Women's Inc. 07/2014

JULY 2015

WINC.

HEALTH

&

WOMENSINC.NET

WELLNESS

WINC. Publisher Zach Ahrens Editor Lori Quinn Contributing Writers Jeanette Anderton Leah Ashby Detra Clark Rachel Dickerson Jessica Hauser Andrea Lennon Jill McCollum Susan O’Keefe Brandon Riddle Jennifer Stanley Kelly Sublett Chief Photographer Brandy Strain

Contributing Photographers Lindsey Faith Watson Advertising Sales Director Betsey Barham Advertising Coordinator Molly May Advertising Sales Executives Sarah Allen Crystal Geraldson Tara Mallett Lisa Licht Advertising Artists Lauren Crimes Jay Prince Ashley Turnage

Editorial Advisory Board Leah Ashby Detra Clark Nicolle Fletcher Haley Crafton Fowler Sarah Frost Mary Harlan Nancy Jackson Cate Ketcheside Leslie Kostecky Caroline LaVan Velda Lueders Candace Meeks Misty Morse Carol Patty Amy Reed Lori Ross Mary Margaret Satterfield Jennifer Stanley Katherine Thomason Stefanie Holt Vann

Questions or Comments?

Call (501) 327-6621, e-mail: womensinc@womensinc.net or write to P.O. Box 969, Conway, AR, 72033 • www.womensinc.net

4 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2015

H e a l th a nd Welln es s LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Robin Dayer, owner of Burn Studio, is passionate about health and wellness — so much so, that she has now made it a career. If you know her or have ever meet her, you will know within seconds that she is extremely knowledgeable and excited about all things fitness.

Who better to grace our cover this month than this awesome lady?

Medcare Pharmacy, Salem Place Rehab, Tom Courtway talking about prostate cancer, Arkansas Heart Hospital Clinic, Conway Regional Emergency Department’s award-winning staff, Dr. Doug Stroud’s medical mission trip to Guatemala and the Diet Center in Conway are just a few of the features in this month’s Health and Wellness issue.

If you are on a quest to get fit and start exercising, visit The Sporty Runner in Conway. They have the right clothing, shoes and accessories for all ages and for the all physical activities you want to participate in this summer: running, biking, weight training, hiking, swimming, tennis and much more. They are located in Downtown Conway.

Our “imatter” feature this month is Sean “Lil Fit” Jamerson. This 13-year-old is one to watch. He is already setting huge fitness goals for himself and plans to have a future full of successes in athletics.

Enjoy your summer and make your health and wellness a priority!

Until Next Month, Lori Quinn

J U LY 2 015 / / W O M E N ’ S I N C .

CONTENTS

6 on the cover

Robin Dayer: Feel the Burn - a passion for wellness

18

JUST TALK ABOUT IT

Discussing prostate cancer

iMATTER

50

Jamerson reaching, surpassing goals

INSIDE: HEALTH & WELLNESS PROFILES, 29

26 NUTRITION columns

Diet Center’s healthy plan

36 SUMMER SHOPPING The Sporty Runner’s essentials

34. spiritual

42. art scene

44. book review

46. summer treats

Are you ready to fight?

by Andrea Lennon Am improbable but delightful read

by Susan O’Keefe

One-day art trips in Arkansas

by Jennie Strange

Cool off with these easy recipes

by Chef Jill McCollum

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cover stor y

“I feel there is a place for a gym and there is also room for a small studio. Many people need, and want, both. ... I am not looking to be a gym replacement; I am just looking to be a different option.” — Robin Dayer 6 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2015

burn studio

feel the burn

By Jennifer Stanley Photos by Brandy Strain

Within minutes of meeting Robin Dayer, she conveys her passion and drive for the health and wellness of others. Two years ago, she parlayed this energy into the opening of BURN Studio, a modern exercise facility. From her initial vision, the business has grown into a fellowship of friends who get,

and stay, fit together.

Robin was raised in Nashville, Tennessee, but she has called Conway home for many years. She is married to James, and they are parents to Georgia, Drew and Thomas.

Armed with a marketing degree from the University of Central Arkansas, Robin began her professional life as a full-time pharmaceutical sales representative. However, that career lacked excitement and left

her unfulfilled.

Around this time, Robin became a patron of group exercise classes. “I felt like she should be in sales, which didn’t make me happy. I started group exercise classes, and I loved everything about it. I loved that [it provided] a sense of community, but we were also able to do our own workout. I knew I wanted to be an instructor after every class I took. I loved it right away,” she says. Within WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 7

a month of attending daily group classes, she began the process of becoming a group instructor and personal trainer. “I’ve never felt that way about anything else. I never knew that would lead where it did.”

With each passing year, Robin’s love for teaching and all things fitness grew. She now has almost 15 years in the fitness industry, and she still teaches with the passion and drive she had when deciding to embark on her journey years ago. That journey was rerouted when Robin made the decision to leave her job at a local gym to hang her

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own shingle. She does say it was not always smooth sailing, particularly dealing with the build-out. “I was a naive business owner and had no idea it would take as long as it did to actually open the doors,” says Robin. Opening BURN Studio took the entire summer.

“My clients waited on me all summer. We worked out in the park. They were so patient, and that was from God. They could have all gotten frustrated and left because it seemed like every two weeks I would say ‘It’s going to be another three weeks.’ They all told me not to worry,” shares Robin fondly.

According to Robin, “The timing ended up being perfect.” I just wanted to do it, and everything fell into place. The people of the studio are like part of my family - my friends and clients. It is amazing and has been a blessing.”

BURN Studio offers a plethora of classes, truly something for everyone. A few examples include indoor cycling, barre, various yoga classes, battle ropes bootcamp, strength training, and many more. The studio even offers kids classes. They purposefully keep the group exercise classes small to provide individual-

ized attention. The studio has online booking for class “seats” and an intuitive online payment system. For more detailed information, visit www.burnstudioconway.com.

Robin, a self-proclaimed stickler for certifications for her and for her staff, holds the following: • Schwinn Indoor Cycling Master Trainer • ACE Personal Trainer • Cooper Institute Master Fitness Specialist and Advanced Personal Trainer (CIMFSAPT) • Schwinn Certified Indoor Cycling In-

structor • AFAA Certified Group Exercise • Cooper Institute Functional Movement Screen Certified (FMS) • Barre Certified Instructor Becoming a Schwinn Certified Indoor Cycling Instructor brought a new passion for Robin in allowing her to train the trainer.

“I started doing master training for Schwinn around one year ago, though it is something I pursued for the last five years.

Right when I opened BURN Studio, they called and said they were ready for me to

start. I go around the country and certify studio or gym staff to teach Schwinn Indoor Cycling, so I teach them to teach. I love it.

I get to work with a lot of people who have never taught before, which is kind of full circle, because I get to be the person who helps people like I was 15 years ago,” she enthuses. Though this requires Robin to travel on occasion, she loves the work and credits her wonderful at-home support system for making it function, schedule-wise.

She also holds her instructors and trainers at BURN to high accreditation standards.

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Robin credits her staff with being integral to BURN’s success.

Staff includes trainers and instructors Amy Routt, Marisa Nabholz, Lenisa O’Dwyer, Ashley Mann, Amy Harder, Todd Cate and Shona Osborne. She also has a nutritionist on staff, Shannon Wilcox.

