provides largely the same cardiovascular benefit as running. Running generally burns more calories, but swimming brings more upper body muscle groups into the mix. However, swimming delivers far less punishment to the joints and is considered a lifetime sport.

Seniors and those with chronic joint issues have sought out water classes for years because the water softens the impact and extends range of motion.

“It really helps people with arthritis keep their range of motion,” said Barbara Aguire, programming director for the Tupelo

It’s a totally different workout with the water.

You can do so much more.

WHERE TO FIND THEM

PUBLIC POOLS • Tupelo Aquatic Center – per visit and pass options • University of Mississippi Natatorium – annual community memberships available.

FITNESS CENTERS WITH INDOOR POOLS • Corinth Sportsplex • Gilmore Memorial Wellness Center, Amory • NMMC Wellness Centers in Tupelo, Iuka • Tippah County Health Services Wellness Center, Ripley • Wellness Connection of OCH, Starkville

“You have to be careful,” Washington said. “Make sure you drink plenty of water; you can get dehydrated.”

ADAM ROBISON | DAILY JOURNAL

Thames, who teaches Aqua Zumba and other high intensity water classes at the Tupelo Aquatic Center and NMMC Wellness Center in Tupelo.

A water-based workout can be powerfully challenging, and more classes are aiming to turn up the intensity levels.

“While you’re in the water, your heart rate may not get as high, but it doesn’t mean you’re not working hard,” Washington said. “It’s a totally different workout.”

Water adds 12 times the resistance as air. Simple techniques can allow exercisers to take advantage of the resistance, pushing their workouts higher “You’d be amazed at what cupping your hands can do,” Washington said. Some of her students use webbed gloves to add further intensity.

Just as with other high intensity exercises, participants have to make sure they aren’t working beyond their capacity and be certain to fuel their bodies appropriately.

New kid on the block

The new Tupelo Aquatic Center is more than a venue for swim meets.

With two pools, including one that can be divided with a moveable bulkhead to make three water spaces, the new facility has expanded offerings for water fitness.

“We can run all kinds of different programs,” said Amy Kennedy, center director.

In addition to ongoing classes like Aqua Zumba, senior aquatics and competitive swimming programs, there are more classes available to those who want to work out in the water.

The center will offer high intensity classes like Aqua Kickboxing

and N2 The Deep. A kids power hour is set to run at the same time as some adult water classes so that parents and kids can work out at the same time.

Because of the expanded facilities, lanes for lap swimming, walking and running will be open except during the largest swim meets.

The pools have separate systems and can be kept at different temperatures for different purposes. The smaller pool will typically be around 86 degrees. The larger competition pool will typically run from 78 to 82 degrees.

In addition to the classes, the aquatic center has a climbing wall and paddle boards.

North Mississippi Health Journal | 23

Liboria Henry, left, and Virginia Hodges, right, learned to swim this year with help from instructor Alex Knight.

LAUREN WOOD | DAILY JOURNAL

Get in the swim

You’re never too old to conquer the water

BY MICHAELA GIBSON MORRIS DAILY JOURNAL

Learning to swim opens up a whole new realm for fun and exercise.

But taking the plunge as an adult can take on extra dimension. For adults, how long it takes to learn to swim really is about how comfortable they are in the water.

“It depends on how much fear they have and how much relearning they need to do,” said Alex Knight, who teaches swimming lessons to children and adults at the NMMC Wellness Center. “If there’s fear, you have to get them acclimated to the water.”

Learning to swim at any age is worth the effort. It’s great exercise that’s easy on the joints. But it is the ability to move in the water that is an essential life skill.

“I think everybody needs to

24 | North Mississippi Health Journal

know how to swim because it could be a matter of life and death,” said Liboria Henry, who with co-worker Virginia Hodges learned to swim this year.

The NMMC Behavioral Health educators were driven to learn, in part, as a professional challenge – the theme for 2013 was to go beyond expectations.

“It was something I always wanted to do,” Henry said.

But they were also inspired by vacations.

“When you go on a trip, everybody’s in the water, but you’re on the sideline,” Hodges said.

People who are already comfortable in the water and have good coordination can start swimming in one or two lessons. But Henry and Hodges had to work hard over several lessons to overcome a deep fear of the water.

“You have a greater fear because you know what could hap-

“

I think everybody needs to know how to swim because it could be a matter of life and death. Liboria Henry

”

pen,” Hodges said. “We made up our minds we weren’t going to quit.”

The turning point for Henry came when she didn’t have to have Knight stand next to her.

“Every week, we would do a little more,” Henry said.

BABY STEPS

The steps for learning to swim are largely the same for adults and

children. Blowing bubbles and putting your face in the water helps people learn to close off their nasal passages so they don’t suck in water.

Instructors usually break down the components of swimming – arm strokes, leg kicks, breathing and floating in separate components before having students put them all together.

Learning to float is a key skill with swimming, but it can be difficult.

“It’s very disorienting to some people,” Knight said. “It can feel like falling.”

Trying to rush the process can backfire. For both kids and adults, the sink or swim method does more harm than good.

“It just scares people,” Knight said, and ultimately makes it harder for them to trust they can learn to move through water.

“Don’t force it.”

Goal setting 2014: No exercise involved

H

appy New Year, everyone!

