Source Magazine

Read Source onl ine at athensl imestonehospital .com

A Publication of Athens-Limestone Hospital

VOLUME 3 | ISSUE THREE | FALL 2014

Athens-Limestone Hospital Makes the Honor Roll p. 5

Athens-Limestone Ambulance Service: Forty Years of Reliable Service p. 18

Thomas Pitman, MD Martha McLaughlin, MD Steve Shassberger, DO

Season’s Greetings!TThis is the season of many celebrations including one

with abundant fond memories – Christmas. In this issue,

we’re excited to celebrate our accomplishments from

A to Z. We’ve just made the Honor Roll for our excellent

Quality Scores, our ambulance department is celebrating

40 years of service in our community, and our sleep

center has added a new sleep study doctor.

We are finishing the year strong with the addition of

new doctors, new facilities, and exciting new programs.

I hope that as the New Year begins, and you contemplate

your New Year’s resolutions, that you will consider

our new medical weight loss program with Dr. Steve

Shassberger and our Wellness Center fitness program.

Another great opportunity is the Athens Sleep Clinic with

Dr. Eduardo Bazan Lavanda. These programs are sure to

make for a happier, healthier New Year.

Sincerely,

David Pryor, MSHSMPresidentAthens-Limestone Hospital is an affiliate of the Huntsville Health System.


Athens Location 256-233-9355East Limestone Location 256-216-1990 • alhwc.com

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published by | TW Publishing, LLC PO Box 1241 Athens, AL 35612 [email protected]

publisher | Teresa Gibbs

editor | Betsy Harris

contributing | Caluda Bravo writers Katie Clark Teresa Gibbs Betsy Harris Tanjie Nash Brian Passe

photography | Becky Christopher Danielle Collins Teresa Gibbs Scott Harris Holly Hollman

advertising | Teresa Gibbs [email protected] 256-431-6112

graphic | Cindy Young design [email protected]

For advertising rates, contact Teresa Gibbs at [email protected] or 256-431-6112. For additional copies, call 256-431-6358. Source: a Publication of Athens-Limestone Hospital, 700 W Market St., Athens, Alabama, is published by TW Publishing, LLC, PO Box 1241, Athens, AL 35612. ©2014. All rights reserved. No material in this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publisher. Source is intended as a reference periodical only, not as a medical manual. It is not intended to replace the care and advice of medical professionals. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of this publication. No liability can be attached to or be accepted by TW Publishing or ALH for any errors, omissions, inaccuracies or other statements made by advertisers or writers within. Mention or advertising of specific companies or organizations does not imply endorsement by ALH or TW Publishing.


VOLUME 3 | ISSUE THREE | FALL 2014

5 ALH Makes the Honor Roll

6 Physician ProfileCarlota OB/GYN

8 Thanksgiving Recipes

10 Home for Christmas

12 Hometown Orthopedic Care

13 The Inside Story Overcoming Adversity

14 Tis the Season

17 Christmas Traditions

18 Heroes Among UsAthens-Limestone Ambulance Service

19 Limestone County Storm Shelters

21 A Word from Our Patients

22 ALH Welcomes New Doctors

24 Helping to Spread the Word:A Yearly Mammogram is Important

26 FitnessNew Medical Weight Loss Program

30 Medicare Supplement or an Advantage Plan?

32 Choosing the Right Facility for Short Term Therapy or Long Term Care

34 Happy New Year

38 Travel

40 Building and Remodeling

IN T

HIS

IS

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On the Cover:Athens-Limestone Ambulance Service. See their article on page 18. Photography by: Scott Harris ScottHarrisPhotos.com [email protected]

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R e a d S o u r c e o n l i n e a t a t h e n s l i m e s t o n e h o s p i t a l . c o m

Great News! Athens-Limestone Hospital (ALH) made the VHA Honor Roll. “On behalf of ALH, it is with great pride in our staff and great appreciation to our doctors that I am honored to receive the VHA Top Performance awards and achievements,” says David Pryor, ALH President. ALH was the only hospital in the Huntsville Hospital Health System to receive this honor. This means that your community hospital was among the top performers in three or more areas of focus for VHA, a national network of not-for-profit health care organizations working together to improve performance and efficiency in clinical, financial, and operational management.

Since 1977, when VHA established the first hospital membership organization, the company has applied its knowledge in analytics, contracting, consulting and network development to help members achieve their strategic objectives. In 2012, VHA delivered $1.9 billion in savings and additional value to members. Serving 5,100 health system members and affiliates, VHA represents more than a quarter of the nation’s hospitals. VHA also serves more than 118,000 non-acute health care customers enterprise-wide.

A “top performer” hospital, like Athens-Limestone Hospital, is one that sustained a zero rate for the past three quarters for a given outcome measure in a Partnership for Patients Area of Focus. That means that there were zero adverse events at ALH in these areas of focus.

There are 11 focus areas: 1. Obstetrical Adverse Events including Early Elective

Delivery (EED) 2. Surgical Site Infections (SSI) 3. Ventilator-associated Pneumonia (VAP) 4. Adverse Drug Events (ADE) 5. Injuries from Falls and Immobility (Falls) 6. Pressure Ulcers (PRU) 7. Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) 8. Readmissions 9. Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI) 10. Central Line-associate Blood Stream Infections (CLABSI) 11. Sepsis/Clostridium difficle (SCD)

ALH was a top performer in: 1. Obstetrical Adverse Events including Early Elective

Delivery 2. Surgical Site Infections 3. Ventilator-associated Pneumonia

ALH was also among the “Most Improved” hospitals. A “Most Improved” hospital demonstrated greater improvement in their performance in an area of focus for a given outcome measure relative to their first data point for that measure.

