well now july/august

A MAGAZINE FOR HEALTHY LIFESTYLES IN SEARCY, ARKANSAS.

JULY/AUGUST 2012

Master ‘Collector’

Setting the Pace

Following His Faith

F inding Relief

Running Like GirlsRunning Like Girls

Outdoor cooks eating healthier

Chiropractor helps Kensett veteranChiropractor helps Kensett veteran

Green Eggs & Health

White County Medical Centerinnovates MRI-proof pacemaker

Searcy women training for 5K

Dan Newsom sets an example

Gardener has over 700 plants

Back-to-School: Helpful Tips From Searcy Pediatrician

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WellNow is published bimonthly by The Daily Citizen, offi ce at 3000 E. Race Avenue, Searcy, AR 72143, 501-268-8621. The con-tents of WellNow are copyrighted, and material contained herein may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. Articles in WellNow should not be considered specifi c advice, as individual circumstances vary. Products and services advertised in the magazine are not necessarily endorsed by WellNow.

From the Publisher

PublisherMike Murphy

E D I T O R I A L

Wendy Jones

Molly Fleming

Marisa Lytle

Kyle Troutman

Erica Sirratt

Jacob Brower

Erica Goodwin

Mike Murphy

Kathy Murphy

L A Y O U T & D E S i g n

A D V E R T I S I N G

Beverly Newton

Teresa Harvey

Bruce Black

Regina Meyers

Teresa Mason

D I S T R I B U T I O N

Curtis Stevens

David Barnes

CitizenDailyThe


JULY/AUGUST 2012 l VOLUME 1 / ISSUE 2I hope you can see we’re planning to have fun with this

new WellNow magazine.It was certainly a grin

for me to track down some fellow Big Green Egg enthusiasts. But the resulting story is a small example of our plan for the magazine – to pres-ent useful information in stories about Searcy residents.

I think we’re hitting our stride here in this second issue.

Jacob Brower’s report on a Vietnam veteran finding relief for his nerve damage from a local chiropractor is an example of unique solutions to health issues. Erica Goodwin continues to bring us stories of innovation at White County Medical Center with her report “Setting The Pace” about an advanced pacemaker system that allows for MRI scans.

Our goal is to provide information, and perhaps some inspiration, to readers on topics related to health and wellness through stories of their friends and neighbors.

In this issue, Searcy residents have shared with us a wide variety of topics from their lives that include faith, gardening, exercise, and recreation. We also have captured their expertise in personal finance, menu planning, stress management, and child care.

I hope you enjoy the magazine. Please send feedback on how you would like to see us continue this mission.

Please send correspondence to Mike Murphy, Publisher, The Daily Citizen, 3000 E. Race, Searcy, AR 72143. You can email to [email protected]

Mike MurphyPublisher


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contents JULY/AUGUST2012

FEATURESFINDING RELIEF 10Chiropractor helps Kensett veteran

RUNNING LIKE GIRLS 14Searcy women train for 5K race

GREEN EGGS & HEALTH 18Outdoor cooks eating healthier

MASTER GARDENERA COLLECTOR 30Searcy women has collection of over 700 plants

SETTING THE PACE 34Searcy grandmother with pacemaker benefits from innovation at White County Medical Center

TO THE RIVER 38College roommate enjoy kayaking

SWIMMING LESSONS GIVEPARENTS PEACE OF MIND 42Harding aquatics program offers a varietyof swimming classes

FOLLOWING HIS FAITH 46Searcy man says all things work together for good

HEALTHY TIPSFOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL 48Pediatrician offers helpful advice on sending children back to school

YOGA - BRINGINGBALANCE TO MIND & BODY 50Breast cancer survior inspires others with yoga

MAKING HEALTHYMEALS EASY 52Child nutrition director offers healthy menus

HOW SEARCY’S TOP DOCTORSMANAGE STRESS IN THEIRBUSY LIVES 54

On The Cover: Jay Moore is photographed at his Big Green Egg. Jay has reaped the benefits of using the grill, and embraced a healthier lifetstyle. His story is on page 18.

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well now l contributors

contributors

M O L L Y M . F L E M I N G As a runner herself, Molly M. Fleming jumped at the chance to get to tell the stories of women who were starting to learn the joys of the sport. “Running is used so often as punishment that sometimes people don’t realize that it can be fun,” she said. “It was great to hear these women talk about the camarade-rie they found together while they ran.” In “Running like girls,” Fleming not only wanted to tell about the training, but about the feeling of accomplishment that comes when one com-pletes a race. “I hope this story inspires other women to start running — or at least moving,” she said. “And if they start mov-ing, I’m sure the men in their lives — and even their children — will follow. Exercise should be a family aff air.”

W E N D Y J O N E SHaving processed thousands of bits of news in her seven years with The Daily Citizen, Wendy Jones is right at home developing the bulletin items for pages 22-25. Jones knows that understand-ing diff erent medical terms is the fi rst step in improving one’s health. Blood pressure, pulse rates and hemoglobin levels can seem complicated and intimidating until they are broken down in simple terms. “Knowing what you can do to get healthier be-gins with knowledge,” she says. Being so involved with community events, Jones highlights area events like the Day of Caring to be held Aug. 4 and introduces new hobbies such as bicycling and gardening. “Learning something new can open doors to a whole new life,” she says.

J A C O B B R O W E RJacob Brower, editor of The Daily Citizen, says that interviews with war veterans rank high on his list of favorite subjects. Brower got his start as a professional journalist in 2000 as a staff writer and photographer for a weekly newspaper in Neosho, Mo., where he would often interview veterans of World War II. He contributed a story in this edition on Therman Mount, a Vietnam veteran who is coping with the eff ects of Agent Orange exposure during the war. “Veterans have a lot to teach us,” Brower said. “It is always an honor and a privilege to be able to tell their stories.”

E R I C A S I R R A T TWhile juggling being a wife and mom and graduating college, Erica Sirratt enjoys writing about stories that can help parents with their children. “Being a parent is my No. 1 job,” she said. “I just want to help other parents the way people have helped me.” In “Swimming Lessons give parents peace of mind,” Sirratt explores the positive impact of teaching kids how to swim. With a 3-year-old son, this story gave her the motivation to teach her son. As a Christian, she jumped at the chance to write about how Dan Newsom used his faith to get through tough times.

E R I C A G O O D W I NErica Goodwin serves as marketing specialist at White County Medical Center. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Arkansas-Little Rock and a bachelor’s degree in journalism/public relations from Arkansas State Univer-sity. Erica resides in Searcy with her husband, Jonathan, and daughter, Eliza. She continues to bring us stories of innovation at White County Medical Center with her report “Setting the Pace” about an advanced pacemaker system that allows for MRI scans.

M A R I S A L Y T L EMarisa Lytle is a staff writer for The Daily Citizen. She graduated from Searcy High School in 2006 and Harding University in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature. Marisa lives in Searcy with her husband, Anthony, and enjoys spending time with her parents, Rod and Carol Smith, and brothers, Jordan and Jarod. Birds, books, music and travel are among her top interests. She worked with Searcy Public Schools nutrition director Charlotte Davis to develop the 7-day menu plan for this edition of WellNow.

M I K E M U R P H YMike Murphy has been publisher of the Daily Citizen since 2003. He’s been in the newspaper business for 30 years, a good part of it as a reporter and editor. He bought his Big Green Egg from Jay Moore at Ace Hardware two years ago, and has been enjoying it since. He caught up with some other egg enthusi-asts, and Jay Moore, for this edition of WellNow.

K A T H Y M U R P H YKathy Murphy spent the 1990s hands-on in the newspaper busi-ness with husband Mike. During that time, she did jobs that needed to be done, which, sooner-or-later, included most of them. She’s helping out WellNow magazine by fi nding someone for our “healthy spaces” feature, and doing the story and photo. For this edition she met with Searcy Master Gardener Ann Wood. Kathy spends most of her time as the Executive Director of the White County Community Foundation. When not working, she’s looking out after Connor,17, and Morgan,13.

B E V E R L Y N E W T O NBeverly Newton began as a graphic artist at the Community Shopper/Daily Citizen in 1999. She specialized in ad design. Bev-erly graduated in 1980 with a bachelor’s degree in commercial art and a minor in art education. She developed the typography and graphic elements for the new WellNow magazine and is responsi-ble for the layout and design. Her hobbies include drawing, read-ing, music, and spending time with her 14-year-old son, Trey.

K Y L E T R O U T M A NHolding multiple editorial positions at three Arkansas colleges, Kyle Troutman has written about everything from University of Central Arkansas sports to hard news at the University of Ar-kansas at Little Rock. In this issue, Troutman takes a look at the mental and physical benefi ts of yoga, an ancient Indian mix of meditation and fi tness. “I’ve never participated in a yoga class, but I’ve known a plethora of people who have, and some say there is no better way to keep in shape, while also staying men-tally acute,” he said.


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(501)268-2273Dr. Tim Kamerman Chiropractic Physician

Chiropractic Care Clinic2924 Hawkins Drive Searcy,AR 72143

CALL TODAYCALL TODAY to set up to set up an evaluation to see an evaluation to see if you qualify for ourif you qualify for our

neuropathy program. neuropathy program.

If you are one of those individuals who have burning, numbness, tingling, pain, loss of touch, loss of balance and diffi culty sleeping

at night due to restless legs, you may have peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral Neuropathy can be caused by many factors, such as

chemotherapy, medications, or tissue injury. Many of my patients Many of my patients have stated that medication helps, but it does not take away have stated that medication helps, but it does not take away the constant nerve irritationthe constant nerve irritation. We have seen people in our offi ce

who have gone to extremes like soaking their feet in ice water, and even have gotten to the point of having amputation due to lack of

circulation and due to the pain.

Almost all of the patients have stated to me that they have been told there is nothing else that can be done. In some cases this

may be true but the majority of patients we have treated in the majority of patients we have treated in our offi ce have shown improvement and some have total our offi ce have shown improvement and some have total

elimination of their symptoms.elimination of their symptoms. To eff ectively treat neuropathy requires a multifaceted approach. We use modern nerve stimulating technology, laser, nutritional support and brain-based therapies to

improve function and minimize or eliminate pain.

Announcing a new treatment protocol for peripheral neuropathy without drugs and surgery

Dr. Kristy WardDr. Tim Kamerman

Therman Mount prepares to lay on an adjusting table for treatment of lower back pain by Dr. Timothy Kamerman during a recent visit to Chiropractic Care Clinic in Searcy.

Therman Mount didn’t see combat during the Vietnam War, but he didn’t make it out of southeast Asia unscathed either.

A native of Kensett who still calls the city home, Mount was drafted into the United States Army at age 21.

“I was hoping I wouldn’t have to go, but I did,” said Mount, now 67.

Mount served as an Army supply specialist from 1967-68 and was stationed outside of what was then Saigon, now Ho Chi Minh City. His main duty was to be certain that soldiers were stocked up on essentials such as paper cups, paper towels, toilet paper, blankets and soap.

His job also required handling chemicals.When it comes to old war stories, Mount

has few. His time in the service was largely un-eventful. But it was one thing would otherwise qualify as a non-consequential memory that negatively impacts Mount to this day.

Agent OrangeAs part of the U.S. military’s herbicidal war-

fare, known as Operation Ranch Hand, the U.S. military sprayed a chemical popularly known as Agent Orange over Vietnam, eastern Laos and parts of Cambodia. The military’s goal was two-pronged. First, defoliating the land would deprive Vietnamese guerilla fighters of the cover they needed to be successful in their attacks. Secondly, killing the land’s ability to produce

fruit and support wildlife would force peasants to flee to U.S.-dominated urban areas. The goal was to cut off guerilla fighters’ food supply, as well as their rural support base to give the U.S. an advantage by forcing guerilla fighters to en-gage U.S. forces in traditional combat.

Along with killing off plant life, Agent Orange also caused numerous health problems for people who came into contact with the herbicide — though the effects of the chemical’s toxicity on the human body were not fully known until years later.

One person who came into contact with Agent Orange was Mount.

“We knew the stuff was leaking, but we didn’t see a problem with it,” he said. “Our hands would be all in it.”

