Healthy Horizons Magazine - Anniston/Gadsden 2011-2012

Anniston oncology, P.c.

Anniston oncology, P.c.

Dr. Ellen spremulli Dr. Pramod Vadlamani Dr. Melissa Baird

Providing cancer care in Anniston since 1984

Dr. spremulli, Dr. Vadlamani, and Dr. Baird are Board certified in Medical oncology & Hematology

•We treat all types of cancer tumors•Diagnosis and treatment of blood problems including anemia•We admit to both hospitals•In office Chemotherapy 5 days per week•Blood counts done in office

•5 chemotherapy certified R.N.s•National protocol studies available•Bone marrow exams under IV conscious sedation•Most insurance accepted

open Monday through Friday 8am - 5pmAsk your doctor to refer you or call us yourself

www.annistononcology.com901 leighton Ave. suite 602,

Anniston, Al 36207

238-1011

Contents

4 Healthy Horizons Magazine

COVER10 Toomer’s for Tuscaloosa Learn To Expect Miracles

10FEATURES

14 Veins, The Other Side Of Circulation

20 Protecting Your Children In Cyberspace

30 Stress Management

56 The Berman Museum Of World History

CENTER SPREAD34 RIVERVIEW Regional Medical Center

20

56

14

34

30HEALTHY KIDS22 Sometimes: Less is More!23 Three Keys To A Child’s HeartFAITH & FAMILY44 Words: The Good, The Bad, And The Idle45 We Have Come to Tolerate: SelfishnessCOMMUNITY FOCUS51 Buster Miles Chevrolet/Ford52 Pine Hill Country Club54 Outdoor Cleburne Fun Day & Fishing Derby55 Ray Scott’s Trophy Bass RetreatFUN & GAMES62 Word Search 62 Funny Jokes: How to Start A Fight

63 Medical Directory

64 Emergency Directory

Community Wellness Guide 5

Publisher Page

Welcome to

Healthy Horizons is a community wellness magazine that is distributed free throughout the Southeast U. S. The goal of the magazine is to provide health education to the community and promote healthy living. Articles in the magazine are provided by healthcare professionals who are committed to: (a) disease prevention, (b) early detection of disease, (c) prompt treatment of illness, and (d) promotion of quality of life.

The magazine began as a wellness resource guide for aging Americans. This key aspect of the magazine has proven to be a great resource for our consumers. Input from our local advertisers and consumers reinforce our belief that health education provides our readers with insight and knowledge to assist in making informed decisions regarding his/her healthcare. In the past six years our market area has grown significantly and feedback from our consumers has been positive. In an effort to meet the desires of the market area we have expanded the magazine to include a “Healthy Kids” section and a “Community” section. Again, response regarding the inclusion of this content has been constructive. As many of you are aware, acute and chronic health problems are very prevalent in our society. However, many of these health problems are preventable. Individuals lack the knowledge that is necessary to make informed decisions regarding their health. It is imperative that each individual, regardless of age, race or gender, engage in opportunities that will enhance their well being on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level. This holistic approach to health will enable individuals to make educated decisions that are appropriate to maintain their current health status or to seek prompt treatment when disease or illness occurs. Healthy Horizons strives to provide information in the community that is relevant and will hopefully improve the health status of aging Americans. The goal is that Healthy Horizons will serve as a valuable community resource tool and promote quality of life. God bless you as you strive for “Healthy Horizons”.

© 2010 by Healthy Horizons Magazine. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reprinted and reproduced, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Healthy Horizons is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, physician offices, wellness centers, assisted living centers, hospitals and rehab centers. Please call for a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

Contact Us: Healthy Horizons Magazine • P.O. Box 81, Choccolocco, AL 36254 • Office: 256.235.1955 • Fax: 256.235.1935

Mark HelmsPublisher

Advertising Sales or to Request Additional Copies:256-235-1955

Publishers Mark Helms Kim Helms 256-235-1955 [email protected]

Office Manager Teresa Tims 256-235-1957 [email protected]

Executive Assistant Emily Alwine [email protected]


Healthy

Local ResourceDirectoryAvailable Online!“Visit the Healthy Horizons

website at www.healthyhmag.com

for more informative topics on

Health and Wellbeing.”

online

Kim HelmsPublisher

Art Direction David Coffey 256-237-3177 [email protected]

Contributing Writers Billy Helms, PhD Betsy Gulledge, PhD, MSN, RN Christie Shelton, PhD, MSN, RN Phyllis Waits, RN, Ed.D Kimberly Helms, D.H.Ed., MSN, RN


According to the National Institute of Mental Illness (NIMH), more than 50 percent of the U.S. population will suffer from a mental health problem at some point in their lifetime. The most common mental health problem is depression; 17 percent of the U.S. population will suffer from depression at some point in their lifetime. Depression can be a very debilitating illness that affects thoughts, emotions and behavior. Anyone can suffer from depression; it does not differentiate age, gender, race, or economic status. Approximately 15 million American adults or about 8 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older are affected by depression in a given year. Women are twice as likely to suffer from depression as men, and about 12 percent of all women will have clinical depression over their lifetime. The average age of onset is about 40 years, with 50 percent of all patients having an onset between the ages of 20 and 50, and it can begin in childhood or in old age. It occurs most often in persons who do not have close interpersonal relationships, for example, those who are divorced or separate.

Irrespective of what one is going through in life; for example, all of us experience failure, illness, death of a loved one, fights and arguments, separation, abandonment, disrespect, etc., at some point in time, one must not let it affect oneself beyond a certain point. Most of these experiences are extremely sorrowful, humiliating, and sad, but one must learn to cultivate the habit of moving on.

A person with depression may experience overwhelming feelings of sadness, irritability or tension, a loss of energy, fatigue, loss of interest in things once enjoyed, hopelessness, helplessness, inability to feel pleasure, feelings of guilt, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite and weight, memory deficits, changes in sleep and activity, problems thinking and making decisions, and recurring thoughts of death or suicide.

Depression is most often the result of a combination of events or circumstances. It is not just in your mind and is related to physical changes in the body and brain that cause chemical imbalances that affect the signals between the brain and nerves. Some common elements in developing depression include: family history, trauma and stress, low self-esteem, illness or medical conditions, and psychological conditions such as eating disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, or substance abuse.

Prevention of depression is better than cure. Coping skills and a healthy lifestyle may be very effective in preventing depression. These may include sticking to a balanced diet, sleeping well, thinking positively, keeping oneself occupied and engaged as much as possible.

Research studies have confirmed that certain chemicals imbalances, such as serotonin, are responsible for depression and it has also been established that serotonin can be produced with regular exercise. Therefore, a natural and simple way to prevent depression is to commit to an exercise program. Any form of exercise, be it dance, yoga, or other physical activity, will help relax and de-stress a person by increasing the amount of mood-elevating chemical transmitters in the human brain. Exercise helps release endorphins which relax muscles, reduce stress, and induce sleep. Therefore, by exercising regularly, one is reducing the risk of depression.

Nutrition is another critical, but often overlooked, component of depression prevention. Health is wealth – simply but extremely true! Overeating, starving, and eating irregularly are bad habits that influence and affect the body. Our lives are often so busy that we forget to take care of ourselves. Drinking enough water every day and eating at least two helpings of fresh vegetable helps keep the physical body nourished with adequate minerals and vitamins.

Stay involved with family and friends. Research shows that people benefit from sharing joys and sorrows with others.

Mind-body techniques help alleviate stress and increase mood. Yoga, Tai Chi, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing and acupuncture may all help you to cope with stress.

Keeping oneself occupied is another important part of depression prevention. An idle man’s mind is a devil’s workshop! The human brain, with its extraordinary network of neurons and neurotransmitters, can race at the speed of light or even faster. Therefore, it is extremely important to ensure that this clever mind is occupied and always entertains only creative, productive, and positive thoughts as far as possible.

Developing new hobbies, such as solving crosswords or Sudoku puzzles, listening to music, dancing or aerobics are all ways to de-stress. Engaging in positive physical and mental activities ensures that one doesn’t slip into the abyss of darkness – this is critical for depression prevention. We all are aware of the fact that there is a wonderful and beautiful world out there that is waiting to be explored, so get up and get going. Move on, or else one will certainly invite trouble in the form of negative feelings, emotions, and depression. Keeping busy helps prevent depression.

These are some simple and important ways one can prevent depression before it really sets in. After all, depression prevention is always better than trying to overcome the condition after it becomes full-blown.

If you have questions or if you feel you may be depressed, talk with your personal physician or contact the local mental health center. Veterans may contact a local VA Clinic or VA Medical Center. The National Association of Mental Illness website has an abundance of information on mental illness.

Judith Kay Morris, RN, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP-BCPsych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Depression Prevention through

Healthy Living


Eugene S. Hurwitz, M.D.Sonia Kamboj, M.D.Randy Stoloff, M.D.

Cover Story


April 27, 2011 is a day that will live forever in the hearts and minds of Alabamians. As we all sat glued to our televisions wondering about friends and loved ones across the state, it was gut wrenching to watch the F-5 tornado rip through the city of Tuscaloosa. Then, the tornado made its way across North Birmingham carrying debris as far as Georgia. While Tuscaloosa residents were busy saving their neighbors and rescuing one another from under rubble and debris, a group of Auburn Alumni and fans had a different idea…and they went to Tuscaloosa to make a difference.

The night of the tornadoes, a facebook group was formed online called Toomer’s for Tuscaloosa. An Auburn resident started the group, and several Auburn Alumni and students jumped in to help. Elizabeth Barrow Taylor from Andalusia from M&S Trucking called her cousin Holly Hart of Birmingham, to find a place where to send the first truck. Holly then called Five Point Baptist Church in Northport and they accepted the truck. The first truck was loaded in Andalusia, Alabama early Thursday morning the day following the tornadoes, and was in Tuscaloosa by eleven o’clock that morning. Holly and Elizabeth coordinated the next two eighteen wheelers to come to Five Points- with one drop spot in Andalusia at the Piggly Wiggly and the other on the Elba Highway in Opp. Friday they were en route to Tuscaloosa.

Holly stayed up on facebook all night Thursday night setting up drop spots and locations with Auburn clubs across the country, and other groups that just wanted to help. She and other Auburn fans and a few Alabama fans showed up to meet in the parking lot of Toys R Us in Hoover to gather food and supplies to head to Tuscaloosa early Friday morning. The intention was to feed the volunteers at the church unloading the supplies. However, when they arrived in Northport to set up the food tent, there were two Auburn alumni from Savannah, Georgia, who had driven all night long to bring two ice houses to town. The mayor of Opp, Alabama sent an eighteen wheeler full of ice. The operation was in full swing.

Christina Tatum and Dawn Thorton, both of Birmingham showed up in the parking lot that morning and jumped in and got to work. Tracy and Regan Jackson, two more of Holly’s cousins, drove up to help. The five ladies together fed 900 people that day from the back of a trailer driving through downtown Tuscaloosa. Armed with bag coolers over their arms, they walked up and down streets to make sure that each and every person had something to eat and some cold water. They distributed cases

of water, snacks and supplies to as many people as they could reach. The funny thing that day, was that

they never seemed to start to run out of hotdogs and Bratwursts. When the last hungry person received food

where they were, the food was gone. Christina looked at Holly and said “is it just me, or did we just have a loaves and fishes experience?” Everyone agreed that they had to come back the next day, and they did.

Saturday morning, things were insane! Three more eighteen wheelers came in to the church that day. The church people at Five Points mobilized and set up a distribution center from their gym. “ Fed-ex has never run a tighter operation than did the ladies at Five Points” says Holly. Orders for supplies were being called in from all over town. A system was quickly set up to get a truck in – unload it, then reload that pick-up truck and trailer and supplies and send it to the affected area. Within fifteen minutes, trucks were unloaded and reloaded with immediate supplies. It was a sight to see!

Immediate relief continued for two weeks, before the group relocated to Birmingham closer to home. James Chris Fields, from New York City, NY, had been with the group since about day five, and stayed in Birmingham for 35 days to help keep the operation going full swing. Two supply chain management interns from Auburn- Adam Battle and Patrick Markham- came on board to receive and route the trucks into Christian Service mission and to help with other tasks. Currently Adam is on site helping rebuild a home in Cordova, Alabama.

The group has worked in conjunction with Christian Service Mission in Birmingham to receive supplies so that they could be distributed across the state. The Toomer’s for Tuscaloosa group has coordinated moving everything from a 200 gal tank of gasoline to Hackleburg, Alabama, to generators in Tuscaloosa and beyond. They also took a 26’ truck packed full of supplies to Altus, Arkansas the day after the tornadoes struck that area to provide immediate relief to that area.

The groups focus now is to help families find permanent homes, one family at a time. It is their belief that if they get one family stable and in a home where they are safe again, that that family may pay it forward and be a blessing to their community. Currently, the Toomer’s group is rebuilding a home that was donated to a Jasper, AL police officer. “We have learned through this experience, not to take for granted the little blessings in life…and we’ve learned to expect miracles!” says Hart.

Learn to Expect MiraclesLearn to Expect Miracles

RMC Foundation - Golf FORE A Cause Robert Trent Jones Silver Lakes

Left : David Coffey, Mark Helms, Jim Downey & Cory EtterTop: Teeing off at the Healthy Horizons booth

Healthy

Making a Difference

Relay For Life - Run/WalkLeft: Healthy Horizons Booth - Center: Kids at the event walking to raise money - Right: Turnout crowd for the event

May Day Festival Talladega, AL • Top: Talladega Hall Of Fame where the event was held

Bottom Left: Teresa at Healthy Horizons booth Bottom Right: Costume contest participates


vsTo be settled on the court, not in it!

$5,000Over

Raised for YMCA scholarship Strong Kids

Summer camps

Winners!

The Event was sponored by the RMC Foundation with help from Healthy Horizons MagazineThe first annual Lawyers vs Doctors Basketball Tournament

was held March 10th at the Oxford Civic Center.The first annual Lawyers vs Doctors Basketball Tournament

was held March 10th at the Oxford Civic Center.

