PROVIDING NORTHEAST ARKANSAS AND THE SURROUNDING AREA WITH HEALTHFUL INFORMATION
ISSUE 6 • Summer 2007
Osteoarthritis of the Knee Thomas Day, M.D.
Hip Replacement or Resurfacing? The Rotator Cuff
Jason Brandt, M.D.
Henry Stroope, M.D.
Other articles include: Prevent Stroke!, Raising Health & Fitness Awareness, Is it a Sleep Disorder? Radiology: High-Tech Medicine, What’s Biting You?, Mission Accomplished!, Car Seat Safety, Red Carpet Treatment - Being Healthy
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NEA Health magazine benefits the programs of
NEA Clinic Charitable Foundation has a mission to help change lives through the programs and services it supports in Northeast Arkansas. The Foundation, through the generous gifts of our community, touches every community member and every corner of Northeast Arkansas.
“Why I Became A Doctor”
I
have always been interested in how amazing the human body is. As a child I loved to examine the anatomic models at my doctor’s office. I was interested as a child that there was a profession that I could blend my interest in anatomy and help others. Orthopedic Surgery gives me the opportunity to daily use my knowledge of the body and how it works to help others. That is why I became a doctor. Jason Brandt, M.D.
Thanks to all of our advertisers! PUBLICATION OFFICE 1835 Grant Ave., Jonesboro, AR 72401 h_acebo@neaclinic.com www.neaclinic.com Holly Acebo, Editor/Executive Director NEA Clinic Charitable Foundation Director of Marketing NEA Clinic, NEA Medical Center Christy Appleton, Director NEA Clinic Charitable Foundation Nicole Frakes, Graphic Design NEA Health is published bi-annually for the purpose of conveying health-related information for the well-being of residents of Northeast Arkansas and Southeast Missouri. The information contained in NEA Health is not intended for the purpose of diagnosing or prescribing. Please consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment and/or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines. Editorial, advertising and general business information can be obtained by phoning 870-9345101 or by writing in care of this publication to: PO Box 1960, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72403. You may also e-mail h_acebo@neaclinic.com and put “NEA Health” in the subject line. Copyright© 2007 NEA Clinic Charitable Foundation. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording and any information storage retrieval system, without written permission from NEA Clinic Charitable Foundation.
On The Cover
D
uring high school and my early college years, I planned on becoming a veterinarian, mainly because of my love of animals. I began to gravitate toward medical school, however, because of an increasing awareness of a desire to use my education and knowledge to directly help others. Additionally, as my wife can attest, I enjoy fixing things that are broken, especially if I can take it apart, figure out how it works, repair it, and put it all back together. Both of these traits are attributable to my upbringing, and especially can be traced back to my maternal grandfather. Papaw was an electrician, and could repair just about anything. He also was one of the most compassionate, big-hearted, and patient men that I have ever known. My family always told me that we were just alike, which explains why we would often get into arguments. When the time came for me to decide what to do after college, I was able to look at myself and see these traits, and the decision was relatively easy: go to medical school so that I could use my education and abilities to help those that are sick or injured and then fix whatever is wrong with them. It wasn’t until my fourth year of med school, however, that I finally realized that I preferred a literal hands-on approach in caring for others, and thus I chose a career in surgery. It took me another year, though, to find my real niche – orthopedic surgery. And now, 16 years after becoming a doctor, and 10 years after beginning private practice, I realize that I am very fortunate, because I can say what many people cannot: I truly enjoy what I do for a living, and if given a choice, I would do it all again. Thomas Day, M.D.
M
y father was a pediatrician so medicine has always been a part of my life. As a child I was allowed to make rounds with my father and quickly understood the importance of helping people. I made my mind up at a young age that I would follow in my father's footsteps. However, upon entering medical school, I became interested in the surgical aspect of medicine. Orthopedics became my passion due to the hands on nature of the speciality. It amazed me that I could use my skills to repair the bones, tendons, and joints of the body. Henry Stroope, M.D. 1. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
www.neacfoundation.org
CONTENTS
from the editor
20+
pages of advice from doctors and health professionals you know and trust. 6 Radiology: Medicine’s High Tech
Specialty Thriving at NEA - Dr. John Phillips 10 Car Safety For Your Child!
- Dr. Troy Vines 13 LASIK: Makes Life Clearer 14 A Doctor For Every Age
- Dr. Brannon Treece
W
ith summer vacations and busy schedules your good eating habits may also seem to have taken a vacation! With kids back in school and cooler weather coming, it's a great time to get back into healthy eating habits and exercise routines. Having plenty of zip to meet the demands of your job and personal life starts with your diet. At least one in three people skip breakfast, even though it is proven time and time again that it gives you what you need to get the day started. Eating breakfast helps you loose weight, helps keep your mind and body sharp and curbs cravings. To maintain your energy level, your body breaks down the food you eat into glucose -- the body's main fuel -- and sends a steady stream of it to your cells. But here's the trick: To feel energized throughout the day, your blood-glucose level should stay within a certain range. If your blood glucose drops too low -- which can happen if you go too long without eating -you're going to feel lightheaded. Our advice to you is to start with a good, nutritious breakfast and keep healthy snacks handy. As you will read in this issue, NEA Clinic celebrated it's 30 Year Anniversary in July 2007. A lot has changed in the past 30 years with healthcare in Northeast Arkansas, please take a moment and visit that story on page 11. Many thanks to our orthopedic physicians for allowing us to feature them on our cover, we also welcome Thomas Day, M.D. to our NEA family.
15 Health Screenings Prevent Stroke!
- Dr. Robert Taylor 16 What’s Biting You?
- Dr. Jeff Barber 18 The Rotator Cuff
- Dr. Henry Stroope 18 Osteoarthritis of the Knee
- Dr. Thomas Day 19 Hip Replacement or Resurfacing?
- Dr. Jason Brandt 22 This is a Pain in the Neck
- Dr. Ray Greaser 23 Self Defense Tips
- Joey Perry 24 Is it a Sleep Disorder
- Dr. David Nichols 26 How Does Lifestyle Affect
Blood Surgar? - Bilinda Norman, RNP, CDE 29
In Review NEA Clinic Charitable Foundation
2 From the Editor 4 Raising Health & Fitness Awareness
Have a Healthy & Blessed Day!
in our Community! 8 Mission Accomplished - Jonesboro
Heart Walk 12 Red Carpet Treatment for Getting
Healthy 21 Jonesboro clinic first to offer new
drug clinical trial. 28 List of Advertisers 34 Healthy Eating
Providing
Light
for Northeast Arkansas
hope
education awareness understanding information inspiration support
M edicine A ssistance Pr o g r a m
For giving opportunities, contact us at 870-934-5101 www.neacfoundation.org 3. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
Raising Health & Fitness Awareness I N
O U R
C O M M U N I T Y !
R
aising awareness about health and fitness, as well as providing opportunities for the public to have access to health and fitness resources, is a noble goal – at least that’s what the governor of Arkansas thinks. Each year the governor recognizes individuals and organizations that promote fitness in their communities. Only eight are selected each time for a Governor’s Leadership in Fitness Award, representing a variety of categories. This year, NEA Clinic Wellness Center was honored to win the award for ‘Health or Fitness Club’ while NEA Clinic Charitable Foundation won for ‘Outstanding Group.’ Representatives from both groups attended an awards ceremony at the Capitol in Little Rock, where they proved to the rest of the state that Jonesboro is doing its part in bringing health and fitness to the people of Arkansas. NEA Clinic Wellness Center is a model for excellence in community-focused health and well-being. Not only is the community as a whole becoming healthier due to regular fitness club memberships, but the Center is also active in developing and providing programs specially for people with high-risk health symptoms.
“Health or Fitness Club” Award presented to NEA Clinic Wellness Center by Governor Mike Beebe to Steve Bowen, NEA Clinic Wellness Center Director and Mark Carpenter, Director of Business Development NEA Clinic. a time when they increasingly need to boost their physical endurance and fitness.
NEA Clinic Wellness Center last year began offering SilverSneakers, a program that allows seniors on eligible health plans to join the center for free. These members have access to all regular equipment and group classes, as well as special classes just for them. Many seniors who could not normally afford to join a health club are benefitting from this unique program.
The Wellness Center houses also the NEA Clinic Charitable Foundation Center for Healthy Children, a free program for overweight children and their families that teaches them about proper nutrition and exercise and gives them access to the equipment to learn with the help of certified trainers.
Another new program, Wellness Works, which is funded by NEA Clinic Charitable Foundation, cardiac, cancer and diabetes patients may participate in a 8-week class that offers education about their condition, help for making changes in their diet and lifestyle to overcome the disease, and exercise in the Wellness Center facilities to strengthen their bodies during
In addition, the Wellness Center regularly offers health fairs, educational lectures, and a variety of group classes. The center sponsors local fitness events such as the K88K and the American Heart Walk, and they are a co-sponsor of the local Women Run Arkansas, free running clinics for women in the Jonesboro area. This year, they held the first-ever Commit to be
Join Team NEA today!!!
You may know that one in eight women will be stricken with breast cancer in her lifetime. What you may not know is that you can help these women and thousands of others in the fight against breast cancer.
Join the fight by registering as part of Team NEA today in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®!! 14th Annual Race for the Cure® Go to www.ar-raceforthecure.org Sat., Oct. 20, 2007 For more information e-mail Little Rock, Arkansas Meg Williamson: m_williamson@neaclinic.com 4. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
Fit Senior Marathon, in which adults completed 25.2 miles on their own, in their own time, over the course of several weeks or months. Then, everyone came together for the final mile to celebrate their accomplishment, participate in health screenings and win prizes. The center has done everything it can to appeal to a wide range of ages and abilities, so that every member of the community would feel comfortable in their quest for fitness.
“Outstanding Group” Award presented to NEA Clinic Charitable Foundation Center For Healthy Children by Governor Mike Beebe to Holly Acebo, NEACCF Executive Director and Jim Boswell, CEO, NEA Clinic.
The NEA Clinic Charitable Foundation, through programs such as Wellness Works and Center for Healthy Children, has been a source of help to many in the community who lack the resources to pursue health and fitness in a meaningful way. The services are provided at no cost to anyone who needs them, and there have been countless success stories from people who have participated in these free programs and have learned how to improve their lifestyles for a better future. We are proud to offer these services to the community, and they are thankful for the recognition provided by the governor. The Governor’s Leadership in Fitness Awards are proof that good things are happening here. We hope that more people will take part in these wonderful services. If you are interested in obtaining more information about NEACCF Wellness Works or SilverSneakers, call 932-1898. For information about NEACCF Center for Healthy Children, call 336-1760.
5. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
RADIOLOGY: Medicine’s High-Tech Specialty Thriving at NEA
R
adiology is a medical specialty that uses medical imaging technologies to diagnose and sometimes treat diseases. Radiologists are medical doctors with 4-6 years of additional training in the high-tech field of medical imaging and nuclear radiology. The acquisition of medical imaging is usually carried out by a radiologic technologist, who is under the direction of a radiologist. These professionals have at least a two-year college degree and work with the radiologist to provide quality medical imaging. Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen discovered x-rays in 1895. The new technology spread very quickly and within 10 years radiology was being used all over the Western world. In 1901, Roentgen received the first Nobel Prize in Physics. Originally, radiology dealt only with the use of radiation emitted by X-ray machines. Today, radiologists direct an array of imaging technologies including ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) and computed radiography (CT). Radiology is a technology-based and rapidly changing field. Radiologists and radiologic technologists work hard to keep up. Until the last few years, most radiology imaging was done on xray film. When I started my residency at Mayo Clinic in 1988 all studies were printed on film for the doctors to review. The patient’s images were stored on film for future reference or comparison. Huge file rooms were needed to store the film. Finding a film was sometimes a slow process. Sometimes old studies could not be located. We never imagined a day without x-ray film. We have all seen the doctor on TV looking at x-ray film on a light box. Those days are almost gone. This morning at NEA Medical Center I counted SEVEN computers in our reading room. One of our surgeons calls the reading room the “bridge of the Star Ship Enterprise”. We hardly ever see film anymore. There are 10 monitors with images from four different sites. Over these machines radiologists can supervise and interpret
6. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
studies from each of these facilities. One of the facilities we serve is 50 miles away. Using computers is much more efficient than film. Most medical images at NEA Clinic and NEA Medical Center are now acquired digitally and read off a computer screen. The study is stored on a computer server like a bank stores financial records. The images can be located quickly and cannot be “lost” in the file room. The system used to do this is called a PACS (Picture archiving and communication system). PACS are computers and servers on a high-speed network dedicated to the storage, retrieval, sharing and presentation of very large image files. The modern radiology equipment at NEA facilities can feed patient images directly to the PACS in digital form. The medical images are stored in an independent format called DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine). PACS can handle images from various modalities, such as
◆ www.neahealth.com keyword: Radiology stable ... far ahead of film. Since implementation in December 2006, not one archived study has been “lost”. Also, the system allows for prioritization of the workflow through the department. Emergency studies can be “flagged” in the system to be read first. The PACS has become the “traffic cop” making sure that all exams are read in a timely manner. It then distributes and backs-up the data for future comparison.
ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), computed tomography (CT), and radiography (plain X-rays). Our Mckesson PACS system consists of a central server that stores a database containing the images connected to clients via a high-speed network of computers. Fiber-optic lines allow your doctor at any NEA Clinic facility to see your study and reports. As long as the study was done at NEA Clinic Imaging Center or at NEA Medical Center, your doctor can see them in his office. Staff doctors can also view images over the Internet by using a secure VPN (Virtual Private Network). Our three board-certified diagnostic radiologists read imaging studies on high-resolution extra bright monitors. Their workstations can manipulate data for the best view of tumors and other disease. Three-dimensional reconstructions are routine and used to help plan surgery. The central server is the “hub” of the PACS system and is “backed up” at two physically separate locations to protect patient data. It is high tech, secure, and
I once read an article in a medical publication discussing the greatest inventions in radiology. Suggested as the most important was: MRI, CT, ultrasound, PET, etc. A few weeks later an older doctor wrote to the publication complaining that they had omitted the greatest invention of them all ... the telephone. He argued that it had saved more lives than any of these. Why the telephone? ... because it allowed radiologists to rapidly communicate with the patient’s doctor. Our McKesson PACS takes communication to a new level. It allows the radiologist to not only tell the doctor what’s wrong, but also to show him the problem quickly. As medicine becomes more specialized, communication between physicians becomes more and more important. Failure in communication can cause major safety problems. Physically separated medical offices, each with their own patient chart and x-ray file, can produce fragmented patient care and redundant testing. One day, this will be a thing of the past. The addition of PACS to the NEA Healthcare system has greatly improved communication and the efficient delivery of care to our patients. Patients no longer have to hand-carry their x-rays around to various doctor appointments. NEA Clinic doctors can see x-rays and the radiologist’s opinion from anywhere on the network. Cooperation between your doctor’s group and your hospital allows for this kind of coordinated care. Just another way we are ONE with you! John Phillips, M.D. Radiology NEA Clinic – 870.972.7000 7. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
MISSION: ACCOMPLISHED Jonesboro Heart Walk - Over 1,000 walkers raise more than $100,000 in Jonesboro for the American Heart Association.
T
he call was “Participate. Raise Funds. Save Lives,” and 1,000 walkers from across Northeast Arkansas responded in a tremendous effort to save live from heart disease and stroke at the Jonesboro Heart Walk on March 31. Participants of all ages came out to walk the 3-mile course at Joe Mack Campbell Park and show their support for conquering these debilitating and deadly diseases — heart disease and stroke. “This year’s event raised over $100,000 to help fight heart disease and stroke,” said Mary Beasley, Regional Director of the American Heart Association for Northeast Arkansas. “Thanks to our walkers, donors, volunteers and sponsors for every dollar raised. This year marked many milestones for the Jonesboro Heart Walk – it was the most money we have ever raised and the most participation EVER. Collectively, these volunteers who embody the spirit of giving and determination represent the heart of the Jonesboro Heart Walk.” In the last decade and a half, the Heart Walk, a national American Heart Association event, has raised more than $375 million. Funds raised from the Heart Walks will support heart and stroke research as well as public
Diabetic Foot Care
•
and professional education programs. Research funded by the American Heart Association has yielded important discoveries such as CPR, life-extending drugs, pacemakers, bypass surgery and surgical techniques to repair heart defects. This year, more than 750,000 walkers will participate in walks in over 600 locations. The Jonesboro Heart Walk achieved its goal of $100,000 in large part due to the sponsorships from health-minded local businesses and organizations. “This year’s local presenting sponsors, NEA Clinic and NEA Medical Center, helped the Jonesboro Heart Walk
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8. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
637 E. Matthews, Jonesboro Jonesbo
Offices Located In: Jonesboro Walnut Ridge Pocahontas Newport Cherokee Village
exceed all expectations. We extend a special thanks to those sponsors for helping us meet our goals,” stated Beasley. “Without the help and support of all our sponsors – we could not have been so successful.” This year’s Jonesboro Heart Walk had more than 90 teams and 1,000 walkers participating in the event. Many of those participating were survivors of heart disease and stroke and could be seen wearing special red caps that read, “Fighting Back.” Many prizes were awarded this year including Top Company, Top Walker, Top Team, and Best T-shirt. The top company for the sixth straight year was NEA Clinic, raising over $18,000. The top walker award this year went to Jess Simpson, son of Joe and Suzanne Simpson of Medical Necessities, raising over $3,000. NEA Clinic also received the Top Team award as “Hearts on Fire” NEA Clinic Cardiology led the way raising over $8,000!!! Judah’s Generals won for Best T-shirt. The 2007 Jonesboro Heart Walk also marked the introduction of the new START! walking program. The START! program is a no-cost tool for companies to get their employees moving. The American Heart Association recognizes that employees have time constraints and responsibilities that often keep them from taking care of their health. Start! helps to improve the corporate culture by motivating employees to walk, which has the lowest dropout rate of any physical activity. Even people who haven’t been physically active can reap significant benefits by starting a walking program. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1986 found that people lived two hours longer for every hour of vigorous exercise they performed on a regular basis. START! is sponsored nationally by SUBWAY® restaurants, Healthy Choice® and AstraZeneca and locally by HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Jonesboro. For more information about the Start! program or how to get involved with the Heart Walk, 870-476-2067 or visit heartwalk.kintera.org/Jonesboro.
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Join the fight by registering as part of Team NEA today in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®!
Go to www.ar-raceforthecure.org
For more information e-mail Meg Williamson: m_williamson@neaclinic.com
Join Team NEA today! 14th Annual Race for the Cure® Sat., Oct. 20, 2007 Little Rock, Arkansas
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9. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
CAR SAFETY FOR YOUR CHILD
I
njuries that occur from automobile accidents are the leading cause of death from injury in children less than 14 years of age. Of these deaths, one-half of the children were unrestrained and a significant portion of the remaining children were not properly restrained. All states have laws regarding the use of car seats or restraints for young children. It is important to your child’s safety that the following guidelines be observed.
YOUNG INFANTS
should be placed in a rear-facing infant car seat positioned at 45 degrees and should remain in that type of seat until at least 1 year of age and 20 pounds. Infants who reach 20 pounds before 1 year of age should be placed in a rear-facing car seat approved for higher weights. It is best that children remain in rear-facing seats as long as their head remains below the top of the seat back and until they reach the maximum weight for the seat. Facing the rear minimizes head and neck injury during a crash. The seat should be in the center of the back seat and not in the front passenger seat, especially if an airbag is present in that position. Airbags have resulted in injury and death when impacting the back of an infant car seat.
CONVERTIBLE CAR SEATS are those that can be used rear-facing
for infants less than 20 pounds and can be converted to a forward-facing seat for children up to 80 pounds. When used in the forward-facing position, the top of the child’s ears should be below the top of the seat back and shoulders below the seat strap slots.
FORWARD-FACING SEATS
have recommended height and weight limits with some accommodating children weighing 40 pounds with height limits of 50-57 inches.
BOOSTER SEATS may be high-backed or backless.
They are used with the adult lap and shoulder belt and are generally appropriate for children who are 80 pounds and at least 57 inches.
CHILD’S WEIGHT SEAT GUIDELINE 0-20 Pounds (through age 1)
Rear-facing infant car seat at 45 degrees
20-40 Pounds
Forward-facing seat (or Convertible seat. Rear or forward facingdepends on weight limit)
40-80 Pounds
Forward-facing seat
An easy way to remember the usual weights and timing for transition is to remember the numbers 20-40-80.
More than 80 Pounds
Booster seat high-backed or backless
Troy Vines, M.D. Family Practice – Woodsprings Clinic NEA Clinic – 870.933.9250
Age and size appropriate
Adult Restraint System
ADULT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
can be used when the shoulder belt can be positioned across the chest (not contacting the neck), the lap belt lies low and snug across the thighs and the child’s feet hang down and knees are bent when sitting against the seat back.
10. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
Cele
A
lot of things were different 30 years ago. The years have brought change and population growth to Northeast Arkansas. Many of you reading this now didn’t even live here in 1977, and some of you who did could not have predicted how the Jonesboro area would look so far in the future. But one small group of physicians getting ready to graduate from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences had some foresight. They figured Northeast Arkansas could benefit from additional medical services. So, with the freshly graduated Dr. Ray Hall at the helm, these young doctors began what is today known as NEA Clinic, an organization that has more than 300,000 patient visits a year, employs 95 physicians in 30 different specialties as well as over 500 supporting staff, and is a partner is such important organizations as NEA Medical Center and created NEA Clinic Charitable Foundation. But even young, smart doctors couldn’t have known that their vision for quality medicine in Northeast Arkansas would transform them from a handful of doctors to Jonesboro's third largest employer. And they certainly couldn’t have predicted how their dream in 1977 would affect tens of thousands of lives over the next few decades. Between 1977 and the mid 1980s, NEA Clinic saw its first growth spurt, growing from a one-office internal medicine practice to a multi-specialty organization bursting at the seams. In the mid 1980s the group built its four-story tower at 311 E. Matthews and added radiology, a cardiac diagnostic lab and other services.
brati
ng During these last six years, NEA Clinic has also won the prestigious American Medical Group Association Preeminent Clinic Award three times. The clinic has become the largest multi-specialty group practice in the entire state, and it offers more clinical trials then any other provider outside of UAMS.
Today, there are 22 locations, 30 specialties, 95 physicians, plans to build a state-of-the-art medical office building and a new cancer treatment and research center. The newest family practice clinic in Paragould just opened this summer, and other services will continue to grow as the need arises. Currently, there are family practice clinics (several with urgent care services) in Jonesboro, Trumann, Lake City, Paragould, Cherokee Village, Osceola and Blytheville. The specialties offered range from cardiology to dermatology to plastic surgery. Newly added specialties such as pain management, sleep medicine and podiatry reflect the rising need for unique treatments in a growing population. “Developing new specialty services and bringing the best in medicine is our mission. We are excited to be a part of NEA and carry that name proudly as we become more of a national clinic in the years ahead. Yet we know that it is all about the patient and we want to always put our patients first, and then the success will come naturally,” Dr. Stephen Woodruff. Dr. Hall, who has remained involved in the leadership of the company he founded, recently reflected that he was simply “in the right place at the right time” when he brought his vision to Jonesboro. Yet he still serves as a visionary, predicting, “I see our organization, now a maturing health care delivery system, reaching unimaginable goals.”
Other founding physicians credit the support of the Administrators were hired to keep things flowing community, the camaraderie among physicians, and a while physicians concentrated on their patients. A large national managed care company, PhyCor, “We are confident that our focus on commitment to recruiting only the best doctors some of came along and helped NEA Clinic grow from 35 recruiting & retaining high quality the reasons for success. Dr. William Hubbard, who doctors to 75 by the late ‘90s. Unfortunately, physicians, that always place the patient joined NEA Clinic as its first pulmonologist in 1985, the folks here at home were reminded that and the community at the forefront of recently stated, “I am especially proud of the way the physician input and local independence were the their concern, is the key to our success. clinic has recruited and maintained an excellent, diverse keys to managing a large group practice, and they Maintaining this focus will enable us, group of clinical physicians. With continued growth, our felt it necessary to govern themselves. A difficult for many decades to come, to effectively focus will always remain on providing the highest transition of buying back the clinic ensued in provide the high level of quality care the standard of quality care to our patients.” 1999. With newly hired management team, the community has come to expect from NEA Clinic is grateful to the vision and dedication of clinic had a renewed vision in 2000 – with just NEA Clinic,” Jim Boswell CEO. these physicians. Recently, we held the first NEA Clinic 43 physicians. Charitable Foundation Gala where we honored our founding physicians, including: Dr. Ray Hall, Dr. Michael Mackey, Dr. This dramatic turning point led to spectacular growth within the clinic, Robert Taylor, Dr. Michael Hightower, Dr. Stephen Woodruff, Dr. partnerships with NEA Medical Center, and the Athletic Club of Anthony White, Dr. William Hubbard, Dr. Allen Nixon, Dr. Michael Jonesboro – which is now the NEA Clinic Wellness Center – and the Isaacson, Dr. Ronald Blachly, and, posthumously, Dr. Hank Jordan. founding of NEA Clinic Charitable Foundation, a nonprofit organization that operates four programs serving thousands of people in th Northeast Arkansas with specialty medical and wellness services.