Years later, the problem became apparent. Mount would experience pain and other dis-comfort throughout his body, primarily his legs. Finally, in 2006, Mount was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, a disease which damages the nerves. Doctors told Mount his diagnosis was linked to his exposure to Agent Orange.

Finding reliefMount’s problems did not end with his diag-

nosis. He would routinely consult with doctors who would tell him that the pain and discom-fort is something he would simply have to deal with.

FindingreliefChiropractor helps Kensett veteranB Y J A C O B B R O W E R

Therman Mount was a U.S. Army supply specialist during the Vietnam War from 1967-68. Stationed outside what was then Saigon, now Ho Chi Minh City, Mount was exposed to Agent Orange, which doctors say led to his peripheral neuropathy.

4


“No medication, no nothing,” said Mount, who is also a type 2 diabetic.

“I’d have to let my foot hang over the mattress when I slept. What was I supposed to do? Go into someone’s house and ask, ‘Can I take my shoes off ?’”

Mount’s pain made him unable to do things many take for granted — such as sleeping on his back, sitting in stadium seating to watch his grandchildren’s ball games or even keeping his shoes on during church services. After hitting nu-merous dead ends in his search for treatment, Mount was referred by a fellow churchgoer to Dr. Timo-thy Kamerman with Chiropractic Care Clinic in Searcy. Kamerman has now been treating Mount since March.

Shannon Aures, of Chiropractic Care Clinic in Searcy, rubs body wrap rebuilder cream on Therman Mount’s lower legs during a recent visit. The cream helps blood veins to expand, aiding blood fl ow to the legs and relieving pain and discomfort.

Dr. Timothy Kamerman uses an activator on the lower back of Therman Mount during a recent visit to Chiropractic Care Clinic in Searcy. The activator aids in adjusting the positioning of the spine, alleviating pain and discomfort.

3

The treatmentMount visits Kamerman’s office nearly every

week, where Kamerman provides a number of treat-ments. Some of those treatments include use of a body wrap rebuilder cream on Mount’s lower legs, which aids blood flow to his legs. Another treatment is the use of an “activator,” a drill-shaped device that aligns the spine and alleviates pain and discomfort related to Mount’s condition.

Neuropathy is common, especially amongst dia-betics. Approximately 60 percent of the nation’s 18.8 million diabetics suffer from neuropathy, meaning that — assuming White County percentage mirrors that national average — approximately 2,800 White County residents suffer from diabetes and neuropa-thy.

Despite that alarming number, only a small num-ber of doctors offer full treatment of neuropathy.

“Neuropathy is one of those things that drive medical doctors crazy,” Kamerman said. “I get referred by a lot of doctors whose patients complain about back problems, and I always ask them, ‘Why don’t you refer patients who have neuropathy?’”

Kamerman was exposed to nerve damage at an early age. He watched as his grandfather, a diabetic,

“Medication does help, but it really doesn’t do much with regenerating and getting [pa-tients] where they can have better balance and less pain, less burning.The treatment protocols we have are eff ective at allowing people to regain their life-style.”

– Timothy Kamerman,DC, PA


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starting losing toes. He eventually lost both legs from the mid-thigh down.

Despite not having toes, he would often feel sensations in his toes, such as pain and itching. Treating what is known as “phantom pain” (pain not necessarily felt in the body that is felt in the brain) is another service Kamerman offers.

“There is still pain in the brain, or there is itching and burning in the brain, so we sometimes have to not only treat the area of complaint, but also have the balance the left brain and right brain so we can clear up the pathway,” he said

This is achieved a number of ways, including flashing lights, music, tones and positive messages.

Kamerman said that time is of the essence when dealing with treatment of neuropathy, but results may vary depend-ing on the patient. Some may feel just a small percentage of relief, while others can experience nearly full relief.

The longer the condition goes un-treated, however, the more chance there is that the symptoms become permanent, Kamerman said.

“Medication does help, but it really doesn’t do much with regenerating and getting [patients] where they can have better balance and less pain, less burn-ing,” he said. “The treatment protocols we have are effective at allowing people to regain their lifestyle.”

Back to normalAs for Mount, he has few com-

plaints. He can now sleep on his back and can keep his shoes on for extended periods of time. He can be seen cheering at local ball games — stadium seating and all.

“I came here because I got hurt and there was nothing [other doctors] could do for me,” he said. “I could tell there was relief.” ✥

Chiropractic Care Clinic of Searcy is located at 2924 Hawkins Drive. The clinic can be reached by phone at (501) 268-2273.

(Left to right) Susan Jenkins, Becky McGuirt, Cameron McBrayer, Mary Jane Parks, Rachel Sheppard, Marti Maier train together for a 5 kilometer race as part of the Women Run Arkansas clinic.


Running like girls

On a rainy Saturday in May, Katrina McCandless headed down the last tenth of a mile in what would be her

first five kilometer race.“All I could think was, ‘I want to get a

better time.”Ten weeks prior to this last stretch, Mc-

Candless wasn’t a runner. But now, she was giving it all she had to

have a better finishing time.McCandless was one of more than 30

women from Searcy who competed in the Women Run Arkansas 5K in May, a “gradu-ation run” after training for 10 weeks in the free training program.

Her friend, Kim “Snapper” Evans had a rather different outlook as she came through the finish at her first 5K.

“I thought, ‘I’m almost there and I haven’t died yet,” Evans said.

But despite what their minds were telling them, McCandless and Evans finished the race and said they will even now continue to run after their experience in the Women Run Arkansas clinic.

“The clinic helped keep me accountable knowing that someone would expect me to be there,” Evans said.

While McCandless has grown to love running, she also wants to keep competing because, as she said, “I noticed that a 78-year-old woman beat me. That’s just unaccept-able.”

McCandless’ and Evans’ success in the race started with a mere few steps of running. On the first day of clinic, they ran for only 30

seconds and walked more than five times that length.

But over the next 10 weeks, women who had never run before or who hadn’t run since their younger years would slowly start to increase their running time, while decreasing their walk time.

These women — and only women — were the Basic Running group of the Women Run Arkansas Clinic, a statewide initiative to get women up and moving, whether it be run-ning or walking.

In 50 cities across the state, including Searcy, women met twice a week to get fit, making new friends and relieving stress at the same time.

Jennifer Pannell of Searcy was the clinic’s leader. Searcy had a clinic in the past, but Pannell wanted to bring it back because she had seen the benefits the clinic had on women, not only during training, but in the future.

“A lot of women I’ve met at races started running by training in the Women Run Ar-kansas Clinic,” Pannell said. “It definitely has a lasting impact.”

She said she has been pleased with the women who have participated in this year’s group, both runners and walkers.

“They’ve been very enthusiastic,” she said. “I’ve been impressed with their abili-ties.”

The clinic offers women of all abilities the chance to either walk or run their first five kilometer race, which measures 3.1 miles. For some women, this is the furthest they’ve ever

“Having arunning group just keepsyou moreaccountable. If you’re not there, we’ll check in on you.”

– Jennifer Pannell,Women Run

ArkansasClinic Leader

, .Searcy women train in statewide clinic for 5K race

B Y M O L LY M . F L E M I N G


ran. For others, the race is a chance for them to improve their times.

The clinic helps all of these women — from those who want to ease into run-ning, to those who want to run faster.

The training is free, but the actual 5K race in Conway costs $20. There is no age limit or minimum on clinic participants, and women at the Searcy clinic range in age and ability.

Cameron McBrayer, 25, had never ran before she came to clinic, but she quickly moved up the ranks. She started in the beginning group and was soon run-ning along the advanced runners.

She said she impressed herself with her quick change from beginning runner to advanced runner.

“I was proud of myself,” she said. “I didn’t know I’d be able to do it, but I tried.”

McBrayer said she came to the clinic to meet new people, but found it has added other benefits to her life.

“It’s a chance for me to get away from my two boys and let them have some one-on-one time with their dad,” she said. “It’s also a great stress reliever for me. I’ve made some great friendships that will definitely last after clinic.”

Advanced runner Marti Maier said she wanted to join the clinic to meet new people.

“I wanted to be in a community of women runners of all abilities, and I defi-nitely found that,” Maier said.

Mary Jane Parks, 53, became a run-ner last fall because, as she said, “I don’t like to waste time.”

“I was on a diet that required you to walk for 20 minutes, so I decided if I ran it, I could get it over quicker, so I started running,” she said.

Parks was part of the intermediate running group, and said her time in clinic has helped improve her 5K race time. The 5K race in Conway was her third 5K in the last year.

“Being part of the clinic has given me accountability so I have to make sure I do what I’m supposed to do for training,” Parks said.

But not everyone in the clinic is a runner, which is perfectly acceptable.

Patsy Healy, 75, came to clinic to reap the health benefits of walking. She walked a mile and a half whenever clinic met.

“I have high blood pressure and I’m a diabetic,” Healy said. “I’ve been amazed at how this walking has helped to lower both. This exercise just makes you feel better.”

Healy said she has tried to convince some of her friends to join her at clinic,

but she said they always have excuses.“Most of my friends say they can’t do

it,” she said. “I said, ‘You could if you’d start it.’ They say something won’t let them, they claim.”

Since the women have completed the 5K, many of them have bigger aspira-tions. The clinic has empowered them to pursue other races, and even longer distances.

To accomplish those distances, Pan-nell said she plans to have the women continue to meet to run when they can.

“Having a running group just keeps you more accountable,” she said. “If you’re not there, we’ll check in on you.”

To catch up with the women running group, go to Facebook and “Like” Searcy Women Run Arkansas. Pannell said she will post dates and times to meet up and run. The Women Run Arkansas Clinic is held every year and always starts in the spring. For more information about the clinic or to keep up-to-dateon the 2013 clinic, people can visit www.womenrunarkansas.net. But if a person can’t wait forrunning clinic and want to train a 5K, the calendar of Arkansas races can be found at www.arkansasrunner.com.

Want to run with these women? Go to Facebook and “like” Searcy Women Run Arkansas to keep up to date with their latest times and places to meet for a run. All ages and experience are welcome.

✥

Kim Jenkins leads a group of runners around the Harding University Track. Following Jenkins is Becky McGuirt, Kim Lewis, Rachel Sheppard, Marti Maier, and Mary Jane Parks.

3



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investment portfolio?

How much should you withdraw each yearfrom your

The answer depends on several factors, including your retirement lifestyle, the size and performance of your investment portfolio, infl ation, your estimated life expectancy and the size of the estate you’d like to leave. This decision is important, because the amount you withdraw each year will directly aff ect how long your money lasts.

From whichaccountsshould you begin taking withdrawals?

You may have built three diff erent types of accounts: taxable, tax-deferred and tax-free. It may be a good idea to take withdrawals from your taxable accounts fi rst, thereby allowing your tax-deferred accounts, such as your Traditional IRA and your 401(k), more time to compound and potentially increase in value. If you have a tax-free account, such as a Roth IRA, save it for last to maximize the compounding on money on which you will never pay taxes. (Roth IRA earnings grow tax-free if you’ve had your account at least fi ve years and you don’t begin taking withdrawals until you’re at least 59-1/2.) That said, this is just a rule of thumb.

When should you take Social Security?

You can begin taking Social Security as early as age 62, but your monthly checks will be considerably larger if you wait until your “normal” retirement age, which is likely 65 or 66. But if you need the money, you may be better off by taking Social Security at 62 and giving your tax-deferred accounts more time to potentially grow.

Before you can pursue an appropriate investment strategy, you’ll need to know about how much you’ll spend each year. Estimate your costs for housing, food, travel, entertainment, insurance, gifts — everything. Keep in mind that your expenses will likely change annually, especially for items such as health care. Don’t forget about infl ation, which will likely cause your expenses to increase over the years.

How muchwill youspend eachyear?

How should you balanceyour investmentportfolio

As you can see, you’ll need a lot of expertise to successfully manage your fi nancial and investment situations during retire-ment. If you don’t already work with a fi nancial advi-sor and a tax professional, now would be a good time to start. Once you’ve got your fi nancial strategy in place, you’ll be better pre-pared to enjoy an active, fulfi lling retirement.