The RMC Foundation is the charitable arm of the hospital (RMC Anniston) that supports their patients, families and the community directly; its board of directors, along with the Calhoun County Bar Association got together and provided an entertaining family fun night on March 10th at the Oxford Civic Cneter. However it was more than just fun, it provided for many YMCA kids to

attend summer camps on scholarship this summer. Next year same place, March 8th. Community invited.Contact Vickie Simmons, Foundation Executive Director, for more [email protected] • www.rmccares.org • 256-235-5147


RMC’s Surgical Services help more than 7,000 area patients each year. From the least invasive procedure to a highly complex operation, RMC’s Surgical Services equipment and staff are prepared to help heal patients on a round-the-clock basis. Surgeons and Anesthesiologists are available in-house 24 hours a day, seven days a week.RMC’s Surgical Services is equipped with the latest laser technology. In the 10-suite operating room area, RMC offers same-day surgery, mini-surgery and inpatient surgery.

Surgical procedures include: • General surgery• Cardiovascular surgery• Thoracic surgery• Vascular surgery• Endoscopic procedures• Bariatric Surgery • Orthopaedic surgery• Oncology procedures• Pediatric surgery• Kidney surgery• Ear, Nose and Throat surgery• Plastic surgery• Reconstructive surgery (Breast)• Urology procedures• OB/GYN procedures

RMC offers comprehensive Bariatric Surgery program as well. R. Bryan Freeman, M.D. performs the Roux-En-Y procedure, as well as the laparoscopic adjustable band procedure. Dr. Freeman has performed over 3000 procedures during his ten years of bariatric medicine. RMC Bariatric Surgery achieved a Center of Excellence designation in 2010.The daVinci Surgical System was added in 2010. The da Vinci® Surgical System provides surgeons with an alternative to both traditional open surgery and conventional laparoscopy, putting a surgeon’s hands at the controls of a state-of-the-art robotic platform. The da Vinci System enables surgeons to perform even the most complex and delicate procedures through very small incisions with unmatched precision.

The latest addition to complement our full range of surgeries is an Ophthalmic Surgery approach called Sutureless Cataract Surgery with Premium Lenses. Abdul Ahad Kazi, M.D. of the Anniston Ophthalmology Clinic has joined the RMC staff and is able to perform

this surgery at RMC. The sutureless cataract procedure reduces recovery time for the patient and the addition of premium lenses offers the unique ability to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses following cataract surgery.

For more information on this and other surgical procedures, visit www.rmccares.org

1501 Noble Street • Anniston, AL 36201

Calhoun County’s Only Locally Owned Service

24-Hour Paramedic Service • Emergency & Non-EmergencyLocal & Long Distance Transport • Medicare & Medicaid Approved Provider

All Types Insurance Filed • Major Credit Cards AcceptedWheelchair Accessible Transportation Available

1501 Noble Street ....... 256-237-8572Fax ............................... 256-241-3002

Insurance & Billing .....256-236-6005Fax ............................... 256-241-0015


Dr. Daniel Sparks• Undergraduate: Auburn University • Medical Education: University of Alabama, Birmingham, Al.• Residency: University of Alabama Hospital Birmingham, Al.• Board Certification: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery• 256-546-8127

Dr. Roland Cook• Graduated from the UAB, then attended the UAB School of Medicine and did his internship and residency at Baptist Medical Center in Birmingham, AL.• Emergency Medicine, working first as an ER physician• Family Practice and Urgent Care Practices• Part of the Stringfellow Physicians Network.• 256-831-0927

Dr. Pramod Vadlamani• Oncology and Hematology training at the University of Missouri. • Member of the AMA and American Society of Clinical Oncology • Board Certified in Medicine and Medical Oncology • 256-238-1101

Dr. Ghanshyam Patel • Undergraduate Education: Southgate Technical College• Medical Education: University of Manchester• Residency: Cook County Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, Whittington/Royal Free Hospitals• Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, American Board of Internal Medicine/Cardio vascular Disease• 256-543-3047

Dr. Abu Ghani• Board certified in Cardiothoracic and General Surgery• Member of the American Society of Thoracic Surgeons, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the Royal College of Physician and Surgeons of Glasgow•Special interest in Thoracic oncology and Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery•256-231-2553

Dr. Melissa Baird• Board Certified in Hematology, Oncology and Internal medicine. • Post doctoral training in Pathology. • She joins Anniston Oncology from the University of Alabama in Birmingham • Specialty—Leukemia, Lymphoma, Breast Cancer and Hematology• 256-238-1101.

Dr. Mohammed Shubair • MBB Sc in 1988 from Jordan University• Residency in Internal Medicine in Jordan, Amman , New Zealand and New Jersey• Fellow of American College of Chest Physics• Primary care physician though he focuses mainly on pulmonology and critical care services• Part of the Stringfellow Physicians Network• 256-235-0294

Dr. Eugene S. Hurwitz• Received his medical degree from the St. Louis University School of Medicine in 1975. • Preventive Medicine Residency: Centers for Disease Control• Specialty Allergy and Asthma.• Board certified in Pediatrics & Allergy/Immunology• Affiliated with Tanner MC, Wellstar HS, Newnan Hospi- tal, Emory Adventist & Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta• 770-459-0620

Dr. Ellen Spremulli• Physician since 1972. • Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology • Specialty in Oncology with Medical privileges at Northeast Alabama Medical Center and Stringfellow Memorial Hospital • 256-238-1101

Dr. R. Bryan Freeman• Board Certified Surgeon and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons• University of Mississippi with a Medical Doctor Degree • Internship and residency for General Surgery at Madigan Army Medical Center in Fort Lewis• Performs both laparoscopic and open gastric bypass surgery, lap band surgery, as well as revision surgery• 256-236-1300

Dr. Cherice Greene • Bachelor’s Degree in Molecular Biology Princeton University• Medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia• Specific interests women’s health, obesity, adolescents• Part of the Stringfellow Physicians Network• 256-831-4554

Dr. Pramod Bhatia• Graduated from Armed Forces Medical College, Pune India• Master’s Degree in ENT Surgery from Post Graduate Institute in Chandigarh, India• Adult and pediatric ENT surgery including tonsillectomy, ear tubes, endoscopic sinus surgery, repair of ear drum, surgery for hearing loss, head and neck surgery including thyroid and salivary glands• 256-761-1729

Close To HomeHealthcareHealthcare

DOWNEY MEDICALOXYGEN AND MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

Respiratory Services

Diabetic/ Orthopedic Shoes Diabetic Supplies

•OxygenConcentrators•PortableSystems•LiquidO2

CPAPMachines/BiPAPCPAPSupplies

Reg. Respiratory Therapist on Staff

•PortableO2 Tanks•OvernightOximetryTesting•NebulizerMachinesfor AdultsandChildren

Rental • Sales • ServiceFree Home Delivery!

Mon.– Fri.8:30AM –5PM

317 East 10th StreetAnniston, AL 256-238-8991

Free Home Delivery, Set-up and Training

Certified Pedorthist on staffDiabetic shoes, Custom Shoes,Custom Orthotics & Inserts

BloodGlucoseMonitorsTestStrips•Lancets

Personal Services from our friendly staff to help you fill all your medical needs.

MedicalEquipmentSpecificServices

WheelchairsHospitalBedsSeatLiftChairsPatientLifts

ScootersCar/VanLifts

MastectomyProstheses&Bras

•OrthopedicBracesforKnees,Back,&Wrist

•CervicalCollars•WalkerBoots•NeckTractions

• Lightweight forms and leisure bras• Good selection in stock

• Form fillers after reconstructive surgery, sport bras, fillers for lumpectomies

Set-up and training from our professional staff with personal services.

Phone:256-238-8991

Address:317 East 10th StreetAnniston, AL

helpful info

Downey Medical files with many, many insurance companies and work-man compensations. Downey Medical puts the well-being of their customers above all else. This is true in all areas of service including:

Medical Equipment– Our show-room has many items to purchase or rent and we also deliver and set up in your home.

Oxygen/ Respiratory– Lightweight concentrators, portable oxygen tanks, and liquid (We bill Medicare, BCBS, Medicaid, and other insurances for home oxygen.)

Nebulizers– We carry adult nebs and in-fant/ child nebulizers. We file with all types of insurance for the machine and kits.

CPAP– Modern, lightweight machines, humidifiers, CPAP Mask and supplies in stock. Full-time Registered Respiratory Therapist on staff to personally take care of your respiratory needs and supplies.

Diabetic– We carry diabetic shoes, diabetic tennis shoes ans walking shoes. Downey Medical has a Certified Pedor-thist on staff to make custom orthotics, custom shoes, inserts for work shoes or boots. We have Diabetic monitors and strips. We file with Medicare and other insurances. We also mail strips and lan-cets to your home.

Power Chairs, Scooters, and Seat Lift Chairs– Visit our show-room! You can even try out a chair. We file with all major insurances. We deliver and set up in your home by trained and certified staff members. We can install lifts for your vehicle.

Let Downey Medical Fill YourHealth Needs… All Under One Roof!Submitted by Downey Drug

Downey Medical has certified fitters on staff for fittings of knee and back braces, mastectomy apparel, and support hose. Choose Downey’s for your needs. Downey Medical is a leader in Calhoun County and the surrounding area. Come by today and visit our showroom!

• Rental• Sales

• Service• Free Home

Delivery!


“The care I received from the Alacare staff was a true blessing to me and my family. Thank you for giving me not only outstanding medical care, but also for providing comfort and dignity.”

– Maria M.

20102010

On The Horizon


As most people know, the circulatory system consists of the arteries and veins and the heart to pump or circulate the blood through those blood vessels.The heart pumps the oxygen-rich blood into the arteries to supply nutrients to the tissues such as muscles. The veins pick up the oxygen-poor blood from the tissues back to the heart. The pulmonary arteries carry oxygen-poor blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs and the pulmonary veins carry oxygen-rich blood from the lungs back to the heart and then the heart pumps the blood out into the largest artery in the body, the aorta, for distribution into the rest of the body including the working heart muscle, and the cycle repeats over and over and over. When the heart fails to pump effectively congestive heart failure results, whereby blood backs up into the lungs from the left side of the heart resulting in shortness of breath and possibly cough, or the right side of the heart may back up into the the rest of the body resulting in such symptoms and signs as swelling, exertional fatigue and weakness, jaundice or yellowness of the skin, problems with kidney function, abdominal fullness and poor appetite, thickening of the skin of the legs, and so on. When the arteries are blocked the blood has a difficult time getting to the working tissues resulting in various signs and symptoms depending on the function of the tissues starving of blood: in the heart the result may be chest pain and SOB or heart attack, in the brain the result may be ministroke or a devastating stroke, in the kidneys the result could be hypertension that is difficult to control, in the legs the result may be aching in the legs that is worse with walking, and amputation of the leg could result in extreme cases. But what happens when there is a problem with the veins?

Traditionally over the years the veins have been the quiet or neglected part of

the circulation, the part that got very little or no respect. Most people know or can recognize other people who have large lumpy or ropy veins in their legs, brownish discoloration of the legs or ulcers of the legs near the ankles that just won’t heal. Many people have swelling and aching or soreness or heaviness of the legs that gets worse with prolonged standing and most noticeable at the end of the day, or restlessness and crawling sensation of the skin of the legs most noticeable at night, or leg cramps at night. Many times these symptoms are attributed to such things as arthritis or simply getting old. Back to anatomy, the arteries and veins run in parallel but in opposite directions like one-way streets or highways with very little direct connection or cross-over from one to the other. The arteries carry blood under high pressure because the heart is pumping the blood out under high pressure. By the time the blood makes its way slowly through the tissues it has little or no pressure left to push it through so that by the time it finally gets to the veins it practically has to be pulled by changes in chest cavity pressure during breathing in and out, and pushed by the pumping action of the muscles such as leg muscles during leg movement. In addition, the

main v e i n s that run from the feet back up to the heart are lined with one-way valves much like spikes on a bamboo stick, that open and close to permit blood flowing from the feet to the heart even uphill when the person is standing up!

When those venous valves don’t close as well as they used to that results in back-leakage of blood, such that the blood goes up when the valves open and some of the blood goes back down when the valves close but leave a gap in the middle where the valve leaflets failed to meet as they should. That repeated to-and-fro or back-and-forth, up-and-down slushing of the blood causes the pressure in the veins to rise especially when standing and gravity is helping to pull the blood down toward the feet. Initially the effect of this deranged anatomy and physiologic function is not noticeable but over time it becomes noticeable as tiny veins that seem to grow on the skin and over time they may grow bigger and bigger and uglier and uglier and so on. Many times people simply stop wearing

VEINS, THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CIRCULATION Osita A. Onyekwere, MD, FACC, FSCAI


clothing like shorts that may expose the ugly lumpy veins while the veins quietly grow bigger and bigger. These varicose vein problems tend to run in families, more in women, more as people get older, more with occupations that involve a lot of standing, in pregnancy, in repeated pregnancies, in trauma, in phlebitis or blood clot that damages the venous valves and so on. Excessive weight gain that puts a lot of pressure on the structures in the abdomen and pelvis also can increase the back pressure in the veins of the legs. Sedentary lifestyle that makes little use of the leg muscles ends up not utilizing the benefit of the muscle pumps in the feet and the calves that help pump or push the blood up with walking or just leg muscle exercises.

Treatment of the venous disease depends on the extent of the disease, the amount of symptoms, the underlying physiologic alteration in the veins and other associated conditions. Generally, support or compression stockings are the starting point in treatment. Stockings help reduce the symptoms but do not repair the damaged or mal-functioning valves. Then there used to be surgical stripping of the veins whereby the skin is cut open in many places along the leg and the veins are cut and pulled out, but stripping is seldom performed these days. The most common way to get rid of the damaged or leaking vein segments is by using heat to seal those segments shut under local anesthesia, through a laser catheter or a similar device that uses radio-frequency to heat the catheter probe. The sealed veins get gradually resorbed or chewed up by the body over time. The damaged veins can also be pulled out right away through small stab incisions in the skin using vein hooks. Medications can also be injected into the veins to cause them to shrink and close, a process called sclerotherapy. Stockings are almost always necessary to be worn after the procedures. Scaring is minimal and usually not much of a problem. Discoloration of the skin from trapped

blood or from the sclerotherapy agent can be an issue of concern sometimes. These procedures are typically done in the physician’s office, do not take a lot of time, the patient gets up and walks immediately after the procedure ends, and recovery is quick; people can go back to their usual activities like working right away or the next day. Complications are not common but can occur. The results are typically good and can range from “wow! I’m so happy” to “that’s good I can live with it” and ulcers heal very quickly in cases where patients had chronic non-healing ulcers. People often ask about insurance coverage. Generally it depends on the extent of the underlying anatomic and physiologic derangement and the extent of symptoms affecting the patient’s lifestyle and occupation. Small spider or reticular veins that just don’t look cute or nice but otherwise causing no problems are not likely to be covered by any insurance program but large ropy or lumpy varicose veins that cause symptoms or skin damage are likely to be covered and then there are combinations in between. Usually, the evaluation begins with patient complaint of something bothersome that needs to be checked into, followed by a detailed careful history and physical examination by the physician, then in most cases a diagnostic ultrasound by a specially-trained technologist which can be the physician to diagnose the underlying defect, then a diagnosis of “medical or non-medical” problem, then prescription of the appropriate stockings measured and matched for the size of the patient--there are generally knee-high, thigh-high, or waist-high like panty hose and there are numerous options in fabric material including shear and non-shear, etc. Then, in medical problem cases the documentation is usually submitted to the insurance company for approval before a more detailed or invasive

treatment procedure is performed. The results can be life-altering, restoring the patient’s sense of well-being, or even attractiveness!

