Good Health
OXFORD
APRIL 2023 A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF OXFORD NEWSMEDIA, LLC
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Oxford Good Health MARCH 2023
CONTRIBUTORS Angela Cutrer Dr. Alison Spangler Dr. Thomas Flautt STAFF Rebecca Alexader Jake Davis Kelby Zendejas Amelia Miller Ott Clifton Odom Donna Howard DESIGN Allison Dale
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Contents TABLE OF
5 8 12 18
How to Choose a Home Health Care Service Cardiologist Q&A Substance Abuse New Medicines for Diabetes, Obesity
22 26 29
Sleep Apnea
Nutrition: Oxford Community Market How to Avoid the Collection Agency After an Accident
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HOME HEALTH CARE
HOW TO CHOOSE A
HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICE By ANGELA CUTRER
care agency for your needs.
your friends and family.
s we age, many of us may require home health care services. Choosing the right home health care agency can be overwhelming, but it can make all the difference in the quality of care we receive. Here are some tips on how to select the right home health
1. RESEARCH MULTIPLE AGENCIES: When selecting a home health care agency, it's essential to do your research. Start by creating a list of all the agencies in your area. Visit their websites, read reviews, and ask for recommendations from
2. CHECK THE AGENCY’S ACCREDITATION AND LICENSING: The importance of selecting a home health care agency that is accredited and licensed cannot be overstated. Accreditation ensures that the agency has met industry standards for quality care. Licensing indicates that
A
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For when you’re
UNDER THE WEATHER
For more information, visit our website. MississippiCare.net
Oxford Medical
New Albany Medical
Pontotoc Medical
Tupelo Medical
2173 South Lamar Blvd Oxford, MS 38655 662.234.6553 353 Hwy 15 N Pontotoc, MS 38863 662.490.1985
132 Starlyn Ave New Albany, MS 38652 (Opening Soon) 65 S Thomas St Tupelo, MS 38801 (Opening Soon)
As a deemed Public Health Service employee under 42 U.S.C. 233(g)-(n), this health center receives Health and Human Services (HHS) Funding and has Federal Public Health status with respect to certain health or health-related claims, including medical malpractice claims, for itself and its covered individuals. HRSA FTCA
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HOME HEALTH CARE
the agency is authorized to provide the services it offers in your state. 3. CHECK THEIR SERVICES: The Home health care services vary widely. Some agencies offer skilled nursing, physical therapy, or occupational therapy, while others provide personal care assistance, companionship, and homemaking duties. Check the agency’s services, and make sure they align with your needs. 4. DETERMINE WHAT INSURANCE THEY ACCEPT: Cost can be a significant factor when selecting a
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home health care agency. Check if the agency accepts Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance, and determine what costs you may incur out-of-pocket. 5. CHECK THE STAFF’S QUALIFICATIONS: The quality of home health care services depends primarily on the qualifications of the staff providing them. Check the agency’s hiring standards, qualifications, background checks, and training requirements. Better prepared staff can ensure better quality care. 6. GET REFERRALS: Ask the agency for refer-
ences and call some of their patients to get feedback from people who have experienced their services. Ask about their caregivers' reliability, professionalism, and any concerns they may have had. 7. ASK ABOUT THEIR EMERGENCY PLANS: Life is unpredictable, and emergencies can happen anytime. Ask the agency what their emergency plan entails? What are their protocols for emergency situations such as power outages, inclement weather, and staff emergencies? 8. TALK TO THE AGENCY’S REPRESENTATIVE: Once you've narrowed
down your search, schedule an appointment or phone interview with the agency's representative. Ask questions about any concerns, discuss your care needs in detail, and be clear on what you expect from the agency. Choosing a home health care agency can be overwhelming, but it's a significant decision that requires thorough research. Take the time to review various agencies, check their qualifications, and request referrals for their services. By doing so, you can ensure that you or your loved one receives the best possible care.
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CARDIOLOGY
CARDIOLOGIST
ALISON SPANGLER
Q&A
Q:
What drew you to cardiology as an area for your practice?
DR. THOMAS FLAUTT 8 | GOOD HEALTH • MARCH 2023
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Alison – I fell in love with Cardiology during my Intern year of residency. The constant need to educate yourself on the newest medications, technology and imaging modalities, always peaked my interest. Also, recognizing so many Mississippians needed cardiac care really drove me to the field. Thomas – In medical school and residency, I always gravitated towards understanding physiology. Understanding the “why” of what you learn intrigued me. Cardiac electrophysiology (The study of the
electrical conduction system inside of the heart) fascinated me. Once I saw one could permanently effect people’s lives in a positive way with an ablation, pacemaker or defibrillator, I was hooked.