B Y A M Y DA N I E L S A N D C I N DY DA V I S

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B Y M I K E M U R P H Y

Outdoor cooks eating betterOutdoor cooks eating better

The Big Green Egg phenomenon

was well underway when Jay

Moore began retailing them three

years ago from his Ace Hardware in

Searcy.

The ceramic “kamados” with their

distinctive green, dimpled surface have

been around for years. But sales are grow-

ing 20 percent annually across the nation,

as more and more backyard chefs join

a cult of devotees known, of course, as

Eggheads.

Greg Angel was an early convert, and

now Searcy’s resident guru. A Big Green

Egg owner for eight years, he fires it up

three or four times a week for everything

from steak, chicken and ribs to meat loaf,

pizza, breakfast sausage and apple pie.

“It’s a hobby,” Angel said. “And it

helps us eat healthier. We use a lot more

chicken and vegetables rather than red

meat.”

Angel said the Big Green Egg’s attrac-

tion is in its versatility – you can smoke

at low temperatures; use extremely high,

searing heat for grilling; or bake like an

oven.

Temperature on the Big Green Egg can

be controlled and stabilized precisely. The

For Greg Angel (above) and his wife Robbie, the Big Green Egg is a part of their living space on the deck of their home near Searcy. Angel has been developing a wide variety of recipes during the eight years he has owned his egg. He uses it as a grill, and also a smoker and an oven. He grows his own herbs (right) that he likes to use in his recipes.

Green Eggs & Health

heat is distributed evenly, and cooks find

that meat cooked on the Big Green Egg

turns out more moist and succulent.

“Once people cook on one they love it,”

said Angel, who has several friends and

acquaintances who have begun using the

Big Green Egg.

“He’s my best salesman,” Moore said of

Angel.

It was Angel who convinced Moore to

begin carrying the Big Green Egg, acces-

sories and charcoal at his hardware store

in Searcy.

“I thought we could probably sell these

in Searcy,” Moore said. “It was kind of a

higher-end product that I thought would fit

in nicely with what we had at the store.”

Then came a dose of retailer’s reality.

“I placed the first order,” Moore said.

“And it was six months before we sold the

first egg.”

He can laugh about it now because he’s

sold many more, and his clientele contin-

ues to grow.

“We’ve become a place to go for all

things Green Egg,” Moore said. “We have

people come in from everywhere, both for

the grill and for charcoal and accessories.”

Moore has also become an enthusiast

with the Big Green Egg at his own home.

He said the grill helps him prepare tastier,

healthier food.

Because the Big Green Eggs can cook

using partial steam and latent heat, food

retains its own juices better, reducing the

need for outside oils. Also, large fatty cuts

of meat can be cooked slowly, reducing oil

and grease.

“Anything you cook on it is leaner,

healthier,” Moore said. “I used to eat a lot

of fried food. When I got the green egg

I started cooking vegetables. I’ve cooked

squash, zucchini, carrots, onions, broccoli

and asparagus.”

Moore is a long-time dieter who

weighed 380 pounds a few years ago.

“I’ve tried every diet there is out there,”

he said. “Atkins, Weight Watchers, diet

pills. It would work for a while. I’ve lost

40-50 pounds a couple of times. But as

soon as I quit the diet, I’d gain it back.”

After a lot of consideration and consul-

tation with his doctor, he finally decided to

have lapband surgery in January 2009.

In lapband surgery, an inflatable band is

placed around the upper part of the stom-

ach. This restricts the amount of food that

can be consumed at one time and increases

the time taken for the stomach to empty.

The patient achieves sustained weight loss

by limiting food intake, reducing appetite,

and slowing digestion. The procedure

involves a small incision, usually done

laparoscopic and outpatient. Because no

part of the stomach is stapled or removed,

the patient continues to absorb nutrients

from food normally.

Moore dropped 150 pounds. He has put

back on about 20, is settling in at about

240 pounds, and is an advocate of the

procedure.

Mike Millar (left) and Barry Burch are getting a fi re ready to prepare ribs on Millar’s Big Green Egg.

3

Jay Moore prepares ribs on the Big Green Egg in his backyard in Searcy. Moore had lap band surgery three years ago to help him control his weight. He said the Big Green Egg helps him prepare healthier, tastier food.

3• Derived from an ancient clay cooking device known as a “kamado”

• Insulating ceramic interior; green, dimpled exterior

• Uses natural lump charcoal

• Accurate temperature control 150 -750 degrees using air fl ow dampers

• Sear, roast, bake, smoke, grill, cook

• $700 - $1,200

• Available Ace Hardware, Searcy


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“Well, I think you could say it saved my

life,” he said. “It’s the best thing I ever did

for myself.”

Moore said he realizes such surgery in

not for everyone, but has worked out very

well for him.

“With lapband, you can eat anything

you want, just not very much. It limits the

amount you can take in. It helps you con-

trol you intake by making you feel full.”

He said recovery from the surgery

helped him adapt to a lifestyle change.

“The first three or four months after

the surgery you have to be so careful that

when that time is up you have adapted to

the way you want to do things,” he said.

“I feel like I’ve done well with it.”

Now Moore said, he has to get more

consistent with his exercise routine, and

stay focused on healthy eating. His son,

Andrew, is home from college this summer

– and they’d cooked on the Big Green Egg

a couple times during a recent week. Jay

said he learned from his boys not to worry

about a common Big Green Egg com-

plaint – that you have to light the charcoal.

“We had a gas grill and the egg sitting

on the deck,” Moore said. “I’d come home

at night and they’d have the egg fired up. I

figured if two teenage boys can light it, it

can’t be that hard.”

Dr. Dan Riner has two Big Green Eggs, an extra-large and a medium. He uses the extra-large when entertaining his extended family and the medium when cooking for him-self and his wife Gay at their residence in Searcy. Riner is a physician for AR Care and likes to prepare healthy meals on his Big Green Egg. One of his favorites is salmon and broc-coli. He also likes to cook for his family. On his extra-large egg he can prepare 18 racks of baby back ribs.

3

Greg Angel’sSmoked Chicken

Spinach Pizza

Combine the 4 ingredients in a food processor

and pulse until all ingredients are combined.

1 Pizza Crust (recipe to follow)1 Chicken Breast (grilled and shredded)1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese (We use fresh)10 Cherry Tomatoes (halved)1-2 Cups Fresh SpinachFresh Basil & OreganoSalt & Pepper

Tomato Basil Pesto2 Cups Basil5 Cloves of Garlic¼ Cup Olive Oil1 Medium Tomato

Stir water, oil, sugar & salt in a bowl until the sugar dissolves. Whisk the flour and yeast in a large bowl, make a well in the center and add the liquid mixture. With a wooden spoon, gradually stir the flour into the liquid to make the dough. Make the dough into a ball.

Dust your work surface with flour and knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. (5 minutes) Divide into 4 equal portions, form into balls, and put on a baking sheet that has been lightly oiled. Brush the tops of the pizza balls and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise at room temp. until doubled (30-45 min).

When dough has doubled, punch it down. Divide in ½ and loosely form 2 balls. Place one on the floured surface, cover with inverted bowl, and allow to rest for 15 minutes. Shape into a disk and press into your pizza pan. (the other pizza ball can be put into a plas-tic storage bag and will store in frig for 2 days)

Spread pesto over pizza dough. Add mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, spinach, and chicken. Sprinkle with basil and oregano and salt and pepper. Bake 12-15 minutes at 450 degrees on The Big Green Egg.

After pizza is finished baking, top with fresh parme-san cheese.

To make this pizza even healthier, you can use a store bought wheat pizza crust and low-fat mozzarella cheese.

Pizza Dough1 Cup Tepid Water3Tbs. Extra-virgin Olive Oil, plus more as needed 2 Tsp. Sugar1 ½ Tsp. Kosher Salt3 cups All Purpose Flour, plus more for kneading1 ½ Tsp. active Dry Yeast

R

R


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well now l bulletin

Start bicycling to improve health

According to bicyclinginfo.org regardless of experience, riding a bike can be a great way to get healthy exercise. Dwayne Handley of Searcy, former owner of Bike City, has been casually riding all

his life. “Pretty much anyone can start riding,” Handley said. “Anyone with

health issues should speak to their doctor first, but generally bikes are made in so many styles there is one for everyone. Just make sure you are aware safety precautions and laws of the road. I recommend everyone wear a helmet.”

Engaging in light to moderate physical activity reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and other chronic and life-threatening illnesses. Physical activity can also improve mental health and even lower health care costs.

For those who want to begin cycling, proper fit makes the difference.“Nowadays there are several different

bike frame sizes, some made specifically for women and men,” said Handley. “There are so many different styles, so it is like trying on a pair of shoes, you don’t walk in and just buy a pair of shoes, you still want to try them on, a bicycle is exactly the same, so many dif-ferent fits, people should really take the time and look for the best one for them.”

The Searcy Bike Trail winds its way from Ella Street and ends at Queensway. It is a 4.8 mile paved bike/walking trail available for free to the community.

“Heber Springs is in the process of building a bike trail,” said Handley. “There is also the Little Rock and North Little Rock River Trail which is one of the best in the country.”

Day of Caring will provide free medical exams

White County Medical Center will host the 16th annual A Day of Caring August 4 and hope to serve even more in White County.

Last year more than 1,600 residents received assistance through the event. “We consider this event our medical mission to help the uninsured and underinsured

residents of White County,” said Brooke Pryor, Director of Marketing for WCMC. “There is such a great need in any community and we feel like this type of event is necessary.”

WCMC and community volunteers will unite to serve at the outreach event, which will be held at the Ganus Athletic Center on the Harding University campus beginning at 9 a.m.

Physicians, dentists, eye doctors and pharmacies from the local medical community will donate their time and services for medical exams, dental screenings, eye screenings, pap exams, prostate screenings and blood sugar checks.

“We typically have about 400-450 volunteers come and donate their time to the event,” said Pryor. “A lot of people show up the day of the event. People in this community are wonderful.”

Several local organizations will set up booths to provide educational materials to par-ticipants on health and social services. Bags of school supplies will also be given away.

“The school supplies are donated from various organiza-tions,” said Pryor. “The WCMC Auxiliary donates a lot of them, and organizes them. Last year we gave out about 650 bags of supplies.”

Hair stylists will provide haircuts, bags of groceries will be distributed and Bibles will be given out. Other items to be given out include personal care prod-ucts, diapers, children’s socks and underwear.

“Through cycling I have had better overall health myself.Having worked in the bike business for so long, I got testimonials from customers everyday. I have had custom-ers that have lost weight cycling; several that were diabetic that were able to get off insulin; and several who had knees or hip surgery, that used the bicycle as physical therapy with great success.”

– Dwayne Handley



Last year, Little Rock broke a heat record reaching 114 degrees on Aug. 3. On the same day, Ft. Smith broke a record by reaching 115 degrees. Arkansas may not break any records this year, but history shows we

will see triple digits this summer. Since it’s impossible to avoid sunlight completely knowing how to protect yourself and limit your exposure to UV rays is important.

“Go outside in the cooler periods of the day; you don’t want to be out in the midday,” said Searcy High School Head Football Coach Tim Harper. “Do activities in the morning or evening, drink lots of fl uids and those prone to sunburn should use sunscreen.”

Harper has been the Lions’ head coach for three years and needs to be concerned about heat during summer workouts.

According to skincancer.org, clothing provides different levels of UV protection, depending on many factors. Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, or long skirts cover the most skin and are most protective.

Dark colors generally provide more protection than light colors.“It is probably better to have on dry and loose fi tting clothing,” said Harper.Sunscreen does not provide total protection against all UV rays. Even with proper use, some rays get

through. Those in the sun should apply one ounce (two tablespoons) of sunscreen to their entire body 30 minutes before going outside and should reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or exces-sive sweating.

Other safety suggestions include:• Seek the shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.• Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.• Cover up with a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.• Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended

outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

• Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.• Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.• See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.• Keep an eye on the humidity.

“The heat index is more important than the actual tempera-ture. As a coach, I stay on top of it and we try and keep the kids safe and not put them in harms way. We have had some kids that are not hydrated before they work out, and then they push them-selves too much.”