Among its many differentiators, BURN offers the only known barre studio in Conway. Barre class is described as “Strength, sculpt and tone on and off the barre, with total body conditioning sure to make you sweat and have a max calorie burn.” All classes offer suitable modifications for beginners, and they love to see new faces at BURN. Adds Robin of the group exercise classes, “This is a day and age where it is easy to become a fitness trainer. For the consumer, there is so much information. That is why certifications are a big thing with me. We make sure we have the training we need to conduct our classes.”

“I feel there is a place for a gym and there is also room for a small studio. Many people need, and want, both. ... I am not looking to be a gym replacement; I am just looking to be a different option. It is even a good place to go in conjunction with the gym.”

Robin wants her patrons to feel as if they are walking into a home.

“Starting a workout can be intimidating, and joining a big group of people can be scary. You may feel like they are more fit or that you don’t belong. We try to make sure class sizes are kept very small.

Our biggest class is hot yoga, and it only holds 20 people. Our bootcamps and TRX classes are all 15 or less; we even have some classes with only eight openings. I want people to feel they are getting personal attention while still getting that energy from a group I love so much. There is just something about being in a group because it is so small.”

The busiest time at the studio is five in the morning. “People come in with their coffee cups and line them up on the windowsill. Right after the class, they sit with their coffee cups and their favorite creamer, which I make sure we keep in stock. I wanted a sense of community, and that is what I feel we have.” Robin believes working out is not necessarily about weight loss. Rather, it is about improving how you feel and about having better days.

“I am not really big on weight-loss talk. That may be what some people are after, but I want people to feel that movement is their medicine.” This is another advantage of keeping the facility small and personal.

Also of group classes, she says, “We try to make our classes something above what you might get at a large gym, because we can do a lot of things a big gym can’t if they have 50 people in a class.”

BURN classes incorporate battle ropes, balance trainers, rowers, TRX and the exclusive barre. Because Robin works for Schwinn, she 10 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2015

offers patrons access to the latest technology. “That really sets us apart. All of our bikes have consoles, which is also unique to Conway. We have a leaderboard, where people can race each other anonymously, and the results are displayed on a flat screen.”

BURN, located on Salem Road in Conway, is currently offering specials for summer, and the first class is always free of charge.

“We love to see new faces,” says Robin. Both new and established clients can expect personal attention. “I am big on quotes, and I leave an inspiration jar by the coffee pot where people can reach in and pull out a handwritten message — something to help them through their day.

Some take them; some recycle them,” says Robin.

She and her customers alike consider BURN to be family. “In fact, when someone visits I don’t even have to worry about it. They take over and show them the coffee area, the restrooms; it is a noncompetitive environment.”

Robin is also a stickler for keeping the studio body-comparisonfree. “I got my wings in a big gym, where you never know who you will be working out next to. There was always a little competitiveness that would go on. I hate body comparison, and there is none of that going on here. This is a place to be healthy.

I know that some may need to lose weight for their health and to live a better life. But I want clients to focus on health ... I don’t want people to be so wrapped up in fitting into their swimsuit, they forget to enjoy what they are doing.”

Of her future plans for BURN, Robin shares, “I would love to grow, but I am not interested in franchising or in having five locations. That is not my goal. I may need to grow someday, but if I can’t be in the studio teaching and training people, I don’t want to do it.

I have to be in the trenches. I love teaching, and that is where I will be!”

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feature story

Family values

Matt and Carri Frazier build lasting relationships with local customers

By Leah Ashby Photos by Brandy Strain Medcare Pharmacy, owned by Matt and Carri Frazier, is a family affair. Matt and Carri, longtime residents of Faulkner County, began dating as teenagers. They married shortly after Carri graduated from UCA with a degree in Childhood Education. Matt graduated from UAMS with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2001. They have lived in Conway since they married and have two daughters, Emma (10) and Olivia (7). They are members of Second Baptist Church, where Matt serves as a deacon.

Carri is also involved in Bible Study Fellowship.

After graduating from pharmacy school, 12 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2015

Matt worked as an independent pharmacist for 12 years in Conway. He recalled, “It had always been our dream and goal to open our own pharmacy and run it as a family. In 2012, we were presented with this opportunity.”

Matt reached out to Eddie Glover and Larry Sparks to see what they thought about opening a new independent pharmacy in West Conway. “We all shared a similar passion about independent pharmacy and how impactful pharmacists can be in a community.

Everyone was on board”, Matt said. After a complete remodel of the building, Medcare Pharmacy opened at 2521 College Ave., in May of 2013. Matt takes care of all the pharmacy needs, and Carri loves finding unique and special items for the gift shop.

The pharmacy offers prescriptions with short wait times and a drive-thru in the back of the building. Just a few of the offerings include automatic refills with text alerts, free refill application to manage your family’s prescriptions by phone, compounding and vaccinations. Medcare also offers free delivery, prescription flavoring and prescription copay savings plans. In addition, the pharmacy provides CMR (comprehensive medication review), which is very important during care transitions, such as a hospital discharge or new medication orders.

Building a long-term relationship with customers is top priority.

“We love taking care of our customers, whether it’s with their medications or helping them pick out a special gift. We develop

MEDCARE PHARMACY

Medcare Pharmacy staff: Jessica McClintock, Matt Fraizer, Carri Fraizer, Hannah Howell, Preston Jones, and Tara Beck

Matt and Carri Fraizer with daughters Olivia and Emma WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 13

strong relationships with our customers so that they are like family to us. We get to know them and enjoy that connection. We understand the importance of educating them about their medications. We strive to help our customers feel better and maintain overall good health,” Matt said.

In addition to the pharmacy, Medcare has a gift shop that offers a wide variety of gifts for every age. The gift shop is Carri’s passion, as she loves selecting special items for the shop. “Women love to shop our gift shop for that unique piece of jewelry, handbags, and candles.”

Medcare has a new line of snap jewelry that has proven very popular. In the baby boutique, the shop carries toddler and infant apparel from brands such as Paty Inc., Mudpie and HauteBaby. Carri goes the extra mile with customer service. “We have baby registry for expectant mothers. We also offer free

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gift wrapping, embroidery, custom ordering, and delivery to Conway Regional Medical Center. Our staff is very helpful and knowledgeable about our products and is eager to help you pick that perfect gift,” Carrie said.

The business places special focus on wellness for its customers. Taking medicine as prescribed is something every pharmacy tries to improve.

“Medicine only works if you take it correctly, and we stress the importance of taking prescribed medication as directed. Automatic refills with text reminders is one way to improve adherence,” Matt said.

Vaccinations are another wellness offering in the pharmacy, and walk-in customers are always welcome. Medcare offers a long list of immunizations, including flu shots, shingles vaccines, pneumonia vaccines and travel vaccines. For example, one in three people will get shingles, so it is very important to talk to

your pharmacist about the vaccine.

Matt and Carri are firm believers in the value of a community pharmacist. Pharmacists love to help their patients and can play a vital role in a person’s health.

“Your health is extremely important to us, and we want our knowledge of medications to be utilized. Having your own personal pharmacist, who always looks out for your best interest, can not only offer you education about your medicine, but in most cases can save you time and money.”

Matt and Carri enjoy working together in the pharmacy. It truly is a family-run business.

“You will even find our girls hanging around the store when they aren’t in school.

They love working with Mom and Dad. Our love for the community, for each other, and our faith shape what our business is all about ... serving and helping others.”