Q:
It is unique that both of you are cardiologists. How does sharing the same profession impact your life both inside and outside of work? Alison – Inside of work it is great because we get to bounce ideas off of each other to take the best care of patients that we can. Outside of work, it actually makes life easier because we
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CARDIOLOGY understand the demands of our profession. Because we both take cardiology call during the week and weekends, our schedules can be quite hectic. Thomas – It makes for interesting dinner table conversation. In all seriousness, becoming a cardiac electrophysiologist was such hard work. I missed countless vacations, weddings and events during the 12 years of medical training, residency and fellowship. There is no way I would have been able to get through it all without my wife alongside me. We have the utmost respect for each other inside and outside of work because we both understand how much work and sacrifice it took to
get to this point.
Q:
What made you choose Oxford the place for your practice. Is there anything that makes Oxford easier or harder for a cardiologist? Alison – We chose this region of the country and specifically Oxford because of the increasing need for specialized cardiac care. Whether that is advanced imaging or electrophysiology, Mississippi needs cardiologists now more than ever with hospitals around Oxford closing and further reducing access to care. Thomas – After playing baseball at Ole Miss and graduating from the University, Oxford always
felt like home to me. It is such a special place. Our cardiology practice, Stern Cardiovascular, based out of Memphis, TN needed advanced imaging and an electrophysiologist in Oxford so it felt like the perfect match. We feel extremely fortunate to have joined such a great practice with great partners.
Q:
What advice do you give patients who want to prevent maintain a healthy heart? Alison – Mediterranean diet, exercise, don’t smoke, keep your LDL (bad) cholesterol low and simply go to your checkups. Like they say “an ounce of prevention is as good as a pound of
cure”. If you make a commitment to a healthy life early on, it pays off tenfold later in life. Thomas – Avoid too much sugar. We have an epidemic of diabetes, hypertension, obesity and cardiovascular disease in the United States and especially in Mississippi. Almost everything in our diet has entirely too much sugar, therefore I usually counsel and educate my patients on the importance of moderation.
Q:
Are you seeing anything different in your cardiology practice in the past few years, post Covid? Alison – We really have. Everything from arrhyth-
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CARDIOLOGY mias, to congestive heart failure to myocarditis. Each strain of Covid seems to behave differently, and we are learning more and more each day. Thomas – As an electrophysiologist, I have seen an increase in both fast and slow cardiac arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation (A-Fib), supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and arrhythmias requiring pacemakers. Our group has also seen more non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (weakened hearts not caused by blockages in the arteries) post Covid.
Q:
Medicine continues to evolve with new technologies. What recent new technology or procedures are you using to treat heart patients today? How is it impacting outcomes? Alison – In regards to advanced imaging, we are using echocardiograms (ultrasounds of the heart) to better assess the heart’s function. There are advanced software systems within the echocardiogram machines to help us prevent disease sooner. Coronary cardiac CT scans and cardiac MRIs have tremendously advanced our understanding and screening capabilities for patient’s with coronary disease, congenital heart problems and congestive heart failure. Thomas – I have been able to bring ablations of cardiac arrhythmias to Oxford full time. We are now able to use advanced technology to ablate symptomatic arrhythmias without the use of fluoroscopy (X-ray). Also, brand new techniques of placing pacemakers and defibrillators are now in Oxford. From my short time here, it appears patients have done very well with an increased quality of life and decreased hospital admissions.
Q:
What do you wish everyone knew about cardiology or heart health?