Now is the time we typically start talking about New Year’s resolutions and the setting of goals for the year – all the things you want to do, be and have in 2014. While I would still encourage you to set these types of goals, and I do myself, this year why not focus on the most important area of life, personal relationships.

I am reminded of a great exercise from Steven Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People training. It taught me several valuable lessons and tools. I’d like to share one with you now.

Identify the key roles you play in your life, both personal and professional. This list will include roles like daughter, wife, sister, manager, church member, mother, friend, volunteer, employee, neighbor, Sunday school teacher, etc. Be all inclusive in listing the roles you serve. As an example: Role: Friend Role: Aunt Next, identify a key person or two for each role. For example, as mother, list all of your children’s names. As Sunday school teacher, list a key student in your class.

Now comes the fun part: Imagine it is your 75th birthday. Attending the birthday celebration are the key people from each of your roles.

What would you want them to say about you? How would they describe you and the influence you’ve had on their lives?

Role: Friend Key Person: Mary Tribute Statement: She always challenges me to be the best person I can be. She encourages me to try new things. She sees the positive in everything. She never judges me, and I know her friendship is a safe place. She is my biggest cheerleader. She smiles a lot.

Continue making your list of tribute statements for each role in your life.

Role: Aunt Key Person: Lindsey Tribute Statement: My aunt has always been like a mother to me.

In fact, I call her my Mother Equivalent. I know she is always there

Tracy Stebbins Arnett Exercise physiologist

for me, but more than that, she seeks me out and is involved in my life. She calls often and is involved in my daughter’s life. We sometimes travel together, and she has introduced me to new places and experiences. I live far away, but she still makes me feel very close.

Now here comes the real deal part. According to webmd.com, in 2010 the average lifespan in the United States was 77.8 years. That puts me well past the midpoint of my life. I don’t have unlimited time to do the things I need to do with the people I care about, and neither do you.

Start now. What steps can you take to nurture and develop your relationships, to make sure your tribute statements actually come true?What concrete steps can you take this year – as a goal, resolution, plan or whatever word you feel comfortable using – to get to the tribute statement you want?

Role: Aunt Key Person: Lindsey Plan: Speak with Lindsey weekly (schedule it in planner so I don’t forget) Remember Lindsey’s birthday, as well as her daughter Alyssa’s (mark planner and schedule to purchase gift and mail in time for the big day).

Arrange to spend Thanksgiving together.

Plan two random surprises for Lindsey this year (flowers, card or anything unexpected).

I hope this will be a fun, no-exercise exercise for you that provides many rewards. People with healthy relationships report less stress and a higher quality of life.

Devote time and attention to those you care for now. What are you waiting for?

TRACY STEBBINS ARNETT is an exercise physiologist and director of the North Mississippi Medical Center-West Point Wellness Center. She is a certified Health and Wellness Coach by Wellcoaches.

North Mississippi Health Journal | 25

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Massage therapy relaxation, relief

W

e all know it is a relaxing way to spend an hour, but there is much more to massage.

The desire for physical contact is a physiologic need; we need to be touched in order to survive. Massage is a form of therapeutic touch that helps meet this need in a professional, structured environment.

Massage has been around for thousands of years, but in the 1800s Per Henrik Ling of Sweden and Dr. Johann Mezger of Holland made massage more accessible.

Ling combined movements from gymnastics with the strokes of massage (learned in Asia), and formed a coherent system which eventually became known as Swedish massage.

Mezger presented massage to the scientific community as a form of medical treatment. As physicians shared their knowledge and witnessed its benefits, massage grew in popularity. Later in the century, however, massage was associated more with scandal than with healing. At that time there were many inconsistencies, and some people who called themselves “masseurs” and “masseuses” provided services not strictly therapeutic in nature. Recognizing this as a huge problem, groups were formed to regulate training, standards and practices.

The profession still struggles somewhat due to misconceptions, but massage therapists are now generally regarded as valued members of the medical community.

Although the requirements vary by state, the massage and bodywork industry is regulated to ensure a high standard of professionalism. Mississippi, for example, requires a student to graduate from an accredited massage program with 700 classroom hours covering everything from anatomy and physiology to the fundamentals of how to give a massage (including many hours of hands-on supervised clinical practice) before taking a state-approved licensing exam. Once the exam is passed, the therapist can obtain even higher recognition by becoming nationally certified.

Massage therapists are required to renew their license every two

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years, during which time they must complete 24 hours of continuing education, including ethics and state law, plus CPR, and first aid. If they are also nationally certified, they must fulfill the continuing education requirements of the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork.

Massage can improve your health in numerous ways: it decreases inflammation, blood pressure, stress, and some symptoms of PMS; it increases circulation and immunity, helps to manage anxiety and depression, and can improve quality of sleep, alertness and concentration. In addition, regular massage has been found to be beneficial in relieving pain associated with cancer, fibromyalgia, migraines and many others. Massage can help moms-to-be relieve issues that accompany pregnancy (a doctor’s OK might be required), and can also help to ease the pains of a colicky baby and increase growth and development of premature infants.

There are massage techniques which address specific health and beauty issues (cellulite, non-surgical facelifts, detoxification), and there are specially designed formats for our four-legged friends (dogs, cats, horses). The massage and bodywork industry is farreaching and can be found in spas, gyms and various types of medical facilities. The industry encompasses modalities such as reflexology, Reiki, aromatherapy, and hydrotherapy.

