Baxter Regional Pulse Magazine November 2022

FALL 2022

VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 4

BAXTER HEALTH SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM

President/Chief Executive Officer

Ron Peterson

VP/Business Development and Executive Director, Baxter Health Foundation

Barney Larry

VP/Chief Financial Officer

Debbie Henry VP/Chief Nursing Officer

Shannon Nachtigal, MSN, RN, NEA-BC

VP/Human Resources

Karen Adams

VP/General Counsel Nicole Vaccarella

Letter from the President &

STRIVING FOR SO MUCH MORE

WHEN BUILDING A TEAM, MANY PARTS MUST CONSTANTLY BE IN MOTION — EACH UNIT WORKS IN DEPENDENTLY, BUT WHEN ONE PART FULFILLS ITS MISSION, THE WHOLE UNIT CAN ACCOMPLISH SO MUCH MORE. This is what we strive for — and accomplish — at Baxter Health. Our doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers each play an integral role in the quality care we provide our community.

In this issue, we want you to meet our Foundation Executive Director, Barney Larry. Barney makes sure he surrounds himself with good people. His grandfather once told him, “Son, if you want to be successful, you have to surround yourself with successful people and let them be successful.” Taking this thought process and putting it into action has served him well. When he came to the Baxter Health Foundation many years ago, he looked inward to the organization to make sure the employees believed in the mission of the hospital — and it shows with the more than 80% participation in the employee fund drive (the national average is about 20%). Read more about Barney and the positive impact he has had on the Baxter Health com munity on page 28.

We also introduce you to cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon Dr. James Munns. He has been with Baxter Health for a year and is pleased that the hospital offers so many outstanding services in a smaller community. One of those services is the minimally invasive TAVR, a state-of-the-art valve re placement procedure. He has performed over 700 in his career thus far, and we are fortunate to have him on our team.

Also in this issue is good information concerning Medicare Advantage op tions versus regular Medicare. Having the right information is essential in choosing your health care coverage, so make sure you investigate plans and know the ins and outs of the coverage you choose. Learn more about Medi care Advantage plans on page 38.

Eating well is certainly the best way to maintain and promote good health, and you’ll find delicious and healthy recipes to try starting on page 53. And as always, we provide information about our Community Houses, which offer so much in the form of support to our patients and community at large, as well as provide information and wellness to our clients. We have so much to share in this issue with you, from new doctors and leaders in the Baxter Health community to in spirational words from our Chaplain’s Corner, challenging us to move beyond what we know to push ourselves to greater heights. Working with others to collectively meet the goal of better health care for our community is what we strive for each and every day. We could not do what we do without the support of our community, and for that, we are truly thankful. This is our last issue as Baxter Regional. In July, we announced Baxter Regional Medical Center will now be known as Baxter Health as part of a new branding strategy. Our next issue will begin our soft rollout to Baxter Health.

RON PETERSON President/Chief Executive Officer Baxter Health

With gratitude,

CEO

“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.”

— Henry Ford

Contributors

Deborah Stanuch WRITER

Debby and her husband, Don, retired to Mountain Home 14 years ago from Chicago. For 12 years she worked for KTLO in the news room, and as host of “Talk of the Town” before retiring in 2017. A freelance writer, she has been published locally in the Baxter Bulletin and Marvelous Magazine. She served on the boards of the Food Bank of North Central Arkansas, Serenity and Twin Lakes Playhouse, where she has appeared on stage. A member of Sweet Adelines, she and her husband sing in the First United Methodist Church choir.

Dwain Hebda WRITER

Dwain Hebda is a writer, editor and journalist whose work annually ap pears in more than 35 publications. A Nebraska native, he has an extensive resume spanning nearly 40 years in print. Hebda is also founder and president of YA!Mule Wordsmiths, an editorial services company in Little Rock, Arkansas. An empty-nest father of four, he and his wife, Darlene, enjoy travel and pampering their three lovely dogs.

Jason Masters PHOTOGRAPHER

Jason Masters is a photographer from Austin, Texas who has now taken Arkansas as his home. He currently has a commercial photography studio in Little Rock and primarily shoots fashion, advertising and editorial portraiture for magazines within the U.S. and internationally. His photog raphy can be found in such publications as Teen Vogue, Martha Stewart Living, Texas Monthly, The Knot and The Wall Street Journal, among many others.

Ashlee Nobel GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Ashlee Nobel is a graphic designer and illustrator with a background in publication design. After working her way up to Creative Director over two magazines in Little Rock, she set out on her own to freelance and focus on her art, creating Lee Lee Arts + Design. When she’s not drawing or designing she enjoys gardening, biking and reading.

James Moore PHOTOGRAPHER

James Moore is a photographer and filmmaker located in north central Arkansas. For over 20 years, he has used his talents in the marketing sector, creating content and building brands for local and national companies across a broad spectrum of industries. He has three amazing sons and a beautiful wife.

Melinda Lanigan

COPY EDITOR

Melinda Lanigan is married with six daughters and is a Florida native. She has worked in the publishing industry since 1995 as a copy editor, writer, production director, and in project and distribution manage ment. When she's not deconstructing sentences, she is singing and playing guitar and keyboard with her band, The Allie Cats, in Tallahassee, Florida. She also enjoys spending time with her fur baby rescues — three dogs, five cats and a horse named Maggie.

BAXTER HEALTH HEALTHCARE HAPPENINGS

MILESTONES, NEWS AND SPECIAL EVENTS AT BAXTER HEALTH

BAXTER HEALTH HONORS NURSES with Daisy Awards

YELLOWSTONE Meets MOUNTAIN HOME AT THE BUCK-A-ROO BALL

Baxter Health Foundation's annual Lend-A-Hand fundraiser was held Saturday, Sept. 24, at Stone Creek Ranch in Mountain Home. The 300 attendees of the Western-themed event, the Buck-ARoo Ball, enjoyed entertainment by Nashville country artist Jason Cross, sponsored by Arvest Bank; a barbecue dinner sponsored by Farmers and

Merchants Bank; and country dress contests.

The event raised $50,000 and proceeds benefited the services of the Community Houses of Baxter Health, including the Mruk Family Center on Aging, Peitz Cancer Support House, Schliemann Center for Women’s Health and Reppell Diabetes Clinic.

BAXTER HEALTH HONORS TWO NURSES EACH QUARTER WITH A DAISY AWARD FROM THE PROGRAM OF AN INTERNATIONAL NONPROFIT FOUNDATION ESTABLISHED TO HONOR AND RECOGNIZE NURSES FOR EXCELLENCE

AND COMPASSIONATE CARE. A committee from the hospital nursing department selects two nurses who have been nominated for HEROES WITH HALOS for the Daisy Award. They are selected in recognition of quality care; compassion; and patient- and family-centered care they provide their patients at Baxter Health.

The first quarter nurses were James Tugwell, BSN, RN, from 4 South and William Moore ADN, RN, from ICU. The second quarter honorees were Brittany McCathy AND, RN, CPN from 3 West and Roberta Bradshaw from Hospice House who was honored while serving in the nursing float pool.

BAXTER HEALTH AUXILIARY DONATES $140,000 FOR VAN AMBULANCES

MOUNTAIN HOME BOMBERS FOOTBALL TACKLE CANCER

Baxter Health Foundation recently received a $140,000 donation from Baxter Health Auxiliary for the purchase of two van ambulances for Baxter Health Emergency Medical Services. These vehicles differ from standard EMS ambulances in size, making them fuel efficient, more maneuverable and cost effective to operate while remaining in compliance with state requirements for ambulance use and the safe transport of patients. The Foundation is grateful to the Auxiliary for this generous donation.

After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mountain Home Bombers Tackle Cancer Football Game benefit for Baxter Health’s Peitz Cancer Support House returned to Bomber Stadium Friday, Aug. 26, when the Bombers hosted the Nettleton Raiders. T-shirts with the Tackle Cancer logo were sold before the game with proceeds

going to PCSH. “It’s our way to raise funds for our support services while recognizing and honoring cancer survivors,” said House Coordinator Melissa Hudson.

