Health Journal 20130709

HealthJournal NORTH MISSISSIPPI

SUMMER 2013

The running life

OUR NEWEST LOCATION IS NOW OPEN!!

848 S. Madison St. Nurse Practitioner (across from Med-Serve)

Jeanne Benson, Collaborating Physician

Kirsten Bolton, M.D.

662.844.4177

Call 662.844.4177 TODAY to make your appointment.

WALK-INS ARE WELCOME! We Listen. We Care.

We Help You Get Well.

Come see us for your diabetes, high blood pressure, & cholesterol problems. We also do sports physicals, DOT physicals, & annual physical exams.

We are open: Mon - Fri 8:00am - 6:00pm • Sat 8:00am - 2:00pm

Family Clinic of New Albany 474 W. Bankhead St. • 662.534.7777

Acute Care + Family Clinic of Mooreville 710 Hwy 371 • 662.840.4577

Acute Care + Family Clinic of Pontotoc 351 Peoples Drive • 662.489.2777

Family Medicine Clinic Dr. Kenn Beeman Dr. Gerald Parker Dr. Megan Schroyer Dr. Laura Washington Sharla Saylors, ANP 404 Gilmore Dr. Amory, MS 662-256-3564 Amory Primary Medicine Dr. Roger Ratliff Dr. Dwight McComb Bret Ballard, CFNP 1107 Earl Frye Blvd., Ste. 6 Amory, MS 662-256-9327

Amory Pediatric Clinic Dr. Zhear Al-Godi 1107 Earl Frye Blvd., Ste. 5 Amory, MS 662-257-6705 Nettleton Family Medical Center Peggi Seaman, CFNP 182 West Main St. Nettleton, MS 662-963-3634 Aberdeen Family Medical Clinic Lisa Mason, CFNP 305 Hwy 145 North Aberdeen, MS 662-369-8018

Fulton Family Medical Center Claire Northington, CFNP 302 Hospital Rd. Fulton, MS 662-862-7047 Hamilton Primary Medicine Center Dr. James Woodard Michelle Beasley, CFNP 40023 Cross Creek Drive Hamilton, MS 662-343-5299

Summer 2013 Editor

Leslie Criss

Reporters

Michaela Gibson Morris Ginna Parsons

Photography Thomas Wells Adam Robison

Layout Design Crissy Bland

Advertising Director

Richard Crenshaw

Special Section Advertising Project Leader Amy Speck

INSIDE

■

■

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

Summersalads–6 Readytorun–8 Outofthebox–9 Therunninglife–11 Triplewhammy–16 Truthaboutgout–17 Chillax–18 Springingback–20 Stoppingsuicidesilence–22 Resources–24 Supportgroups– 28

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.

ON THE COVER Photo by Thomas Wells; illustration by Crissy Bland.

4 | North Mississippi Health Journal

Summersafety–30

Got the Guts? Got the Stuff!

Running and Fitness Apparel Huge Selection of Bicycles SPECIALIZED – NIKE – BROOKS – ASICS – ELECTRA – NEW BALANCE 1715 HUNTINGTON SQUARE MCCULLOUGH BLVD, TUPELO | 662.690.6620

Take one each morning The perfect painless home remedy to stay up-to-date on News, Sports and Weather.

Plus save money with ads and coupons, and no side effects!

To subscribe 842-2613 or 1-800-270-2613

North Mississippi Health Journal | 5

THOMAS WELLS | DAILY JOURNAL

Fruit-and-Honey Spinach Salad, left, Greek Salad, center, and Lemon Artichoke Chicken Salad – with accompanying dressings – are a simple, delicious way to spice up a summer meal.

Summer Salads Please your palate with mixed greens dressed up with chicken, fruit or olives

BY GINNA PARSONS DAILY JOURNAL

When warm weather hits and I get home in the evenings right from the grocery store or the gym, the last thing I want for supper is something heavy and hot. Grilled meats are always a winner, like salmon, chicken or pork, but we often substitute a small salad for a

6 | North Mississippi Health Journal

hot green vegetable at the table.

I always try to keep a bag of salad greens, a container of grape tomatoes and a block of feta cheese in the fridge so I can throw together a side salad in about 30 seconds. But some nights, we want something a little different to challenge our palates and get us out of a rut.

These three salads offer a vari-

ety of flavors and textures. The Lemon Artichoke Chicken Salad is best as a main course. All you need are some crunchy breadsticks to round out this meal.

The Greek Salad incorporates ingredients from three different recipes I like, and does not include anchovies because we don’t like anchovies. You can substitute canned black olives if you can’t

find the kalamatas.

My kids really like the Fruitand-Honey Spinach Salad, because it has cantaloupe and strawberries in it.With these fruits in season right now, this salad is especially delicious and economical.

So put away that frying pan and get out your salad tongs. You’ll be glad you did.

Fruit-and-Honey Spinach Salad 8 cups fresh spinach leaves 2 cups cantaloupe balls 11⁄2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced 2 tablespoons seedless raspberry jam 2 tablespoons raspberry white wine vinegar 1 tablespoon honey 2 teaspoons olive oil 1 ⁄4 cup chopped macadamia nuts or almonds Combine spinach, cantaloupe balls and strawberry halves in a large bowl; toss gently. Combine jam, vinegar, honey and olive oil in a small bowl. Stir with a wire whisk until blended. Drizzle over spinach mixture and toss well.

Sprinkle with nuts.

Serves 4 to 6.

Greek Salad 6 cups salad greens 1 ⁄2 cup ripe kalamata olives 1 red pepper, cut into thin strips 2 large tomatoes, chopped 1 ⁄2 cucumber, sliced 1 ⁄2 red onion, sliced 1 ⁄2 cup feta cheese, crumbled 1 tablespoon oregano 1 teaspoon parsley 5 tablespoons olive oil 3 teaspoons balsamic vinegar Garlic powder to taste Salt and pepper to taste Combine salad greens, olives, red pepper, tomato, cucumber

and onions and toss. Sprinkle with feta.

In a small bowl, combine oregano, parsley, olive oil, vinegar, garlic powder and salt and pepper.

Drizzle over salad and toss gently.

Serves 4 to 6.

Lemon Artichoke Chicken Salad 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves 2 (6-ounce jars) marinated artichoke hearts, undrained 3 ⁄4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley 8 slices smoked bacon, cooked and crumbled 6 cups mixed salad greens 6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Brown chicken breasts in lightly greased skillet over medium heat until nicely browned; cover, reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until done and juices run clear. Remove chicken and allow to cool. Coarsely chop.

Combine chopped chicken, artichoke hearts, parsley, bacon and salad greens in a large bowl, tossing to mix.

In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil and salt and pepper. Drizzle over salad and toss lightly. Cover and chill thoroughly.

Serves 4 to 6.

Did You Know...?

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

Dennis D. Bond, DMD

family dentistry

499 Gloster Creek Village Suite F5A 662-844-9580

Paul B. Farabaugh, M.D. C. Stephen Farmer II, M.D. Jonathan R. Kalish, M.D Wm. Hughes Milam, M.D.

©JPC-13

J. Timothy Posey, M.D. Kristopher W. Whitehead, M.D. Sally Lawson, CUNP Lauri McKell, CUNP

UA provides a full range of Urology services.

Call 662-377-7100 for an appointment. www.urologyms.com 830 S. Gloster (NMMC) - East Tower • 4th Floor - Tupelo, MS

Comprehensive Women’s Healthcare C. K. White, M.D. Johnny F. Miles, M.D. Mark A. Ray, M.D. Kristen Y. Turner, M.D. Cassie B. Hill, M.D. J. Bennett McGehee, M.D. Brandi S. McGehee, M.D. Lauren C. Waldrop, FNP • Gynecology • Routine & High Risk Obstetrics • Infertility • 3D & 4D Sonograms • Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgery

Office Hours By Appointment

662-844-8754 AFTER HOURS:

662-377-3798 or 662-377-3000

1041 South Madison • Tupelo

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

842-8413

Tupelo-Lee Humane Society North Mississippi Spay & Neuter Clinic

1508 S. Gloster Street, Tupelo, MS 38801 662-210-SPAY (7729) • www.tupeloleehumane.org

Montgomery Drugs “We Appreciate Your Business”

349 Highway 15 North Pontotoc, MS

489-5555

North Mississippi Health Journal | 7

Ready to run?

Start smart

THOMAS WELLS | DAILY JOURNAL

BY MICHAELA GIBSON MORRIS DAILY JOURNAL

8 | North Mississippi Health Journal

FIRST THINGS FIRST

|

• It’s always a good idea to check in with your health care provider, especially if you have existing health issues.