Happy 30 Birthday, NEA Clinic!
11. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
W
hen a limousine came to pick up Bob and Wilma Smith of Jonesboro to begin their journey to Arizona, it was just the beginning of some big-time red carpet treatment for the couple, who were going on this journey to receive an award for their inspirational story. The award was the 2007 Richard L. Swanson award, which recognizes an individual who has been touched by the SilverSneakers Fitness Program and whose healthy behavior has made a difference in his or her own life and perhaps inspired others. Hundreds of nominations were collected from SilverSneakers members across the country. The winning nomination was carefully selected from a group of national finalists, all of whom shared uplifting stories about how the unique exercise program changed their lives. Usually, there is only award winner. However, Bob nominated Wilma for this award, and Wilma nominated Bob, and both were found to be the most inspirational! So, for the first time, two Richard L. Swanson Awards were chosen from among hundreds across the country. The Smiths’ journey to this point in their lives began in 1995 when Bob suffered major leg and back injuries during a bad fall down a cliff. It took months of rehabilitation, but Bob persevered and exercised to regain his strength. He was able to return to his job, and he enjoyed his time working out. But he wished his wife would join him. As Wilma wrote in her nomination letter, “One thing that was missing, though, was that I, his wife Wilma, did not go with him, and that bothered him that as he was becoming stronger I was not taking care of myself physically.” In 2004, the couple suffered another setback – but this one was emotional instead of physical. Their beloved grandson, Xander, was killed in an automobile accident. Having been heavily involved in their grandson’s life, Wilma and Bob were devastated. Wilma especially found her own life harder to live, and according to Bob, she was on her way to a nervous breakdown.
12. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
But then the couple heard about SilverSneakers, a program at the NEA Clinic Wellness Center that allowed seniors on eligible health plans to join the center for free and have access to all the equipment and classes that a normal membership would provide. After joining the program, the Smiths began attending every day. Their physical condition continued to improve over time, but it also gave them something to look forward to. The activities were stimulating, and they were able to meet people much like them who were able to benefit from the camaraderie of special SilverSneakers classes held just for them. “The program has been excellent for our physical health and for our relationship,” wrote Wilma in her nomination letter. “Bob loves it, and so do I. “According to Bob, the difference participation in SilverSneakers has made in Wilma’s life is phenomenal. “When we got involved in SilverSneakers, it made such a difference in Wilma’s mood,” Bob wrote. “She exercises every day, has an interest in living and is becoming herself again. She still stays up and reads, and she still cries sometimes, but I can see my beautiful, cheerful wife in her again. I am so grateful for this program and the change it has made of my nominee for this award, Wilma Smith.” The royal treatment the Smiths received for their inspirational story included the limo trip to the airport in Memphis, a cheering crowd of people with balloons when they arrived in Arizona, and all their meals paid for. The couple stayed in a beautiful resort in Scottsdale with swimming pool, tennis court and golf course. During the ceremony, their nomination letters were read in front of the audience. For more information on how you or a loved one might benefit from the SilverSneakers program, call the NEA Clinic Wellness Center at (870) 932-1898, or visit 2617 Phillips Dr.
LASIK: Makes Life Clearer
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t age 38 and nearly a year after her LASIK vision correction surgery, Daya McAlexander wonders how she ever got by before having the procedure done. As a full-time professional in real estate and a mother of active twin girls, Daya relied on her contact lenses to give her proper vision as she went from work to tennis to any number of her daughters’ activities. But, like many contact lens wearers, she sometimes got so busy that she would leave the lenses in her eyes .overnight – a major nono, according to doctors. Going from activity to activity took up time, and Daya occasionally cut corners to save a minute or two here and there. That habit, however, caused some eye health problems, and Daya realized that she had to do things differently. She asked her ophthalmologist at NEA Clinic Eye Center if she might be a good candidate for LASIK. She went in for a free consultation and was told that she was, in fact, a prime candidate for the procedure. LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and is an outpatient surgical procedure that uses a cool laser beam to gently reshape the surface of the cornea, the clear covering of the front of the eye. The beam gently pulses to remove a microscopic amount of tissue, allowing images to be more sharply focused on the retina. LASIK causes
little or no discomfort and improves vision. The goal of LASIK is to reduce dependence on glasses or contacts.
“There’s a risk with any surgery, but I knew the doctor was an expert and I trusted him,” she said.
Convinced that LASIK would benefit her, Daya signed up for the surgery. “It was really a very simple procedure,” she said. “It was only one day off work, and my vision was 2015 the next day. My vision now is better than I ever remember it being.”
LASIK is generally not covered by health insurance, as it is considered an elective procedure. The cost per eye is approximately $1,699. For Daya, the investment was well worth it.
“For me, glasses were cumbersome. They were never comfortable, no matter how light the frame was. If you have an active lifestyle, I highly recommend it. I have no contacts, I have no case, no solution. Life is cumbersome enough, so anything you can do to w o n n io vis make it easier is worth it.” an
The procedure was painless and brief, she recalls. “You’re basically given a mild sedative, mostly so you go home and sleep,” she explained. “You’re supposed to rest your eyes for the rest of the day.”
...My She remembers feeling a is better th er slight bit of pressure and says she would describe the She estimates that over the I ever rememb sensation as “slight course of her lifetime, the .” g in e b it discomfort, at the worst.” cost of contacts, solution and “The actual laser only took about other related purchases would add 15 minutes, so with preparation and up to much more money than the one-time everything, I was out within an hour and a payment for the LASIK. In addition, the cost half.” of LASIK has come down quite a bit since the procedure was first introduced. The next day, Daya realized how much better her vision had become. “With contacts, I “For me, it was a matter of taking care of my thought I was seeing fine, and I was. But it eyes,” Daya said. “It was money well spent for was like going from seeing well to seeing me.” excellent,” she said. LASIK consultations are available for anyone Although she had considered the possibility interested in the procedure. Financing is also of negative side effects, Daya said she carefully available. For more information, please call weighed the benefits against the risks and NEA Clinic Eye Center at (870)932found the advantages to be overwhelming. 0485.
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To find out if your health plan is in-network, please call us at (870) 932-0023 13. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
INTERNAL MEDICINE-PEDIATRICS
A Doctor For Every Age!
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hat is Internal MedicinePediatrics (Med-Peds)? Internal Medicine-Pediatrics trained physicians embody the skills, wisdom, and dedication of pediatricians and internists in a single physician. MedPeds training and practice combines two complex disciplines into a whole greater than the sum of its parts. Med-Peds physicians bring a unique insight and scope to the care of patients throughout their life span. Caring for multiple generations of the same family lends them intrinsic comprehension of family dynamics, epidemiology and the impact of acute or chronic illness at all ages, all in the
14. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
context of family systems. Coupled with this special continuity are the tremendous rewards of durable relationships as the health care provider for families over several decades. Med-Peds physicians draw from the rich repertoire of knowledge and skills of pediatricians and internists to bring great flexibility in their approach to clinical medicine.
& Pediatrics residency program they are eligible to sit for the Board certification exams in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics and become “double-boarded” for both these specialties.
What kind of training does it take to become a Med-Peds physician?
NEA Health System has always been dedicated to providing comprehensive, personalized, quality health care for all patients throughout the NEA region. Med-Peds Physicians place great emphasis on care of the whole patient, be they infant, child, adolescent, adult or geriatric, in the context of their family. With the addition of Med-Peds and the combined efforts of the specialties present, I believe that we can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
After completing four years of medical school, a physician must then complete further years of training to be fully licensed in most states in the United States.
What does this mean for NEA Clinic and the patients of Northeast Arkansas?
Internal Medicine physicians, or internists, train three additional years after medical school leading to Board Certification in Internal Medicine. Pediatricians train three additional years after medical school to board-certify in Pediatrics. Since there is frequent crossover of disease and treatment between children and adults, Med-Peds training enjoys the consolidation of these two specialties into four years. While there is no Board of Med-Peds, once Brannon Treece, M.D. a physician successfully Internal Medicine - Pediatrics completes a four-year NEA Clinic – 870.935.4150 Combined Internal Medicine
Health Screenings Prevent
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Stroke
troke is a major health problem in the United States. It is the leading cause of long-term disability and is the third leading cause of death. Over 700,000 strokes occurred in the United States in 2006. Of those, about 10% died and 85% have some degree of disability. About 35% require care in an extended care facility such as a nursing home with almost half of all nursing home admissions due to stroke. This is a common and often devastating disease in older people.
These conditions have no symptoms, and the individual is often unaware of any problem until a stroke or other vascular event occurs. Fortunately these problems can be easily detected by relatively low cost and rapid screening exams. A large number of strokes could be prevented by screening for and treating these conditions in middleaged and older adults.
A rapid screening ultrasound exam can very quickly identify abnormal carotid arteries. Any abnormality on screening should be followed by a complete ultrasound examination. Follow-up and treatment should be started as needed, depending on the severity the blockage. Usually medical treatment and routine follow-up exams to detect worsening blockage is required. More severe blockages may require surgery to decrease stroke risk. At this time ultrasound screening for ... the individ carotid artery blockage is ual is not covered by Medicare or often unaware of any most insurance companies. problem unti However follow-up exams la and treatment if an stroke or oth er abnormality is discovered are vascular even t occurs. usually covered.
Ultimately stroke and vascular disease are best prevented by modifying or controlling factors known to increase the risk of developing vascular disease. These risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, obesity, diabetes, and sedentary lifestyle. These changes need to begin early in life with good eating and exercise habits and weight control. Abnormal levels of cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure need to be identified as early as possible and treated aggressively. Such intervention has been shown to decrease the risk and delay the onset of vascular disease and stroke. Decreasing the risk of stroke has the added benefit of also decreasing the risk of heart attack and peripheral vascular disease. Unfortunately in spite of best efforts some people will develop vascular disease and high stroke risk as they age.
In order to prevent stroke in middle-aged and older adults we need to screen for the major causes of stroke and treat the problems appropriately. The three major causes of stroke in older individuals are: 1. Carotid artery disease - Blockage in arteries in the neck, which supply blood to the brain. This is the most common cause of stroke. 2. Atrial fibrillation - This is an abnormal heart rhythm that may lead to clot formation in the heart, which may then become dislodged and travel by blood flow to the brain causing stroke.
Atrial fibrillation usually can be identified by listening to the heart rhythm or feeling the pulse and then doing an EKG on those individuals with irregular pulse. The presence of atrial fibrillation requires evaluation and treatment by a physician. Treatment with a blood thinner may be required to decrease stroke risk. Screening for hypertension simply requires measuring the blood pressure with a blood pressure cuff. Any elevation of blood pressure above normal should be monitored, and if persistently elevated it should be treated by a physician. Widespread screening of older adults could dramatically decrease the incidence of stroke and stroke related disability while significantly decreasing the cost of medical care in the long run. Promoting healthy diet, weight control, smoking prevention and exercise and monitoring cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure at all ages can result in long-term dramatic decrease in strokes, heart attack and other vascular disease.
3. Hypertension - Long-term high blood pressure increases the risk of vascular disease and stroke. Extremely high blood pressure may increase the risk of bleeding into the brain.
Robert Taylor, M.D. Cardiology – NEA Clinic 870.935.4150
◆ www.neahealth.com keyword: stroke 15. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
What's Biting
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOP
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A trip into the great outdoors wouldn't be the same without ticks. These little creepy crawlies are notorious for causing disease which in rare instances can actually be fatal, but fear not because the vast majority of ticks never ever bite a human. There are a few tips which, if taken, can minimize your risk of tick bite and maximize your chances of fun this summer. First, if hiking or walking in the woods, stay on the trail and out of the bushes, grass, and deep brush. It is easier to see the ticks and remove them if you are wearing light colored clothing. Keep the pants tucked into your socks when in tick country. Tick repellent containing DEET sprayed on your clothing not your skin will help as well. After each trip to the woods, you should check yourself, your children, and pets for ticks. If you find one, keep looking as there may be more.