– Tim Harper, Searcy Football Coach

July is Hemochromatosis Screen and Awareness month, also known as iron over-load disease. It is the most common genetic disease in the U.S.A. according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Hemochromatosis is a disorder of iron metabolism in which a genetic muta-tion causes absorption of more iron then required by the body,” said Dr. Ryan Koch, DO, Medical Oncologist at White County Oncology. “It is inherited from your parents.”

According to the American Hemochromatosis Society (AHS) 1 in 8 are “silent carriers” of the gene mutation.

“If there is a family member that has been diagnosed, then all first degree rela-tives should be tested,” said Koch.

Those who have a family history of the disorder can undergo screenings that test the iron levels in the blood. During the screening a simple blood draw is performed to test the iron levels. Those who have a first degree relative (mother, father, brother/sister) with the disorder also undergo a genetic study to see if they carry the gene and could develop an overload of iron in the future.

“If left undiagnosed the iron is stored, and the excess is stored in the liver, pan-creas and the heart and may even cause

problems with your joints,” said Koch.While you cannot treat the genetic

mutation, the iron levels can be treated to keep them in the normal range to prevent the complications of liver disease, diabetes, heart problems and joint pain.

“We keep iron levels in a low range by drawing off blood,” said Koch. “Because of this some confuse this as a blood disor-der, however, we are just trying to get iron out of the body and pulling out blood is the most convenient way to rid the body of iron.”

For more information visitwww.americanhs.org.

Be safe in the summer heat

July is Hemochromatosis Screen and Awareness month

August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness month and according to Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy,

SMA is the number one genetic killer of chil-dren under the age of two and is an often fatal disease.

“SMA is a genetic disorder that causes loss of the motor neurons (the nerve cells that send impulses to the muscles to make the muscles move) in the spinal cord,” said Gregory F. Ricca, MD, FAANS, FACS, AME, with the Searcy Medi-cal Center. “Hence the name Spinal (for spinal cord), Muscular (for muscle) Atrophy (loss of muscle mass - shrinkage of the muscle).”

Approximately 1 in 6,000 babies born are aff ected and about 1 in 40 people are genetic carriers. About 7.5 million Americans are car-riers.

“Genetic testing can tell whether you carry the gene,” Ricca said. “This requires a blood sample. Those who have a family history of SMA and wish to have children should be tested.”

SMA is an autosomal recessive genetic dis-

ease. In order for a child to be aff ected by SMA, both parents must be carriers of the abnormal gene and both must pass this gene on to their child.

“If you carry the gene and wish to have children, your partner should be tested. If you and your partner both carry the gene then you have a 1 in 4 chance that your child will have SMA,” said Ricca. “You have to decide if you want to take that risk. You cannot have a child and avoid the risk.”

The disease destroys the nerves control-ling voluntary muscle movement, which af-fects crawling, walking, head and neck control, and even swallowing.

“There are four types of SMA,” said Ricca. “Type I is the most severe. Infants are born with very weak muscles. They cannot feed well or protect their lungs. Type II symptoms begin between 6 months and 2 years of age. Type III symptoms do not begin until childhood or adolescence. Type IV is the most mild form and weakness does not begin until adulthood.”

Death is generally caused by problems

with the lungs.

“A major problem is aspiration — food or liquids accidentally go into the lungs and not into the stomach where they belong,” Ricca said. “These patients also have poor pulmonary function (inability to breathe well because of weak muscles and poorly developed lungs). Commonly people with SMA die from repeated pneumonias and inability to breathe.”

There are no treatments for SMA. “Once the symptoms begin, there is a con-

tinual progression of loss of muscle function until death,” Ricca said. “Research is presently being done to try to develop drugs to slow or even stop SMA. Current treatments address the problems SMA causes. These include: Therapy, protecting the lungs, treating pneumonia, braces, wheel chairs, surgery for contracture deformities, etc.”

For more information, people may visit www.fsma.org.

Gardening can yield a beautiful flower bed and refrigerator full of fresh produce and it also has health benefits.

“Exercise is one of the main health benefits of gardening,” said Katie Cullum, County Extension Agent in Family and Consumer Sciences. “It can also aid in stress relief and get people outdoors and open to fresh air and exposed to Vitamin D.”

According to sparkpeople.com researchers estimate that gardening burns an average of 300 calories per hour. Gardening is an ideal form of exercise because it combines three important types of physical activity: strength, endurance and flexibility.

Beyond the exercise, growing produce can make a healthy impact.Bobbie Sandlin of Searcy has been gardening all her life and gardens for about

an hour a day, including at her daughter’s gardens as well. She started with flowers and has incorporated a variety of vegetables including onions, cabbage, lettuce, broc-coli, kale, and herbs for tea.

“I eat a lot of salad, and growing my own vegetables means they are fresh,” said Sandlin.

According to Cullum, home-grown vegetables and fruit are always fresher as you know exactly how they were grown and what has been put on them.

Beyond the exercise and fresh produce, gardening is said to also have physical and emotional healing effects.

“I think there is something about getting touch with the earth that is healthy,” said Sandlin. “It helps you clear your mind. I am just in awe of the beauty of a garden.”

Gardening has numeroushealth benefi ts

Bobbie Sandlin of Searcy clips roses in her garden. Sandlin gardens for about an hour a day and says gardening helps ‘clear her mind.’

August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness month

“I think there is something about getting touch with the earth that is healthy. It helps you clear your mind. I am just in awe of the beauty of a garden.” Bobbie Sandlin


The beginning of school is getting nearer and with that comes major changes in busy schedules. Remembering the backpacks, notebooks and pencils may not be too dif-ficult, but squeezing in a healthy breakfast may seem impossible.

“I get whole wheat waffles for my kids and they love them,” said Casey Cox, a resident of Searcy and mom of three ages 6, 3 and 2. “Instead of syrup, I purchase spreadable honey

which is similar to peanut butter and they fold them in half and eat them.”

According to kidshealth.org, any breakfast is better than no breakfast, but parents should try not to serve doughnuts or pastries all the time. They’re high in calo-ries, sugar, and fat. They also don’t contain the nutrients a child really needs.

“My kids drink almond milk,” Cox said. “It has a lot more protein in it and I usually dish up a banana too.”

The site suggests eating a variety of foods, including:• Fruit• Vegetables• Grains (make at least half your grains whole grains)• Protein (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dry beans, nuts, and seeds)• Dairy products (low-fat or fat-free milk, cheese, and yogurt)

“I make muffins a lot because they do not take long and I love to bake,” said Cox. “When I am in a hurry, oatmeal with golden raisins and brown sugar for sweet-ness and some yogurt is a quick meal.”

To help ease the stress of the morning, figure out a breakfast plan the night before. “I am pretty routine and my kids kind of like some of the same things for breakfast, they

usually get up and have dry Cheerios and they love Kashi Heart to Heart cereal, which I purchase from the health food stores,” Cox said.

Traditional breakfast ideas include:• Eggs• French toast, waffles, or pancakes (try wheat or whole-grain varieties)• Cold cereal and milk• Hot cereal, such as oatmeal or cream of wheat (try some dried fruit or nuts on top)• Whole-grain toast, bagel, or English muffin with cheese• Yogurt with fruit or nuts

More unique ideas include:• Banana dog (peanut butter, a banana, and raisins in a long whole-grain bun)• Breakfast taco (shredded cheese on a tortilla, folded in half and microwaved; top with salsa)• Country cottage cheese (apple butter mixed with cottage cheese)• Fruit and cream cheese sandwich (use strawberries or other fresh fruit)

A healthy breakfast starts the day right

“A healthy breakfast is important because It starts them off for a good day. If they eat well at breakfast then they will eat well at lunch and then at dinner, and make healthier choices later.”

– Casey Cox


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STRONG WOMEN Class designed for midlife and older women to help improve bone den-sity, fl exibility, strength and arthritis and reducing falls. Participants need ankle weights, dumbbells, a towel, water bottle, closed-toed sneakers and comfortable shoes. Class is led by Katie Cullum, a certifi ed Strong Women instructor who has taught classes for over fi ve years.When: 9-10 a.m. Monday, Wednes-day, Friday and 4:45-5:30 p.m., Monday, WednesdayCost: $12 per year Where: Old Carder Buick Building, corner of Hawkins and Hartsfeld, in SearcyMore information: (501) 268-5394 or email [email protected]

TAI CHIClasses are for all ages to help improve balance, fl exibility, strength and reduce stress and pain. Partici-pants should dress comfortably and can be barefoot or in comfortable socks and sneakers. No equipment is required. Classes run 45-60 minutes.When: 11-12 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday, June 10-July 13Cost: $15 due prior to classWhere: Old Carder Buick Building, corner of Hawkins and Hartsfeld, in SearcyMore information: (501) 268-5394 or email [email protected]

REMIX WORKOUTClasses are for men and woman and incorporate high energy workouts using weights, ball and various other equipment. Instructor is Letha Tripp.When: 9-10 a.m., SaturdayCost: $20 for 10 weeksWhere: Old Carder Buick Building, corner of Hawkins and Hartsfeld,in SearcyMore information: (501) 278-8570

YOGA FOR HEALINGClasses are for men and woman and off er a slower pace yoga conve-nient for beginners or those healing from a chronic disease. Instructor is Teresa McLeod.When: 5:30-6:30 p.m., Monday and ThursdayCost: $20 for 10 weeksWhere: Old Carder Buick Building, corner of Hawkins and Hartsfeld,in SearcyMore information: (501) 278-8570

VARI YOGA Classes are for men and woman and off er a variety of yoga poses and positions. This is an advanced class. Instructor is Sharon Middleton.When: 4:45-5:45 p.m., Tuesday, ThursdayCost: $20 for 10 weeksWhere: Old Carder Buick Building, corner of Hawkins and Hartsfeld,in SearcyMore information: (501) 278-8570

PRENATAL YOGAClasses are for women in their last trimester of pregnancy. A note froma doctor is required to participate.When: 6:30-7:30 p.m., TuesdayCost: FreeWhere: Old Carder Buick Building, corner of Hawkins and Hartsfeld,in SearcyMore information: (501) 278-8570

MASSAGE THERAPYFor anyone who would like to feel better through massage therapy. A variety of massages are off ered. Massage Therapist is Shela McAnally.When: By appointment onlyCost: $25 per 30 minutes for re-laxation therapy; $35 for one hour of relaxation therapy; $55 for hot stones and other more therapeutic massagesWhere: Old Carder Buick Building, corner of Hawkins and Hartsfeld,in SearcyMore information: (501) 743-0490

WATER EXERCISEClasses are for women to help with arthritis and joint or back pain. When: 6:30-7:30 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday and 8:30-9:30 a.m., Monday-FridayCost: $90 for four months beginning in May or $25 per month or $3 per class visitWhere: Harding UniversityMore information: [email protected]

16TH ANNUAL A DAY OF CARINGWhite County Medical Center will host event aimed at providing the uninsured and underinsured residents of White County with free exams, screening and necessitiesWhen: Aug. 4, beginning at 9 a.m.Cost: FreeWhere: Ganus Athletic Center on the Harding University campus More information: www.wcmc.org

SEARCY FARMERS MARKETFeatures local farmers and produce and items from local artistsWhen: Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon and Tuesday from 4-7 p.m.Where: Spring Park along Woodruff StreetMore information: www.facebook.com/SearcyFarmersMarket

JULY/AUGUST EVENT CALENDAR

Giving blood makes a difference

Giving blood not only saves lives but those that give also receive a mini physical. Those who give blood will have there temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure and hemoglobin level taken. While those taking

the blood cannot off er medical advice or aid for any levels deemed abnormal, understanding the levels could lead to a healthier future.

The normal human body temperature varies slightly from person to person, but the accepted normal temperature is 98.6.

“If you have an abnormal temperature it could indicate a viral disease or infection,” said Brenda Maddock, White County Medical Center Blood Bank Supervisor.

According to the American Heart Association, the pulse rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute. Normal heart rate varies from person to person, but typically is 60-100 times for adults.

“A high pulse rate could indicate a problem with the heart or heart disease,” said Maddock.

Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by circulating blood upon the walls of blood vessels. According to the AHA the average blood pressure for adults is 120/80.