Alison – Keeping your blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and weight under control can prevent years of cardiac issues in the future. Thomas - Globally, cardiac arrest claims more lives than colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, influenza, pneumonia, auto accidents, HIV, firearms, and house fires combined. Everyone should learn cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). It saves lives and could potentially save you or a loved-one someday. 10 | GOOD HEALTH • MARCH 2023
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STEPPING UP
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ADDICTION
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
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By ANGELA CUTRER
T
he misuse of alcohol and illegal drugs - as well as prescription drugs - is rampant in this country. And for decades, those who abused drugs and alcohol were thought of as weak, selfish and narcissistic. That is not always the case. Generalizing substance abusers is like generalizing anything else each person is different and no person follows the same path. That means treatment shouldn’t be generalized either. According to the National Institute on Drugs and Addiction (NIDA), which is the lead federal agency supporting scientific research on drug use and its consequences, “addiction is now understood to be a chronic, treatable brain disorder from which one can recover.” But it’s not easy. That’s why many treatment facilities across the nation use proven research for effective prevention and treatment interventions to provide “hope for the millions of people in the United States diagnosed with substance use disorders (SUDs) and their loved ones.” A person who misuses drugs and alcohol develops tolerance and physical dependence. Their brains change and adapt to the misuse so that it is difficult for them to change back. In the United States, 20.4 million people were diagnosed with SUD in 2019. Only 10.3 percent received treatment and nearly 92,000 died of drug overdoses in 2020. And now there is a new, potent drug killing unsuspecting users. It’s fentanyl. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration reported overdoses from the drug fentanyl, which is a potent synthetic opioid drug typically used as an analgesic (pain reliever) and anesthetic, have risen dramatically. Fentanyl is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic. However, many people who end up overdosing from fentanyl don’t even know the substance is contained in the pill they are taking. That’s because many illegal drugs - and sometimes what appear to be legal drugs - are cut with fentanyl because it’s a cheap filler. The DEA described the rise in overdoses as follows: “From 2011 through 2021, both fatal overdoses associated with abuse of clandestinely produced fentanyl and fentanyl analogs, and law enforcement encounters increased markedly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), … from 2013 through 2021, the number of drug overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids, excluding methadone, increased dramatically each year, to more than 68,000 in 2021. The total number of overdose deaths for this category was greater than 258,000 for 2013
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ADDICTION through 2021. These overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids is primarily driven by illicitly manufactured fentanyl.” Substance abusers may think there is nothing out there to break the vicious cycle they find themselves in. Perhaps they think they can’t afford to get help or they are “too far gone” to stop now. Some even believe their addiction isn’t that serious and they “can stop when they want to.” Change won’t happen until the abuser sees what others see: the upheavals in his or her life that have developed because of the addiction - the financial challenges, the breakdown of relationships, the loss of a job or a spouse or freedom. Once a substance abuser understands that reality, treatment can be a way back toward a healthy, happy life. So what should an addict do to get help once the seriousness of the situation has become apparent? What can a family member do to find ways to help a loved one struggling with addiction? “The first thing we as a society need to do is destigmatize reaching out for help,” said Dr. Melody Madaris, the executive director
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ADDICTION
of Communicare. “Addiction is still viewed as a moral failure and choice, even though science has shown us that addiction is a disease of the brain that can be successfully treated through the help of a qualified treatment team. Often addiction needs therapists, physicians and social supports to successfully combat the disease.” Madaris said substance use often starts early in adolescents. “And, unfortunately, an adolescent’s brain hasn’t fully developed and because of this, they have a hard time grasping the weight of the consequences of trying substances,” she said. Madaris explained the common warning signs as follows: • Changes in appetite, sleep patterns and social involvement (either a change in the people someone is around or a change in their social
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habits, or both) • Bloodshot eyes • Constricted or enlarged pupils • Sweating • Runny nose • Deterioration of physical appearance and personal hygiene • Coming home late • No longer participating in activities they once enjoyed from golf to family time • Neglecting responsibilities, home, work, or school • Unusual odors • Recurring “mood swings” • Problems with memory Reaching out for help or taking a helping hand of someone who wants to aid an abuser is hard for someone dealing with substance misuse. “Obtaining treatment for substance use disorders can be very hard for the individual and the
family; however, treatment is all around,” Madaris said. “Locally, Communicare offers both residential and outpatient substance abuse services for both adolescents and adults. In addition, Communicare has a mobile crisis response team that operates within our six-county catchment area 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. “All of Communicare’s services are on a sliding scale fee structure, and no one is turned away, no matter their inability to pay for services.” To request to access treatment or a Communicare mobile crisis response team member, call 1-866-837-7521. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has a toll free hotline where professionals can help guide someone toward appropriate treatment. That number is 1-800-662-4357 (HELP).
