2 Healthy Horizons

Cover Story: Helen Keller Hospital Women's Center

Heart of the Matter : 10 Ways to Protect your heart

The Wedding Smile

An Ounce of Prevention: Preventive Eye Care

Counselor or Therapist?

Emotional Well-Being

Fitness Factor: Commit To Be Fit

On the Horizon: What You Don’t See Will Hurt You

Milner Rushing Discount Drugs

Faith & Family: Step Families

Kids Korner: Safe Teen Driving

Stepping Stone Pediatric Therapy

Fun & Games: Word Search

Our Community: Natchez Trace H.O.G. Ride and Have Fun

Resource Directory

The team at Healthy Horizons

is excited that you are taking time to

explore the valuable resources located

within this edition of our magazine.

Our team is embarking on our 10th

year of publication and we completely

recognize that we would not have

been able to experience the level of

success in our publication without you,

our devoted reader. We are also very

appreciative of our advertisers and local contributing writers as they have made

our dream of health advocacy a reality. Inside this particular issue you will find articles

related to disease prevention and health promotion. As health educators, we strive to

provide articles that are relevant to maintaining optimal health and wellness. As we are

all painfully aware, health and wellness are vital to improving and maintaining our quality

of life. Our advertisers typically provide services which promote health and wellness or

meet your specific healthcare related needs.

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which are highlighted throughout the magazine, because without our supporters this free

publication would not be possible. We wish you the very best as you strive for “Healthy

Horizons!” May God richly bless you.

- Mark and Kim Helms

contact us: www.healthyhmag.com

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Adam Campbell

Brian Good

Rob Goodwin

Carl Greene

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Dan Hammitt

Kimberly Helms, D.H.Ed., MSN, RN

Sarah Rowland

Dr. P. Keith Thompson

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Dr. L. Don Wilson

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he Women’s Center at Helen Keller Hospital prides itself on providing excellent care for bothmom and baby. We are proud to announce that

our births are up 28%. Word is definitely spreading aboutthe care babies and parents receive from our wonderfulphysicians and staff.

As you prepare for the birth of your Keller Baby, Keller offers opportunities for childbirth, parenting, and siblingclasses to make sure you are well-prepared to welcomeyour baby into the world. When it is time to deliver, The Women’s Center at Helen Keller Hospital is a warm,comfortable setting for families to welcome your newestfamily member. The recently-renovated Women’s Centeris tastefully decorated to provide comfort and supportduring childbirth. The center’s seven specialized labor and delivery rooms feature advanced monitoring equipment to ensure the best outcome for you and baby.

Your baby will be lovingly cared for in our nursery and can be brought to your room at any time. Our nurses are experienced and highly skilled, as the nursery was recently recognized by the Alabama Department of Public Health for excellence in newborn screenings.

Becoming a new parent is a joyful and sometimesanxious time. To help with this transition, The Women’s Center offers the assistance ofMaternal/Child Educator Leigh Smith, RN, BSN, IBCLC, RLC. You can reach Leigh at (256) 386-4162.

When it is time for your family’s big day, make sure your new addition joins the ranks of the best cared for newborns in Northwest Alabama. Make sure your little one is a Keller Baby.

T

The Women’s Centerat Helen Keller Hospital

Your Healthcare Partner for Life

3

4 Healthy Horizons

1} Grill a steak. You may think it’s bad for your heart,but you’d be wrong. Beef contains immunity-boosting selenium as well as homocysteine-lowering B vitamins.And up to 50 percent of the fat is theheart-healthy monounsaturated variety.

2} Watch a scary movie.Anything that causes your heart torace—slasher flicks, a good book, evenbeing in love—also makes your heartstronger, according to researchers atBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.Upsetting the rhythm once in a while islike hitting your heart’s reset button,which helps it keep on ticking.

3} Run indoors on hazy days.Researchers in Finland found that exercising outside on hot, hazy dayswhen air pollution is at its worst cancut the supply of oxygen in the blood,making it more likely to clot.

4} Tell your wife to butt out.Or you may leave her—in a hearse. Researchers in Greece found that individuals who were exposed to cigarette smoke for just 30 minutesthree times a week had a 26 percentgreater risk of developing heart diseasethan people who rarely encounteredsecondhand smoke.

5} Dive in the pool.U.K. researchers found that men whoburn just 50 calories a day in strenuousactivities like swimming and hiking are62 percent less likely to die of heart disease than men who burn nearlyseven times as many calories — 340 perday — during less active pursuits likewalking and golfing.

6} Fight cholesterol with fat.A group of 17 Australian men with

high cholesterol swapped macadamianuts for 15 percent of the calories intheir diets, and their total cholesteroldropped by between 3 and 5 percent,while their HDL (good) cholesterolrose by nearly 8 percent.

7} Bike away the blues.Men who are suffering from depressionare more than twice as likely to develop heart disease as guys whoaren’t depressed. So c’mon, get happy.In a trial of 150 men and women, Duke researchers found that after just three months of treatment, antidepressants and exercise wereequally effective at relieving almost all symptoms of depression.

8} Meditate 20 minutes a day.According to Thomas Jefferson Univer-sity researchers, this daily downtimemay reduce your anxiety and depres-sion by more than 25 percent. Andthat’s important, since a University ofFlorida study found that patients withcoronary artery disease who had themost mental stress were three timesmore likely to die during the period ofthe study than those with the least stress.

9} Buy a punching bag.A Harvard study found that men whoexpress their anger have half the risk ofheart disease compared with men whointernalize it.

10} Take aspirin.Researchers at the University of NorthCarolina found that regular aspirinconsumption cut the risk of coronaryheart disease by 28 percent in peoplewho had never had a heart attack orstroke, but were at heightened risk.

So what are you doing to protect your heart?

Most guys leave that job up to their rib cage.

After all, your heart feels fine. And, really, it’s

out of your hands, isn’t it? In a few words: No,

you ignorant 911-caller-in-waiting. Half of the

men in America are laying down plaque for

that special day when they keel over.

We want to keep you upright, so we

combed thousands of scientific studies to

compile the most important advice you’ll

ever read in this magazine: 10 tips, tricks,

and techniques that will protect you from

the number-one killer of men (and their

wives). Make them part of your life, and you

may just live long enough to see the United

States pay its national debt, the Cubs win

the World Series, and Madonna retire.

H E A R T o f T H E M AT T E R

10Ways

HeartTO PROTECT YOUR

By: Adam Campbell & Brian Good

No�drugs.�No�bypasses.�No�scars.�Just�solid�DIY�advice�on�how�to�keep�your�heart�pumping.

For maximum impact

on your blood pressure,

take a low dose aspirin

just before bed.

Macadamias are

the best natural source

of monounsaturated fat.

5

H E A R T o f T H E M AT T E R

Roasted Salmon with Maple Glaze Serves 6

Ingredients: 2 pounds salmon, cut into 6 equal-sized fillets1/4 cup maple syrup 1 garlic clove, minced1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1/4 tsp kosher or sea salt1/8 tsp. fresh cracked pepper Fresh mint or parsley for garnish

Directions:Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Lightly coat a baking pan with cooking spray. In a small saucepan over low heat, mix together the maple syrup, garlic, and balsamic vinegar. Heat just until hot and remove from heat. Pour half of the mixture into a small bowl to use for basting, and reserve the rest for later.

Pat the salmon dry. Place skin-side down on the baking sheet. Brush the salmon with the maple syrup mixture. Bake about 10 minutes, brush again with maple syrup mixture, and bake for another five minutes. Continue to baste and bake untilfish flakes easily, about 20-25 minutes total. Transfer the salmon fillets to plates. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and top with reserved maple syrup mixture. Garnish with mint or parsley and serve immediately.

Recipe obtained from Mayo Clinic online community. Nutritional information follows:Nutritional analysis per servingCalories 314 Total fat 14 g Saturated fat 3 g Monounsaturated fat 5 g Cholesterol 69 mgSodium 152 mg Total Carbohydrate 21 g Dietary Fiber 1 g Protien 25 g

6 Healthy Horizons

7

ospitalist Services at Helen Keller Hospital – Experienced, Roy Davis, 76, of Phil Campbell,AL, has been to Helen Keller Hospital several times – and due in large part to Keller’s

hospitalist program, he wouldn’t go anywhere else. “I hadno less than four specialists check on me, and that’s notcounting the nurse practitioner and the registered nurses,”said Davis, after his most recent Keller stay. “Plus, the Kellerhospitalists communicated with my physician in Haleyvilleand discussed my condition at all times. That’s somethingnobody else around here does.”

The hospitalist program at Helen Keller Hospital is coordinated by North Alabama Physicians Service, LLC, a subsidiary of Medical Associates of the Shoals. The groupplays a vital role in providing quality and continuity of carefor our patients and families.