“If your blood pressure is too high it means the tension is remaining strong

in the arteries of the heart and body,” said Nancy O’Brien, a registered nurse with HealthWorks at WCMC. “This can lead to hardening of the arteries and can damage the organs. If it is too low, it could mean that there is not enough pumping going on, and the organs are not getting enough blood to keep the body healthy.”

Hemoglobin allows your red blood cells to carry oxygen through the body. The concentration measurement is among the most commonly performed blood tests.

“The normal hemoglobin levels for women should be 12-14 and 12-16 for men,” said Maddock. “If it is too low it could mean the person is anemic and if it’s too high, the body could be making too many red blood cells, which could point to a disease.”

Understanding your levels is the fi rst step. Those with concerns or questions should discuss the matter with their doctor.

“We try to make sure people are healthy before they give blood, because it is best for them,” said Maddock. “Giving blood changes people levels and if a blood donor is not accepted they should follow up with their doctor, regarding their levels.”

“It is health that is real wealth and not pieces

of gold and silver.”— Mahatma Gandhi



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The driveway is long, meandering and

lined with mature pines, dogwoods,

redbuds, and other, not so common

species. The beauty of the woods is natural

and random but was actually planted by a cou-

ple that turned 15 acres of terraced farmland

near Searcy into a sanctuary of manicured

grounds, outbuildings, and gardens.

Ann Wood describes herself as a collec-

tor of plants, not a landscape designer. Her

gardens are an inspiration to any fledging or

accomplished gardener. With nearly 700 differ-

ent ornamental plants, bushes, and trees, it can

take hours to fully appreciate what has been so

carefully cultivated.

The garden started nearly 30 years ago

with a small rose garden. Later, with the

addition of a rock wall, the rose garden was

enlarged and the area expanded to begin a sub-

stantial perennial garden. The rock wall was

completed in two stages starting in 1991 with

the last stage beginning in 2008 when antique

stained glass windows were added.

“The rock wall was supposed to contain

my gardening efforts but I found a way to

escape by putting the daylily garden outside

the rock wall,” Wood said.

Inside the rock wall, the garden walk

begins with a full sun perennial garden

displaying waves of color from purple lark-

spur, Indian pink spigelia, yellow jasmine

and coreopsis, orange butterfly weed, various

cone flowers, lilies and day lilies, to name a

few. Next is a dry creek bed with prairie-like

grasses and plantings followed by the extensive

rose garden. Mature red oaks and a pine tree

provide shade for over 20 diverse hostas and

ferns. Various woodland plants like ginger,

heuchera (coral bells), variegated Solomon’s

seal, and ligularia flourish alongside the splen-

dor of assorted hydrangeas, tree peonies, and

Japanese maples.

The garden’s personality is due not only to

the myriad of varieties but to the placement of

cultivar.

“Some people say to stair-step your gar-

den, tall in the back to low in front,” Wood

said, “but you need some awkwardness for

intrigue, peak behind to see what’s there, and

not be predictable. The times we break the

rules make it the most interesting.”

The exquisiteness of the perennial garden

extends to Ann’s vegetable garden, which is a

raised 30 x 80 expanse of well-organized and

defined plantings. An area of raspberries and

thorn-less blackberries is followed by tomatoes,

squash, zucchini, onions, corn, okra, aspara-

gus, green beans, red and white potatoes,

many peppers, eggplants, and strawberries.

Ann harvests everything except the eggplants.

“I don’t eat eggplant,” she said, “but

purple is my favorite color, so I have to plant

one.”

Ann’s formula for success is twofold: start

with proper soil enrichment and pick plant

varieties that do well in the area. Then keep

B Y K AT H Y M U R P H Y

Master gardenera ‘collector’

v

“I don’tknow what would happen if I couldn’tgarden. It’s what I loveto do.”

– Ann Wood

well now l spaces

Ann Wood stands in front of a spectacular climbing hydrangea. An oakleaf hydrangea is in the foreground.3



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Not all tick-bites cause Lyme disease, but if you are bitten by a deer tick that is infected with a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi, you may contract Lyme disease. Early Lyme disease is treatable with antibiotics but it is best to avoid tick-bites in the

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Avoid tick-infested areas, especially from May to August. Local • health depart-ments and park or recreation services can provide information on the local distribution of ticks.

Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, a hat, and socks with • closed shoes for added protection. Tuck shirts into pants and pant-legs into socks or boots.

Use of insect repellents containing DEET•

Walk in the center of trails to avoid overhanging grass and • brush.

Wear light-colored clothing so ticks can be spotted easily.•

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Remove tick with tweezers, grasping it as close to the skin as • possible, pulling straight back with slow, steady force; avoid crushing the tick’s body.

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the soil in good condition by adding

organic mulch that enriches the soil as

it breaks down and creates new soil.

Ann first lays newspaper and then adds

leaves that have been mulched by the

lawn mower. This keeps weeds down,

moisture in, and then enriches the soil

as it breaks down.

The Woods also have a large pond

on the property that they drained,

deepened, cleared edges, resealed, and

stocked. They also built a greenhouse,

so Ann could start tomato seedlings and

nurture over 250 varieties of orchids.

Her husband is Tony Wood, the former

superintendent of Searcy public schools

who now is deputy commissioner of the

state department of education.

Ann is part of the master gar-

dener program and teaches classes on

tomatoes, hydrangeas, roses, peonies,

camellias, daffodils, and ligularia,

to name a few. She is asked to make

presentations on gardening throughout

northeast Arkansas. Garden tours are

conducted for clubs and enthusiasts dur-

ing May and the first weeks of June.

The Woods purchased the first six

acres of property the first year they were

married and have been developing it

ever since. They have lived on the prop-

erty for 20 years.

“I don’t know what would happen

if I couldn’t garden. It’s what I love to

do,” she said.

Too many close calls picking peppers prompted Ann to use these ball stakes to protect her eyes.

3

✥


With the return of football, and many other beloved sports, just around the corner practices are being played and prepara-

tions are being made for the upcoming seasons. “Those of us who are sports fans enjoy the

games; unfortunately, we also know that accidents happen and injuries are inevitable from time to time,” said Orthopedic Surgeon Kyle Blickenstaff, M.D. “We also know the importance of treating those injuries promptly, which is why we offer the White County Medical Center Sports Injury Clinic on Monday afternoons during football season.”

Dr. Blickenstaff operates the Sports Injury Clinic in the Orthopedics Department on the second floor of the White County Surgery Center, at 710 Marion Street.

B Y E R I C A G O O D W I N

Getting Back

Sports Injury Clinicoffers quick carefor area athletes

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Blickenstaff, please call the Searcy Medical Center Orthopedics Department at (501) 278-2868 or visit

him during the Sports Injury Clinic starting on Mondays at 1 p.m. during football season. For questions about an injury anytime of the year,

please call the WCMC Injury Advice Hotline at (501) 281-0679.

As a former collegiate athlete, Dr. Blickenstaff knows first-hand the importance of having injuries treated as soon as possible, which is why he initiated the clinic in 1993 after completing his Orthopedic Sports Medi-cine Fellowship at the University of Oklahoma. (He played quarterback for the Harding University Bisons during his college days.)

“My goal is to offer student athletes with non-emergent injuries a place where they can be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible,” Dr. Blickenstaff said. “By using the Sports Injury Clinic we have here, athletes are able to be seen without having to schedule an appointment. After the diagnoses, I am able to either release them to return to practice Monday afternoon or offer them further medical care, depending on their condi-tion.”

Many of the common sports-related orthopedic injuries Dr. Blicken-staff sees involve ankles, knees and shoulders with sprains, torn ligaments and fractures. “Even sprains can cause major swelling and pain; occasion-ally, fractures can be difficult to diagnose due to the initial swelling, which is why an athlete may have a fracture without realizing it until they visit the Sports Injury Clinic on Monday afternoon.”

Although the clinic is open during football season, Dr. Blickenstaff sees student athletes from all sports year-round. “Whether an injury be the result of playing in full-contact football, flag football, volleyball or cheer-leading, we have the resources here to help student athletes so they can quickly return to their sport.”

To complement the Sports Injury Clinic, Dr. Blickenstaff added that White County Medical Center Athletic Training Director Randy Har-riman serves local schools throughout White County by attending local football games and offering rehabilitation services to injured students. “It is a great outreach; Randy is able to communicate with the coaches and coordinate follow-up appointments for students who need additional medical care,” Dr. Blickenstaff said. “Also, he offers a hotline that is avail-able to call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”

in the game

In its mission to provide quality healthcare to patients through inno-vative technology, White County

Medical Center is the first hospital in Arkansas to adopt an advanced pace-maker system that allows patients to also have an MRI scan.

When patient Gloria Martin, of Searcy, was faced with the difficult deci-sion of choosing between a pacemaker to control her heart rhythm or the ability to undergo MRI scans to monitor a mass in her brain, she – understandably – felt conflicted.

Fortunately, her Cardiologist Eric Robinson, M.D., suggested a pacemaker that would allow her to live a full life without heart complications while still receiving needed MRI scans to monitor the mass. Dr. Robinson implanted the

Revo MRI Revo MRITM SureScan® pacing system in May 2011, and Gloria was the first patient with the pacemaker to undergo an MRI at WCMC.

“Gloria is the first person with the Revo MRI SureScan pacemaker to undergo an MRI here at White County Medical Center,” says Cardiologist Eric Robinson, M.D. “I thought she was the perfect candidate for this particular pacemaker because she has regular MRI scans to monitor the mass in her brain.”

A Sure SolutionThe Revo MRITM SureScan®

pacemaker is the first MR-Conditional pacemaker system to be designed, tested and FDA approved for use in the MRI environment. (MR-Conditional is a term used to indicate that a device may

Settingthe Pace

B Y E R I C A G O O D W I N

Gloria Martin has a new lease on life with her Revo MRITM SureScan® pacemaker. She enjoys spending time with her great-grand-daughters Rachel and Elizabeth Fisher.

Searcy woman has a new lease on life, thanks to medical procedure

3


be used in an MRI environment under certain conditions, such as certain type of MRI scanner or scanner settings.)

According to Medtronic Representative David Ransom, WCMC is the first hospital in Arkansas to implant the Revo MRI SureScan pacing system in a patient, which was done by Cardiologist Leon Blue, M.D., in 2011.

Prior to the Revo MRI SureScan pacing system, MRI procedures for patients with implanted pacemakers were not recommended because the patients might face serious complica-tions during the scan due to interference with pacemaker operation, damage to system components, lead or pacemaker dislodgement.

Developed by Medtronic (NYSE: MDT), the Revo MRI SureScan pac-ing system is the first pacing system of its kind in the U.S. The Revo MRI SureScan pacing system was designed to address safety concerns around MRI procedures for patients who have implanted pacemakers. MRI scanners may cause traditional pacemakers to misinterpret MRI-generated electrical noise and withhold pacing therapy or deliver unnecessary pacing therapy. The Revo MRI pacing system, when programmed into SureScan mode prior to an MRI scan, is designed to be used safely in the MRI environment.

Improved Quality of LifeDr. Robinson learned about the

Revo MRI SureScan pacemaker shortly after it was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) early last year. In working with Medtronic and WCMC Administration, he and the hospital were able to make the technol-ogy available to Gloria.

“Before this advanced technology became available, patients who needed

regular MRI scans would either have to live without a pacemaker and fear the possible consequences, or they would only be able to have a CT scan, which can be less accurate than a MRI when looking at a mass, for example,” Dr. Robinson says.

“This Medtronic pacemaker has made a significant impact on Gloria, her medical care and quality of life,” he adds. “When we first discussed it, she responded positively and was glad there was such a product that would allow her to live better and also allow her to receive MRI scans.”

Thankful PatientGloria, along with her grand-

daughter Jennifer Fisher, expressed their thankfulness for Dr. Robinson in acquiring the pacemaker technology. “If it weren’t for Dr. Robinson, I wouldn’t have this pacemaker,” Gloria says. “He spoke up for me to get this device, and I cannot say enough good things about him. The pacemaker is working well, and I feel good.”

“We are fortunate that we can still monitor the mass in her brain and have the pacemaker as well,” Jennifer adds. “If it weren’t for the MR-Conditional pacemaker, we would have to sacrifice one health condition for another, and we wouldn’t be able to keep up with the growth of the brain mass.”