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NEW MEDICINES
NEW MEDICINES TREAT OBESITY IN
DIFFERENT WAYS
By ANGELA CUTRER
C
ompetition has always been fierce among pharmaceutical companies. With the new addition of the most promising weight-loss medications to date, that competition has gathered incredible
speed. Health publication Stat explained that these “new obesity drugs are in a class called incretin mimetics or GLP-1 based drugs, which emulate the effects of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 that can help people feel full. They can lead to a
startling amount of weight loss, up to a fifth of body mass, but have to be taken regularly by injection to avoid regaining pounds.” The number of obese Americans tops 42 percent for adults and 20 percent for children. Adult obesity means a “body mass index” of
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NEW MEDICINES more than 30. That number is reached by weight divided by the square of their height in metric measures. One of the most talked about medicines is Ozempic. Forbes Health reported that Ozempic’s active ingredient, known as semaglutide, is FDA-approved at higher doses for treating individuals living with obesity and other weight-related medical problems under the name ‘Wegovy.’” No matter the name, studies show that the drugs decrease hunger and prolong fullness, which can lead to weight loss, most of the time more quickly than a regular change in diet could. While Ozempic is not FDA-approved for treatment of obesity, its active ingredient - semaglutide - is. This is
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NEW MEDICINES why Wegovy is prescribed for obesity instead of Ozempic; Wegovy is a much higher dose of semaglutide, which can be used to treat related obesity side effects like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, as well as type 2 diabetes. GoodRx listed other new weight-loss medications already available or under review: Tirzepatide, a weekly injectable medication currently used to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults. Oral semaglutide, currently available in the form of three FDA-approved brands - Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy. CagriSema is cagrilintide and semaglutide used together as one therapy. Ecnoglutide is injected under the skin weekly or through a tablet. Mazdutide is once a week under-the-skin injection. It is similar to Wegovy and Saxenda. But it also promotes weight loss by mimicking a hormone called glucagon. Retatrutide may help people lose up to 24 percent of initial body weight after 11 months. ARD-101 targets “bitter taste receptors” throughout the gut to regulate appetite. NNC0165-1875 uniquely mimics gut hormone and may work best in tandem with Wegovy Orforglipron could help people lost up to 15 percent of body weight after eight months MBL949 is another medication being studied and not much is know on how it works. Nabilone is an anti-nausea medication and a cousin to cannabis. 20 | GOOD HEALTH • MARCH 2023
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SLEEP APNEA
SLEEP APNEA
By ANGELA CUTRER
W
e’ve all heard jokes about snoring, falling asleep during the day and insomnia. Unfortunately, these issues are not always funny because besides being downright annoying, they might signal a serious threat to the health of the sufferer. One of those issues is called sleep apnea. The Mayo Clinic describes it as “a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. If you snore loudly and feel tired even after a full night's sleep, you might have sleep apnea.” The Mayo Clinic’s further explanation is that there are three main types of sleep apnea: • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is the more common form that occurs when throat muscles relax and block the flow of air into the lungs • Central sleep apnea (CSA), which occurs when the brain doesn't send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing • Treatment-emergent cen-
tral sleep apnea, also known as complex sleep apnea, which happens when someone has OSA — diagnosed with a sleep study — that converts to CSA when receiving therapy for OSA “Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a condition in which a person’s airway becomes constricted during sleep, which interrupts a person’s sleep cycle,” said Gray Gowen of Charter Medical. “These interruptions typically happen before the person achieves deep, restorative sleep. So, while the person may be ‘asleep,’ the body is not getting the adequate rest it requires.” It’s a common problem he sees in people of the Oxford area. “Yes, there are many, many people in our local area who deal with sleep apnea on a nightly basis,” he said. “Common symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea are excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring and hypertension. “A person should get help when they start to notice difficulty staying awake during normal daily activities and if their spouse or relative reports hearing pauses in breathing during sleep. Though there is
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SLEEP APNEA
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SLEEP APNEA
not necessarily an immediacy to the condition because often the person has been living with the condition for most of their lives,” it’s still important to get checked out by a doctor. “Be proactive about your sleep health,” Gowen suggested. “If a person finds that they
are not getting the same restful sleep they might have gotten in the past, Obstructive Sleep Apnea can be a possible cause. [It] is not something to be ignored as it can lead to heart problems, such as heart failure, hypertension, and even a possible stroke. Without getting the restful
sleep the body requires, excess stress is placed on the heart, causing it to work harder than it should. “If your spouse or other relative tells you that you stop breathing suddenly in your sleep or snore loudly, take it seriously. If you find that you
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cannot stay awake while driving, reading, etc., do not hesitate to address this with your doctor. “This condition is one that should absolutely be taken seriously, but with vigilant treatment with CPAP therapy, one begins to notice a dramatic change in [his or her] overall daily energy levels and, oftentimes, a huge boost in their quality of life.” CPAP is “Continuous Positive Airway Pressure” therapy that prevents a person’s airway from closing during sleep. This allows the person to achieve deep, restful sleep throughout the night. Gowen said typically, symptoms of OSA become less noticeable with consistent use of CPAP; however, there is no known cure for OSA. That’s why CPAP therapy is often needed for life. The first step people should do if they suspect OSA is to go to their primary care physician, who can refer them to a certified sleep specialist at a sleep clinic. From there,
the person would perform a sleep study either at the doctor’s office or at home. “The severity of sleep apnea varies from person to person, and it is measured using the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), meaning the measure of how often a person stops breathing in an hour,” Gowen said. “This is measured throughout the sleep study to diagnose and determine the severity of the patient’s condition.” CPAP therapy is the only proven treatment available. There are no medications at this time to help with the disorder. What if you don’t have a primary care doctor? “If a person cannot see a doctor, the only recommended options are to change their sleeping position,” Gowen suggested. “Sleeping on your back can worsen OSA and often sleeping on one’s side or elevating their head can reduce how often their airway closes. “But ultimately, a doctor needs to be consulted.”
