May Hattiesburg Healthy Cells 2012

MAY 2012 FREEareaPromotingHealthier Living in Your Community • Physical • Emotional • Nutritional

PINE BELT

Health Test Every Woman Should Have pg. 18

Strategies to Improve Men’s Quality of Life pg. 26

Be a LifesaverThis Summer pg. 27

HealthyCellsM A G A Z I N Ewww.heal thycel lsmagazine.com

TM

Bedford Care Center

A Family of Centers For Your Family pg. 12

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May 2012 — Pine Belt — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 3

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Bedford Care CenterA Family of Centers For Your Family page 12

This Month’s Cover Story:Volume 3, Issue 5

6

8

10

16

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

Emotional:How Do I Choose a Home Care Provider?

Nutritional:Celiac Disease

Physical:Take Control of Your Hearing and Your Life

Drug Shortage:Compounding Pharmacies Are Here To Help!

Women’s Health Week:Health Tests Every Woman Should Have

Orthognathic Surgery:Corrective Jaw Surgery

Because You Can:Perspective!

Assisted Living:Mom, Dad, We Need to Talk…

Blood Pressure:White Coat Hypertension

Increase Your Wellness:The Wellness Journey

Senior Care:“Yes, But My Mother Will Never Live There

Mental Health:Treatment Can be Life Changing

Healthy Lifestyle:Generic Viagra and Other Strategies to Improve Mens’ Quality Of Life

Blood Donation:Be a Lifesaver This Summer!

12 Week Competition:New Year, New You

M A Y

Healthy Cells Magazine is intended to heighten awareness of health and fitness information and does not sug-gest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for medical attention. See your healthcare pro-fessional for medical advice and treatment. The opinions, statements, and claims expressed by the columnists, advertisers, and contributors to Healthy Cells Magazine are not necessarily those of the editors or publisher.

Healthy Cells Magazine is available FREE in high traffic locations, including major grocery stores throughout the Pine Belt as well as hospitals, physicians’ offices, pharmacies, and health clubs. Healthy Cells Magazine is published monthly. Healthy Cells Magazine welcomes contributions pertaining to healthier living in the Pine Belt of Mississippi. Limelight Communications, Inc. assumes no responsibility for their publication or return. Solicita-tions for articles shall pertain to physical, emotional, and nutritional health only.

Mission: The objective of Healthy Cells Magazine is to promote a stronger health-conscious community by means of offering education and support through the cooperative efforts among esteemed health and fitness professionals in the Pine Belt.

Cover story photos by JRichards Originals

2012

For information about this publication, contact Carolyn Jones-PrimeauxBlue Moon Marketing at 601-467-3487 or [email protected]

Healthy Cells Magazine is a division of:

1711 W. Detweiller Dr., Peoria, IL 61615, Ph: 309-681-4418 Fax: [email protected]

I wish to thank all the advertisers for their gracious support of Healthy Cells Magazine in our mission to bring positive health related information to our readers. With their generous support we are able to provide this publication FREE to you. —Carolyn Jones-Primeaux

...choose you this day whom you will serve,

...But as for me and my house, we will serve

the LORD. Joshua24: 15, NKJV


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Page 6 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Pine Belt — May 2012

emotional

There is no place like home, especially when you are sick or in-jured. Personalized home care is often the best course of treat-ment when a patient does not require the constant care provided

by a hospital or nursing home. The special needs of a home care pa-tient require special attention from home care staff. The staff should consist of a team of knowledgeable medical professionals who are able to provide superior care in any situation and work closely with the patient’s physician, monitoring and reporting the patient’s progress. What questions should you ask if you are looking for a Home Care provider for yourself or a loved one? Take a look at these guidelines, courtesy of the National Association for Home Care (www.nahc.org):

How Do I Choose a Home Care Provider?

By Forrest General Home Care and Hospice

• How long has this provider been serving the community?• Many providers furnish patients with a detailed “Patient Bill of Rights”

that outlines the rights and responsibilities of the providers, patients, and caregivers alike. Does this provider do that?

• Does this provider include the patient and his or her family members in developing the plan of care and any care plan changes?

• Is the patient’s course of treatment documented, detailing the spe-cific tasks to be carried out by each professional caregiver? Does the patient and his or her family receive a copy of this plan, and do the caregivers update it as changes occur? Does this provider take time to educate family members on the care being administered to the patient?

Pictured are Forrest General Home Care and Hospice Staff with their HomeCare Elite recognition certificate.


• Does this provider identify whom the patient and his or her fam-ily members can call with questions or complaints? How does the agency follow up on and resolve problems?

• What procedures does this provider have in place to handle emergen-cies? Are its caregivers available 24 hours a day, seven days a week?

• How does this provider ensure patient confidentiality?• Do most of the patients show improvement in pain control, short-

ness of breath, ability to transfer and ambulate, and ability to care for themselves?

• Do you have family or friends who have tried a particular home care agency? How did they like the agency?

When choosing a home care agency, you have a choice. Using the guidelines above can help you or your family member decide which agency is right for you. Forrest General Home Care and Hospice has played a vital role in our community since 1985. The patient is the focus of care and the staff encourages the patients and the family to become ac-tively involved in the care planning process. Forrest General Home Care provides home health services in a 19 county area with of-fices in Hattiesburg, Prentiss, Lumberton, Tylertown, Columbia and Picayune. Services include skilled nursing, physical, occupational and speech therapy, wound/ostomy care, Telehealth, mental health nursing, IV therapy, nutritional services, social services, personal care services, a certified diabetic educator, pediatric services and a Hospice Program. In part due to high patient outcomes, Forrest

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General Home Care has been named as one of the Top 100 Home Care agencies in the United States, as part of the 2011 HomeCare Elite™, a compilation of the top-performing home health agencies in the United States. With nearly 10,000 agencies nationwide, this places Forrest General Homecare in the top 1% of all agencies. Now in its sixth year, the HomeCare Elite identifies the top 25 per-cent of agencies and further highlights the top 100 and top 500 agencies overall. Winners are ranked by an analysis of performance measures in quality outcomes, process measure implementation and financial performance. This is the fifth year for Forrest General Home Care to be ranked as a Top Home Care Elite Agency. For-rest General Home Care is ACHC accredited with Medicare deemed status and Medicaid certified.

For more information on Forrest General Home Care and Hospice services call the main office in Hattiesburg at 601-288-4344 or 1-800-844-4663 or visit www.forrestgeneral.com or call your local Forrest General Home Care office.

• Hattiesburg: 1-800-844-4663 or 601-288-4344• Lumberton: 1-800-848-5874 or 601-796-5623• Prentiss: 1-800-848-5861 or 601-792-8574• Tylertown: 1-877-889-8041 or 601-876-6121• Columbia: 1-855-405-9007 or 601-740-2201• Picayune: 1-800-848-5874 or 601-799-0815• Hospice: 1-800-844-8797 or 601-288-2500


nutritional

Celiac disease has become more prevalent since it was first discovered during WWII. This is due primarily to an in-crease in diagnosis and improved testing, but it is also due

to an increase in the incidence of the disease. At one time it was considered a childhood disease, but increasingly adults are being diagnosed as well. The debilitating digestive disease is now estimated to afflict about 1% of the population. Why is exposure to gluten – a protein in found in barley, wheat, rye, and possibly oats, as well as other everyday products – causing people to be very ill?