The number of patients with pace-makers is growing at the same time that the use of MRI is increasing. About 40 million MRI scans are performed annu-ally in the U.S. and WCMC performed 3,833 MRI scans last year. MRI is often preferred by physicians because it provides a level of detail and clarity not offered by other soft tissue imaging systems.

“Medical imaging and electronic implantable devices such as pacemakers are important technological advances, particularly in our older popula-tion,” says Amy Castera, Director of Radiology at WCMC. “White County Medical Center is proud to provide safer access to MRI for our patients. We encourage our patients to talk to their doctor about which pacing system is right for them.”

Patient Gloria Martin, of Searcy, was the fi rst patient with a Revo MRITM SureScan® pacemaker to undergo an MRI scan at White County Medical Center. Cardiologist Eric Robinson, M.D. im-planted the Revo MRI pacemaker in May 2011 at WCMC. The specialized pacemaker allows Gloria to successfully and safely undergo annual MRI scans to monitor a mass in her brain.

3

“MRI scans are used to diagnose an array of medical conditions; there-fore, this pacemaker is a signifi cant advancement in that it no longer lim-its patients like Gloria to the testing they can have done. This is the biggest advancement for this type of technology since the pacemaker was originally invented.”

– Eric Robinson, M.D. Cardiology


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DeeAnn Waugh (front) and Kara Tobey (back) kayak in the Little Red River at River-side Park in Searcy. The two May graduates of Harding University spent their fi nal year in college kayaking at various locations in Searcy and around White County.


DeeAnn Waugh, a May 2012 graduate of Harding University, kayaks on the Little Red River at River-side Park in Searcy. She and her friend Kara Tobey began kayaking in August and rarely go a week or two without taking a trip down the river.

To the riverTo the riverRiverside Park off ers myriad of outdoor adventures, including kayaking

B Y M A R I S A LY T L E

Kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, biking, running, fishing, picnick-ing, romping on a playground,

exploring an old caboose — all of these activities are possible at Riverside Park, located on the northern outskirts of the city of Searcy.

Two young women who are frequent visitors of Riverside Park and of vari-ous natural sites around White County explained their love of the outdoors and what they believe the local area has to offer.

Kara Tobey and DeeAnn Waugh were roommates at Harding University before graduating this May. Tobey received a mechanical engineering degree, while Waugh received a bachelor’s degree in finance. Both hailing from Edmond, Okla., they have always enjoyed the outdoor world, but only last year discovered a pas-sion for kayaking.

“I got into kayaking when I was a junior, which was last year,” Waugh said. “Some friends and I borrowed kayaks from the Honors House on campus and went out every so often.”

Last summer, the two students worked in Colorado. Waugh worked as a Wilderness Trek guide, while Tobey held a position at a rafting company. While there, they each had friends who were avid kayak-ers. Waugh joined her friends on their trips to the river, but Tobey, while interested in

the activity, did not hop in a kayak until school started back in August.

“I had a lot of friends who kayaked, and I thought it was cool but had just never tried it,” Tobey said. “DeeAnn is the one who got me into it this school year.”

Waugh purchased a used kayak for around $200, and Tobey borrowed one from a friend — although she is consider-ing buying it from him, she said.

The roommates started kayaking twice per week during the fall semester. In the spring semester, they slowed down a bit as their workload grew and the water became cold. Even so, they rarely go a week or two without making a trip to the river.

“We just started exploring, and we have been to lots of places in Searcy,” Waugh said. “We’ve been all along the Little Red River. From Heber Springs to Searcy, you can kayak most of it, especially when the dam is running — it’s makes for a long trip when the dam isn’t generating a current.”

Tobey and Waugh said they come out to the river for relax-ation, exercise and personal enjoyment.

“It’s good to get away from school and to be outdoors and relax,” Tobey said. “It’s an easy way to have fun if you’re looking for something to do. If you have

access to a kayak — and a lot of people have them in their garages, so you could probably borrow one — just put it in your car and go to the river.”

“People should definitely come kayak on the river,” Waugh said. “It’s different being on the water rather than just coming down to swim or fish from the shore. You see different parts of the area you would never see on foot or in a car. You see ani-mals and birds or something funny along the way. One time we caught a turtle up from the water and put him in the kayak.

“Last spring, when the river flooded, it was a big marshland, and we could kayak through the trees. That was awesome. You never know what you might get to see or do when you’re floating on the river.”

3


A Surprising Transformation

Her spirits soaring and head held high, June Cupples walked out of the Cancer Center of

Excellence looking – and feeling – like a new woman after completing a session of Look Good…Feel Better. With her new makeup in hand and sporting the lovely new hairpiece she received at the session, June left with something more than a pretty face; she gained a whole new perspective on life.

“The session lasted about an hour and a half, and it was the best hour and a half I have ever spent doing anything,” she said. “My friend and I could have stayed a lot longer, and we both came out feeling a whole lot better about ourselves.”

The Look Good…Feel Better pro-gram, funded by the American Cancer Society (ACS), is specifically designed for women undergoing cancer treat-ments. With more than 3,000 locations nationwide, its aim is to restore women’s self-confidence and renew their spirits while battling cancer. White County Medical Center has served as one of the locations for the past three years. The ACS trains and certifies volunteer beauty specialists to help women at each session apply makeup and select a hairpiece or head covering that suits them best.

Before attending Look Good…Feel Better, June avoided going to the gro-

Looking Good and Feeling GreatB Y E R I C A G O O D W I N

June Cupples poses with granddaughter, Alexis Foster (left) in a recent photo.

3


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TheThe

cery store and was hesitant to even walk to the mailbox for fear someone would see her. “It’s been a good three years since I put on makeup or tried to look nice,” she said. “This is the third time I’ve had cancer. I had gotten to the point where I felt so depressed … I felt like I looked terrible and that there was no use in trying to look decent.”

Despite being anxious about what to expect, June had her own support group join her at the session; her friend Willie and granddaughter Lexi were by her side the whole time. Any nervous-ness she experienced quickly subsided as she felt the kindness and compassion from the other ladies present.

“Spending time with other women like me, learning how to apply makeup and finding the right wig was an awe-some experience,” June said. “It wasn’t just that day, the impact that it had on me has lasted since then. I get that renewed feeling every time I put on the makeup and wig and dress up a little bit to go out in public.”

June continues to be amazed by the transformation she has experienced in

“No matter how bad you might feel on the inside, when you feel like you look good on the outside, it gives you a diff erent outlook and it makes go-ing through this easier. Other ladies need to at-tend. Don’t just sit home and think about it, make a date to do this for your-self. You are not alone in this!”

– June Cupples

the weeks since attending Look Good…Feel Better. Now, she recommends the session to other women who are battling cancer. She is no longer fearful about running errands or checking the mail; she feels empowered and has regained the confidence to talk to neighbors, go to church and face life.

Look Good…Feel Better

sessions are held every other

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For more information about

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(501) 380-1057 or email

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SEmma Killoughgets ready to practice

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Katie Barnett helps 5-year-old Miley Henton stay afl oat as she holds

her breath during a recent class.



HARDING SWIMMING CLASSESMom & Me classes:

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:15 to 5:45 p.m. July 10-19. One session is four classes for $30.

Beginner/Intermediate classes: July 9-19 at 9 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 3 p.m. (boys only),

3:45 p.m. (girls only), and 4:30 p.m. Fall season: Aug. 27 to Sept. 20, Sept. 24 to Oct. 18, and Oct. 22 to Nov. 15

on Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday 3:45-4:30 p.m. One session is eight classes for $60.

CATS Competitive Swimming: Now through July 28. Practice is every day from 9-10 a.m. for girls

and 10-11 a.m. for boys. Cost is $150.

To enroll, people may visit www.harding.edu/swim and print the registration form and mail it in or drop it off at the pool or room 100 at the Ganus Athletic Center.

For more information, people may contact J.D. Yingling at [email protected] or call 501-279-4756.

In the summer, families spend a lot of time at the pool or at the lake soaking up the sun. Some parents

may be anxious about taking their young kids in the water, but not the par-ents whose kids participate in the swim program at Harding University.

Harding’s Aquatics program helps kids as young as 9 months learn how to swim. Aquatics Director J.D. Yingling said that many parents bring their kids in either to learn how to swim or strengthen their swimming skills. Yingling also said that there is a class for just about everyone.

Yingling said that parents are encouraged to stay and watch because the extra eyes are helpful.

“We’re very conscious about safety here,” Yingling said.

Mother Diane Killough said that she participated in swimming lessons with Yingling and now her two children do as well. Killough said that she took lessons from the time she was 7 years old until she was 12.

Killough said that although back-ground played a part in enrolling her children in the program, it wasn’t the only reason.

“I want them to be able to swim and enjoy it,” she said.

Killough’s son, William, 6, started out in the Mom and Me class when he was 1. Killough said he did the class

again when he was 2. Now he’s in the intermediate swimmers group class.

The Mom and Me class is taught by Yingling’s wife, Kim, and it’s a two-week program for children 9 months to 3 years. This class teaches parents and children the basics of swimming. Children are introduced to the water, blowing bubbles and getting their face wet.

By the end of the two-week class, Yingling said some of the older children are taught how to jump in the water and paddle back to the edge. Yingling said this is taught in hopes that if a child ever falls into water, they will at least know how get back to the edge, even if they can’t swim.

Killough said that her daughter, Emma, who is 4, did not do the Mom

and Me class because after going through it twice with William, she felt like she could work with Emma at home. Emma is now in the beginner swimming class.

Killough said the children have been taking swimming lessons for two years now and they love it.

Father Nathan Henton said he and his wife, Alice, put their daughter, Miley, 5, in the swimming class last summer and that she just started back recently. Henton said she’s basically starting over.

Henton said Miley loves swimming and he believes it’s a good skill to have.

“It’s hard to be afraid of water if you know how to get around in it,” Henton said.

Yingling said that the group lessons are broken down by experience. The

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children are tested when they first start to see where they are and then they are put in a class with children at the same level as them. Harding has a beginner, inter-mediate, and advanced swim class. The advanced swim class is offered by joining the entry level of the CATS competi-tive swimming program. The Crawfish Aquatic Team of Searcy (CATS) is for children 6 years old and older. The swim team practices throughout the summer and the children will learn competitive swimming and improve their overall fitness. Yingling said that children can also join the developmental swim team and then move on to the Searcy Sharks competitive swim team.

Yingling said that swimming provides cardiovascular conditioning, helps improve muscular endurance and strength and even helps with flexibility. Yingling also said that it helps with body composition and with the problem of childhood obesity. Even the younger kids are getting exercise because they’re spending 40 minutes at a time in the water, he said.

“Every place you move in the water there’s resistance,” Yingling said.

Yingling went on to say that an interesting part about the program is that the college students are the ones teaching the kids.

“The college students get to teach the classes and that keeps me from hav-

ing to do it,” Yingling said, “I just have to supervise.”

Emma’s swim teacher, 20-year-old Dacia Bolt, said that she’s been teaching swimming lessons for about a year and enjoys it.

“I love watching the kids grow and get comfortable in the water,” she said.

Bolt said that her mom never learned to swim, but Bolt and her four siblings had swimming lessons and she appreciated it.

“I think that you never know when there’s a situation when you need to know how to swim,” Bolt said.

Kevin Newton, 22, is William’s swim teacher and he said he’s been teaching swimming lessons for about five years.

“I really enjoy the interactive parts,” Newton said. “I found a love for teaching kids.”

Newton said he believes that the earlier kids learn how to swim the more comfortable they’ll be.

Miley’s teacher, 20-year-old Katie Barnett said that she’s been teaching swimming for five years.

“I love teaching [swimming],” Barnett said. “I feel like it’s important so kids don’t drown.”

Swim lessons are offered for most of the year, but the times may vary. Mom and Me classes are only available during the summer and Yingling said that those classes normally get pretty full. Private lessons are also available at various times of the year. Yingling said that some par-ents chose to have their child in private lessons if they’re not ready to be in a group setting. He said that some parents complete the Mom and Me program with their child and then want them to con-tinue to take private lessons until they’re old enough for the group swim classes, which require that a child is 4 years old before joining the class.

“It’s all about the kids having fun and my kids love it,” Killough said.