To learn more about Partnership for Patients, visit HealthCare.gov.

Athens-Limestone Hospital Makes the Honor Rollb y B e t s y H a r r i s

David Pryor, ALH President and Betsy Harris, ALH Development Director proudly display VHA awards.

“Athens-Limestone Hospital is a top

performing hospital,” says VHA.

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P H Y S I C I A N P R O F I L E

Every woman knows the stress of a yearly physical exam. Will she have gained weight? Will her blood pressure be up? Will her PAP smear come back normal? And the fears and

questions during an obstetrics visit are a whole different ball game—fears about the baby’s growth, health, and delivery date, or questions about gender.

One of the best ways to help put these worries to rest is by knowing your physician well. What better way to do that than by utilizing a small, local practice? Oliver E. Carlota, M.D., has been a practicing OB-GYN in Athens since 1998. His office has a personal, hometown feel that so many women seek; and between Dr. Carlota and his team, you are sure to feel at home.

Dr. Carlota is a board certified physician through the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He graduated from Memphis State University and completed his graduate work and residency at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Carlota works alongside his wife, Amy Carlota, a certified nurse practitioner, who joined the practice in 2009. Amy is a former NICU nurse who graduated from the University of Memphis and obtained her master’s degree from the University of Alabama. Alysha Walker, a certified nurse midwife,

Dr. Oliver Carlota: Getting to Know You b y K a t i e C l a r k

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is the newest member of their team. Alysha has been a labor and delivery nurse for fifteen years. She has an undergraduate degree from Calhoun Community College and obtained her master’s in midwifery from Frontier Nursing University, in Hyden, Kentucky.

Carlota OB/GYN has a friendly office atmosphere, and when asked what sets them apart from any other OB-GYN, it was hard to name just one thing. After stressing the value of working with a single physician, Dr. Carlota added, “Our 4D ultrasound machine gives unparalleled 3D and 4D images. The patients really appreciate this, and we have a liberal policy on 4D ultrasounds.” He went on to say that another area where his office excels is the fact that he and his front office staff are bi-lingual, speaking both English and Spanish, which helps immensely with patient care.

When it comes to obstetrics, Dr. Carlota boasts low adverse outcomes, low cesarean rates, and high patient satisfaction. He provides infertility evaluations, low and high risk obstetric services, as well as in-office midwifery services. His practice has a brand new 4D ultrasound machine and non-stress test machine. Their non-stress test machine has been networked into their EMR, or electronic medical records system.

Patients find comfort in the fact that they will come to know Dr. Carlota well, and they can be assured that he will be the one to deliver their baby. This, in comparison to larger practices with rotating doctors, where patients are never guaranteed a particular physician for delivery.

Dr. Carlota offers top of the line gynecology services. He was the first Athens area physician to begin offering endometrial ablation in 2004. He also offers menopause management options, and treatments such as laparoscopic vaginal hysterectomy, total laparoscopic

hysterectomy, pelvic organ prolapse repair, and incontinence surgery. He offers primary and preventative care, treatment for issues such as uterine bleeding, cervical dysplasia, and contraceptive management and counseling. Dr. Carlota maintains excellent surgical outcomes, along with high patient satisfaction rates.

Besides the normal OB-GYN services, the practice offers a full line of health and wellness supplements including weight loss and energy supplements, as well as vitamins, and minerals.

Dr. Carlota, whose parents are both physicians, was born in Pennsylvania and raised in New York. His family later moved to Memphis where he completed high school. Amy was born in Decatur. Although her family moved away, she still has relatives living in Athens. The early part of their marriage, the Carlotas lived in South Carolina. Wanting to be closer to family, they decided to move to Athens and make it their permanent home. They enjoy the sense of community and the down home feel of a smaller town.

Together, the Carlotas have two children: Benjamin, thirteen years old, and Alyssa who is ten. When Dr. Carlota isn’t seeing patients, delivering babies, or performing surgery, he’s off playing golf or tennis. Other times you’ll find him watching Benjamin on the baseball field or at one of Alyssa’s dance recitals. As a family, they enjoy boating and other outdoor activities. They especially enjoy ski trips to the mountains or the occasional beach trip to Gulf Shores.

Dr. Carlota offers a free ten-minute consultation for new patients. You can discuss concerns about pregnancy or delivery, ask questions about the need for a surgical procedure, or discuss options and treatments. To set up your appointment, contact his office at 256-233-3100.

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8

The next few months bring an abundance of festivities to residents in the Tennessee Valley. Holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day are just around the corner with a slew of other celebrations mixed in for good measure.

We’ve asked the hospital staff for a few holiday favorites, and have gathered a bundle of traditions and recipes to share with our readers. We hope you enjoy reading them as you flip through our pages, and that you enjoy trying them as much as we loved putting them together!