• Good shoes are a must.

• Be sure to drink lots of water before, during and after workouts, especially in hot weather.

• Start with paved trails with even footing. There’s plenty to choose from around the region. workout, too. When you go longer, it’s important to slow your pace so you don’t over extend yourself.

If your legs or shins start hurting, drop back to a walk, Hall said.

“You don’t what to run through that kind of pain,” Hall said. “The rule is to listen to your body.”

Tupelo Middle School teacher Eileen Bailey was inspired by Hall and her upcoming 50th birthday to train for the 2013 GumTree.

“I told him ‘Running is not my thing, but I’ll try,’” Bailey remembered. She started with walking and then slowly added in a couple minutes of running.

Bailey finished the GumTree in less than two hours by walking and running in spurts. Over the course of her training, she dropped some weight and found an appreciation for running.

“It’s addictive,” she said.

“Some days I’m faster than I think.”

MICHAELA MORRIS | DAILY JOURNAL

New runners need to emulate the tortoise, not the hare.

“I tell people to walk for the first month if they’re not used to exercise,” said Nathan Hall, who has coached student cross country runners and his colleagues at Tupelo Middle School as they’ve started running programs.

Not only do beginning runners need to get their cardiovascular system prepared for more work, the muscles and bones need to adjust to the impact of working out on the road.

“Your musculoskeletal system is the last to catch up,” Hall said.

“You have to be really careful early on.”

Hall suggests setting up a walking-running schedule that covers three to four days a week with two or three shorter 20- to 30-minute walks/runs and a longer 40- to 50-minute session over the weekend.

“You don’t want to do the same thing all the time,” Hall said.

As the fitness level improves, start adding a jog in short spurts.

Try walking for four minutes and then jogging for two. Each week, try expanding the interval of jogging so eventually you’re running more than walking.

“Interval training is good, especially for a newbie,” Hall said.

Keep changing up the intervals and the total times of workouts, Hall said. It’s good to change the location of your

|

Eileen Bailey took her first steps into the running life in February, when she started training for the Gum Tree 10K with a group of colleagues at Tupelo Middle School. She finished the May race under two hours with a mix of walking and running.

Out of the Box Put your best foot forward

For running, properly fitted shoes are the only essential piece of equipment.

“It’s the one piece of running equipment that will prevent injury,” said longtime runner DavidWhiteside of Trails and Treads in Tupelo.

Here’s some pointers from Whiteside:

DON’T LET COLOR SWAY YOU

Don’t pick your shoes solely on color or brand. Fit is king. “Buy for your feet.”

ADDRESS YOUR PRONATION

That’s a fancy word for whether your foot rolls in, out or remains neutral as you move.

Certain kinds of shoes provide more stability for the overpronators – rolling out – or motion control for the underpronators – rolling in. The goal is to keep the ankle, knee and hip in proper alignment.

“If there’s a crooked path through the ankles, it takes the shock absorption away from the arch. It puts more strain on knees and hips.”

DON’T CROWD YOUR TOES

Aim for a thumb’s width between the toe and the end of the shoe. It makes sure the toes aren’t crowded and positions the arch for maximum support.

TRY THEM ON

Always try shoes on. Even within the same brand and model, shoes can vary subtly.

DON’T WORRY ABOUT SIZE

Running shoes tend to run small. If you wear a size 61⁄2, expect to go up to 7 or 71⁄2.

IF IT ANNOYS, DON’T BUY IT

Pay attention to any irritation in the store.

“If you think ‘it’s not that bad’ in the store, it’s really going to be bad on the road.”

MONEY WILL BE SPENT

Expect to pay $110 to $140, not inexpensive, but less than many people spend on a hobby.

THOMAS WELLS | DAILY JOURNAL

A FEW HUNDRED MILES

Running shoes should last 300 to 500 miles depending on the size of the runner and the running surface

NOT JUST FOR RUNNING

Running shoes can benefit people who do a lot of walking or who have jobs that keep them on their feet all day.

10 | North Mississippi Health Journal

The Running Life

Across Northeast Mississippi, runners are lacing up and hitting the road. Their paths are as varied and unique as they are. Some run long. Others aim for speed. It can be solitary or social. The common thread is that it’s an exercise you can fall in love with.

Going the distance David Branner started running in his 30s as a way to get fit. He’s found his pace with marathons, averaging five a year.

BY MICHAELA GIBSON MORRIS DAILY JOURNAL

The marathon calls to a different kind of runner.

The 26.2 miles require a dedicated preparation. Relatively few people attempt a marathon. Of those, most do one or two. A very small percentage run multiple marathons a year.

“Most of the guys I run with only do one a year,” said David Branner of Tupelo. “I’m really the only crazy one.”

Years of running multiple marathons have added up for the Tupelo runner. He now has 95 to his credit, including 25 consecutive years of the Tupelo marathon.

Branner didn’t start running with a focus on marathons. He was battling the bulge in his mid-30s.

“I was putting on a few pounds and decided I needed to do some-

12 | North Mississippi Health Journal

‘Running is often solitary. Races make it more of a social thing.’

David Branner

about being part of the Tupelo Running Club and organized races thing,” Branner said. “I took up running purely because the other guys at work were running.”

He made some rookie mistakes in the beginning.

“Like most people, I took off running, and I made it two blocks and was totally out of breath,” Branner remembers.

He also started running with an old pair of shoes.

“If I ran two days in a row, my

ankles hurt,” Branner said. “You’ve got to get decent shoes.”

Despite the hiccups, Branner stuck with it. The two blocks turned to four blocks, then a half mile, then a mile, then two.

“Pretty soon I was running three miles, four to five days a week,” Branner said. “At that point, you want to do a race to see how you do against other people.”

From running races, it was a natural evolution to get involved with the Tupelo Running Club and organizing races.

“Running is often solitary,” Branner said. “Races make it more of a social thing.”

The bigger the race, the more intense the preparation. The run up to a 5K race usually means a couple of hours stuffing packets on Thursday night, a couple of hours set up on Friday and five or six hours on Saturday for the race.

For the GumTree 10K, which draws thousands, it takes about 21 hours over three days.

“I organize more races than I run,” Branner said.

Whether he’s racing or organizing, Branner gets his time in on the road.

Fifteen years ago, he was running six days a week, logging 50 miles a week.

“I can’t do that kind of miles,” said Branner, who turned 60 last year. Now he logs about 35 to 40 miles five days a week.

Lee Acres is a favorite place to run. On Saturdays he often hits the Natchez Trace trails.

“Every so often, I throw in a change of scenery,” Branner said.

It’s really important to slowly build up so it becomes a habit.

“I didn’t start running five to six miles at a time,” Branner said.“You have to start slow and build up.”

THIS PAGE: THOMAS WELLS | OPPOSITE PAGE: ADAM ROBISON | DAILY JOURNAL

Tupelo runner logs 95 marathons over 25 years of running

Pushing faster

Running challenges Owens

BY MICHAELA GIBSON MORRIS DAILY JOURNAL

For Terrance Owens, running is all about competing against yourself – pushing to go faster.

“I like to see how fit I am,” said Owens, who served as the Tupelo Running Club president from 2008 to 2011.

Owens’ running life started nearly 20 years ago.

“Everybody wanted to be like Michael Jordan in basketball,” Owens remembered. “I decided I wanted to do something I could control myself.”

His first race was the GumTree 10K. “I was already running a little bit,” said Owens, but he hadn’t really trained enough to run the 10K. He remembers finishing and then spending the rest of the day on the couch.

New runners, he said, should take a smarter course.

“It’s important to start out easy and take it slow,” Owens said. “The ones that are slow and methodical over the years tend to stick with it.”

Although he has three marathons to his credit, Owens prefers 10Ks and half marathons.

“It’s long enough to be challenging, but not long enough that it takes your body weeks to recover,” Owens said. “Marathons are fun, but they hurt.”

He traditionally hits the Corinth, Tupelo and Starkville 10Ks and the Frostbite half marathon and mixes in a few others. He’ll also participate in a lot of 5Ks. “For me, it’s like a speed run,” Owens said. “That can help in

Terrance Owens prefers 10K and half marathons because they challenge him without draining his reserves.

longer distances.”

But he hasn’t quite given up on marathons.

“My long-term goal is to run another marathon by the time I get to be 50,” he said. “I’ve got two years to get ready.”

Over the years, like many runners, Owens has adjusted his running schedule. During his most intense phase, Owens was logging 10-12 miles in a day, averaging 40

to 50 miles in a week.

But his running life has evolved over the past four years as he’s had to address an ongoing problem with plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tendon running along the bottom of the foot.