SLEEP APNEA
“Be proactive about your sleep health. If a person finds that they are not getting the same restful sleep they might have gotten in the past, Obstructive Sleep Apnea can be a possible cause. [It] is not something to be ignored as it can lead to heart problems, such as heart failure, hypertension, and even a possible stroke. Without getting the restful sleep the body requires, excess stress is placed on the heart, causing it to work harder than it should.”
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COMMUNITY MARKET
FIND FRESH, HEALTHY PRODUCTS AT OXFORD'S
FARMERS' MARKET
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COMMUNITY MARKET
By ANGELA CUTRER
W
hen you decide to expand your pantry to include more healthy choices, a good place to start is at the Oxford Community Market. Its multitude of fresh, just-picked foods fits perfectly into tonight's casserole or tomorrow's soup. Market Director Betsy Chapman says that products found at Oxford's farmers’ market are all grown or made in North Mississippi, which makes their sale and use a win-win for both growers and customers. “Most of the vegetables at the market were just picked fresh that morning,” Chapman said. “Our large selection includes fresh veggies, eggs, mushrooms, herbs, canned veggies, pickles, jams, jellies - you name it.” Every April, the Oxford Community Market celebrates the start of the spring growing season with its annual kickoff party, but that's not the only time you can get your fresh favorites. The market is open year round every Tuesday from 3-6 p.m. the Old Armory Pavilion at 1801 University Ave.
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“We have been selling at OXCM since the beginning and have always found it to be a most wonderful place. The sense of community among the vendors and longtime customers really helps to buoy our spirits in the middle of a busy work week. I am amazed at all of the community outreach done through the market and look forward to supporting it for many years to come.” “We have year-long events to bring the community together, with things like cooking demonstrations and nutritional educational events," Chapman said. "It’s been remarkable to watch this market grow over the last decade.” Chapman has been running the market since 2014. She earned her knowledge by working at farms to learn how local systems work to get products from field to market to table. “Sustaining this farmers’ market has been the ultimate group project with countless people, groups and organizations pitching in and committing to keep it growing in spite of enormous challenges,” she said. “Through the years, we’ve built a community of farmers, customers, volunteers and partners to help grow and sustain the market, support our farmers and expand our programs to improve access to healthy food.” She added that one particular part of the market is that customers can purchase things they won’t find in any store near or far. This includes heirloom vegetables not available for sale elsewhere. The Oxford Community Farmers’ Market offers unique items as well as standbys every kitchen needs for preparing delicious menus. Chapman said In the spring, they have strawberries, lettuce, spinach, carrots, broccoli, beets, kale, collards and other greens. “They are all super fresh and highly nutritious, retaining their vitamins and minerals,” she said. “We’ll have peppers, both hot and sweet, and when we say carrots here, we have yellow, orange, purple and red carrots. That’s why the farmers’ market is a great way to familiarize yourself with the produce available that you might not even know about.” 28 | GOOD HEALTH • MARCH 2023
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She said in the summer, there are tomatoes, melons, peaches, zucchini and peppers of all kinds. In the fall, there are the cool crops again, such as leafy greens, green onions, radishes and cauliflower. “Another wonderful thing about the market is the opportunity to become educated about what grows here, how to grow it and how to prepare it,” she added. “It challenges customers to try new things and gets people curious, so there is a big educational component to the market.” Farmer Will Reed, owner of Native Son Farm in Tupelo, brings Certified Naturally Grown farm goods to Oxford every week and has been a key part of the market’s growth over the years. “We have been selling at OXCM since the beginning and have always found it to be a most wonderful place,” said Reed. “The sense of community among the vendors and longtime customers really helps to buoy our spirits in the middle of a busy work week. I am amazed at all of the community outreach done through the market and look forward to supporting it for many years to come.” Chapman added that every Tuesday customers can also find grass-fed beef, farm eggs, local honey, artisan baked goods, herbs, mushrooms, coffee and tea blends, frozen treats, plants, fresh flowers and more. “Our farmers and food producers take such great pride in bringing their best to market every week,” said Chapman. “In early spring, customers can find strawberries, lettuces, kale, spinach, collards, cabbages, spring onions, carrots, broccoli - all just-