These are board-certified, reputable providers. The samehospitalist provides care for seven consecutive day shifts,which ensures a comfort level for patients and families andcontinuity of care with their provider. Hospitalists on dutyround on their patients every day, and are available to follow-up on tests and answer questions. A dedicated nursepractitioner is also on site during weekdays to assist in the coordination of care. Hospitalists are available for patients atHelen Keller Hospital 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

Your primary health care provider knows you best, so ourhospitalists communicate with your provider throughoutyour stay and coordinate your care. At any time during your stay, your primary health care provider may check on you and discuss your course of treatment with you andyour hospitalist.

When you are discharged from the hospital, your hospitalistwill make sure your primary health care provider has all theinformation needed for your outpatient care. Our team sends him or her a full summary of your hospital care, post-discharge plans and medications.

We are thrilled that North Alabama Physicians Service is coordinating the hospitalist program for our patients. Our commitment is to provide our communities with thevery best in health care.

H

Our hospitalist providers are:Justin Coan, CRNPCassie Luke, M.D. J. Brad McAnalley, M.D. Jack M. McLendon, M.D., F.A.C.PRandy M. Pounders, M.D. Brian Richards, D.O.Andre Taylor, M.D. Joshua D. Vacik, M.D.

at Helen Keller HospitalServices

Hospitalist

8 Healthy Horizons

December 13, 2012, a wonderfulcouple came to my office for aFree Smile Evaluation for the

“wife member” of this most unique duo. The husband came along, not to be the “Commander” or to make sure his wife didn’tspend too much money, but he came along toprovide and show his total support in thisquest for a beautiful smile for his beloved wife.This husband-wife team very quickly touchedme deeply as I examined her teeth and heardher story. Even though this lady was obviouslybeautiful, there was one thing that had alwaysbeen a problem for her. Her smile! Darklystained by tetracycline antibiotics as a child,her teeth had always been her photographicnemesis. Every school picture, family photo,and vacation snapshot reminded her of thisomnipresent problem. In an attempt to closespaces and cover the dark teeth, she had tried“bonding” and “bleaching” but with far lessthan satisfaction.

But this time was different! She was on a serious mission to find a dentist that could notjust help her problem but solve her problem. I was not the first dentist she visited. She haddiligently done her research, checking websites, asking friends, and visiting several dentaloffices seeking out a dentist that she trustedfor this most important mission. You see,Nancy had a wedding that was rapidly ap-proaching, the wedding of her only daughter,Kaitlyn. But not really her only daughter, heronly living daughter. On May 3, 2002, Nancyand Shane lost their other precious daughter,Shea, to cancer. So in a way, this was a wed-ding event for both of her girls. Kaitlyn wasthe bride and Shea was the Maid of Honor,represented by a beautiful bouquet of daisesand sunflowers along side her sister. Nancywasn't seeking a beautiful smile in order to be the center of attention at the wedding, farfrom that. I don't believe this lady has a vainbone in her body. She just simply wanted tobe able to smile, I mean really smile, not a hidden smile, at her daughter's wedding. Shewanted to be able to look at the beautiful photographs of her lovely daughter’s wedding,and for the first time in her life not be the onlyone in the picture who was not smiling.

After spending about an hour talking with this couple and explaining the process, theydecided Signature Smile was the team to entrust with the “Smile Makeover.” I must tell you, every single person on my SignatureSmile team and both of the dental labs involved in the construction of the new smilefor Nancy became totally dedicated to thetask. We all knew how important our effortswere to her “Wedding Smile.” The processbegan with imaged photos and a waxed-up

3-D model of what her finished smile wouldlook like before we even started. Nancy andher husband were thrilled when they saw theresults they could anticipate. There was muchto do, and with the time constraint of the wed-ding date... no time for errors. Not only wasthere a deadline of April, but we had to workaround parties, showers, and photo shoots.

First, a “gum lift” was required to raise the tissue to allow her teeth to appear longer. A “frenectomy” was also done to remove the little muscle that connects the lip to thegum because it showed when she smiled. Abeautiful smile is not just about the “white”but also about the “pink.” The gums had toheal for six weeks. During the healing time,we KöR bleached her lower teeth and removed the old metal fillings from her upperteeth in preparation for the cosmetic crowns.Next, Nancy came in for the “Big Appoint-ment” where we prepared all of her upperteeth for crowns and placed beautiful tempo-rary crowns. The temporary crowns were ahuge step in the right direction. They lookedfar better than her teeth had ever looked inher life, but the best was yet to come.

Two weeks prior to the wedding she came into place the fourteen beautiful crowns thathad been prepared by the professionals at

daVinci Dental Studio in Hollywood, CA. Everyone waited with greatanticipation as we put the crowns on that day.Husband Shane waited patiently in our waiting room at Bridge Street, Team Blueworked diligently assisting me as we seatedeach and every crown, and the lab team atdaVinci eagerly awaited in California to hearfrom us in Alabama. And then the momentcame, the new smile was completed. When shelooked in the mirror and saw her new smile,she just stood there and cried with tears of joy.I don’t think I have ever received warmerhandshakes and more sincere hugs than I received from this wonderful couple that day.

Two weeks later, that long-awaited weddingtook place in Georgia. The weather was perfect and the ceremony went off without ahitch. Oh yeah, and Nancy smiled in everyphotograph.

Dr. L. Don Wilson

OnThe Wedding Smile

Nancy

before

Before

After Nancy and Kaitlyn

Nancy’s new smile!

Darkly stained

by tetracycline

antibiotics as a

child, her teeth

had always

been her

photographic

nemesis.

9

10 Healthy Horizons

Preventive

CareEye

(Part 2)

Contact Lens CareContact lenses have come a long way in the past thirtyyears. However, aggressive and competitive product marketing has put many contact wearers at risk and haspromoted many causes of blindness rather than consistentlypromoting eye health. While expensive and initially uncom-fortable, hard contact lenses are rarely associated with vision threatening complications. “Soft”contact lenses, or extended wear contacts, by contrast, are widely subjectto abuse and cause lots of damage to the eyes, sometimesleading to severe pain and blindness because they are perceived to be safe. When I treat a contact lens patientwith a severe and potentially blinding infection, I no longerask the patient if they sleep in their contacts, rather, I askthem how long have they been sleeping in their contacts.NEVER SLEEP IN YOUR CONTACTS, regardless ofwhat the advertisements claim. Your contact should comeout of your eyes every night; if you follow this basic rule,your risk of a blinding infection is reduced to almost zero.

Recommended Screening ScheduleProblems: If your eyes have a disease, most insuranceplans treat the eye as any other organ in the body. If your

eye is “sick” you don’t need vision insurance. There is anuntruth that you can only see your eye doctor once a year.If you are in pain, or cannot see, get to your eye doctortoday. If you do not have insurance, remember that treating mild disease is much cheaper than treating severedisease worsened by neglect. If you truly cannot affordmedical care, offer to barter with your doctor; we want to help you, but you have to be responsible and invest inyourself- just like your home and your car, your care is onlyworth what you pay for it.

Children: Your children are screened at school, but that really isn’t good enough, Ask the pediatrician to check thevision in each of your child’s eyes separately. Watch out forcrossing eyes - a telltale sign that our child has a visionproblems. Compare their vision against yours: if you seebetter than your child, have him or her checked. If yourchild complains of poor vision, check each eye against eachof yours- you may find that you need to be checked! Haveyour teenager’s vision checked BEFORE failing the driver’slicense test. Any child or adult wearing glasses or contactsshould have an appointment at least annually.

Glasses prescription changes are usually

linked to growth spurts.

11

Adults: 20-30: Eye disease is rare in this age group. Have your eyes checked at least once in this decade.

30-40: There are few eye diseases that start in this agegroup-get checked at least twice in this decade.

40-50: Vision changes frequently during this time period.See your eye doctor at least every two years.

60-up: Eye disease is common in this age group: you should be checked at least annually.

*Your doctor will modify this schedule if disease orsignificant risk for disease is detected.

Obtaining a Second OpinionIf your doctor gives you an unexpected diagnosis or if heor she doesn’t explain your condition well enough for youto understand, do not be afraid to seek a second opinion. I am not aware of any health insurance that denies paymentfor second opinions. Your doctor should be secure andconfident enough to allow you to see someone else forconfirmation of disease. If the second opinion confirmswhat your doctor says, or completes the treatment forwhich you were referred, go back to your original doctorwith confidence that he or she is doing what is best for you.If I am unsure of a diagnosis or if my patient seems surprisedby my diagnosis and treatment plan, I am quick to get confirmation from a colleague, because a second opinionimproves care and serves the best interest of the patient.