At the Vein and Vascular Laser Institute in Anniston, Alabama, we apply the knowledge and skills to work for the patients. The impact of vein disease on the person’s life is usually more than physical discomfort, there is a lot of psychological trauma such as feelings of inadequacy or ugliness, hiding from public exposure such as avoiding wearing shorts or quitting swimming and so on because of the embarrassing veins in the legs, and so on. At the institute we claim that “we make nice legs and can get you back into shorts!” As part of the Cardiovascular Clinics, PC, we understand the circulatory system, we know our way around the entire circulatory system and as such can provide customized but integrated care to each patient. Whether the problem is the heart, the arteries, the veins, or even aesthetics we can help. Additional information is available at the website. www.vvliveins.com, www.cvclinicspc.org, 256-241-3600, 256-237-0025

Before After

Healthy Kids


The Internet provides youth and adults with access to a wealth of information and educational resources along with the opportunity for collaboration with others around the world. Unfortunately, it also offers inappropriate content and the opportunities for interaction with persons with intent to cause harm. We believe that the benefits outweigh the disadvantages; however, it is critical that we work together to provide a safe environment and teach children ways to protect themselves while on the Internet or employing a wide-variety of electronic devices. Through properly-designed educational programs, informative dialogue regarding best practices for internet safety fosters an

opportunity to facilitate a safe computing environment. Frameworks for training adults and children coupled with the presentation of relevant, timely materials regarding current trends in electronic communications crafts a highly effective atmosphere for protecting our children.Recent statistics suggest that nearly 2 billion people use the Internet daily. Approximately 12 percent of all internet sites contain pornography, 25% of all search engines requests are for pornography-related materials. In 2010, one in seven youth, ages 10 to 17 received an unsolicited sexual solicitation online. Due to the unparalleled growth of the internet and rapid development of new communications tools, the ability to

control internet content is a distant memory.In 2008, the Troy University IT department launched a community service program with the Alabama Attorney General’s Office. The Cyberkids Internet Safety initiative has met tremendous success. Since the first presentation in 2008, the group has traveled over 36,000 miles and over 90,000 youth and adults have participated in the event. Troy IT staff has spoken at a wide-variety of school, civic and community events. In addition to tailored Cyberkids presentations, the group offers events on identity theft and maintains a public information website, www.whoswatchingalabama.org.

Protecting Children

“An Overview of Internet Crimes Against Children” or “Why Worry about Youth Online”

In 2010, one in seven youth, ages 10 to 17 received an unsolicited sexual solicitation online.


Why do we worry about youth online?Inexperienced or uneducated internet users can fall victim to a wealth of dangerous online encounters. Is your 16-year old online friend truly the child who lives just a few miles away? Are you donating money to a worthy, legitimate effort? Is your computer quietly participating in a complex, global network of malicious computer activity? Has your child employed internet-based communications to harass or bully another child?

The sheer size and nearly exponential growth of users and content produce abundant opportunity for deception. Your 16-year old online friend may be a paroled sex offender living three-hundred miles away; the passionate plea for charitable contributions may be a regional criminal operation; nefarious applications may observe your local computer content; your child may be guilty of launching an online assault of an unsuspecting classmate.Through an innovative presentation, Troy University discusses significant internet content concerns. Chiefly, social networking sites, cyberbullying, sexting and the use of digital photography are addressed. Misunderstood internet concepts such as online anonymity, social network security and legal accountability baffle the most experienced of internet

users; a thorough review of the true nature of these topics is explored.Troy University’s IT department capitalizes on personal compassion for the online safety of youth and the experience of its information security experts to craft a presentation that draws from years of real-life experiences. Troy University houses a state-of-the-art computer forensics institute and lab. The facility serves as a regional training and investigative unit for computer-based crime. Years of field experience has afforded Troy’s presenters a unique perspective into the malicious activities that can result through inappropriate use of technology.Visit Troy University’s web presence for additional information, presentation scheduling and educational resources, www.whoswatchingalabama.org.

In Cyberspace Written By: W. Greg Price

Chief Technology and Security Officer of Troy University. Director of the Troy University Computer Forensics Institute.


American Heart Association. (2009). Cardiovascular disease cost. Retrieved on January 13, 2011, at http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4475Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2009). About BMI for children and teens. Retrieved January 13, 2011 from

http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/childrens_bmi/about_childrens_bmi.htmlDepartment of Health and Human Services. Childhood Obesity. Retrieved January 13, 2011, from http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/reports/child_obesity/

Institute of Medicine. (2006). Progress in preventing childhood obesity: How do we measure up? Washington, DC: National Academies Press.Ludwig, D. (2007). Childhood obesity-the shape of things to come? The New England Journal of Medicine, 357(23), 2325-2327.

Morrill, A., & Chinn, C. (2004). The obesity epidemic in the United States. Journal of Public Health Policy, 25(3/4), 353-366.

What is Childhood Obesity? According to the Department of Health

and Human Services (2009) childhood obesity is a serious public health concern. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) considers an additional 15% of children are at risk for becoming overweight. Current measurements of overweight in children consist of body mass index (BMI) at the 85th – 94th percentile and BMI above the 95th percentile designated as obese (CDC, 2009). These staggering statistics suggest a national crisis in children of all age ranges. The Consequences of Childhood Obesity

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) advocates that more than 9 million U.S. children, over the age of 6, are overweight. The increase in overweight and obesity in children has also added to the increase in health problems in children. Diseases such as asthma, hypertension, diabetes, orthopedic concerns, and sleep apnea are now a concern (Ludwig, 2007). Being an overweight child or adolescent also adds to the increased risk of developing coronary artery disease. Because of the increase in childhood obesity, children in the United States have a predicted life span less than those of their parents (American Heart Association [AHA], 2009).

The health concerns of a lifetime of being overweight or obese are serious; however, there are also socioeconomic, social, and legal consequences associated with a health crisis this serious. Such consequences include: poor school performance, decrease in productivity, social stigma, and the financial burden of increasing health care costs (Morrill & Chinn, 2004). Factors contributing to this rise in childhood obesity include changes in school curriculum and the decrease of physical education classes, parental influences related to poor diet and a lack of exercise, and the increase in technology, i.e., computer and video games.

• Genetics• Particular genetic disorders or illnesses may produce a predisposition to obesity• Behaviors• Excessive caloric intake• Limited physical activity• Sedentary behaviors• The Environment• Influence of the home environment related to food intake and exercise• Influence in day cares. Many children spend up to 40 hours per week in a daycare setting. • Within the school system. Some schools are developing innovative programs geared toward nutrition. • Within the community. This includes the access and availability of healthy foods.

• Encourage healthy eating habits• Remove tempting , high caloric foods in the home• Participate in healthy activities and exercise with your children• Talk about healthy eating

Helpful Tips for Parents

What Are the Factors Influencing the Development of Childhood Obesity?

Sometimes: Less is More!Written by Elizabeth Gulledge, PhD, MSN, RN


I have found three important keys that have helped me become more aware of the

condition of my heart, and the hearts of people I am responsible for:

1 Really take time to listen to what is being said. Jesus said, “Out of the mouth, the heart speaks”. Bitterness and unfor-giveness will always be evident in our words. Let’s help our children hear themselves, and develop a healthy habit of for-giveness. The healthiest, happiest people in the world forgive quickly and ask for forgiveness without making excuses.

2 Evaluate attitudes with the Word of God. Jeremiah 17:9 states that the heart is deceitful. We cannot just let our kids follow their hearts, we have to evaluate feelings based on the only Truth, the Bible. I read Proverbs everyday and look for attitudes in my life that are unscriptural. This practice keeps me level emotionally, despite the ups and downs of life. We can help our kids do this. They can be incredibly honest with themselves, they just need to know what God says, and not feel condemned.

3 Make a commitment to memorize Scripture. David said in Psalm 119, “Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You”. The more of God’s Word that our sons and daughters hide in their hearts, the healthier their souls will be. There is a direct correlation between the amount of God’s Word in our hearts and the health of our emotions.

Three Keys to a Child’s HeartBy Pastor David Weir

As parents of the Millenial Generation we all feel a tremendous amount of pressure to raise healthy, happy, kids. We want our kids to live good lives. We want them to eat healthy foods, do well in school, be successful in sports, and have good friends. But do these popular areas of focus really produce healthy kids? How should we prioritize these factors of development in our children? I believe the Bible has the answer.

The Bible says in Proverbs chapter four and verse twenty-three, that we need to pay attention to our hearts because that’s where the issues of life come from. If we want to live healthy lives, we have to know how to detect the condition of our hearts. If this is true, then it is more important for me to know the hearts of my children than just to fix all their problems. I mean, what if just fixing their problems only magni-fies what was at the heart of the issue?We really need to listen to the hearts of our children. God gives them

their own desires and their own gifts. In Malachi the prophet says God will turn the hearts of the fathers towards the children and the hearts of the children towards the fathers, so they will really listen to each other. I believe this prophecy is for us, if we desire it. I believe the other things we desire for our kids, all the things that define a successful life, will easily fall into place, when we develop healthy hearts.

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“I don’t see how I would have ever made it without Children’s”

John Ed Robinson remembers that summer evening in 1945 as if it were yesterday.

“My cousins and I were playing in the yard of the old house, which was located to the side of the place where I live now,” the life-long Centre, Alabama resident recalls. “Daddy had cut a watermelon and called us over to the porch to have a piece. When I bent down for the watermelon, I just fell over and collapsed. My dad picked me up and went for help.”

A trip to the closest doctor just across the state line in Georgia led to a terrifying diagnosis: Six-year-old John Ed had been stricken with infantile paralysis – polio.

Poliomyelitis is a contagious, historically devastating disease that was virtually eliminated from the Western hemisphere in the second half of the 20th century. Although polio has plagued humans since ancient times, its most extensive outbreak occurred in the first half of the 1900s before a vaccination created by Jonas Salk became widely available in 1955.

It is almost impossible to exaggerate the terror created by the threat of polio at that time. An epidemic in New York City in 1916 caused widespread panic. Thousands fled the city to nearby mountain resorts. Movie theaters were closed, meetings were canceled, public gatherings were almost nonexistent and children were warned not to drink from water fountains and also to avoid amusement parks, swimming pools and beaches.

From 1916 onward, a polio epidemic appeared each summer in at least one part of the country, with the most serious occurring in the 1940s and 1950s. The most critically ill were confined to a mechanical ventilator known as an

iron lung, robbed of their ability to breathe on their own. Others escaped on crutches, crippled but not paralyzed. At the height of the polio epidemic in 1952, nearly 60,000 cases with more than 3,000 deaths were reported.

For Mr. Robinson, a farmer and sawmill logger from rural Alabama, his son’s diagnosis must have been particularly frightening. “The doctor recognized the symptoms, but he told my dad that the only place he knew to go for treatment was Birmingham and Crippled Children’s Hospital (now Children’s of Alabama),” says John Ed. “So he and my daddy put me in a car and took me to the hospital that same Sunday night.”

His first trip to Children’s was to last six months. “Then I would go back and stay three or four weeks at a time until, finally, I was going about twice a year for checkups until I was 18.”

Most of his memories of Children’s of Alabama are good ones, John Ed says. “Daddy stayed with me the whole time I was in the hospital,” and that first night they helped him find a place to stay – it may have been with the Salvation Army. The nurses wore caps and white dresses with red stripes. They’d make you feel like you were at home – even in that big domed ward with 30 or 40 other children. They’d bring toys to play with and you had just about anything you wanted.”

There were times, of course, that he was frightened. “But my daddy was a church-going man and he would always tell me, ‘You’ve got good doctors and the Lord will pull you through.’ And He did.”

Polio left John Ed with some back problems and a speech impediment. His left leg also was damaged and today he walks with a limp. “I kept a brace on my

leg for a long time, but once I got it off, I went on with my life and I did pretty well what I wanted to,” he says. “I worked for the county. I ran heavy equipment. I did mechanic work. I worked in the mill. I did just about anything I could to make a living, and never had trouble with anything but my back.”

Without the help of the doctors at Children’s of Alabama, John Ed says he believes that at best he would have been crippled and bedridden for the rest of his life – at worst, he would not have survived.

“I don’t see how I would have ever made it without Children’s because around here they did not know how to care for someone with polio,” he says. “I would highly recommend Children’s of Alabama. I know what they can do down there. If I could see those doctors and nurses now, I would have to thank them and hug their necks.”

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Insight Into Mental Health


Effective stress management is possible when we create for ourselves a balanced life. This means time for work, relationships, and fun. Stress is a part of everyone’s life. The bills aren’t going to stop coming, there will never be enough hours in the day for all your errands, career and family responsibilities.

So, How do we create a balance life and why is it necessary?

Negative stress over a prolonged period of time disrupts the normal body functions. The impact of negative stress can increase the blood pressure, accelerate the aging process and make us susceptible to many diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Negative stress can lead to depression, anxiety, impaired memory, concentration and focus deficits.

To manage stress effectively it is necessary to control your negative thoughts.

Some of the therapies that are effective are designed to challenge negative thoughts that lead to distortions in thinking.To combat negative stressors we must learn to channel our energies into being a solution driven individual. The ability to become a problem solver can make us more resilient against the stressors we face in the twenty-first century.