Celiac disease is a debilitating digestive disorder often mistaken for Irritable Bowel Disease. It is a chronic and complex autoim-mune disorder rather than an allergy. When people with the disease eat foods that contain gluten, antibodies are created that damage the lining of the small intestines. These antibodies destroy the villi in the small intestine, which are responsible for absorption of our nutrients. As a result the body is unable to absorb fats, carbohy-drates, vitamins and minerals. This can lead to vitamin deficiencies and malnutrition, even if the person is eating a relatively healthy diet. If untreated, the villi can be permanently damaged and the disease can prove fatal. Fortunately, if diagnosed early enough, the dam-age to the villi is reversible with a gluten-free diet and one can live a normal healthy life. Some individuals may be diagnosed with gluten intolerance. With gluten intolerance, individuals experience abdomi-nal discomfort that is alleviated by a gluten-free diet but do not have

Celiac Disease

By Jennifer Massey, Southern Medical Care

“Among the more common

warning signs of celiac disease are

abdominal pain, bloating, excessive

gas, diarrhea, constipation, lactose

intolerance, nausea and fatigue.”


the accompanying damage to the small intestine that people with celiac disease have. Unfortunately, this disease is often overlooked because the symptoms can vary from individual to individual. Some people appear asymptomatic while others experience se-vere symptoms. Only about one third of those diagnosed have severe symptoms. Among the more common warning signs of celiac disease are abdominal pain, bloating, exces-sive gas, diarrhea, constipation, lactose intolerance, nausea and fatigue. In infants, these symptoms may appear soon after cereal is introduced. Children may also present with failure to thrive. As the disease progresses, patients may ex-perience bruising, peripheral neuropathy, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, infertility or anemia. Many people lose weight but in some instances may gain weight due to an increase in appetite to make up for nutrient malabsorption. Testing for celiac disease has improved over the past 15 years. Initially a blood test can be performed. This should be done before a gluten-free diet is started. A common test is iTG, used to test for tissue transglutaminase anti-bodies. This test is not totally conclusive. If celiac disease is suspected, a biopsy should be performed. The final proof is the reversal of symptoms on a gluten-free diet. Your risk of having celiac disease increases if a fam-ily member has been diagnosed, you have another auto-immune disease or you have several of the above noted symptoms. The disease is still greatly under diagnosed.

Alzheimer’s

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Diabetes

Fibromyalgia

Headaches, Cluster

Heart Attack Recovery

Inflammation

Lyme Disease

Macular Degeneration

Migraines

Multiple Sclerosis

Parkinson’s Disease

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Stroke

Surgery Health, Pre and Post

Traumatic Brain Injury

Wound Healing

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following conditions:

If you suspect you may have the disease, see your family practitioner and discuss your concerns with him or her.

Submitted by Jennifer Massey, Administrator of Southern Medical Care, 6600 US Hwy 98, Hattiesburg, MS. 601-261-2727.


physical

Take Control of Your Hearing and Your LifeDo What’s Right for YOUR HEARING!

By HearingSolutions of the Pine Belt, LLC

Your hearing evaluation is an important first step on the path to better hearing. Your hearing loss is like any other important health-related issue; it should not be neglected. Even a mild

hearing problem can cause you to retreat from the world around you. Studies show that untreated hearing loss can have a negative effect on your health and attitude, even resulting in stress, depression, isolation, and reduced earning power. However, doing something to address your hearing loss can change your life for the better. The good news is today’s hearing instruments are discreet, light-weight, reliable, and high performance. This means that hardly anyone will notice you’re wearing them. Today’s advanced technology has evolved to meet the needs and demands of active people with hearing loss. Most people find them so comfortable and effective they even forget they are wearing them. Most important – better hearing helps you get more out of life.Don’t wait to do something about your hearing loss. We can help you find the solution that best suits you and your lifestyle.

A Hearing Solution for Everyone Some people think that hearing loss is just a part of the aging pro-cess. It is common to experience hearing loss as we get older, but did you know that the majority of people with hearing loss are actually below the retirement age? No matter what age you are, there’s no need to withdraw from conversation, friends, and/or family. The right hearing solution can help you stay active and participate fully in the things that you enjoy. Perhaps you think that hearing instruments won’t help you or that they are too expensive. Today, there are hearing instruments designed to help all degrees of hearing loss. The technology is designed to help reduce unwanted noise, help you focus on sounds of interest, and locate where sounds are coming from. There are even different levels of technology available to meet different budget needs. For many, the thought of getting a hearing instrument simply says, “I’m getting too old.” People with hearing loss often seem less confi-dent in conversations and may tend to withdraw or be slower on the

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uptake. Hearing better will help you feel more confident and others will notice you are more involved. Not only do they look great but these high technology instruments also allow you to participate fully in con-versation and your life.

Your Next Step Modern hearing care combines sophisticated, easy- to-use technol-ogy with discreet design, to empower you to participate actively and confidently in communication situations.

Consider the Following:• Are you beginning to limit or modify your social activities?• Are you withdrawing from the conversation?• Do you feel frustrated trying to communicate in group situations?• Is your family playing interpreter? Are they getting annoyed?

Take a minute to think about what it will mean to you and your family if you could:• Hear and understand much more• Laugh with – and get closer to – the people you love• Feel relaxed rather than drained after a long conversation

physical

• Hear and understand the soft voices of children• Enjoy birds singing and the rustle of leaves in the wind• Know where sounds are coming from and which way to• No longer be embarrassed by misunderstanding or having to ask

people to repeat themselves • Get connected to people and modern lifestyle instruments• Regain energy with your new listening abilities• Listen to TV or radio with others at a volume that is comfortable for

them• Be the first to answer the telephone instead of the last• Keep up and participate in meetings

Dr. Michael Hunt, Ph.D., A.C.S., AAS, wears hearing instruments and is a nationally Board Certified Audioprosthologist with 26 years of functional rehabilitation experience. Dr. Amy Holden, Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA, joined HearingSolutons with over 3 years of clinical work experience. For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our hearing healthcare specialists, contact HearingSolutions of the Pine Belt at 601-450- 0066 or at [email protected].


When Mike McElroy Sr. became the owner of what is now Bedford Care Center of Hattiesburg in the early 1970’s, he had a vision of providing residents and their families with

quality and professional healthcare. He understood that the decision to admit a loved one into a nursing home facility was difficult and it was his goal to provide the families and the resident with the as-surances that each resident would be treated with dignity and self-respect, while maintaining their rights and autonomy as much as possible. And now almost 40 years later, the same holds true, but now it applies not just to the 162-bed flagship center located at 10 Medi-cal Blvd. in Hattiesburg, but includes six other facilities in south Mississippi. Bedford Care Center of Hattiesburg, according to Mrs. Ann Strickland, is “The best kept secret in Missis-sippi!” The former rehabilita-tion resident, Mrs. Strickland came to Bedford Care Cen-ter of Hattiesburg with “very low expectations that she would ever leave,” says Carl

feature story

Bedford Care CenterA Family of Centers For Your Family

By Carolyn Jones-Primeaux

Young, the administrator of Bedford Care Center of Hattiesburg. “She came to us in a very unsettled state both physically and mentally. For approximately four months, we provided Ann with the same top-notch care and treatment plans that are afforded to all our residents, and she began to blossom and thrive so much so, that she was dis-charged and returned to her own home where she continues to live.” Carl attributes much of Ann’s success, as well as that of many other residents to their Rehabilitation Unit. The rehabilitation unit is well staffed with multiple physical, occupational, and speech ther-apists highly trained with the goal of providing personalized rehab programs delivered by licensed therapists to help residents achieve maximum independence. The rehabilitation facility at Bedford Care Center of Hattiesburg has taken great pride in providing a very home-like setting with 30 private rooms, each equipped with their own private bathroom, telephone service in room, 32-inch flat screen television and space large enough for families to comfortably gather together. Families are encouraged to eat meals with their loved ones in the family-style dining rooms and can then enjoy relaxing in the outdoor courtyards before leaving through separate, private entrance/exits areas. “Our mission is to build a quality life for each resident while in our care, and in their home when they are discharged” says Wendy Clayton, the Director of Rehabilitation. “It is always our goal that when possible, each resident will be sufficiently rehabilitated to safely and successfully return to their homes. And we take extensive measures including in-home evaluations to address mobility concerns that may

Bedford Care Center’s Therapy Rehabilitation Team.