Chiggers are another pest that can cause intense itching and discomfort to people in this area. They are almost microscopic measuring only 1/100 of an inch. The problem with chiggers is not that they cause disease but the itching can lead to skin breakdown and a secondary infection such as impetigo. Literally hundreds of these mites can attach themselves to unwitting victims who happen to walk through woods or tall grass where they commonly live. Home remedies abound for treatment of the chigger bites such as meat tenderizer or even fingernail polish applied to the skin. None of these remedies has been proven to be effective. The actual chigger mite is a larval or immature stage that bites us, feeding on skin cells and falling off. When people apply fingernail polish to the bite, the parasite is long gone. The allergic reaction from the bite is what causes the itch, not the chigger itself.
When you find a tick attached to your skin, it should be removed immediately to reduce the chance of local irritation and tick-borne illness. Using tweezers, grasp its head and gently remove the tick. Then keep the area clean with soap and water. For local itch and irritation, a little cortisone cream will help. If you have a tick that is deeply imbedded into your skin, it may be better to have a physician remove the entire tick rather than to pull it apart and leave the mouthparts still attached.
s summertime continues, the picnics, hikes, and other outdoor activities that occur place people in the path of some of nature's little nasties. These commonly include mosquitoes, ticks, and chiggers. In Northeast Arkansas every year these creatures cause much discomfort and anxiety due to their potential to transmit diseases. Thankfully, this potential is very small. Mosquitoe bites usually cause only a local whelp with moderate itching. The risk of contracting malaria or encephalitis in this area is very low. Home treatment of symptoms is usually all that is needed. Most people have a tube of cortisone to quiet down the itch, or even a simple ice cube may help. People may not realize that it is only the female mosquito that bites us, the males mainly feed on plant juices and nectar.
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A tick should be removed immediately to reduce the chance of local irritation and tick-borne illness.
A visit to your NEA Clinic Physician should follow if you develop any fever, flu-like symptoms, rash, joint aches or if you are unable to completely remove the tick. Sometimes antibiotic treatment may be beneficial, and your doctor can perform simple blood tests to determine if you have Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, or other tick diseases.
â—† www.neahealth.com keyword: Bug Bite
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOP 16. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
You?
PQRSTUVWXYZ Black Widow spiders are common in the Natural State. Black Widow spiders are shiny black with a red hour-glass shape on their abdomen. There bite should be instantly recognized due to the amount of pain they cause. Black Widow spiders are found worldwide. Their bites may cause muscle cramps or abdominal pain, which has been known to mimic appendicitis. Medical treatment usually is not necessary, but when in Preparation, doubt, get checked out.
education, and respect ...make the most of your time in nature...
The most common spider bite in this area is likely the Brown Recluse spider. They are reclusive and like to hide in closets, piles of clothes, barns, basements, woodpiles, or attics. They can be identified by a dark fiddle shape on their back. Thankfully, they are not aggressive and bite only when threatened, usually when pressed against the skin. The venom is poisonous and can cause destruction of the skin, fat, and blood vessels. Initially the bite is red with possible fang marks visable. Most commonly, the bite heals in several days without any tissue destruction. If you think you have been bitten by a Brown Recluse spider, seek medical attention that day. Bring the spider into the office in a container and the physician may be able to accurately identify the spider.
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As you head outdoors this fall, don't let the creepy crawlies ruin your day. Preparation, education, and respect will allow you to make the most of your time in nature, and if you should cross paths with these or other biters, always remember that we are watching out for you. Jeff Barber, D.O. Family Practice – Hilltop Clinic NEA Clinic – 870.932.8222
PQRSTUVWXYZ 17. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
Cover Story
ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY Orthopedics deal with diseases and injuries of the bone, joints, back, neck, arms, legs, hands, and feet. In an arm or leg, orthopedics more specifically deals with disease and injuries of muscles, tendons (leaders), ligaments, nerves, joints, and bones.
The Rotator Cuff
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he rotator cuff consists of four small muscles and tendons that arise from the shoulder blade and attach to the upper portion of the arm bone. It forms a covering of the shoulder joint. The rotator cuff serves to rotate the arm, stabilize the shoulder joint, and assist in the elevation of the arm. Disorders of the rotator cuff can affect all ages. These may arise secondary to overuse syndromes, trauma, or even aging and degenerative processes. In younger individuals, overuse is the usually the main culprit. In older persons, degeneration of the rotator cuff tendon is typical. Trauma can affect all age groups. Persons who do repetitive tasks with arm at shoulder level or above, and throwing athletes, are particularly susceptible to rotator cuff injury. Symptoms of rotator cuff problems include pain in the shoulder and upper arm with activities, pain with overhead use, difficulty reaching the small of your back, pain at night while attempting to sleep, and loss of motion or strength. Some persons will describe a painful pop or catch with the arm at shoulder height. Numbness of the arm and hand are usually not related to the rotator cuff. Most rotator cuff problems can be treated non-surgically. Treatment may include restriction of activity, icing before and
Henry Stroope, M.D. Orthopedic Surgery NEA Clinic – 870.935.8388
after activities, anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, and physical strengthening exercises. Significant injuries to the rotator cuff tendon, such as severe tendon fraying or rupture, indicate tendon failure and are known as rotator cuff tears. These are usually treated surgically. Surgery may include tendon decompression from extrinsic pressure, tendon repair, or even tendon augmentation and reconstruction. A long-standing unrepaired rotator cuff tear may lead to shoulder dysfunction, chronic pain, and even arthritic destruction of the shoulder joint. Rotator cuff surgery may require standard surgical approaches with an open incision, but most can now be addressed surgically with less invasive arthroscopic techniques using puncture incisions. Arthroscopic techniques have evolved dramatically in the past few years, allowing the procedure to be done comfortably as an outpatient procedure. Severe rotator cuff deficiency with painful dysfunction can be addressed with implant arthroplasty reconstruction in selected patients. Rotator cuff disorders are a very common affliction of most every age group. Most disorders can be managed effectively without surgery. Advanced rotator cuff disease will usually require surgery. Newer less invasive techniques are now available for those who need surgery.
Osteoarthritis of the Knee
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illions of Americans suffer from some degree of pain, swelling or stiffness in the knee, the most common cause being osteoarthritis (OA). Although there are numerous types of knee arthritis, OA is by far the most prevalent, with over 5 million physician office visits and 400,000 surgical procedures attributed to this condition annually. Not only does knee OA adversely affect daily home activities, it also has a significant impact in the workplace, since a worker with knee OA will miss over 4 times the number of work days due to health reasons compared to one without OA. What is osteoarthritis? Often termed “wear and tear arthritis”, OA refers to the thinning and wearing away of the cartilage surface of the knee joint. In our joints, the bone ends are covered with thick, rubbery protective cartilage (this is the pearly white stuff
18. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
on the end of a chicken bone). As OA progresses, this normally smooth surface cracks, pits, and eventually completely wears away, leaving the bones to rub together. Ouch! Who gets OA of the knee? Osteoarthritis of the knee usually occurs after the age of 50, and is more common in Caucasians, the obese, and in those with a family history of OA. Additionally, highly active younger persons may develop OA if they have suffered a significant knee injury in the past. What are the symptoms? Typical symptoms are a gradual onset of pain in or around the knee that is worse with activity, better with rest. Some degree of swelling or stiffness may also be present. Many patients have difficulty negotiating stairs, have to use their arms to push up from a sitting position,
and once standing, have to hesitate for a few moments before starting to walk. The symptoms will also vary from day to day, and as the deterioration progresses, the “bad days” will eventually out number the “good days”. What treatment is available? There is no cure for OA as of yet. Treatment depends on the individual patients’ symptoms, activity level, and overall health. The goals of treatment are to provide pain relief, increase motion and strength, and improve the overall quality of life. Options range from simply modifying ones’ lifestyle to undergoing knee replacement surgery. Lifestyle changes – The most obvious change is to avoid or modify activities that worsen the OA
◆ www.neahealth.com keyword: orthopedic surgery ◆ www.neahealth.com keyword: rotator cuff ◆ www.neahealth.com keyword: hip replacemnt
Hip Resurfacing
ANOTHER OPTION FOR AN OLD PROBLEM
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hat is the difference in a traditional hip replacement and a hip resurfacing?
A traditional total hip replacement removes the damaged or worn out parts of the hip joint- the acetabulum (hip socket) and the femoral head (ball) and replaces them with implants called prostheses. These implants are strong, stable, and allow the hip to move more easily again. When placed in a younger patient population, there is a chance that a traditional hip replacement will wear out and need to be replaced again. This second surgery or revision is a much more difficult undertaking. Hip Resurfacing is a type of hip replacement which replaces the two surfaces of the hip joint.
anatomically sized metal sphere. There is no large stem to go down the central part of the femur and the surface of the acetabulum (the socket) is also replaced with a metal implant, which is press fit directly into the bone. These implants are extremely polished to produce low friction motion, which should result in longevity of the implant. Who is a candidate for Resurfacing? Patients who need to have hip replacements under the age of 50 - 55, assuming they have normal life span, have a very high chance that the conventional hip replacement will wear out and need to be replaced during their lifetime hence the resurfacing procedure offers potentially significant advantages in this group. What is the most common cause of degeneration of the hip? Arthritis occurs when the cartilage in a joint wears away. This allows the bones to “scrape” together.
The procedure is very bone conserving as the head of the femur is retained and simply reshaped, it is shaped to accept an
continued to page 20
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Jason Brandt, M.D. Orthopedic Surgery – NEA Clinic
symptoms. Many “baby boomers” remain physically active as they age, which is good for overall health, but potentially bad for arthritic knees, especially if the activities are high impact (e.g., running, racquetball, basketball). Substituting smooth, low impact activities such as cycling, walking, swimming, or water aerobics will provide the benefits of exercise with less irritation to the knees. For the obese individual with OA, exercise such as this can be integrated along with diet modifications into a supervised weight loss program that, when successful, can have a dramatic effect on reducing the pain and dysfunction secondary to knee OA.