Remember how you think can have a profound effect on you emotional and physical well-being. Eliminate words such as always, never, should, and must. Self-defeating thoughts lead to self-defeating behaviors and create an environment that is an energy drainer. Stress management is learned behavior and developing these tools can improve the quality of your life.

by Kathleen Miller BSN, RN, MA

Stress Management

Some helpful tips which an individual might find helpful include:

1. Learning what you can do about a situation that is distressing rather than ruminating over what is going wrong. Ruminating over the negative aspects of a situation causes physical and emotional exhaustion.

2.Becoming aware of your sources of negative stress by examining your habits, attitudes, and how you cope when stressed out. For example when stressed out do you smoke too much, overeat, become addicted to alcohol or drugs.? These are some negative coping strategies. You must learn to develop more adaptive ways to deal with stress such as playing with a pet, exercising, eating healthy, spending time in nature, listening to music.

3.Knowing your limits- taking on more than you can manage is a sure way to create negative stress in your life. Learn to say no. You must develop healthier boundaries.

4.Avoiding people who stress you out by limiting the time you spend with them and setting limits on behaviors that are not acceptable this means developing assertive skills.

5.Taking control of your environment by structuring your home to reduce stress. Turn the television off if the news is distressing. Watch more comedy and reduce noise. Light scented candles and create a color scheme that is calming and visually appealing. Declutter the home and use time management by setting a schedule that is realistic and attainable.

6.Expressing your feelings instead of bottling them up– internalizing your negative feelings leads to resentment and anger and, if unchecked, can lead to depression. Find a mental health therapist or speak to a trusted friend or your pastor about issues that are distressing you.

7. Willingness to compromise- being too rigid and inflexible can create negative stress.Adjust your attitude- many things in life are out of our control. Learn to accept thethings you can’t change

8.Learning to forgive-people are human and we are living in an imperfect world.Surround your self with friends that are loving, and compassionate, and nuturing –Joy givers not Joy takers.

9.Following up with your primary care doctor or your mental health provider for treatment and use preventive thinking.

Anniston Oncology patients are able to participate in nationwide clinical trials. A clinical trial involves patients, and seeks to gain knowledge, which will help both the trial participant and future patients. Clinical trials can ask several questions such as; 1) Can a certain diet prevent cancer? 2) Can a new drug increase the chance that a patient will survive? 3) Will a combination of radiation and chemotherapy be better than either alone? Protocols (clinical trials) are written by cooperative groups. Cooperative groups are composed of leading oncologists at ma-jor medical schools. After a detailed plan is written, the study is reviewed by the FDA and by an ethics review board. When ap-proved, the study is sent to participating cancer research centers such as RMC. RMC is 1 of only 11 American College of Sur-geons approved comprehensive cancer cen-ters in Alabama and is the only approved center in Anniston. In order to participate in a clinical trial, the patient must give informed consent. This means that a patient understands what question(s) the study is trying to answer, and is also aware of any potential side ef-fects of the study drugs. Anniston Oncol-ogy has 17 open protocols and 86 patients either on study or being followed after the completion of treatment. For more infor-

mation about clinical trials or to see if you may be eligible to participate in one, please call 238-1011 and ask for Debi. If your local oncologist has run out of treatment options and we also have none available, we will help you search for a protocol at another site. Breast cancer is a feared diagnosis which will be diagnosed in 1 out of 7 women. While breast cancer is mainly a dis-ease of older women, it is important to remember that 1 out 4 cases occurs when a patient is premenopausal (has not gone through the change of life). Risk factors for breast cancer are sev-eral. However, the most important risk factor is simply getting older. Other risk factors include; 1) A previous bout with breast cancer. 2) First degree relatives with breast cancer. This includes mother, sisters, and aunts both maternal and pa-ternal. 3) Hormonal influences. 4) Older age at first pregnancy or no pregnancies. 5) A change in genetic structure of which the most well-characterized are the genetic changes BRCA1 or BRCA2. The best way to find breast cancer early is with a screening mammogram. Annis-ton Oncology recommends that screen-ing mammograms begin at age 40; but if you have a family history of this disease,

then screening should begin earlier; at the latest 10 years younger than the age of your youngest relative at the time her diagnosis was made. However, neither a mammo-gram nor a physical exam can make the diagnosis. The only way to do this is with a biopsy (removal of a piece of the suspi-cious area). The tissue is then placed on a slide and examined by a pathologist. Only the pathologist can make the diagnosis of a malignancy. Assuming that the malignancy (can-cer) appears to be localized to the breast, options include mastectomy plus axillary node dissection (removal of the lymph nodes under the arm), or lumpectomy (re-moval of just the cancer) and axillary node dissection and radiation therapy. Usually, before an axillary node dissec-tion is embarked upon, a sentinel node biopsy is done. In this procedure a dye is injected next to the cancer, and the sur-geon takes out the lymph node that the dye reaches first. If this node is negative (has no cancer) then a completion axillary dis-section is not necessary. Numerous studies have shown that lumpectomy plus axillary node sam-pling plus radiation, or mastectomy plus axillary node sampling are equivalent. Hence, the choice can rest with the indi-vidual woman. There are a few exceptions; one of these is multifocal disease (disease in more than one area of the breast) or a very large tumor. In this situation, the cosmetic result after a lumpectomy would likely be poor. Your chances of surviving breast can-cer do not depend on what happens in the breast; they depend on whether or not you develop systemic disease, that is disease which spreads to other areas of the body such as bone, liver or lung. The ability of cancer cells to metastasize (travel to other sites in the body) is its most important clinical characteristic. Cancer starts as a single cell which is able to di-vide and give rise to daughter cells. Some of these daughter cells are able to wander into surrounding tissue, reach blood and lymphatic vessels, “dig” into these vessels and hence travel. The chances that your tumor is already systemic, i.e. has already gained access to the blood stream, depends on several things. These include the size of the tumor; any tumor bigger than 1 cm (.45 inches) is considered big and may well have had a chance to enter your vascular system (blood

Turn to Anniston Oncology for your Cancer Care NeedsSubmitted by Anniston Oncology

Anniston Oncology is a group of 3 physicians who are dedicated to serving Northeast Alabama. An-niston Oncology was founded by Dr. Ellen Spremul-

li who has been in continuous practice here since June 1984. Dr. Spremulli has more recently been joined by Dr. Pramod Vadlamani, a Board Certified Oncologist from Delaware, We are happy to announce that Dr. Melissa Baird from UAB/Kirk-lin Clinic sees patients in our office 1 day a week. Anniston Oncology is committed to providing the most up-to-date care for cancer patients in a friendly, caring atmosphere. We are able to administer all FDA approved drugs and provide chemotherapy services 5 days a week. Anniston Oncology physicians have privileges at both Regional Medical Center and Stringfellow Memorial Hospital.



stream). If any lymph nodes are positive, the chances are 70% or greater that the tumor has gained access to the rest of your body. Certain markers also indicate that your tu-mor may be more aggressive. These include the lack of an estrogen or progesterone re-ceptor or the presence of a marker named HER-2/neu. Having an estrogen receptor and a progesterone receptor indicates that the tu-mor “likes” estrogen. Her 2 neu is a receptor that resides on the cell surface and gives the cell a growth advantage. Adjuvant treatment (i.e. chemotherapy or endocrine treatment given shortly af-ter surgery and without proof of metastatic dis-ease) is generally considered for all women whose tu-mor is greater than or equal to 1 cm in size. Sometimes treatment is given for tumors as small as 0.6 cm in size if HER-2/neu is pres-ent. The decision of whether or not to give adjuvant treat-ment is complex and is best dis-cussed with your oncologist. If the tumor is early and the decision is not straight forward, your oncologist may well recom-mend a test called Oncotype DX. In this test a portion of the tumor is sent for genetic testing. The results of this test will help guide you as to whether or not chemotherapy would be beneficial. Your oncologist may also use a program called Adjuvant Online. This program gives you a computer model showing your chances of recurrence. Anniston Oncology will be happy to assist you if you would like to have access to one of these resources. Please call Debi at 238-1011. If your tumor is small, and estrogen and

progesterone receptor positive, adjuvant endocrine therapy may well be recom-mended. Estrogen and progesterone re-ceptor positive tumors will likely slow their growth or die if deprived of estro-gen. Even if you are postmenopausal (through the change of life) you still have plenty of estrogen in your body. There are several drugs which successfully prevent tumor cells from gaining access to estrogen. These include the pills Tamoxifen, Femara, Arimidex and Aro-masin. Chemotherapy is often very success-

ful when used as adjuvant treat-ment. Sometimes patients decline treatment because of fear of side effects. Fortunately, we have made significant advances. There are several different drugs that allow us to manage the side effects that patients experience. However, while chemotherapy is definitely something that we can get you through, there will be some side effects. Side effects someone taking adju-vant chemotherapy can reasonably ex-

pect to experience include alopecia (hair loss). This hair loss may well be complete. It usually starts approximately 10 days after the first dose. However, the hair will regrow. Most people are afraid that they will have both nausea and vomiting. Fortu-nately, this has now become an uncom-mon side effect as long as antiemetic (anti-nausea and anti-vomiting) drugs are taken as directed. Newer more effective drugs include Aloxi, Emend and the Sancuso Patch. However, if you experience any nausea or vomiting,

please let your treat-ing oncologist or oncology nurse know immediately so that appropriate treatment may be given. Fatigue is nearly universal and unfortunately there are only a few ways to deal with this. We do recommend a program of mild exercise. We also recommend that you ask for assistance in your household chores. Some patients may complain of

“chemo-brain”. This is a poorly understood group of symptoms that include memory loss and difficulty with abstract concepts. This problem nearly always resolves after the com-

pletion of treatment. In general metastatic disease is treated with chemotherapy. Radiation therapy may be used to touch-up “problem spots” such as lesions in the bone. Ask questions. Be involved in your care The full length version of this in-cluding details of treatments for meta-static disease may be found on our website www.annsitononcology.com or we will mail you a copy if you call Debi at 238 1011.

“Your chances of surviving breast cancer do not depend on what happens in the breast; they

depend on whether or not you develop systemic disease, that is disease which spreads to other areas of the body such as bone, liver or lung.”

238-1011 • 901 Leighton Ave, Suite 602, Anniston • www.annistononcology.com


Center Spread

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The Fitness Factor

Regular Workouts Lower Risk of Certain Cancers, Heart Disease, Stroke,

Depression, Many Other Conditions.People who exercise on a regular basis not only can reduce their

odds of becoming obese, but also cut their risk of developing about two dozen physical and mental health.

When it comes to losing weight, changing your life isn’t as dif-ficult as you may think. New research has indicated that even a small weight loss can result in enormous gains and potentially life-saving changes. You can reduce your risk of heart attach, cancer, stroke, dementia, diabetes and more by losing just ten pounds.

Aside from quitting smoking, the best thing a person can do to try to stay healthy is exercise on a regular basis.

A new review of more than 40 studies indicates. Healthy adults between 18 and 65 should strive for 150 minutes of moderate-in-tensity physical exercise a week. That would equate to about a half hour of brisk walking five days per week.

People, who exercise more vigorously, such as joggers, should shoot for 20 minutes of that activity three times per week.

Exercise can help older people maintain their balance and flex-ibility, and recommends that people who are physically active not slow down as they age, but try to increase fitness activities.

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RegulaR exeRcise May WaRd Off dOzens Of HealtH PRObleMs


RMC offers patients personalized, top rated health care using the most sophisticated equipment and skilled staff that one might expect to receive only at a big city hospital. A Joint Commission accredited facility, RMC’s position as a medical leader is because of its investment in advanced technology that helps diagnose and treat patients. RMC’s medical staff of 185 physicians, representing all major specialties, and over 1200 employees provide the human connection and caring spirit between technology and patient care.

While we are skilled in caring for the inpatient, there are many outpatient services available at RMC including state of the art Imaging/Diagnostics, an Accredited Sleep Center and a full range of Physical Therapies including a newly opened Balance Center.

RMC houses the most powerful and accurate screening diagnostic imaging technology available in this part of Alabama with its Position Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography or PET/CT Scanner. PET scanning is an extremely powerful technology. Common uses include

tumor assessment for early detection and to determine the location, aggressiveness, type and recurrence. Scanning also benefits cardiac and pulmonary patients as well.

The 64-Slice CT is the latest in CT technology that allows patients to have shorter exam times and improved image quality. The equipment gives much more detailed and vivid scans of the body by producing three-dimensional images.

1.5 TESLA Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a very strong magnet to create an image of the tissues, systems and bones of the body and is used in diagnosis and treatment of injury and disease. We also offer Vascular and Interventional Services;diagnostics used in the treatment and intervention of diseases of the vascular and other systems. Many patients are not aware that there is an opportunity to choose where to have outpatient imaging studies performed. You may request that your physician refer you to RMC.

Our Sleep Center is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep. Sleep is an integral part of the overall health and wellness of an individual. Many underlying causes can contribute to fatigue and sleeplessness. Our certified sleep technicians are able to guide patients through the sleep study process. Located in the Tyler Center, our sleep lab is just as comfortable and modern as any hotel room. Patients may call directly to set an appointment with our Pulmonologists/Neurologists specializing in sleep disorders. Patients are scheduled for the study, which typically requires sleeping here overnight. Many activities are monitored during your sleep cycle to determine what course of treatment is necessary.

Patients meet with the physician after the study and receive a diagnosis. To schedule your consultation, contact the RMC Sleep Center at 256-235-5077.

RMC’s focus on rehabilitation services is unmatched. From physical therapy to help patients recover from an accident to customized cardiac follow-up, RMC’s Rehabilitative Services equipment and staff are highly specialized.

Rehab staff includes registered physical therapists, licensed physical therapy assistants, occupational therapists, certified occupational therapy assistants, and speech and language pathologists. These skilled staff members provide

comprehensive inpatient, outpatient and home health care treatment.

RMC’s Rehabilitative Services are administered primarily on an outpatient basis from the Tyler Center. The 20,000 square-foot rehab center houses the latest in therapeutic machines and equipment, as well as a swimming pool for aquatic therapy. All patients receive individualized treatment plans and therapy, including physical, cognitive and speech.