Survivors recognized at the game included Tracy Webers, Gale Mize, Dr. Jake Long, Dianne Sexton, Sheri Smith, Michelle Baker, Julie Carter, Colleen Johnson, Georgette

Druckrey, Chris White, Susan Giovanini, Brad Morris, Kimberly Booy, Amy Morris and Stephanie Ifland.

Dr. Dana Brown and Ron Czanstkowski, who are currently battling cancer, were presented the night’s game balls.

The final score of the game was Raiders 49, Bombers 39.

BAXTER HEALTH COMMUNITY HOUSES

HOURS: Weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For additional information visit www.baxterregional.org or call the individual house.

MRUK FAMILY CENTER ON AGING

870-508-3881

All sessions are at the Mruk Family Center on Aging unless otherwise noted. Pre-registration is required for all programs. Call 870-508-3881.

HOLIDAY HOURS: Closed Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 24 & Friday, November 25; Christmas and New Year’s, Monday December 19 through Monday January 2.

INCLEMENT WEATHER NOTICE: For information regarding closing for Mruk Family Center on Aging Programs: KTLO 97.9 FM, www.KTLO.com, follow us on Facebook: Mruk Family Center on Aging

CALENDAR:

SUPPORT SERVICES

Better Breather’s Support – 2nd Friday, 2–3 p.m.

Dementia Family Caregiver Support –4th Thursday, 1:30–2:30 p.m.

Dementia Family Workshops –Every Thursday. Check schedule for topics and times.

SENIOR EXERCISE

Fit & Fab for Women Strengthening and Balance – Tuesday & Thursday, 9:15 a.m. or 10:15 a.m. held at Baxter Health Wellness Education Center at 2545 Hwy. 5 North, Mountain Home.

Fitness for Men Strengthening and Balance – Monday, Wednesday & Friday at 9:15 a.m.

Registration required for men’s and women’s classes. No charge, but monthly or one-time donations appreciated. Call 870-508-3881.

Rock Steady Boxing for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease – Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Times vary,

registration and assessment required. Call 870-508-3881. Held at Baxter Health Wellness Education Center at 2545 Hwy. 5 North, Mountain Home.

Standing & Seated Exercise for Seniors with Reduced Mobility –Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:15–11:15 a.m.

DEMENTIA CAREGIVER THURSDAYS

NOVEMBER:

3 – GEMS: The Stages of Alzheimer’s, 1:30–2:30 p.m.

10 – Dementia 101 & Virtual Dementia Experience, 1:30–3 p.m.

17 – Dementia Caregiver Support Group, 1:30–2:30 p.m.

24 – Closed for Thanksgiving

DECEMBER:

1 – Workshop A: Normal/Not Normal Aging, 1:30–3:30 p.m.

8 – Transitioning Living & Care in Dementia, 1:30–2:30 p.m.

15 – Dementia Caregiver Support Group, 1:30–2:30 p.m.

JANUARY:

5 – Dementia 101: Brain Changes Related to Dementia, 1:30–2:30 p.m.

12 – Workshop A: Normal/Not Normal Aging, 1:30–3:30 p.m.

19 – Understanding the Early Stages of Dementia, 1:30–2:30 p.m.

26 – Dementia Caregiver Support Group, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

JOURNEY TO HEALTHY AGING

NOVEMBER:

GO WHOLE FOOD, PLANT-BASED Holiday Recipes – Monday, 14 at 2–3 p.m.

HOLIDAY GIFT GIVING COOKING

DEMO – Cherry Cranberry Chutney in a Jar with Tamara Carl, wholegrain100.com. Tuesday, 15 at 1 p.m.

AARP SMART DRIVER COURSE –Wednesday, 16 from Noon–4 p.m.

AARP Members: $20 Members/NonMembers $25

DECEMBER: GO WHOLE FOOD, PLANT-BASED Shared recipes & techniques –Monday, 12 from 2–3 p.m.

AARP SMART DRIVER COURSE –Wednesday, 14 from Noon–4 p.m.

AARP Members: $20 Members/NonMembers $25

January Learning Session: Lunchn-Learn, Depression or the Winter Blues? with Jessica Johnson, APRN, Fairlamb Senior Health Clinic – Time and date to be announced.

REPPELL DIABETES CLINIC

870-508-1765

Open Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.– 5 p.m., 8 a.m.–Noon on Fridays. Free diabetes testing kits for anyone in need, no prescription needed.

CALENDAR: NOVEMBER: Diabetes Self-Management Classes –Wednesday, 2, 9, 23 & 30; Thursday 3, 10 & 17. Requires a physician’s referral. Call 870508-1765 for times and registration.

Healthy Nutrition Workshop, Healthy Holidays with Jan Halligan, RD, LD, CDCES – Wednesday, 16 from Noon–1 p.m. at Baxter Health Wellness Education Center at 2545 Hwy. 5 North, Mountain Home.

Diabetes Support Group Meeting, World Diabetes Day –Monday, 14

DECEMBER: Diabetes Self-Management Classes – Wednesday, 7 & 14; Thursday, 1, 8, & 15. Requires a physician’s referral. Call 870-508-1765 for times and registration.

JANUARY: Diabetes Self-Management Classes – Wednesday, 11 & 25; Thursday, 5, 12, 19 & 26. Requires a physician’s referral. Call 870-508-1765 for times and registration.

COMMUNITY HOUSES CONTINUED

Walking to Thrive – Every Monday at 9 a.m.

Knock Out Cancer Boxing – Every Tuesday & Thursday at 3:30 p.m.

Intermediate Yoga – Every Tuesday & Thursday at 8 a.m.

Chair Yoga – Every Monday & Friday at 10 a.m.

Nicotine Cessation with Roxy Koop – Scheduled by appointment only.

NOVEMBER: Lunch & Learn: Lung Cancer Screenings by Sierra Whitbey, American Lung Association –Tuesday, 8 at Noon

CALENDAR:

PRENATAL CLASSES:

Childbirth Class – 2nd Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.

Breastfeeding Class – 3rd Tuesday of every month, 5:30 p.m.

SUPPORT GROUPS:

Infant Loss & Support, Facilitated by Deanna Howarth-Reynolds, LMFT, Lighthouse Counseling of the Ozarks – 1st Thursday of every month, 5:30 p.m.

Heart Healthy Women – 2nd Thursday of every month, 1 p.m.

Novel Women’s Book Club – 3rd Wednesday of the month, 1 p.m.

COMMUNITY HOUSES CONTINUED

Mommy & Me Support Group –1st and 3rd Thursday of every month, 1 p.m.

Fibromyalgia Support Group –Monthly, 2nd Monday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Breastfeeding Support & Tips for Successful Nursing – Drop-ins are every Tuesday, 12:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.

EXERCISE:

Held at Baxter Health Wellness Education Center at 2545 Hwy. 5 North, Mountain Home

Line Dancing – Every Tuesday, beginners at 11:15 a.m. & advanced at 12:15 p.m.

Dance! – Every Monday & Wednesday, 4:15 p.m.

Beginner Cardio, Low Impact –Every Tuesday & Thursday, 5:30 p.m.

Cardio Kickboxing & Strength Training with Angie Bertel – Every Monday & Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.

NOVEMBER:

Learning Session: Heart Support – Thursday, 10, 1 p.m.

Join us as we discuss the benefits of cardiac rehab and other strategies for good physical health.

Lunch & Learn: Pelvic Floor Therapy, Renee Rodgers, PT, MS, CLT, Baxter Health Yellville –Friday, 11, Noon

Holiday Decorating on a Budget –Monday, 14, 10 a.m.

DECEMBER:

Holiday Baking Tip & Tricks –Tuesday, 6, 11 a.m.