Thomas Day, M.D. Orthopedic Surgery – NEA Clinic
Dietary supplements – Glucosamine and other dietary supplements can be useful in the treatment of OA, although the claims that they can “re-grow cartilage” and “repair damaged joints” are false. There are data that demonstrate a reduction in OA pain in individuals that take a combination of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM on a daily basis, and I have found that these products can be especially useful for patients who are in the early stages of OA. The FDA does not regulate these products, however, so check with your pharmacist or primary care physician to make sure that you will not have any interactions with prescription medications you may be taking. Oral medications – Over the counter medications such as acetaminophen
(Tylenol), ibuprofen (Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) are used frequently for relief of OA pain. Prescription antiinflammatory meds such as Celebrex, Mobic, and Relafen are often prescribed when over the counter meds no longer are effective. Everyone responds to these medications differently, so what works for one person may not help another. Your physician can help you decide which one is best for you. Unfortunately, as the OA progresses, all of these medications become less effective. Injections – Many individuals with OA of the knee know the value of an occasional “cortisone shot” into their knee (we actually use a medication that is similar to, but better than, cortisone). An occasional
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19. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Hip Resurfacing
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(3 or more months apart) injection can provide temporary pain relief and allow resolution of most activities. The medication is a powerful antiinflammatory that will reduce the internal inflammation within the knee and thereby reduce pain. The most common side effects, lasting 1 or 2 days, are hot flashes and blood sugar elevations (in diabetics). Another type of injection is termed viscosupplementation, a fancy word that simply means adding a thick, viscous fluid to the joint. In OA, the normal joint fluid becomes thin and watery, and loses some of its cushioning effect. Several products are available that mimic the thick, viscous nature of normal joint fluid, and when injected into the osteoarthritic knee (usually in a series of 3 injections performed weekly), improvement in OA symptoms can result. Surgical treatment – The ultimate solution for a patient with symptomatic knee OA is knee replacement surgery, now recognized as one of the most important orthopedic surgical advances of the 20th century. More than 300,000 knee replacements are performed annually in the USA, and this number will increase significantly in the coming years. The procedure consists of removing all (complete knee replacement) or part (partial knee replacement) of the damaged joint, and then resurfacing it with metal and plastic parts. When performed by an experienced orthopedic surgeon, reliable resolution of knee pain and improvement in quality of life can be achieved. Who should consider surgery? Patients who continue to have significant pain that limits daily activities, pain at rest, knee deformity secondary to OA, knee stiffness, or failure to improve with the non-operative described above may benefit from surgical treatment. The decision to proceed with knee replacement surgery should be a cooperative one between the patient, family members, the primary care physician, and the orthopedic surgeon. All too often I have patients ask me if they “need to have the operation done”, or, worse yet, tell me that another surgeon told them that they “had to have it done”. The truth is that knee replacement is an elective procedure, which means that you can elect to have it done (or not) whenever you are ready, provided, of course, that the conservative measures described previously no longer provide adequate relief of symptoms. Partial vs total knee replacement Traditional knee replacement (termed total knee arthroplasty, or TKA) consists of resurfacing the entire knee joint through a 5 to 8 inch incision in the front of the knee, centered over the kneecap. Typical recovery consists of a 3 – 5 day hospital stay, physical therapy treatments and use of a walker or cane for 4 – 8 weeks, and a steady return to most activities (including work) within 3 months. 20. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
Within this time period, over 90% of patients report relief of their arthritic pain, although it may take up to a year for the knee to feel “normal” again. In partial knee replacement, also called unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), only one side of the joint is resurfaced, and as a result the recovery is usually quicker, and requires less physical therapy, than with TKA. This is especially beneficial for individuals who want to return to work as quickly as possible after surgery. Less than 10% of OA patients, however, are candidates for this procedure. Additionally, the durability of UKA is less than TKA, and therefore there is a high likelihood that within 5 to 10 years, a complete knee replacement will eventually be required. What about “minimally invasive” knee replacement? In recent years, there has been a great deal of hype about minimally invasive surgery (MIS), especially with regard to knee replacement. The MIS technique of knee replacement involves using smaller surgical guides and instruments to perform TKA through a shorter (4 to 6 inch) incision. The procedure itself, i.e., what is actually done to the knee, is the same as traditional TKA. Proponents of MIS tout quicker rehabilitation and less postsurgical pain, but these advantages have yet to be proven. In fact, some studies have shown that the positioning of the implants is less reliable with MIS, thereby potentially compromising the long-term durability of the joint. Obviously, having your new knee last as long as possible is more important than whether you stay in the hospital for 2 vs. 4 days or have an incision that is an inch or two shorter. While the potential benefits of MIS are appealing, more research is needed to determine if this technique has any true advantages over traditional TKA. How long will my knee replacement last? Many factors determine the longevity of an artificial knee, the most important being the size and activity level of the patient and the positioning of the implants. In general, there is a 90 – 95% chance that a TKA will last 15 or more years. Odds are you or someone you know have OA of the knee. As we have discussed, there are many treatment options available, and your primary care physician or orthopedic surgeon can help determine what is best for you. Further information about OA and other orthopedic conditions can be found on the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons web site at www.aaos.org.
Osteoarthritis is often referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis. It is the most common form of arthritis. There may be a genetic cause for this arthritis but previous surgery or injury may be contributing factors. What are the advantages of resurfacing versus a traditional hip replacement? The advantages apply mainly to the younger joint replacement candidate as traditional hip replacements function very well, especially with the use of newer materials like ceramic. Resurfacing preserves bone, thus allowing potentially an easier conversion to a total hip at a later date. Improved stability and more normal activity have been reported as well. How do I know if I am a candidate for Hip Resurfacing? If you are under the age of 60 with persistent groin pain unrelieved with medications and activity modification, you may be a candidate. You should have an evaluation by a physician which most likely includes an xray of your hip. MRI’s and bone scans are imaging studies of the hip that may also be useful. The ultimate decision will be made by you and your orthopedic surgeon as to whether you are a candidate for this type of surgery.
Jason Brandt, M.D. Orthopedic Surgery NEA Clinic – 870.935.8388
Thomas Day, M.D. Orthopedic Surgery NEA Clinic – 870.935.8388
Jonesboro clinic first in the world to offer new drug clinical trial NEA Clinic’s oncology/hematology department recently opened the first clinical trial for an investigational drug, with the first patient in this international study enrolling at this site in March. This study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of the new oral drug Eltrombopag Olamine. The drug is produced by GlaxoSmithKline. Eltrombopag Olamine is used to increase a patient’s platelet count. It is hoped that this medicine will treat patients with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). ITP is a bleeding disorder in which the blood does not clot as it should. Platelets are the tiny cells that seal minor cuts and wounds and form blood clots. A person with too few platelets bruises easily and bleeds for a long time after being injured and may be more susceptible to nose bleeds. The cause of ITP is often not known, but women tend to suffer from this condition more often than men. In adults, ITP is sometimes connected with systemic lupus erythematosus or acute or chronic leukemia. This investigational drug is an oral platelet growth factor. It reacts with receptors on cells in the bone marrow and stimulates platelet production.
Existing treatments can be expensive and invasive, and patients sometimes suffer from relapses. This investigational drug would be used after the initial treatment to increase platelet counts. Sometimes patients require surgery, but if their platelet count is not high enough, the surgery can’t be performed. In such an instance, simply taking a pill to increase the platelet count would make surgery possible. Patients who participate in this study will be asked to take the study medication by mouth once a day for 6 weeks. All studyrelated medical exams, laboratory tests, and study medication will be provided to study participants at no cost. Their participation in this study is voluntary, and they can withdraw from the study at any time. Dr. Ronald Blachly, Dr. Carroll Scroggin and Dr. D. Allen Nixon, Jr. are the three physicians offering this clinical study to patients at NEA Clinic in Jonesboro. Anyone interested in this study may call 870-935-4150.
When it comes to surgery, you do have a choice.
The Surgical Hospital of Jonesboro specializes in surgery, giving you the best care, the latest equipment, the most talented medical professionals and physical WKHUDS\ SHUIRUPHG RQO\ E\ FHUWL¿HG WKHUDSLVWV – all available through most insurance companies. SHJ offers DOO RI WKHVH EHQH¿WV ‡ /LFHQVHG QXUVH WR SDWLHQW UDWLR RI MXVW QXUVH WR SDWLHQWV ‡ 5HPDUNDEO\ ORZ LQIHFWLRQ UDWH ‡ 7KH DUHDœV EHVW FKRLFH IRU FRVPHWLF VXUJHU\ ‡ $ FRPSOHWH FRPIRUWDEOH VOHHS FOLQLF
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Surgical Hospital of Jonesboro (QWHUSULVH 'ULYH ‡ -RQHVERUR $5 ‡ ZZZ WVKM FRP
'LUHFWLRQV )URP WKH +LJKZD\ %\SDVV JR QRUWK RQ +DUULVEXUJ 5RDG WKHQ HDVW RQ :LQGRYHU 5RDG WR (QWHUSULVH 'ULYH 21. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
“this is a pain in the neck!” W
e’ve all heard the phrase, and most of us have used it at one point in our daily living. But maybe we should also start saying, “This is a pain in the back!” After all, back pain is also quite a common ailment. Often we hear people complaining about an aching neck or low back pain with radiating pain to either an arm or leg. Both neck and back pain are tricky conditions. Some people may go for years without getting proper treatment for their aches. Some regularly visit chiropractors with various degrees of success. And some neck and back problems simply aren’t easy to treat. One wrong move when lifting a heavy box and you’re out for a week. Fortunately, medical technology has advanced to the point that many of these aggravating and excruciating conditions can be alleviated, and sometimes managed altogether for complete relief of pain. One such advanced technique is spinal cord neurostimulation. It sounds intimidating, but the process is fairly simple. It is a two phase process whereby the patient can actually experience the therapy on an out-patient trial basis after a straightforward same-day procedure. After a successful out-patient trial of therapy, the patient undergoes a minor surgical same-day procedure whereby the “pacemaker for pain” is implanted to block pain signals that are traveling to the brain, thus alleviating pain. Basically, a small battery-powered pulse generator is implanted under the skin of the upper chest, flank or upper buttocks, which is connected to an electrode array implanted near the spinal cord. The spinal cord neurostimulation system is controlled by a small wireless handheld programmer. This procedure is available in Jonesboro by Dr. Raymond D. Greaser of the NEA Center for Pain Management. Dr. Greaser is a nationally recognized expert in the field of neurostimulation who has been performing the procedure and teaching other physicians new techniques of the procedure for over 10 years. Dr. has a 90% success rate with spinal cord neurostimulation therapy in the treatment of chronic pain.
Dr. Greaser recommends this procedure for people who have any one of the following:
•
Failed conventional pain medicine therapies/ physical therapies / chiropractic adjustments • Failed neck surgery with chronic neck pain that radiates to an arm • Failed back surgery with chronic low back pain that radiates to a leg • Diabetic peripheral neuropathy or peripheral vascular disease (PVD) • Reflex sympathetic dystrophy To find out if you might benefit from spinal cord neurostimulation therapy, please call the NEA Center for Pain Management at (870) 933-7471.
◆ www.neahealth.com keyword: low back pain
22. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
Ray Greaser, M.D. NEA Clinic Pain Management 870.933.7471
s p i T E S N E F E SELF DEFENSE SELF D W
ith a smile on your face and spring in your step you waltz out of a store carrying shopping bags full of the cutest clothes of the season with one hand and holding your phone in the other talking to your husband about what to pick up for dinner. You are only half way paying attention as you walk down the aisle to your car and once you are there you stop to put the phone on your shoulder to keep talking so you can dig through your purse to find your keys. Just then two arms reach around your body and grab you tight and a strange voice is trying to drag you away. Your heart starts beating out of your chest and breathing gets much tougher. A million things run through your mind, family, work, kids. What do you do now? How do you get away? Do you know how to get away? What could you have done to prevent this? Unfortunately this scenario happens every day in our world. Here in Arkansas over 15,000 violent crimes were reported last year. That represents around 30% of the actual crimes that took place according to the Bureau of Justice. So this means that just here in Arkansas we deal with over 50,000 violent crimes yearly reported and non reported. Aggravated Assault is # 1 on the list followed by robbery and forcible rape and lastly murder. What can YOU do to protect yourself and your family? Of the many options available to you and your family the most important factor in my opinion is education on AWARENESS. The above scenario described a typical scene where most folks are just not aware enough of who or what is around them. Over the next few issues I will be offering you some basic safety tips and advice. Please post these where you can read them often as well as read over them with your family. Be AWARE. You should be able to describe anyone that ever walks past you, hair color, eyes, height, clothes, etc. Walk with confidence and purpose. Keep your head up and watch what is going on around you. Be STRONG. Predators look for the weak and those that look afraid. Do not walk with your head down or look afraid. Put your car keys in your hand BEFORE leaving the store. This way you do not take your attention away from your surroundings outside. Do not talk on your cell phone on the way to your car. Seriously, you CAN WAIT 30 seconds to get inside your locked car to make the phone call. Look around and inside of your car when approaching to get in. If someone is following you or just plain making you feel weird turn and LOOK THEM IN THE EYES and say something, such as ‘It’s a beautiful day isn’t it?’ This does multiple things for you. One, they know that you can identify them and they know that you are very aware that they are there and you are not afraid.
FIGHT BACK. Do NOT under any circumstance just give up or give in to an attacker wanting you to leave with them. You have the right to protect yourself and should always do so. The statistics of you surviving abduction are very low. FIGHT BACK. SCREAM, HOLLER, YELL, RUN do whatever it takes to bring attention to what is happening to you. Most of the time this will cause the attacker to flee for fear of getting caught. Remember, attackers look and want weak targets. If you fight back and make a scene you are more trouble for them than they want. GIVE THEM WHAT THEY WANT. If you are approached with a weapon and asked for your purse, bags, wallet, etc. GIVE IT TO THEM. I promise that whatever is in your purse is not worth your life. Material things can be replaced, you cannot. Throw your purse towards your attacker and then turn, RUN and SCREAM. The attacker will more than likely grab your purse and take off in the other direction praying to not get caught. You live to fight another day. If you are grabbed while holding a lot of bags just DROP THEM and start screaming and running. Again, they are not worth your life. It is OK to turn down people asking for help. It may seem rude but you just never know what their intentions are. Better safe than sorry. Try not to wear overly baggy clothing. It is easier to grab for attackers. This is just a very basic list of tips. Please feel free to contact me at my martial arts studio to pick up a full packet of tips on Self Defense. At my studio I offer a FREE once a month Women’s Self Defense Class. Please get together your friends and family and join us for HANDS ON training to really learn what to do when you are attacked. Following are dates for the next few classes: Thursday nights @ 7:30 pm - July 26, August 23, September 27, October 25, November 29 Joey Perry JOEY PERRY’S MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY 3501 East Parker, Rd., Jonesboro • (870) 910-3903 www.joeyperrysma.com jp@elitemaa.com Joey Perry has been training in martial arts for over 21 years. He is a certified public safety instructor and is the owner of the largest single martial arts school in the state of Arkansas. Joey also serves as the Arkansas state director for the National Association of Professional Martial Artists.
23. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
Is it a Sleep Disorder? T
he field of sleep medicine is by most standards a newcomer among the many medical specialties available. Over the past decades it has followed the same developmental path of many of the other specialties. There has been an ever increasing body of medical knowledge from basic science and clinical practice experiences, increased availability of trained clinicians, formation of professional organizations that have developed professional practice standards and guidelines, as well as a board certification process. Due to the efforts of these organizations and others there are disease classification systems that describe over 80 sleep-related disorders. Parallel to the growth of the professional organization of sleep medicine there have been huge efforts to increase public knowledge about sleep and its many disorders. Despite these efforts many individuals are unaware of sleep symptoms that may suggest the presence of a treatable sleep disorder or underlying medical or psychiatric disorder contributing to altered sleep efficiency. Even if suspected, what one can or should do may not be clear. In this article I will highlight some of these symptoms (experienced by patients) and signs (observed by others) and discuss their significance and options for their evaluation. To set the stage for the abnormal, let me take a shot at a simple description of normal sleep. A good sleeper is one that has a consistent bedtime and rise time, and becomes sleepy at or near the same time each night. Sleep is uninterrupted, and wake time is at or near the same time each morning unassisted by an alarm clock, and results in a feeling of being refreshed, restored and ready for the day. Throughout the day there is a sense of full alertness, with sharp, clear thought and judgment without any desire to sleep. In short, one is running on all cylinders and ready for anything. An expected brief period of decreased alertness typically comes in the early to mid-afternoon due to a dip in the alerting signals from the body’s internal clock. Many cultures deal with this biologic event with their “siesta time.” As I begin to discuss the symptoms and signs that can be seen, it is important to note that these may occur as a result of a sleep disorder (primary) or may be an effect on sleep that is caused (secondary) by another medical or mental illness. This relationship can be complex with the loss of sleep resulting in a worsening of the primary disorder as well. Depression and fibromyalgia are two examples of this bidirectional relationship. Other times the primary condition 24. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
may be the sole cause of the sleep disruption and its consequences. Examples are the pain of arthritis, nighttime breathing disturbances from asthma, COPD or heart conditions, sleep arousals from the frequent urination of bladder conditions, or the hot flashes of menopause. It is thus clear that a sleep symptom like any other medical symptom may have multiple causes and therefore requires a careful medical history followed with appropriate testing to sort through the list of possible causes (differential diagnosis). Successful completion of these steps ensures the most effective therapy and the desired resolution of symptoms. So, with this in mind let’s look at some common sleep signs and symptoms. One of the most common sleep symptoms, snoring, offers a potential problem for both the snorer and the bed partner. It is actually an example of both a sign and a symptom. Most often the bed partner is the complainer because of the loud volume and the disruption that occurs in their sleep. The snorer may awaken themselves or feel they have non-restoring sleep and thus produces symptoms that alert them to a problem. This sign/symptom could simply be related to primary snoring, but often it is a tipoff to the more serious problem of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), or other obstruction in the upper airway. Excessive daytime sleepiness is defined as a tendency to fall asleep during activities that are most often associated with wakefulness. Often this symptom is overlooked by the individual who instead rationalizes it as boredom, or being tired and worn out from the day’s activities. Some individuals are fully aware of the symptom and have an uncontrollable need for long sleep periods that never seem to relieve their sleepiness. The excessive sleepiness
◆ www.neahealth.com keyword: sleep disorders interferes with the ability to work, attend school and enjoy social Have you ever had the sensation of being unable to move when functions with the family. Remember, the well rested sleeper stays falling to sleep or upon awakening? Being unable to speak and only awake until the next bedtime. Sleepiness can be a sign of several able to move your eyes and breathe? Fortunately, the experience sleep disorders, depression, drug or substance use or insufficient dissipates in minutes with things returning to normal. This is very quantity of sleep. The large number of possible causes demands a likely an episode of sleep paralysis. Although it can occur as an detailed sleep history and appropriate testing to infrequent normal phenomenon, it may also determine the root cause and select the best therapy. be symptomatic of a sleep disorder. Fortunately many causes of excessive sleepiness Sleep disorders may show up are manageable, and improved quality of life Sleep disorders may show up as can be achieved. strange behaviors during the as strange behaviors during the night. These may include The complaint of insomnia is the inability to common ones like sleep talking, night...sleep talking, teeth achieve or maintain sleep or the awakening teeth grinding, grunting and from sleep earlier than desired. The usual result grinding, grunting and moaning, moaning, or sleep walking. The is a sense of non-restorative sleep with a reduced latter may be simply getting up or sleep walking. ability to perform well during the wake period. to the bathroom asleep but may Almost everyone has had the loss of sleep associated be much more complex with with life’s stresses and problems. Resolution of the wandering into the kitchen and stress or problem generally results in correction of the sleep fixing a snack without knowledge of doing it until finding the mess complaint. At other times the symptom becomes much more in the morning. Even more frightening can be leaving the house and chronic and can extend to months or years of suffering. This driving somewhere without being aware of what you are doing. symptom can reflect a primary sleep disorder or be caused by Violent behavior can be seen with the bed partner becoming the numerous medical and mental illnesses, as well as from other sleep victim of unintended injury as the sleeper acts out an often scary disorders. The longer an insomnia complaint goes unresolved the dream, thinking all the times the attack is directed at an assailant. much more likely the sleeper develops maladaptive behaviors and This is known as REM behavior disorder and is important to both thoughts about sleep and the night time. There are many effective recognize and treat. Dreams may take the form of nightmares and ways to deal with the complaint, and most patients can be helped be disruptive to sleep quality. Night terrors occur as an arousal from with medications, behavioral therapy or a combination. A detailed sleep accompanied by loud screams with total disorientation of the history of the insomnia onset and subsequent developments is sleeper and often times amnesia for the event. Many other activities incredibly important to successful management. have described in individuals during sleep, not all requiring treatment but many worth discussing with your physician for Another annoying symptom is to have the tranquility of sleep onset reassurance and to be certain no therapy is required. Varieties of interrupted by the uncontrollable urge to move your legs. This is nocturnal seizures, with associated strange behaviors, have also been typically accompanied by a sensation of numbness or tingling, or a described and are not that uncommon. Medications can be very feeling of something creeping or crawling up the legs. Movement effective in eliminating this frightful and stressing condition. offers temporary and sometimes significant relief. At other times the sensation may be a cramping. This symptom is highly suggestive Human sleep is a fascinating thing. It is far from being as simple as of restless leg syndrome flipping a switch and disconnecting oneself from the environment but can be mimicked until it is flipped again. Sleep is a very active physiologic process by other medical involving complex brain activities that cycle during the night. conditions. Restless legs Adequate quality and quantity is critical to many body systems. Like can be associated with any one of these other processes, sleep can function abnormally and iron deficiency anemia or will result in signs, symptoms, and consequences that can affect the chronic renal disease. quality of life. And, like any other symptom of a dysfunction, sleep Does your spouse symptoms should be adequately evaluated using standard medical complain of being kicked processes to make a definitive diagnosis and during the night or that initiate the appropriate therapy. It is the very the bed shakes as you promise of providing help and relief to the perform movements that sleep sufferers that makes the specialty of sleep look like you may be medicine both exciting and rewarding. riding a bike? You may be suffering from periodic limb movement disorder, a highly treatable condition. David R. Nichols, M.D. Sleep Medicine NEA Clinic – 870.935.4150 25. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
HOW DOES AFFECT BLOOD SUGAR?
Lifestyle D
iabetes affects more than 18 million Americans each year, but nearly one half of those 18 million are not even aware they have the disease. Many times it takes years before beginning to notice the symptoms of diabetes. Just like an engine, the body needs fuel to run: The body’s fuel is called glucose, which powers your muscles and every other part of your body. Insulin is the key to start the engine so the glucose can enter the cells and burn the glucose as fuel. Managing diabetes requires self-monitoring of blood glucose levels, dietary adjustments, weight control, physical activity, and, often, medications. Managing the diet is a cornerstone of any diabetes management plan. It is not always what you eat that affects the blood sugar, but how much you eat. People with diabetes are affected differently by different foods, requiring monitoring of the blood sugar to determine what these foods are. People with diabetes must eat a variety of foods, including carbohydrates such as grains, beans, starchy vegetables, and fruit. Meals must also be coordinated with medications; many must be taken with food. Your health care provider can help determine the appropriate timing of your medicines. Physical activity is also a key to proper diabetes management and good control of blood glucose. Regular exercise improves the body’s utilization of insulin. Your body requires sugar for energy, and exercise increases muscle mass. Exercise can be anything that gets you moving – walking, gardening, swimming or dancing. You should also consider resistance or strength-training activities, which increase the amount of muscle you have, control weight and decrease insulin resistance (help insulin work better). Always check with your health care provider before starting any physical activity or exercise program. Diabetes medications are designed to lower blood sugar levels, but the effectiveness of the medications depends on the individual. It is important to understand the purpose of the medication and to appropriately time the medication according to food and activity. An important (if not the most important) tool for managing diabetes is checking and recording the blood sugar. Doing so will help determine whether diet and exercise are controlling your diabetes. Monitoring blood glucose levels will also indicate the need for changes or adjustments in medication. Results need to be tracked in a log book or diary for review by you and your health care provider. The two of you should determine your
◆ www.neahealth.com keyword: Diabetes 26. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
target blood sugar range, how often to test, and appropriate therapy changes. Diabetes is a major problem in the United States. Left untreated, diabetes can cause many serious, long-term complications. Diabetes can lead to blindness caused from diabetic retinopathy, nerve damage, kidney disease, heart disease, dental problems, and often amputations. The good news is that you can minimize health problems and prevent complications if the blood sugar is adequately controlled. It takes attention and work, but your health is worth it. Diabetes is an illness that one lives with every day ... It is an individual illness, but it affects the entire family. Fluctuations in blood glucose can lead to stress, mood changes and even depression. Blood glucose levels may fluctuate as a result of activity, food, stress, alcohol intake, pain, weight gain or loss, and a multitude of other factors. A comment was made at a national conference that the only thing predictable about diabetes is that it is unpredictable. The more one knows about factors that influence the blood sugar level, the easier to anticipate fluctuations – and plan accordingly. You need to gain control over your diabetes; don’t let it control you. Bilinda Norman, RNP, CDE NEA Clinic Diabetes Center 870.934-5347