Our newest addition is the Neurocom SmartMaster Equitest System, the only one of its kind in Northeast Alabama, and one of four in the entire state. This specialized program offers an advanced level of assessment and care to those experiencing balance and dizziness disorders. By using the same breakthrough technology developed for NASA to diagnose and treat the causes of dizziness and loss of balance in astronauts, the team of rehab therapists can help you regain your balance and bring quality back to your life. Call 256-235-5688.

RMC is proud to be the provider of healthcare services for our community and the surrounding areas. By offering a full complement of inpatient and outpatient medicine, we hope to improve the well-being of the citizens in our area. For more information on services, support groups and health information, visit our website at www.rmccares.org or call 256-235-5121.

In today’s world, we recognize a healthcare worker by their uniform, known as “Scrubs”. In the United States and Canada, the scrub uniform is worn in hospitals, physician’s offices, and clinics. Scrub uniforms were originally referred to as “surgical greens”. They became known as scrubs because they were worn in places that were scrubbed clean. Today, we are accustomed to seeing medical personnel wearing scrubs in hospitals, doctors offices and clinics and now school systems are providing scrubs for their lunchroom employees. However, the scrub uniform has not always been a part of the medical world. In the 1970s, a modernized scrub was developed. A set of these scrubs was intended for function and not fashion. The typical set of scrubs included pull-on pants with a drawstring waist, a short-sleeved V-neck shirt. It was almost guaranteed that a set was one size fits no one.

Charles Parris opened Scrubs Plus, LLC knowing that in today’s world function NEEDS fashion. Scrubs are the required uniform for healthcare workers, but not all scrubs have to look the same. Scrubs Plus, LLC excels in bringing the latest styles and fashions to the functional world of scrubs. Scrubs Plus, LLC has the latest styles from manufacturers such as Cherokee Workwear, Sketcher, Baby Phat, Wink, Koi, Koi by Sanita shoes, Grey’s Anatomy, Jockey, Barco and NrG. The selection we carry includes solids, prints, flexibles and many more to choose from.

Charles opened a “Boutique Style” store in Alexandria, AL offering the latest styles in scrubs, jackets, shoes, bags, and other accessories. Charles keeps his prices competitively low and

his customer service high. His business is based on offering a quality product that he would buy at a price that he would pay with service second to none! With this, Scrubs Plus, LLC now has a return customer base extending into Georgia!

Charles knows that today’s world is fast paced and many do not have the time to shop. He and his staff will bring the

uniforms to your facility and let you shop during a time convenient for you. Clinics, physician’s offices, dentist offices, home health, hospitals, vet clinics and more can shop Scrubs Plus LLC right in your own facility. Contact Scrubs Plus, LLC and they will get a list of sizes for you and your coworkers and bring a selection to you for your shopping convenience. Not only will they bring the scrubs to you, but they also offer group discount rates! Contact Scrubs Plus, LLC today, and schedule your time to shop!

Scrubs Plus LLC.80 Spring Branch Drive Suite D, Alexandria, AL 36250 820-0550

Where Function Meets Fashion


Faith & Family


Ever notice when you hear of someone having a serious illness, we feel sad, sorry for the family, offer to say a prayer, offer to help in some non-committal way, all the while just wanting to get on with our lives and soon forget the problems of others and re-focus on our selves? It happens to the best of us all though we do not want to admit it. What we must realize is that we all have to be very careful when we say, it will not happen to me.

We were the average American family, a house, three cars, 2 children, one in college and the other in Middle School, both of us working and living what we thought to be the American dream. We had moved to the Anniston/Oxford area in 2006 and found a quaint little house that was just right for us. We began to meet others of our same age and found a great church family.

We have always been very religious and involved in church work. The boys were always involved with the youth group and in activities that kept them busy. We felt our faith was strong and never questioned our belief in Jesus Christ. Little did we know that our faith was about to be tested in a way we could never imagine.

Our oldest son John was into athletics as a youth, but as time went on he began to spend more time reading, playing video games and moved away from playing baseball and football. Conner followed in his foot steps and came up in Dixie Youth Baseball. As we moved to Oxford, he wanted to play 7th grade football. He was at practice everyday,

and was very active. As the football season come to an end, he wanted to join the wrestling team. Wrestling was something I knew nothing about, but was excited that he wanted to join the team. We had noticed that some weight loss was occurring but because of the rigorous training, we did not think that it was a concern.

We attended the first match, it was a long day. We were not used to such long days but because Conner was enjoying it, it was not a burden. At the second match a week later, something happened that we did not understand. Conner was in a match during the first set, his opponent pinned him to the mat. I told Joan, watch him, he will get out of the hold, only to see him go limp and both shoulders go to the mat. We were concerned so when he came to the bleachers where we were, we ask him what happened. He said, “I was going to get out of the hold but when he laid on me, I could not breathe, it completely cut off my air.” This was a concern but we told him we would go to the doctor on Monday.

I took Conner to the doctor on Monday, and after a chest X-ray and blood work, it was determined that he had bronchitis and a sinus infection. It was almost Thanksgiving and we had planned to go to Gatlinburg for the holiday. The doctor approved and we had a great time, never expecting to find out the news that we would hear when we returned.

After returning, we had a follow up appointment in Tuesday after Thanksgiving. John, our oldest, took

Conner to the doctor and after a follow up X-ray, it was determined that his bronchitis was worse and now had developed pneumonia. The X-ray showed something else that left a shadow but was not clear. We were given an appointment to the Tyler Center on the following Friday.

Joan would take Conner to have the CAT scan that is where our story really begins. He was to be at the Tyler Center at 3:30 and I was still at work. At around 4:15 I got a call from Joan and she was in a panic. She asked me where I was, and told me to get to the Tyler Center as fast as I could. I knew something was wrong so I left immediately. When I arrived, the nurses took me around the back way and finally brought me to a room where my wife and my sister-in-law were waiting. When I looked at Joan’s face, I knew it; she burst into tears and said, “Donnie, Conner has cancer!” My heart fell into my feet and for what seemed to be an eternity, I could not breath. The doctor took me into his office and showed me the video of the scan and there it was, in my son’s chest, a tumor the size of a baseball. I still do not know what went through my mind, for I could not think for at least a minute or two.

As I got back in the room with Joan and her sister, I asked her if Conner knew. She said no, and she could not tell him. It was at this point that I walked out and there he sat in a waiting room, by himself, not knowing what was going on, because he had seen his aunt, his brother and his mom all going into a room. He knew something was wrong, and when

by Don Burleson, Minister


he saw me, I saw all the color go out of his face. The next words that I heard out of his mouth were, “Dad, what is wrong with me, I know something is wrong.” How could I tell him, how could I tell him that he had a tumor in his chest and that he might have cancer, where could I find the strength to do that, and then it hit me, God! He is my strength, He will give me the courage and strength to tell my son the terrible news and that is just what He did. As I sat there and explained the situation to him, and saw the fear and tears in his eyes and had to hear the terrible words, “Dad, am I going to die?” come out of his mouth, it was God that gave me the ability to encourage him and tell him that we were going to get the best treatment possible no matter where we had to go.

It was at that time that I felt closer to God than anytime I had ever felt before. Bible verses began to come to mind that would encourage me and lift me up. James 5:15 has been our solace in a time of struggle, “And the prayer of faith will heal the sick…..”

We left immediately for Birmingham and arrived at the ER of Children’s Hospital at 7:30 that evening. We were put on 4 Tower and for the next 11 days, Conner would go through some of the most in-depth testing I have ever seen. Day after day, hour after hour, we were praying for God to help him. We began to get phone calls and visits. The

wonderful nurses on 4 Tower told us about Caring Bridge, a website designed for those who have serious illnesses to update conditions and allow friends and family to write encouraging notes, which we immediately set up. It was no time and we had so many people praying for Conner. Even a young lady in the military stationed in Hawaii, wrote a message on the bridge, what encouragement.

As we would pray daily, even hourly, that peace that Paul told us about in Philippians 4:7, you know that “peace that passes all understanding” began to come over us. Our faith was sustaining us and we were growing closer and closer to God. Even today, one year and 82 days later, our faith still sustains us. We thank God each and every day for the blessings in Conner’s life. We thank God that Conner was able to celebrate 1 year remission on January 22, 2011. We thank God that Conner only has 1 year and 10 months left of maintenance chemo.

One thing that I have learned through all of this, I used to think that God would say “no” to some of our prayers but now I have learned that God never says no, but He answers prayer in 3 ways. (1) He says yes, (2) He says not now, (3) God says, I have a better way. I have also learned something else: Know God, Know peace; no God, no peace. Do you know God? Have you cast your every care upon Him

and allowed Him to be in your life? God has given to us all that we need to know to be his child. He has given us the keys to unlock the truth and know that God will only accept one way into heaven, and as Jesus closed the sermon on the mount, he said, “For straight is the gate and narrow is the way to leads to life and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14) How sad it is when people find themselves in a similar situation and never once consider praying or allowing God, the great healer, to touch their lives. How sad it is when people pray and because of their disobedience, God can not hear their prayers. Learn this verse, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

The next time someone asks for your prayers, pray! The next time you hear of someone having a serious illness, pray! The next time you see a wall full of shamrocks and hot air balloons with names on them, pray! The next time, it might be you who needs the prayers. God has blessed us in so many ways; we thank Him and must tell our story. We must tell of our faith, for faith is, “The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1.

“Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of

those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)


The words that we speak absolutely set the tone for the outcomes of our life. Jesus said in Mark 4 that the words we speak are seeds. When we speak words, they immediately disappear into a realm that most of us un-derstand as the supernatural or the spiritual realm. These words immediately become seeds and are sown into the harvest system of God. The book of Proverbs declares that life and death are in the power of the tongue. James writes in his epistle that if you can figure out how to control your tongue then you can be a perfect man. These are very bold statements about the power of this small member of our body.

When we speak words in the natural realm, there is an immediate response in the spiritual. We have angels that are waiting on us to declare words so that they can carry our seed to and from the spiritual soil (YHVH). This is why we have to be so particular about what comes out of our mouth. Jesus was not trying to burden us with rules when He gave us the guidelines during the Sermon on the Mount. He was trying to make us aware of the fact that if we listened to what He was saying, then we would experience life and life more abundantly. In Matthew 12, Jesus tells us that it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks. It is extremely vital that we have our hearts filled with good things so that we are constantly declaring good things.

Jesus went on to say in Matthew 12 that we would not only be judged for the good and bad words, but we would also be judged for the idle words. The word idle in the Greek is the word argos. It means unemployed, lazy, and useless. This is why it is so crucial that we realize the power that is in our words. We are made in the image and likeness of God. The way God created things in Genesis 1 was by speaking things. By being in His image and likeness we also have the authority to create by our words. The reason a lot of bad things happen to righteous people is because righteous people have not understood the power of their words. “Tickle me to death” “I feel like my head is about to bust wide open” I almost laughed my head off ”. Although these are all unemployed, lazy, and useless words we have to realize that the spiritual world is still reacting because the image of God is speaking. Righteous people are no longer perishing because of the harvest of sin. The cause of death now is the same cause that was spoken in the book of Hosea in chapter 4. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”

Written by Cody Shelton

Words: The Good, The Bad,

And The Idle

“My people

are destroyed for lack

of knowledge.”

Hosea Chapter 4

Wo

rd

s:

Have you noticed how our world, society and even our churches have come to ac-cept certain bad behaviors as the “norm”? We look at certain sins and since every-one seems to be “doing it” – we simply go along and treat them as accepted behav-iors. I think that God would tell us that such thinking will lead us down a very dangerous path. Many of these “tolerat-ed” sins of which we and others are guilty are more serious than we might like to think. Now we need to realize that God will forgive us of these sins – but He also will help us to walk more closely to Him and overcome these sins. In this first ar-ticle we will be talking about the sin of selfishness – and if you think this one’s NOT for you – you just proved that it is!Many Bible characters such as Cain, Ahab, David, James & John and the elder brother of Luke 15 point to the fact that selfishness can affect us all and lead us down a treacherous life path. So how do we, as Christians, overcome a selfish at-titude? The Bible, in Philippians 2:1-11, charts a proven course for us to follow in order to leave a life of selfishness. Please take a minute to read that passage right now. Having read the text, let’s examine three ways we can overcome selfishness and truly become what God wants us to be.

1. Deny Self“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves (Phil. 2:3-4). Ever watch a group of kids around a box of toys? They don’t want what’s in the box nor do they want what they have in their hand…they want what the other kid has (even if they haven’t played

with it for a year). Why? Because they are selfish. They haven’t been trained or haven’t yet learned the lesson of sharing. It’s understandable when the children are 3 but when they are 33 or 43 or 63 or 83, not so much. Denying self is a pre-requisite to becoming a disciple of Jesus: “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).But just stating the verses doesn’t make it happen – just hearing a sermon or sitting in a Bible class doesn’t change my selfish ways. It starts with a change of mind or heart …we call that repentance. Remember the boy in Matthew 21? His father made a request of him, “Son, go, work today in my vineyard. The boy an-swered and said, ‘I won’t’, but afterward repented and went” (Matthew 21:28-29). He decided the mature thing was to look to the interest of others. Sometimes we are so consumed with how the world treats “me”, how my family treats “me”, how the church treats “me”, etc. that we lose sight of the fact that God has called us not to focus solely on self but on the welfare of others as well.

2. Be a Servant“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made him-self nothing, taking the very nature of a servant…” (Phil. 2:5-7). Jesus came to earth not for fame or fortune or posi-tion and honor. “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” (Matt.20:28). While everyone around Him wanted positions of honor (even His own disciples), Jesus sought to serve.

Isn’t that why he washed the disciples’ feet in John 13? He was teaching them that the greatest in the kingdom doesn’t wait to be served but denies self and ac-cepts the role of a servant.

3. Be Willing to Sacrifice“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!” (Phil. 2:8). Jesus’ mindset was “I’m not coming to be God – “I’m coming to do the will of God.” The mindset of most people is “let me get all I can”. Jesus thought like this: “Let me give all I can.” And that’s what He did. Have you read an account of the beating, mocking and crucifixion of our Lord Jesus lately? The spitting, the mocking, the crown, the laughter, the whipping, the nails, they all point to sacrifice. He deserved none of it, but He willingly sacrificed his life for ours to ful-fill God’s plan. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Now doesn’t all that make our selfishness even more pitiful?We make comments like, “I want what I want.” “I’ll do what I want to do.” “I want a family that waits on me.” “A workplace that always takes my ideas.” “A church that serves me.” And yet, if Jesus had taken our selfish attitude He would have stayed in heaven, we would still be lost in our sins and all we would have to look forward to is a miserable existence here and an eternity of torment.