JANUARY:

Lunch & Learn: Medicare 101, Alison Garman, Senior Health Insurance – Wednesday, 11, Noon n

TO HOME SPECIALTY CARE

BY DEBORAH STANUCH

Illi., for 40 years. “This is a wonderful hospital of dedicated professionals with so many outstanding services to offer, which is unusual for an independent hospital in a community this size. I’m glad to be here. I enjoy what I do.”

One of two surgeons associated with Baxter Regional Heart and Vascular Clinic, Dr. Munns’ primary specialties are cardiovascular and thoracic surgery. The

other surgeon, Kent Nachtigal, specializ es in vascular surgery. Also in the practice are Kathleen Prinner, MSN, APRN, ACNS-BC, NE, and Emily Brown, MSN, APRN, FNP-C.

Most of Dr. Munns surgeries, about 75% he says, are cardiac with the re mainder being thoracic. He is a special ist in transcatheter aortic valve replace ment surgery (TAVR), a state-of-the-art,

minimally invasive procedure. During his career as a cardiovascular surgeon, he has performed over 700 TAVR procedures.

At Baxter Health, Dr. Munns and Dr. Akihiro Kobayashi, a structural cardiol ogist, perform TAVR surgeries together. “TAVR is not something you typically find in a hospital the size of Baxter Health,” said Kimberly Foxworthy, MSN, RN, structural heart coordinator at Baxter Health.

JAMES MUNNS, MD, A CARDIOTHORACIC AND VASCULAR SURGEON WHO HAS BEEN AT BAXTER REGIONAL HEART AND VASCULAR CLINIC FOR A YEAR, IS IMPRESSED WITH THE HOSPITAL AND ALL IT HAS TO OFFER THE COMMUNITIES IT SERVES. Prior to joining Baxter Health a year ago, he was in practice at St. Francis Hospital in Peoria,

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES MOORE

Dr. James Munns, a cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon

CARDIOLOGY SPECIALISTS AVAILABLE TO MORE PATIENTS THROUGH BAXTER HEALTH EXPANSION CLOSE

CARDIAC CALCIUM SCREENING DETECTING HEART DISEASE AVAILABLE

AT BAXTER HEALTH

Heart disease, often called the silent killer, is the No. 1 cause of death among men and women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Cardiac calcium screening, which helps detect heart disease, is recommended for men over age 40 and women who are over age 45 or postmenopausal. It is especially important for those with a family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, history of tobacco use, are sedentary or overweight.

Cardiac calcium screening is available at Baxter Health. The cost is $99. For information or to schedule a screening, call 870-508-7000.

of heart disease, especially for women. “In medicine, one thing precedes any kind of improvement care—diagnose early.” Based on his experience, tests such as the cardiac calcium screening done at Baxter Health are valuable.

“There is one overriding statistic I’ve known as long as I’ve been in this field that has always been true. One-third of

patients will come to a heart doctor with few symptoms of heart disease. Another third will come after they have had a heart attack with no damage. The other third, who don’t come, will die.”

Dr. Munns’ wife, Paula, is a surgical technologist instructor. They are the par ents of four adult daughters and have four grandchildren. n

CARDIOLOGY SERVICES

BAXTER REGIONAL HEART AND VASCULAR CLINIC

628 Hospital Drive, Suite 1A

Mountain Home, AR 72653

Phone: 870-508-3200

Fax: 870-508-1359

James Munns, MD – Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery

Kent P. Nachtigal, MD – Vascular Surgery

Kathleen Prinner, APRN Emily Brown, APRN

Michael Camp, MD

Akihiro Kobayashi, MD

Jamon Pruitt, MD

Patrick Tobbia, MD

Otis Warr IV, MD

Tosha Applegate, APRN Leah Fountain, APRN Amanda Horne, APRN

BAXTER REGIONAL CARDIAC DIAGNOSTIC TESTING

“What impresses me about Baxter Health is we are able to do between 140 and 150 heart surgeries a year,” says Dr. Munns. “With the expansion and outreach of Baxter Health into other areas of north central Arkansas like Harrison and south ern Missouri, we will be doing even more next year.”

As doctors from Baxter Family clin ics and other providers in the region be come more familiar with Baxter Health doctors and specialty clinics, like the Cardiovascular Clinic and Heart and Vascular Clinic, Dr. Munns believes they will be more comfortable referring their patients to Baxter Health.

As a thoracic surgeon, Dr. Munns per forms lung surgery for cancer or the di agnosis of diseases of the lungs. Patients served by the Highlands Oncology Group cancer treatment center, which recently opened a cancer treatment center on the campus of Baxter Health, will allow pa tients access to hospital specialists.

“Patients don’t have to travel the distances to Little Rock, Springfield and Fayetteville. They can stay close to home for medical treatment, surgeries and rehabilitation.”

Like most cardiologists, Dr. Munns stresses the importance of early detection

Structural Heart/TAVR Program

Akihiro Kobayashi, MD

Kim Foxworthy, MSN, RN, Structural Heart Coordinator

Tosha Applegate, APRN

CLINIC STAFF

Melissa Tollen, RN Lisa Moore, LPN Sandy Walker, Office Manager Zoe Dunn, Secretary/Scheduler

Curry Lofstedt, Medical Assistant/ Clinical Assistant Tammy Mitchell, Office Coordinator Brianna Layton, Ultrasound Tech

BAXTER REGIONAL CARDIOLOGY

CLINIC AT HARRISON

1420 Hwy. 62-65 N, Suite 2 Harrison, AR 72601

Phone: 870-741-6065 Fax: 870-741-6066

Ronald Revard, MD

BAXTER REGIONAL CARDIOVASCULAR CLINIC

555 W. 6th St. Mountain Home, AR 72653

Phone: 870-425-8288 Fax: 870-425-8299

555 W. 6th St. Mountain Home, AR 72653 870-425-8288

The Baxter Regional Cardiac Diagnostic Testing Center is located in the Baxter Regional Cardiovascular Clinic. The testing center is staffed by registered technicians to provide physicians with the most accurate and important information for patients' medical needs. Services include echocardiograms, nuclear stress tests, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Baxter Health works closely with the Baxter Regional Cardiovascular Clinic to ensure excellent care and comfort for patients.

BAXTER HEALTH

CARDIAC REHAB

624 Hospital Drive Mountain Home, AR 72653

Phone: 870-508-1380

Baxter Health's Cardiac Rehabilitation Program provides individualized care for patients who have had heart attacks, coronary bypass surgery, angioplasty, stable angina or for patients who are considered prone to cardiac disease. Proudly one of the largest in Arkansas, the fully renovated cardiac rehab facility brings state-of-the-art heart care close to home.

BAXTER HEALTH

NEWCOMERS

BAXTER HEALTH WELCOMES FOUR NEW PHYSICIANS AND SIX NEW NURSE PRACTITIONERS TO OUR MEDICAL STAFF

DR. JOHN AUSTIN CARLISLE GENERAL SURGEON

Dr. Carlisle has joined the practice of Dr. John Spore, Dr. Jacob Dickinson and Dr. Jennifer Foster at Ozark Surgical Group in Mountain Home.

A graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, Dr. Carlisle attended medical school at William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Hattiesburg, MS., and completed a general surgery residency at Oklahoma State University Medical Center in Tulsa. Dr. Carlisle is a native of the area and a graduate of Mountain Home High School. He was a recipient of the Baxter Health Foundation Robert L. Kerr Medical Student Scholarship.

He and his wife, Jordan, have five children and he spends his free time doing things that keep him active, including hiking and fishing. The Carlisles are happy to be back in Mountain Home.

DR. MICHAEL ELKINS HOSPITALIST

Dr. Elkins has joined the First In Service Hospitalists practice group serving at Baxter Health.

An undergraduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville with magna cum laude honors, Dr. Elkins then earned his Doctor of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. Dr. Elkins served his internal medicine residency at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Dr. Elkins has instruction experience at Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. He also has an extensive portfolio of research, dating back to 2013. Dr. Elkins recently relocated to the area, and we are excited to have him join the Baxter Health family.