picked and super fresh.” OXCM is north Mississippi’s first yearround weekly farmers market. In addition to operating the market, OXCM operates several outreach programs to improve access to fresh local food in under-resourced communities, especially for senior, SNAP/ EBT, and WIC shoppers. “Our triple bottom line is to ensure that farmers earn fair prices for their hard work, customers have better access to healthy foods, and our community at-large benefits from the foot traffic and connections formed at our market,” said Chapman of OXCM’s mission-driven approach to developing a strong and equitable local food system. The market is open every Tuesday yearround, rain or shine, from 3-6:30 p.m. at the Old Armory Pavilion. For more information about OXCM, visit www.oxfordcommunitymarket.com, follow OXCM on social media, or contact Chapman at 622-8167413.
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ROBERTS WILSON
HOW TO AVOID THE COLLECTION AGENCY
AFTER AN ACCIDENT
By ROBERTS WILSON Attorney
H
ere is what you need to know to avoid being turned over to collections after an accident. First, coordinating between insurance companies and healthcare providers can be an overwhelming task, especially if you are unfamiliar with the process. The bottom line: If bills don’t get submitted correctly, to the right insurance company, and paid on time, you can be turned over to collec-
tions or worse. Ultimately, it is the patient’s responsibility to make sure these bills are submitted and paid on time and a competent personal injury lawyer can help you with this. Our clients are often surprised and frustrated when an insurance company refuses to cover medical bills that arise from a car wreck or other accident, but there is an explanation. Health insurance companies don’t always pay, because an accident may have been caused by someone else who has insurance coverage for it. And that person may dispute fault.
In other words, it is not always your health insurance company’s responsibility to pay first and sorting out who is responsible is what lawyers are here for. Most health insurance companies will have these requirements buried in their policy somewhere and are simply trying to make sure the responsible parties pay for the care, but they often do a poor job explaining this to their policy holders and things can fall through the cracks. An example of this is after a car wreck, where the victim will have
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ROBERTS WILSON numerous bills from different health care providers that must make it to the “right” insurance company on time, to be paid on time. After a car wreck, the providers you may receive bills from could include the following: 1.Emergency Room Doctors 2.Radiologists 3.Main Hospital 4.Surgeon 5.Anesthesiologist 6.Physical Therapist 7.Specialists The different insurance companies you may have to coordinate with include the following: 1.Your health insurance 2.Your auto insurance (even if the accident was not your fault) 3.The at-fault party’s insurance. 4.Third Party Insurance 5.Umbrella Policy One of the problems we see is when
a billing or coding mistake is made and everyone believes the bills have been submitted correctly and on time, but they haven’t. This catches everyone off guard and if it is discovered after a deadline in the applicable policy, the insurance company may refuse to pay it. Another big problem we see is when providers and insurance companies can’t agree on who owes the bill and how much is to be paid. This causes the patient to lose valuable time and things can fall through the cracks, leaving the patient holding the bag. If you are in an accident involving insurance, it is important to understand these issues or get help fraom a competent personal injury attorney. Roberts Wilson is an Oxford based attorney who has been practicing personal injury law throughout Mississippi since 2003. His office can be reached at 662533-9111 or you can learn more by visiting www.WeGetJustice.com.
Another big problem we see is when providers and insurance companies can’t agree on who owes the bill and how much is to be paid. This causes the patient to lose valuable time and things can fall through the cracks, leaving the patient holding the bag.
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