Although massage became better known thanks to Ling and Mezger in the 19th century, it is really derived from the ancient practices of India and China, specifically the sciences of Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, of which yoga and acupuncture are a very small part.

SUSAN STAUSS is a licensed and nationally certified massage therapist practicing in New Albany and Tupelo.

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That chiropractic is not just for neck pain, back pain and headaches? Chiropractic adjustment can boost the body’s immune system.

Some Things Chiropractic Could Help. . .

• HEADACHES - DIZZINESS • BACK & NECK PAIN • HIP & LEG PAIN • PAIN OR NUMBNESS (IN ARMS OR LEGS) • PAINFUL JOINTS & MUSCLE SPASMS • INDUSTRIAL & AUTO ACCIDENTS • STRUCTURAL DISORDERS OF THE SPINE • NERVE & DISC PROBLEMS

HERNDON

CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC

New Patients Welcome • Most Insurances Accepted “Over 30 years experience you can trust” Dr. Ron Herndon 2087 Cliff Gookin Blvd. • Tupelo, MS

842-8413

North Mississippi Health Journal | 27

Resources |

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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS AMERICAN RED CROSS OFFERS CPR/AED/FIRST AID CLASSES at its Westside Drive office in Tupelo. Call (662)842-6101.

ANGER MANAGEMENT CLASSES are offered 6 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday at Cedar Grove United Pentecostal Church on North Veterans Boulevard in Tupelo. Call (662) 844-9637.

AUTISM CENTER OF NORTH MISSISSIPPI PROVIDES FREE ASSESSMENTS AND EARLY INTERVENTION for children with autism. Services offered on a sliding scale. Call (662) 840-0974 or visit www.autismcenternms.com.

HEALTH HELP OFFERS FREE ASSISTANCE FOR PARENTS WITH MEDICAID AND CHIPS. Trained counselors at Mississippi Health Advocacy Partnership offer help and guidance in determining eligibility and other issues. The program also offers assistance for adults who may qualify for federal programs or insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Call (877) 314-3843.

NATIONAL COUNCIL ON ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG DEPENDENCY provides free confidential information, assessments and treatment referrals for people struggling with addiction.

Maintains listings of area support group meetings. Call (662) 841-0403.

NURSE LINK, A FREE HEALTH CARE INFORMATION SERVICE PROVIDED BY NMMC, connects callers with a registered nurse from 4 p.m. to midnight Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to midnight weekends and holidays. Call (800) 882-6274. |

FITNESS

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ONGOING

BEGINNER YOGA is offered at 9:30 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. Tuesdays at the Yoga Center in Tupelo. All classes are based on donation. Pay what you can afford to pay. Call (662) 372-3233.

JAZZERCISE is offered at 9 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, at the Tupelo Furniture Market Mississippi Building on Coley Road. Cost is $32 a month. Contact Sherry Reppert at (662) 205-4585, (662) 255-2696 or jazzreppert@yahoo.com.

SWIMMING AND WATER ACTIVITIES are available at the Tupelo Aquatic Center at Veterans Park. Call (662) 840-3768.

T’AI CHI CHIH is offered at 9 a.m. Saturdays at Lee Acres Park in Tupelo.

Described as a moving meditation, the series of 19 movements improve balance, physical fitness, flexibility and stamina. Free. Call (662) 2315519.

28 | North Mississippi Health Journal

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FREE CLINICS

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ANTONE TANNEHILL GOOD SAMARITAN FREE CLINIC provides health care to working or temporarily unemployed Lee County residents who cannot afford insurance but are not eligible for government programs.

Medications are provided through the clinic pharmacy. Clinics are offered Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Wednesday morning and afternoon.

Call (662) 844-3733.

CATCH KIDS offers school-based and community clinics where children 18 and under can be seen free of charge in Lee, Chickasaw and Pontotoc counties. Medications are provided without cost to patients through arrangements with local pharmacies. Call (662) 3772194. Community clinics are: • 5 to 7 p.m. Mondays at 1616 N. Green St., Tupelo and Baptist Association Building in Pontotoc.

• 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Morning Star Baptist Church in Tupelo.

• 5 to 7 p.m. Thursdays at 1616 N. Green St., Tupelo and 203 Main St., Okolona.

OXFORD MEDICAL MINISTRIES provides free health care to workers living in Lafayette and Yalobusha counties who can’t afford or don’t have access to health insurance, but make too much for public assistance.

Call (662) 234-1374.

REGIONAL REHABILITATION CENTER provides long-term outpatient, therapeutic rehabilitation services free of charge to individuals with disabilities.

Call (662) 842-1891.

TREE OF LIFE FREE CLINIC offers free medical services to anyone without Medicaid, Medicare or private health insurance at 4:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month and 9 a.m. the third Saturday of the month at its 541 W. Main St. building in Tupelo.

Basic dental care – extractions only – identified through the regular medical clinic. Call (662) 841-8777. |

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HEALTH EDUCATION BARIATRIC EDUCATION SEMINARS are held each month at the NMMC Bariatric Clinic and the NMMC Wellness Center, both in Tupelo. Covers issues involved in morbid obesity and bariatric surgery. Speaker is surgeon Dr. Terry Pinson. Call (662) 377-7546 or (866) 908-9465.

DIABETES EDUCATION CLASSES are offered through area hospital to aid people with managing their blood sugar and reducing the risk for complications from diabetes.