See a Local Eye Doctor FirstIf your doctor sends you out of town for your eye surgery,you should ask, “Why?” We have great optometrists,

ophthalmologists (eye surgeons) and retina surgeons in the Shoals. Almost any eye surgery that you need is available right here! Even if you need to travel out of townfor a procedure that is not available in the local area, youshould consult with a local surgeon so that your conditionand any associated care can be properly coordinated. Unfortunately, patients who travel for eye surgery can return home with complications that the local surgeonwinds up treating anyway. Such complications can lingerfor months or years, requiring repeated trips to the “bigcity doctor” when an equally or more qualified local surgeon was available all along, perhaps right around the corner from your home business.

Public attitudes about doctor advertising are changing. Be wary of eye surgeons who travel through small towns,solely to perform surgery (then are gone) and those whoadvertise excessively as their sole source of patient referrals.Watch out for treatments that promise results that seemtoo good to be true. While many of these doctors are excellent, there are some who travel from place to place so that they do not have to deal with patients who are disappointed with the results of unsuccessful treatment.

The doctors at Florence Ophthalmology have trained atmajor Medical Centers and Veterans Hospitals at UAB,Memphis, Galveston and Houston, Pennsylvania and California, but will still greet you at WalMart. The Shoals is our home, and we want to bring our expertise and qualifications to the people we care about most – you.

We have great optometrists, ophthalmologists

and retina surgeons in the Shoals.

www.mitchellhollingsworth.com

itchell-Hollingsworth has provided theShoals area with long term nursingcare since 1952. Over the years, many

additions have been made to make the facilitywhat it is today. In 2006, The Summit Rehabwas built to provide short term rehabilitation to the shoals area and surrounding cities. TheSummit at Mitchell-Hollingsworth is a separate28 bed, sub-acute, short term rehabilitationcenter that provides residents with physical, occupational and speech therapy. Physical therapy assists residents in walking, teacheswheel chair transfer techniques, provides orthotic and prosthetic device evaluation and training, along with caring for wounds.Occupational therapy addresses self-careskills such as breathing, dressing, eating,food preparation, and contracture management and splinting. Speech therapyfocuses on improving communication,

swallowing skills, vital stem to help restoreswallowing, and cognitive retraining to increase functional independence with decision making, reasoning, and memory.Mitchell-Hollingsworth Nursing and Rehabilitation center is the 2010 recipientof the Silver Achievement in Quality

national award. The award is presented by theAmerican Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living. Mitchell-Hollingsworth is one of 38 organizations in the United States to receive this recognition.Recipients of this award demonstrate perform-ance that has evolved from sustainable approaches in care and concepts of visionaryleadership. Other categories judged includefocus on the future, resident focused service and management innovation. Mitchell-Hollingsworth previously received the bronze award.

The Mitchell-Hollingsworth staff provides quality care to its residents making them feel at home and comfortable during their time in the facility. Daily activities are planned to keep residents active and social. Mitchell-Hollingsworth invites you to call for additional information or to set up a tour of the facility.

Caring for those who cared for us

MSummit Rehab at Mitchell-Hollingsworth

Debbie Thompson, Infection Preventionist for Helen Keller Hospital, has been named one of the “Who’s Who in

Infection Prevention” for 2012 by Infection ControlToday. Thompson was nominated for her assistance to other infection preventionists in other healthcare facilities in the area.

With Thompson’s help, Helen Keller Hospital’s ICU has reached a milestone of over two years without a Central Line Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI). Thompson said, “Having a low rate of infection is important for any area of the hospital, but it is especially important in ICU, where patients already have a lower immune system.”

Helen Keller Hospital CEO Doug Arnold said, “We are very proud of Debbie. Having an experienced infection preventionist on our staff helps us to give the best care possible.”

13

Counseling: The word “counselor” technically means “advisor,” and is

used when two people are working together to solve a problem with one

person giving the other advice. Counseling may refer to the relationship

between a psychotherapist and her client as well as a financial or spiri-

tual advisor, or even a close friend. Typically people will seek counseling

for a short-term or brief period and take a focused and direct approach

to dealing with specific problems or behaviors, such as relationship

issues, stress, career advice, life-style changes, or bullying to name a

few. Counseling targets particular issues or situations and offers advice

and guidance to work through them. In essence, the goal of counseling

is to work towards solving problems or issues that one faces in life.

Therapy: Therapy is an abbreviated version of the word psychotherapy,

and typically refers to longer-term and more in-depth treatment with

a focus on gaining insight into the chronic psychological emotional

problems of an individual. Therapy explores a patient’s thought

processes and causes of certain mind-frames or behaviors.

Psychotherapy requires higher level training and skills than simple

counseling. While any advice-giving professional can call themselves a

counselor, psychotherapy is generally practiced by trained professionals

such as psychiatrists, social workers, psychologists, or counselors

trained specifically in the practices of psychotherapy.

While there are important differences between counseling and therapy,

whichever trained professional you choose, be certain to interview them

and understand their method of practice, areas of expertise, and fee

structure. In the event that you may need a different form of therapy or

counseling, an ethical counselor or therapist will always be willing to

refer you to someone more appropriate to your needs.

What to expect when you sit down with a licensed professional

therapist or counselor using therapy.

Evidenced based therapeutic orientations are considered best practice

in the field of mental and behavioral health therapies. Dialectical

Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a great example of an often used,

evidence-based form of therapy. Here is an example of how this form

of psychotherapy is designed and practiced.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based form of

psychotherapy with specific interventions shown to be effective in the

treatment of people with a variety of mental health issues including but

not limited to depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder.

DBT is designed to strengthen a person’s ability to recognize emotional

overload, distress, and negative or overwhelming emotions. People

who experience these powerful waves of negative emotions when they

are stressed, depressed, anxious, scared, or angry often resort to

behaviors that may be harmful to themselves.

They may cut themselves, drink too much, over eat, starve themselves,

use drugs, or manipulate others (which may destroy relationships).

DBT merges techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy as well

as emotional regulation, distress tolerance, acceptance and mindful

awareness. There are four basic skills

ThaT define dialecTical behavior Therapy:

1. disTress Tolerance is a method used to help one better cope with

stressful or painful life events and teaches techniques of resiliency and

strategies to handle overwhelming emotions.

2. Mindfulness is a way to be present in the here and now without thinking

about the past or the future. it is often called being in the moment.

3. eMoTional regulaTion offers tools to better identify what you are feeling

from a more objective point of view in order to prevent overreaction or reactive

or destructive behaviors.

4. inTerpersonal effecTiveness gives you strategies and ways to express

yourself, find your voice, set limits, and problem solve all while treating oneself

and others with respect.

What sets DBT apart from many other forms of psychotherapy is that

the client and the therapist work as a team with the therapist an ally.

Accordingly, the therapist aims to accept and validate the client at any

given time, while, nonetheless, informing the client that some feelings

and behaviors are maladaptive and unproductive. The goal of therapy

and counseling is to offer tools, strategies, and techniques to improve

the quality of your life, and help maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle.

The words counseling and therapy are often used synonymously. Both imply talking to a mental health

professional to help solve problems in one’s life. However, there is actually quite a big difference between these terms.

In actual practice, there is often a great deal of overlap between counseling and therapy. For example, a therapist

may provide counseling for patients dealing with certain situations and a counselor may deal with a patient in a

psychotherapeutic manner at times; however, it is important to understand the distinction between the two.

That is the Question

Counselor TherapistOR

14 Healthy Horizons

15

FRIENDSHIP IS A GIFT FROM GOD. In fact, love for yourfellow man is arguably the best quality any person can possess. I truly believe the relationships we form in this life are intendedto teach us the true meaning of eternal love. The Father wants usto long to be with Him and enjoy everlasting life, but He knowswe are human and there is only so much faith in the unseen. We can’t see Him, but we can see our loved ones in the flesh.When someone we love dies, we always say that we long to bewith them in Heaven. I firmly believe we will be reunited in gloryand we will know each other. The love we share on this earth willbe magnified in paradise. Relationships are practice for eternity.Whether it’s a romantic relationship, or simply a friendly relation-ship, the journey we take with another person can change ourlives. I am thankful for those who have shaped my life. I dedicatethis entry to all of my friends.

Today I had the opportunity to work with ten beautiful friendswho either suffer from depression or have a loved one who does.It’s a new program at our church called “Emotional Well-being.”Before anyone arrived at the building this morning, I sat in thedim light and said a prayer on behalf of the congregation and thework we are doing at the Ohatchee Church of Christ. I prayedthat the Lord would bless each one of us and empower us to beopen with one another. He delivered! We spent about two hourstalking about personal struggles with the loss of loved ones, physical illnesses, childhood problems, divorce, and several othercauses of depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental illnesses.The goal was to create an environment where no judgment existsand each person can share their pain and seek encouragement andhealing. I was moved by the comments from my brothers and sisters. We were in complete agreement that no more would webe ashamed of our plight.