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rehabilitation

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SALEM PLACE

Salem Place provides rehab in a comfortable setting

By Rachel Dickerson Submitted Photos Salem Place Nursing and Rehabilitation provides individualized care in a comfortable setting for people who need rehab services to help them recover and return home feeling their best.

“We work with people who need rehab services with the intent that they will be able to return home,” said Vickey Kirkemier, administrator at Salem Place.

The staff has taken several measures to distinguish the rehab experience from the nursing home side of the business. Rehab has a separate entrance, hotel-like amenities and flexible scheduling for patient therapy.

“I think maybe there’s a stigma sometimes to someone who has never been in a long-term care facility,” Kirkemier said.

“Patients sometimes think, ‘I’m coming in here and I’m not leaving.’ The separate entrance for short-term care has its own lobby to be more accommodating and more comfortable for everyone.”

The rehab facility was remodeled about five years ago when a new unit was added.

Rehab now has 41 rooms, and the average stay is 45 days, she said.

“We tried to make sure every room had a beautiful view,” Kirkemier said. “We set up rooms to have services and amenities like those of a hotel — private rooms, flat screen TVs, telephones, state-of-the-art bathrooms. We want it to be very comfortable, not an institutional setting.”

Rehab has a courtyard that is a nice

place to visit but is primarily used for therapy, she noted. It has a gravel walkway where patients can practice walking on that type of terrain, as well as steps to go up and down. The courtyard also features other types of difficulties patients might encounter upon leaving rehab.

“We also offer an outdoor courtyard that is open so people can go out and visit with their family in private. It’s a comfortable visiting area with a cozy atmosphere,” she said.

Kirkemier said rehab patients do not have to begin their therapy at any particular time each day.

“They can sleep in if they want to. They dictate to us when they want to begin their morning. It’s not like when you’re going to school and everyone has to be in class at a certain time. It’s very individualized,” she said.

Patients also have several options to choose from at meal times, which Kirkemier said is unique to Salem Place.

“We offer buffet dining. There’s a menu you can choose from. We also have a dessert cart and a drink cart. We have a lot of selections from the foods and drinks,” she said.

Any number of reasons can cause a patient to need rehab, Kirkemier said, whether they are young or old.

“The purpose is to come in and rest and get the services they need to return home in the same condition they were before the need for the rehab stay,” she said.

Salem Place Nursing and Rehabilitation is located at 2401 Christina Lane.

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honoree

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TO M C OURT W A Y

Something to talk about Fundraiser honoree Courtway knows the importance of discussing prostate cancer

By Jeanette Anderton The Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation is gearing up for its annual fundraiser, A Rockin’ Blue Ribbon Bash, as part of its statewide campaign to bring awareness to prostate cancer.

This year’s honoree is Tom Courtway, University of Central Arkansas president and prostate cancer survivor.

Courtway was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December 2009 and underwent surgery the following month.

“This is something that you don’t even think about. You never think in a million years you’re going to get cancer,” Courtway said. “What it did for me is it made me reflect — I at least have to try to live a little healthier lifestyle. You take a deep breath, pause and think about your own mortality.

“Things that previously didn’t seem important suddenly become much more important.”

He said that it’s difficult for men to think about getting sick, much less talk about it.

“Women have a tremendous, unbelievable network of support. We don’t. And, it’s our own fault,” Courtway said. “We don’t want to talk about it. It’s uncomfortable so we just don’t talk about it. We’ll sit on the couch and die. We want to pretend like we don’t need to go to the doctor, or we pretend like nothing is ever going to happen to me. We need to talk more about it.”

Courtway said that’s why the bash is so important.

“If one man or one family benefits from this program,

“Women have a tremendous, unbelievable network of support.

We don’t. And, it’s our own fault.

We don’t want to talk about it. It’s uncomfortable so we just don’t talk about it. it’s been worthwhile,” he said.

“This is a very treatable and curable disease if it’s caught early. But you have to catch it early.”

A Rockin’ Blue Ribbon Bash will be August 20 at the Tenenbaum Center at the Temple B’nai Israel and will feature entertainment from B-Flats and emcees Christina Munoz Madsen and Craig O’Neill. The event is co-chaired by Billy and Anna Kaye Roehrenbeck.

“I think when people like Tom Courtway share, it can really make a difference,” Madsen said. “For me personally, my grandfather had prostate cancer probably 20-30 years ago, back in a time when nobody talked about it, so I knew nothing about it. Awareness is a big deal to me.”

Raising awareness is one of the two main goals of the bash, Courtway said.

“The foundation does free

screenings around the state and other awareness campaigns for men, so it’s to raise funds to continue and expand those outreach efforts all across the state, but it’s also to increase awareness by the general public and men,” he said.

“I’m grateful and humbled by [being chosen as honoree]. I need to get more active in the cancer foundation. It’s a good way for men to listen, learn and interact with other guys who have had it. It’s a good organization.”

He said he hopes his story will encourage other men to get tested.

“I always thought prostate cancer is like a death sentence.

It’s not. It’s not a death sentence. I view it as a life sentence. It gives you a chance. …

It’s sort of like you get slugged in the gut and you realize, ‘Hey, I got cancer,’ and you try to get healthier,” he said.

Visit arprostatecancer.org for more information.

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new in town

Heart of the matter Arkansas Heart Hospital Clinic of Conway continues to grow

By Brandon Riddle Submitted photos Less than a year old, Arkansas Heart Hospital Clinic of Conway is already taking the next step to expand its services.

The 2,500-square-foot clinic at 605 Dave Ward Drive, Suite 105, will double in size to 5,000 square feet by the end of this year.

Covington Companies of Conway repurposed the former warehouse earlier this year for the medical plaza, and the clinic opened in March.

Dalana Huckaby, registered nurse (RN) and director of outreach clinics for Arkansas Heart Hospital, said the clinic hopes to begin work on the expansion in the next month, with estimated completion by August.

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Currently, the facility has eight exam rooms, a nuclear stress lab, an echocardiogram procedure room and a vascular procedure room, as well as a lab for blood tests. Two work-up rooms are also at the clinic to help with patient flow.

“We have already had such a strong support in the community that we have purchased the site next door, so we’re going to add five more exam rooms there to that side with two more procedure testing areas,” Huckaby said. “We’ve already got all the plans to the architect, so we’re hoping that they’ll get busy on starting construction on that within the next three weeks.”

She said, in addition to the extra clinic space, a new cardiologist will join the staff in Conway.

Arkansas Heart Hospital’s entry into the Conway market came from noticing several patients at Arkansas Heart Hospital of Little Rock originating from Faulkner County.

“Before we ever came here, the community was reaching out, asking us to come here,” Huckaby said. “It’s been overwhelming.”

The Conway clinic is also evaluating the feasibility of adding a catheterization lab and expanding wound care services.

For someone who has never been to an Arkansas Heart Hospital Clinic or a clinic of its scope for health care services, Huckaby said it is important for them to at least have a check up to make sure they are heart healthy.

“Everyone thinks they’re healthy, so no one wants to admit that they may have heart disease because they may be a runner or they may

A R K A NS A S H E A RT H OS P IT A L C L INI C have a healthy lifestyle, but a lot of the times, you get a lot of your diseases and a lot of your body processes from your heredity,” she said.

Keep the Beat, a screening and educational program through Arkansas Heart Hospital, is one of the recommended ways to evaluate heart health.