“I finally got to the point I can run, but I don’t put in the same mileage,” Owens said.

These days he usually runs a six-mile loop two to three times a

week. The loop usually takes him through Lee Acres. It’s a low-traffic area with bike lanes and lots of shade.

“No matter where I run, I always seem to end up in Lee Acres,” Owens said.

Despite the injury, Owens can’t imagine not running.

“Once you’ve got it in your blood, you can’t give it up,” he said.

North Mississippi Health Journal | 13

Running is a crucial component of the cross-training lunchtime workout for colleagues Triana Stephens, from left, Genie Alice Causey, Michelle Lail, Leslie Geoghegan and Margaret Vanlandingham.

Group of co-workers take lunch on the run

BY MICHAELA GIBSON MORRIS DAILY JOURNAL

Five friends have learned there is strength in numbers when it comes to running.

Although none of the five consider themselves serious runners, Tupelo co-workers Leslie Geoghegan, Margaret Vanlandingham, Michelle Lail, Triana Stephens and Genie Alice Causey find that running together at lunch twice a week keeps them accountable.

“It’s better when you do it with a group,” Vanlandingham said.

“No chick left behind,” Geoghegan joked. “It helps if you don’t want to when everybody else is going.”

Geoghegan, 54, has run on and off for four years.

“I did the Couch to 5K for two years and quit,” after the Komen North Mississippi Race for the Cure in October, Geoghegan said.

“The third time it stuck.”

14 | North Mississippi Health Journal

‘No chick left behind. It helps if you don’t want to when everybody else is going.

Leslie Goeghegan about the group she runs with

Now in addition to Race for the Cure, she has the Run for Hope and the Warrior Dash – a race that incorporates obstacles – to her credit.

Vanlandingham just started running four months ago.

“My daughter ran cross country,” Vanlandingham said. “I was so envious; I thought I was too old.”

But the group convinced her she could work up to it. She joined the wellness center and has gradually worked up. She’d run from telephone to telephone. Now she’ll run several laps and then al-

ternate with walking and strength training with her co-workers.

Lail considers herself the dabbler of the group. The payoff comes when the running is over.

“I like the way I feel afterwards,” Lail said.

Stephens started running consistently last summer, in part to help her maintain a 90-pound weight loss.

“I started out walking. I hated running, but I made myself do it,” Stephens said. “Now I love it.

When you’re finished running you just feel good.”

She’s been motivated to take on

two races including the Warrior Dash in Jackson, which she did with Causey and Geoghegan.

Causey is the only one of the bunch with a history with running.

“I ran track in high school,” Causey said. “I ran off and on through college.”

These days she’s finding exercise inspiration in Cross Fit, which combines running with other physical challenges.

“I’m not a serious runner,” Causey said. “I really like races like the Warrior Dash; I like the mix of strength and interval training.”

The group alternates the running with yoga classes.

“Working out in the middle of the day will give you a boost,” Causey said.

The workouts aren’t about training to win. It’s more about having fun while you move.

“No matter how slow you are,” Geoghegan said, “you’re going to lap everybody else on the couch.”

THIS PAGE: ADAM ROBISON | OPPOSITE PAGE: ADAM ROBISON | DAILY JOURNAL

Running buddies

Join the crowd JULY 26: The Nightcrawler 5K: Part of the Tupelo Parks and Recreation run series, this race that starts at 8 p.m. winds through the cross country trails at Ballard Park. Benefits Women First Resource Center. Cost is $25.* SEPT. 1: 30th annual Tupelo Marathon, and its companion 14.2 miler will start at 5 a.m. on Chesterville Road.

The race, which is a Boston Marathon qualifer, is capped at 350 partici-

pants. Cost is $80 for marathon; $60 for 14.2.

OCT. 12: Gold Ribbon Run for St. Jude 5K will begin at 8:30 a.m. in Mantachie.

Held in conjunction with annual Mantachie Fest. Cost is $15.

OCT. 12: Barktober Fest 5K, part of the Tupelo Parks and Recreation run series, will begin at 8 a.m. at Music Bend Nature Trail. Held in conjunction with dog fest at Veterans Park. Bene-

fits Tupelo Bark Park. Cost is $25 before Oct. 10; $30 race day.* OCT. 25 - Komen North Mississippi Race for Cure 5K will begin at 8 a.m. in Tupelo’s Fairpark District. Visit www.komennms for registration.

NOV. 16: Shakerag Half Marathon will begin at 9 a.m. at Tupelo’s Fairpark.

Benefits Regional Rehab. Cost is $45 before Oct. 15; $55 after. Limited to 300.

DEC. 7: Santa Run 5K will begin at 8 a.m. in downtown Tupelo along the Christmas Parade route. Benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters. Cost is $20.

For registration information, visit www.racesonline.com *Top 10 male and female runners earn points toward overall Tupelo Park and Rec series championship. Top finishers can earn additional points for competing in additional series races.

Safety in stride RUN SMART

• New runners should start slowly and build up. Begin running in intervals.

• Stay alert to your surroundings. Ditch the headphones or make sure they are dialed down enough to stay tuned in to your surroundings.

• Running/walking tracks are widely available around Northeast Mississippi. Some parks even have lengthy loops of paved trails.

• If running on the road, choose low-traffic areas with room on the shoulders.

• Run against traffic. It’s easier to avoid problems when you see them coming.

• Take a cell phone or change

for pay phones, if they are available.

• Run with a buddy – canine or human.

• Let someone know where and how long you plan to run.

• Carry identification or write your name, phone number, blood type on inside sole of your running shoe.

• If running at dusk or after dark, use a reflective vest and/or blinking light to alert drivers.

• Avoid unlit areas, especially at night.

• Your parents taught you to look both ways before crossing the street. Make eye contact with drivers to make sure they see you.

BEWARE THE HEAT

• Remember the obvious – Avoid the heat of the day.

• Choose a shady route, avoid blacktop where possible and don’t forget the sunscreen.

• If you have heart or respiratory problems, consult your health care provider about running in the heat.

You may need to take it indoors until the heat subsides.

• Wear light-colored shorts and T-shirts. Avoid long sleeves and pants.

This is no time to try to drop water weight.

• Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during and after your run. Some runners carry

water with them; others stash it along their route.

Runners can lose 6 to 12 ounces of fluid for every 20 minutes of running.

• Plan your route so you can refill water bottles.

• Avoid running outside when the temperature is above 98.6 – normal body temperature – and the humidity is above 70 to 80 percent.

• Watch for signs of heat illness – dizzy, nauseated, have chills, stop sweating. Stop running, find shade and drink water or sports drink.

If you don’t feel better quickly, get help. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.

North Mississippi Health Journal | 15

Triple whammy

Metabolic syndrome compounds the risk of heart disease, stroke

BY MICHAELA GIBSON MORRIS DAILY JOURNAL

|

HIGH CHOLESTEROL

When high blood sugar, high blood pressure and cholesterol problems team up, trouble is headed your way.

More than just a collection of risk factors, it compounds a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease.

“All of these changes combine to cause inflammation and increase cholesterol plaques,” said Tupelo cardiologist Dr. Murray Estess. “It’s almost like an explosive mix in the arteries.”

The exact clinical definitions of metab o l i c syndrome vary subtly between professional groups, but all look at five factors: obesity, blood sugar, low levels of “good” HDL HIGH cholesterol, high BLOOD PRESSURE triglycerides and hypertension, said Tupelo endocrinologist Dr. Mark “ I t ’s Shepherd. The most commonly very prevalent used criteria established by the in the U.S.,” Estess said.

National Cholesterol Education A good chunk of the population Program sets the metabolic syn– potentially 20-30 percent – is drome diagnosis at any three of working against genetics that the five. evolved to help the human race The separate conditions share survive, Shepherd said. At the geseveral of the same risk factors – netic level, they are programmed carrying too much weight, to eat more when food is availsedentary lifestyle, diet full of able. They store fat very efficiently fried foods and processed sugar. and they are less likely to fidget.

“If you aren’t active, if you “I call them starvation resistdon’t eat right, your muscles beant,” Shepherd said. “They were come couch potatoes with you,” built to survive a food-poor, activEstess said. ity-rich environment. Now we live As the muscles weaken, you in a food-rich environment where feel less energetic and less interphysical activity is optional.” ested in exercising. With fatty and sugary foods, the body gets CHEMICAL CHANGES more energy than it can use, so it Insulin resistance – the body’s starts storing it and setting the inability to efficiently get sugar stage for obesity. into the muscles where it can be

16 | North Mississippi Health Journal

WAIST NOT

It’s not just how much extra weight you are carrying, it’s where your are carrying it that seems to raise your risk.