There are three commitments I believe we have to make in order to conquer emotional issues. The first is pray about it.Take everything to God in prayer. I used to make excuses andsay that I just hurt too much to pray. I also felt that I was notworthy of God’s help because my faith seemed to be slipping.What I had to realize is that God wants me to turn to him in my hour of need. As a Christian, I finally conformed. There isnothing in life I can accomplish or even want to accomplish that I don’t take to Him first. I am one of those guys who tries totrack everything I do, so I write it down. I have a daily prayerjournal and I write down my feelings, desires, needs, etc. God is the first person I go to before my best friend, family, etc.

The second commitment is talk about it. I will never makethe mistake again of bottling it up inside. It almost cost memy life several years ago. Hiding from your problems will onlymake them worse. True friends are there to listen even if theycan’t do anything to help you. Once I have told my thoughts toGod, I can tell them to anyone. I am no longer ashamed to say I can’t always control my emotions. I refuse to allow society todictate how I live my life. I encourage anyone who suffers fromdepression or related illnesses to confide in your friends and family. It assigns accountability to yourself for your own actions.It can keep you alive. In addition to talking, you will find yourselfactually listening. In the emotional well-being workshop we eachwere able to gain tips on handling certain situations and realizethat we were not alone.

The final commitment is be about it, which means do something. Don’t be idle. Be about it. Get out and make something happen. Go to the doctor. Get some exercise. Readabout it online and find out what you need to do. Most peoplefind medication to be helpful. The most important thing to remember about taking medication for depression or related illnesses is that we are all different. What works for someone else’s chemical imbalance may not work the same for yours. Also, there is a need for trial and error. Our bodies are alwayschanging and if one medication does not work, another one will. You have to take control just as if it was a physical illness.You have to manage it exactly the same. Please do not be sedentary when dealing with mental illness. Mental illness is no respecter of persons. It happens to men, women, and children of all races and nationalities.

Philippians 2:2 says

God instructs us to reach out to one another in an effortto prepare us for eternal love and eternal life. We need tomake every effort to be great friends with one another. Smallthoughtful acts of kindness are more important than grandgestures. Friendship is built on equality and caring for oneanother. I encourage everyone to cultivate circles of friends to walk with you along this journey of life. It’s been a good day!

. . . . . . . . by Rob Goodwin

Emotional Well-Being

“Agree with each other. Love each other. Be deep spiritual friends.”

16 Healthy Horizons

Alabama is #1! The University of Alabama student-athletesare 2012 National Champions in football, women’s golf,softball and gymnastics; and due to their physical activitiesthey endure to be at the top, they are most deserving.

However, in June of this year, the state of Alabama was alsoranked #1-as the Most Obese Teenage State in the country!Alabama is 4th overall as the Most Obese State in the country for this year. Even though the benefits of physicalexercise continue to be documented, physical education inpublic schools is viewed as an extracurricular activity andphysical education teachers have experienced first handwhen money is tight and/or when there is pressure to improve test scores, physical education is one of the first activities to be cut back or eliminated.

So what do we as grandparents, parents, teachers, coachesand friends do NOW to help each other become more physically active and healthier despite the financial crunch?It’s time for us to set an example and - COMMIT TO BE FIT!Here are some fun, easy, and family-oriented style activitiesyou may want to consider

f I T N E S S f A C T o R

• Go To A PARK near you and teach your grandchild to

skip a rock. Yes, this is physical activity because you have

to walk to and from your car; bend over and pick up rocks

and then use you upper body to skip. Do this for about an

hour and you will know that evening you really did do

exercise—and made memories.

• KIDS NEED To Do WHAT WE DID AS KIDS: climb

trees; jump on trampolines; swim; play whiffle ball;

mow the yard, rake leaves and pick up sticks; swing;

ride bikes. Please don’t stay inside and play video

games and watch Gumball! Go play on a playground.

• WALK foR 30 MINuTES 5 TIMES A WEEK; around your

neighborhood; in the mall; around your high school track;

at work during lunch.

• GARDENING is a great way to stay physically active.

Plant a vegetable garden and reap the benefits of healthy

eating, physical activity and family fun watching the

veggies grow.

• JoIN A fITNESS CLuB in your area. Many churches

now have facilities where you can workout, walk, or shoot

basketball at no charge.

• TAKE A SuNDAY DRIVE to an Alabama State Park!

Mt. Cheaha, Tannehill State Park, oak Mountain State

Park, Gulf Shores State Park and Guntersville State Park,

are just a few of the awesome parks we have in this state.

Take full advantage of them.

• BuCKET LIST. one of my personal Bucket List items is

to bike the Chief Ladiga Trail in East Alabama and into West

Georgia. Make a Bucket List for you and your family and

begin checking them off one by one.

7 fun activities

mike vest

“Listed are just a few memory joggers;

and I am sure you can think of many other

fun ways to begin your journey to COMMIT

TO BE FIT!”

7 fun activities

17

18 Healthy Horizons

20 Healthy Horizons

The old idioms, “Ignorance is bliss” and “Whatyou don’t know won’t hurt you” assumes that no

harm will come from the unknown. Potentially harmfulthings that remain unknown can produce hurt and determine the intensity of the hurt. Two years ago myson's house totally burned to the ground while he andhis family were at home. For a while they didn’t knowabout the building smoke and fire in the basement, andthey continued on “life as usual.” So for a short timetheir “ignorance” of the fire provided a sense of “bliss.”When they smelled smoke, saw the flames, and becameknowledgeable of the fire, they were able to escape withtheir lives, but suffered the total loss of their house andall of their possessions. Ignorance is not always bliss, andwhat we don’t know not only can hurt us, it can kill us!

Every hour in our country a patient dies of Oral Cancer!Oral Cancer is increasing at the rate of 11% per yearwhile most cancers are on the decline. The death ratefrom oral cancer is now higher than that of such cancersas cervical, thyroid, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, testicular, laryngeal, or malignant melanoma. Did you know over5000 men and over 2000 women die each year of OralCancer primarily due to late diagnosis? Over 40% of patients diagnosed with oral cancer have a non-contributory history, meaning they don’t smoke or use smokeless tobacco, and they do not drink alcohol inexcess. There is a 500% increase of oral cancer amongyoung people due to the sexual transmission of theHuman Papilloma Virus. Because HPV 16 and HPV 18is transmissible and directly related to Oral Cancer, it isoften referred to as the “Contagious Cancer.”

Unfortunately 62% of the cases of oral cancer diagnosedare late Stage III or Stage IV with a poor prognosis.With early detection, there can be an 80 to 90% survivalrate of those with oral cancer. However, the disease isnot always apparent in the early stages. There has beenlittle improvement in the survival rate over the past 40years. Less than 20% of dentists use anything other than a“look and feel” examination to determine the presenceof oral cancer. Now, we can do better!

Thanks to such technology asthe “Identafi” Oral Cancer Screening Device(www.identafi.net) with its“multispectral” imaging technology (triple-wavelengthspectroscopy), better patientcare and early detection arepossible! Identafi delivers ahigher degree of clinical accuracy and confidence to dentists as it pinpoints biochemical and morphological changes in cells of themouth, throat, tongue, and tonsils.

The Identafi uses white, green-amber, and violet wavelengths of light to differentiate between normaland abnormal tissue.

First, all areas of the mouth are observed with the concentrated white light to provide a conventional look at the tissue.

Second, all areas are again observed with the violetwavelength while wearing special filtered doctor glassesto enhance visual effects and transmission of reflectedlight. The doctor’s filtered glasses block the violet excitation light and allows the observation of the

What You Don’t See Will Hurt You...

The

CancerContagious

Hard palate as seenunder the intensivewhite light

tissue’s natural florescence. Violet light enhances thenormal tissue’s natural florescence; however, suspect tissue appears dark because of it’s loss of florescence.

Hard palate with the violet light, note the Dark Areas

Third, when suspect tissue areas are detected with the violet wavelength, the green-amber wavelength isused because it enhances normal tissue’s reflectanceproperties. The dentist can thus observe the differencebetween normal and abnormal tissue blood vessel patterns. Normal tissue has a more defined blood vesselappearance while abnormal tissue has a more diffusedblood vessel appearance.

Hard palate with the green-amber light, note the areademonstrates a more defined blood vessel appearance

In this case the blood vessel appearance did not look abnormal; however, because of a history of smoking abiopsy was done anyway. Fortunately the results of thebiopsy showed the lesion was benign.