Heart disease, or cardiovascular disease, is the No. 1 killer of men and women in America, according to the American Heart Association. “Our main goal is to provide excellent patient care,” Huckaby said.

Conway clinic physicians are Drs. Ian Cawich; Andrew Henry; David Mego; Wilson Wong, electrophysiologist; and Robert Thurlby, internal medicine. Beth Crowder works as an advanced practice nurse (APN) at the clinic.

The clinic, according to its website, provides echocardiography, rest stress echocardiogram (RSE), treadmill stress testing (TMST), anklebrachial index testing (ABI), labs, electrocardiograms (EKG) and peripheral vascular testing.

Arkansas Heart Hospital Clinic of Conway is the first clinic in Faulkner County to provide electrophysiology services.

For more information about Arkansas Heart Hospital Clinic of Conway, visit arheart.com/ clinics/conway or call 501-504-6270. The clinic is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. MondayFriday.

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emergency team

Members of the Conway Regional Emergency Department staff are shown with awards they recently received for excellence in stroke care. Shown from left are: Michael Henry, RN; Tim Vandiver, RN, AR SAVES education coordinator; Stephen Hudson, MD, ER physician; Amanda Irby, RN, ER Director and AR SAVES nurse facilitator; Faith Lyke, RN, AR SAVES Trauma Registrar; Dyann Miller, RN; Jennifer Jacobs, RN; Meg Prince, RN, ER Nurse Manager and AR SAVES nurse facilitator; and Mike Williams, RN.

‘Life-changing work’ Conway Regional ER staff changing lives of stroke patients in Faulkner County

“I Saved a Brain” reads the pin on Amanda Irby’s name badge.

The inscription says it all, especially for people in Faulkner County who have benefited from the life-changing work being done through the partnership between the Conway Regional Emergency Department staff and the AR SAVES (Stroke Assistance through Virtual Emergency Support) program. AR SAVES is administered by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain stops. A stroke is sometimes called a “brain attack.”

A former Conway resident, Vince Griffin, 32, was brushing his teeth when his arm went numb. Nancy Elphingstone, 22 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2015

63, became dizzy and lost motor control in her arm. Fast response by friends and neighbors enabled Vince and Nancy to receive emergency care at Conway Regional and treatment later at UAMS in time to live normal lives.

“This program saves a lot of lives and enables a lot of people to go on and lead normal lives,” said Irby, RN, director of the Conway Regional Emergency Department.

The partnership uses telemedicine digital video and audio technology to bring the expertise of neurologists from throughout the state into the same room as ER nurses and doctors at Conway Regional.

Neurologists can view CT scans of the brain and lab results, talk to the ER staff and examine patients via the telemedicine machine.

Based on the available information, neurologists make the diagnosis and can authorize the Conway Regional staff to give tPA, a clot-dissolving medicine.

Conway Regional joined the AR SAVES program in December of 2012 and the staff has watched the volume of stroke cases climb. In 2014 the ER treated 280 stroke patients and another 125 through May of this year. Eighty-eight of these patients were treated using the AR SAVES telemedicine technology with tPA medicine being given to 22 of them.

C ON W A Y R E G ION A L

On the Clock

Hemorrhagic stroke, or bleeding stroke, patients are not candidates for the medicine, and neither are ischemic, or blocking, stroke patients who have waited too long to be seen by a doctor.

Time is of the essence.

There is a narrow window of about 3.5 hours when ischemic stroke patients can be helped by tPA, according to Tim Vandiver, RN, who helps coordinate Conway Regional’s stroke education program. However, many patients do not recognize the symptoms or delay getting to the Emergency Department after the onset of stroke symptoms. A 911 call is usually the fastest way to get medical attention.

After the appearance of stroke symptoms, including weakness in the extremities, slurred speech and unusual memory loss, the first move should be getting medical attention immediately.

Vandiver also noted some additional symptoms including facial drooping, tingling in the extremities, changes in consciousness and awareness, and inability to hold a conversation.

Every nurse and doctor on the ER staff is trained in the use of the telemedicine equipment as well as the AR SAVES stroke protocols.

Once the stroke symptoms are recognized, they are on the clock.

“Our goal is to have the CT (brain scan) completed and the blood work underway within 20 minutes,” said Irby. “Our goal is to administer tPA (clot-busting medicine) in an hour.”

Within that hour, the type of stroke must be diagnosed. Since it is a clot dissolver and thins the blood, tPA only works for nonhemorrhagic (non-bleeding) strokes. The patient’s blood pressure must be under control and other criteria must be met before the medicine can be given.

At Conway Regional, the average time it takes for a stroke

patient to enter the Emergency Department until the time they are receiving a CT brain scan – referred to as “Door-toCT” time for the AR SAVES patients was 18 minutes. The “Door-to-tPA” medicine time was 62 minutes.

Saving a Brain from Attack

Irby and several staff members have earned their “I Saved a Brain” pins for outstanding tPA care. Recipients receive a name badge pin with the inscription: “I Saved a Brain” and an AR SAVES Stroke Champion Certificate in appreciation for making a difference in the treatment and recovery of stroke patients in their hospital’s AR SAVES Program.

Conway Regional was the only hospital in Arkansas to earn the annual AR SAVES’ 2015 site MVP award. “The AR SAVES Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award is given to an individual or site that has shown leadership and exemplary contribution of best practices for standards of stroke care in their community as a stroke advocate,” said Michael Manley, the director of AR SAVES. The award recognizes the significant strides the Conway staff has made in treating what is the highest stroke volume in the state as well as the emergency department’s overall outstanding stroke care.

In June the Emergency Department also achieved the Arkansas Department of Health’s Certificate of Excellence for its overall exceptional stroke care.

In spite of the highlyadvanced technology and the best efforts of the staff, the most important component of stroke care is awareness. Irby adds, “There is no substitute for realizing a loved one is having a stroke and getting them to medical attention as soon as possible.”

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mission work

For the love of others

Dr. Doug Stroud and team provide care to poverty-stricken in Guatemala

By Rachel Parker Dickerson Submitted Photos Conway residents recently performed 15 life-changing sinus surgeries while on an interdenominational mission trip to Guatemala.

Dr. Doug Stroud of Conway, an ear, nose and throat specialist, headed up the surgical team along with Karon Leach, a surgical assistant at his clinic; and Jamie Burbridge, a surgical technologist at Conway Regional Medical Center. The group cared for patients living in extreme poverty who would not have otherwise had the opportunity for this surgery, which will improve their quality of life.

The medical mission trip sponsored by St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Conway set up a traveling clinic in four villages in the western highlands of Guatemala, Stroud said. Members of the group saw 550 patients for various needs, provided treatment and medication, gave away 300 pairs of shoes and 400 pairs of eyeglasses.

They also performed 15 successful sinus surgeries.

Stroud said he asked Marianne Welch, coordinator of the mission trip, about the hospital he would be working in.

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“She laughed and said, ‘We don’t have a hospital. We work out of the churches.’”

Working outside a clinic or hospital setting was a challenge, he said, as was working with one simple X-ray. He normally has access to a full MRI, but X-rays are expensive in Guatemala.

“We arranged the X-rays in advance. We

collected donations to get them done,” he added.

Stroud said he plans to return next year and perform 30 to 40 more of surgeries on adults. Additionally, he hopes to treat 15 children who need their adenoids removed.