Measure your waist at the widest point. If it’s more than 40 inches for a man or

DIABETES used – seems to be the first chemical change that happens as people travel down the road to metabolic syndrome.

“The biggest thing is physical inactivity,” Estess said. “When you’re not physically active, you’re building central obesity and becoming resistant to your own insulin.”

Unless someone takes a a glucose tolerance test – widely used to check for signs of gestational diabetes during pregnancy – you can be insulin resistant and have normal fasting glucose levels.

“It doesn’t always show up in blood tests,” Estess said. “It’s the silent thing below the radar.”

Insulin resistance triggers the storage of visceral fat, under the muscles.

“As you get more visceral fat, you tend to be less physically active,” Estess said. The extra weight triggers higher blood pressure and

|

36 inches for a woman, you are at increased risk for vascular disease.

Body Mass Index is also a highly accurate screening tool.

Calculators are available online at nhlbisupport.com/bmi/

higher triglycerides – another blood lipid.

The extra sugar reacts with the cholesterol molecules. In a healthy body, LDL“bad” cholesterol are light, fluffy particles. When metabolic syndrome kicks in, the particles become smaller, denser and trigger an inflammatory response from the body. The common blood lipid panel can’t tell the fluffy LDL from the denser, troublesome LDL particles, so doctors generally use medication to lower the LDL as much as possible, Estess said.

If blood vessels are laden with cholesterol plaque, they can rupture or narrow, cutting off blood flow. If that happens in the coronary arteries, you have a heart attack. If it happens in the brain, you have a stroke.

TAKE ACTION

It takes concerted action, but a brisk walk every day and healthier eating habits can make a huge difference. Medications can help manage the risk factors, too, but they work most efficiently when combined with lifestyle changes.

“Greater than 80 percent of heart attacks can be prevented through lifestyle modification,” Estess said.

When you exercise, the LDL particles will shift back to their fluffy state. The muscles can wake up and start taking in sugar normally.

“You can pull yourself out of insulin resistance,” Estess said.

Important to separate fact from fiction with gout

G

out is a common form of inflammatory arthritis that has been recognized as early as 2600

BC. Hippocrates described gout as the “unwalkable disease,” and if you have ever had a gout attack you can understand why.

Gout is caused by the accumulation of too much uric acid in the body, either from too much production or not enough elimination, often both at the same time.

It is not the uric acid itself that causes arthritis, but your body sends an army of inflammation – cells and chemicals – to remove the uric acid from wherever it has accumulated and this causes joint redness, warmth, swelling and severe pain. If untreated, attacks become more and more frequent, last longer and are more severe.

Gout can eventually cause joint destruction.

• My doctor can diagnose gout by a simple blood test of uric acid: FICTION There are really three ways to diagnose gout. The best involves taking a sample of joint fluid from the affected joint during an attack and looking for gout crystals through a special microscope. This is proof positive the diagnosis is gout.

The other two involve making an educated guess either without looking for or seeing crystals.

This is called presumptive gout.

In this setting, the blood uric acid can be elevated or normal.

It is important that your doctor try to prove you have gout because once confirmed, treatment is life-long.

• If I simply change my diet my gout will go away: FICTION Most of the uric acid in your body does not come from what you eat or drink, and eliminating foods that increase uric acid would only lower your blood uric acid by a very small amount - not enough to really make a difference. Having said that, certain foods should be avoided, including organ meats and shellfish.

DR. CHARLES KING II

Kea Eye Center Spectacular SPECS Comprehensive Family Vision Care

(Between Malco and Lowe’s) 3437 Tupelo Commons • Tupelo, MS

842-2000

Appointments Preferred • Walk-Ins Welcome Consuming excess alcohol can also trigger gout attacks, especially beer. Benjamin Franklin had it right when he said “everything in moderation!”

• Having an elevated blood uric acid or gout is associated with other diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease: FACT The frequency of both gout and these other diseases is increasing in the United States. Studies are now trying to determine if blood pressure, blood sugar and cardiovascular risks improve with treatment of high uric acid.

• Cherries or cherry juice can help reduce gout attacks: FACT A 2006 study by researchers at the University of California Davis showed that consuming sweet bing cherries for 28 days significantly lowered the blood concentrations of several inflammation markers associated with forms of arthritis, including gout. The rate at which uric acid was removed from the blood also increased after consuming cherries.

• If I have pain in my big toe it must be gout: FICTION Gout can attack any joint, and other forms of arthritis can mimic gout and attack your big toe. It is important that you see your doctor if you develop joint redness, warmth and swelling in any joint.

Gout is a treatable form of arthritis.

Early and accurate diagnosis is the key to effectively controlling gout.

Medicare, Medicaid, BCBS Medical, and NMMC Acclaim Participating Clinic.

We Accept Care Credit.

We offer…

• • • • • • • • •

Comprehensive Eye Exams Anterior Segment Eye Disease and Glaucoma Comprehensive Contact Lens Evaluations Inventory of Disposable, Extended and Daily Wear Contact Lenses Full Service Optical Lab Offering Same Day Service Cataract Implant Consultation • Pediatric Vision Care Pre & Post Operative Eye Care • Refractive Surgery Consultation Emergency Eye Care • Foreign Body Removal Dry Eye Management

Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 5:30 pm • Dr. Joe C. Kea, Optometrist

DR. CHARLES KING II is a rheumatologist with IMA-Tupelo’s Osteoporosis and Rheumatology Center. He co-authored two papers on gout which were published in the 2012 American College of Rheumatology’s “Arthritis Care & Research” journal.

North Mississippi Health Journal | 17

Don’t get steamed,

Chillax

BY MICHAELA GIBSON MORRIS DAILY JOURNAL

ILLUSTRATION BY SPENCER PLEASANTS

It’s easy for anger to boil over, spewing disruption and destruction on families, friends and colleagues.

The key to chilling out is not never getting angry, but finding ways to stay in control.

“Nobody is exempt from anger,” said Sheila Davis of the Family Resource Center of Northeast Mississippi, which offers conflict resolution classes in Tupelo and around the region.

Everyone does, however, have a choice in how they respond to anger.

“Even when your back is against the wall, you can still go left or right,” Davis said.

Anger is a normal, healthy human emotion.

Even though most people think of anger as a negative emotion, it can, in fact, be a positive.

“It’s a reaction to perceived injustice and unfairness,” said Leah Graham, a social worker who team teaches the anger management class offered by Cedar Grove United Pentecostal Church. “When anger gets out of control, it’s going to be disruptive.”

It can damage relationships in the home and at work. It can have dire consequences for

Seeing red? |

CLASSES

|

ANGER MANAGEMENT CLASSES are offered as part of the ACT series at Cedar Grove United Pentecostal Church from 6 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday on North Veterans Boulevard, Tupelo. Free. Call (662) 844-9637.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION CLASSES are offered at 7 p.m. Mondays and 10 a.m. Wednesdays at the Lee County Family Resource Center in Tupelo.

The center also offers classes in other counties on a regular basis. Free. Call (662) 844-0013. |

TOOL BOX

|

10-10-10 RULE

Participants in the Anger Management class offered through Cedar Grove United Pentecostal Church often find the 10-10-10 rule very helpful.

Created by business woman Suzy Welch as a decision making tool, the 10-10-10 rule helps add perspec-

spouses and children, especially when it is expressed violently.

Suppressing anger only works in the short term. Sooner or later, the anger will explode, often with dire consequences.

“It’s like when you shake up a Coke,” Davis said. “When you open it, it’s going to spew all over everyone who is around you.”

The first step is for people to realize they have a problem with expressing their anger. That’s a big step for a lot of people. Both Graham and Davis say people often come into their classes blaming the rest of the world for their outof-control behavior.

“What can you change?” Davis said. “You need to change yourself.”

In many cases, the people with anger problems didn’t have good adult role models on healthy expression of anger, Graham said.

Anger can mask a sense of inferiority, insecurity and low self-esteem.

The egocentric culture so focused on individual wants and needs can also fuel distorted thinking about perceived injus-

tive. It can be useful in sorting minor annoyances and frustrations from real issues that need to be addressed.

ASK YOURSELF: How will I feel about this issue in 10 minutes, 10 months and 10 years?

The small stuff may not even be an issue in 10 minutes. The serious conflicts will become clear. Then it’s easier to let go of the insignificant and focus calmly on the true issues.

POP

People often get uncontrollably angry because they don’t have the skills to work through problems calmly. In the conflict management classes at the Family Resource Center, Sheila Davis often teaches the POP method for problem solving.

P IS FOR PROBLEM – the first step is to clearly define it.