DOC+FINDER 870.935.NEAC FAMILY PRACTICE Jonesboro J. Timothy Dow, M.D. Douglas L. Maglothin, M.D. Joe McGrath, M.D. James Murrey, M.D. Kristi Statler, M.D. Windover Clinic & Urgent Care 1111 Windover, Jonesboro (870) 935-5432 Michael E. Crawley, M.D. Michael E. Tedder, M.D. Arnold E. Gilliam, M.D. Stadium Clinic & Urgent Care 3003 Apache, Jonesboro (870) 931-8800 Craig A. McDaniel, M.D. Troy A. Vines, M.D. W. Scott Hoke, M.D. Randy Carlton, M.D. Nathan Turney, M.D. Woodsprings Clinic & Urgent Care 2205 W. Parker, Jonesboro (870) 933-9250 Tim Shown, D.O. Melissa Yawn, M.D. Jeffery Barber, D.O. Hilltop Clinic & Urgent Care 4901 E. Johnson, Jonesboro (870) 932-8222 Osceola Jerry R. Biggerstaff, M.D. Ken Dill, M.D. Debbie Wilhite, A.P.N. 616 W. Keiser, Osceola (870) 563-5888
ANESTHESIOLOGY
HOSPITALIST
Alfonso Aquino, M.D. Oksana Redko, M.D. 3024 Stadium, Jonesboro (870) 972-7390
Robert B. White, M.D. Brock F. Harris, M.D. 3024 Stadium, Jonesboro (870) 897-8462
CARDIOLOGY
INTERNAL MEDICINE
Anthony T. White, M.D. Michael L. Isaacson, M.D. Robert D. Taylor, M.D. Eumar T. Tagupa, M.D. D.V. Patel, M.D. Manny Papadakis, M.D. Margaret Cooper, A.P.N. 311 E. Matthews, Jonesboro (870) 935-4150
Ray H. Hall, Jr., M.D. Stephen O. Woodruff, M.D. Brannon Treece, M.D. Kristy Wilson, A.P.N. Katie Threlkeld, A.P.N. 311 E. Matthews, Jonesboro (870) 935-4150
CARDIOVASCULAR & THORACIC SURGERY James A. Ameika, M.D. Deborah Fairchild, A.P.N 3100 Apache, Suite B4, Jonesboro (870) 972-8030 Michael Raborn, M.D. 3100 Apache, Suite B3, Jonesboro (870) 219-7685 Reginald Barnes, M.D. 311 E. Matthews, Jonesboro (870) 935-4150
NEPHROLOGY
DERMATOLOGY
Kenneth Chan, D.O. Bing Behrens, M.D. Yuanyuan Long, Ph.D.,M.D. 3100 Apache, Suite A, Jonesboro (870) 935-8388
Michael G. Mackey, M.D. Angie Fowler, A.P.N. 311 E. Matthews, Jonesboro (870) 935-4150 Dialysis Center 3005 Middlefield, Jonesboro (870) 934-5705
NEUROLOGY
James Towry, D.O. 3100 Apache, Suite B3,Jonesboro (870) 934-3530
EMERGENCY MEDICINE Brewer Rhodes, M.D. Michael Tomlinson, M.D. 3024 Stadium, Jonesboro (870) 972-7251
Kenneth Tonymon, M.D. Rebecca Barrett-Tuck, M.D. Jeffrey Kornblum, M.D. 1118 Windover, Jonesboro (870) 972-1112
ENDOCRINOLOGY Kevin D. Ganong, M.D. 311 E. Matthews, Jonesboro (870) 935-4150 Diabetes Center Bilinda Norman, R.N.P. 311 E. Matthews, Jonesboro (870) 935-4150
OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
Michael D. Hightower, M.D. 311 E. Matthews, Jonesboro (870) 935-4150
GENERAL SURGERY K. Bruce Jones, M.D. Russell D. Degges, M.D. John A. Johnson, III, M.D. James Cunningham, M.D. 800 S. Church, Suite 104, Jonesboro (870) 932-4875
Lake City Kristi Statler, M.D. Sarah Hogon, A.P.N. 208 Cobean, Lake City (870) 237-4100 Cherokee Village Brad Bibb, M.D. 51 Choctaw Trace, Cherokee Village (870) 856-2862 Paragould Wade Falwell, M.D. Kasey Holder, M.D. 4700 West Kingshighway, Paragould (870) 240-8402
HEMATOLOGY ONCOLOGY Ronald J. Blachly, M.D. D. Allen Nixon, Jr., M.D. Carroll D. Scroggin, Jr., M.D. Stacia Gallion, A.P.N. 311 E. Matthews, Jonesboro (870) 935-4150
NEUROSURGERY Robert Abraham, M.D. 3100 Apache, Suite A, Jonesboro (870) 935-8388
GASTROENTEROLOGY
Trumann Alison Richardson, M.D. Nathan Turney, M.D. Brannon Treece, M.D. Trumann Clinic 305 W. Main, Trumann (870) 483-6131
Blytheville Joseph Kulpeksa, M.D. 526 Chickasawba, Blytheville (870) 762-3331
Charles L. Barker, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.O.G. Mark C. Stripling, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. Charles C. Dunn, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. Norbert Delacey, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. Michael Hong, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. Lorna Layton, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. 3104 Apache, Jonesboro (870) 972-8788
OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE 4901 E. Johnson, Jonesboro (870) 910-6024
OPHTHALMOLOGY Joseph George, M.D. James Cullins, O.D. 416 E. Washington, Suite B, Jonesboro (870) 932-0485
ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY Henry Stroope, M.D. Jason Brandt, M.D. Thomas Day, M.D. 1007 Windover, Jonesboro (870) 935-8388
OTOLARYNGOLOGY (ENT) Bryan Lansford, M.D. Linda Farris, A.P.N. 3100 Apache, Suite B2, Jonesboro (870) 934-3484 Hearing Center Amy Stein, Au.D., CCC-A 3100 Apache, Suite B2, Jonesboro (870) 934-3484
PAIN MANAGEMENT Raymond Greaser, M.D. 3005 Apache, Jonesboro (870) 933-7471
PEDIATRICS Brannon Treece, M.D. 311 E. Matthews, Jonesboro (870) 935-4150 *All NEA Clinic Family Practice physicians see children as well.
PHYSICAL THERAPY Jeff Ramsey, P.T. Terry Womble, P.T. 1007 Windover, Jonesboro (870) 336-1530
PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY W. Tomasz Majewski, M.D. 3100 Apache, Suite B3, Jonesboro (870) 934-5600
PODIATRY Chris Rowlett, D.P.M 1007 Windover, Jonesboro (870) 935-4150
PULMONOLOGY William Hubbard, M.D. Meredith Walker, M.D. Patrick Savage, M.D. 311 E. Matthews, Jonesboro (870) 935-4150
RADIOLOGY Jeffrey S. Mullen, M.D. 3100 Apache, Jonesboro (870) 934-3533 John K. Phillips, M.D. Gregory Lewis, M.D. 3024 Stadium, Jonesboro (870) 972-7000
RHEUMATOLOGY Beata Majewski, M.D. Leslie McCasland, M.D. 311 E. Matthews, Jonesboro (870) 935-4150
SLEEP MEDICINE David Nichols, M.D. 311 E. Matthews, Jonesboro (870) 935-4150
WELLNESS CENTER 2617 Phillips, Jonesboro (870) 932-1898
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Stadium Clinic (870) 931-8800
Hilltop Clinic (870) 934-3539
Woodsprings Clinic (870) 910-0012
Windover Clinic (870) 935-9585
Visit our web site at: www.neaclinic.com
Late Night Clinic (870) 910-6040
ADVERTISERS ASU - College of Nursing......................pg 5 870.972.3112, www.astate.edu Heritage Bank ................Inside Front Cover 870.802.2344, www.heritagebankark.com Joey Perry ............................................pg 14 870.972.1818, www.rxlensmasters.com LensMasters ........................................pg 28 870.972.1818, www.rxlensmasters.com Mall at Turtle Creek..................Back Cover www.mallatturtlecreek.com NEA Clinic Doc+Finder ......................pg 27 870.935.NEAC, www.neaclinic.com NEA Clinic Charitable Foundation ......pg 3 870.935.5101, www.neacfoundation.org NEA Clinic Wellness Center ..............pg 37 870.932.1898, www.neaclinicwellness.com NEA Medical Center ..........................pg 36 870.972.7000, wwwneamedicalcenter.com NEA PremierCare................................pg 13 870.932.0023, www.neamedicalcenter.com Podiatry Group ......................................pg 8 870.931.FEET, 800.737.3668 Regions Morgan Keegan ......................pg 9 800.445.4903 Surgical Hospital of Jonesboro ..........pg 21 870.336.1100, www.tshj.com Team NEA - Race for the Cureﾂｮ ........pg 4 www.ar-raceforthecure.org
Exposure to Cats Before Age 2 Can Cause Allergies
E
xposing children to cats or cat allergens before the age of 2 can raise the risk of allergic sensitization, researchers from GSF窶年ational Research Center for Environment and Health, Helmholtz Association, in Germany have found. The data of more than 2,000 children was evaluated and researchers found that not only owning cats caused the sensitization, but also even just repeated contact with cat hair outside the parents home can increase the frequency of allergic sensitization to cats. Up to the age of 2, scientists found clear connections between exposure to cat allergens at the home and allergies. After that the connection was harder to track because older children were introduced to allergens outside their home environments more often. The findings were published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
28. NEA HEALTH 窶｢ Summer 2007
NEA Clinic Charitable Foundation ... Giving back to the community of Northeast Arkansas
IN
REVIEW
www.neacfoundation.org • 870-934-5101 29. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
NEA Clinic Charitable Foundation ... Giving back to the community of Northeast Arkansas
Letter from the Director T
hese summer months are busy ones for the NEA Clinic Charitable Foundation. As you will see in the following pages, the program staff and volunteers are enjoying a fun summer. On June 1st, a beautiful garden party and fundraiser in the form of an art auction was held at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Henry Stroope. We appreciate the support of all the local artists who donated their beautiful pieces to be auctioned, and the valued friends who attended the event and supported our fundraising efforts. The 2007 Art Slam was a great success! On June 3, we celebrated National Cancer Survivor’s Day by hosting a reception at NEA Clinic Wellness Center. HopeCircle staff and volunteers, along with the oncology physicians, nurses, and staff were happy to visit with cancer patients they hadn’t seen in a while. Many hugs were given that day! June 4, the summer sessions of the Wellness Works program and the Center for Healthy Children’s “Healthy Kids Club” Summer program began. Please look over the great pictures of the children enjoying the camps. Everyone is having a ball! Not to leave out the Medicine Assistance Program – we have partnered with the Jonesboro Church Health Center by assisting their staff in obtaining medicines needed by their patients. This program is such a needed one, and helps a great many people get the medicines so important to them. Our upcoming events include the 2007 Biker Classic, The Celebration of Hope Week, and the annual Duck Classic. We hope you will come out and support our events, and have some fun with us! None of the wonderful programs we are fortunate enough to provide would be possible without you – our friends and community!
Have a great summer! Christy Appleton Director NEA Clinic Charitable Foundation
30. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
Wellness Works is the NEA Clinic Charitable Foundation’s newest program. It is an eight-week program that is offered free of charge to diabetic, cancer, and cardiac patients who are referred by their physician. Wellness Works is now in its third session, and it has grown tremendously since the first program. Wellness Works includes free education, nutrition advice and exercise programs in support of specific diseases. During the duration of the program, participants have free access to the NEA Clinic Wellness Center. The Wellness Works staff includes medical professionals, certified personal trainers, nutritionists, behavioral health specialists and a certified diabetes educator. The entire staff works together to give participants the best possible edge in treating and managing their condition. Participants involved in Wellness Works learn the importance of proper nutrition and exercise in their daily lives. The free program consists of individualized exercise prescriptions and guided exercise, weekly nutrition classes and emotional wellness discussions with counselors. Classes take place two times per week to support patients in implementing nutrition and exercise as part of their treatment process. Exercise components consist of aerobic training, strength and endurance training, and flexibility. The program also includes educational lectures and materials that provide information on various aspects of exercise and nutrition for the improvement of health and quality of life. Counseling services are provided for support, stress reduction, and behavioral health. The Wellness Works staff hopes to continue impacting lives in our community through education, guidance, and support. Wellness Works will have two sessions in the fall. The first session will begin August 20, 2007 and the second session will begin October 15, 2007. Referral forms for Wellness Works can be printed from our website at www.neacfoundation.org or picked up at the NEA Clinic Wellness Center at 2617 Phillips Drive.
NEA Clinic Charitable Foundation ... Giving back to the community of Northeast Arkansas
National Cancer Survivors Day
H
opefulness and thankfulness were prevalent as cancer survivors and their families were honored and celebrated by the NEA Clinic Oncology Department and NEAC Charitable Foundation on National Cancer Survivors Day, June 3. The event held at the NEA Clinic Wellness Center afforded patients and their families an opportunity to visit, share experiences and enjoy refreshments.
Dr. Carroll Scroggin welcomed the group and presented a short program on cancer and new treatments available for the fight against cancer. Each survivor received “goodies” and a gift basket donated by the employees of NEA Clinic. Pillows of Hope were also distributed. The pillows were made by members of the 4-H Teen Leader Club.