Oral Cancer Screenings are quick, painless, and very accurate. It takes less than five minutes to complete the exam, and we suggest everyone over the age of 17 be screened. The cost of the oral cancerscreening is only $30.

The American Dental Association estimates that 60% of the US population visits a dentist every year;however, less than 15% of those who visit the dentistregularly report having an oral cancer screening.

In the first 6 months of implementing the Identafi into my practice, we diagnosed 2 cases of squamous cell cancer, 2 cases of pre-cancerous lesions, and a benign, but very serious, jugular glomerulus.

What we don’t see can hurt us. Ignorance is not always bliss. What we don’t know can not only hurt us,it can kill us!

You can learn more about

Oral Cancer by visiting our

website at www.76smile.com

or our Facebook page at

www.facebook.com/

SignatureSmileFlorence.

Dr. L. Don Wilson Dr. Kristen R. Bentley

23

24 Healthy Horizons

H E A LT H C A R E C L o S E T o H o M E

Dr. Dearl BirdSong• Board-certified General Surgeon on staff at Helen Keller

Hospital.He earned his medical degree at the University

of Alabama and completed a general surgery residency

at Providence Medical Center, Southfield, Michigan.

• His office is located at 1106 N. Cave Street, Tuscumbia,

across the street from Helen Keller Hospital.

• Call 256-314-5568 for an appointment or referral.

Dr. William Meyer Roddy• Board Certified American Board of Psychiatry

and Neurology

• East Carolina University Combined Residency-

Internal Medicine/Psychiatry- Chief Resident

• Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine

• 256-768-1237

Dr. Steven Snyder • Obstetrician/Gynecologist on staff at Helen Keller Hospital

and is accepting new patients.

• Earned his medical degree from the University of South

Alabama in Mobile and completed his internship and

residency in the OB/GYN program at Children’s and

Women’s Hospital at the University of South Alabama.

• His office is in Suite 104 of the 1120 building on the Helen

Keller Hospital campus in Sheffield.Call 256-386-0855

for an appointment.

Dr. Alan Billsby• Board-certified General Surgeon on staff at Helen Keller

Hospital with experience in trauma surgery and wound care/

hyperbarics and is accepting new patients.

• Earned his medical degree from Des Moines University of

Health Sciences and completed his general surgery residency

at Metropolitan Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

• Dr. Billsby sees patients by appointment at 1106 N. Cave St.,

Tuscumbia, Monday – Wednesday and Friday mornings

and in Moulton at Lawrence Medical Center on Thursdays.

Shoals Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, P.C.

• Drs. R. Lee Nichols, Paul Davis and Rebecca

Moul share a common belief - treating patients

with kindness and respect is the cornerstone

of excellent healthcare. Providing top quality

orthopedic care in a personable and family-like

atmosphere, they truly care about the well-being

of their patients.

• 256-718-4041

Dr. P. Keith Thompson - Florence Ophthalmology• Board Certified in Ophthalmology

• General surgery internship at the University of Arkansas and

a residency in Ophthalmology at the University of Texas Med-

ical Branch in Galveston. While in Galveston, he was instru-

mental in the development of a cataract surgery training lab.

• He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology

and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive

Surgeons.

• 256-760-1771

25

he Beltone Company has beenaround for a good while, since 1940,

to be exact, and has always been on the cutting edge of hearing instrument science.In Alabama and Mississippi, the Hames and Hendon families have opened andmaintained more than twenty Beltone hearing centers.

Hal Hames is an audio prosthologist,(someone who is a trained expert in match-ing the right device to the ear and life of acustomer,) his daughter Michelle is a Dr. of Audiology, and his wife, Linda, daughterLesley Hendon, and son-in-law Jake Hendon all work together to make the Beltone Audiology facilities the premierhearing instrument science centers in theSoutheast. Together they have decades ofexperience in the hearing industry. Anotherreason to choose Beltone is both theirlongevity in the market and the quality oftheir products. Beltone started in Chicagoover 70 years ago with a friend successfullyhelping a friend, and remained familyowned at the corporate level until 15 yearsago. “They are not the oldest, but are one of the longest standing,” said Lesley.Beltone has continued to lead the way,

both with technological advances and witheducating their clients.

It used to be that “hearing aids” were noticeable, bulky, had feed back, (how wellI remember my dad turning his up anddown constantly,) couldn’t handle anymoisture, and the range of hearing wasoften both distorted and limited. Severaltypes of hearing situations used to be mostchallenging, such as restaurants, being out-doors, talking on the phone, or watchingTV without annoying those watching withyou because the volume was turned up toohigh. Now there is what is known as theTRUE technology, a genuine breakthrough.

The Beltone True series features multipledirectional microphones, the ability for themicrophones to change modes, a feedbackeraser, wind noise reduction system, and a number of wireless accessories. The personal wireless network system makes itpossible to link to the TV, the TV remotecontrol, your cell phone, and other audiosources. Now the rest of your family can listen to a program with the volume at acomfortable level for them, and the wirelessdevice will adjust yours accordingly.

In addition, Beltone TRUE has the bestanti-whistling system in the business. It features a number of models, some ofwhich are barely visible. For clients whohave need of a hearing aid that fits behindthe ear, there is the TURN system. It hasthe ability to suppress certain unpleasant oroverly loud sounds. Additionally, it helpswith hearing conversations rather thanbackground noises like refrigerators or fans.It also features a “telecoil,” for use withtelephone conversations. Regarding education as it applies to defining hearingloss, I learned some things to look out for.

You may be experiencing hearing loss if:• People seem to mumble more frequently

• You experience ringing in your ears

• You often ask people to repeat themselves

• Your family complains that you play the radio

or TV too loudly

• You no longer hear normal household sounds like

a dripping faucet or a doorbell

• You have difficulty understanding conversations

in crowds in groups, crowds, or one-on-one

• Phone conversations become increasingly difficult,

as is hearing when someone’s back is turned

toward you

• You speak too loudly

www.beltoneaudiology.com

HELPING SHOALS HEAR BETTER

T

27

28 Healthy Horizons

30 Healthy Horizons

As I write this article, I am thinking of Ashley. She’s only eighteen months old, butalready a whole new world of learning, growing and adventure has opened up toher. She’s so excited about life. It seems like yesterday when I announced to theworld, “Her name is Ashley.” Now I look at this little girl and wonder, “Is sheafraid of anything?” I am. I’m afraid that the world I grew up in will be nothinglike the world she has to navigate through. In my childhood, my greatest fears werefalling off the monkey bars, getting a flat tire on my bike, and spilling paint on mynew clothes. But in a world where violence against the innocent doesn’t surprise us anymore, children are molested and exploited by the adults in their lives, dysfunc-tional families are the norm rather than the exception, and God is being pushed outof the development of morals and values. I wish my fears could be only aboutfalling off the playground equipment or spilling paint on a new outfit.

We simply don’t have a vocabulary adequate enough to describe the enormity of theevil, the darkness that has descended upon so many of our families. Then add to thefact that our children are not yet equipped to deal with all the problems in thisworld, and we find ourselves confronted with perhaps the greatest challenge facingour communities and families: providing tough love for our children in tough times.

I’m reminded of a question Jesus asked in Matthew 7:9-10, “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?” When Jesus asked this question, He granted that most parents aremotivated to give good gifts to their children. However, He knew that parents, nomatter how well meaning, frequently do give stones instead of bread and serpentsinstead of fish. This is done when children ask for time and affection and are givenmaterial things instead. It is done when they ask for guidance and discipline and aregiven complete freedom and control over their behavior. It is done when the homebecomes a resting place and filling station instead of a spiritual center where prayerand Bible study are the rule. It is done when no effort is spared to give them thefinest education while little effort is made to anchor them in God’s Word. Yes,some parents give stones and serpents to children when they ask for bread and fish.

What do our children need to grow and reach the potential God has bestowed upon them? Consider these suggestions:1. Children need strong, disciplined, spiritually mature parents to serve as models and to surround them with nurturing love.

2. Children need parents who have the strength to exercise consistent and reasonable discipline, even when it may cost a lot to do so.

3. Children need to be reinforced with praise, trust, attention and affection in order to develop a sense of personal worth.

4. Children need adults in their lives who can share with them wisdom from lessons they have learned.5. More than these, children need to be actively involved in a church family that worships the Lord and serves the suffering and hurting.

6. Above all, children need to be brought up in the knowledge of those biblical truths that will lead them to follow Jesus and firmly plant their lives in Him.