DR. DELIA

SMITH PATHOLOGY

A.

Dr. Smith has joined Dr. Chris Webb in practicing pathology at Baxter Health.

A graduate of Millsaps College in Jackson, MS., Dr. Smith attended the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in Jackson, where she earned her Doctor of Medicine degree. Dr. Smith then completed an anatomic and clinical pathology residency program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN. After residency, Dr. Smith held a surgical pathology and cytology fellowship at Vanderbilt Medical Center.

Dr. Smith has a vast number of affiliations, appointments, licensure and certifications, along with extensive experience practicing in Mississippi, Tennessee and most recently, Panama City Beach, FL. We are proud to welcome her to the Baxter Health family.

DR. DANIEL ALDERMAN RADIOLOGIST

Dr. Daniel Alderman joined Mountain Home Radiology Consultants in Mountain Home. A native to Kansas City, Dr. Alderman earned a bachelor’s and medical degree from the University of Missouri. He completed a diagnostic and interventional radiology residency at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Dr. Alderman enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Amy, and their four children. He also likes to spend time outdoors, fishing, hunting, skiing, horseback riding and working on wildlife projects.

COURTNEY CAVENDER, APRN NURSE PRACTITIONER

Courtney Cavender, APRN, joined the practice of Eric Spann, MD, at the Baxter Regional Hometown Clinic at Mountain View. Courtney is a board-certified family nurse practitioner and certified skin and wound specialist.

Courtney earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro before attending Chamberlain University in Addison, Ill. for her Master of Science in Nursing. For more information or an appointment, call (870) 269-3447.

TAMRA WARD, APRN NURSE PRACTITIONER

Tamra Ward, APRN, a board-certified nurse practitioner, joined the Baxter Health medical staff when her practice at Family Health Care in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, became Baxter Regional Family Health Care.

Tamra earned a Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing from Missouri State University in Springfield, MO., before obtaining her Family Nurse Practitioner License. She is licensed to practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner in both Arkansas and Missouri. Call (870) 625-3111 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

JODI BODENHAMER, APRN NURSE PRACTITIONER

Jodi Bodenhamer, APRN, joined the Baxter Health medical staff as a family nurse practitioner, and the Reppell Diabetes Learning Center became Reppell Diabetes Clinic. The only certified diabetes care and education specialist in the hospital’s service area, Jodi has been the diabetes program coordinator since 2010. Previously, she was a post-surgical RN on 2 West and 5 South.

Jodi was born and raised in north central Arkansas. She and her husband, Buddy, and their children Tabby, Aubrey, Trace, Estes and Peyton enjoy outdoor fun in the Ozarks. For more information or an appointment, call (870) 508-1765.

JOYCE STRATMOEN, APRN NURSE PRACTITIONER

Joyce Stratmoen, APRN, a boardcertified nurse practitioner, joined the practice of Grant Matthews, MD, at Baxter Regional Nephrology Clinic.

Joyce earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro before attending Walden University in Minneapolis, MN. She has many years of experience in nephrology from practicing in northeast Arkansas. For more information or an appointment, call (870) 425-1787.

AMY REANO, APRN NURSE PRACTITIONER

Amy Reano, APRN, a board-certified nurse practitioner, joined the staff of Baxter Regional Urology Clinic, the practice of Dr. Austin Barber; Dr. Daniel Decker; Dr. Daniel Zapata; Katie Hutchens, APRN; and Daniel Pevril, APRN.

Amy earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville before attending the University of Central Arkansas in Conway for her Master of Science in Nursing.

Amy was born and raised in Mountain Home and returned home with her husband and their two children. For more information or an appointment, call (870) 508-6020.

One IN A

Million

BARNEY LARRY CALLS IT A CAREER

IN 1977, BARNEY LARRY ARRIVED IN MOUNTAIN HOME TO LEAD THE MUSIC MINISTRY AT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. THE COMMUNITY HAS BEEN SINGING THE PRAISES OF THE ILLINOIS NATIVE EVER SINCE.

Larry, who for the past 23 years has served as Executive Director for the Baxter Health Foundation and Vice President of Business Development at Baxter Health, has been at the forefront of development, helping the hospital grow exponentially.

BY DWAIN HEBDA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES MOORE AND COURTESY OF BAXTER HEALTH

“I say he’s the Great Motivator; he will make you believe you can do anything you’ve ever wanted to do as a person or as a hospital or as a community. But more than that, people honestly know when he says he’s going to do something, that’s what he’s going to do. He’s not going to hedge on it; he’s going to work as hard as you ever worked or harder. I think that’s why people trusted him with their money and their time. I am very, very proud of him.”

— Debbie Larry, wife

His efforts have funded numerous re models throughout the hospital, purchased state-of-the-art equipment, expanded into a network of clinics serving nearby com munities and bankrolled Baxter Health’s four Community Health Education and Support Houses which provide programs and services free of charge.

Today, virtually every patient treated through Baxter Health is impacted by facil ities, technology and equipment he helped pay for. In recognition of his service, the

American Hospital Association will present its highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, to Larry later this year. But good luck hearing him admit all he's done.

“My grandfather always said, ‘Son, if you want to be successful, you have to surround yourself with successful people and let them be successful,’” he said. “I’ve

spend a couple of years. Guess what? Twenty-three years later, I’m still here.”

Larry’s first step in reinvigorating the foundation was to look inward, reasoning if employees didn’t buy into the mission, the wider community wouldn’t either. He established an employee fund drive that laid the first brick for all success thereafter.

always taken that as my motto, and if I’ve done anything well, it’s finding those suc cessful people to surround myself with. That’s really all I’ve done.”

Larry came to the hospital after 17 decorated years in banking and a retire ment surreptitiously interrupted by his neighbor, then-CEO of the hospital, who quickly dropped by with a proposition.

“He said, ‘We’ve got a good foundation, but we need to move it up the ladder a bit,’” Larry said. “I said I’d come out and

“We had about 1,000 employees at that time,” he said. “I was hoping we’d raise $30,000 the first year, and we raised $74,000. That proved to our community we were going to help ourselves, too.

“Over the years, people heard of our em ployee fund drive, and they’d call from all over the country wanting to know how we averaged 80 percent employee participation. The national average is closer to 30 percent.”

Larry proved equally adept at external fundraising. Despite Mountain Home

“My grandfather always said, ‘Son, if you want to be successful, you have to surround yourself with successful people and let them be successful.’”

helped

This page, counter clockwise from top: Larry (second from right) helping with the grill at the Risk's for a Legacy Picnic.

Larry (right) thanks Gene Moreland on behalf of the hospital for his donation of four clinical recliners for the dialysis unit.

consistently numbering fewer than 12,000 residents, he led the foundation team to achieve one seemingly unattainable goal after another.

“The largest campaign we did, we raised almost $2 million for our OBGYN floor. That was in one year,” he said. “Another one that stands out is a sim ulation lab we did not too long ago. It wasn’t the biggest, less than $1 million, but it touches so many people, training our nurses and our physicians.

“Another special project to me was the mobile mammography unit where we be came the first to have a tomosynthesis in a mobile unit anywhere in America. When we got that unit, we were invited to Washington, D.C., to display it before the House and Senate. I was really proud of that.”

Opposite page: Barney Larry at the 2007 Donor's Banquet.

Barney Larry circa 1970s as master of music and youth at First Baptist Church in Mountain Home.

“What makes Barney truly extraordinary is the relationships he has built over the years and the lives he has

touch. It would be difficult to find another individual that has had a greater impact on the health of their community.”

— Tobias Pugsley Director of Marketing

“Barney is a pillar not only in the hospital, but also within our community. His dedication to the hospital has helped inspire our community to give back; the Foundation would not be what it is today without his commitment to our mission.”

— Sarah Edwards VP, Major Gifts Baxter Health Foundation

him

think he hasn’t trained us well or that we’re not capable of carrying on. Not many people his age are still going full steam ahead, and he deserves to know he’s leaving things in good hands. We will do everything we can to make him proud.”