“Swimming is the best all around exer-cise you can do. It’s the only sport that can save your life.” – J.D. Yingling Harding Aquatic Director


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Searcy resident Dan Newsom has used his faith to carry him through the tough times, and now he focuses on giving

back to others. Newsom, an elder at College Church of Christ and Executive Director for the White County Single Parent Scholarship Fund, said that he believes he was put here to serve, because Jesus served others.

After Newsom retired from the Social Security Administration in October 2007 he became a member of the board at the Elliott Foundation, a group dedicated to suicide prevention and helping people affected by suicide.

The cause really hit home for Newsom, who lost his sister, Sharon Hoyt, to suicide in July 2003. He said

he remembers his sister’s suicide like it was yesterday. Newsom got a phone call from Hoyt’s landlord and was told by a coroner that his sister had shot herself. After telling his wife, Barbara, and his daughter, Newsom had to call his parents.

“That’s one of the most difficult phone calls I’ve ever had to make,” he said.

During that time, Newsom held tightly to his faith and took comfort in scripture. One particular scripture stuck with him, Romans 8:28, which says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

“I didn’t see how anything good

could come out of this situation, but it has,” Newsom said. “Your faith is very critical (during difficult times). I don’t know how someone without faith gets through.”

Newsom was on the board of directors of the Elliott Foundation for three years, but in 2011 he stepped down from his position after getting a job as Executive Director of the White County Single Parent Scholarship Fund.

Newsom got the position after praying that God would allow him to get a part-time job somewhere where he could help people. After spending time in prayer, he was surprised when he opened the newspaper and saw that a nonprofit organization needed an execu-tive director.

Followinghis faithSearcy man says all things work together for goodB Y E R I C A S I R R AT T

well now l faith


“When God answers a prayer, He doesn’t do it halfway,” he said.

Newsom said that he loves the program because he gets the chance to help people better themselves.

“I really like the say-ing, ‘Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime,’” Newsom said. “We want to see people better themselves.”

The scholarship fund has given 346 scholarships for a total of $184,000 since 2000. This year, the group’s goal is to give 51 scholar-ships at $750 each. Each year, organization officials try to give five more schol-arships and $50 more per person than the year before.

The scholarship fund was started in 1999 by the Bald Knob Rotary Club. In that first year, the club only gave one scholarship for $200. Over the next few years, the program grew and became a 501 (c)(3) organization in 2005.

“I’m thankful I have the oppor-tunity to help people,” Newsom said. “I enjoy seeing the spark in the single parents’ eyes.”

He said that the most important thing is helping single parents bet-ter themselves through education. He believes that when the parents go to school, it encourages their children to pursue college as well.

Noel Whitlock, the preaching minister at College Church of Christ, said that the Apostle Paul best describes

Newsom in the book of First Timothy 3:2-5: “Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children sub-missive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church.”

Whitlock said that these verses describe what an elder of the church should be, and that’s why Newsom has been an elder for the past 12 years.

“The Church of Christ is different than other denominations in that they

don’t have a pastor, they have a preaching minister and several elders, 40 at College Church of Christ, who pastor the church,” said Whitlock.

Whitlock said that Newsom is a spiritual leader in the church and is often looked to when Whitlock is away.

“[Newsom] is a server, he’s an encourager, and he’s an excellent speaker,” Whitlock said. “[Why he does what he does] is primarily his relation-ship with Jesus Christ.”

Whitlock had many positive things to say about Newsom, including the strength of his marriage.

Newsom and his wife, Barbara have been married for 38 years. He said that it’s not been perfect, but just like everything else, it requires work.

“We are very committed to making our marriage work,”

he said. “I love her more than ever.”Whitlock said that Newsom does

have faults.“If he’s got one negative, it’s that he

tells corny jokes,” Whitlock said.“Yeah, I do have a few of those,”

Newsom said with a laugh.Newsom said that he didn’t take

credit for his accomplishments in life — he feels that God deserves the credit.

“Blessed is a word I’d use to describe my life,” Newsom said. “We’re human and we all make mistakes. I’m thankful for God’s grace.”

“I really like the saying, ‘Give a man a fi sh, you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fi sh, you feed him for a lifetime.’ We want to see people better themselves.”

– Dan Newsom

DR. ROBERT E. ELLIOTT FOUNDATIONFor more information about the Elliott Foundation, people may call 501-278-4367 or go to www.robertelliottfdn.com. For more information about the White County Single Parent Scholarship Fund, people may contact Dan Newsom at 501-268-4066 or go to www.aspsf.org/county_white.html.


Healthy tips for Back-to-School B Y E R I C A G O O D W I N

After a summer of fun, parents may be more ready than most children for school to be back in session. Pediatrician Mark Gustke, M.D., off ers helpful and healthy advice parents on sending children back to school.

How can parents help children who are less than excited about going back to school?

AThe key is for parents to maintain a positive attitude and instill that in their children. Help your child think of school in

a positive way – going to school off ers children a place to make new friends, or reconnect with old ones, and learn new/interest-ing things.

Q

• Make sure your child gets enough sleep and eats a healthy, well-balanced diet, especially breakfast.

• Help your child unwind once school is over: give your child focused attention and aff ection. Ask how his day was, what did he do or learn then listen as he expresses his feelings of excitement, fear, anger, satisfaction, etc. Ask about friends and extracurricular activities in addition to talking about academics.

• Help your child get organized: set up a regular homework rou-tine and prepare for the next day so you are less frazzled in the morning.

• Be available for your child and encourage him and become involved in his school, also encourage extracurricular activities.

To schedule an appointment withDr. Gustke, please call Searcy Medical Center, located at 2900 Hawkins Dr.,

at (501) 278-2800.

Q What is considered a balanced diet for children?

Q Should parents pack lunch for their children, or do school lunches provide a healthy meal?

ASchool cafeteria lunches are starting to improve in both taste and nutrition. Most lunch programs

provide enough calories, carbohydrates, proteins and milk to offer a balanced meal. Go through the menus with your child to teach them about healthy foods and making good choices. Buying a monthly lunch pass can save on time, cost less and be healthier than the vending machine or fast-food items that many kids choose. It can work well if your children eat in the cafeteria some days, bring lunch from home other days, and sometimes use lunch money to make their own choices. Stay clear of prepackaged lunches, even if they are labeled low-fat, because these products usually contain extra fat and salt. When packing your child’s lunch, think food groups and try to include some form of protein, starch, milk or yogurt, fruit and/or vegetable. You don’t have to include all the food groups every day.

Q What is considered to be a good night’s sleep for school-age children?

APreschoolers may need sleep an average of 12 hours a day in addition to one nap. In general, 9-10 hours of sleep is

ideal for school aged children and teenagers. Setting a bedtime routine is important to help a child (or adult for that matter) to ease into sleep. Also, removing distractions from the bedroom (i.e. TV, video games, computers) helps with quality of sleep.

ARecommendations from the USDA at www.choosmy-plate.gov include eating the proper portion sizes of all

fi ve food groups that includes:

• milk products (milk, cheese, yogurt): 2 to 3 servings per day (8 ounces, or 1 cup is 1 serving) • meat/eggs (red meats, poultry, fi sh, and eggs): 2 servings per day (5 ounces per day total)

• grains (breads, cereals, rice, pasta): 6 to 11 servings per day (1 slice of bread is 1 serving; \ ½ cup of pasta)

• fruits (juice or solid fruit): 2 to 4 servings per day (4 ounces or 1/2 cup is 1 serving)

• vegetables (juice or vegetables): 3 to 5 servings per day (1/2 cup is 1 serving)

Encourage your children to eat three meals a day to avoid overdrinking and over snacking, which can decrease their appetites for wholesome meals. Also, help your children make good choices; encourage them to eat healthy snacks such as fruits instead of fatty, salty or sugary items.

Research shows breakfast is essential for alertness, atten-tion span, thinking and memory. There are multiple health problems that are associated with poor diet such as anemia, obesity, tooth decay, coronary artery disease and high blood pressure; however, those are more likely to be avoided when a healthy, balanced diet is maintained.

Q How much physical activity should kids have on a daily basis?

AA good rule of thumb is that children need 30-60 min-utes of continuous physical activity fi ve times a week and

more on the weekends. Try a variety of fun activities and allow diff erent family members to choose the activity for the day to create interest and motivation. Extracurricular/community ac-tivities including soccer, basketball, martial arts, gymnastics and cheerleading should be encouraged.

The more the parents are involved, the more the children will be interested. Good activities to do indoors or on rainy days include dancing, exercise or yoga VCR/DVD tape for kids, home gym equipment, stretching or stretch bands, Twister, Duck-Duck Goose, Simon Says, Red-Light Green-Light, or playing certain Nintendo® Wii fi t games.

Q Fall sports start soon; do children need a physical before they begin these activities?

AMost organized sports require some sort of physical to be performed prior to approving a student’s participation. A

complete physical should include focused histories on a child’s past medical conditions that may aff ect his ability to play a sport, such as asthma, concussions, high blood pressure, or injuries to joints.

(An extensive family history focusing on high cholesterol, sudden unexplained deaths, heart disease or heart attacks in anyone prior to 55 years old, passing out, and seizures should be asked.) A physi-cal also involves a complete assessment of a child’s physical state, including lungs, heart, abdomen, joints and muscles, and a hernia check for boys. Many doctor offi ces use sports physicals to do an entire “well child” visit and focus on injury prevention, nutrition, and other anticipatory guidance as well.

*Disclaimer: This information does not seek to treat or diagnose a medical condition. Always consult a physician before starting a diet or exercise routine.


Yoga may have originated in India, but even White

County citizens are getting in on the popular trend

and learning the mental and physical benefits of the

ancient mix of meditation and fitness.

Yoga, which means “union,” is a mix of stretching,

breathing and meditation, meant to reduce mental and

physical stress, improve mood and slow the aging process.

Teresa McLeod, a 62-year-old Searcy resident, has been

practicing yoga since she was 55, and was so inspired by the

effect on her after being diagnosed with breast cancer, she

decided to get certified to teach yoga classes to other cancer

survivors at the White County Medical Center, as well as

classes at the Searcy Athletic Club.

“I didn’t take my first class until I was 55 and I fell

in love with it,” she said. “I loved it so much I went to

Fayetteville 17 times in one year for workshops to get certi-

fied with the Yoga Alliance Board.”

A 22-year survivor, McLeod was diagnosed with

breast cancer when she was 40, and started yoga 15 years

later to help regain her upper-body strength after a double

mastectomy.

“Yoga gives you a great feeling of well-being and a bal-

ance between body, mind and spirit, which creates a calming

effect,” she said. “One of the biggest misconceptions is you

have to be a Buddhist or into meditation, but yoga is not

a religious experience. Wherever you are in your spiritual

walk, yoga provides a way to get in touch with your inner

self, especially women.”

PiYo Instructor Sarah Johnson (left), Amy Harr (middle) and Christy Hill participate in a PiYo class in April. A mix of pilates and yoga, PiYo is one of fi ve yoga classes off ered at the Searcy Athletic Club.

Yoga at the Searcy Athletic CenterMonday: PiYo, 4 p.m.Tuesday: VariYoga, 6 a.m.; YogaStretch, 9 a.m.; PiYo 5:30 p.m.Wednesday: PiYo, 8:30 a.m.Thursday: VariYoga, 6 a.m.; Silver Sneakers Yoga, 4 p.m.; PiYo, 6:45 p.m.Friday: YogaStretch, 9 a.m.Saturday: PiYo, 8:05 a.m.Sunday: YogaFit, 2 p.m.

YOGABringing Balanceto Mind & Body

B Y K Y L E T R O U T M A N


McLeod said yoga is a big benefit to

women’s mental health and stress levels.

If a spiritual or mental balance from

the practice seems ambiguous, consider

the physical advantages of yoga, which

McLeod and Athletic Center Instructor

Sarah Johnson say are plentiful.

“I’ve worked with people at

Harding University who are stressed

and suffer from panic attacks,” McLeod

said. “Yoga significantly lowered their

stress. When you learn to breathe using

the full capacity of the lungs, it low-

ers blood pressure, reduces stress and

promotes overall better health. Yoga is

also just like physical therapy for your

back, knees, neck and joints. It elon-

gates muscles instead of contracting

them, [like when you lift weights], so

it prevents injuries. I’ve worked with

marathon runners who previously had

hamstring issues that yoga relieved. For

men who play golf, yoga also helps them

open up their golf swing.”