O IS FOR OPTIONS – Look at all the options. Work through which are acceptable and which aren’t.

P IS FOR PLAN – create a plan, work through it and re-evaluate it.

It’s important to build up a tool box of healthy coping skills. It takes time and practice, but you can put these to work. Time out isn’t just an effective strategy for toddlers throwing temper tantrums. It can be useful for adults who are trying to hold on to their tempers. tice. It’s easy to justify being angry with someone just for being inconvenient to you. Did another driver cut you off out of personal spite or because they were inattentive? Did a toddler have a toilet accident to intentionally make you late for work or because they are still trying to master the skill?

In the conflict resolution classes at the Family Resource Center, Davis spends a lot of time working on the vocabulary of healthy expression of anger. Using “I” statements to express their feelings and

avoiding always and never statements.

The next step is getting people to realize what triggers their anger and tuning in to the physical cues like tightened fists, clenched teeth and getting red in the face. Recognizing early signs of anger can help people stay in control and pull back from a situation.

It’s important to build up a tool box of healthy coping skills. It takes time and practice, but you can put these to work.

Time out isn’t just an effective strategy for toddlers throwing

temper tantrums. It can be useful for adults who are trying to hold on to their tempers.

“Slow down and collect yourself,” Graham said.

Davis often suggests people “hit the pause button” and tap their foreheads as a reminder. Just the quick, subtle touch can be a helpful reminder to regain control.

Many people find exercise, a bath or a cup of tea can soothe.

Prayer also can be a useful tool because it puts the focus on caring for others.

Certain kinds of music and movies can pump up aggression levels and should be avoided when you’re trying to calm down.

Likewise, avoid alcohol and other substances that can lower inhibitions, making it more difficult to stay in control and chain smoking, which can make a person jittery.

At the heart of anger management is the recognition you can choose your response.

“Just because someone is screaming or yelling at you, doesn’t mean you have to scream and yell back,” Davis said. “You have choices.”

North Mississippi Health Journal | 19

Springing back

Joint replacement surgery offers options to regain active life

BY MICHAELA GIBSON MORRIS DAILY JOURNAL

Sarah Young knew time was running out for her right hip.

A dedicated walker, the Tupelo woman cut back on her trips to the gym. She and her doctor tried a pad for the bed to adjust the angle of the joint while she slept and over-the-counter medication to ease the pain of arthritis in the joint.

Her gardening took a hit, too.

“I wasn’t able to dig,” Young said. “Just getting up and down was more limited.”

The kicker was when she started staying in the car at stores.

“I was getting more and more dependent on (husband) Bill to run errands,”Young said. “I found myself sitting more.”

Sarah Young isn’t alone. Total joint replacement surgeries – primarily hips and knees – are on the rise as the population ages.

“It’s a last resort for completely worn-out joints,” said Tupelo orthopedic surgeon Dr. Stephen Southworth.

PAIN, PAIN GO AWAY

20 | North Mississippi Health Journal

A hip replacement in October 2011 helped Sarah Young get back to the things she loved like gardening and hiking with husband Bill.

CREDIT??????????? | DAILY JOURNAL

Osteoarthritis – where the cushioning cartilage is gradually worn away until bone meets bone – is the most common cause, but traumatic injuries and autoimmune diseases also can damage the joints to the point that joint replacement is recommended.

“Most have a deep ache, twinge, burn,” said Dr. James “Jay” White. “They start noticing a problem, getting out of the chair or the car or going up stairs. It gets to the point of incapacitating them totally.”

Before getting to surgery, physicians typically will recommend arthritis medications – both prescription and over the counter and steroid injections directly into the joint. In some cases, physical therapy can be used to strengthen the muscles around the joint and improve range of motion.

“Strength in the leg can help

overcome the pain,” White said.

Even modest weight loss can help joints last longer by reducing the strain on the joints.

“Weight loss has got to be a part of the plan,” Southworth said.

How quickly someone reaches the joint replacement stage depends on the individual and how well he or she responds to conservative measures, White said.

“You don’t want to do it until you have to,” White said.

In addition to the small, but real risks that surgery carries, the metals, plastics and ceramics used in joint replacements won’t last as long as the original set.

TIMING

The goal of joint replacement surgery is to relieve pain and allow people to comfortably return to normal activities.

“It’s not to take up a new sport,” Southworth said. “Whatever they enjoyed before, we try to get them back to that as long as it’s not high impact.”

Swimming, biking, golf, doubles tennis, walking are encouraged. Activities that involve pounding impact, twisting and jumping should be avoided on replaced joints.

“We want their replaced joint to last,” Southworth said.

Generally, surgeons expect the implants to last 10 to 15 years unless they are abused, but they can go much longer. White is still following hip replacement patients he operated on 20 years ago.

Joint replacement surgery is considered an elective surgery; it doesn’t correct a condition that will kill you if left untreated like a clogged coronary artery. But White and Southworth have seen it have very positive impact on people’s quality of life.

“The more active people are, the healthier they live,” White said. “You do a total joint replacement to keep them active for as long as possible.”

The rehab process is critical to the success of joint replacement surgery. The surgeons can do a perfect job aligning the implant, using techniques to reduce trauma to the muscles, but without a sustained dedication to rehab in the hospital and at home, the patient won’t have the best possible outcome.

“The surgery is very dependent on what patients want to put into it,” White said.

Only folks who are healthy enough for the rehab process should go through the surgery.

The rehab process can take

weeks to months, depending on the individual, their overall health and their dedication to rehab.

Chair-based exercises can keep the muscles strong and range of motion intact, even if the joint pain has cut off other forms of exercise.

“The people who do best are the ones who kept in shape before,” Southworth said.

Ignore . a e n p A p e Sle Unless You Are Concerned About:

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

When it was time for Young to have hip replacement in October 2011, Young had a good idea what she was getting into.

“My husband Bill had knee replacement surgery about five years ago,” Young said. “He did really well.”

The pre-surgery seminars at the North Mississippi Medical Center Joint Replacement Center were very helpful, Young said “We knew what to expect,” Young said.

At the joint replacement center, all surgeries are done Monday and Tuesday, so patients are home before the weekend. Most people stay 2 to 3 days; those who need extra help head to a longerterm rehab facility. The patients work individually and in group sessions for physical and occupational therapy.

“It helps that everyone is in the same boat,” Young said. “They have you up and moving the next day.”

Everything is focused on helping patients make the most of the therapy sessions as they heal, Southworth said. Pain management is attacked on several fronts – so patients are as comfortable as possible. The high volume center was one of four recognized

by BlueCross BlueShield of Mississippi earlier this year as a center of excellence.

Because patients become so close during the rehab process, the center has held reunions to give them a chance to check up on each other.

Young went home the Friday after her surgery. She continued her therapy after getting home, and was careful to follow her surgeons precautions as she healed.

“During the healing process, I was very careful to listen to my body,” Young said, and her recovery has gone smoothly.

After about six months, Young restarted her walking program at the gym. This spring, she went hiking at Cloudland Canyon State Park in Tennessee.

“I don’t even think about it anymore,” Young said.

• Heart Disease • High Blood Pressure • Stroke • Diabetes • Cancer • Depression

REGGIE Joshua 1:9

WHITE

Sleep Disorder Centers TUPELO 662.407.0862 SOUTHAVEN 662.349.9802

Endocrinology Consultants Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (Adults and Children)

Dr. Mark Shepherd Dr. Leonil Gan Lim Dr. Sarah French Lisa Foley, CFNP Jessica Eaton, CFNP Elena Dent, RD • Endocrinology • Diabetes • Metabolism • Obesity • Thyroid Problems • Elevated Cholesterol & Triglycerides

• Osteoporosis • Reporoductive Problems • Pituitary & Adrenal Gland Diseases

Call for an appointment • 662.844.8414 670 Crossover Road • Tupelo, MS

North Mississippi Health Journal | 21

Shattering the Silence around suicide “Oh, why? That’s why I keep askin’Was there anything I could have said or done? Oh, I had no clue you were masking A troubled soul, God only knows what went wrong.”

R

ascal Flatts nails it – that feeling that comes when someone we know and love, especially a young adult, has contemplated suicide.

The song goes on to say, “Who told you life wasn’t worth the fight?

They were wrong ...”

Shatter the Silence is a youth suicide prevention campaign launched by the Department of Mental Health in September 2008. Because suicide continues to be the third leading cause of death among teenagers and young adults, the agency believed it was important to focus on education and prevention.

The campaign seeks to increase awareness of suicide warning signs, encourage teens and others to shatter the silence around suicide by speaking out if they or someone they know is

DEBBIE HALL

Shatter the Silence is a youth suicide prevention campaign launched by the Department of Mental Health in September 2008. having thoughts of suicide, and link teens to help.