• Baptist Memorial-Union County in New Albany, (662) 538-2297 or (662) 538-2199.

• NMMC Diabetes Treatment Center in Tupelo, (662) 377-2500.

HEALTHWORKS! CHILDREN’S EDUCATION CENTER is open 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Located at the corner of Robert E. Lee and Industrial drives in Tupelo. General admission is $5.

Call (662) 377-5437 or www.healthworkskidsms.org TOBACCO CESSATION CLASSES are available free through NMMC-Tupelo Community Health Department. Call (800) 843-3375.

A WOMAN’S PLACE LUNCHTIME LEARNING SERIES is offered monthly through the NMMC Spirit of Women and Health Care Foundation of North Mississippi. The programs, which are usually held in the First Baptist Church fellowship hall in Tupelo, cover a variety of health topics. Lunch is provided for $5 for those who preregister. Call (800) 843-3375. |

PREGNANCY/ PARENTING

ONGOING

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FREE CAR SEAT INSPECTIONS will be offered by certified safety specialists at Oktibbeha County Hospital in Starkville. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (662) 615-3364.

INFANT CPR CLASSES are offered at 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at North Mississippi Medical Center Women’s Hospital in Tupelo. Call (662) 377-4934 or (800) 843-3375.

HOSPITALS WITH MATERNITY SERVICES offer a number of classes on pregnancy, newborn care, breastfeeding and preparing siblings and grandparents for a new baby.

• Baptist Memorial-North Mississippi, Oxford - (662) 513-1602 • Baptist Memorial-Union County, New Albany - (662) 538-2397 • Gilmore Memorial Hospital, Amory (662) 256-6204 • Magnolia Regional Health Center, Corinth - (662) 293-2265.

• NMMC Women’s Hospital, Tupelo (662) 377-4956 • NMMC-West Point - (662) 4952292 • Oktibbeha County Hospital, Starkville - Call (662) 615-3364 NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI BIRTHING PROJECT offers support for pregnant women by pairing them with volunteer mentors and offering pregnancy and life-management related classes. Call (662) 255-8283 or email tonihill@birthingprojectusa.org.

PARENTING CLASSES will be offered weekly at the Family Resource Center of Northeast Mississippi on Magazine Street in Tupelo. Childcare provided.

Marriage education, fathers-only par-

enting and parenting during divorce classes also available. Call (662) 8440013.

PARENTING CLASSES are offered from 6 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday at Cedar Grove United Pentecostal Church on North Veterans Boulevard in Tupelo.

Call (662) 844-9637.

FREE WEEKLY PARENTING AND FATHERHOOD CLASSES for ages 16 to 21 at Families First Building behind the Mantachie Clinic. Call (662) 2824661. |

EVENTS

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JAN 15

“ MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VISION” will be presented by occupational therapist Cheri Nipp at the West Point at noon Jan. 15. Wellness Center. Light lunch provided. Call (662) 495-9355 to register.

“HEALTHY FEET AND LEGS: You’re So Vein” will be presented by Dr. Newt Harrison at the Pontotoc Wellness Center at noon Jan. 15. Light lunch provided. Call (662) 489-1335 to register.

JAN. 17

HEALTHWORKS! CHILDREN’S HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER in Tupelo will host Kid's Night from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 17. Call (662) 377-5437 for registration and fees.

JAN. 18

GIRL SCOUT DAY AT HEALTHWORKS! Children’s Health Education Center in Tupelo will be Jan. 18. The program for Brownies will begin at 10 a.m. The Juniors program will begin at noon. Call (662) 377-5437 or visit www.healthworkskidsms.org.

JAN. 23

“SPIRIT PURE & SIMPLE FEATURING PATRICIA “SISTER” SCHUBERT BARNES will begin at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 23 at the Summit Center in Tupelo.

Tickets are $25 and include dinner.

Spirit of Women members who have paid the lifetime $10 membership fee will also receive a free gift. Tickets will be on sale until Jan. 17; call (800) 843-3375 or visit www.nmhs.net/spirit_of_women.

FEB. 1

HEALTHWORKS! Children’s Health Education Center will celebrate its fifth birthday with a special party from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (662) 377-5437 or visit www.healthworkskidsms.org.

FEB. 15

CUB SCOUT DAY will be from 10 a.m. to noon at HealthWorks! Children’s Health Education Center. Scouts with activities that will help scouts complete their food and nutrition related belt loops. Call (662) 377-5437 or www.healthworkskidsms.org.

Resources FEB. 25

“MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VISION” will be presented by occupational therapist Cheri Nipp at the Pontotoc Wellness Center at noon Feb. 25. Light lunch provided. Call (662) 489-1335.

LADY IN RED FASHION SHOW and Heart Health Luncheon hosted by Gilmore Memorial Regional Medical Center will be held at noon, Feb. 25 at River Birch Place in Amory. Free, but registration required. Call (662) 2566005.

APRIL 10

AMORY RAILROAD FESTIVAL HEALTH FAIR will be held April 10 in boot at Frisco Park. Gilmore Memorial Regional Medical Center will provide free health screenings.

APRIL 20

COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT sponsored by Gilmore Memorial Regional Medical Center will be held at 8 a.m.

April 20 at Frisco Park in Amory. Free and open to children 9 and under.