Stroud said, “I think it was one of the most exciting things I’ve ever done in my

DR . DOU G STROUD

life. It was certainly very challenging. Their poverty level is beyond describing. To think we were able to bring this technology to their country … Most of the families we saw did not have indoor plumbing. All the children were playing outside, but I never saw a child with a toy.”

Welch said, “The thing that has been the most fulfilling to me is we go to the same communities every time, and over time, we see that the children are healthier. We have the trust of the community to take care of their needs. Establishing a relationship and being a part of good

health care for that community is the best part for me — going back and maintaining those connections.”

Burbridge said, It was a very humbling experience, because you think of the little things — like, ‘We can’t get WiFi here.’ It did mean a lot to help people with something they didn’t have access to. It was just amazing.”

Leach said, “It was one of those things you’d say was on my bucket list. It was amazing that I got to go.

It was the best experience I’ve ever had. Better than any vacation.”

“The thing that has been the most fulfilling to me is we go to the same communities every time, and over time, we see that the children are healthier.”

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nutrition

Fit for you

By Jessica Hauser

Originating in Ohio in 1973, Diet Center has been helping people lose weight through customized diet plans designed to fit individual lifestyles for 42 years. The center attributes its four decades of success to its role in recognizing the relationship between well-designed nutritional programs, one-on-one counseling and supplemental products that work.

“We make sure a program will fit a customer’s lifestyle, we individualize them,” said Victoria Wiedower, owner of the Diet Center in Conway. She bought the Conway franchise in 2014 after managing it for two years.

A nutritionist, Wiedower encourages customers to drink no less than 64 ounces

“Water is good for not only weight loss but also for overall health. It cleanses and purifies the system.

And you have to eat to lose weight.

People think if they just cut back a little more, they’ll be more successful, but that’s not how it works.”

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of water daily and never skip meals.

“Water is good for not only weight loss but also for overall health,” she said. “It cleanses and purifies the system.

And you have to eat to lose weight.

People think if they just cut back a little more, they’ll be more successful, but that’s not how it works.”

Those meals, she added, should include a variety of foods. For clients who are struggling to lose weight on a limited diet, Wiedower often suggests mixing things up.

“I see a lot of people who eat the same things over and over, but when they change something in their diet, it works,” she said.

Diet Center focuses on four plans, two of which involve meal replacements during the day with a full meal in the evening. Two plans utilize grocery store foods, and all plans are organized into four phases designed for permanent weight loss. One all natural chewable supplement curbs hunger, stabilizes blood sugar, alleviates bloat and provides the body with adequate nutrient intake

DI E T C E NT E R

for clients on a lower calorie diet.

“Once they pick a program, they come in two to three times a week for weigh-in and counseling to make sure they are doing things correctly,” Wiedower said.

“When they hit their goal weight, they go into stabilization so that they stop losing, and then we take them into maintenance.”

She said many of her clients who are diabetic have successfully lost weight and no longer need medication as long as they continue to follow the guidelines for the maintenance phase of the programs.

Though Conway’s Diet Center does not have its own website yet, support is offered online through the corporate website at www.dietcenter. com. The site offers community sup-

3tips

a for healthy lifestyle Nutritionist Victoria Wiedower’s top three tips for a healthy lifestyle • Drink no less than 64 ounces of water per day.

• Never skip meals.

• Include a variety of foods in your diet.

port, informational articles and tools, success stories, an online diet store and franchise information.

Diet Center, through its website and knowledgeable, supportive staff, has helped more than 15 million people lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

“For us, the real focus is to teach them the healthy lifestyle change,” Wiedower said.

“We help them learn to lose the weight and not go back to old habits.”

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Health & Wellness Business Profiles Michael Cooper, General Denistry Owner: Michael W. Cooper, DDS Address: 110 South Inglewood – Russellville, AR, 72801 Phone number: 479-968-4477 Office hours: Monday-Thursday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Website: www.michaelcooperdentistry.com Area of practice: Family dentistry Years in business /total years of practice: 31 years Accepting new patients: Always!

Accepts Insurance: Yes

Michael W. Cooper, DDS

Key to your success: We are committed to exceeding our patients’ expectations by providing the best dental care available with a passion for excellence, sincere caring and a dedication to helping each patient achieve an exceptional smile.

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Smith Family Pharmacy Owner: Dr. David W. Smith Address: 2235 Dave Ward Drive, Suite 108, Conway, AR 72034 Phone number: 501-336-8188 Office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. M-F and 9 a.m.-noon Saturday Website: smithfamilypharmacy.com Area of practice: Pharmacy Years in business /total years of practice: We opened Smith Family Pharmacy two years ago in May. However, I Dr. David W. Smith have owned and/or managed pharmacies in Conway for 41 years — my entire career.

Accepting new patients: Yes, we always welcome new patients to our pharmacy.

Accepts Insurance: Yes. We currently accept all prescription drug insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare Part D plans.

Key to your success: Since we believe that everything we have or do belongs to God, He is the key to our success. My wife, Shirley, and I have the best staff ever — they truly share our passion for excellence in patient care. For over four decades we have had unbelievable support from our family and friends, and have the absolute best, most loyal customers we could ever hope for.

Conway Family Dental

Dr. Names: Spencer Gordy, DDS, PA; Leo Crafton, DDS; Jennifer Weaver, DDS; Ray Hambuchen, DDS; and J. Anthony Smith, DDS Address: 550 Chestnut, Conway, AR 72032 Phone number: 501-329-8754 Office hours: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Friday 8 a.m.-noon Website: www.conwaysmile.com Area of practice: General dentistry Years in business /total years of practice: 47 years Accepting new patients: Yes Accepts Insurance: Yes Key to your success: Our experienced and caring staff is dedicated to providing quality care to our patients, who we treat like family.

Central Arkansas ENT Clinic Owners, Dr. Names: Collie Shaw, MD; Ralph Marrero, MD; Sam Kelso, Audiologist

Collie Shaw, MD

Address: 2200 Ada Ave., Suite 202, Conway, AR 72034 Phone number: 501-327-3929 Office hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Website: centralarkansasentclinic.com Area of practice: Ear nose and throat specialist

Ralph Marrero, MD Years in business /total years of practice: 20 years Accepting new patients: Yes Accepts Insurance: We accept most insurances Key to your success: We strive to give our patients and their families the best care possible.

Sam Kelso, Audiologist 30 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2015

Baker Eye Institute Owner/Dr: David L. Baker, M.D., F.A.C.S Address: 810 Merriman St., Conway, AR 72032 (Near intersection of Harkrider and Oak St.) Phone number: 501329-3937 Office hours: MondayFriday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Website: www.bakereye. net Area of practice: General ophthalmology, specializing in cataract surgery Years in business /total years of practice: 20+ years Accepting new patients: Yes Accepts Insurance: Yes Key to your success: Dr. Baker has been in practice for over 20 years in his hometown of Conway, Ark. His practice specializes in medical disease of the eye with an emphasis in cataract surgery. Dr. Baker works relentlessly to help each patient restore and

achieve vision that enhances their daily lifestyle. Baker Eye is honored to work with surrounding optometrists from Conway, Russellville, Searcy, Morrilton, Clinton, Heber Springs and many others throughout the state.

It is a blessing and honor to have established the trust and confidence of so many talented eye doctors and to serve their patients for so many years.