Shatter the Silence gives program participants a list of things to watch for in friends or family.

Among the warning signs are:

withdrawal from friends and loved ones, personality or dramatic mood changes, inability to concentrate, problems at school, agitation, repeated complaints of ailments such as headaches and stomach aches, threats of running away from home, comments about feeling hopeless, talking or writing about suicide, expressing feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, extreme changes in eating or sleeping habits.

Direct verbal clues such as, “I wish I were dead,” or “I’ve decided to kill myself,” might be given. Less direct verbal clues might be, “You will be better off without me,” “Pretty soon you won’t have to worry about me,” “Who cares if I live or die anyway?”

The Shatter the Silence program encourages young adults to then A.C.T. First, they are to acknowledge to the friend or loved one they have seen signs that concern them. They are even encouraged to ask if the person is considering suicide.

Next they are asked to let the person know how much they care.

Then they are asked to tell a trusted adult. The last step is key to shattering the silence. This step helps connect the person who is having a troubling time to an adult who can get them in touch with professional help.

School districts throughout Mississippi have a school therapist available that is provided through the area community mental health center. In addition, the Department of Mental Health Helpline (877) 210-8513 has suicide prevention professionals available at any time.

For more information on Shatter the Silence, contact Debbie Hall at (662) 690-4286 or Wendy Bailey at (601) 359-1288.

DEBBIE WOODRICK HALL, a licenced mental health administrator, serves as director of community relations at North Mississippi State Hospital, a behavioral health program of the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, in Tupelo. She has been a facilitator for the Shatter the Silence program since its inception.

TUPELO PLASTIC SURGERY CLINIC ROBERT C. BUCKLEY MD (662) 377-6630

Stephen T. Amann, M.D.

Don’t Ignore These Symptoms Heartburn

John B. Averette, M.D. Barney J. Guyton, M.D.

Acid Reflux

Roger L. Huey, M.D.

Diarrhea

Constipation

Noel K. Hunt, M.D.

Loss of Appetite

Weight Loss

C. Allen Justice, M.D.

Nausea

Stomach Pain

Difficulty Swallowing

W. Garrett Ogg, M.D. Samuel C. Pace, M.D.

Colon Cancer Screening

John O. Phillips, M.D. Ashley L. Vaughn, CFNP W. Carl Kellum, Jr., M.D. 1952-2006

Botox Juvederm Vibradermabrasion Skin Care Chemical Peels Latisse Breast Augmentation Breast Reduction Abdominoplasty Liposuction Facelift Financing Available With Care Credit www.tupelocosmeticsurgery.com Longtown Medical Park, Ste 101, 4381 South Eason Blvd., Tupelo, MS 38801

22 | North Mississippi Health Journal

589 Garfield Street, Suite 201 Tupelo, MS • (662) 680-5565 300 Hospital Road Starkville, MS • (662) 324-7484 1-877-942-7876

For all your families dental needs.

©JPC’13

627 W. Main Street | Tupelo | 662-840-0066 mainstreetdentistrytupelo.com Brett Hildenbrand, D.M.D. | Harry Rayburn, D.M.D.

North Mississippi’s Home for Neurology and Sleep Medicine!

Privately owned since its founding in 1987, TNC continues to offer the full array of non-hospital Neurology and Sleep Medicine services.

W. Thomas Oakes Jr., M.D.

Anita Thomas, C.F.N.P.

TUPELO NEUROLOGY 609 Brunson Drive, Tupelo 844-7021

Bette Carder, C.F.N.P.

SLEEPCARE AT FAIRPARK 111 E. Troy Street, Tupelo 844-8706

North Mississippi Health Journal | 23

Resources |

|

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 TUPELO 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.

24 | North Mississippi Health Journal

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

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 Rob Leake City Pool. For more information, call (662) 841-6440.

• Low-impact water aerobics at 6:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Cost is $10 a month.

• Senior aquatics at 10:30 a.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Cost is $10 a month. Call (662) 841-6440.

• Lap Swim Training at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Cost is $35 a month.

• Shockwave Aquatic Team meets Monday through Friday. Call (662) 841-6440.

• U.S. Masters Swimming meets 5 to 6:15 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. National organization provides structured workouts with a coach offering training, stroke and technical assistance. Programs open to all adult swimmers. Contact Barbara Aguirre at (662) 842-2358.

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) 231-5519. |

FREE CLINICS

|

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 GW Gilliam 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.

Resources |

|

HEALTHY 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) 3775437 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

|

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 Missis-

sippi, 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 at 7 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at the Family Resource Center of Northeast Mississippi on Magazine Street in Tupelo. Classes in Spanish offered at 6 p.m.

Thursdays. Free. Childcare provided. Marriage education, fathers-only parenting and parenting during divorce classes also available. Call (662) 844-0013.

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) 8449637.

FREE WEEKLY PARENTING AND FATHERHOOD CLASSES for ages 16 to 21 at Families First Building behind the Mantachie Clinic. Call (662) 282-4661. |

UPCOMING EVENTS

IN JULY

|

HEALTHWORKS! SUMMER CAMPS will be offered during the month of July at the children’s health education center in Tupelo. A stay-andplay option is available for half-day camps for children 5-8. Discounts to members. More information at www.healthworkskids.org or (662) 377-5437.

• July 11- 8:30-11:30 a.m., Water, Water Everywhere, ages 5-8, $25.

• July 15 - 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. , WhoDunnit Mystery, ages 8-12, $50.

• July 18 - 8:30-11:30 a.m., Jump Into Fun, ages 5-8; $25.

• July 22- 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Lights, Camera, Action, ages 8-12, $50.

• July 23-8:30-11:30 a.m., Ants in Your Pants!, ages 3-4, $20.

• July 25 - 8:30-11:30 a.m., Destination Imagination ages 5-8, $25.

HOSPICE

advantage

Care, Comfort, and Compassion for the Whole Family

Providing Mississippi families with: • •

Innovative Hospice Services

•

Spiritual Support

for Patients and Families

•

Volunteer Opportunities

Grief Counseling “W ithout Hospice Advantage, we would not have been able to keep Mom home like she wanted. My Mom was born in this home and she left from this home. Her wishes were so beautifully met.”

Call 1-866-743-9211 today!

Our experienced, compassionate staff is available 24-hours a day. www.hospiceadvantage.com

Tupelo • (662) 840-3434 Tupelo Office Phone (662) 840-3434 • Toll-free 1-866-743-9211 Corinth • (662) 665-9185 280 South Thomas Road, Suite 101 • Tupelo, MS 38801 Aberdeen • (662) 369-5770

"Offering Comprehensive Healthcare for Women in Every Season of Life"

• Routine & High-Risk Obstetrics • Laparoscopic and Hysteroscopic Procedures • Laser Surgery • Infertility • Adolescent Gynecology • Menopause Treatment • Office Sonography

Gregg A. Willis, M.D. Leo C. Bautista, M.D. Elesha Tidwell, C.N.P. Providers Board Certified

Office Hours by Appointment Call (662) 840-4010 to Schedule Your Appointment

606 Brunson Drive • Tupelo, MS

(662) 840-4010 • www.heritage-obgyn.com North Mississippi Health Journal | 25

Resources JULY 19

HEALTHWORKS! KID’S NIGHT will be 5:30-8:30 p.m. July 19 at the children’s health education center in Tupelo. Kids come and stay and play without an adult. Cost is $15; discount for members. Includes dinner. Call (662) 377-5437 or visit www.healthworkskidsms.org.

AUG. 10

WESTON REED CARDIOVASCULAR CONFERENCE will offer free sports physicals for students 6th grade and up on Aug. 10 at the Tupelo Police Athletic League building next to the Link Centre including an EKG. Call (662) 372-2208 for more information.

Let Us Bring Things Back Into Focus We Offer Quality, One-Stop Vision Care for the Whole Family.

Insurances Accepted:

• Acclaim • Always Care • Blue Cross Blue Shield • Eye Med

• Medicare / Medicaid • United Healthcare • V.B.A.

AUG. 16

■ Comprehensive Eye Exams ■ Diagnosis & Treatment of Eye Conditions ■ Cataract & Refractive Surgery Care ■ Vision Prescriptions & Optical Dispensary ■ Huge Selection of Frames & Contact Lenses ■ Dry Eye, Allergy & Emergency Eye Care ■ Diabetic Vision Care • Spectera • Superior Vision • Humana Vision

HEALTHWORKS! KID’S NIGHT will be 5:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 16 at the children’s health education center in Tupelo. Kids come and stay and play without an adult. Cost is $15; discount for members. Includes dinner.