“We structured ourselves to focus on all three: We have a 24-member board that has an annual gifts committee, a major gifts committee and a deferred gifts com mittee. Those committees have been very successful in driving this foundation.”

happened,” he said. “We’ve had great boards over my time, great committee leaders who have stepped up, who not only give of their time but also their fi nancial resources to support this great institution here at Baxter Health.

Between capital campaigns, Larry turned the foundation into a charity of choice for those planning their estates, introducing multiple ways of giving in the now, in the future and in the hereafter.

“The way a really good foundation is structured, you have your annual funds that support things annually as well as repeat donors. Then you have your major gifts of $10,000 and above that support bigger capital campaigns,” he said. “Then you have your deferred gifts that lend sup port after someone passes away and they leave part or all of their estate with us.

Perhaps no success story better encap sulates Larry’s complete skillset marrying internal and external audiences than the Baxter Health Hospital Auxiliary. Working hand-in-hand with the group, he not only built the volunteer ranks, he also helped the auxiliary create a $1 million endow ment. But again, his modesty is such you’d think he had nothing much to do with any of these things.

“I will tell you there’s a lot of other folks that did great work. Without our hospital board, foundation board and auxiliary board, none of this could have

“The leadership team at Baxter Health is one of the best I’ve ever worked with. They’re always there to help and support and have been encouraging, always by my side. That has made a big difference in our commitment.”

Ask around and to a person, people mar vel at Larry’s work ethic, something he de veloped early and honestly. Born in Staten Island, NY., his parents divorced when he was a year old. His mother Georgia packed her baby boy to St. Louis to be near her parents, thus surrounding the youngster with strong, positive role models.

“We've had great committee leaders who have stepped up, who not only give of their time but also their financial resources to support this great institution here at Baxter Health.”

“All of us in the office have inherited a bit of his passion and drive. We do not want

to

— Cindy Costa, Baxter Health Foundation

This

“Serving as a single mom for quite some years, my mother knew what it took to make a living,” he said. “She was a checker in a grocery store and she really worked hard, but was always very jovial, very giving and just a super individual. She was a great lady, and she made a big difference in my life.

“My grandfather was pastor of a church in St. Louis for 50-some years, and he just poured himself into my life. He was very stern, very structured but had great val ues. He gave me good advice. And he had a work ethic beyond measure.”

Whatever Larry didn’t get from his mother’s family, he got from his stepfa ther Norman Larry, an Illinois farmer. Milking cows while balancing school work and three high school sports further

Opposite page: Barney Larry, caught in the act of going quickly from one meeting to another, but always with a smile!

page, from top: Larry (left), had filled many roles at fundraising events, including those that involve splash or dunk tanks. Larry (left) and wife Debbie at a Masquerade Ball.

(From right) Barney Larry; Cindy Costa; Ron Peterson; and Herren Hickingbotham. Larry traveled to Little Rock to receive the 2015 Hickingbotham Award from Komen.

“Barney's foresight and leadership has allowed our organization to go from being a small, rural hospital to a comprehensive health system that now serves 11 counties in more than 40 locations.”

— Brian Barnett, RN Director of Market Analysis & Business Development

“Barney is a very strong believer, very religious, very committed to making sure he does Bible studies daily and sharing those things with others. Seeing that has definitely increased my faith and my understanding of our role as servants on this earth. Barney brings that leadership, but he does it in such a way you realize he’s a servant first. I’m definitely a better person for being around Barney, and hopefully some of him has rubbed off on me. I believe it has.”

— Ron Peterson, CEO Baxter Health

Larry’s Ledger

Barney Larry can’t recall the exact number of capital campaigns he’s led during his time leading the Baxter Hospital Foundation, but this much is certain: He was devastatingly effective at raising money. Consider:

► The employee fund drive he started now raises about $200,000 annually thanks to 80 percent participation from Baxter’s roughly 2,000 employees.

► Over his career, Larry estimates actual gifts raised at $35 million and deferred gifts of a little over $22 million.

► The foundation awards between 110 and 130 scholarships a year and has given out $13 million in scholarships over the course of his career.

► He helped the Baxter Health Auxiliary achieve a $1 million endowment, while the group’s volunteer corps, known as the Yellow Army, raised an additional $650,000 last year. Hospital volunteers also devoted 64,000 hours of service in 2021.

honed his work habits, which today are as intense and effective as ever. Yet for all his career accolades, Larry is even more proud of his family.

“Being in health care, as in the banking business, you don’t work eight hours a day; you work 12, 13, 14 hours a day sometimes,” he said. “One thing about my wife Debbie, she’s a very calm, soothing person and she brings a quietness to our home that has helped me be successful. She creates a home environment that allows me to be out

there and do what I do every day. I know there is never a day that goes by where she is not praying for me to be God’s servant.

“My kids had to put up with me miss ing some events and things like that, but they’re so kind and understanding. For that, I’m very thankful.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us for every thing there is a time, and for Larry the time has come to step into retirement, indulge his family and see what comes next. And as loathe as he is to talk of his

accomplishments, he does indulge in one last pep talk for the people he leaves be hind to carry on his legacy.

“Here’s what I believe: I believe what we have done here is ask people not to give money, but to join our mission,” he said. “Our mission is to provide compassionate care for the patients that we take care of every day. When you give them that opportunity to join your mission and then render the type of care that we give here in the culture we have, it’s really easy to obtain those dollars.

“As great as he was at working and what he did for the hospital, I never once felt like a secondary item in his life. You will not meet a person who cares more about their family and the well-being of their children or their spouse than he does. I know he would do anything, almost to his detriment, to make sure that we’re happy and taken care of. He taught me how to be a man for whom the family aspect of life comes first, and I hope one day that I can be like him in that respect.”

— Bryce Larry, son

This page, from top: Left to right, Bryce and Christine Larry; Lindsey and Dell Leonard. Larry hosting his annual Christmas Party in 2012. Left to right, Roz Blagg, past hospital board member; Larry; and the late Mary Wren, MD, at a luncheon honoring donors of the Women & Newborn Care Center renovation in January, 2013.

Larry

If you want to talk about it in the context of sales, it’s a great product to sell.

“I have one thing that everybody kind of kids me about. I don’t believe we have problems in this world, at all. I believe that we’re given opportunities every day. I’m hoping that our institution still believes that the things we face are opportunities to make things better.

“‘Barney said it’s an opportunity,’ that’s what I want my quote to be, encouraging the people here to continue to face those opportunities and use them to build on what God wants this institution to be, ev ery day. A place of compassionate care.” n

“The thing about my dad is he wants everyone around him to be better. He’s always trying to better the people who are around him. He’s super competitive about it; in fact, he wants to be really good at what he does. I get emotional when I think about how he, along with my mom, has impacted me more than any other individual. He just wants to make the people around him better to better our community, to better the hospital and to make the world a better place.”

— Lindsey Leonard, daughter

Opposite page: Barney Larry at the 5 South opening.

(right) with Nell Ponder and Santa Claus during the 2020 Legacy Drive greeting Jeannie Alley driving through.

Baxter Health Board Member

DR. MELISSA DIRST-ROBERTS TO THE BOARD brings a well-rounded skillset

BY DWAIN HEBDA

EVERY MEMBER OF THE BAXTER HEALTH BOARD OF DIRECTORS BRINGS A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE TO THE TABLE, BUT FEW CAN COMPARE TO DR. MELISSA DIRSTROBERTS, A HOSPITALIST AND MEDICAL STAFF CHIEF-ELECT.

Dirst-Roberts brings the experience of being both nurse and physician to the ta ble, as well as the perspective of having worked in four different health systems during her career. This enables her to communicate effectively the issues faced by frontline staff to the hospital’s highest level of leadership and vice versa.