R E C I P E S

Shrimp and Grits DressingINGredIeNTs:1 pound peeled, medium-size raw shrimp (51/60 count)3 cups chicken broth1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper1 cup uncooked regular grits1/2 cup butter3 large eggs, lightly beaten1 red bell pepper, diced1 cup fine, dry breadcrumbs1 cup chopped green onions1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

DIrECTIONS:• Preheat oven to 325°. Devein shrimp, if desired.• Bring broth and next 2 ingredients to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-

high heat. Whisk in grits, and return to a boil; reduce heat to low, and stir in butter. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat.

• Stir together eggs and next 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Gradually stir about one-fourth of hot grits mixture into egg mixture; add egg mixture to remaining hot grits mixture, stirring constantly. Stir in shrimp until blended. Pour grits mixture into a lightly greased 11x 7-inch baking dish.

• Bake at 325º for 55 minutes to 1 hour or until mixture is set. Let stand 10 minutes.

Thanksgiving is an annual American celebration that gets its roots from a meal first shared between the Pilgrims and the American Indians. Some say that George Washington brought the celebration to a national level, but the official recognition goes to President Abraham Lincoln. Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated amongst friends, family, turkey, and football on the fourth Thursday of November. It’s a day for recognizing all of your blessings. Most families have their own tried and true recipes, but once in a while it’s exciting to throw in something new! If you’d like to mix it up this year, you might like to try one of these:

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Sweet Potato Casserole with White Raisins INGredIeNTs:2 eggs, beaten1 cup sugar1/2 cup butter, melted1/2 cup white raisins1/3 cup milk1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 1/2 cups mashed cooked sweet potato1 cup brown sugar1/2 cup all-purpose flour1/2 cup butter, softened1 cup chopped pecans

DIrECTIONS:• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. • Mix eggs, sugar, butter, raisins, milk, and vanilla extract in a large mixing

bowl. Add mashed sweet potatoes and mix together. Spread the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9 x 13 baking dish.

• In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar and flour. Add butter into the mixture and mash with a fork until crumbly. Add pecans and stir. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the sweet potato mixture.

• Bake approximately 30 minutes until golden brown.

Hot-and-Spicy Cranberry-Pear ChutneyINGredIeNTs:1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries1 (6 ounce) package sweetened dried cranberries1 cup fresh orange juice1/3 cup sugar1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger2 (10 1/2 ounce) jars pear preserves1 (10 1/2 ounce) jar hot jalapeño pepper jelly1 (9 ounce) jar mango chutney1 tablespoon orange zest

DIrECTIONS:• Bring first 5 ingredients to a boil in a

large saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low, and simmer, stirring constantly, 5 minutes or until cranberry skins begin to split.

• Stir in preserves and remaining ingredients; simmer, stirring constantly, 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and cool chutney completely (about 2 hours).

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It was Christmas day, but the six-year old boy would not be home to open presents and enjoy a family meal. His condition, while not life-threatening, required him to stay in the hospital for continued treatment and a full recovery. The one thing he learned from that experience was that spending Christmas in a hospital is lonely and that he could do something about it. From that day on, he had a plan and a mission to never let other kids miss the joy of Christmas while being in the hospital. He got a sturdy box and for the rest of the year he filled it with toys he received when eating at restaurants. On Christmas day of the following year, he took his box of toys to the hospital and gave them to the children who could not be home with their families. After ten years, his mission continues.

David Pryor, the hospital’s COO at that time, learned of that young boy’s actions and persistence and it stirred his heart to recognize the importance of Christmas traditions at home and at work. David, now the President of Athens-Limestone Hospital, his wife Tonya and daughter Ella moved to Athens in June and brought their traditions with them. Their move from South Carolina returned both to the state they call home, David is originally from Shelby County and Tonya’s family still lives in Cullman County.

Though he lost his father at the age of seven, David’s mother made sure her family knew what Christmas was all about and that difficulties in life could be overcome with a grateful heart. On Christmas mornings, his family rose early and enjoyed his mom’s biscuits and breakfast followed by opening gifts and a day of just being together. Their church tradition included a Christmas Tree decorated with the symbols of their faith. Singing carols on Sunday nights brought everyone together as they treated nursing homes, shut-ins and neighbors with both songs and gifts.

Tonya’s family also had their traditions. Each Christmas eve Tonya’s family baked cookies for Santa and put out carrots and other “reindeer food” for Santa’s trusty band of magical traveling companions. Tonya is making sure their four-year-old daughter, Ella, will also have joyful memories of Christmas. The Christmas countdown begins just after Thanksgiving. Each day Tonya and Ella clip a link from a decorative holiday chain. Each day, Ella asks, “How many more days?” When the last link is all that remains, Ella knows that Santa will soon arrive.

Traditions are not just for the home; David plans on making and continuing them at Athens-Limestone Hospital. He’s grateful for the people in the community who understand the true meaning of Christmas and come to share the spirit of the holiday with the staff and patients. “I think people should go out of their way to help others who are struggling with health or economic issues,” said David. “For me, I always get more out of it than they ever do because it reminds me of what we really need to be thinking about at Christmas and how blessed we are.”

Christmas is a time for memories, when we share stories of our youth and make new memories with our children. David and Tonya have many memories of Christmas and are excited about making new ones in Athens. As they look forward to Christmas and the holiday season, David and Tonya count their blessings and live with grateful hearts. They know they’ve been blessed with loving families, and they are grateful for friends both new and old.