As Christians, we must trust in God to work daily on our selfish attitudes for it is only then that God and oth-ers will begin to see Christ in us.

Sins We Have Come to Tolerate:

SelfishnessArticle written by Richard O’ Connor, Minister,BS Secondary Education and Masters Degree in Ministry


A special section of

Osita A. Onyekwere, MD, FACC, FSCAI graduated from State University of New York at Binghamton with a B.S. in biochemistry, then attended medical school at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA. He did Residency in Internal Medicine at Cleveland Clinic Educational Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio, then a Research Fellowship in Heart and Hypertension at the Cleveland Clinic. He then did a combined Fellowship in Clinical Cardiology and Geriatric Medicine at Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals of Cleveland and upon completion of his training in Cleveland he and his wife and children moved to Anniston/Jacksonville in 1995 and he has been practicing in Anniston since then. He has four children in grade school and college. He is a member of various national and local medical societies including the American Medical Association, American College of Cardiology, American College of Physicians, Society of Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Society of Vascular Medicine, Heart Rhythm Society, American College of Phlebology, and has been a member of the International Society on Hypertension in Blacks. Dr. Onyekwere practices invasive and non-invasive and interventional cardiology and vascular medicine, as well as phlebology dealing with the specialized field of venous diseases and also is practicing Aesthetic Medicine which deals with promoting healthy aging and beauty. He is dedicated to lifelong learning and upgrading of skills for better quality care of patients. Dr. Onyekwere is Board-Certified by the National Board of Medical Examiners, the American Board of Internal Medicine, American Board of Medical Specialties including Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases, Interventional Vascular Medicine and has multiple recognitions of Added Qualifications, including certification training to interpret cardiac CT scans.

John I. Nwogu, MD, FACC, FACP, FASE, FSCAI graduated from medical school at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, Nigeria. He did his Residency at State University of New York Health Science Center Brooklyn, NY and Cardiology Fellowship at the University of Chicago and after completing fellowship he practiced cardiology in Virginia for about three years before relocating to Anniston to join the Cardiovascular Clinics in 2003. He also practices invasive and non-invasive and interventional cardiology and vascular medicine including placement of various types of stents, as well as phlebology and Aesthetic Medicine. Dr. Nwogu is a member of many professional societies including the American Medical Association, American College of Cardiology, American College of Physicians, American Heart Association, American Society of Echocardiography, American Society of Nuclear Medicine, American College of Phlebology and others. He has many Board Certifications including the American Board of Internal Medicine, American Board of Medical Specialties, the Board of Nuclear Cardiology, the Board of Echocardiography in the areas of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases, Nuclear medicine, Echocardiography, Interventional Vascular Medicine and has many recognitions of Added Qualifications, including training to interpret cardiac CT scans. His wife is a physician and they have three young children.

Perspectives on the Cardiovascular Clinics, P.C.


Founded in December 1998 and began operations in January 1999, The Cardiovascular Clinics, P.C. is a comprehensive, integrated, single specialty clinic providing diverse cardiac and vascular services from head to toe utilizing three office locations in Anniston and Oxford, AL. The clinic originally started with one Physician/Cardiologist, Dr. Osita A. Onyekwere and four staff and grew to three Cardiologists and about eighteen staff and now has two cardiologists and about fifteen staff. Dr. John I. Nwogu, Cardiologist, joined the clinic in 2003, and both Drs. Onyekwere and Nwogu operate out of the three office locations and are on Active Staff at both North East Alabama Regional Medical Center and Stringfellow Memorial Hospital in Anniston.

The clinic has experienced a steady growth in personnel, expertise and line of services since inception, including the spectrum of general cardiology and vascular medicine, rhythm management and implantation of rhythm devices, implantation of various types of cardiac and peripheral vascular stents, venous diseases, laser ablation for symptomatic varicose veins, sclerotherapy, and aesthetic medicine such as botox and dermal fillers. The Multi-Detector cardiac CT scan in operation since 2005 is used to non-invasively diagnose heart and blood vessel abnormalities generally within minutes. The clinic’s nuclear cardiology services are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Nuclear Labs and recognized by all insurance companies, the Echocardiography and Vascular Ultrasound services are currently in the process of accreditation. The clinic has been operating on electronic medical records for about three years and is working toward full computerization of all medical records. The services are offered in a friendly, polite and caring environment by dedicated, hard-working health care professionals. Give them a call for your full cardiovascular needs from head to toe, including venous diseases and aesthetic medicine (256-237-0025, cvclinicspc.org, vvliveins.com). They claim that they make nice legs and can get you back in shorts!


Once paramedics arrive on the scene of an accident, time is of the essence. The more information they have at their disposal concerning your pre-existing medical conditions, your allergies, and the medications you are currently taking, the more equipped they are to treat you. Often times when an individual is involved in a motor vehicle accident, they are shaken and the information that is normally easy for them to recite becomes very difficult. Even if a family member or friend were with you, could that person provide your pre-existing medical conditions, allergies, and medications to the first responders? What if they were shaken from the experience

of having the accident as well and cannot think clearly? Another concern that many of us have is whether our family or loved ones will be contacted. Will law enforcement have the information they need to be able to locate your family to let them know that you have been injured and where you will be transported? Is there a way to protect yourself and your loved ones in the event of an accident? If you are an Alabama resident, “Yellow Dot” can be the answer to those questions.

The “Yellow Dot” program is a free service being provided to individuals of all ages. The program is being funded by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs/ Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Division (ADECA/LETS) and is being administered by the Northeast Alabama Traffic Safety Office.

“Yellow Dot” is designed to assist Alabama citizens and first responders in the event of an automobile accident or other medical

•Experienced,Life-Saving MedicalStaff

•Professionalism

Article by C. Joel Lonnergan, Market General Manager Rural Metro Ambulance

Alabama Your Voice in a Time of Crisis

emergency involving the participant’s vehicle. The program can help save lives during the critical “golden hour” by improving communication at a time when accident victims may be unable to communicate for themselves.

The “Yellow Dot” program provides detailed medical information that can be crucial

following a crash. Participants of the program receive a “Yellow Dot” decal, a “Yellow Dot” folder

and an information form with the participant’s name, an identifying photo, emergency contact information,

personal physicians’ information, medical conditions, recent surgeries, allergies and medications being used. A “Yellow Dot”

decal on the driver’s side rear window of a vehicle alerts first responders to check in the glove compartment for the corresponding

“Yellow Dot” folder. Having this information following a crash helps first responders positively identify the person, get in touch with family or emergency contacts and ensures that the person’s current medications, allergies, and pre-existing medical conditions are considered when treatment is administered for injuries.

Since the program was introduced in the state, there have been requests from the motorcycling public for a smaller decal that could be used on the motorcycle. Just as the original “Yellow Dot” decal is placed on the lower left corner of the rear window of the vehicle, a smaller version of the “Yellow Dot” decal will be introduced in the near future that will allow motorcyclists to place this decal on the lower left corner of their motorcycle’s license plate. The “Yellow Dot” folder will be placed in whatever storage compartment is on the motorcycle, such as a saddlebag or trunk.

“Yellow Dot” was first adopted in Etowah County where it was introduced as a pilot program for the state of Alabama. Because of the statewide interest that the program received, it is now being implemented in 26 counties across the state with new counties coming on board monthly. The counties currently participating in this lifesaving program are Etowah, Marshall, Cherokee, Pike, Montgomery, Colbert, Henry, Houston, Escambia, Clay, Butler, Dale, Geneva, Clarke, Madison, Jefferson, Baldwin, Covington, Russell, Walker, Lee, Randolph, Shelby, Dallas, Choctaw, and Tallapoosa.

Alabama was not the first state in the nation to implement “Yellow Dot”. The program was first implemented in Shelton, Connecticut where it was a pilot program for the nation. Since that time, parts of Kansas, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Virginia and

“Yellow Dot”


So who is signing up for “Yellow Dot” Individuals of all ages, whether they have a pre-existing medical condition or whether they simply want to have their emergency contact information readily available on the scene of an accident.• Infants born with a medical condition • Children with disabilities• 16-year-old new drivers• Parents wanting their emergency contact information available to first responders so that their children will be placed with the individual of their choice• Middle-aged individuals • Senior citizens who have developed a chronic illness over the course of their life

Rural/Metro is a leading provider of emergency ambulance services, non-emergency ambulance services, specialty safety and fire protection and other healthcare related services. Our employees provide high-quality services in approximately 400 communities in the United States. While 911 emergency ambulance contracts continue to be a key strategic element of Rural/Metro’s business, non-emergency ambulance services to hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and other healthcare providers also contribute to our success. Rural/Metro is a leading provider of ambulance ser-vices because we are dedicated to customer service

•Experienced,Life-Saving MedicalStaff

•Professionalism

•ExcellentCustomerService•Clean,ServicableAmbulances

and patient care. Our foundation includes logistical systems and medical technologies that enable us to deliver the highest levels of professional care. Our expertise also extends to private fire protection and training, including specialty fire services. From industrial plants to airports, the benefits to Rural/Metro’s customers are clear: Service quality, cost efficiency and expert professionals. As the nation's leading private sector fire protection provider, Rural/Metro has demonstrated how the public and private sectors can come together to provide top-notch serv ices for less cost through correctly admin istered emergency serv ices.

New York have adopted the program as well. Alabama was the eighth state in the nation to adopt the program.

It takes many organizations working together to get the word out about the program and to get it into the hands of the individuals wishing to enroll. The Northeast Alabama Traffic Safety Office would like to thank Rural Metro Ambulance Service for their continued support of “Yellow Dot” and for providing the necessary manpower to assist with the special events that have been held throughout Etowah County since 2009.

For a current list of the counties participating and the locations where you can enroll in “Yellow Dot” for yourself and your family, go to www.adeca.alabama.gov and click on the “Yellow Dot” program link or search for Alabama Yellow Dot on Facebook and “like” the page so you will continue to get updates and information about upcoming events.

256-546-1631 • www.ruralmetrosouth.com

Our Community


That statement - made by the late 19th, early 20th century writer and editor - Edgar Watson Howe, is as powerful a statement as one can make when referring to communi-ty and Buster Miles strives everyday to have folks talking!

Buster Miles was one of 10 children born to Mim and Dollie. Buster and his siblings worked the farm in Glencoe, AL until Bust-er joined the Army. During his time with the 41st Infantry, which was one of the first to enter Hiroshima after the atomic bomb was dropped, Buster sold his cigarette, beer and whiskey rations, saving his money & sending it home to his mother. He came out of Uncle Sam’s Army with about $2,000. When his duty was up, Buster returned to Glencoe and completed his high school education. The year was 1947 - Jackie Rob-inson signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers; Harry Truman was President; the Frisbee was invented; Reddi-Wip hit grocery store shelves; Pan Am offered round-the-world airfare for $1,700; Buster Miles secured a loan for $2,500 and, with his brother John, opened Miles Motors.

Miles Motors featured fine used cars on their independent Noble Street lot in An-niston. It continued to operate, even after 1952 when Buster purchased Jim McGriff ’s 25 year-old Chevrolet - Oldsmobile dealer-ship in Heflin. The employee staff of five grew to ten within five years. In 1960, Bust-er opened the doors to a new location of Buster Miles Chevrolet – Olds and, simul-taneously, introduced the area to a state-of-the-art service department and body shop. The number of employees then had swelled to 13.

A lot has happened since then. Buster Miles Chevrolet-Oldsmobile is now just Buster Miles Chevrolet, Inc. Buster’s son, Matt Miles became dealer/operator in 1982 & purchased the Ford franchise in 1994. Buster Miles Ford, Inc. now flourishes from a spacious, modern facility off I-20 at exit 199 in Heflin, AL. Buster Miles Auto Group now employs approximately 50 customer-focused men and women in sales, service,

parts and body repair. “Day-to-day op-erations are run by our OUTSTANDING TEAM OF EMPLOYEES,” says Matt, “lead by my sister Hope Miles – Operations Man-ager. Recently my son, Mim Miles, joined our management team, as E-Commerce Director, to make it a 3rd generation busi-ness. While Buster is no longer active in the day-to-day business, many of the principles he put into place all those years ago are still visible.”

Through the past 64 years, Buster Miles has reached out into the community on countless occasions for many different rea-sons. Buster Miles is proud to have the op-portunity and ability to be involved in the community and help meet the needs of oth-ers. Whether it’s assisting in the construc-tion of the Miles-Webb Field House for Cleburne County High School or the Buster Miles team coming together with their own hard-earned money to raise over $2,100.00 for the victims of the recent tornadoes, it’s the motivation behind it all that’s key. At Buster Miles, you’re part of the “family”.

Buster Miles is proud to partner with such established organizations as The Unit-ed Cerebral Palsy Center, Relay for Life, Hearts and Interfaith Ministries. Buster Miles has donated over $50,000.00 to lo-cal school’s with serveral “test drive” for education programs. And over the last several years, Buster Miles has been fortu-nate enough to donate over $40,000.00 to The United Way of East Central Alabama. Matt Miles sums it up nicely by saying, “As a business in the community, and more im-portantly a citizen, it’s our duty to reach out and help whenever and wherever we can. We’re fortunate to have such a great com-munity in which to live and come to work.”

So, while Buster Miles is in the automo-tive business, that’s not all they’re about. The community has been at the heart of what Buster Miles started all those years ago. It started with a desire to meet the needs of others. It has grown over the years, but maintained that same ideals through the changes. The good news is, it will con-tinue into the future! The attitude that’s presented among the Buster Miles Team is one of enthusiasm and it’s contagious! As their missions statement says: “ We believe in the law of the farm and harvest. That is, you reap what you sow. We’ve got to make it “sow” good that our customers want to come back and tell others,so they will too!” They’re confident that what’s being said behind their backs is something they’d be proud to hear!