By doing this, parents will give their children bread and fish, and more importantlythe tough love they need to grow strong and healthy. I wonder if the world realizesthat Ashley is different from the other children. I wonder if the world is aware thatAshley is special because she is MY LITTLE GIRL, a child that God lent me to raisein such a way that she will return to Him someday in heaven. Oh how I love her.Please world, go easy on her. She’s just a little girl who will probably never be fullyequipped to deal with all of your problems. Protect her, Lord. She loves You.

Loaves & Fishesby Dan Hammitt

31

“Daddy, why don’t I have two mommiesand two daddies?” This was the big concernfacing my seven-year-old daughter when shecame home from school one day during her second grade school year. From the distressed look on her face, I could tell thatthis was no trivial question on her mind.This was of paramount importance—thisquestion must be answered—why was shethe one who had drawn the short straw andbeen cheated out of an extra set of parents.

Today, my daughter is in her early twentiesand teaches seventh grade math. She stillonly has one set of parents, since her momand I have remained married for the past 26 years. Now, while not having any stepfamily experience of my own, I can senseyour hesitation to believe that I would haveanything of value to say about the subject.And perhaps you are correct. But I ask youto continue reading for just a few more minutes while I share with you what I believe will help any family—“step” or not.

First of all, we must realize that the institutionof the family in today’s culture is undersiege. Navigating through the minefields offamily life is extremely difficult. Divorce,mistaken roles, absentee parents, authoritybreakdown, materialism, inadequate timetogether, financial pressures, and a host of other problems are badgering families relentlessly. These problems intensify duringthe process of step family evolution. Unfortunately, many families, especiallystepfamilies, fall prey to these assaults. Couples attempting to blend families getblindsided by the pressures and unforeseendynamics of stepfamily living. For example,some couples will naively assume that theirprevious marriage taught them everythingthey need to know to have a happy next

marriage. Or perhaps, parents who havechildren of their own erroneously assumethey automatically know how to be a stepparent. In most cases, neither of thesesituations is correct.

However, the good news is that most couples can successfully merge their familiestogether by applying some Biblical principlesand committing themselves to trusting afaithful God. The Bible is a great resourcefor establishing a healthy family. It providesprinciple guidelines for good family relations in the New Testament Book ofEphesians (Ephesians 5:21-6:4). Couplesthat wish to foster a healthy family environment should determine to build a firm foundation upon these principles.

In addition to the Ephesians principles, I believe that there is another primary principle that is missing from many familiestoday. The principle I’m talking about is thatof honor. God commands us to honor eachother. In Romans 12:10 (NLT), the Biblesays to “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” Honor means to hold in highesteem, to respect, and to show courteousregard for. Honoring each other requiressubmission—to submit means to yieldone’s own rights for the sake of another. The goal here is to seek to do what is bestfor others and help them fulfill their God-given purpose. Establishing true honor inour homes could create an environment forstepfamilies to make SMART choices thatwould increase their chances for survival.

These smart choices would start

with the following.

S – Simmer your family relationships. Blenders “force” ingredients to become one withoutregard to feelings, comfort or individuality of theother ingredients. Don’t force family members to accept each other. Instead, try slow cooking in acrock-pot. Simmering in a slow cooker allows family members time to establish their own relationship in a more comfortable way and at a more comfortable pace.

M – Maximize your fun time. Purposely plan into your schedule time to spend witheach other as a couple first of all, and as a family second. Make sure that you include activities thateach member of the family likes to do and encourageeveryone to participate without force. No one wants tobe “made” to have fun. That would be no fun at all!

A – Accept each other unconditionally. With unconditional acceptance you can establish asafe and secure environment where family memberscan make mistakes without fear of rejection. This freedom will help everyone adjust more quicklyto the new living arrangements.

R – Re-adjust your expectations. Don’t expect too much too fast, especially from thechildren. And don’t expect all family members toprogress at the same pace. Instead, remember thecrock-pot mentality. Children will adapt to thechanges differently based on their personalities, ages,and loyalty to their biological mom or dad. Be patientand accept the progress they make individually.

T – Treat each other with honor. Honor is God’s plan for achieving quality and healthin family life. When we establish honor in our homes,it will open up our family to the blessings and rewardsof God. And regardless of whether your family is astepfamily or not, we could all benefit from God’sblessings on our family.

Step ‘N Smart

By Carl Greene

“Love each other with

genuine affection, and take

delight in honoring each other.”

33

34 Healthy Horizons

“Surprise!” yells a 10-year-old girl as she walks through the door.

She’s greeted with smiles and laughs from the Stepping Stone Pedi-

atric Therapy occupational and speech therapists. Stepping Stone is

an outpatient occupational and speech therapy clinic for children with

special needs. It is located in Florence, Alabama and serves the

Northwest Alabama area and parts of Tennessee and Mississippi.

“The staff at Stepping Stone is incredible,” said Kristen, mom of a

one-year-old boy who attends occupational therapy, “From the front

desk to therapists and therapists’ assistants, it is obvious that the

employees love their work.”

Miranda Ainsworth, clinic co-owner and occupational therapist,

described Stepping Stone as a clinic whose “goal is to provide quality

care from knowledgeable and supportive therapists to challenge

children […] in a fun and enthusiastic environment.” Some of the

skills addressed by occupational therapy include sensory, oral motor,

feeding, fine motor and handwriting skills. The occupational therapists

use diverse techniques, including programs such as Interactive

Metronome, Handwriting without Tears, and Therapeutic Listening,

in addressing the needs of children.

Kristin said, “In the six months we have been at Stepping Stone, my

son has gone from fisting his right hand in complete refusal to use it,

to now self-feeding, transferring hand-to-hand, and crawling open-

handed. He is less frustrated in general and more independent.”

Jessica, mom of a four-year-old girl who attends occupational and

speech therapy, said her daughter has learned walking, tolerating

things in her mouth, and eating baby food since coming to Stepping

Stone. Leann, mom of a 10-year-old girl who attends occupational

and speech therapy, said her daughter has improved in writing her

name and continues to excel in strengthening skills. “I always explain

where [she] was when we started,” said Leann, “and where we are

now and how much she loves coming. “[She] wakes up in the morn-

ings naming her therapists because she knows that she’s going to

have fun without even realizing she’s learning in the process.”

With a staff that includes four speech therapists, Stepping Stone

makes strides in addressing children’s speech and language needs.

The speech therapists at Stepping Stone address issues related to

articulation, voice quality and intensity, fluency, and receptive and

expressive language skills. In play based therapy settings the

therapists target goals specific to each child. “He has so much fun

there,” said Jennifer, mom of a two-year-old boy who attends occupa-

tional and speech therapy, “I can’t even talk to his therapist because

he’s tugging at her leg ready to start playing. They make learning fun.”

Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a technique

used at Stepping Stone to encourage communication in children

who “don’t have words yet” said Jane Wilson, speech therapy

assistant. She explained that with PECS a child learns to exchange

a picture for a desired object. “It’s not designed to replace words,”

said Wilson, “but to encourage the use of words. You could kind of

say a picture is worth a thousand words.” She explained that PECS

begins with children exchanging pictures for desired items until they

use pictures to make choices between items, create phrases, or

create complete sentences.

Another technique used in speech therapy is PROMPT (Prompts

for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets). The PROMPT

method links “necessary motor movements” to words and phrases in

speech production according to apraxia-kids.org. “When my child

started Stepping Stone he only had five words in his vocabulary. Now

he has over 70,” said Jennifer.

Stepping Stone, co-owned by Miranda and her husband, David,

began in June 2008. Miranda, a registered occupational therapist,

offered occupational therapy with the help of one occupational

therapy assistant. Today Stepping Stone is a 10 therapist clinic

offering occupational therapy and speech therapy. “Our family moved

from Louisiana [to the Shoals] and saw the need for an outpatient

pediatric clinic in the area,” said Miranda.

Miranda explained that her and David’s inspiration for starting the

clinic was also very personal. “We, also, are walking in the shoes of

our clients and families as we have a child with delays and wanted a

place for her to receive therapy that is geared toward children. So

seeing the need, having experience, and with much prayer, Stepping

Stone was conceived,” she said.

Kristin said, “I say with confidence that Stepping Stone is head

and shoulders above every other place we have encountered.”

For more information about Stepping Stone

visit www.steppingstonept. com or call 256-767-1576.

Written by

Sarah Rowland

35

easy

Word Search

Sudoku Puzzle

CARDIOVASCULAR

ANGIOGRAPHY

CARDIAC

CLINIC

DEFIBRILATORS

PACEMAKERS

STRESS

VASCULAR

ANGIOPLASTY

CARDIOLOGY

COMPREHENSIVE

DIAGNOSTICS

PERIPHERAL

TILTTABLE

ARRHYTHMIA

CATHETERIZATION

CONSULTATION

INVASIVE

STENTING

ULTRASOUND

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column,

and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9.