“The Baxter Health board is really well-rounded, and we make great decisions to gether,” she said. “What I bring, along with Dr. Jason Lindsey, who is the current chief, are the things physi cians experience, their con cerns and boots-on-the-ground opinion on what’s happening in the building.”

Dirst-Roberts grew up in Yellville where her parents owned and operated one of the original canoe rental compa nies on the Buffalo River. She entered the health care profession as an LPN, then advanced her credentials to RN. She was working in Harrison when a local car diologist suggested she go to medical school. Following graduation, she found her way back to Baxter Health a little

more than a decade ago on the strength of the hospital’s culture.

“Baxter Health still has the small-town feel, but we have big-city medicine,” she said. “Within this small hospital, we have specialties people wouldn’t think you could get here. We have cardiology, neuro surgery and an infectious disease doctor. Really, we can do almost anything.

“What keeps me here is that it’s indepen dent. If I have a problem or if I need some thing, I just walk down the hall and into administration, and we work on a solution which is incredible and would never hap pen if we were owned by someone else. We find solutions quickly to any problem.”

the board every month, and that is the thing that we work hardest on, looking at every single tiny piece of that.”

Another ongoing challenge, DirstRoberts said, is the issue of attracting and retaining high-caliber staff at all levels of the organization.

“Finding staff right now has been very difficult, especially since COVID,” she said. “Travel nursing, which during COVID was super-popular, is starting to go away now, I think. That means we are able to pick and choose the best nurses to work at Baxter Health. Of course, that’s not new; if you’re not one of the best nurses, you gen erally don’t stay anyway.”

Given her real-world perspective, it’s not surprising that one of the ongoing priori ties she sees for the board is to keep Baxter Health independent, which means making hard decisions that maintain quality of care while considering fiscal responsibility.

“I think one of our challenges is how to do things the way they should be done and what’s right for our community on such a tight budget,” she said. “We try to watch that budget closely and sometimes it’s painful, but we need to do that. I sit with

Dirst-Roberts said she was humbled to have been elected by the medical personnel to replace Dr. Lindsay in the medical staff chief role and vowed to repay the vote of con fidence by delivering the best representa tion possible to the board.

“Being elected chief is a really big deal because this place and this profession are really big deals to me,” she said. “Medicine and this hospital are the only things I know at this point. I’ve spent most of my adult life in the hospital.

“My first love is the Buffalo River, of course, and then comes family, but third comes medicine and the hospital. I love Baxter Health.” n

“What I bring ... are the things physicians experience, their concerns and boots-on-the-ground opinion on what’s happening in the building.”

Dr. Melissa Dirst-Roberts

A PATIENT’S TO OTHERS WARNING

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE MAY NOT BE AN ADVANTAGE

BY DWAIN HEBDA

WHEN TIM STEPHENSON AND HIS WIFE DECIDED TO RETIRE, IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A TIME TO LAZE AROUND THEIR SHILOH HOME AND WATCH THE WORLD GO BY. Instead, the couple’s golden years have been swamped by a barrage of junk mail and an unrelenting stream of commercials and telemarketers hawking everything under the sun.

While most of the pitches are merely irritating, one product — Medicare Advantage insurance plans — represents something more potentially damaging for seniors at a time when they are most vulnerable.

“My agenda is to warn elderly people who are retired that they need to pay attention to this stuff,” Tim Stephenson said. “When you’re getting a handful of junk mail every

day on insurance, you tend to just trash it and not even study it or look at it because there’s so much of it. From my perspective, seniors are being victimized by these plans through marketing and solicitation.”

Despite the name, Medicare Advantage plans are not government insurance, but products offered by private companies, something that’s hard to tell giv en ‘Medicare’ is right in the name. Marketing mate rials are equally confusing and loaded with prom ises of bargain-basement prices, while at the same time making it difficult to learn basic information regarding hidden costs and coverage limitations. These tactics serve as powerful lures for people to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, especially among a patient population eager to save money.

“The name ‘Medicare Advantage Plan’ is really a misnomer,” said Dr. Stephen Wilber, hospitalist with Baxter Regional. “The more appropriate term is ‘Medicare Replacement Plan.’ They pull people in by telling people they get vision and dental paid for. Everyone who is of retirement age wants to save

a little money, including my parents, so you can’t blame them. “But these insurance companies are not trying to be nice and give away free vision and dental; they’re doing that to entice you to buy plans that aren’t going to be there to care for you when you really need them.”

One of the primary drawbacks of Medicare Advantage is an extremely shallow network of physicians who will accept the plans. Medicare Advantage companies have become so aggres sive with managed care tactics, it’s caused many hospitals, physicians, rehab facilities and nursing homes to cancel contracts and exit their physician networks. This means patients are often forced to travel to receive medical care or leave their families to enter rehabilitation or nursing home facilities in other communities, because there are limited or offer no in-network facilities where they live. If the policyholder is fortunate enough to find a local in-network provider, working with these insurance companies is cumbersome and slow.

Above: Dr. Stephen Wilber, hospitalist with Baxter Regional. Photography by James Moore.

“But these insurance companies are not trying to be nice and give away free vision and dental; they’re doing that to entice you to buy plans that aren’t going to be there to care for you when you really need them.”

– Dr. Stephen Wilber

– Jean Gaylord

Above: Jean Gaylord, program director for acute inpatient rehab at Baxter Regional. Photography by James Moore.

As Baxter Regional medical providers have dis covered, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to get necessary authorization from insurance compa nies for high-cost imaging or surgical procedures under Medicare Advantage plans. “Numerous times requests for authorizations are denied,” said Wilber. “Some decisions can be overturned with significant advocacy from the physician, but there have been several cases recently where physi cians’ recommendations of care have been denied. Medicare Advantage plans are delaying, denying and rationing care.”

Jean Gaylord, program director for acute inpa tient rehab at Baxter Regional, said the overriding problem with the plans boils down to who is in charge of medical decision-making.

“If you have original Medicare A and B, your medical care is managed by you and your prima ry care physician or, if you’re in the hospital, your hospitalist,” she said. “You all act as a team to make decisions together for your health care.

“If you have an Advantage plan, your health care is managed by the insurance company, not by you and not by your physician. Care has to be preau thorized, meaning submitting the patient’s clinical documentation to the insurance company and they decide whether or not the patient meets inpatient rehab criteria.

To make matters worse, turnaround time for ap proval typically takes three to seven working days, but can go as long as two to three weeks depending on what medical records or physician consults the insurance company may require.

“One of the biggest things with these plans is most of them require authorization for almost every ser vice that’s done,” said Kattie Laney, Baxter Regional patient financial services director. “If a patient has traditional Medicare, we put them in the first avail able slot for a procedure or test. But the majority of Advantage plans require us as the provider to spend hours on the phone or online, delaying care. There is just a lot more red tape to deal with.

“If you have an Advantage plan, your health care is managed by the insurance company, not by you and not by your physician. Care has to be preauthorized...”

“Also, patients need to be aware of higher co-pays for services, which can come as a surprise to a lot of people. They sign up for plans because a sales representative told them how much money they’ll save or what they’re getting for free. Well, that cost has to come from somewhere ...”

– Kattie Laney

“That’s another big reason why we highly encour age traditional Medicare coverage with an added commercial insurance supplement plan to defray out of pocket costs.”

Laney also said in dealing with patients who have Advantage plans, she’s seen it more than once when people discover what’s in the fine print the hard way.

“People really need to be aware of how their plan works,” she said. “These plans are limited to a small number of physicians and hospitals. Some patients have discovered their plan isn’t even accepted by a physician they already have a relationship with.

“Also, patients need to be aware of higher co-pays for services, which can come as a surprise to a lot of people. They sign up for plans because a sales rep resentative told them how much money they’ll save or what they’re getting for free. Well, that cost has to come from somewhere, and it’s usually by limiting the services they are going to cover.”