Johnson, who teaches multiple

yoga classes at the Searcy Athletic Club,

said she’s not as big on the meditation

aspects of yoga, but focuses instead on

the physical aspects and how the practice

can help the body.

“Yoga gives your body alignment,”

she said. “When your body gets all

“Women are caretakers, but don’t always have time to take care of themselves. If you take an hour for yourself each day, you can help your body, mind and spirit, and fi nd a balance.”

– Teresa McLeod, Certifi ed Yoga Instructor

wound up and tight from stress, you can

come to yoga and learn breathing tech-

niques and stretches. Men often come to

yoga to help with their lower back prob-

lems, which the stretching helps with.”

Searcy Athletic Club offers many

types of yoga with different levels of

intensity. One of her main classes, PiYo,

is a mix of pilates and yoga set to current

popular music. The center’s description

says it’s “all about energy, power and

rhythm, designed to build strength, gain

flexibility and condition the core mus-

cles. PiYo is on a high-intensity scale,”

she said. “It’s core strength work with

squats, pushups and lunges.”

VariYoga, one of McLeod’s classes,

is described as “combining yoga pos-

tures and breathing, bringing balance to

the mind and body.” YogaFit is another

class offered, which focuses on balance,

strength, flexibility and power, and is

geared more toward athletes. Silver

Sneaker Yoga, which is popular among

the older members, is a traditional yoga

class meant to relax and rejuvenate and

improve flexibility, strength and posture.

Finally, YogaStretch is also popular

among older members, as all exercises

are done in a chair to keep people from

having to get on the floor.

The Searcy Athletic Club off ers 10 classes per week, with at least one yoga class each day. The club is located at 954 Skyline Drive. For more information, people may call 501-268-8080.

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Charlotte Davis, RD, LD, child nutrition director for Searcy Public Schools, visits with students at McRae Elementary School during a lunch hour in May. Davis has been with Searcy schools for 18 years.

The child nutrition director of Searcy Public Schools, Charlotte Davis, R.D., L.D., has served the district for 18 years.

Davis’ job includes ordering food and equipment for the district, overseeing sanitation and safety, and serving complete meals to about 75 percent of Searcy’s 4,100 students.

Davis is married to Tony Davis, and has two children, Kayla, 19, who attends Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, and Jake, 15, who attends Searcy High School.

Having lived in Pangburn since 1980, Davis received her bachelor’s in dietet-

ics from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, and then she interned at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock.

In addition to working in Searcy Public Schools, Davis has worked at the Baptist Health Medical Center-North in Little Rock as a clinical dietician, a director of nutrition at White River Medical Center in Batesville and in long-term care at Searcy Healthcare Center.

Davis said her favorite part of her job is working with her staff members, who love the students they serve and want what

is best for them. She said child nutrition is important to her because she is helping children develop good eating habits before they have health problems.

“I feel like we can make a difference in the lives of children early on to help them learn healthy eating habits by what we put on the tray,” Davis said.

Davis’ family attends Trinity Baptist Church in Searcy, where she sings on the worship team and leads three 12-week ses-sions per year of “First Place 4 Health,” a Christian weight-loss and fitness program.

Making healthy meals easyCompiled by Marisa Lytle • Menus by Charlotte Davis, RD, LD, Child Nutrition Director for Searcy Public Schools

B Y A E R I A L W H I T I N G


Breakfast:1 cup bran fl akes cereal

1 cup fat free milk1/2 large banana

Snack:1 1/2 oz. 2% cheddar cheese

1 oz. pretzels

Lunch:Turkey sandwich

2 regular slices whole wheat bread, 2 oz. deli-sliced turkey,

2 tsp. mustard1/2 cup baby carrots

2 Tbsps. light ranch dressing

Snack:8 oz sugar-free, fat-free yogurt

(any fl avor)1 small apple

Dinner:2 oz baked or grilled chicken

1 medium baked potato (8 oz.)1 Tbsp. light tub margarine2 Tbsps. fat- free sour cream1/2 cup cooked green beans

1 small dinner roll (1 oz.)

Breakfast:2 regular slices white toast1 Tbsp. light tub margarine

2 Tbsp. low sugar jam or jelly1 medium orange

8 oz. sugar-free, fat-free yogurt

Snack:1 1/2 oz. string (mozzarella) cheese

Lunch:Ham and cheese roll-ups (2)

2 (6-inch) whole wheat tortillas2 oz. deli-sliced ham

2 slices (1.5 oz. total) fat-free American cheese

1 Tbsp. light ranch dressing1/2 cup chopped tomato1 cup shredded lettuce

1/2 cup grapes

Snack:3 cups light popcorn

1/4 cup raisins

Dinner:2 oz. lean ground beef patty (90% lean)

1/2 cup steamed/boiled broccolispears or fl orets

1/2 cup steamed/boiled yellow squash1/2 cup sugar-free pudding

Breakfast:Breakfast sandwich

1 whole English muffi n1 egg (scrambled or pan-fried

with non-stick spray)1 slice fat-free American cheese

1/2 oz. deli ham1/2 cup apple juice

Snack:1/2 large banana


2 regular slices whole wheat bread1 oz. deli turkey

1 slice fat-free American cheese1 cup baby carrots

2 Tbsp. light ranch dressing1 oz. Baked Lay’s potato chips (plain)

Snack: 8 oz. sugar-free, fat-free yogurt

Dinner:1 cup canned turkey chili with beans

1 oz. baked tortilla chips1/2 oz. 2% cheddar cheese, shredded

2 cups tossed salad (1 1/2 cups lettuce & 1/2 cup tomatoes

or other vegetables)1 Tbsp. Italian salad dressing

1 tangerine

Breakfast:1 egg (pan-fried/scrambled

using non-stick cooking spray)1 regular slice whole wheat toast

1 tsp. light tub margarine1 Tbsp. low-sugar jam or jelly

8 oz. sugar-free/fat-free yogurt

Snack:1 large apple

Lunch:1/4 lb. hamburger with no cheese or mayo (3 oz. cooked meat, 2 oz. bun)

Salad (a 1/2 cups)2 Tbsp. (1 oz. packet) fat-free

ranch dressing

Snack:1 oz. Wheat Thins crackers

2 slices (1.5 oz. total) 2% American cheese

Dinner:1/2 cup cooked pinto or

great northern beans1/2 cup cooked carrots

1 oz. cornbread or whole wheat bread2 tsp. light tub margarine

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (sprinkle with cinnamon,

if desired)

Breakfast:1 cup Rice Chex cereal

1/2 large banana1 cup skim milk

Snack:1 oz. pretzels

1/2 cup grapes

Lunch:Fruit and nut turkey salad — 2 cups

mixed leafy salad greens1/4 cup grape or cherry tomatoes

1/2 oz. walnuts (7 halves), chopped1 oz. smoked turkey, diced1/4 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup fat-free ranch dressing6 reduced-fat Ritz crackers

Snack:1/2 large banana

4 graham cracker squares

Dinner:2 oz. grilled or baked salmon fi llet

1/2 cup mashed sweet potato1/2 cup boiled/steamed

caulifl ower fl orets1 small whole wheat roll (1 oz.)

1 Tbsp. light tub margarine

Breakfast:1 whole wheat bagel (2 1/2 oz.)

2 Tbsp. light cream cheese2 Tbsp. low-sugar jam or jelly

1 cup fat-free milk1/2 grapefruit

Snack:8 oz. sugar-free/fat-free yogurt

Lunch:Grilled chicken sandwich

(no mayo or cheese, 3 oz. chicken, 1 1/2 oz. bun)

Salad (1 1/2 cupsFat-free salad dressing (1 oz. packet)

Snack:1 cup cantaloupe cubes

Dinner:1 oz. smoked ham

1/2 cup whole kernel corn1/2 cup green beans

1/2 cup grapes1 small dinner roll (1 oz.)1 tsp. light tub margarine

1/2 cup sugar-free pudding

Breakfast:1 egg (scrambled/pan-fried

with non-stick spray)1 regular slice whole wheat toast

1 tsp. light tub margarine1 Tbsp. low sugar jam/jelly

8 oz. fat-free, sugar-free yogurt

Snack:1 medium peach


2 regular slices whole wheat bread1 oz. deli-sliced turkey

1/4 cup lettuce/tomato1 Tbsp. light Miracle Whip

1 cup baby carrots2 Tbsp. light ranch dressing

Snack: 2 medium plums

Dinner:1 cup spaghetti noodles

1/2 cup prepared spaghetti sauce (sauce should have tomatoes

listed as fi rst ingredient) with 2 oz. (1/2 cup) cooked

ground beef (90% lean) mixed in2 Tbsp. parmesan cheese1 1/2 cups tossed salad1 Tbsp Italian dressing

1/2 cups whole kernel corn1/2 cup apple slices

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

Charlotte DavisRD, LD, Child Nutrition Director

for Searcy Public Schools

“I feel like we can make a difference in the lives of children early on to help them learn healthy eating habits by what we put on the tray,”

– Charlotte Davis



Gregory Ricca, M.D., Neurosurgeon“A simple and effective way to deal with stress is to take a slow, very deep breath followed by a pause before slowly exhaling. There is a physiologic reason why this helps decrease the stress response. When one is under stress, he/she feels the effects of that stress. These effects include an elevated heart rate and elevated blood pressure. The deep breath causes a refl ex in the brain that slows the heart rate, decreases blood pressure and decreases the other physiologic responses to stress.”

Jennifer Faith, M.D., Family Practice “In stressful situations I feel that the most effective way to cope is to make sure that I’m getting plenty of rest. It is also helpful to exercise. Always try to eat a healthy diet, but that is even more critical in times of stress. Try to surround yourself with people who are supportive and care about you.”

well now l advice

How Searcy’s Top Docs Manage Stress In Their Busy Lives

Michael Justus, M.D., Family Practice “Before considering how to manage a stressful situation, it is helpful to pause and attempt to identify the source of the stress. Addressing the cause is more critical than treating the symptoms. For me, jogging is often therapeutic, and sunrises and sun-sets have a way of reminding me that the world is much larger than my immediate inconveniences.”

Thomas Day, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon“Stress is unavoidable, so I believe the key to handling it is by preparing your body and mind for the task. First, the physical: take care of your body by maintaining a healthy diet, keeping a regular exercise routine and getting an appropriate amount of sleep. Second, the mind: fi nd something that you enjoy doing that gives your brain a break. It could be reading, crafts, sports, fi shing or any other hobby. You may think you don’t have time for that, but you need to make the time. Third, your attitude: put a smile on your face and be positive. It’s a cliché that “attitude is everything,” but that saying is quite true. A positive attitude improves your mental focus, lessens fatigue and is infec-tious to others. Focus on these three areas, and while you won’t eliminate stress from your life completely, you will fi nd that it’s much easier to handle.”

Ryan Koch, M.D., Medical Oncologist“Work hard to prepare for the stressful times in your life by doing your best at every task and putting your heart into the important things. Remember to relax and enjoy life; time is fl eeting. It helps me to realize that I am not in control of my life – God is in control, and I give Him my worries. The phrase “do not worry” appears 365 times throughout the Bible; that in itself is a daily reminder to let go and let God be in charge.”

Specializing In Short Term Rehab & Long Term Care Residential CarePhysical Therapy • Occupational Care • Speech Therapy

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105 S. CollegeSearcy, AR

501.268.2324

101 Cynthia DriveJudsonia, AR

501.729.3823

105 S. CollegeSearcy, AR

501.268.0400

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*Clinical professional is defined as a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

Faster. The 30-Minutes-or-Less E.R. Service Pledge. Only at Harris Hospital.

Emergency medicine is about three things: compassion, skilled care and speed.

You’ll find these at Harris Hospital. The experienced E.R. physicians and the

entire team are committed to working diligently to have you initially seen by a

clinical professional* within 30 minutes of your arrival. If you need an E.R. fast, try

our fast E.R. Once you do, you won’t want to go anywhere else.

well now july/august

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