Arkansas Cardiovascular Associates

Conway Medcare Pharmacy Owner: Matt Frazier, PharmD

Owner/Dr: Moses Kelley III, M.D.

Address: 2521 College Ave. Phone number: 501-358-3498

Address: 500 S. University Ave., Ste. 711, Little Rock, AR 72205 (Two locations) 1050 Bob Courtway Drive, Ste. 110, Conway, AR 72032

Office hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-noon Website: conwaymedcarepharmacy.com

Phone number: 501-663-6391 Office hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Area of practice: Cardiovascular disease

Area of practice: Pharmacy and Gift Shop

Moses Kelley III, MD

Matt Frazier, PharmD

Years in business/practice: 16 years

Years in business /total years of practice: Matt Frazier has over 14 years experiences in pharmacy. Medcare opened in May 2013.

Accepting new patients: Yes

Accepting new patients: Yes walk-ins welcome

Accepts Insurance: Yes

Accepts Insurance: All major insurances are accepted

Key to your success: Faith, determination, sacrifice and work ethic.

Key to your success: Our goal in the pharmacy is to help people live healthier lives. Our patients know that we make their health and satisfaction a priority.

Conway Heart Clinic

Jazzercise Conway Fitness Center

located at

Conway Regional Medical Center

Dr. Lensey Scott Dr. Names: Dr. Lensey Scott, joining Conway Heart Clinic with Parker Norris, M.D. and Donald Steely, M.D. Address: Conway Regional Health System, Conway Heart Clinic, 525 Western Avenue #304, Conway, AR 72034 Phone number: 501-327-7555 Office hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Area of practice: Cardiology Years in business /total years of practice: New to Conway Accepting new patients: Yes Accepts Insurance: All

Owner: Alison Williams, owner and certified instructor Team of Certified Instructors: (photo L-R) Emily Hill, Ange Bintliff, Sherri Horton, Karen Cooper, Paige Revis, Alison Williams, Tami Burcham, Alicia Gough, Missy Hill, Jevon Watts, Jessica Tabor (not pictured) Address: 2225 Prince St., Suite 13 Phone number: 501-329-0102 Classes per week: 39 classes a week, 14 with childcare, 8 different formats Website: jazzercise.com What is Jazzercise: Jazzercise is a calorie-torching, hip-swiveling, Shakira’dbe-proud dance party with a hot playlist to distract you from the burn. There’s lots of classes to choose from — Strike, Fusion, Core, Strength, Interval and Dance Mixx. Expect to feel results after 3 classes. And expect to stick with it.

Years in business /total years of practice: Jazzercise has been in Conway a little over 19 years.

Key to your success: Jazzercise is a fun environment for women to come workout and get into shape. We have the best instructors and the best customers!

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spiritual

Are you ready to fight?

By Andrea Lennon

Each day that we live on this earth, we face a real enemy. We cannot see this enemy; but he is present and doing all that he can in order to distract us from a passionate walk with God. One of the most vivid descriptions of our enemy is found in 1 Peter 5:8-9, “Be self-controlled and alert.

Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Resist him, standing firm in the faith.”

(New International Version) I try to imagine what the devil looks like as he “prowls around looking for someone to devour.” Each time I imagine this picture, I get mad. Mad enough to fight! (I think some righteous anger is in order when it comes to fighting the schemes of the devil.)

As a believer in Jesus Christ, we are more than conquers; yet, often we live a conquered life. What does a conquered life look like? A conquered life is a busy life. A busy life is distracted by all the things going on during the day. As a result, spiritual progress is never made. A conquered life is also a compromised life. A compromised life makes decisions that go against the teachings found in the Bible. The focus of this type of life is satisfying the temporary desires of the flesh. The flesh is our sinful nature. It’s the part of us that longs to do

34 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2015

what feels good or temporarily satisfies our desires.

One thing is certain. If we are going to fight the schemes of the devil, we have to take a stand. Our stand needs to be based on truth. Taking a stand leads to spiritual health. This spiritual health results from a determined focus to live for Jesus-- no matter what!

In Ephesians 6:10-17, we find a powerful passage of scripture that teaches us how to fight a good fight. Let’s take a look at this passage and see what we can learn. Ephesians 6:10 states, “Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (New International Version) Isn’t it good to know that we serve a strong God who provides everything that we need in order to be successful in this life? As a result, we do not have to be strong in ourselves. More than that, we do not have to figure out how to survive the schemes of the devil. The Bible clearly communicates all that we need to know.

How do we prepare for spiritual battle?

Ephesians 6:11 states, “Put on the full armor of God.” (New International Version) Can it really be as simple as putting on God’s armor? I do not know about you, but I hear the Bible say, “Just put it on!”

What does it mean to put on the full armor of God? First, it means that the believer must take part in the process of putting on the armor. Just like getting dressed requires thought, effort and participation, putting on God’s armor requires our involvement in the process. Second, the believer must surrender to the process. We must give up control by fully trusting the armor of God to protect us in battle.

What are we to put on? Ephesians 6:14-17 records the armor of God. The armor involves truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and God’s Word. I love how The Message translation of the Bible communicates the truths found in Ephesians 6. “God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way.

Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet.” (Ephesians 6:10-12, 13-14) Here is the all-important question to

ask yourself: “Where are the weak links in my life?” This week identify the things that keep you busy or invite you to compromise the truth. Then, engage in battle. Go to the Bible and find a passage of scripture that directs you in how to live in these compromised areas. Then live out the truth! Each time that you take this approach to life, you are fighting with God’s armor. The outcome?

You will be more than a conquer in Christ Jesus. Dear friend, engage in battle and fight with all your God given might!

Andrea Lennon lives in Conway, Arkansas, with her husband, Jay, and sons, Jake and Andrew.

Andrea ministers to the women of Arkansas through a speaking and writing ministry called True Vine Ministry. To learn more about this ministry, access Andrea’s website at www. andrealennon.net.

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r e m m u S s

shopping

l a i t n e s s e unner R y t r o p S e h vailable at T

a

Asics Singlet $22.95 Asics 7” short $38.25 Newton Gravity $175 Amphipod Jett lite 20oz. hand-held water bottle $21.95

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Saucony Ignite Singlet $28.75 PE Shorts $36.25 Newton Kismet $129.00 Amphipod Vizlet LED light $9.50

BU Y L O C A L

Asics Emma Racerback $34.50 Asics Everyday short $38.25 FitChic headband $10.00 Garmin Forerunner 220 GPS watch $299.99

Brooks Versatile short sleeve $32.50 Versatile skort $51.50 Feetures Elite socks $14.15 Saucony Speed of Lite cap $26.75

Brooks Versatile tank $34.50 Versatile shorts $36.25 Experia socks $14.25 Fit Chic headband $10.00 Timex Run x20GPS watch $99.95 WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 37

events

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Conway Symphony Orchestra’s All That Jazz

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events

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Junior Auxiliary’s Conway Dragon Boat Festival

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the arts

Arts Scene

One-Day Art Trips in Arkansas

By Jennie Strange Summer is a great time for exploring all that Arkansas has to offer, including the arts. There is a long list of arts centers, museums, galleries and more just a day’s drive away from Conway, many of them free or of little cost. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Day trip to Bentonville 186 miles from Conway

If you haven’t yet had a chance to visit the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art this should be at the top of your to-do list for the summer. With free admission to view the large permanent collections of artwork spanning five centuries, the museum also offers exhibitions, classes, workshops, lectures and a series of walking trails. Pack a picnic and make a full day of it!