To make matters worse, the required authoriza tions and other red tape must be repeated with every phase of treatment, Gaylord said, such as a stroke pa tient discharged from the hospital into acute rehab

who then needs in-home care and later requires nurs ing home care, down to basic durable medical equip ment at any time during recovery and rehab. None of which, of course, is guaranteed to be accepted.

“Do I believe a lot of people get these plans for financial reasons? Yes. Do I believe a lot of them do it because they see TV commercials? Yes,” Gaylord said. “But what they don’t do, and this is part of what we’re trying to do in providing education for the community, is they don’t always read and in some cases don’t have access to the fine print.

“That’s why we really try to encourage people to speak with somebody, such as a trusted local insur ance agent, who is familiar with these plans and can help lay out all of your options. That’s the best way to go over what each individual plan covers and see the true cost and limitations they have.”

Stephenson also cautions people to at least look at any piece of mail that talks about insurance coverage. He relayed a story about his late father, whose former employer switched him to a Medicare Advantage plan without his knowledge, let alone his understanding of what the new plan did and did not cover.

Above: Kattie Laney, Baxter Regional patient financial services director. Photography by Jason Masters.

my dad retired, part of his benefits package was insurance for his lifetime. At some point, the company switched all their retired people over from original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan. Everything rocked along great until he was 95 years old and got really sick and we had to take him to the hospital.”

– Tim Stephenson

“When my dad retired, part of his benefits pack age was insurance for his lifetime,” he said. “At some point, the company switched all their retired people over from original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan. Everything rocked along great un til he was 95 years old and got really sick and we had to take him to the hospital.

“When he needed to move out of the hospital to an acute rehab center I said, ‘Where do y’all recommend?’ They said, ‘We recommend Baxter Regional in Mountain Home. That’s the best acute rehab center in your area.’ But when we called over there and gave them the information they prompt ly said, ‘I’m sorry. We do not accept his plan.’ I just was shocked.”

Stephenson’s case had a happy ending — he man aged to get his father untangled from the Medicare Advantage plan, and his new insurance was accepted by Baxter Regional where the care was, in his words, “outstanding, and their willingness to work with me was amazing.” But there was also an ironic twist awaiting him back in Shiloh one morning.

“About a month ago, I got a letter in the mail from Arkansas State Employee Benefits, and guess what? AR Benefits has signed on with a Medicare Advantage plan for all state and retired employees, of which I am one,” he said, the heat rising in his voice. “I went ballistic. I had just gone through this absolutely horrible time with my dad’s situation, and they are doing the exact same thing to my insurance.

“Now, you can opt out, but it’s on you, the con sumer or the beneficiary, to take action or it hap pens automatically. In other words, if you throw it in the trash, they’re going to change your benefits without you fully understanding what that means. If I could advise someone else on this, I’d tell them, ‘Remain vigilant.’”

Every year, tens of thousands of people enrolled in private Medicare Advantage plans are denied neces sary care that should be covered under the program, federal investigators concluded in a recent report. To read more about this report please visit: https://www. nytimes.com/2022/04/28/health/medicare-advan tage-plans-report.html n

Above: Tim Stephenson. Photography by James Moore.

“When

THE E-BIKE

BY DEBORAH STANUCH

THE E-BIKE, THE UBIQUITOUS MODE OF TRANSPORTATION IN URBAN ENVIRONMENTS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, ISN’T REALLY NEW TECHNOLOGY. The first patent for a battery powered bicycle was issued in 1895. The size and weight of the first two-wheeler couldn’t replace the popular manual model, but as technology evolved, so did the e-bike.

In crowded Asian and European cities, e-bikes have been growing in popularity since early in the 21st century as commuters looked for dependable, cost-effective modes of transportation and ways to reduce their carbon footprint. It took the COVID-19 pandemic to give rise to the growing popu larity of the e-bike in the United States.

As people became frustrated by the dis ruption of daily routines caused by the pandemic, many looked for healthy ways

to reduce stress, stay fit and be more ac tive while maintaining social distancing. The outdoors beckoned with activities like walking, hiking and biking alone or with family members.

Enter the e-bike, which is like a regu lar pedal bike except it has a small battery powered motor that is activated when the pedals are in motion. The rider can use the pedals only, combine pedaling plus con trolled assistance from the motor or rely

on the motor alone to power the bike. The change from pedals only to controlled assis tance to motor alone can be done quickly, easily and safely while operating the bike.

When Jonny Harvey, occupational health coordinator at Baxter Health, took a 52-pound 350-watt e-bike with a maxi mum assist of 20 mph for a test ride with Rusty Harvey (no relation) from Norfork Adventure Supply, he described the expe rience as “empowering.” “At no time did I feel unsafe. The motor engaged smooth ly when I began pedaling, and the bike stopped immediately with braking.

“The e-bike increases inclusivity to ride bikes,” says Harvey. He believes most peo ple can enjoy and receive health benefits from e-bike riding, regardless of age, fitness level or mobility issues. The rider has access to healthy exercise and fitness while gain ing confidence in their ability to achieve results. “The e-bike empowers and encour ages the rider while providing enjoyment.”

Depending on a person’s fitness lev el, biking on the local hills in the Twin Lakes area can be challenging, according to Harvey. When peddling uphill on a reg ular bike, he says all the effort is on the rider who is exercising at 100%. “It’s hard to keep that intensity up for a long period of time.” He encourages exercise at a mod erate intensity. “The e-bike can keep you in that moderate zone, working out at the same intensity while gaining confidence and achieving success.”

Gary and Sally B., a couple from Lakeview, purchased two 350-watt e-bikes from Norfork Adventure Supply. They en joy riding their bikes at Bull Shoals State Park, exploring the area, getting physical activity and not feel overwhelmed or dis couraged from riding steep hills. Gary said, “We’ve really benefited from our e-bikes on the hills around here. It makes us want to ride more often.”

Rusty Harvey says when someone comes to him or Norfork Adventure Supply owner Jake Anderson asking about e-bikes, they begin by asking them what they want to do with the bike. “Do they want to ride around their neighborhood or on gravel roads and mountain bike trails? Will they use the bike to commute to work? Shop for groceries?

Maximize fitness or enjoy a leisurely ride with a spouse or family member?”

“E-bike riders need to exercise the same caution and responsibility as with any mo torized vehicle,” warns Jonny Harvey. “Be aware and sensitive of your surroundings, including pedestrians, other bikers and ve hicles and know your local and state laws. All e-bikes are not created equal, which is why you should do research on the proper bike for your fitness level and usage, and talk to a professional before making an in vestment in an e-bike.”

“E-bikes come in a variety of styles and power levels,” says Rusty Harvey. “We

sought out e-bikes capable for our area and suitable for a large portion of our cus tomers. Some e-bikes may have a powerful motor but would be a poor choice for the customer’s wants and needs. The custom er needs to make an informed decision, and we are here to help.” n

Rusty Harvey

Baxter Health Wellness

Bethany Batterton, RN

THE WELLNESS ADVOCATE FOR BAXTER HEALTH EMPLOYEES AND FAMILIES

BY DEBORAH STANUCH

TO SAY BETHANY BATTERTON, RN, LOVES HER JOB IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT. The Health Advocate for Baxter Health Employees and Families stepped into her new role only six months ago and declares, “This could be my favorite job I’ve ever had.”

A graduate of Flippin High School, she earned her Registered Nursing degree at NorthArk College and has eight years of nursing experience. This includes nearly five years at Baxter Health with a background in psychology, case management and critical care.

During the height of the pandemic, Batterton spent 4 ½ months on the COVID-19 ward. “It was horrible. Every week at least one of my patients died.” She shared the trau ma from COVID-19 that her fellow health care providers were experiencing and watched them sacrifice their own well-being for their patients. The experience made her resolve to be an advocate for their wellness. “I want to be the voice in the background keeping them well, making sure they are tak ing care of themselves and have what they need.”

As the case manager for hospital insured employees and their family members, she can also help non-insured employees by directing them to the resources they may need. “When they have a question, I’m the right place for them to start. While I may not know the answer, I typically know who does and can find the answer.”