Mrs. Ann Strickland


hinder their success once home. We want to ensure their success while here and allow a smooth transition to their home environment.” This could not be dem-onstrated any better than with Mrs. Frances Ogletree. If that name sounds familiar to many of you USM gradu-ates, it should. Mrs. Ogletree is the wife of the late Powell Ogletree who was the Direc-tor of the Alumni Association for a very long time. Mrs. Ogletree, who graciously agreed to be a part of the cover photo, came to Bed-ford Care Center’s Rehabili-tation Unit with a back injury and unable to walk. She says, “The therapists on the Rehabilitation Unit were so kind, patient and thorough in their care. They literally got me back on my feet. I felt the quality of care and expertise in the treatments was superior and exactly what I needed, consequently I am able to walk, have re-

feature story

turned to caring for myself and participating again in activities. I am very grateful to this team who worked together on my recovery.” Paula Hollingsworth, the Marketing Director, says the question she is asked most often by families that are faced with the decision of finding the best loca-tion for their loved one is “tell me about your staffing.” “What the concern under the question is, ‘Help me to know that my mama, daddy or other loved one will have the care they need, when they need it.’” “This is always an easy and comforting response, because we are well staffed, with a RN on-site 24/7. We adjust the staff to meet the needs of each individual patient.” Bedford Care Center also has six other centers in South Mississippi, each providing the same standard of care, but also with its own unique environment. Each facility offers a full complement of rehabilitation therapies including physical, occupational, and speech therapy for both short term and long term residents. They also offer resident specific restorative programs that support continued progress after completion of therapy treatment. Such programs assist the resident in transitioning back home and into life in the community.

Lacy Brown, COTA/L helps Allan Cooper, PTA/L in assisting her PawPaw Mr. Louie Brown with his functional mobility training.

Frances Ogletree - Mrs. Frances Ogletree works with Wendy Clayton, OT / Director of Bedford Care

Rehabilitation Center and Montee Howell, COTA/L for core strengthening and balance training.


Eden Alternative Principles to enhance the lives of their residents. These principles include resident centered dining and recreational activities tailored to the individual interests of residents.

Bedford Care Center of Newton is located at 1009 S. Main St., Newton, MS. Nestled in a quiet residential community, it offers beautiful outdoor spaces. It is also ranked as a 5 Star Facility by the Centers for Medicare-Medicaid Services nursing home rating system. The activity program of this facility offers a wide variety of activities that involves participation of many community volunteers.

Bedford Care Center of Mendenhall is located at 925 W. Mag-num Ave in Mendenhall, MS. It is located in a quiet wooded setting conveniently located adjacent to Simpson County Hospital. Resi-dents of this facility enjoy a “resident choice focused” dining pro-gram that offers residents the opportunity to make selections from a variety of items as they are served in the dining room.

Bedford Care Center of Marion is located at 6434A Dale Drive in Marion, MS, just outside Meridian. This beautifully renovated facility offers spacious common areas both inside and outside. A unique fea-ture of this facility is the availability of a number of private rooms for in-dividuals participating in the facility’s extensive rehabilitation program.

Bedford Alzheimer’s Care Center is located at 300-B Cahal St. in Hattiesburg, MS. It is a small home model facility with a maxi-mum of 20 residents. This facility has the designation of being the only nursing facility in the Hattiesburg area that is licensed as an Alzheimer Specialty Care Facility. This facility was named as one of the best nursing homes in the United States in 2012 by US News and World Report and is ranked as a 5 Star Facility by the Centers for Medicare-Medicaid Services nursing home rating system. This facility specializes in the care of individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Bedford Care Center of Petal, located at 908 S. George Street is the only nursing facility in Petal, MS. It was named as one of the best nursing homes in the United States in 2012 by US News and World Report and is ranked as a 5 Star Facility by the Centers for Medicare-Medicaid Services nursing home rating system. Bedford Care Center of Petal opened this building in 2006 and is a beautiful, spacious facility located in a quiet wooded setting.

Bedford Care Center Monroe Hall, located at 300 Cahal St. in Hattiesburg, MS, is a beautifully renovated facility which is ranked as a 5 Star Facility by the Centers for Medicare-Medicaid Services nursing home rating system. This facility implements many of the

feature story continued

The family stories, testimonials and happy endings are plentiful regarding the compassion, care and comfort that the Bedford Care Center family has provided for families over the years. This story has only touched the surface of these facilities that make “the next step” more

enjoyable. Carl summed it up quite well with this: “We cannot dictate the length of life for ourselves or any of our residents. But while residents are ‘under our watch’ and ‘in our care’ we can dictate with compassion and care the quality and enjoyment of their time with us.”

For the two men playing dominoes...Residents at Bedford Care Hattiesburg enjoy a game of dominoes.


feature story continued

Forrest General Home Care and Hospice is the only agency in Mississippi named to the HomeCare Elite Top 100, which recognizes the top 100 home care agencies in the nation!

About Forrest General Home Care & Hospice

Forrest General Home Care provides home health services in a 19-county area with offices in Hattiesburg, Prentiss, Lumberton, Tylertown, Columbia and Picayune. Services include nursing, physical, occupational, and speech therapy, wound/ostomy care, Telehealth, mental health, IV therapy, nutritional therapy, social

services, personal care services and Hospice Program. For more information on Forrest General Home Care and Hospice services, call 601-288-4344 or 1-800-844-4663 or visit forrestgeneral.com.

Medicare and Medicaid Certified

Vision Award Winner

2009 & 2010

Home Medical Treatment From Hometown Providers

6614 Highway 98 • Hattiesburg, MS 3940601-268-1422

When your healthcare provider recommends home infusion therapy or medical equipment, you’re given a choice. Choose the people who aren’t just the best at what they do, but who are also your neighbors. Advantage Medical & Pharmacy is one of the only infusion therapy companies based right here in Hattiesburg. We may not be the best-known little company, but that makes us work even harder when we work for you. The choice is yours. Choose the infusion company that has the hometown advantage. Choose Advantage Medical & Pharmacy.

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When your healthcare provider recommends home infusion therapy or medical equipment, you’re given a choice. Choose the people who aren’t just the best at what they do, but who are also your neighbors. Advantage Medical & Pharmacy is one of the only infusion therapy companies based right here in Hattiesburg. We may not be the best known little company, but that makes us work even harder when we work for you. The choice is yours. Choose the infusion company that has the hometown advantage. Choose Advantage Medical & Pharmacy.












Choose Your One Source For Total Home Care

Need ing Home Med ica l Equ ipmen t?

Jones County MedicalSupplies, Inc.