Call (662) 377-5437 or visit www.healthworkskidsms.org.

• Magnolia Healthcare • Opticare • V.S.P.

SEPT. 20

2020 VISION CENTER, P.A.

Dr. Maurice A. Clark, Optometrist 499 Gloster Creek Village, Suite F3 • Tupelo, MS • (662) 350-3676

© JPC - 2013

(formerly located next to LensCrafters)

HEALTHWORKS! KID’S NIGHT will be 5:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at the children’s health education center in Tupelo. Kids come and stay and play without an adult. Cost is $15; discount for members. Includes dinner.

Call (662) 377-5437 or visit www.healthworkskidsms.org.

SEPT. 28

WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S will be held at 10 a.m. Sept. 28 at Ballard Park in Tupelo. Money raised through the event benefits the Alzheimer’s Association. Call Shelli Wood at (662) 842-2461 or (662) 891-3976 or Rachel Ruello at (601) 987-0020.

OCT. 8

NMMC LIVE WELL HEALTH FAIR will be Oct. 8 at the Tupelo Furniture Market. Annual event offers free flu shots, health information and free and low cost health screen-

ings. Call (800) 843-3375.

OCT. 17

SIGNATURE CHEF AUCTION benefiting the March of Dimes will be Oct. 17 in Starkville. Visit www.modimes.com or call (601) 933-1071.

OCT. 18

HEALTHWORKS! KID’S NIGHT will be 5:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at the children’s health education center in Tupelo. Kids come and stay and play without an adult. Cost is $15; discount for members. Includes dinner. Call (662) 377-5437 or visit www.healthworkskidsms.org.

OCT. 23-26

CELEBRATION VILLAGE, a holiday market place, will be Oct. 23-26 at the Tupelo Furniture Market. Benefits Sanctuary Hospice House. Tickets are $5 in advance; $7 at the door. Preview party tickets are $50.

Call (662) 844-2111.

OCT. 27

KOMEN NORTH MISSISSIPPI RACE FOR THE CURE will begin at 8 a.m.

Oct. 26 in downtown Tupelo. Benefits the local breast cancer education and screening programs as well as the Komen for the Cure Foundation research program. Call (662) 377-4903 or visit www.komennorthms.org.

NOV. 7

SIGNATURE CHEF AUCTION benefiting the March of Dimes will be Nov. 7 in Tupelo. Visit www.modimes.com or call (601) 933-1071.

NOV. 15

HEALTHWORKS! KID’S NIGHT will be 5:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 15 at the children’s health education center in Tupelo. Kids come and stay and play without an adult. Cost is $15; discount for members. Includes dinner. Call (662) 377-5437 or visit www.healthworkskidsms.org

the Best in Comprehensive Vision Care

• Comprehensive Eye Examination • Comprehensive Contact Lens Examination • Pediatric Vision Care • Diabetic Vision Care • Emergency Eye Care • Foreign Body Removal • Cataract Implant Consultation • Glaucoma Detection & Treatment Kathryn McCullough, O.D. • Allergy & Dry Eye Management 3929 North Gloster Street • Tupelo (662) 840-4624

Located inside WalMart Supercenter • Across from Mall at Barnes Crossing

Mon-Tue 9:00am-6:00pm • Wed-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm • Saturday 9:00am-3:00pm

INSURANCES ACCEPTED: Always Vision • Acclaim • Blue Cross Blue Shield • Davis • Spectera/United Health Care/Optimum Health • Superior Vision • Tricare • Pyramid • Medicare • Medicaid

26 | North Mississippi Health Journal

NORTH MISSISSIPPI

HealthJournal Helping North Mississippians lead healthier lives.

Next issue publishes January 2014 Advertising deadline Friday, November 22, 2013 To reserve advertising space in the next issue of Health Journal, contact your Journal Publishing Co. representative at 842-2614 or ads@journalinc.com.

Embracing every chance to share a sunrise.

Dr. Jayant Dey, M.D. and Nancy Hooks, CNP

WHY OMEGA-3s

910 Mary Vance Drive • Tupelo (beside Tupelo Medical Group)

2013

Support Brain and Eye Function* Support Focus and Concentration*

WHY NORDIC NATUR ALS

Accepting new patients for specialized care of Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders.

For appointments call: 662-377-6275

Na rdic tural No s

oducts pr

Sele ct

WHAT’sal essentiU? to YO

Proven Safe and Effective Exceptionally Pure Award-Winning Taste

Essentials for an Extraordinary Life™ | 800.662.2544 | nordicnaturals.com * These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Healthy Habits - Your Local Health Food Store -

West Main Shopping Center • Tupelo (662) 844-9700

North Mississippi Health Journal | 27

Support Groups ACTS – ALCOHOL CHEMICAL TREATMENT SERIES – is a self-help, recovery program. It meets at 6 p.m.

Tuesdays at Cedar Grove United Pentecostal Church in Tupelo. Free.

Call (662) 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: 31 meetings. Call (662) 844-0374 or visit www.aa-mississippi.org for listings.

• There are also meetings in Aberdeen, Ackerman, Amory, Belmont, Booneville, Bruce, Calhoun City, Corinth, Fulton, Holly Springs, Houlka, Houston, New Albany, Oxford, Pontotoc, Starkville 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 (662) 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) 5568885.

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) 8718068.

• 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) 9026267.

• Saltillo Family Group, 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, 385 Mobile St., Saltillo, (662) 871-7646.

• 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: meets quarterly at NMMC-West Point. Call Brenda Johnson at (662) 495-2339 or

28 | North Mississippi Health Journal

(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.

ARTHRITIS SUPPORT GROUP meets at 9:15 a.m. the second Monday of the month at Oktibbeha County Hospital Wellness Connection, in Starkville. Call (662) 323-9355.

THE AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP meets 6:30-8:30 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at All Saints Episcopal Church in Tupelo.

Childcare provided. Call Melissa Caldwell at (662) 832-2039 or Cheryl Bailey at (662) 315-3388.

AWAKE, a support group for people with sleep apnea and their families, meets quarterly at NMMC. Call (800) 843-3375.

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

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.

CANCER SURVIVOR 101 SUPPORT GROUP for newly diagnosed patients actively undergoing treatment will meet at 2 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at the NMMC Cancer Center in Tupelo. Call Cindy Edwards at (662) 377-4049 or (800) 843-3375.

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.

• West Jackson Street Baptist Church, Tupelo, meets at 7 p.m.

Fridays in Building B. Contact Neil Naron at (662) 891-1773 or Susan Naron at (662) 871-3872.

• NorthStar Baptist Church, Saltillo, meets at 6 p.m. Saturdays. Call (662) 869-7778 or email cr@northstarchurch.com.

THE COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS, a support group for families who have suffered the death of a child of any age. Parents, step-parents, grandparents and siblings are invited to attend the meetings in: Tupelo: 6:30 p.m. the fourth Thursday of the month at NMMC Wellness Center. Call Dave Jensen at (662) 842-1327 or (662) 2311305 or Jamie Harris at (662) 213-2776 or (662) 842-3174.

West Point: 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at NMMCWest Point. Call Michele Rowe at (662) 495-2337.

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 Hospital-North Mississippi. Lunch available for $3. Call (662) 5131506.

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 the NMMC Diabetes Treatment Center. Call (662) 3772500 or (800) 843-3375.

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 kinds of physical and mental disabilities are welcome. Call Wayne Lauderdale or Emily Word at (662) 844-6633.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT GROUPS meet in Tupelo: • 6 p.m. every Thursday. Child care is provided. Call (800) 527-7233 for location.

• 3:30 p.m. the fourth Thursday of the month at the Lee County Family Resource Center. Child care available. Call (662) 844-0013.

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) 322-7434 or faceittupelo@live.com for locations and times.

FIBROMYALGIA SUPPORT GROUP meets at 6 p.m. on the fourth Monday of the month at the Women First Resource Center. Call (662) 842-5725.

GRAY MATTERS SUPPORT GROUP for anyone diagnosed with a brain tumor and their caregivers meets at 6 p.m. 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) 8442417.

I CAN COPE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP meets at noon the second Friday of the month at Bridgepoint on South Gloster Street. Guest speakers. Lunch provided for cancer survivors and caregivers.

Sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Call coordinator Donna Kingsley at (662) 213-8478.

LA LECHE LEAGUE OF LEE COUNTY offers breastfeeding support to moms. The group meets at 11 a.m. the first Thursday of the month from February to May and September to December at NMMC Women’s Hospital, Classroom C. Group meets off site June and August. No meetings in January or July. All pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are invited to attend.