There is only one solution to the puzzle.

hard

36 Healthy Horizons

ONE OF THE GREATEST ANNUAL MOTORCYCLE RIDES IN THE SOUTHEASTThis original Trail of Tears ride, still lead by its founder for the past 20 years, leaves Thunder Creek Harley Davidson in Chattanooga, Tennessee and ends at McFarland Park in Florence, Alabama on Saturday, September 21, 2013. The ride continues the next morning, leaving Natchez Trace Harley Davidson and heads to Oklahoma for the delivery and presentation of the Trail of Tears Scholarship. Scholarships are made available each year from the proceeds of the Trailof Tears Remembrance and Motorcycle Ride.

THE EVENTSPlans are still on the drawing board, but with the construction of the new concrete stage and the remodeling of the entire dealership, Natchez Trace Harley Davidson and the Natchez Trace H.O.G. Chapter are excited to be hosting this function as well as numerous events throughout the year.

They will be providing entertainment and refreshments along with awesome vendors ranging from hand pen striping to patchsewing. Starting in the spring months of 2013, the Natchez TraceH.O.G. Chapter and Natchez Trace Harley-Davidson will be hostingbike rallies, live music and a ride-in bike show along with numerousH.O.G. Chapter rides and fundraiser rides.

Natchez Trace H.O.G. is a brand new chapter with a very supportiveand excited dealership behind them. Their goal is to, “Ride and havefun with their chapter family. We encourage participation and involve-ment by any Harley-Davidson enthusiast looking for a H.O.G. family.”

Ride andTRAIL OF TEARS RIDE: Starting in the spring months

of 2013, the Natchez Trace H.O.G. Chapter and

Natchez Trace Harley-Davidson will be hosting bike

rallies, live music, and a ride-in bike show along with

numerous H.O.G. Chapter rides and fundraiser rides.

YOUR COMMUNITY

37

Brad Hall, Director, Natchez Trace H.O.G. Chapter 3224

Natchez Trace H.O.G. Chapter 3224

Natchez Trace Harley Davidson

The Creek Harley Davidson

Natchez Trace Harley Davidson, Tuscumbia, AL

is a sister store to Thunder Creek Harley David-

son in Chattanooga, TN, Mountain Creek Harley

Davidson in Dalton, GA and Tifton Harley David-

son in Tifton,GA.

This family of Harley Davidson stores make up

The Creek Harley Davidson, with its corporate

office located in Atlanta, GA.

The Natchez Trace H.O.G. Chapter is on

the ground floor of planning, recruiting and

mobilizing its newly formed chapter into North-

west Alabama’s largest and most active H.O.G.

Chapter …. Ever! With the support of Natchez

Trace Harley Davidson and the entire Creek

Harley Davidson family, the sky is the limit!

2013 Natchez Trace H.O.G. Chapter Officers:

Brad Hall, Director

Dale Garrett, Assistant Director

Butch Whitehead, Secretary

Mark Goins, Treasurer

Natchez Trace H.O.G. ChapterChapter meetings are the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings will be held at the dealership in Tuscumbia, Alabama or at a designated restaurant. All information can be found on the website at www.natcheztraceharley.com.

Have Fun

38 Healthy Horizons

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Name ___________________________________________

Address _________________________________________

City _____________________________________________

State _________________ Zip __________________

Phone __________________________________________

email ___________________________________________

(Fire And rescue) 911

AmBulAnce & Air servicesAir Evac Life Team(256) 386-8741

American Air Ambulance(800) 558-5387

Keller emergency medical serviceAmbulance service & patient transport(256) 386-4601

Northstar Paramedic Service(256) 766-9901 (888) 828-0911

Pleasant Bay Ambulance(256) 356-4818 (256) 331-4819

elder ABuseElder Abuse Hotline(800) 458-7214

Help linesAlcohol and Substance Abuse(800) SoBER90 (1-800-762-3790)

Natchez Trace ParkwayPark Ranger office EMERGENCY(800) 300-7275

National Hopeline Network1-800-SuICIDE (800) 784-2433

National Response CenterToxic Chemical and oil Spills(800) 424-8802 (Voice/TTY)

Norfolk Southern Railroad Emergencies(800) 453-2530

Poison Control Center(800) 222-1222

Police(256) 760-6555 (florence)(256) 757-5555 (Killen)(256) 229-5564 (Lexington)(256) 383-6746 (Muscle Shoals)(256) 356-3109 (Red Bay)(256) 247-8863 (Rogersville)(256) 332-2230 (Russellville)

Prescription Drug Assistance(800) 762-4636

Senior Rx(256) 389-0532

Sheriff(256) 383-0714 (Colbert County)If No Answer: (256) 386-8550(256) 332-8820 (franklin County)(256) 760-5757 (Lauderdale County)

HospitAlsBehavioral Medicine Center of The Shoals(256) 764-2932

Decatur General Hospital(256) 341-2000

ECM East(256) 768-9888-General Information(256) 768-9003-Medical Clinic at ECM East(256) 768-8171-Radiology(256) 768-8051-Sleep Center(256) 768-8600-Wound Healing Center

Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital(256) 768-9191 -General Information(256) 768-8056 – Life Wise for Seniors(256) 768-9192 -Patient Information(256) 768-8380- Radiology(256) 768-BABY- Women’s Pavilion

florence Surgery Center LP(256) 760-0672

Helen Keller Hospital(256) 386-4196-general information(256) 386-4107- Keller senior care(256) 386-4095- patient information

Red Bay Hospital(256) 356-9532

Russellville Hospital(256) 332-1611- General Information(256) 332-8646- Laboratory(256) 332-8643- Radiology(256) 331-9989- Senior friends

Shoals Hospital(256) 386-1600-General Information(256) 386-1616- Patient Information

importAnt numBersAlabama State Troopers(256) 383-9212(256) 383-2923 (Drivers License Information)

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, firearms & Explosives(800) 800-3855

Crime, Trauma, Death Scene &Bio-Terrorism Clean-up1-888-979-2272

CSX Transportation Police DepartmentRailroad Emergencies1-800-232-0144

Emergency Management Agency386-8558 (Colbert County)332-8890 (franklin County)760-6363 (Lauderdale County)

family Violence Shelter767-6210 or 1-800-550-9215

federal Bureau of Investigation (fBI)764-3613

utilitiesAlabama Power Company1-800-245-2244

Alabama Gas Company Alagasco256-247-3334 1-800-828-8076

Alabama one-Call1-800-292-8525

Tri-Cities Gas(256) 764-3650

Affordable Phone Services1-877-396-0999

BellSouth1-888-757-6500 (Residence)1-866-620-6000 (Business)1-877-737-2478 (Repair)

Budget Phone, Inc.1-888-424-5588

Global Connection1-877-511-3009

ITC Deltacom1-800-239-3000

Network Telephone1-888-432-48551-888-432-0236 (Repair)

Information at your fingertips. Helpful numbers of area services.