APRIL 23

ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS LUNCHEON sponsored by Gilmore Memorial Regional Medical Center will be held at noon April 23 at RiverBirch Place in Amory. Open to administrative professionals only. Guest speaker. Free but registration required; call (662) 256-6005.

MAY 17

THE ANNUAL TIE DYE INVITATIONAL 5K benefitting Healthworks! Children’s Health Education Center in Tupelo will be held at Ballard Park on May 17.

Visit www.healthworkskidsms.org for information.

MAY 18

ZUMBA IN THE PARK, benefitting Sisters Network, Tupelo Chapter, will be offered at 10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. May 18 in Fair Park in downtown Tupelo.

Instructors will be Angela Crump and Tina Lee. Registration will be $5. Call (662) 842-3440.

SPRING

RELAY FOR LIFE EVENTS benefiting the American Cancer Society are planned across Northeast Mississippi from March until June. The teambased fundraising events help fund research, patient education and community awareness events. Call the Tupelo office at (662) 8448544.

• March 28: University of Mississippi • April 4: Mississippi State University • April 11: Calhoun • April 24: Itawamba • May 2: Lafayette, Chickasaw, • May 16: Union, Tishomingo, • May 30: Alcorn, Lee, Prentiss • June 6: Pontotoc, Tippah • June 13: Marshall, Prentiss

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GYM LISTINGS

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Here’s a brief run down of fitness facilities around Northeast Mississippi compiled by the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal.

FOR YOGA CENTERS, See page 18.

FOR CROSSFIT CENTERS, see page 16.

TUPELO/LEE COUNTY • ATC Fitness, Tupelo, (662) 2693969, 24-hour access, fitness machines, free weights.

• Anytime Fitness (662) 844-1235, Tupelo; 844-1236, East Tupelo 24hour access, fitness machines, free weights, classes.

• Evolution Fitness Center,Tupelo, (662) 350-3167 , 24-hour access power-lifting focused gym with free weights and cardio machines, group classes.

• Express Fitness, Mooreville, (662) 842-5077, • NMMC Wellness Center, (662) 3774141, Madison Street, Tupelo, hospital-affiliated center, indoor pool, racquetball, basketball and day spa.

• Premiere Lady, (662) 842-5239, 24-hour access, women-only, fitness machines, free weights, classes.

• SNAP Fitness, (662) 844-7627, Tupelo, 869-3181, Saltillo, 24-hour access, fitness machines, free weights.

ABERDEEN • Pioneer Wellness Center, 369-8480, hospital-affiliated center.

AMORY • Anytime Fitness, (662) 257-6330, Amory, 24-hour access, fitness machines, free weights, classes.

• Curves, (662) 256-4002, womenonly, 30-minute strength and cardio circuit training program.

• Gilmore Sports and Wellness Center, (662) 256-6127, hospital-affiliated center, indoor pool.

BALDWYN • NMMC Wellness Center, (662) 3657873, hospital-affiliated center.

BOONEVILLE • Zone Fitness, (662) 720-1065, 24hour access, cardio and strength machines, free weights.

CORINTH • Corinth Sportsplex, (662) 287-4417, city-owned center, fitness machines, free weights, classes, indoor pool.

• Corinth Wellness Center, (662) 2875556, fitness machines, free weights, classes, indoor pool.

• Zone Fitness, (662) 286-0060, 24hour access, fitness machines, free weights and classes.

FULTON • Anytime Fitness, (662) 862-7737, 24-hour access, fitness machines, free weights.

• Power Zone, (662) 862-7523, 24hour access, fitness equipment, free weights, classes.

IUKA • NMMC Wellness Center, (662) 423-

1980, hospital-affiliated center.

• The Lion’s Den Muscle and Fitness Center, (662) 424-3058, 24-hour access, fitness machines, free weights and classes for children and women.

NEW ALBANY • Anytime Fitness, (662) 534-4009, 24-hour access, fitness machines, free weights.

• Baptist Healthplex, (662) 538-4194, hospital-affiliated center, indoor pool, raquetball courts, basketball.

OXFORD • Anytime Fitness, (662) 259-2296, 24-hour access, fitness machines, free weights.

• Ice Core Fitness, (662) 816-2673 offers group classes and private sessions including cardio, pilates, Gyrotonic exercise method, which strengthens muscles and improves range of motion; and BarreAmped, a precision-oriented technique that uses the ballet barre.

• YMCA Oxford, (662) 232-8788, fitness machines, free weights, children’s programs, classes.

• Rebel Elite Fitness, 662-202-8435, 24-hour access, fitness machines, free weights.

• SNAP Fitness, (662) 259-2296, 24hour access, fitness machines, free weights and classes.

PONTOTOC • Elite Fitness, (662) 509-9985.

• NMMC Wellness Center, (662) 4891335, hospital-affiliated center.

RIPLEY • Tippah County Wellness Center , (662) 837-7656, hospital-affiliated center, indoor pool.

• Total Body Gym, (662) 512-6060, 24-hour access, fitness machines, free weights, Tae Bo, mixed martial arts classes.

STARKVILLE • Anytime Fitness, (662) 546-4299, 24-hour access, fitness machines, free weights.

• Starkville Athletic Club, (662) 3234455, fitness machines, free weights.

• Wellness Connection of OCH, (662) 323-9355, hospital-affiliated center, indoor pool.

WEST POINT • Anytime Fitness, (662) 492-5877, 24-hour access, fitness machines, free weights.