“Hope is like the dandelion, gently blowing across the fields Hope flourishes in unexpected places and thrives in unfertile soil Hope spreads rapidly and is very difficult to kill And, Hope always brings a smile to the face of everyone it touches Hope is – the breath of life” Because Hope is the breath of life and something to cultivate and celebrate, the 2nd community-wide “Celebration of Hope” Week will be held September 24-30. The weeklong series of events and activities will salute and highlight the spirit of hope and its importance in the life of our community. Individuals, organizations, businesses, churches, nonprofits and schools will participate with activities that demonstrate the significance of hope to their organization and fit their purpose and mission. Last year’s celebration involved over 50 groups and organizations in a variety of activities that included: creating hope through knitting & sewing, food drives, pet adoption, a job fair, free eyeglasses for children, essay contests, guest speakers, mentoring programs, sermons, a carnival for special needs children and lunch with an author. The projects were as varied as the groups involved. The one constant was the emphasis on encouraging and celebrating Hope in every area of life. As Emil Brunner said: “What oxygen is for the lungs, such is hope to the meaning of life.”
“Celebration of Hope” Week will begin with a community-wide kick off on September 24 at 5:30 at the Craighead County Courthouse. The celebratory festivities will include the police and fire departments, music by the Master Singers’ Choir and a “Hopeful” send-off by Ray Scales. Proclamations will be issued by the Mayor and County Judge recognizing “Celebration of Hope” Week, and Sara Howell’s Art Gallery will display “Hopeful Art” created by 1st-3rd graders. Groups and individuals will then spend the week celebrating Hope with their own activities and events that emphasize the importance of hope to their mission. The week will end with religious leaders being asked to structure their services and messages around the theme of hope. Every organization participating in the week will have their events and themes listed in a central “Hopeful Events” calendar. To schedule an event or theme, or for additional information about “Celebration of Hope” Week, call HopeCircle at 9345214, or email June Morse at j_morse@neaclinic.com or “Celebration of Hope” co-chairs Christy Appleton – c_appleton@neaclinic.com or Dawn Layer – dlayer@familiesinc.net .
31. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
NEA Clinic Charitable Foundation ... Giving back to the community of Northeast Arkansas
Commit to be
Fit
- M A R AT H O N S -
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undreds of people, young and old alike, turned out in April to complete a marathon – a full marathon, right here in Jonesboro! The event was the Commit to be Fit Junior and Senior Marathon, and although people completed their miles at their own pace over the course of a few months, the sense of accomplishment was just as great as if they had just run the Boston Marathon. Organized by NEA Clinic Charitable Foundation in conjunction with the NEA Clinic Wellness Center, the marathons were publicized throughout the community and in local schools to entice as many people as possible to get involved in an activity to improve their fitness. More than 600 people 18 and under participated in the Junior Marathon, and about 200 adults participated in the Senior Marathon. Both marathons began signing up participants late last fall and concluded in April. The goals of the marathons are to encourage youth and seniors to be more active, establish consistent exercise habits, and increase community support and awareness of fitness. It was also an easy way to demonstrate that something as intimidating as a marathon could be accomplished. Participants logged miles on their own until they reached 25.2 miles. Then each group held a final mile celebration where the last mile was completed together. The Junior Marathon final mile was held April 14 at the ASU track. Despite the rain, many participants came out to celebrate their victory in completing the 26th mile. Also, prizes such as a bike, a Nintendo Wii, and MP3 player and other items were given away. The final mile for the Senior Marathon was held April 21 at the Wellness Center. Health screenings and prizes such as a treadmill were distributed there, as well. “This is a wonderful opportunity to encourage health and well-being in our communities and also encourage families to get active together,” says Holly Acebo, Executive Director of NEA Clinic Charitable Foundation. “We strive to continue to do things to get our community active and healthy. The Commit to be fit marathons is another way to encourage healthy living for our children in Northeast Arkansas,” says Acebo. The Commit to be Fit Marathons will be an annual event. Be looking for information in the coming months on how you can participate. www.neacfoundation.org
32. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
NEA Clinic Charitable Foundation ... Giving back to the community of Northeast Arkansas
“Healthy Kids Club” Summer Camps, June - August
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ver 100 children have benefited this summer from participating in the “Healthy Kids Club” sponsored by the Center for Healthy Children, a program of the NEA Clinic Charitable Foundation. Laura Taylor, director of the free camps, said that the responses of the children have been outstanding. There are four sessions for the summer, with approximately 25 students per session. Each session meets Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Activities include structured exercise, active play, and nutrition education. All camp activities are held at the Center for Healthy Children.
The mission for NEACCF’s Center for Healthy Children is to teach, motivate and guide overweight children and their families to build a solid foundation of proper nutrition and regular exercise for a healthy lifestyle. The camps were designed to reach more children in the summer months. The Healthy Kids Club participants have had a great time with the fun activities that include swimming, martial arts, rock wall climbing, Dance, Dance Revolution, Playstation game bikes, hydraulic resistance machines, and running/walking on the indoor track.
NEA Clinic Charitable Foundation Center for Healthy Children, September - May Program The NEA Clinic Charitable Foundation’s Center for Healthy Children first opened its doors in February 2006. Since then, we have completed three sessions – each lasting four months. We have witnessed a family where the mother lost 40 lbs. during the program from changing eating habits and using our indoor track for free. We have seen a 9-year-old child’s cholesterol drop from 227 to 158 during the 4-month program. And, we have seen countless cases of skyrocketing self esteem. We have become convinced that the success of a child rests in the hands of his or her parents. Parents buy groceries and pay at the drive-thru window. Parents have the authority to limit TV and video game time and require outside play. A child will NOT succeed without the support and discipline of parents. These program’s are is offered to the participants free of charge because of NEA Clinic’s desire for a healthier community. We want to give all children the opportunity to learn healthy lifestyles to enable them to live long, productive lives. The NEA Clinic physicians became concerned for the health and welfare of the next generation by seeing early onset of adult diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. To learn more about the NEA Clinic Charitable Foundation, visit our web site at www.neacfoundation.org.
33. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
Mandrin Orange Tuna Wraps Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, lightly pounded (3 to 4 ounces meat per person) • Kosher salt (omit for low-sodium diets) • Freshly ground black pepper • 8 cloves garlic, smashed • 1 cup wild rice blend • 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice • 2 1/4 cups water • 10 fresh parsley sprigs Directions Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a slow cooker. Add the garlic and rice. Add the lemon juice to the water and stir. Pour this mixture over the rice and chicken. Stir once to coat. Place the lid on the slow cooker and set on low for 8 hours. To plate, place a serving of the rice on each plate and top with 1 chicken breast. Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs. NUTRITION PER SERVING Calories 284, Fat 2 g, Saturated Fat 0.5 g, Carbohydrates 34 g, Fiber 3 g
Mandarin oranges add sweetness and moistness to ordinary tuna salad. Preparation Time: 15 mins. • 1 can (12 ounces) tuna in water, drained • 1/4 cup fat-free mayonnaise dressing • 1 can (11 ounces) Mandarin orange segments, drained • 1/3 cup finely chopped celery • 4 (8-inch) soft flour tortillas • 2 cups chopped lettuce or baby spinach leaves • Spice to taste COMBINE tuna, mayonnaise in medium bowl; mix well. Stir in oranges and celery. Spread tuna mixture onto each tortilla to within 1 inch of edge; top with lettuce. Roll up; serve immediately.
Corn Salad • 8 ears fresh corn (blanched for 1 minute) - can sub canned or frozen corn • 1 tomato, chopped • 1 zucchini, chopped • 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped • 1 red onion, chopped • 1 red bell pepper, chopped • 1/2 cup Italian-style salad dressing • Spice to taste Directions Husk the corn and slice the kernels from the cob. In a large bowl, mix together the corn, tomato, zucchini, cucumber, onion and red bell pepper. Pour dressing over vegetables and toss to coat. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour.
34. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
The Key to Effective Snacking
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The key to effective snacking is easy? Most diets want you to think that you have to starve yourself in order to get healthy, when in reality starving may be causing you to fail or cheat at dieting. What if we told you that we have a healthy and fun way to lose weight without starving and snacking is the key? Most diets frown at the thought of snacks while dieters are frowning at hunger pains and having a meltdown waiting for the next meal. What the diet doesn’t tell you is you have a lot of flexibility in snacking. We’re not talking about vegging out in front of the television with a bag of potato chips. We’re talking about snacking in a healthy way. There is a right way and time you should snack. The optimal time is about two hours before you’re scheduled to eat your next meal. That will keep you from getting hunger pains or overeating at mealtime. Here are a few ideas for snacking: You could use a portion of leftovers, a sandwich, a smoothie, or combination of some of the Abs Diet Power foods. To make it easier, pick on food from column A and one from column B. This will ensure your change in eating habits to be easier to deal with and will help in overall control while dieting.
Two over-easy can lead to smaller waist size Overweight and obese women who ate a breakfast of two eggs per day five days a week or more for eight weeks lost more weight than women who consumed a calorically equivalent bagel breakfast. Researchers at Louisiana State University’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center found women who ate the two-egg breakfast: • Lost 65 percent more weight than those who ate the bagel breakfast. • Had 83 percent greater reductions in waist circumference. • Reported greater improvements in energy levels. Eggs, it is believed, evoke feelings of greater satiety and, therefore, reduce short-term food intake. In the study, the bagel and egg breakfasts were equal in both calories and weight mass.
A @
Protein •2 teaspoons reducedfat peanut butter •1 oz almonds •3 slices low-sodium deli turkey breast •3 slices deli roast beef Dairy •8 oz low-fat yogurt •1 c 1% milk or chocolate milk •3/4 c low-fat ice cream •1 stick string cheese
B @
Fruit or Vegetable •1 oz raisins •Raw vegetables (celery, baby carrots, broccoli), unlimited •1 1/2 c berries •4 oz cantaloupe •1 large orange •1 can (11.5 ounces) lowsodium V8 juice Complex Carbohydrate •1 or 2 slices whole-grain bread •1 bowl oatmeal or highfiber cereal
Dieting is always hard, but a little willpower and a plan that allows you to snack will keep you on the right track and achieve your goals to a healthier lifestyle. Remember: Exercising while dieting is always an excellent way to improve your health. Check with your doctor, as always, before starting any exercise or diet program. Overall health is our main objective. Good luck! And remember, snacking while dieting is the key to success!!
For more ideas visit: www.health.com www.mypyramid.gov 35. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
WE’RE CHANGING HEALTHCARE IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS ONE PRIVATE ROOM AT A TIME.
The last thing you want to share your hospital experience with is a stranger, so we’ve eliminated all shared rooms at NEA Medical Center— And we guarantee it. In fact, it’s just the beginning of changes big and small that you’ll begin to notice as we continue our effort to make your stay—or your loved one’s—convenient, comprehensive and comfortable in the privacy and security of a private room. The latest in medical technology and services—coupled with our personal attention to care tailored to your individual need and concern—is our continuing commitment to
LEADING EDGE HEALTH CARE
@ Now available in many areas
36. NEA HEALTH • Summer 2007
870-972-7000 www.neamedicalcenter.com
“I work out at the Wellness Center so I can
keep up with the kids!” “With chasing hundreds of kids around daily, and two of my own at home, I have to stay in shape. The Group Power workout is perfect for a total body workout. It’s intense—and my instructor works us hard—but it’s just what I need to slow the clock down on aging.”—Dale Case DALE CASE HOMETOWN: Lepanto
JONESBORO RESIDENT: 19 years
OCCUPATION: Elementary Principal, University Heights
FAMILY: Wife: Michell Kids: Chloe, 16 Claire, 12
WORKOUT PROGRAM: Group Power, 5:30 am Weightlifting
ON NEA WELLNESS CENTER: “Steve Bowen and the staff are great. My early morning workout is more with my age group and my instructor, Dee Shoemaker, really works us over!”
Being healthy is more than just looking healthy. Our personal approach to physical well-being is just one of the reasons we’re the best choice for getting—and maintaining—a workout routine that addresses your particular needs. Whether it’s weight-loss, muscle strength, cardio or any combination, our instructors will make you feel right at home in our gym even if you’ve never stepped foot in an athletic club. We’re so confident you’ll like our center—and the new you—that we’ll get you started with a session with a personal trainer at no charge! Call today for more information at 870-932-1898.
• Complete line of cardiovascular training equipment including treadmills, elliptical trainers, bikes, and stair steppers; Most with personal TV’s—And ONLY here! • Full line of machine and free weights • Extensive free-weights area • Group exercise classes • Indoor running track • Heated swimming pool and sauna • Executive locker rooms • Personalized trainers available • Healthy juice bar
870-932-1898 www.neaclinicwellness.com 2617 Phillips Drive, Jonesboro, Located next to Cracker Barrel