Day trip to Fayetteville 132 miles from Conway

If you’re traveling with kids a visit to Terra Studios is a must - this unique destination features six acres full of sculpture gardens, interactive art, murals, fountains, a labyrinth, life size game boards, and more. You will also find a gallery featuring over 100 artists and have the opportunity to watch skilled glass blowers at work. Another great stop in Fayetteville is located right on the downtown square – the Fayetteville Underground features five galleries and seven studios of diverse working artists. Art is for sale and artists welcome visitors into their studios. There are also monthly art shows as well as occasional classes and workshops.

Day trip to Little Rock 31 miles from Conway

While there’s much to see in Little Rock, a good place to start would be at the South on Main (SoMa) area where you will find the ESSE Purse Museum, one of only three purse museums in the world and 42 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2015

the only one in the United States. SoMa also features the Bernice Outdoor Sculpture Garden which is within walking distance of some great restaurants. If you’re still up for more after lunch, head over to the River Market District where you will find galleries, outdoor sculptures, and the Butler Center for Arkansas Studies which boasts four different gallery spaces. The second Friday of each month enjoy an after-hours gallery art walk in the River Market from 5-8 p.m.

Day trip to Hot Springs 79 miles from Conway

It’s no wonder Hot Springs has been named No. 4 among the 100 Best Art Towns in America. You’ll find much to see at the Hot Spring Fine Arts Center, as well as a plethora of galleries to visit on Main Street. If your schedule is easy to work around, pick the first Friday of the month to head to town and you’ll be able to enjoy the afterhours Art Walk in the evening. If you want to make a weekend of it, every Saturday from May to October the Historic Downtown Farmers Market also features an Artists Market complete with original watercolors, oils, pottery, jewelry, and more.

Artist Highlight John Vanderslice

Associate Professor of Writing, University of Central Arkansas

Originally from: Accokeek, Maryland How long have you lived in Conway? 18 years Do you remember when you decided you wanted to be a writer? The long answer is that I’ve wanted to write ever since I was a grade-schooler.

But I really made the decision to be a writer in my junior year of high school. My father was a chemist; my older brother was busy studying physics at Duke; and my other older brother was studying biochemistry at the University of Maryland. For months I walked around telling people I was going to study science — probably physics (hah!) — in college. Problem was, that year I was also taking a lot of AP science classes and starting to realize just how much I didn’t like them. What I really liked were my English and history courses. At some point, a light bulb turned on and I realized that I didn’t have to major in science just because my dad had and my brothers did. I might as well major in what I liked. And I knew all along I enjoyed writing. So why not take the plunge and declare that I was going to major in English in order to become a writer. So that’s what I did, and everything became easier after that. My whole life since then has been more or less a living out of that decision I made as a junior in high school.

What is your favorite thing about being a writer? Well, heck, words, of course. There’s nothing better than words. They are endlessly fascinating, and endlessly pliable. And so so multi-vocal.

I feel about words as I imagine a painter must her colors or a musician notes or a filmmaker images. I was just telling a class the other day that to me writing is akin to playing music. With every sentence, every paragraph, every story you are playing with rhythms; only you make your rhythms out of words rather than notes. You hear those rhythms in your head as you work. For me there is nothing more satisfying than that. So I feel incredibly fortunate to have chosen a profession in which I am either laboring over words or appreciating the words that others have labored over. It’s like the job that God wrote for me.

Current favorite quote: There are a lot of great writing quotes. One that I’ve often shared with my writing students, especially when teaching nonfiction, is from the renowned essayist Terry Tempest Williams: “Nakedness is our shield. You can’t protect yourself anyway, so you may as well tell the truth.”

Where we can find your work? Last October I published a book of short stories called “Island Fog.” It came out from Lavender Ink press in New Orleans. That book was a long time in the making, spread out over a large span of years. I’m really happy how it turned out and how the stories work together to form a whole.

What was the inspiration for Island Fog? The spark of the book was visiting Nantucket Island with my wife and her family several years in a row back in the mid-to-late 90s. All the stories in Island Fog are set on Nantucket. Half of them are historical fictions and the other half contemporary. So the reader gets a view of Nantucket from across the centuries, from 1795 to 2005. Nantucket is such a fascinating and strangely beautiful place that I could only visit there so long before I felt compelled to write about it. So I did, starting several Nantucket stories during a single trip there. I worked on that batch of stories for the following year or two (or more) and eventually some of them were published individually in literary magazines. On a much later trip to Nantucket — this was 2011 — I started a string of historical fictions about the island. Those took a couple years to really iron out. And when I did I realized that if I put the historical stories together with my earlier ones, I had a whole Nantucket book!

juLY Arts Events Please check out the event website for more information and pricing.

July 3 Conway Community Band Concert @ Simon Park ; 7:30 p.m. www.ucabands.com (G) July 24, 25, 30, 31 The Orphans @ The Lantern Theatre; 7:30 p.m. ConwayLanternTheatre@gmail.com (PG13) July 26 The Orphans @ The Lantern Theatre; 2:30 p.m. ConwayLanternTheatre@gmail.com (PG13) July 31 Legally Blonde Jr., The Musical presented by Red Curtain Theatre @ Hendrix College’s Trieschmann Fine Arts Building; 7:00 p.m. www.redcurtaintheatre.com (G)

Rating key: G – Suitable for all ages PG-Suggested for ages 7+ PG13- Suggested for ages 13+ A- Suggested for Adults 18+ WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 43

book review

Improbable, yet delightful read Written by William Woods Cotterman Reviewed by Susan O’Keefe It is a unique experience when an author visits a book club to hear his work discussed. In this particular case, participants departed with the sensational feeling of having experienced all that the author and his wife experienced. It was a thorough walk down memory lane; a fantastic history lesson complete with vivid descriptions of sights, smells, and statements about the couple’s travels to the Middle East. Call it part lecture, part group discussion, part Q & A. For a book club to host an author is a feather in its cap.

“Improbable Women” is not necessarily a book I would choose. That’s a benefit of belonging to a book club. It encourages readers to step outside their comfort zone.

This read was absorbingly charming as it focused on five determined women who lived in various time periods throughout the eighteenth, 19th and 20th century. Their daring desires to travel to the Middle East, particularly to Palmyra, make them unconventional women with stories to share.

Palmyra was an ancient Semitic city in Syria. Caravans stopped in Palmyra when crossing the Syrian Desert.

Today, it is unfortunately in the headlines as Isis continues to ravage the once revered area. Cloaked in mystery and romance, the five improbable women of this book chose to endure difficult journeys at a time when women rarely traveled, especially alone.

Lady Lucy Hester Stanhope (1776-1839), Lady Jane Elizabeth Digby El Mesrab (1807-1881), Isabel Arundell Burton (1831-1896), Gertrude Margaret Lowthian Bell

44 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2015

I M P ROB A B L E W O M E N

Six feet tall, fair-skinned, and regal, Lady Hester presented a striking picture leading her expedition astride her powerful mare, dressed as a Bedouin chief in an ankle-length belted shirt, high yellow boots, and a white cloak clasped with a golden brooch at the right shoulder...

(1868-1926), and Freya Madeline Stark (1893-1993) share a common bond in their uncommon pilgrimage to Palmyra.