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Fax 601-765-3270

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drug shortage

Human and veterinary health care practitioners are navigating an increasingly difficult terrain amid record-breaking drug short-ages. While there are many theories on why these shortages

exist, the fact remains they do exist. The health care practitioners and their patients share their frustration when the needed pharmaceutical is unavailable due to manufacturer back-order or discontinuation – par-ticularly if there is no effective alternative on the commercial market. With media reports chock full of hospitals rationing doses, “gray mar-ket” transactions at outrageous prices, and drug counterfeiting, drug shortage anxiety continues to mount. Fortunately, practitioners and patients have an additional resource at their disposal and which may be a simple and patient-friendly solu-tion right in your neighborhood: the compounding pharmacy. Compounding pharmacies develop particular pharmaceutical products to fit the unique needs of each patient. They might be able to produce back-ordered and manufacturer discontinued pharmaceuticals by indi-vidual prescription order, as long as they can procure the ingredients and formulation (or “recipe”), have the necessary equipment, etc. Such com-pounding must cease when manufacturing resumes, and compounders cannot produce pharmaceuticals that the FDA has pulled from the market. Injectables have been particularly vulnerable to shortages. Also susceptible are antibiotics, cancer therapies, and many other classes of drugs.

The latest info on drug shortages can be found at www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/DrugShortages. Note that such lists may not be complete due to voluntary manufacturer reporting, etc. Have no time to check lists or hunt down pharmaceuticals among various distributors? You can contact your local compounding phar-macy, and they can do the drug shortage research for you. Additionally, compounding pharmacies can provide custom treatments for hor-mone/testosterone therapies, rashes, pain management and special dosage forms or delivery systems suited for the patient. Along with the ability to develop very specific compounds, many compounding pharmacies also provide a number of other services in-cluding regular pharmacy services, home infusion therapy, home medi-cal equipment, retail products and free pharmacy delivery.

For more information on drug shortages for human and veterinary health care or other questions relating to specific compounds or dos-age forms, contact Advantage Medical and Pharmacy, a full service compounding pharmacy that caters to your needs. Stop in and take “Advantage” of the friendly staff and service and let us take care of all your pharmacy needs. Advantage Medical Pharmacy is located at 6614 Hwy 98, Hattiesburg, 601.268.1422.

Compounding Pharmacies Are Here To Help!By Advantage Medical and Pharmacy


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drug shortage


women’s health week

Regular check-ups and routine tests provide a road map for managing your health. Unfortunately, these tests sometimes take a back seat to the pressures of women’s busy sched-

ules. National Women’s Health Week is recognized this month, a health observance that kicks off on Mothers’ Day. This May, join in celebrating women – daughters, sisters and mothers everywhere – by scheduling a check-up, or encouraging a friend or loved one to do so. Certain health issues are a matter of individual health and heredity. If a specific condition runs in your family, your doctor may recommend earlier and more frequent tests. Generally, your preventive care should include the following tests:

Pap test Why: All women should have an annual pap test to screen for cervi-cal cancer. The test collects cells from the cervix and examines them for any changes that may indicate the possibility of cancer. When: Consult your physician for the most recent recommenda-tions, which are based on your age.

Cholesterol screening Why: High cholesterol has no symptoms – but can have serious health consequences, from heart attack to stroke. When: Schedule your first cholesterol test at age 20 and repeat the test at least every five years until age 45. If you are 45 or older, have a family history of heart disease, or have a total cholesterol level of over 200, get an annual screening.

Clinical breast exam and mammogram Why: A clinical breast exam monitors your breast tissue for lumps, thickening or any other changes that warrant follow-up. A mammogram is an x-ray that shows a detailed picture of the breast tissue. Both help detect cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages. When: Annual clinical breast exams should begin by age 30, mam-mograms by age 40.

Skin cancer screening Why: Because skin cancer is the second most common cancer in women, and nearly 100 percent curable, if caught early. When: Schedule your first head-to-toe screening with your derma-tologist or primary care provider by age 30 and then annually thereafter.

Thyroid screening Why: Trouble in this tiny, but important hormone-producing gland can upset the body’s delicate balance and serious health conse-quences can occur. When: Beginning at age 35, and every five years, or more often if you have thyroid symptoms or risk factors, such as family history.

Health Tests Every Woman Should Have

By Troy McIntire, M.D.

Hypertension Why: According to the American Heart Association, about 73 million adults have High Blood Pressure (HPB), and nearly half are women. HBP has no symptoms. The only way to detect it is to check it. HBP can lead to heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney damage. When: At least every two years, and more often if you have a family history or other risk factors.

Diabetes Why: Nearly 21 million individuals in the U.S. have diabetes – includ-ing 9.7 million women – and almost one third do not know it, according to the American Diabetes Association. When: A screening blood sugar test – known as a fasting plasma glucose test – is recommended at least once by age 45, or sooner, if risk factors are present.

Colonoscopy Why: A colonoscopy examines the large intestine to screen for colon cancer – which is 90 percent curable if found early. Any growths or polyps can be removed during the course of the test and biopsied. When: At age 50, then once every 10 years, if no polyps are found or risk factors exist. Patients with higher risk (parent diagnosed before age 50, or a condition like inflammatory bowel disease) should get their first test 10 years before the family member was first diagnosed, with repeat testing at least every five years.

Bone density scan Why: Women can lose up to 20 percent of their bone density in the five to seven years after menopause, according to the National Osteo-porosis Foundation. When: Schedule your first test by age 65 and repeat every five years.

How does your healthcare plan compare? Hopefully some, if not all, of these tests are part of your routine. By taking the time to keep tabs on your health and the screenings needed at various ages, you will gain valuable information that will help you to be your best – for yourself and your loved ones. For more information, visit the Health Resources link at Wesley.com or talk to your doctor about what is right for you.

About the Author: Dr. Troy McIntire is an OB/GYN at Women’s Pavilion of South Mississippi. He has special experience in a wide range of wom-en’s health conditions, including high risk obstetrics, infertility, menopause management, cutting edge gynecologic surgery, and infertility. For more information contact Women’s Pavilion at (601) 268-9393.


orthognathic surgery

Corrective jaw, or orthognathic, surgery is performed by Oral and Maxillofacial Sur-geons to correct a wide range of minor

and major skeletal and dental irregularities, in-cluding the misalignment of jaws and teeth, which, in turn, can improve chewing, speaking and breathing. While the patient’s appearance may be dramatically enhanced as a result of their surgery, orthognathic surgery is performed to correct functional problems.

Following are some of the conditions that may indicate the need for corrective jaw surgery:• difficulty chewing, or biting food• difficulty swallowing• chronic jaw or jaw joint (TMJ) pain and headache• excessive wear of the teeth• open bite (space between the upper and lower

teeth when the mouth is closed)• unbalanced facial appearance from the front,

or side• facial injury or birth defects• receding chin• protruding jaw• inability to make the lips meet without straining• chronic mouth breathing and dry mouth• sleep apnea (breathing problems when sleep-

ing, including snoring)

Who Needs Corrective Jaw Surgery? People who may benefit from corrective jaw surgery include those with an improper bite resulting from misaligned teeth and/or jaws. In some cases, the upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates. Injuries and birth defects may also affect jaw alignment. While orthodontics can usually correct bite, or “oc-clusion,” problems when only the teeth are misaligned, corrective jaw surgery may be necessary to correct misalignment of the jaws.

Evaluating Your Need for Corrective Jaw Surgery Your dentist, orthodontist and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon will work together to determine whether you are a candidate for correc-tive jaw, or orthognathic, surgery. The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon determines which corrective jaw surgical procedure is appropriate and performs the actual surgery. It is important to understand that your treatment, which will probably include orthodontics before and after surgery, may take several years to complete. Your Oral and Maxillofa-cial Surgeon and orthodontist understand that this is a long-term com-

mitment for you and your family.They will try to realistically estimate the time required for your treatment. Corrective jaw surgery may reposition all or part of the upper jaw, lower jaw and chin. When you are fully informed about your case and your treatment options, you and your dental team will determine the course of treatment that is best for you.