• NMMC-West Point, 495-9355, hospital-affiliated center, raquetball court. |

SUPPORT GROUPS

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ACTS – ALCOHOL CHEMICAL TREATMENT SERIES – is a curriculumbased self-help, recovery and educational program for anyone wanting to recover from alcohol or drugs, and their families. ACTS meets from 6 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday at Cedar Grove United Pentecostal

Church on North Veterans Boulevard, Tupelo. ACTS is free. Call 844-9637.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS is a fellowship of men and women working to solve their common problem of alcoholism. There are no dues or fees.

• Tupelo: 38 meetings are offered.

Call (662) 844-0374 or visit www.aamississippi.org for listings.

• There are also meetings in Aberdeen, Ackerman, Amory, Ashland, Belmont, Booneville, Bruce, Calhoun City, Corinth, Fulton, Holly Springs, Houlka, Houston, Iuka, Mooreville, New Albany, Oxford, Pontotoc, Starkville, Ripley, Saltillo and West Point. Call (800) 344-2666.

FOR A LISTING OF ADDICTION SUPPORT GROUPS around Northeast Mississippi, call the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependency at 841-0403 or check www.msncadd.net.

ADDICTION HELP – NARCONON, an international organization of treatment centers, drug education and prevention services, provides free consultations from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week for those with drug addictions. Call (800) 556-8885.

AL-ANON is a fellowship of friends and relatives of alcoholics. The group has meetings at several locations: • American Legion Building, Fairground Circle, New Albany, 8 p.m.

Mondays.

• Cornerstone Methodist Church, Tupelo, 5:30 p.m. Mondays. Call (662) 871-687-1811 or (662) 871-8068.

• Calvary Baptist Church, Tupelo, noon Wednesday and Friday.

• First Presbyterian Church, Tupelo 8 p.m. Tuesdays.

• Easy Does It Group, noon Thursdays at Brooks Center at Fulton Methodist Church. Call Bob W. (662) 401-8094.

• Peace Seekers Family Group, noon Wednesday and Friday at Calvary Baptist Church, Tupelo. Call (662) 401-8094 or (847) 902-6267.

• How It Works group, St. James Catholic Church, Tupelo, 8 p.m.

Wednesdays.

• Solution Seekers – Adult Children of Alcoholics meets at noon Mondays at Calvary Baptist Church fellowship hall, Tupelo. Call Nancy P. at (847) 902-6267.

• Groups also meet in Belmont, Corinth and Oxford.

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUPS for family members and friends of those with the disease meet in: • West Point: Quarterly at NMMCWest Point. Call Brenda Johnson at (662) 495-2339 or (800) 843-3375.

• Tupelo: 6 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the Cedars Health Center Activity Room. Call Terri at (662) 844-1441.

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP will meet at 6 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month in the cafeteria conference room at Baptist Memorial HospitalNorth Mississippi, Oxford. Call Becky Wilson at (662) 513-9671.

North Mississippi Health Journal | 29

Resources BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP meets 10 a.m. the fourth Wednesday of the month at Darlington Oaks on Skeet Drive in Verona. Call Community Hospice at (662) 566-4011.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY is a Biblebased group open to those struggling with addiction, anger issues, grief, guilt, shame, financial loss, abuse, eating disorders or compulsive behaviors. Groups meet at: • 7 p.m. Fridays in the youth building at West Jackson Street Baptist Church, Tupelo. Contact Neil Naron at (662) 891-1773 or Susan Naron at 871-3872.

• 6 p.m. Saturdays at NorthStar Church, 112 Bauhaus, Saltillo. Call (662) 869-7778 or email cr@thenorthstarchurch .com.

THE COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS a support group for families who have suffered the death of a child of any age, is open to parents, step-parents, grandparents and siblings. Information is at www.compassionatefriends.org.

• Tupelo group meets at 6 p.m. the fourth Thursday of the month at NMMC Wellness Center. Call Dave Jensen at (662) 842-1327 or (662) 231-1305 or (662) 842-3174.

• West Point group meets at 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at NMMC-West Point. Call Michele Rowe at (662) 495-2337. Parents, step-parents, grandparents and siblings are invited to attend. Information is at www.compassionatefriends.org.

CPAP SUPPORT GROUP will meet every other month at the Reggie White Sleep Disorder Center in Tupelo. The next meeting will be open to anyone who uses a CPAP machine for sleep apnea or other disorders. Group meets every other month. Call (662) 407-0864.

CROSSROADS MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUPPORT GROUP meets at 11:30 a.m. the third Wednesday of the month at the MSU Extension Office behind Crossroads Arena in Corinth.

Sponsored by the MS Foundation.

Contact Joy Forsyth 462-7325 or joycforsyth@ frontiernet.net.

DIABETES SUPPORT GROUPS meet in: • Booneville: 6 p.m. the third Thursday of the month at the George E. Allen Library. Call Kitti Parman at (662) 377-2500 or (800) 843-3375.

• Iuka: 6 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month except June, July and August, at NMMC-Iuka.

• Oxford: Noon the second Thursday of the month in the Magnolia Auditorium at Baptist Memorial HospitalNorth Mississippi. Lunch available for $3. Call (662) 513-1506.

• Starkville: 5:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at Oktibbeha County Hospital educational facility. Call Nicky Yeatman at (662) 615-2668.