When you see them around town or in the hospital, don’t hesitate to greet them. They traveled away from home, but now they’ve returned, so when you see them just say, “Welcome home and Merry Christmas.”

b y B r i a n P a s s e

p h o t o s b y S c o t t H a r r i s

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Imagine your favorite past time – cooking, boating, golfing. Now imagine no longer being able to do those things. This is an unfortunate reality for people with an illness or injury, something Limestone Country resident David Hunt learned all too well. When an old knee injury from college became unmanageable, putting a damper on his favorite activities, David knew it was time to do something about it.

David Hunt is the Administrator of Senior Rehab and Recovery at Limestone Health Facility, a position he’s held since 1985. He is familiar with people who have injuries and need rehab services, and knew all about the doctors at OrthoSports of Athens. “I was familiar with both Dr. Lawrence and Dr. Boyett,” David said. “And I knew the quality of their work. I finally decided to make an appointment. Dr. Lawrence put me at ease, reassuring me the surgery would help fix my knee troubles.”

David’s surgery was performed at Athens-Limestone Hospital, and his recovery is going

remarkably well. “I’m going to the gym, and basically keeping up with the normal routine I had before the pain took over,” explained David. When asked about the surgery itself, he said, “It went perfect!”

David anticipates getting back to the activities he loves soon, namely hunting and golfing, and he can’t speak highly enough of his experience with Dr. Lawrence and OrthoSports of Athens. “It’s definitely a place I recommend,” he said.

Dr. Lawrence is one of two orthopedic specialists at OrthoSports. Together, he and Dr. Boyett have years of experience in working patients through surgery and recovery to fulfill OrthoSports’ philosophy, “Motion is life.”

OrthoSports Athens

It’s definitely a place I recommend!

Hometown Orthopedic Careb y K a t i e C l a r k

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T H E I N S I D E S T O R Y

In 2013, local resident Amber Cook completed a lifelong dream—graduating from nursing school. Amber jumped right in to her new nursing career in January 2014 when a position in the ICU became available at Athens-Limestone Hospital (ALH).

“I was in my element,” Amber said. “It was my dream job, and I was enjoying every minute.”

But Amber enjoyed only a brief two months working the ICU before tragedy struck. While riding her motorcycle, Amber was hit by an SUV. “Lying in a ditch, being helpless, and waiting for first responders is humbling,” said Amber who never lost consciousness.

The first responder on the scene was an Athens City Police Officer who happened to be Amber’s husband, Jared Cook. He was dispatched to the scene, not knowing it was his own wife who lay injured.

Next on the scene were the ALH paramedics. Amber couldn’t say enough good things about them. “I owe a debt of gratitude to Randy Pace and his team for taking excellent care of me and literally putting my leg back together,” Amber said. It was her leg that suffered the greatest trauma of the accident and after a few days in the hospital, Amber had to make the wrenching decision to have her left leg amputated below the knee.

Amber described the next months as a grueling battle of healing from trauma and learning to walk with a prosthesis. “Just when I would start feeling sorry for myself, someone would unexpectedly call and give me the inspiration I needed to fight back and return to my career.”

Return is exactly what Amber did. On May 30, 2014, just two months after her accident and amputation, Amber returned part time to the ICU staff at ALH. “The passion I had for nursing was magnified by the empathy I now possessed for my patients,” she said.

Amber found exceptional understanding and patience from her entire ALH family—for a family is how they

view themselves. “Everyone reached out to me,” Amber remembers. “Kelli Powers, our then CEO, Jan Lenz, who is the director of nursing…everyone!”

Shortly after her return to work, Amber was approached by a colleague and challenged to participate in the Wet Dog Triathlon, an annual competition held in Decatur, Alabama. Amber’s first reaction was amusement, but the more she thought about it, the more inspired she became.

“Knowing I had thirteen months to train would give me a tangible, but ambitious goal to strive for.” Amber and her family purchased mountain bikes, which Amber had to re-learn how to use. They’ve been biking and swimming together to help Amber train

for the 2015 event, which will be held in July.“My life, for the last six months,” Amber explained,

“has been one of continual firsts. That is a blessing.” She now sees the world through different eyes, and every step is not only a challenge, but also a triumph. Her hope is something she strives to pass on to others, and that is why she works to be an inspiration to everyone around her.

“I’m so honored to be a nurse so that I can help others heal,” she said. “And that, in turn, is what will heal me.”

Overcoming Adversity:Amber Cook’s Storyb y K a t i e C l a r k

Amber sees herself as average, ordinary.

I see nothing ordinary about her. I see one of the

most positive, persistent, patient and passionate

nurses I have the pleasure of working with.

– ICU Nurse Manager, Donna Abernathy

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Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Come to Athens and get into the Christmas spirit as Athens’ historic downtown area displays all her charm and splendor for the Athens Christmas Open House sponsored by our Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce and Spirit of Athens on Saturday, November 22nd and Sunday, November 23rd.

With activities scattered around the Greek Revival Courthouse, everyone enjoys being amid the sounds and smells of Christmas. Carolers will be singing many of the all-time favorite Christmas carols as they stroll through downtown. There will be a majestic white horse pulling a Cinderella style carriage offering rides for a small fare. Climb the carriage and step up to the burgundy velvet seats; you will then begin to understand the magic of Christmas as it brings a smile to everyone who graces its path.