For more information on jaw surgery or other oral surgery concerns, contact Hattiesburg Oral Surgery at 601.264-7611 to schedule a con-sult with Drs. York , Cockerham or Nichols.

Source: The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS)

Corrective Jaw SurgeryBy Hattiesburg Oral Surgery


because you can

In January of 2010, I ran my first half marathon. I was not an athlete growing up. I was the bookworm, the nerd. Running came to my life as an adult, when God brought it to me to heal some deep wounds

and teach me some important lessons. So, a half marathon was a big deal to me. I carefully selected one that I thought would offer the best conditions, be nearby, and give me the best race experience I could get. I chose the Mississippi Blues Half Marathon in Jackson. Being a lifetime Mississippi native, I know that we usually have pretty moderate temperatures in January, usually low 40’s to upper 60’s; but not the winter of 2010. The morning of my race dawned at 15 degrees. The wind chill was 10 degrees. I hadn’t slept much the night before, worry-ing about how/if I would be able to deal with not just the distance, but also the intense cold. When we got up, I looked at my husband and told him I didn’t think I could do it. He encouraged me to get dressed and just go to the starting line and reminded me that I had worked really hard to get there. I begrudgingly dressed, near tears in my frustration. All the way to the race, I bemoaned the unfairness of my first race being ruined by the cold. I’m sure I was truly obnoxious, but my hus-band listened without a word. We found a parking place, and I got out

Perspective!By Jayne Richards, JRichards Orginals

of the car and walked to the back. As I reached the rear of the car, a wheelchair athlete rolled past me, talking excitedly about the race to his partner. And it dawned on me. There were people attempting something that day that I would never have to face. The cold was the least of their problems. I looked at Gary, who wisely remained silent, and said, “Okay, I’ll stop whining now.” I took my place among the other, equally cold, but very excited racers and ran that half marathon in the frigid cold. It started snowing on mile seven. The wheelchair athlete passed me on mile nine. It wasn’t pretty, but I finished my first long distance race intact, grateful, and very cold. People say to me all the time, “I wish I could run.” My response to them seldom varies. If I can, they can. I’m not a great athlete. I’m not even a particularly good one. I’m slow and grouchy in the morn-ings, and, for the most part, I don’t do cold. It’s not the discipline or the talent that make me run, it’s the perspective. I run because I can. Because there are many who want to, but truly can’t. I always think of that wheelchair athlete in Jackson when I lose faith in the journey. He reminded me the race is about simply putting one foot in front of the other, and in the effort, becoming the best me possible.

Jayne Richards is a professional photographer and running enthu-siast. She lives and runs in the Hattiesburg/Petal area. You can follow her journey to fitness on her blog “Faith and Fitness at 50” at www.jrichardsoriginals.blogspot.com.

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assisted living

Talking to a parent or loved one about a move to a senior

living community is not easy. However, when working with the right in-formation, a clear under-standing of senior living and proven methods of communication, this con-versation can be a true life saver. It’s important to un-derstand the meaning of home. For some, home represents the familiar comforts they’ve created over the years; for others, home is wherever their family is located. Once you have a grasp on what ‘home’ means to your loved one, take a look at their present living situa-tion, financial resources and health needs, this will shed light on the di-rection of your relocation plans. “We all want to stay in our homes forever, and many seniors are able to for years with a small amount of help,” said Donna Sayer, Executive Director of Forrest Park Retirement and Assisted Living Community in Hattiesburg. “But, gradually it may become more difficult to do so.”

Signs may tell you that it’s time for a talk with Mom or Dad: • Medication is outdated or not being taken • Frequent bruising• Sleeping more than usual, odd hours• Depressed, lonely, agitated• Wearing same clothes repeatedly • Forgets appointments, dates and times• Neglects personal hygiene • House and yard aren’t clean and tidy • Refrigerator empty or filled with spoiled food • Strange behavior, like inappropriate dress

“Many of us don’t understand the serious repercussions of isola-tion, as when a spouse passes or a parent is alone for long periods

of time,” added Donna. “Waiting too long to take action could prove to be a fatal decision, therefore we work with families to provide the information and assistance that makes this delicate decision mak-ing process easier.” Experience can often be more influential than communication. Con-sider a short-term stay in a community to give your loved one a sense of the wonderful reality of assisted living while giving you the needed time with your spouse and children. Single weekend to 30 day stays are available at most communities. And as Donna concluded, “we have found that our elderly thrive with their new friends and activities at Forrest Park, making that first step of talking to Mom or Dad worthwhile.”

For further information about talking to parents or your loved one contact Forrest Park Assisted Living of Hattiesburg, Emeritus.com or 1-888-348-4453

Mom, Dad, We Need to Talk…By Mark Francis-Vice President of Sales and Marketing–Emeritus Senior Living


blood pressure

You can find out if you have high blood pressure by having your blood pressure checked regu-larly. Most doctors will diagnose a person with high blood pressure on the basis of two or more readings, taken on several occasions. A consistent blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg

or higher is considered high blood pressure, another term for hypertension. Some people experience high blood pressure only when they visit the doctor’s office. This condi-tion is called “white-coat hypertension.” If your doctor suspects this, you may be asked to monitor your blood pressure at home or asked to wear a device called an ambulatory blood pressure monitor. This device is usually worn for 24 hours and can take blood pressure every 30 minutes. In this article you will learn more about diagnosing high blood pressure.

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) is considered the gold standard for measuring blood pressure by clinicians worldwide. It provides valuable diagnostic information that in-clinic and home blood pressure monitoring systems are incapable of measuring including:• BP variability and a more accurate estimation of true blood pressure• Overnight changes in blood pressure (dipper status)• Morning surges in blood pressure

In general, ABPM is recognized in the medical community as a valuable tool for supporting the management of appropriate pharmacologic treatment as well as the assessment of:• “White coat” hypertension, when elevated blood pressure measurements are recorded in the phy-

sician’s office environment while blood pressure readings outside the physician’s office are within a normal range.

• Resistant hypertension, when multiple anti-hypertensive medications fail to adequately control high blood pressure.

• Masked hypertension, when in-office measurements fall within an acceptable range, but the mean blood pressure is actually above the acceptable range.

• Hypotensive symptoms with hypertensive medications.

The diagnostic test begins with fitting a patient with a portable monitor and BP cuff. The patient leaves and returns the next day. Over this period of time, the monitor takes measurements periodi-cally as programmed by the clinician, generally every 15-30 minutes during waking hours and 30-45 minutes during sleeping hours. When the patient returns, these measurements are transferred to a computer where they can be easily viewed and documented in a report using the appropriate soft-ware. The results of ambulatory blood pressure testing provide the most comprehensive representa-tion of a patient’s complete blood pressure profile.

Source: http://bit.ly/HAD4Rv

For more information on White Coat Hypertension or other blood pressure related concerns, contact Southern Star Medical Group at 601.450.2034. They are located at 4 Willow Point, Hattiesburg, MS.