“What people say behind your back is your standing in the community.” –Edgar Watson Howe

Mim, Buster, Hope & Matt Miles Community Wellness Guide 51

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Cory Etter and Jason Edwards, co-owners of Pine Hill Country Club, want everyone to enjoy the health benefits and pleasures of playing golf. That’s why, in January, 2010, they bought Pine Hill Country Club, their first acquisition as business partners.

Pine Hill Country Club is located just past the Choccolocco area of Highway 9, northeast of Anniston. The golf course at Pine Hill first opened in 1962 and has a reputation for being a relaxed and attractive place to play golf.

Pine Hill Country Club is the home base for Etter and Edwards, and they are using it as a model for future acquisitions. They want to keep costs low so that everyone can afford to play golf, and they want to keep the facilities and grounds beautiful. Their increase in new membership is evidence of their success: Pine Hill now has 300 members.

“We have added seven new greens,” said Etter, head golf professional at Pine Hill. We have new tee boxes, we finished construction of the clubhouse, and we instituted a beautification program for maintaining our facilities.”

Both men are golf professionals. Etter runs the golf shop and Edwards is superintendent of the facilities and the greens at Pine Hill.

“Playing golf out here is great,” said Edwards. “Our course is flat and easy to walk. Also, we run an environmentally friendly maintenance program.”

Etter and Edwards say golf is a wonderful way to stay fit and improve one’s cardio-vascular health, and Pine Hill Golf Course allows golfers a chance to play without getting overly tired. Both the ninth and eighteenth holes end back at where golfers started -- the clubhouse. Also, golf carts are available at reasonable rates for those who would rather ride the course.

The Pine Hill Country Club has several amenities. Recently, a new restaurant opened on Wednesdays through Sundays. Hours

are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition, there are a driving range, two putting greens, a swimming pool, a golf shop, and a clubhouse, which can be rented for special occasions.

The course is available for public use, but the membership rates provide the best prices for playing golf and for use of the other facilities. Annual membership rates are $550 for a single person and $850 for family membership. Members also have unlimited use of the pool, except when special events are taking place, and they may fish in any of the ponds or lakes. Non-member rates start at nine holes for $13.50 a weekday and $15 for Saturdays or Sundays. Non-member rates for 18 holes cost $27 for weekdays and $30 for Saturdays or Sundays. There are special rates for senior citizens and for those playing after 2 p.m.

Etter and Edwards knows the importance of creating a enjoyable atmosphere in a lovely environment. They worked together at another course in Calhoun County before forming their own company, E&E Golf Management LLC. Etter is a graduate of Oxford High School (1999), and studied business management at Jacksonville State University, graduating in 2004. Edwards graduated from high school in Canton, Ga., and attended college at Purdue University, the University of Georgia, and North Metro Technical College in Acworth, Ga., where he graduated. Both have several years of experience in golf-course management.

The co-owners are especially proud that their 15-member staff has been with them since they bought Pine Hill.

“We have a good group,” said Edwards. “The secret to running a great golf course is the employees.”

Etter and Edwards have a new opportunity before them. They recently acquired the Talladega Municipal Golf Course, another picturesque course that will also be open to the general public.

For more information about Pine Hill Country Club, visit www.pinehillcc.com or telephone the Club at 256-237-2633.

Pine Hill Country Club’s new owners provide great golf at low pricesBy Sherry Kughn

“We have a good group,” said Edwards. “The secret to running a great golf course is the employees.”

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Thanks to Buster Miles Ford for being the official truck sponsor

for Healthy Horizons

On Saturday, June 4, 2011, Cleburne County hosted their annual Outdoor Cleburne Fun Day and Fishing Derby for 2011. This event was brought to the participants by the U. S. Forest Service, the Cleburne County Chamber of Commerce and the city of Heflin Parks and Recreation Department. All fishing derby participants received a Smokey Bear bag filled with goodies and a fishing derby t-shirt. There were 15 tagged catfish in the lake and when a child caught one of them, they received a special prize. The U. S. Forest Service and the Cleburne County Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the generous sponsors who made the day a special place to be on a hot Saturday in June at Cahluga Lake in Heflin, Alabama. These sponsors are: Cleburne County EMA, Buster Miles Ford Dealership and Hardees of Heflin.

Outdoor Cleburne Fun Day and Fishing Derby 2011

Special thanks to Abu Garcia, Berkley & Pflueger, for being the official sponsor for our fishing equipment needs and giveaways for the kids.

Healthy Horizons Magazine was given the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful trip to Ray Scotts Trophy Bass Retreat in Pintlala Al. His lakes are the culmination of a lifetime in working to create the ultimate bass environment, not just for the fish but for the angler as well. Today as a proud supporter of his home state’s new initiative—Alabama Black Belt Adventures www.alabamablackbeltadventures.com he has opened his lakes, his home and guest accommodations to a limited number of anglers to enjoy great fishing and gracious southern hospitality…and the opportunity to meet the father of modern day bass fishing. For information on the trip of a lifetime go to:

www.rayscottbassretreat.com


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Most 77-year-olds like to look back at their lives, but the founder of Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.), Ray Scott, speaks about the future with as much excitement as a kid who just landed a fish.

“I love Alabama,” he says during a recent telephone interview from his home in Pintlala, south of Montgomery. “I have just come from a meeting involving the Alabama Black Belt Adventures project.”

Scott was referring to a tourism program to spotlight the Black Belt region of Alabama, which is home to outstanding hunting, fishing and shooting sports.

“My father’s and mother’s people moved to the Black Belt in the 1920s because of this crazy soil,” he says. “People are only now re-recognizing the richness of this area.”

Of course, Scott, who lives on a premier bass-fishing lake in Pintlala, just south of Montgomery, knows what bass anglers and deer hunters can accomplish. He has built two successful industries around these two sports. His first vision became a sport-fishing empire call B.A.S.S., which conducts tournaments, publishes magazines including BASSMASTER Magazine, and produces television shows such as “The BASSMASTERS.” Scott sold the business in 1986 but has stayed involved ever since.

The excitement in Scott’s voice continues when he speaks of the second business he founded, the Whitetail Institute of North America, Inc. The company, which is on the same property as his Pintlala ranch, formulates and promotes nutrition products for deer and is now owned by himself and two of his three sons.

“I came up with a specially formulated clover seed formula for deer hunters to plant,” he said. “Now we have about twenty employees and twenty-five exclusive products.”

The Whitetail Institute (www.whitetailinstitute.com) sells products throughout the nation. It all started when Scott and noted Auburn agronomist Dr. Wiley Johnson developed a special forage planting he called Imperial Whitetail Clover. It attracted deer and also helped them. Hunters and those in the deer-management industry soon reported

that deer fed on the clover grew bigger and were healthier. Bucks grew larger racks.

Scott’s brain never shuts off when it comes to new ideas. For example, the idea for B.A.S.S. came about during a fishing trip to Mississippi in 1967 that was rained out. Soaking wet, he and a friend went to a Ramada Inn to dry out and rest.

“All I could find on television was basketball,” he says. “At that moment, I had a vision – a complete, clear vision – that bass fishing could be a competitive sport on a national scale with fair and well-run tournaments. I stood up on the bed in my freshly dried underwear and knew exactly what I was going to do.”

Scott did more than create a tournament trail. His background in sales, business acumen, and enthusiasm created an entire multi-billion dollar industry. Then, he took B.A.S.S. even further to protect the fishing resource so precious to so many anglers. He started a movement to stop companies from illegally dumping toxins in waterways.

“I sued two hundred and fourteen companies during the late 1960s and early 1970s because they were polluting rivers in Alabama,” says Scott. “I am especially proud that the fishermen supported us.”

Scott was concerned for more than Alabama waterways, he says. “I also sued folks in Houston [Texas] and sued the TVA [Tennessee Valley Authority]. They were putting herbicides in the water, and that was interrupting the food chain.”

Scott also worked with then-governor of Texas, George W. Bush, to save a popular

Texas lake from herbicides. Bush and his father, President H.W. Bush, are both avid anglers and friends of Scott. They have fished a number of times on his lake in Pintlala.

Scott is also credited for popularizing the catch-and-release program for bass he called “Don’t Kill your Catch.” Thanks to his efforts, the movement became mainstream.

Another movement that Scott supported was that of boat safety. In 1994, he worked to pass the Boating Safety Reform Act in Alabama. Deaths rates fell to half. In 2002, the National Safe Boating Council inducted him into the Boating Safety Hall of Fame.

For his conservations and safety and philanthropic achievements, as well as his entrepreneurial successes, Scott received the prestigious Horatio Alger Award in 2003.

No topic gets Scott more excited than talking about family. He is a father of four and grandfather to eight with his youngest, John David, born February 21 to “Little” Wilson Scott and his wife, Noel. The two sons who run the Whitetail Institute are Steve and “Big” Wilson. Scott’s daughter Jennifer Epperson has four of his grandchildren, and Scott is married to his wife of 25 years, Susan, once the creative director for B.A.S.S.

“I’m the luckiest man in the world,” he says, referring to his family, his success, and his good health. His philosophy of practicing sensible health habits keeps him in shape, and he believes a lot of one’s attitude toward health takes place “between the ears.”

For readers who want to know more about Scott’s accomplishments, two books best tell his story--Prospecting and Selling: From a Fishing Hole to a Pot of Gold by Ray Scott, was published in 1981, and Bass Boss by Robert H. Boyle, a biography of Scott’s life, published in 1999. He also produced a video series, “Great Small Waters,” on how to create world-class

fishing ponds and lakes.Finally, for those who want to enjoy a fishing

trip of a lifetime, he has opened his home and his lakes to a limited number of paying anglers as a supporter of the Alabama Black Belt Adventures (www.rayscottbassretreat.com). “We call it Ray Scott’s Trophy Bass Retreat,” he says. “But around here, we describe it as bed, breakfast and bass.” Call 800-518-7222 to order.

Ray Scott excited about the futureBy Sherry Kughn

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A common reaction from visitors to Berman Museum of World History is one of surprise that such a collection would be found in Anniston, Alabama. Many are even more surprised to learn that until about 15 years ago, it was housed in the home of Farley and Germaine Berman. The Bermans spent 40 years amassing the collection and their legacy to the region gives a glimpse into a 3,500 year slice of human history.

The museum is divided into four galleries: American West, Deadly Beauty,

World Wars I and II &Arts of Asia. Each gallery tells a story.

The American West gallery covers the history of the American West from the journeys of Lewis and

Clark to the late 1800s. The story is told through text panels, the magnificent bronze sculptures of

Frederic Remington, Charles Russell, James Earle Fraser and others, as well as the weapons used during that time. The 1800s were not an easy time for this country. While the Civil War was being fought in the east, there was great conflict over land and land ownership in the west. People were moving. Native Americans were being

moved off of their land in the west by people moving from the

east. Some of those moving from the east were searching for gold. Others wanted to be able to own land. Many simply wanted to flee the war that claimed over 600,000 lives. Hollywood may have

romanticized how life was in

the American West but it was not an easy life. It was a life full of hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of a dream.

In Deadly Beauty, some of the items on display are quite beautiful but are also quite deadly. In this gallery visitors will see a jewel covered scimitar that once belonged to Abbas I. Its dazzling array of diamonds, rubies, emeralds and gold can easily make one overlook its very deadly blade made of true Damascus steel. It is in this gallery that things are not always what they appear to be – such as a flute, screwdriver, smoking pipe, gear shift knob, tire gauge or a belt buckle. They all have one thing in common. They happen to be disguised guns.

It is here you will find some personal items of Napoleon Bonaparte as well as one of the weapon designs of Leonardo Da Vinci. What might be the most romantic item in the museum – Edmund Blair Leighton’s painting, “The Shadow”, is also in this gallery. It depicts a young woman tracing the outline of her beloved’s shadow on a castle wall so she will have something to remind her of him while he goes off to battle. Several suits of armor are also displayed, which is always a favorite of children.

The World Wars I and II gallery tells the stories of those global conflicts. Visitors will see the weapons used by the various parties in those wars as well as everyday items that were a part of the times. Popular artifacts include a silver service that belonged to Adolph Hitler and personal items that belonged to Benito Mussolini. The gallery is about more than the artifacts though. It sets a tone that allows visitors to get a feel of what the world was like at both times.

Far removed from all of that is the mood set by the Arts of Asia gallery. Several dynasties are represented back to the Han Dynasty over 2,000 years ago. It is simply a soothing place to be.

Together the four galleries give visitors a sense of the struggles but also the beauty that is life. It is a great way to spend a morning or an afternoon. Lagarde Park Hours: M-Sat. 10-5, Sun 1-5. Admission: $5 adults, 4.50 seniors, 4.00 children 4-17 (under 4 free) bermanmuseum.org

Berman Museum of World History

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www.annistonrunners.com

Do you live in the Calhoun County area anD neeD a great group of running buDDies?

photos by Penny Photography

August 7, 2010 - Woodstock 5K and Kidstock 1 Mile

Race Start: 7:30 a.m. at Anniston High School, Anniston

Anniston Runners Club’s signature event, the fun & funky Woodstock 5K,

is the 2010 Road Runners Club of America 5K Championship! The Kidstock

1 Mile Run/Walk is held at 8:30 a.m. Proceeds benefit United Cerebral Palsy

and Special Olympics. For more info: www.woodstock5k.com

November 6 and 7, 2010 – Pinhoti 100 Miler

Race Start: Pine Glen, Heflin

Ever wanted to run the trails of the Pinhoti? Run from Heflin to Sylacauga

for the 3rd Annual Pinhoti 100. Runners will make their way up and over

Mount Cheaha while navigating rocks, creeks, ridges, and treelines in the

beautiful Talladega National Forest, and then finish in the Sylacauga High

School Football Stadium. Anniston Runners Club hosts the ultra-ultra event.

For more info: www.pinhoti100.com

November 25, 2010 – Thanksgiving Plucked Turkey 10K

Race Start: 8:00 a.m. at Golden Springs Community Center

What started as a Thanksgiving morning run, has turned into a tradition

for the Anniston Runners Club! Come work off the Thanksgiving feast early

by running the 6.2 mile certified course in the lovely rolling neighborhood

of Golden Springs. Prizes include: smoked hams, sweet taters, pies,

cranberries….. For more info: www.annistonrunners.com

January 15, 2011 – McClellan Half Marathon

Race Start: 8:00 a.m. at McClellan Medical Mall

This 13.1 mile run at McClellan is a great training run for the upcoming

Mercedes Marathon in Birmingham in February. The event is wildly popular

with the members of the Anniston Runners Club. Breakfast after the race is

included with registration. For more info: www.annistonrunners.com

February 26, 2011 – Mount Cheaha 50K

Race Start: 7:30 a.m. at Porter’s Gap, Talladega

The 5th Annual Mount Cheaha 50K is the premier ultra-trail run for Alabama!