Santa will arrive in style in downtown Athens, riding on a shiny red fire-engine. He will be delivered to the Center for Lifelong Learning on Saturday at 1 pm and will be taking toy requests till 4 pm. Have your photo made with Santa and Mrs. Claus by our professional photographer. Later enjoy shopping at your favorite boutiques and bookstore. Our many restaurants will be serving holiday

fare with a special flair. Participating businesses will offer in-store specials, refreshments, and door prizes. Door prize entries will be included in the grand prize drawing from Hobbs Jewelers. The winner does not have to be present to win.

N O V E M B E R

b y T e r e s a T o d d

President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association


P h o t o s b y H o l l y H o l l m a n

December brings excitement and expectations to our county with three popular Christmas Parades. The Athens Christmas parade will take place on Thursday night, December 4th. The Parade begins at the Athens High School and takes the Hobbs Street route to Jefferson Street and around the downtown Square. On December 6th our Ardmore Parade will begin down Main Street with Ardmore High School’s award-winning band leading the parade through downtown Ardmore, Alabama. The final parade will be in the bustling town of Elkmont as the Elkmont Lions Club invites you to come and enjoy the Elkmont High School Marching Band, various floats, walking groups, horses and some very special guests.

Visit us at the Athens Visitors Center, located at 100 Beaty Street North in Athens, for brochures, maps, information on upcoming events, directions to restaurants, hotels and great shopping locations. To see complete details and addresses of the above mentioned events, visit us online at VisitAthensAL.com or call 256-232-5411.

D e c e m b e r

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Each year I select or make a special ornament for each family member and write a message on it. I have a special Christmas tree for those ornaments. It’s grown over the years and every Christmas we share memories about the ones from years past. I started this when my children were young. Now when they move out, they get to take their ornaments with them for their own tree so they can continue the tradition with their own family. I love Christmas, love to decorate, have family over and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

Beverly ScottNurse Manager

r e a d S o u r c e o n l i n e a t a t h e n s l i m e s t o n e h o s p i t a l . c o m

We wear a new pair of Christmas or plaid pajamas to bed on Christmas Eve. This is a tradition we began when the children were born and I still love seeing them on Christmas day wearing their new PJs.

Anita SowellDirector of Education and Quality

Christmas celebration is one with roots deep in the Christian religion. Over the last two thousand years it has evolved into a worldwide celebration of multiple religions, cultures, and festivities. When most people think of Christmas, an immediate memory comes to mind—some of baking, others the tangy scent of pine and for some the image of carolers in the snow. A few of the Athens-Limestone Hospital employees were happy to share their favorite Christmas traditions and recipes…

Christmas Traditions

No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

INGredIeNTs:1 stick butter4 tablespoons cocoa2 cups sugar1/2 cup milk

My family’s favorite Christmas dessert is prepared by my mom every year, and they are so good!

Jennifer HortonCardiopulmonary Rehab

DIrECTIONS:• Mix ingredients above on stovetop in

skillet until a full rolling boil; once it reaches a rolling boil, time for 1.5 minutes then remove from stovetop immediately.

ADD TO MIxTUrE: 2.5 cups quick cook oatmeal 1/2 cup peanut butter 1 teaspoon vanillaSpoon mixture onto aluminum foil and let cool.

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H E R O E S A M O N G U S

When the unthinkable strikes, we all know who to call– 9-1-1. The operators on the other end of the line are quick to dispatch whatever help we need, be it a fire truck, policeman, or ambulance. Many of us know firsthand exactly how important those first responders are, and Athens-Limestone Hospital is proud to be home base for the ambulance branch of first responders in Limestone County.

The Athens-Limestone Ambulance Service was started by Jerry Story who ran the service as a personal business for several years before closing shop in 1974. That’s when Athens-Limestone Hospital took up the gauntlet.

Since the beginning of the hospital-based service, ALH’s ambulance workers have been dubbed the “award-winning paramedics.” During the 1980’s, Alabama’s chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), hosted an annual conference in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Winning first and second place in multiple

rounds of ACEP’s trauma and cardiac competitions during this time, ALH paramedics went on to become the competition’s judges from 1990 until 1993 when the competitions ended.

Today the ALH paramedics continue to strive for excellence. Their service motto is…Everyone has skills. How good are you with those skills? They take the challenge seriously, always working at maintaining the highest level of performance possible. Former ALH paramedics have gone on to become doctors, directors of various medical venues, and more.

Over the years the ambulance service has undergone many changes—including new directors, upgrading services, and expanding services to include areas such as Ardmore, Alabama. In fact, the service in Ardmore is a brand new endeavor as the first ambulance station outside of Athens. According to Mike West, the ambulance service’s director, the Ardmore station is a trial, but the

Athens-Limestone Ambulance Service: Forty Years of Reliable Serviceb y K a t i e C l a r k

Jason Martin (l), Anita Sowell (c), David Malone (r)

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THey exCeeDeD My expeCTATiOns!

Even though I have been a nurse for almost 30 years and have worked closely with EMS for several years; the care I received from them following an injury exceeded my expectations. This past spring, I fell in my basement sustaining a severe fracture involving my tibia, fibula and ankle. The injury was so severe and the pain was so unbearable that my husband was unable to get me into our vehicle. Most of us never anticipate having to be transported to a hospital by an ambulance; I never thought this would be my situation.