Her office is in the Knox Wellness Center with Jonny Harvey, occupational health coordinator at Baxter Health. She and Harvey set up fitness programs for employees and family members, plan wellness events to increase health knowledge, education and to make wellness more available. She works closely with the Reppell Diabetes Clinic and other Community Houses to provide resources employees may need.

“My goal is to keep our employees and their families healthy and out of the hospital. If you spend your entire career taking care of patients like family, you and your family deserve to be taken care of like that.” n

Baxter Health Nutrition Hearty Dishes

With the leaves changing and the temperatures dropping, we all want to reach for something easy, warm and comforting to eat.

BY JAMES STEFIUK

Turkey Pumpkin Chili

INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 large onion diced

1 green bell pepper, small dice

1 yellow bell pepper, small dice

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 pounds ground turkey

Two 14.5-ounce cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes

4 cups sugar pie pumpkin, cubed

2 cups chicken stock

2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from a 12-ounce can of Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce)

2 teaspoons cumin

2 tablespoons chili powder

Salt and pepper to taste

One 14.5-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed

Garnish options:

shredded mozzarella cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, pepitas

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oil in a large stock pot over medium heat.

Add in the turkey and cook until evenly browned. Add the onion and bell peppers, sauté until slightly browned. Add the garlic and sauté 3 minutes longer.

Mix in tomatoes, pumpkin and chicken stock. Season with adobo sauce, cumin, chili powder, pepper and salt. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 20 minutes or until pumpkin is tender.

Add black beans and simmer 5 minutes longer. Serve topped with cheese, sour cream, cilantro and avocado. Enjoy!

themodernproper.com/turkey-pumpkin-chili

Spiced Sausage, Kale and Gnocchi Casserole

INGREDIENTS:

1 package fresh potato gnocchi

1 pound spicy Italian sausage

3 tablespoons tomato paste

4 cups chopped kale leaves

½ cup heavy cream

¼ cup chicken stock

Salt and pepper to taste

¼ cup freshly grated pecorino cheese

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350° F.

Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Add the sausage, and use a wooden spoon to break up into small pieces. Cook until it’s no longer pink and slightly browned, then remove the sausage from pan, leaving the fat. Set aside.

Spicy Pork and Delicata Squash Soup

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound ground pork

2 tablespoons finely grated fresh ginger

2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes

½ teaspoon ground cumin

Hefty pinch of salt and pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

1 bunch of scallions, thinly sliced

1 large delicata squash, seeded and sliced into half moons (about ¼ inch thick)*

4 cups water

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon fish sauce

1 tablespoon fermented chili paste

1 cup rough chopped cilantro

4 eggs

Salt and pepper to taste

*If delicata squash isn’t available you can sub in 4-5 cups of raw, cubed butternut squash.

DIRECTIONS:

Mix the pork, ginger, red pepper flakes, cumin, salt and pepper in a large bowl until combined.

On medium heat, brown the gnocchi on all sides. Set aside.

Add the sausage back to the pan and add the tomato paste. Stir to coat the meat in the mixture. Toss in the kale and cook for 1 minute, stirring often. Add the cream and chicken stock and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a low simmer.

Add the reserved gnocchi and stir everything until well combined.

Remove from the heat. Add the pecorino cheese and place the pan in the oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the mixture is bubbling and the cheese is melted.

Serve immediately. Enjoy!

dishingupthedirt.com/recipes/spicedsausage-kale-gnocchi-casserole

Heat the oil in a large stock pot over medium high heat. Add the garlic and scallions and cook for about 1 minute, stirring often.

Add the pork and use a wooden spoon to break up into small pieces. Cook until lightly browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the water and squash and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the squash is fork tender, about 10 minutes.

Add the soy sauce, fish sauce, cilantro, scallion greens and fermented chili paste. Give the pot a good stir. Simmer for about 5 minutes longer to let the flavors meld. Taste for seasonings and adjust as needed.

While the soup simmers, gently lower the eggs into a large saucepan of boiling water. Cook 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a bowl of ice water and let cool until you can easily handle them. Peel the eggs and set aside.

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the eggs and additional salt and pepper. n

Source: dishingupthedirt.com/recipes/spicy-porkdelicata-squash-soup

Chaplain’s Corner

NEVER BEEN DONE BEFORE

BY REV. RANDALL D. LUDWIG, DMIN, BCC

THERE IS A STORY IN THE GOSPELS, MARK’S GOSPEL ACTUALLY, THAT TELLS A STORY RELEVANT NOT ONLY TO THE CHURCH BUT TO ANY ORGANIZATION THAT CONSIDERS ITS MISSION A MINISTRY. I suppose a hospital would fit that definition.

The story goes like this: Jesus was preaching at a place in Capernaum. Four men brought a paralyzed man to see Jesus in hopes that he might heal him. Because the crowds were large and they couldn’t get the man close to Jesus, they lifted him onto the roof and dug a hole through the roof and lowered the paralyzed man down to Jesus. The story quotes Jesus as speaking to the four friends saying, “Because of your faith, this man is healed.”

The story ends with these words: “He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this!’”

This story really isn’t about the healing of the paralytic; it’s more about the courage and determination of the four people who brought him to the place. These four people were not go ing to take no for an answer. These four people were going to do whatever it took to help their friend. These four people were not afraid to do something completely new and outside the box of their comfort zone.

Do you know the seven last words of a dying organization?

“WE HAVE NEVER DONE IT THAT WAY BEFORE.”

An organization, in particular a health care organization of any size, has got to have three things to thrive:

1. Vision

2. Commitment

3. Faith

Without a vision, the people will perish, Without commitment, the vision will perish, And without faith, the commitment perishes.

Now, who do you think has got to inspire the vision? Who has got to motivate the commitment? Who has got to have the faith to see it through? The answer obviously is the leadership of the organization—those charged with the tasks of growth and quality.

So often though, some organizations fail because of fear and trepidation. Oh, their hearts are in the right place; sure they want to move forward, but in the end their mentality is:

“We’d like to try that, but we’ve never done it that way before.”

And so those organizations stand mo tionless and ultimately disappear.

We have been called to build the Kingdom of God here on earth. That kingdom must be built by people who aren’t afraid to have a vision, who aren’t afraid to commit themselves and who have the faith to do whatever it takes to heal the sick, clothe the naked and feed the hungry.

Jesus has gone to Capernaum. There are people everywhere. Every pew is full, they’re standing in the aisles, standing in the parking lot—there are people everywhere!

What’s the attraction, why is everybody here? You see, people will come if you give them what they need as opposed to just giving them what they want.

Four fellows show up at this place dragging a fifth. Four very special fellows, four people who have been called to the Gospel. Four individuals who could have very easily said, “Brother, we’ll drag you back tomorrow night when it isn’t as crowded. We’ll try again later.”

But these four were different; they had a vision for the future of their friend, they were committed to being successful and they had faith that they could get this man healed. Jesus told them that they had faith!

“We’re never going to get in this way; we’ll never get through this crowd.” “Let’s go around back.” “Let’s do something that we’ve never done before.”

The nerve of those four, putting a ladder on the side of that building—what’s the community going to say? And that hole. A hole in the roof? The board of directors is going to have a fit! These four men had compassion and they were competent. Nothing was going to stop them from getting this man to Jesus.

So what happens to a health care organization when it is filled with folks who have a vision, who are committed to doing what is right and who have the faith to believe that healing can take place even with insurmountable odds?

Brothers and sisters, the seven words of a vibrant, thriving, growing hospital, that is committed to doing the work of Jesus has for its motto:

“WE’VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE!”

There will come a day when the crippled folk are walking away with their mats under their arms, and the community will say, “WE’VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE.”

Thank you, Barney Larry, for hav ing the vision, the commitment and the faith all these years to help make Baxter Health one of the best health care organizations in the nation.

God bless you, my friend. n

“Let’s go around back. Let’s do something that we’ve never done before.”