The major draw was to pay homage to the Palmyrene Empire’s warrior queen, Zenobia. She also lived life as an improbable woman when she led a revolt against the Roman Empire in the third century.

“If my college history books had read this way, I would have paid more attention,” shared one reader.

While serving in the Navy, the author says he was exposed to and found Middle Eastern culture fascinating.

“I began traveling to the region two or three times a year,” said Bill Cotterman.

He led various computer systems projects or economics-based endeavors. In the states, he taught classes at Georgia State University in Atlanta.

Researching in libraries around the world including in Britain, Cotterman said he soaked up each enchanting piece of information.

“I found everything I could about the women who traveled to the Middle East.

Each was famous in her time and showed

such fierce determination,” said Cotterman.

“Freya’s my favorite though. She had almost a mystical bent. I traveled to Canada and made connections with her extended family members.”

Lady Hester opens the book and confidently strides onto the scene 1,500 years after Zenobia exited. The British consul urged Lady Hester to abandon the foolishness of travel to Palmyra but she would hear nothing of it. Lady Hester ignored the warnings and was greeted with great fanfare once she completed her trans-continental crossing. The Arabian residents had never seen a European woman.

“Six feet tall, fair-skinned, and regal, Lady Hester presented a striking picture leading her expedition astride her powerful mare, dressed as a Bedouin chief in an ankle-length belted shirt, high yellow boots, and a white cloak clasped with a golden brooch at the right shoulder ... traditional Arab scarf held in place by a fine braid of horsehair rope around her forehead.”

With bodyguards and an impressive entourage, Lady Hester made quite a statement.

“Improbable Women” tells the story of these five ordinary Western women who were extraordinary in their accomplishments and contributions. With a transparency that reveals their flaws and shortcomings, readers effortlessly form relationships with these women. It’s easy to imagine them in leadership positions today. Their passion and pursuit for independence and social justice are timeless traits.

Cotterman’s book has certainly earned a place on universities’ women’s studies’ lists and will most likely continue to be added at other institutions. For history buffs, followers of women’s progressive issues and a general insightful historical read this book scores highly. From romance to revelry and passion to politics, “Improbable Women” carries a probable message that spans the centuries.

Susan O’Keefe is a wife to Jack, mother to four children, and eager to face the crazy, awesome, fun things God delivers daily. She and her family recently moved to Oxford, Mississippi, where Susan will continue to read and review, instruct fitness classes, and embark on this next adventure in life.

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food

Summer treats

KEEPINGCOOL 46 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2015

C OOL O F F F OR S UMMER

By Chef Jill McCollum, CC Photos by Lindsey Faith Watson

Oh summertime fun! Riding bikes, hiking Petit Jean Mountain, digging for diamonds ... wait, its HOT outside, who wants to go outside?! Here are some “cool” summer time activities: • Visit the presidential library • Take a sack lunch and go to Wild River Country or Magic Springs for a day • Go visit Grandma!

• Create a slip and slide in the back yard with a water hose

• Spend time making casseroles to pack in the freezer • Take Dad lunch at work • Card game tournament-with bracket and all!

• Get those old board games out • Go to the dollar movie • Girls, create a spa day!

These are just a few things I’ve come up with, but most of all be creative and have a relaxing summer because August and back to school will be here before you know it!

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Peanut Butter Hot Dogs

2 tablespoons peanut butter 2 slices whole wheat bread 1 banana, peeled Spread a tablespoon of peanut

48 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2015

butter onto one side of each slice of bread. Break the banana into two pieces, and place one half onto the center of each peanut buttered bread slice. Wrap the bread around each banana and eat like a hot dog!

Watermelon & Strawberry Lemonade 8 cups cubed seeded watermelon 1 cup fresh strawberries, halved ½ cup fresh lemon juice 1 cup white sugar 2 cups water Combine the watermelon, strawberries, lemon juice, sugar and water in a blender. Blend until smooth.

Creamsicle Punch 2 cups ginger ale, chilled 2 cups orange soda, chilled ½ cup milk 4 scoops orange sherbet 4 scoops vanilla ice cream Stir ginger ale, orange soda, and milk together in a pitcher. Divide orange sherbet and vanilla ice cream equally between 4 glasses. Pour ginger ale mixture over ice cream into each glass.

Chef Jill McCollum, CC is the Caterer and Food Service Director for Central Baptist College. Jill is the owner of Jill McCollum Catering in Conway. She can be reached at jmccollum@cbc.edu or (501) 730-4422

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imatter

Kristy Jamerson, Patrick “Dr. Fit” Jamerson, and Josh Epps (back row); Sean “Lil Fit” Jamerson and Slayde Smith (front row) 50 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2015

S EAN J AMER S ON

‘Lil Fit’ GENERATION

13-year-old Sean Jamerson reaching new goals every day

By Rachel Parker Dickerson If drive, humility and a great support system are any indication of what it takes to make a professional athlete, 13-year-old Sean Jamerson should be well on his way to the pros.

Since age 10, “Lil Fit,” as he is known around his father, Patrick Jamerson’s business, “Sweat By Dr. Fit,” has been training with dreams of making a career out of either track or football. Lately his hard work has begun to pay off with some impressive accomplishments.

Sean recently ran a 40-meter dash in 4.56 and a 100-meter dash in 11.4. His best vertical plyometric box jump was 53 inches.

To put that in perspective, his father said, Trey Flowers, who played football for the University of Arkansas and is now a professional football player, had a plyo jump of 55 inches.

“We’re hopeful of a plyo jump of over 56 inches this year,” Patrick said. “He’s very driven. I’ll say that.”

Sean’s trainer, Josh Epps, also known as “The Technician,” said the young man has gained confidence as his performance has improved.

“Everything about him progresses together. Everything’s in sync. When he has an obstacle, he’s determined to achieve that goal. Then he finds another goal. He’s a special type of athlete.”

Sean said, “I just want to take all my teachings out to the professional world so

imatter people can see what I’ve done and I can represent my family and my friends.”

He noted if he doesn’t make it in professional sports, he plans to pursue a master’s degree in business.

“I want to give back to my family and God and those who have given to me. I want to make sure my family, at the end of the day, don’t have to work again,” he said.

An encouragement to Sean in his work is his friend, Slayde Smith, also 13. The two train together regularly.

“He’s one of my closest friends. He’s full of life and energy. Before he came here, I didn’t really have a close training friend.

It means a lot. He motivates me. He’s my brother.”

Slayde said of Sean, “I think it’s great that he’s doing what he wants to do and he’s achieving his goals. He’s like a brother to me. I love training with him. He’s going to be great, and I want to be great with him.”

Sean’s mother, Kristy Jamerson, said she admires her son’s dedication to his health and wellness as well as his commitment to training safely to avoid injuries.

“I love the fact that he has now become an encouragement to his peers in overall wellness and safety. I love that he has remained humble, despite the fact he’s had some early successes.”

Young people are often the pulse of a community, as sporting events, school events and activities bring them into the spotlight. Women’s Inc. wants to showcase these young people in a special feature each month. iMatter will seek to tell the stories of a new generation of community, skill, success and achievement. Do you know a student in Faulkner county, ages 10-23, who is truly one of a kind? Send youth’s name, school, parents contact information (if under 18) and a brief explanation of why you think your youth or you would make a iMatter candidate to womensinc@womensinc.com.