When the Athens-Limestone EMS staff arrived, even though I work with these guys, I did not immediately recognize the paramedic because of the angle I was laying in the floor. I could not see his face. I could see the driver, David Malone, and knew him well. Immediately, I started to feel a sense of relief knowing David was there. I could not focus on anything but the pain and muscle spasms from the fractures. All I wanted was to be transported to the Emergency Department where they could provide relief from the pain.

The paramedic, Jason Martin, started my IV onsite and administered pain medication before attempting to splint my leg and move me. The time and care they took in my home to provide me relief far exceeded my expectations. Even though I am a co-worker, I never got the sense I was receiving special treatment. I could tell this was how they treated everyone.

Anita Sowell, RN, MSN, CPHQDirector of Quality and Risk Management, Athens-Limestone Hospital

goal is to make this a successful branch for the hospital. One ambulance is dispatched in Ardmore from 3 pm to 3 am each day, which is the busiest call time in the area.

Mike West is a registered nurse and paramedic with a master’s degree in Public Safety and Justice. He has been with Athens-Limestone Hospital since 1974, and today he directs the daily operations of eight ambulance transport units as the Athens-Limestone Health Services Director. His duties include scheduling EMTs and dispatchers, as well as preparing budgets, making equipment purchases, maintaining a high level of quality in the ambulance service’s performance, and more. His experience and training run deep, and he even co-authored a health manual on EKGs.

This year, ALH celebrates forty years of reliable and excellent ambulance service for the citizens of Limestone County. An exciting celebration is in the works, though the exact dates and times are still being worked out.

LiMesTOne COUnTy COMMUniTy sTORM sHeLTeRs & sAFe ROOMs, BUiLT ACCORDinG TO

FeMA speCiFiCATiOns

ARDMORE COMMUNITY SHELTER29910 Park Ave., Ardmore, AL 35739ARK OF PROMISE COMMUNITY SHELTER15199 Browns Ferry Rd., Athens, AL 35611CLEMENTS COMMUNITY SHELTER9158 U.S. Hwy. 72 W., Athens, AL 35611GOODSPRINGS COMMUNITY SHELTER33634 AL Hwy. 99, Anderson, AL 35610PLEASANT GROVE COMMUNITY SHELTER9080 Upper Snake Road, Athens, AL 35614

OTHeR COMMUniTy sHeLTeRs/sAFe ROOMs

ARDMORE CITY HALL25844 Main St., Ardmore, Tennessee 38449GOOD SHEPHERD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1418 Old Railroad Bed Rd., Madison, AL 35757LESTER COMMUNITY SHELTER30306 Lester Rd., Lester, AL 35647OWENS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL21465 AL Hwy. 99, Athens, AL 35611Will be open to the public after school hours onlyWEST LIMESTONE HIGH SCHOOL10945 School House Rd., Lester, AL 35647Will be open to the public after school hours only

peTs ARe nOT peRMiTTeD in Any sHeLTeR, WiTH THe exCepTiOn OF THOse BeinG UseD

As seRViCe AniMALs FOR peRsOns WiTH DisABiLiTies.

Athens-Limestone Hospital is not a public storm shelter.

Athens-Limestone Hospital no es un ReFugio publico para Tornados.

Ambulance Services Director Michael West, RN, Paramedic, MScelebrates 40 years of service to our community and Athens-Limestone Hospital.

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AmAzing improvements As a former EMT and member of East Limestone Volunteer

Fire Department and HEMSI volunteer, I recognize excellent health care.

My mother, Agnes Norman, was recently admitted to Athens-Limestone Hospital for a 3-day stay. The improvements to the hospital are amazing. I was so impressed from beginning to end!

My mother was brought in via ambulance through the Emergency Department and was seen immediately. They took extremely good care of my mother while my family and I were made to feel very comfortable during her hospitalization. The room was spacious and kept very clean and the food was wonderful. The entire staff was compassionate and very sensitive to my mother’s current diagnosis.

Mark NormanA trip to the er

Our teenage son, Drew, was having pain in his stomach area and it was worsening. We took him to the Athens-Limestone Hospital Emergency Room. I must tell you how impressed I was with the ER. They got us right back and started working on him. Our RN was Evie; she was so good to Drew. She explained everything that she was doing to him. Although he was scared, she reassured him and explained each test and medicine that he received. Evie made him feel comfortable in a scary situation and remained with us most of the time until he was transferred up to a patient room on the third floor. I was equally as pleased with the care and service from the attending physician, Dr. Osborn, and the other staff that were in that evening.

As for his care on the third floor, Drew ended up having his appendix removed. His doctor was Dr. Noel, an excellent surgeon. Neither of my children have had an extended stay in the hospital or many visits to the ER in their lives; so I was unsure how this was going to turn out. I have been to the hospital many times with other family members, but not ‘my babies’. I was pleasantly surprised with the surgery staff,

nursing staff and everyone else involved. I can’t remember all the names as we had so many, but everyone was so professional and caring.

How blessed we are to have our hospital and the excellent care they give! I have always preached that we need to use our local hospital unless it is absolutely impossible. I now have a story to tell myself, first hand. Not about an elderly family member or day surgery, but an actual young, otherwise healthy teenager that had to have some quick surgery. Two scared parents and a scared teenager were made to feel better and reassured that their son was going to be well taken care of and would be “ok” very soon.