39

wellness resource guide

AccommodAtionsresidence inn by marriott(256) 764-9966

Adult dAy cAreAdult Sitters Agency

(256) 765-1272

Assisted livingBrentwood Retirement Community

(256) 381-7443

Wellington Place—Muscle Shoals

(256) 386-7177

Columbia Cottage florence

(256) 760-0442

Country Cottage Assisted Living

(256) 332-4707

Heritage Manor Assisted Living

(256) 767-7676

If busy call (256) 760-4252

Merrill Gardens at florence

(256) 740-6999

Regency Villa II

(256) 767-2510

cAncer cAre centers

Decatur General oncology Center

(256) 355-0370

dAy spAsspa at the marriott shoals(256) 246-3696

dentAl centerssignature smile(256) 76-smile(256) 767-6453

eAr, nose & tHroAtTennessee Valley Ear, Nose

& Throat Clinic

(256) 381-6673

elder lAwElder Law Practice

(256) 389-8820

pitts and zanaty(256) 767-3003

Fitness centersymcA of the shoals(256) 246-9622

HeAring Aid centers

Townsend Hearing Aid Center

(256) 381-9444

HeArt HeAltH centersDecatur Heart & Vascular

(256) 340-5185

tennessee valley cardiovascular center pc(256) 766-2118

Home HeAltH cAreAlacare Home Health and Hospice(256) 381-9247

Amedisys Home Health

(256) 766-1817

Colbert County Home Health Agency

(256) 383-1234

Elder Care Services

(256) 740-8249

Home Helper of the Shoals

(256) 314-6010

Home instead senior care(256) 764-4316

Hospice of Tennessee Valley

(256) 767-1322

Huntsville obstetrical Home Care

(256) 389-9035

milner rushing Home care(256) 386-5220

HomemAKer serviceHome Helpers of the Shoals

(256) 383-0241

(256) 314-6010

Home instead senior care(256) 764-4316

HospiceAlacare Home Health and Hospice(256) 381-9247

Aseracare Hospice

(877) 350-8688

Gentiva Hospice

(256) 764-0873

40 Healthy Horizons

Hospice of the Shoals

(256) 767-6699

HospitAlschildren’s of Alabama(205) 939-9100

Decatur General Hospital

(256) 341-2000

Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital

(256) 768-9191

ECM East

(256) 768-9888-General Information

Helen Keller Hospital(256) 386-4196-general information

Russellville Hospital

(256) 332-1611- General Information

Red Bay Hospital

(256) 356-9532

Shoals Hospital

(256) 386-1600-General Information

Shoals outpatient Surgery

(256) 760-0672

independent livingPark Place Retirement Community

(256) 386-5504

meAls-on-wHeelsCommunity Action Agency

(256) 766-4330

medicAl equipment And suppliesAlabama Healthcare Equipment

(256) 381-5911

Central Pharmacy

(256) 766-4200

Community Health LLC

(256) 247-7094

HCIG

(256) 760-4390—florence

(256) 247-0888—Rogersville

Hospice of The Shoals

(256) 767-6699

milner rushing discount drugs(256) 386-5220 (muscle shoals)(256) 740-5515 (Florence Hough rd.)(256) 764-4700 (Florence Blvd.)

Schofield Medical

(256) 767-5509—florence

Southern Patient Care

(256) 383-8999

nursing Homes

Burns Nursing Home

(256) 332-4110

Generation Red Bay

(256) 356-4982

El Reposo Nursing facility

(256) 757-2143

florence Nursing & Rehab Center

(256) 766-5771

Glenwood Rehab & Convalescent

Center

(256) 766-8963

green oaks inn(256) 767-2080

Harbert Hills Academy Nursing Home

(731) 925-5495

Lauderdale Christian Nursing Home

(256) 757-2103

mitchell-Hollingsworth nursing &

rehabilitation center(256) 740-5400

NHC Healthcare Moulton, LLC

(256) 974-1146

Regency Villa II

(256) 767-2510

(256) 767-2803

Russellville Health Care Inc.

(256) 332-3773

Terrace Manor Nursing & Rehab Inc.

(256) 332-3826

ortHopedics

shoals orthopedics and sports medicine, pc(256) 718-4041

pediAtricsDr. Das Kanuru MD

256-386-4300

Infants and Children’s Clinic

256-764-9522

Lakeshore Pediatrics

256-386-4151

Pediatric and family Practice

256-332-5901

256-332-2414

Shoals Pediatric Group

256-766-3983

Tennessee Valley Pediatric Associates

256-381-6963

pHArmAciesAvalon Discount Drugs

(256) 314-1001-Muscle Shoals

Barnes Health Care Pharmacy Express

(256) 764-3961

41

42 Healthy Horizons

Chad’s Pay-less Pharmacy

(256) 766-3298

Crossroads Pharmacy

(256) 247-5833

fred’s Pharmacy

(256) 332-1043 (Russellville)

(256) 389-8399 (Tuscumbia)

(256) 389-1359 (Muscle Shoals)

(256) 757-6268 (Killen)

(256) 356-4540 (Red Bay)

(256) 757-3855 (florence)

(256) 331-5031 (Russellville)

(256) 247-6830 (Rogersville)

Killen Corner Drug Store

(256) 757-2166

Kmart Shoals

(256) 381-0631

Leighton Pharmacy

(256) 446-6527

Logan Pharmacy

(256) 974-1770

Massey Drugs

(256) 718-3500

Medical Center Pharmacy

(256) 381-4311 (Sheffield)

Northgate Pharmacy

(256) 766-1224

Northwood Pharmacy

(256) 767-3100

Professional Customized Medications

(256) 757-1956

Redmont Pharmacy

(256) 356-9000

Russellville Pharmacy

(256) 331-1919

Shoal Pharmacy

(256) 389-9800

Steve’s Pharmacy

(256) 446-4001

Target Pharmacy

(256) 766-9839

Tim’s Discount Pharmacy

(256) 766-7170

Trading Post Discount Drugs

(256) 381-2400

Village Discount Drugs

(256) 381-8060

prescription AssistAnce

reHABilitAtion centersGeneration Red Bay

(256) 356-4982

(256) 356-4953

Easter Seal-Northwest Alabama

Rehabilitation Center

(256) 381-1110

Glenwood Rehab and

Convalescent Center

(256) 766-8963

Integrity Therapy Group

(256) 764-1442

J. W. Sommer Rehab unit at Shoals

Hospital

(256) 386-1671

Keller landing Health & rehab(256) 383-1535

Terrace Manor Nursing & Rehab Inc.

(256) 332-3826

united Cerebral Palsy Center

(256) 381-4310

senior centers/ senior servicesBrilliant Senior Center

(256) 465-8104

Cherokee Senior Center

(256) 359-4465

City of Leighton Senior

Citizen Center

(256) 446-5985

Double Springs M-P Senior Center

(256) 489-5479

East Colbert Senior Center

(256) 446-5327

ElderCare Services

(256) 740-8249

florence Senior Center

(256) 760-6668

Greenhill Senior Center

(256) 757-9520

Guin Nutrition Center

(256) 468-2082

Hackleburg Senior Center

(256) 935-3545

Haleyville friendship M-P Senior Center

(256) 486-9042

Hamilton Multi-Purpose Senior Center

(256) 921-2977

Hodges Community Center

(256) 935-5403

Killen Senior Center

(256) 757-1792

Littleville Senior Citizens Services

(256) 332-4711

Lexington Nutrition Center

(256) 229-8810

Magnolia Gardens

(256) 760-6436

Muscle Shoals Senior Center

(256) 386-9280

Phil Campbell Community Center

(256) 993-4221

Red Bay Senior Center

(256) 356-9450

Rogersville Multi-Purpose

Senior Center

(256) 247-5214

Russellville Senior Center/

A.W. Todd Center

(256) 332-8780

Senior Citizens Service

(256) 247-5214

Senior friends Program

(256) 331-9989

Senior Rx

256-389-0532

Sheffield Multi-Purpose Center

(256) 386-5636

St. florian Senior Center

(256) 760-6660

Tuscumbia Multi-Purpose Center

(256) 386-5660

underwood Petersville

Community Center

(256) 764-1388

Waterloo Multi-Purpose Senior Center

(256) 764-1960

Winfield Nutrition Center

(256) 487-3552

sleep disorder centersHelen Keller Hospital sleep center(256) 386-4191

Northwest Sleep Center PC

(256) 332-6363

support groups(ACES) Alzheimer’s Caregiver

Education and Support

(256) 389-0554

Alabama Cares

(256) 389-0554

trAnsportAtionAACLS Advanced Air Ambulance

(800) 633-3590

Angel Medflight Worldwide

Air Ambulance

(866) 604-8307

Quad Cities Taxi and Limousine

(256) 767-0220

urologistsShoals urological Associates, PC

(256) 381-5510

Wilson, Charles E, MD. PC

(256) 718-2188

volunteer services/sociAl services orgAnizAtionsBig Brothers, Big Sisters

of The Shoals

(256) 764-0772

CASA

(256) 765-0041

Children’s Aid Society

(256) 718-2327

Colbert Caring Center

(256) 381-8464

Community Action Agency

of Northwest Alabama

(256) 764-4330 – florence

(256) 332-7534 – Russellville

wHeel cHAir, liFts, & rAmpsfuller Rehabilitation

(251) 443-5104

Northgate Home Health Care Inc.

(256) 767-2273

wound cAre centersECM East Wound Healing Center

(256) 768-9888

References:

The Real Yellow Pages (June 2011-2012)

October 15, 2012; www.411.com October

17, 2012 and Northwest Council of Local

Governments from

http://www.nacolg.com/Department_of_

Aging_Services/index.html

The Real Yellow Pages, (June 2009-2010)

June 25, 2010

The Real Yellow Pages, Shoals Area June 2008

Retrieved April 10, 2008 from Northwest

Council of Local Governments from

http://www.nacolg.com/Department_of_

Aging_Services/index.html

Disclaimer: Healthy Horizons provides

this resource directory free of charge.

Healthy Horizons strives to assure

that the information contained in

this directory is accurate and up to

date. However, the user is advised that

Healthy Horizons does not endorse the

organizations listed in this directory,

nor does exclusion in this directory

signify disapproval. The consumer is

strongly encouraged to seek information

from the organization and assess if this

organization meets your particular needs.

43

44 Healthy Horizons