Run 31 miles from Porter’s Gap up to the top of Mount Cheaha, the highest

point in Alabama. Anniston Runners Club hosts this event. Great support!

Great event! For more info: www.mountcheaha50k.com

April 16, 2011 – Mellow Mushroom Mad Dash

Race Start: TBA at Noble Street Festival, Downtown Anniston

Held in conjunction with the annual Noble Street Festival, the Mad Dash is a

fun addition to a jam-packed event. Two races – one for kids, one for adults.

Awards for both.

For more info: www.annistonrunners.com or

www.noblestreetfestival.com

We have 630+ members, host six yearly race events, oversee a 13-race

Grand Prix Series, and hold quarterly member meetings and educational

workshops. Plus, we have four weekly training run options. To meet

expanding member interests, we have specialty divisions for Triathlon,

Ultra-Race, Youth Running, and Women. For a membership form to join,

go to: www.annistonrunners.com or you can join at www.active.com

Why not join anniston runners Club?


Woodstock 5K/ Kidstock 1 mile- ARC Grand PrixDates: Aug 06 Time: 7:30amLocation: Anniston High School, Anniston, AL 36207Contact Person: Dennis DunnPhone: 256-310-0830Email: [email protected]: $25

XTERRA Alabama Cheaha State Park10K Trail Running RaceDates: Sep 17 Time: 8:30amLocation: 2141 Bunker Loop, Delta, AL 36258Contact Person: Tim SchroerEmail: [email protected]: $30/$35

Absolutely Running for a Cure 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun RunDates: Oct 01 Time: 8:30pmLocation: 115 West Grand Avenue, Rainbow City, AL (on the corner of Hwy 77 & Rainbow Dr)Contact Person: Teresa TaylorPhone: 256-413-8220Email: [email protected]: $20/ $18 for ARC Members

Thanksgiving Plucked Turkey 10KDates: Nov 24 Time: 8:00amLocation: Golden Springs Community Center, Anniston, ALContact Person: Tom GriffinEmail: [email protected]: $10 Pre-registered/ $12 Race Day

Chief Ladiga Half Marathon- ARC Grand PrixDates: Dec 03 Time: 8:00amLocation: 501 Alexandria Rd SW, Jacksonville, ALContact Person: Janis BurnsPhone: 256-435-8115Email: [email protected]: $20 Pre-registered/ $25 Race Day

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Snead (205) 466-7163

Oxford (256) 832-1335

Ft Payne (256) 997-9089

Centre (256) 927-2300

www.sneadag.com

Healthy Horizons: Making a DifferenceHealthy Horizons is very fortunate to be engaged in community events and Health Fair shows throughout the Southeast. Involvement in various activities enables the team at Healthy Horizons to provide health education to vulnerable populations in the community. These opportunities allow valuable interaction between health educators and the public. Healthy Horizons has formed collaborative relationships with sponsors in the area who share our vision of improving the health status of consumers, patients and families. Charitable donations from our sponsors and continued support from

local advertisers enable our team to participate in community events such as fishing events and benefit golf tournaments. We appreciate your continued patronage to our sponsors and advertisers.

We are grateful that “Healthy Horizons” is “Making a Difference”.


MARINE

We invite you to come and see the full line of NauticStar deck boats, Nauticstar bay boats, Yamaha Jet Boats, Intercep-tor performance boats, G3 Pontoon Boats, Yamaha Wave Runners, Yamaha Outboards, Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser stern drives, Mercury Jet Drives, and Evinrude E-tec Outboards.

We have pre-owned boats and jet ski’s to accommodate every budget and style. We go out on the water with you to check out your new or used boat before you buy it. We also carry the full line of YAMAHA generators and GOLF CARTS– WE ARE HERE ON THE WATER AND AT YOUR SERVICE!

www.wedoweemarine.com

256-357-2045800-780-2045

21130 Hwy. 431Wedowee, AL 36278

• New & Used Boats • Yamaha Waverunners

• Full Service Marine and Service Center• Wet Slips and Dry Storage


Fun & Games


Word Search!BAD CARBS GREENS SUGARCARBOHYDRATES INCOMPLETE PROTEIN SWEET VEGETABLESCHOLESTEROL INSOLUABLE FIBER TRANSFATFIBER MONOUNSATURATED FATS VITAMIN AFOLATE POLYUNSATURATED FATS VITAMIN CFRUIT POTASSIUM VITAMIN DGOOD CARBS SATURATED FATS WHOLEWHEAT

Find each of the following words in the puzzle.

Funny!

One year, I decided to buy my mother-in-law a cemetery plot as a Christmas gift. The next year, I didn’t buy her a gift. When she asked me why, I replied, “Well, you still haven’t used the gift I bought you last year!” And that’s how the fight started.....

I took my wife to a restaurant. The waiter, for some reason, took my order first. “I’ll have the rump steak, rare, please.” He said, “Aren’t you worried about the mad cow?” “Nah, she can order for herself.” And that’s when the fight started.....

My wife was hinting about what she wanted for our upcoming anniver-sary. She said, “I want something shiny that goes from 0 to 150 in about 3 seconds.” I bought her a bathroom scale. And then the fight started......

How To Start A Fight.....Saturday morning I got up early, quietly dressed, made my lunch, and slipped quietly into the garage. I hooked up the boat to the van, and proceeded to back out into a torrential downpour. The wind was blowing 50 mph, so I pulled back into the ga-rage, turned on the radio, and discovered that the weather would be bad all day. I went back into the house, quietly undressed, and slipped back into bed.. I cuddled up to my wife’s back, now with a different anticipation, and whispered, “The weather out there is terrible.” My loving wife of 5 years replied, “And, can you believe my stupid husband is out fishing in that?” And that’s how the fight started...

Directory


Key: SSDI: SocIal SecurIty DISabIlIty Income SSI:SSI applIcatIonS anD appealS bm:benefIt maIntenance bcD:benefItS for chIlDren wIth DISabIlItIeS h:hoSpIce care hh:home health ServIceS Sn: SKIlleD nurSIng pt: phySIcal therapy ot: occupatIonal therapy St: Speech therapy Sw:SocIal worK mp: meal plannIng anD preparatIon cc:carIng companIonShIp Sb: Safe bathIng lh:lIght houSeKeepIng fp:fall preventIon anD recovery SS: SItter ServIceS IrS:InformatIon anD referral ServIceS e:erranDS blS:baSIc lIfe Support alS: aDvanceD lIfe Support net:non emergency tranSport wcvS:wheel chaIr van ServIceS pct: prIvate contract tranSport SSfp:SpecIalty Safety anD fIre protectIon ServIceS Ip:InpatIent ServIceS op:outpatIent ServIceS er:emergency room ServIceS ce: communIty eDucatIon m:mealS ma:meDIcatIon aDmInIStratIon pc:perSonal care t:local tranSportatIon h/l: houSeKeepIng/launDry a:actIvItIeS p:prIvate roomS S:24 hour SupervISIon Scalf: DementIa care alf:aSSISteD lIvIng facIlIty InDl:InDepenDent lIvIng Sn: SKIlleD nurSIng ct: comprehenSIve therapy me: meDIcal equIpment o/r:oxygen/reSpIratory n:nebulIzerS c:cpap equIpment D:DIabetIc SupplIeS o:orthopeDIc ServIceS m:maStectomy proStheSeS b:beDDIng ba:beDDIng acceSSorIeS ft:fItneSS traInIng eS: exercISe ServIceS ce:communIty eDucatIon

Agency Address Phone Website Services Provided

Article/Advertisement

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256-435-7704 www.northporthealth.com SN, S, M, MA 37

DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENTDowney Medical 317 East 10th Street

Anniston, AL 36207256-238-8991 None at this time ME, O/R, N. C, D,

O, M16

HEALTH and WELLNESSBedzzz Express 556 Oxford Exchange Blvd

Oxford, AL 36203256-835-1171 www.bedzzzexpress.com B, BA 36

Gold’s Gym 200 Market WayRainbow City, AL 35906

256-413-0055 www.goldsgym.com FT, ES

Agency for Substance Abuse and Prevention

2300-A McCoy AvenueAnniston, AL 36201

256-237-8131 www.asaprev.com CE

HOSPITALS / OUTPATIENT CENTERSNEA Regional Medical Center

400 East 10th StreetAnniston, AL 36207

256-235-5121 www.rmccares.com IP, OP, ER, CE 39,47,68

Stringfellow Memorial Hospital

301 E 18th StreetAnniston, AL 36207

256-235-8900 www.stringfellowhealth.com IP, OP, ER, CE 29,65

Riverview Hospital 600 South 3rd StreetGadsden, AL 35901

256-543-5200 www.riverviewregional.com IP, OP, ER, CE 34-35

The Surgery Center 1440 Highway DriveOxford, AL 36203

256-241-2230 www.thesurgerycenter.info OP 9

Children’s Health System 1600 7th Avenue SouthBirmingham, AL 35233

205-939-9100 www.chsys.org IP, OP, ER, CE 24-25


Emergency Directory

EMERGENCY DIAL 911Alabama Bureau of InvestigationJacksonville (256) 435-3521

Alabama Forestry Commission(800) 575-2017

Alabama Gas CorporationAnniston (256) 236-7536Gadsden (256) 547-5433Alabama One Call(800) 292-8525Alabama PowerAnniston (256) 237-9451(800) 888-2726Alabama State TroopersJacksonville (256) 435-3521Gadsden (256) 546-6385Alcohol & Substance Abuse(800) 762-3790(800) 448-5433Anniston Water Works and Sewer Board(256) 236-3429Bellsouth(888) 757-6500Calhoun County 911 District(256) 237-9119Calhoun County Water AuthorityAlexandria (256) 820-3940City of Anniston(256) 236-3422Coosa Valley Electrical Cooperative(256) 362-4180Drug Helpline(800) 662-4357Emergency Management AgencyJacksonville (256) 435-0543Gadsden (256) 549-4575Etowah County 911(256) 543-7911Federal Bureau of InvestigationBirmingham (205) 547-0522Family Violence ShelterJacksonville (256) 435-0540Gadsden (256) 543-3059Fire DepartmentAnniston (256) 237-3541Gadsden (256) 549-4580Marine PoliceJacksonville (256) 435-3521National Hopeline Network(800) 784-2433

National Response Center(800) 424-8802Poison Control Center(800) 292-6678Police DepartmentsAnniston (256) 238-1800Gadsden (256) 549-4578Railroad Emergencies(800) 232-0144SheriffCalhoun County (256) 236-6600Etowah County (256) 546-2825

HospitalsAttalla Health Care & Rehab(256) 538-7852Coosa Valley Health Care & Rehab(256) 492-5350Gadsden Regional Medical Center(256) 494-4000HealthSouth Gadsden Surgery Center(256) 543-1253HealthSouth RehabilitationHospital of Gadsden(256) 439-5000Hill Crest Behavioral Health Services(205) 833-9000Jacksonville Medical Center(256) 435-4970Mountain View Hospital(256) 546-9265Northeast AlabamaRegional Medical Center(256) 235-5000Riverview Regional Medical Center(256) 543-5200Stringfellow Memorial Hospital(256) 235-8900

Police and Fire EmergencyDial 911

Emergency PreparednessAlabama Gulf Coast Chapter of theAmerican Red Cross DisasterPreparedness Information(866) 438-4636www.RedCrossAlGulfCoast.org

Alabama Emergency Management Agency5898 County Road 41Clanton, AL 35046(205) 280-2200

Alert and Notification System Calhoun County’s alert and notification system consists of three parts:

• Sirens are for outdoor warning.• Tone Alert Radios (TARS) are for in-door warning.• Emergency Alert System (EAS) consists of local radio and television stations.

Emergency Alert Systems (EAS)The EAS was developed to provide emer-gency information and instructions for citizens in case of a technological event, civil disturbance, terrorism or natural disaster. Calhoun County Emergency Management Association (EMA) works closely with local radio and television stations to provide timely and accurate information.

In Calhoun County, the EASstations include:WVOK (K98) 97.9 in OxfordWJCK 88.3 FM in Piedmont

These stations are part of the CSEPP radio system and monitor the National Weath-er Service and Alabama Digital Satellite Network. Calhoun County EMA works with all local media to provide the most current and up-to-date information dur-ing an emergency. Emergency informa-tion may also be obtained from:

• WDNG 1450 AM in Anniston• WLJS 91.9 FM in Jacksonville• WTBJ 91.3 FM in Oxford• WNSI 810 AM in Jacksonville• WHMA 1390 AM in Anniston• WANA 1490 AM in Anniston• WBRC Channel 6 in Birmingham• WVTM Channel 13 in Birmingham• WJSU Channel 33/40 in Anniston/ Birmingham

For more information contact:Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency507 Francis Street WestJacksonville, AL 36265PHONE: 256-435-0540

Reference: Retrieved fromhttp://www.calhounema.org/plansteps.doc, Jan 10, 2009

Welcome toNortheast alabama

audiology CliNiCGadsden’s Oldest Audiology Clinic

• Hearing evaluations for all ages• Vestibular evaluations (If indicated by physician)• Hearing aid evaluations• Counseling and rehabilitation• Variety of hearing aid manufacturers and available products

• Hearing aid servicing and in-office repairs• Hearing aid batteries and accessories• A locally owned, staffed, and operated audiology clinic• Serving the community for over 28 years!

We will consistently continue to provide:

Dr. Amanda Blaszczynski, Au.D, ABA, FAAA Audiologist

Monica Davenport, M.S., CCC-A Audiologist

Teri Davis, Administrative Assistant

Online atwww.gadsdenaudiology.com

417 S. 4th Street • Gadsden, AL

256-543-8899

Office hours:9AM-4:30PM (Mon.,Tues., & Thurs.)

9AM–Noon (Wed. and Fri.)

Healthy Horizons Magazine - Anniston/Gadsden 2011-2012

Documents

Transcript of Healthy Horizons Magazine - Anniston/Gadsden 2011-2012