Thank you, Athens Limestone Hospital Team. Sincerely,

Nikki and Mike Ogles

A W O R D F R O M O u R pAT I E N T S

my home-town hospitAl mAkes it eAsier on FAmily And Friends

I recently had knee surgery performed by Dr. Lawrence with OrthoSports of Athens. Everything went perfectly well! Some folks think it is better to drive to a bigger hospital 30 miles away, but I chose to have my surgery at Athens-Limestone Hospital where my family and friends could visit. This made it much easier on everybody. I had a very large, clean room and the food was good.

I began physical therapy on day 2 post op and I had my cast off by day 3! The following Friday I was driving myself to my Rehab appointments.

Both of my children were born at Athens-Limestone Hospital and my wife had surgery there three years ago. This is our family’s hometown hospital. You absolutely can’t do any better than Athens-Limestone Hospital.

David HuntAdministrator Athens Limestone Health Facility

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A L H W E L C O M E SDr. Patrick McEldrew opened Athens Family Medicine in September

2014. He is very pleased to be practicing in Limestone and enjoys spending time with each of his patients.

Dr. McEldrew received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida, followed by his Doctor of Medicine from Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. He did an Internal Medicine Internship in Portsmouth, Virginia and Family Medicine Residency at Navy Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. He received additional training in Diving Medicine, Submarines and Radiation Health at the Navy Undersea Medical Institute of Undersea Medicine in Groton, Connecticut and the Navy Diving School in Panama City, Florida.

He served in the US Navy for thirty-three years and was an enlisted Diving Corpsman before attending medical school. As a physician in the Navy, he served at hospitals, clinics, aboard ships, aboard submarines, and with the US Marine Corps; his assignments have taken him throughout the United States, at sea, undesea and on several foreign lands.

He is board certified in Family Medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine and is a member of the Undersea Hyperbaric Medical Society, the Christian Medical and Dental Association and the Knights of Columbus.

Dr. McEldrew’s experience with hyperbarics and diving will be an asset as he teams up with Dr. Ravi in opening the North Alabama Advanced Wound Care Center, scheduled to open early 2015.

Dr. McEldrew and his wife, Jean, make their home in Elkmont, Alabama and appreciate the quiet and friendliness of Northern Alabama. They enjoy spending time gardening, canoeing, and fishing.

Dr. Eduardo Bazan Lavanda opened Athens-Limestone Sleep Clinic in September 2014. He is an Internal Medicine and Sleep Medicine Doctor as well as the first Athens-Limestone Hospital Hospitalist.*

Dr. Bazan attended Medical School at Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia in Peru. He did an Internship at Metropolitan Hospital Center in New York followed by an Internal Medicine Residency program at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. His Sleep Fellowship was completed at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois.

Dr. Bazan has experience as a research assistant for the study of “Genotypes of Helicobacter pylori related to gastric carcinoma” and the study of “Phase III Trial Comparing Four Alternative Methods for Drug Susceptibility Testing of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis with Smear-Positive Pulmonary Tuberculosis.” He has also worked for the Gorgas Course in Clinical Tropical Medicine. This international course is organized by the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia and by the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Dr. Bazan enjoys reading adventure novels and historical novels. Through the reading of historical novels, he can live that time of history. He likes watching movies, especially about history and science fiction. Since he was a young boy, he has enjoyed cooking and philately. In this way, he says he can get to know about other countries, memorable people, monuments, fauna and flora. He likes exercising regularly, especially running and riding his bike.

*A Hospitalist is a physician whose primary professional focus is hospital medicine.

Patrick McEldrew, MD

Athens Family Medicine

102 Sanders Street

Athens, AL 35611 • 256-262-6680

New address (early 2015):

15243 Greenfield Drive

Athens, AL 35613

Eduardo Bazan Lavanda, MD

Internal Medicine and Sleep Medicine

Athens-Limestone Sleep Clinic

205 Sanders Street, Athens, AL 35611

256-262-2158

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AdvAnced Wound cAre center Opening in Athens in early 2015

Hard-to-heal wounds demand advanced care. That’s why Athens-Limestone Hospital (ALH) will open the first Advanced Wound Care Center in Limestone County. The clinic will be located at 15243 Greenfield Drive next to Medical East in Athens. It is scheduled to open in early 2015. Dr. Ravi will be joined by Dr. McEldrew.

Dr. Ravi, General Surgeon, has been with ALH for 30 years.

The Advanced Wound Center will specialize in the treatment of patients with chronic, non-healing cutaneous wounds. Diabetic wounds, compromised skin grafts and flaps, radiation induced injuries or wounds that have not healed within four weeks of standard medical care are considered a problem. By using cutting-edge treatments and sophisticated case management, we will help those patients with chronic wounds heal faster. Typical treatment protocols may include:

• Topical Dressings• Infection Control• Compression Therapy• Debridement of the Wound• Vascular Studies• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy• Orthotics• Patient EducationOur doctors have received special training in caring for

all kinds of advanced wounds and will be using the latest treatments and technologies, so that our patients can enjoy significant and noticeable improvements. When wounds heal, quality of life improves.

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My name is Caluda Bravo. I am a thirty-two year old breast cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with cancer at the age of twenty-two. When my doctor told me I had cancer, I did not know what to say or what to do. I was way too young and was single with no children. But I also understood that I needed to be strong. I needed all my faith and strength in God to confront this illness.