• Tupelo: 11 a.m. the second Thursday of the month at the NMMC Wellness Center in Tupelo. Sponsored by

30 | North Mississippi Health Journal

the NMMC Diabetes Treatment Center. Call (662) 377-2500 or (800) 8433375.

• West Point: meets quarterly at NMMC-West Point. Remaining 2012 meetings: 6 p.m. . Contact Ginger Carver at (662) 495-2213.

THE DISABILITY SUPPORT GROUP meets at 2 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at LIFE office, Cliff Gookin Boulevard, Tupelo. People with all types of physical and mental disabilities are welcome. Call Wayne Lauderdale or Emily Word at (662) 844-6633.

A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT GROUP meets at 3:30 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at the Lee County Family Resource Center in Tupelo. Child care available. Call (662) 844-0013.

A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT GROUP meets at 6 p.m. every Thursday. Call (800) 527-7233 for location.

Child care is provided.

FACE IT FOOD ALLERGY SUPPORT GROUP meets the first Friday and third Monday of the month. Focused on parents of children with food allergies, but open to others with medical conditions that require food avoidance. Contact Amelia at (662) 3227434 or faceittupelo@live.com for locations and times.

FIBROMYALGIA SUPPORT GROUP-TUPELO meets at 6 p.m. on the fourth Monday of the month at the Women First Resource Center 215 N. Gloster, Suite D, in Tupelo. Call 842-5725.

GRAY MATTERS SUPPORT GROUP for anyone diagnosed with a brain tumor and their caregivers meets the last Tuesday of the month at the NMMC Cancer Center in Tupelo. Call Cindy Edwards at (662) 377-4049 or (800) 843-3375.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPS meet in: • Fulton: 1 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of the month at MSU Extension Office in Fulton. Free and open to anyone in need. Call the Rev. Danny Rushing of Gentiva Hospice at (662) 844-2417.

• New Albany: 1 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the First United Methodist Church. Call the Rev. Danny Rushing of Gentiva Hospice at (662) 844-2417.

• Oxford: 6 p.m. the second Tuesday and at noon the fourth Wednesday of the month at Azalea Gardens in Oxford. Sponsored by North Mississippi Hospice of Oxford. Call Olevia Partlow at (662) 234-0140.

• Tupelo: 7 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month at Gentiva Hospice in Spanish Village, Suite 105, Thomas Street. Free and open to anyone in need. Call the Rev. Danny Rushing at (662) 844-2417.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP-FULTON sponsored by Gentiva Hospice meets at 1 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of the month at MSU Extension Office in Fulton. Free and open to anyone in need.

Call Danny Rushing at (662) 8442417.

LA LECHE LEAGUE OF LEE COUNTY offers mother-to-mother support for breastfeeding. The group meets at 11 a.m. the first Thursday of the month.

All pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are invited to attend. Other LLL services include a lending library and 24-hour telephone help. For information about meeting location or help with a breastfeeding concern please call Toni at (662) 255-8283.

LUPUS SUPPORT is available in Northeast Mississippi. Sponsored by the Lupus Foundation of America. Open to anyone interested in lupus. Contact Michelle Harris at (662) 825-0224 or (662) 256-2604.

MAN-TO-MAN SUPPORT GROUP for prostate cancer meets at 6 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month in at NMMC East Tower first floor Diabetes Treatment Center classroom. Contact Gail Denton at (662) 377-3522 or (800) 843-3375.

MENDED HEARTS, a support group for people who have had heart-bypass surgery, heart disease or other physical ailments of the heart, meet in: • Corinth: 6 p.m. the second Monday of the month in the basement conference center at Magnolia Regional Health Center in Corinth. Next meetings in September. Contact Barbara Williams at (662) 293-1086.

• Oxford: Noon the the second Wednesday of the month at in the Magnolia room at Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi in Oxford.

Call Marian Leggett at (662) 259-2856 • Tupelo: 5:45 p.m. the last Thursday of each month at Room 21 of the NMMC East Tower Education Center.

Dinner available for $11; RSVP required for dinner. Call Frances Cobb at (662) 840-4335 to register.

MENTAL HEALTH FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP meets at 10 a.m. the second and fourth Saturday of the month at North Mississippi RC on Highway 7 in Oxford. The group is designed for family members of people with serious mental illness. Call (800) 3570388 or visit www.nami.org.

MISSISSIPPI CHAPTER OF PARENTS OF BLIND CHILDREN will meet at 9 a.m. the last Saturday of the month at the Harden House office on North Gloster Street in Tupelo. Contact Pat Sartain at (662) 871-8262.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUPPORT GROUP-TUPELO meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at the NMMC Wellness Center in Tupelo.

Contact Allison Holloway at (662) 231-5829, Karan Woods at (662) 231-9160 or (800) 843-3375.

NAMI CONNECTION, a weekly recovery group for people living with mental illness, meets Sundays at 3:30 p.m. at Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi in Oxford. Call (800) 3570388 or visit www.nami.org.

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS, a community-based association of recovering drug addicts, meets in Lee County.

• Tupelo group meets at the Salvation Army on Carnation Street at 6 p.m.

Mondays,Wednesdays and Fridays, 7:30 p.m.Tuesdays,Thursdays and Saturdays and 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays.