Call Toni Hill at (662) 255-8283 or email whozyourdoula@yahoo.com.

LUPUS SUPPORT is available in Tupelo. Sponsored by the Lupus Foundation of America. Open to anyone interested in lupus. Contact Michelle Harris at (662) 640-2407 or (662) 256-2604.

MAN-TO-MAN, A PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP, meets at 6 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month in the NMMC East Tower ed center, Room 21, Tupelo. Call (662) 3773985 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) 2592856

Support Groups 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 will meet 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) 357-0388 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 GROUPS meet in: Corinth: 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 (662) 462-7325 or joycforsyth@frontiernet.net.

Tupelo: 6:30 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at NMMC Wellness Center. 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) 357-0388 or visit www.nami.org.

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS, a community-based association of recovering drug addicts, meets in Amory, Booneville, Corinth, Ecru, Oxford, Ripley, Tupelo, West Point and Starkville. Call 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) 8712387 or (662) 869-3211, email nemdss@bellsouth.net or visit www.nemdss.org.

OXFORD REACH TO RECOVERY BREAST CANCER SUPPPORT GROUP meets at 6 p.m. the first Monday of February, April, June, August, November and December at Azalea Gardens in Oxford. In October, there will be 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 (662) 234-7507.

PARKINSON’S DISEASE SUPPORT GROUP meet at 11:30 a.m. the first Monday of the month at NMMC Wellness Center in Tupelo. Open to people with Parkinson’s and their families. Call 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) 841-1960.

A SEXUAL ASSAULT SUPPORT GROUP meets at 11 a.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 530 p.m. the first Monday of the month at the Link Centre in Tupelo. Call Norma Derring at (662) 842-3440.

Matthew L. Oswalt, MD

Board Certified in Pediatric & Adult Allergy, Asthma and Immunology FOR AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL US AT

(662) 620-0688 TUPELO: 811 Garfield Street Open Monday-Thursday 8am-5pm

Visit our website at

STARKVILLE: 1207 Hwy 182 West Open Friday 9am – 3pm

www.nmaac.com

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Allergic Rhinitis Asthma Allergen Immunotherapy Chronic Couch Food Allergies Insect Sting Allergies Anahylaxis Eczema Urticaria (Hives) Angioedema Hereditary Angioedema Contact Dermatitis Immune Deficiency Eosinophilic Disorders Allergic Conjunctivitis Allergic Reactions

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 10 a.m. to noon March 14, May 16 and July 11 in the OCH Regional education room. Light lunch provided. Call speech language pathology department (662) 6153020.

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. Call NCADD at (662) 841-0403 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) 3697151, state coordinator Pat Harris at (662) 386-0249 or (800) 9328677 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) 4152517.

TUPELO LOST CHORDS CLUB meets at noon the fourth Thursday of each month at the Longtown Medical Park conference room, Tupelo.

Open to all laryngectomees, spouses of laryngectomees and interested professionals. Call Lisa Renfroe at (662) 377-3248.

WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT GROUP will meet at noon and 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 3777546 or (866) 908-9465.

Registration requested.

WOMEN WITH CANCER SUPPORT GROUPS are sponsored by Women First Resource Center. Groups meet in: Amory: Call (662) 325-0721.

Tupelo: 6 p.m. the second Monday of each month at Women First Resource Center. Call (662) 8425725.

Dr. L. P. Britt

Optometrist

• Thorough Eye Health Assessment • Treatment of Eye Conditions

• Vision Evaluation & Diagnosis • Dry Eye, Allergy & Emergency Eye Care

We are proud to bring the most advanced technology to our patients through optomap ultra-wide digital retinal imaging. Using optomap as a part of your comprehensive eye exam, reveals more than just a dilation test alone. This digital retinal imaging system will further help you make informed decisions about your eye health and overall well-being.

2270 W. Main Suite A • Inside Walmart on West Main • Tupelo, MS 38801

662-844-3436 • brittlpdr@bellsouth.net

TUPELO • 501 S GLOSTER

620-6400

for more information

North Mississippi Health Journal | 29

Keep summer safe Pediatricians offer smart tips for parents

It’s summer, and for kids that means it’s time for sports, swimming, biking and picnics.

Active outdoor time is healthy and fun, but it does require parents to be vigilant, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. Here’s some tips for a healthy, happy summer: SUN SAFETY

Sunburns are not only unpleasant, they are damaging to skin health. Minimize exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation by dressing children – and yourself, for that matter – in cotton clothing with a tight weave, sunglasses and hats with a brim or bill.

Stay in the shade whenever possible and use a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or greater,even on cloudy days, and reapply it every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.

Always keep plenty of water on hand when playing or exercising outside. Unless kids are exercising vigorously for extended periods, plain water – not sports drinks – is the best way to rehydrate.

WATER SAFETY

Drowning is a leading cause of death among children, including infants and toddlers, but parents can make swimming safer for kids with the right safety equipment, instruction and supervision.

“While swimming lessons are helpful, they are not a foolproof plan. Parents should never – even for a moment – leave children alone near open bodies of water,” says Dr.Thomas K. McInerny, the 2013 American Academy of Pedi-

30 | North Mississippi Health Journal

atrics president.

Home swimming pools should be surrounded by a four-foothigh, non-climbable, four-sided fence with a self-closing, selflatching gate. Parents, caregivers and pool owners should learn CPR and keep equipment approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, such as life preservers and life jackets at poolside.

BIKE SAFETY

Children should wear a helmet on every bike ride. Accidents can happen anywhere, anytime. Get your child a helmet specific for biking. Football helmets, for example, are made to protect the head from other types of injuries.

Teach your children traffic and bike safety before allowing them to bike in the street. For example, they should always ride with traffic and use hand signals. If your child doesn’t have the skills necessary to use hand signals without swerving, he or she shouldn’t be riding in the street.

TRAMPOLINES

Even with netting, padding and adult supervision, experts say home trampolines are dangerous.

“Trampoline injuries are common and can be potentially catastrophic,” McInerny said.

The injuries range from temporary strains, sprains and bruises to serious spine injuries with lasting consequences.Thousands of people are injured on trampolines annually, and parents should encourage children to get exercise in safer ways.

“The risks associated with recreational trampoline use are easily avoided,” McInerny said.

More tips at www.HealthyChildren.org

The Healing Starts Here

n nd Daw Krisha a Sisters,

Our mother began losing her hearing to Meniere’s Disease in 2006. It was a difficult and devastating process as her hearing progressively declined.

She now hears better thanks to her Cochlear Implant and Wireless Hearing Aid from Starkey. She describes hearing again as “having the light turned on.”

Let us help you like we helped our mother.

We understand the frustration and struggles of hearing loss.

KRISHA BOREN, Au.D., CCC-A, Doctor of Audiology

ADVANCED EAR, NOSE, AND THROAT SPECIALTY CLINIC (working with Memphis Hearing Aid)

452 W. Bankhead St. • New Albany, Miss. (662) 598-4005 DAWN MCCARTY, Au.D., CCC-A, Doctor of Audiology

HEARING SERVICES OF TUPELO 144 S. Thomas Street, Suite 101-5 • Tupelo, Miss. (662) 601-4587

Sanctuary Home Hospice (Northern MS) PO Box 2177 Tupelo, MS (662)407-2400

Not all hospices are the same, Ask for Sanctuary by name!

Sanctuary Hospice House 5159 West Main Street Tupelo, MS www.sanctuaryhospice.org (662)844-2111

Sanctuary Home Hospice (Golden Triangle) 1010 North Jackson Starkville, MS (662)324-1888

Our patients lose tons of weight every year.

Over 16 tons so far.

Over 16 tons so far.

NMMC Bariatric Center is a Center of Excellence designated by the American College of Surgeons.

Since 2007, the team of specialists at NMMC’s Bariatric Center in Tupelo has helped patients lose more than 33,000 pounds. Now that the Bariatric Center Since 2007, the team of specialists at NMMC’s Bariatric Center in Tupelo has has been designated as amore Center of 33,000 Excellence by the American helped patients lose than pounds.

Now that theCollege BariatricofCenter Surgeons, weight loss surgery at NMMC is covered by more health plans. of has been designated as a Center of Excellence by the American College Surgeons, at NMMC is covered by more health plans.

So talk to yourweight doctorloss andsurgery weigh your options.

So talk to your doctor and weigh your options.

For more information, call 662-377-SLIM (7546) or toll-free 866-908-9465.

For more information, call 662-377-SLIM (7546) or toll-free 866-908-9465.

Insurance now covers weight loss surgery for teachers and state employees.

www.nmhs.net/bariatric_center

www.nmhs.net/bariatric_center