White Coat Hypertension

By Southern Star Medical Group

“A consistent blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher is considered high blood

pressure, another term for hypertension.”


increase your wellness

Wellness psychology is the study of mental and emotional well-ness – the way to create conditions of thinking and feeling that are consistent with healthy living. One of the greatest factors

affecting wellness is the way in which people handle stress. Dr Spiers of Spiers Chiropractic Pain & Wellness Center explains, “Within the aver-age person’s life, we all encounter three basic kinds of stress: physical stress, emotional stress and chemical stress. It is understanding each and how to respond positively that will have the greatest positive im-pact on wellness.” Not all stress is bad. A 20-minute workout for a fit and trim 65-year old is good stress. The same workout for an out-of-shape 35 year old would likely be a bad stress. Whether your body considers stress good or bad is largely a func-tion of how well it can accommodate it. Ultimately this capacity is based on the condition of your nervous system. Think of your spinal cord as a guitar string. The greater the tension, the higher the note. Your nervous system has “tone” as well. With each stressor, your body tightens up, like bracing yourself for a tight curve on a roller coaster. The weakest joints of your spine are forced out of their normal position. Like the shrill notes from an over-tightening string, your body loses its capacity to respond to the full range of human experience. Physical Stress A whiplash injury from a car accident is an obvious source of physi-cal stress. As are repetitive motions, a slip and fall, lack of sleep or overdoing it in the garden. Early on, learning to walk, or riding a bike and even the birth process itself are sources of physical stress. Ac-cumulated stress exhausts our reserves. Then, something as simple as mowing the lawn can put us over the edge. Chiropractic care helps restore your adaptive capacity.

Emotional Stress Fear, grief, anger and other emotions affect our entire body. No-tice the posture of someone who is sad or depressed. Frustration, or a sense of powerlessness at work, is a common form of emotional stress. Clearly, it’s not the stress, but our response to it that is critical. Chiropractic care, because it focuses on reducing tension in your ner-vous system, can help you respond more resourcefully.

Chemical Stress Common sources of chemical stress include poor nutrition, sugar, refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats. Drugs, preservatives, to-bacco, vaccinations, alcohol, pollen and a host of other substances also affect our nervous systems, muscle tone and our spines. The problem isn’t the pollen or chemical, because not everyone reacts. Symptoms can appear when you lose your ability to adapt. Chiro-practic care has helped millions reduce or eliminate reactions to many types of chemical stress. If you lack the reserves necessary to adapt

to stress in a healthy way, stress takes its toll. If your body reacts by “tripping a circuit breaker,” causing vertebral subluxation, chiropractic care is likely to help. Much of the emotional stress we experience is largely self-induced. Imagine how much pain and suffering result from attaching inappropri-ate meanings to events in our lives. Or the constant burden we experi-ence by not forgiving others. Stress is a natural part of life. Chiropractic care can’t eliminate stress, but it can help increase your capacity to accommodate it. Dr Spiers concludes with, “In future articles we will continue to ad-dress the wellness aspect in dealing with these stressors in your life.”

For more information on this article or other chiropractic related issues contact at Spiers Chiropractic Pain & Wellness Center Ph. 601-261-9495.

The Wellness JourneyWhat is Your Stress?

By Spiers Chiropractic Pain & Wellness Center

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senior care

In the first part of this series, I discussed the preparations one needs to make when considering nursing home placement for a loved one. This month’s article will give you some more things to consider as

you mentally prepare for this journey into long term care. Keep in mind that health care is all about people. People - not the carpet or the brochure, care for nursing home residents. The key to success is always people - the RIGHT people. The true measure of how people behave is to watch them when they are not aware of it. My suggestion is to show up at nursing homes unannounced. Not only should you arrive unannounced, but show up at the busiest times - such as meals or shift change. (Now, if my staff read this, they will kill me!) Here’s my theory: by popping in, you see the real day-to-day activities. They do not have time to “spruce up” for your visit. They do not have time to “hide” the bad employees. They do not have time to paint you any picture other than what is really going on right then. There should always be someone to give you a tour and be willing to show you around. Now granted, not every staff member knows the intricacies of the finances or the medical conditions – and

that is okay. You only want to talk business with the business person-nel and medical issues with the nurse. The bottom line is that a 30 minute tour will give you more information that anything else that you could do. Before going to tour, you must take a personal inventory of your own personal thoughts and feelings. When was the last time you were in a nursing home? Was it a positive or negative experience? What are the bad stories that you heard about nursing homes and do you honestly believe them? What are the stereotypes that you currently have regard-ing nursing homes? Did you ever, ever promise that you would not place your loved one in a nursing facility? If so, how long ago was that and what were the circumstances surrounding that promise? Many times, our deep-seated emotions will emerge when we least expect them to. Keep in mind that you as a family member are under a lot of stress as well. You can expect to have some emotional moments and times of self-doubt. It is best to focus on the facts of the situation at hand. Realizing what the true facts are will help you to figure out the best plan to meet the needs of your loved one. I suggest that you make a list of pros and cons where you can write down all your thoughts regarding nursing homes. Many people have trouble starting the “pro” category. Here are a few pros that I have seen: 1. The caregiver gets a chance to rest. Being a full-time caregiver is

a tremendous amount of stress – physically and emotionally. Many caregivers will never ask for help. If the caregiver is also elderly, then their health is at greater risk than the designated patient.

2. The family is relieved to not be fully responsible for the provision of health care. Many family members are not trained and feel inad-equate in dealing with the demands of a medically ill loved one. The time required is tremendous. The average personal home is not physically designed for handicapped or adaptive equipment.

3. The resident is actually relieved to be in a structured environment where healthcare professionals are available 24 hours a day. The resident has a sense of security knowing that there is a structured environment regarding meals, housekeeping, activities, bathing, physician visits, and medication times. They may actually feel more independent because they no longer rely on immediate family mem-bers to meet their basic needs. Also, this elder is now able to social-ize, share stories, and reminisce with their peers.

There are several things to look for during a tour and several things to ask as well. Use all of your five senses when touring a nursing facil-ity. I will go into greater detail in the last and final article about how to tour a nursing home. There are many things to consider during this big decision and being aware of what to look for is essential.

Pam McKee Kelly is the Administrator for the Bedford Alzheimer’s Care Center, Hattiesburg’s only Alzheimer’s dedicated nursing facility. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has been working with cognitively challenged older adults for 15 years. Should you have ques-tions, please feel free to contact her at [email protected] or you may call her at 601-582-9157.

“Yes, But My Mother Will Never Live There” And Other Things You Tell Yourself About Nursing Homes

Part Two of a Three Part Series

By Pam Mckee Kelly, M.S., L.P.C., N.H.A., Bedford Alzheimer’s Care Center – Hattiesburg, MS

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Come have lunch with Maxine our Matchmaker on Friday, April 27th from 11 am until 2 pm. Lunch will be sponsored by Bops Frozen Custard. Thanks for finding the hero in you. Maxine will help you Step up to Superhero!

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601-606-1081Sheri Ezell

mental health

The month of May is National Mental Health Month, and health care professionals around the country are working to raise aware-ness about the many health conditions associated with mental

health. One condition that many people suffer from is depression. De-pression is one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting more than 19 million Americans each year. Amy Adelman, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor at South Cen-tral Behavioral Health Services in Laurel, said, “Depression can cause patients to be unable to find joy in their lives, can complicate other medical conditions, and can even be serious enough to lead to suicide. The important thing to know is that depression can happen to anyone, at any age, and to people of any race or ethnic group. Because depres-sion is so common, some individuals think that it is just a part of life and they do not seek treatment.” Fewer than half of those suffering from depression seek treatment. Too many people resist treatment because they believe depression isn’t serious, that they can treat it themselves, or that it is a personal weakness rather than a serious illness. Adelman said, “Clinical depression is very treatable, with more than 80% of those who seek treatment show improvement. The most com-monly used treatments are antidepressant medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. The choice of treatment depends on the pattern, severity, persistence of depressive symptoms, and the history of the illness. As with many illnesses, early treatment is more effective and helps prevent the likelihood of serious recurrences, so it is impor-tant to know the signs and symptoms of the illness.”

Do you know someone who is:• Persistently sad, anxious, or appears almost without any feelings?• Sleeping too much or too little?• Losing their interest in activities that they once enjoyed?• Restless or irritable?• Complaining with chronic pain or digestive disorders?• Having difficulty concentrating, remembering things and making deci-

sions?• Fatigued and has a loss of energy?• Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless?