• Mooreville group meets at 4:30 p.m. Sunday and 6 p.m. Wednesday at Living Waters Community Church on County Road 1554.

• Groups also meet in Ackerman, Amory, Booneville, Bruce, Corinth, Mooreville, New Albany, Oxford, Pontotoc, Ripley and Starkville.

Call (662) 841-9998 or toll-free (866) 841-9998 for more information.

NEW MOMS SUPPORT GROUP meets at 10:30 a.m. Fridays at the Breast Feeding Resource Center at Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi.

Open to all new moms. Call (662) 513-1602.

THE NORTH MS PEDIATRIC CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (PECANS) meets at 6 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at the food court of the Mall of Barnes Crossing in Tupelo. Call Teresa Farris at (662) 791-1228.

NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY offers support and information resources for families of children with Down Syndrome. The group hosts the Buddy Walk in October. Call (662) 871-2387 or (662) 869-3211, email nemdss@bellsouth.net or visit www.nemdss.org.

OXFORD REACH TO RECOVERY BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP meets at 6 p.m. the first Monday of February, April, June, August, November and December at Azalea Gardens in Oxford. In October, they participate in a reception for breast cancer survivors hosted by Baptist Memorial at the Cancer and Diagnostic Center.

Sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Call Mary Chrestman at (662) 234-7507.

PARKINSON’S DISEASE SUPPORT GROUP-TUPELO meets at 3 p.m. the first Sunday of the month at NMMC Wellness Center in Tupelo. Contact Ginger Gore or Amanda Allen at (662) 377-3729.Second Chance Transplant Awareness Group meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month, except for June, at McAlister’s Deli, Tupelo. Call Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency, Tupelo office (662) 8411960.

A SEXUAL ADDICTION SUPPORT GROUP meets in Tupelo. Call (662) 841-0403.

A SEXUAL ASSAULT SUPPORT GROUP meets at 1 p.m. every Wednesday.

Call (800) 527-7233 for location.

SISTERS NETWORK, Tupelo chapter of the African-American breast cancer survivor’s support group, meets at 5:30 p.m. the first Monday of the month at the Link Centre in Tupelo. Call Norma Derring at (662) 842-3440.

STROKE SUPPORT GROUPS meet in: • Tupelo at 5 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month in NMMC East Tower Room 21. Call Stacy Scruggs at (662) 377-4058.

• Starkville at regularly at the OCH Regional education room. For more info, call the speech language pathology department at (662) 615-3020.

SURVIVORS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE SUPPORT GROUP meets at 1 p.m.

Wednesdays. Call (800) 527-7233 for location.

T.A.A.P. (TEEN ADDICTION AWARENESS PROGRAM) is a free 10-week program offered by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence building, 200 N. Spring St., Tupelo. The program, which meets for 90 minutes once a week, is open to teens age 13-18.

There will be educational sessions on every aspect of drug and alcohol use and abuse. Call NCADD at (662) 8410403 or www.ncadd.net.

TOPS, A WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT GROUP, has four chapters meeting in Northeast Mississippi. Fees are $28 for annual membership; $14 for spouses and teens. Call area captain Tina Evans at (662) 369-7151, state coordinator Pat Harris at (662) 3860249 or (800) 932-8677 or visit www.tops.org.

• Tupelo: 4:30 p.m. Thursdays at Salvation Army Building at 527 Carnation St. Call Ann Ivy at (662) 566-2816 or (662) 397-4998.

• Aberdeen: 5 p.m. Tuesdays at Southside Baptist Church on Meridian Street.

Call Grace Guin at (662) 369-4431.

• Corinth: 4:45 p.m. Tuesdays at Church of the Crossroads on U.S. Highway 72 East Annex. Call Betty Jones at (662) 286-3020.

• Corinth: 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Waldron Street Christian Church on East Waldron Street. Call Heather Johnson at (662) 415-2517.

TUPELO LOST CHORDS CLUB meets at noon the fourth Thursday of the month at the Longtown Medical Park conference room in Tupelo. The club is open to all laryngectomees, spouses of laryngectomees and interested professionals. Call Lisa Renfroe at (662) 377-3248.

WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT GROUP will meet at 6 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at NMMC Wellness Center in Tupelo. The group provides education and emotional support for those considering or have gone through bariatric surgery. Contact registered nurse Cherri Cox at (662) 377-7546 or (866) 908-9465.

WOMEN WITH CANCER SUPPORT GROUP, sponsored by the Women First Resource Center, is available in Amory. Call (662) 325-0721.

WOMEN WITH CANCER SUPPORT GROUP meets at 6 p.m. the third Monday of each month at the Women First Resource Center, 215 N. Gloster, Suite D, in Tupelo. Call (662) 842-5725.

HealthJournal

Treating Digestive Diseases for Patients in North Mississippi Don’t Ignore These Symptoms Heartburn | Acid Reflux | Diarrhea Constipation | Loss of Appetite Weight Loss | Nausea Stomach Pain | Difficulty Swallowing Stephen T. Amann, M.D. John B. Averette, M.D. Barney J. Guyton, M.D. Roger L. Huey, M.D. Noel K. Hunt, M.D. C. Allen Justice, M.D. W. Garrett Ogg, M.D. Samuel C. Pace, M.D. John O. Phillips, M.D. Ashley L. Vaughn, CFNP Gail Harris, CFNP W. Carl Kellum, Jr., M.D., 1952-2006

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