“These are the common signs of depression. If you know someone who is experiencing these symptoms, encourage them to seek help. Treatment can be life changing,” Adelman said.

Treatment Can be Life ChangingBy Amy Adelman, LPC, South Central Behavioral Health Services in Laurel

Many people want to understand what causes depression. For some people, a number of factors seem to be involved, while for others a single factor can cause the illness. Sometimes, people are depressed for apparently no reason at all. People who are depressed typically have too little or too much of certain brain chemicals, low self esteem, and negative thinking patterns. Side effects of some medica-tions can cause depression, as well as family history. Life events such as a death of a family member, divorce, or the loss of a job can also cause depression. “I think that the most important thing to remember is that depres-sion can be treated,” Adelman said. “There is no need to suffer with this condition.” She encouraged the public to call the health care pro-viders at South Central Behavioral Health Care Services in Laurel at 601.426.9614. The physicians and the other behavioral health profes-sionals at South Central Behavioral Health Services specialize in the treatment of depression, including depressive disorder, manic depres-sion and dysthymia, a less severe form of depression.


Since Viagra (sildenafil) has gone generic, many men will be seeking alternatives to the more expensive branded product. Many patients report prices in the range of $24.00 per dose

for the brand name Viagra. But since the patent ran out on March 28th, 2012, the generic has become available. The price will be much lower at about $3-$4 per dose with the liquid and capsules being available. The liquid offers the advantage of more flexible dosing by measuring with an oral syringe. Thus, if the patient has one of the side effects such as nasal stuffiness, increased blood pressure or headache reported with a 100mg dose, the dose could be lowered to 70mg in order to improve or eliminate the side effects. The entire goal is to eliminate the side effects and reduce the cost to the patient while providing a successful alternative to the branded product. That is now entirely possible.

The question remains, “what else can men do to improve their quality of life?”• Checking and maintaining healthy testosterone levels can be a simple

assignment that really seems to improve mental aggressiveness and physical performance in middle aged and older men. Some of the problem can be the accumulation of fatty tissue that seems to replace the muscle fiber that men have during the younger years. A lean body mass can be very beneficial to a man’s quality of life.

• Exercise plays a very important role in that it starts to circulate healthy hormones to wake up the body. That is why we suggest morning exercise to be the best. It cranks up the body and gets your metabo-lism going to break down some of the fats that have accumulated in the cells. The most effective is resistance training by using heavier weights for several sets with a shorter rest cycle in between. This is thought to raise hormone levels and build lean body mass.

• Reducing or eliminating alcohol may be beneficial if excess consump-tion has been a pattern in the past. While research points to heart benefits from moderate consumption, excess alcohol can reduce tes-tosterone levels, and thus the quality of life. Limiting alcohol can also slow weight gain in men and women.

• Good healthy sleep can greatly benefit the entire body’s health by im-proving the endocrine system, which includes the production of tes-tosterone and other vital hormones. This can also influence healthy glucose levels, which in turn could possibly prevent some weight accumulation. Poor sleep can also elevate evening Cortisol levels, which can cause sodium and fluid accumulation and thus place more load on the heart.

In summary, get healthy, get moving and take charge of your QUAL-ITY OF LIFE. As your compounding pharmacists we may be able to answer any questions that you have and assist you with your progress.

For more information, please contact Robert Donnell, RPh, Jimmy Rodgers, RPh, Ron Edwards, PharmD or Missy Collum James at Vital Care Compounder-A Specialty Pharmacy located at 115 South 40th Ave., Hattiesburg, MS Ph. 601-261-0503.

healthy lifestyle

Generic Viagra and Other Strategies to Improve Mens’ Quality Of Life

By Robert Donnell, RPh, Vital Care Compounder

“The entire goal is to eliminate the

side effects and reduce the cost to the

patient while providing a successful

alternative to the branded product.”


blood donation

Spring has sprung! The grass is green, flowers are blooming, and the umpires are shouting “play ball” across the Pine Belt. Everyone is enjoying the warm weather and starting to dream

about summer. The kids are counting the days until school is out, and families are planning their summer vacations. Blood donations typically drop over the spring and summer, as the high schools and colleges prepare to close out the academic year, and students are off for the summer. These young people are a large part of our blood donor community. Since blood drives cannot be held at schools, colleges and universities, we must find other people willing to step up and assure we have a safe and ample blood supply. Families are busy with spring and summer sporting activities and leaving to go on vacation. While we all like to take time off during the spring and summer, the need for blood donations does not take a holi-day. Red blood cells have a shelf life of 42 days, and platelets (the cell fragments that help blood clot) are viable for just five days. This time of year, we need all eligible donors to “Find the Hero in You”! It is estimated that 60% of the population will need blood or blood components some time in their life. Currently about 38% of the popu-lation qualifies to donate blood, but only 5-10% actually donate. The qualifications to donate blood are that you weigh at least 110 lbs, are at least 16 years old, and are in good health. Additional height and weight requirements apply to donors age 22 and younger, and donors who are 16 must have a signed permission from a parent or guardian. People often tell me that they would like to donate blood, but are unable to do so because of various medical conditions or because they take certain drugs. Let’s look at some of the common reasons people give for not being able to give blood.

Be a Lifesaver This Summer!By Christina Ghents, MSAS, MT (ASCP), United Blood Services

I have high blood pressure and am taking medication to control it. Hypertension is a common condition in the United States. Many people are taking various medications to manage this condition. The technician will check your blood pressure on the day of donation. The systolic pressure (the upper number) must be between 90 and 180, and the diastolic pressure must be between 50 and 100. As long as your blood pressure is within these ranges, and the reason for the medication is solely to control hypertension, you are acceptable to do-nate blood! You can be a Hero! I have Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetes is a disorder of carbohydrate metabolism due to inadequate production of insulin. Diabetes can be “controlled” by staying on a healthy diet, exercising, and by taking medication if needed. People who control their diabetes by diet, oral medication or insulin, including an insulin pump, are acceptable blood donors. You can be a Hero! I had cancer, and now I can never donate blood again. Certain skin cancers and colon polyps do not require any deferral period, and you are able to donate immediately. Most other cancer survivors can donate again, provided it has been at least one year after the final treat-ment, and there has been no known recurrence. You can be a Hero! If you thought you could never donate blood again, please do not hesi-tate to call and ask. Don’t miss out on a chance to be a Summer Lifesaver!

Find the Hero in You!

For more information, contact Christina Ghents, Satellite Center Di-rector of United Blood Services at (601) 264-0743.


12 week competition

New Year, New You By Forrest General Wellness’ Live Well Center

After 12 weeks of fierce competition, Forrest General Wellness announced its 2012 New Year, New You contest winners on April 17th. Of the original 12 teams chosen to participate, three

teams were left vying for the title at the finale. However, not all hope was lost for the teams eliminated over the course of the competition. All teams were encouraged to continue working out and living healthy lifestyles with the chance of becoming this year’s at-home champion. Throughout the competition, teams were sent to an elimination vote based on the percentage of weight lost at each weigh-in, teams could win immunity from the elimination rounds by winning different chal-lenges during the competition. The second challenge this year focused on the exercise por-tion of the competition. Contestants participated in a “boot camp” themed relay. Teams battled it out against the clock in a series of tasks that tested their physical endurance. Throughout the Forrest General Wellness’ Live Well Center you could hear cheers from the contestants as they motivated teammates to fight through exhaus-tion to finish each exercise. The final times were close with less than 30 seconds between the winner and the runner-up. Sam Mauldin and his partner, Erin Perkins, won the challenge and earned immu-nity from the elimination vote.

A total of five teams survived eliminations to compete in the final challenge. This challenge encompassed all of the elements that teams learned during the 12-week competition. In an “Amaz-ing Race” like scavenger hunt on the campus of The University of Southern Mississippi, contestants battled it out to be one of the final three teams weighing-in at the grand finale. However, only one team could be this year’s big winner. Check out www.forrestgeneral.com and click on the New Year, New You logo to view photos of the contestants, the challenges and before and after pictures of the winning teams. Throughout the contest, teams were educated and tested on the elements of achieving a healthy lifestyle. Lifestyle management is the foundation of Forrest General Wellness and the multi-disciplinary staff at the center is passionate about helping others learn what a healthy lifestyle is all about. Forrest General Wellness employs experienced ex-ercise physiologists, registered dieticians, and a licensed professional counselor to assist members with developing individualized exercise plans, meal plans, and stress management plans to help maintain a lifestyle of healthy living. Their focus is not just on losing weight but on helping individuals understand the many factors that play a part in de-veloping and maintaining optimal health and wellness. This holistic ap-proach helps insure long-term success and magnifies the importance of wellness and disease prevention.

For more information about Forrest General Wellness, its services or how YOU can be a contestant in New Year, New You competitions call 601-288-1360 and start your journey to a healthier you!

V i ta l C a r eCompounder

A Specialty Pharmacy

Natural Hormone Restoration TherapyNatural Supplements

115 South 40th Avenue | Hattiesburg, MS 3940240th Ave at O’Ferrell near Home Depot

www.vitalcarecompounder.com

601-261-0503

Challenge us to solve your therapy problems

Pictured are members of the three finalist teams with Event Coordinator (pictured in back) Heather Teat, MS, NCC, LPC, TTS.

Pictured, from left, are Brian Williamson, Shirley Huber, Maria Hovan, Sam Mauldin and Erin Perkins. Not pictured is Kelly Watch.


12 week competition

Physician – Each Facility has a Medical DirectorNursing – Rehabilitative Services – Psychiatry – Dietary – Pharmacy • Social workers on staff • Recreational activities • Medicaid/ VA Counseling services

Bedford Care Center908 S. George St .

Petal , MS 39465Ph: 601.544.7441

www.bedfordcarecenters .com

Bedford Care Center offers a skilled staff to meet the physical, emotional and rehabilitation needs of residents needing short-term or long-term care. Our rehabilitative care includes aggressive therapy service with consistent nursing care.

BCC-Hattiesburg10 Medical Blvd Hattiesburg, MS 39401601 .264.3709

BCC -Monroe Hall300 Cahal St.Hattiesburg, MS 39401601 .582.9157

BCC - Alzheimer’s300-B Cahal St.Hattiesburg, MS 39401601 .544.5300

BCC-Marion6434A Dale DriveMarion, MS 39342601 .294.3515

BCC- Mendenhall925 W. Mangum Ave.Mendenhall, MS 39114601 .847.1311

Quality of Life Services Including:

Of Petal, LLC


Lap BandSurgeons

Hattiesburg

601-268-7546

WFMM 97.3 FM ‘TALK THAT ROCKS’

DID YOU KNOW?

73% of WFMM listeners earn $50,000 or more per household!45.3% of WFMM listeners are employed full time!85% of WFMM listeners own their own homes!91% of WFMM listeners have children under 12 years old!

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU, AS AN ADVERTISER?WFMM listeners are affluent, community involved, property owners!WFMM listeners have money to spend in your business!WFMM listeners are informed and listening to your ad message!WFMM delivers to an adult audience with purchasing power!

TheMarshall Ramsey

Show3-6 pm

Weekdays

The Gallo Show6-9 am

Weekdays

The J.T. Show10 am-1 pm Weekdays

J.J. Hunt, Dr. W. Michael Hunt (Ph.D., A.C.A, AAS), Charlotte Hunt, Dr. Amy Holden (Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA),

Karen Curry Zumbro

HERE TO HELP YOU HEAR…Do You Have Difficulty Understanding Conversations?

Do You Have Trouble Hearing on the Telephone?Does Your Family Complain About the TV Being Too Loud?

WE CAN HELP.

If you have ever considered new hearing aids, you need to call TODAY. The ALL-NEW Digital Hearing Aids are built with NEW Bluetooth Technology which gives you a much clearer, more precise sound. The NEWER Digital

Buetooth Technology allows you to understand better in noisy environments, on the telephone and most importantly, the voices of your family and friends!

Remember, there is no cost for your hearing evaluation. Dr. Michael Hunt, Ph.D., A.C.A., who is a nationally Board Certified Audioprosthologist, has been

rehabilitating hearing for over 26 years and wears hearing instruments. Dr. Hunt and his staff are dedicated to providing the best possible hearing

healthcare to the Pine Belt. Reconnect with the voices, music and sounds that enrich your life. Please contact our office TODAY to make an appointment.

RECEIVE AT NO CHARGE:

COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION AND HEARING EVALUATION

CLEAN, SERVICE AND FINE TUNE YOUR CURRENT HEARING AIDS

NO FINANCIAL RISK – 30 DAY TRIAL PERIOD ON OUR LATEST TECHNOLOGY

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SPECIAL INCENTIVES

DISCOUNT OFF MANUFACTURES PRICING

0% SAME AS CASH FINANCING

WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU HEAR. CALL TODAY!(601) 450-0066 or Toll Free 877-450-0066

Hattiesburg Oral Surgery

• Dental Implants• Wisdom Teeth Removal (Impacted and Erupted)• Removal of Cysts and Tumor• Reconstruction for Dentures• Corrective Jaw Surgery / Jaw Deformities• TMJ Diagnosis and Treatment• Treatment of Oral and Facial Infections• Oral Pathology (Biopsy, Diagnosis and Treatment)• Laser Surgery• IV Sedation

Bennett V. York, D.D.S.*Steve Cockerham, D.D.S.*Brantley Nichols, D.M.D.+

601 - 264 - 76111-800-247-7611

1421 South 28th Avenue • Hattiesburgwww.omssouth.com

*American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery+ Board Certification Pending

SpierS ChiropraCtiC pain & WellneSS Center

Denton Spiers, D.C.

5128 Old Hwy 11, STE 1 Hattiesburg, Ms 39402

For more information on Spiers Chiropractic Pain & Wellness Center contact their friendly staff at 601-261-9495 or spierschiropractic.com

Chiropractic Care and Adjustments State of the Art Chiropractic Techniques

New Patient Exam for $37.00 Includes initial exam, x-rays if needed, and

free consultation ($200.00 value)

Services Offered Include:• Spinal & Postural Examinations

• Corrective Exercises• Lifestyle Advice • Nutritional Counseling

• Physiotherapy • Massage Therapy

Hours: Mon-Thurs 8:30 am-6:00 pm (closed 12-2 for lunch) Fridays 8:30-12:30

SPIERS FITNESS CENTER24/7 ACCESS - NO CONTRACTS - NO SIGN UP FEES

•A variety of cardio and strength training equipment •Yoga and aerobics room • Personal Training

• social security disability claims

• ssi claims

• pers claims

• denied claims

• hearing representation

member: mississippi bar association, national organization of social securityclaimants representatives / fifth circuit organization of social security

claimants representativesfree background information available upon request

Your Disability Law Firm

601.545.3127 • 866.519.9875804 West Pine Street, Hattiesburg, MS

w w w . d a v i s m o r r i s l a w f i r m . c o mAngela Davis-Morris

Documents

May Hattiesburg Healthy Cells 2012