A few weeks later, my doctor submitted me to my first treatment which would be a mastectomy (the removal of a breast). After surgery it was very hard to stand in front of a mirror and look at myself.

Next came the chemotherapy, along with the loss of appetite, weight loss, and hair loss. I started to understand that God would give me the strength to overcome this obstacle and that I would be ok. He would help me defeat it.

Today I can give thanks to God for the opportunity that he has given me. I am a happy woman full of life and love and have a wonderful, caring husband and two loving children that I consider a miracle of love. I have great friends that have supported me through my trials.

Because of the life I have today, I can see myself in the mirror and see the scares of my battle that I have defeated. I feel blessed and proud that I fought hard for this life that I have today.

I see it as my obligation to remind everyone to make sure that they get their yearly physical and talk to your doctor about any questions regarding breast cancer. I would like to say to all women, “Love yourself and take care of your body like a precious jewel.”

Seven years ago I came to live in Athens, Alabama. I met new doctors and came to Athens-Limestone Hospital which has loving and caring personnel. That’s where I met Alma Lopez, a honest, caring person inside

and out of work. I came to Alma to get information on the Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation’s Sherri Adams Pink Ribbon Run. I wanted to help out with this good cause and help spread the word about how important it is to have a mammogram.

Athens-Limestone Hospital is a great place with loving and caring personnel.

Alma Lopez, Nursing Receptionist/Clerk (l); Caluda Bravo, Breast Cancer Survivor (r)

Helping to Spread the Word: A Yearly Mammogram is Important

I wanted to help out with this good cause and help spread the

word about how important it is to

have a mammogram.

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PINK GARBAGE CAN - $75 It’s never too late to purchase a PINK GARBAGE CAN. Please visit the Athens-

Limestone Hospital Foundation Office at 100 Sanders Street to pick up a pink garbage can or call 256-233-9236 to place an order. These can also be ordered online at mypinkelephant.org

If you live within the city limits, the City can deliver your Pink Garbage Can to your house.

All proceeds go to the Pink Elephant Fund at Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation.

PARtNERs IN PINK: a non-profit organization helping women in the Athens community who are fighters and survivors of breast cancer.

Mission: to encourage, educate and empower those affected by breast cancer. Meetings are on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6 pm at the Hospital Education Room. Membership is free and open to anyone in the Athens community. Membership is free and open to anyone in the Athens community. For more information, call 256-205-6052 or email [email protected].

The Athens Fire and Rescue Auxiliary and Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation is holding their annual Breast Cancer Awareness T-shirt Fundraiser. These funds go toward new mammography equipment at Athens-Limestone Hospital.

To purchase a T-shirt call the ALH Foundation at 256-233-9236.

At their “Pink Breakfast” Dealer’s Auto Auction donates more than $22,000 to Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation for the Pink Elephant Mammogram Fund.

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Turn on the TV and do a little channel surfing at any time of day or night and you’re likely to find an assortment of infomercials hawking diet foods and exercise videos – an ever-changing rotation of the latest and trendiest ways to achieve a fairly common goal among adults in the USA: Weight Loss. It’s no wonder so many different companies are in hot pursuit of the American weight-loss market. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 34.9 percent – that’s just over one-third of adults in this country – are classified as obese.

Adverse health effects associated with obesity include increased risk for Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, respiratory problems…the list goes on and on. And while many of the “quick-and-easy” solutions hawked on TV may indeed yield fast results, most do not facilitate the across-the-board lifestyle changes truly necessary for life-changing, long-lasting weight control.

Dr. Steven Shassberger of Valley Women’s Center in Athens has seen this time-and-again. Successful long-term weight-loss is simply a matter of physics. “On paper, energy in must equal energy out,” Shassberger said. “In other words, humans follow the laws of physics so if one

eats fewer calories than one burns, one looses weight. If one consumes more calories than expended, the difference is made up with stored energy, namely fat.”

Realistically, though, Shassberger said, achieving and maintaining healthy weight loss is far more complicated than a simple equation. “Life just gets in the way,” he explained. “There is too much food readily available for a society of people who no longer have to move to make a living. As a result, it is easy to gain weight and easy to regain it after weight loss.”

It’s this approach – life goes on during and after weight loss – that Shassberger brings to Belle Athena Medical Weight Loss, a new long-term success program offered through Athens-Limestone Hospital. The program is available at two locations: Valley Women’s Center at 22335 US Hwy. 72 E, Suite C and Athens-Limestone Wellness Center at 102 Fitness Way.

The 18-week program includes diet, fitness and education components and focuses on solid lifestyle modifications. Participants are offered a reduced rate on membership at The Wellness Center – with access to personal trainers – and the option to continue membership at that rate upon completion of the program.

New Medical Weight Loss ProgramFor Long-Term Weight Loss b y T a n j i e N a s h

F I T N E S S

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“This is geared toward those who are looking to achieve significant weight loss,” Shassberger said.

Likewise, those who have previously lost weight only to gain it back should see better success with this program. “We will work with them to go over their motivations in their current lifestyle, the psychological component,” Shassberger said. “Until you address why you continue to revert to old habits, you aren’t going to make any progress.”

Wellness Center Director Blake Lane said clients need not be intimidated at the idea of exercising with a personal trainer. “The Wellness Center does not have an intimidating atmosphere like your stereotypical gym. Everyone here is working on a bottom line goal and that is to be healthy. Our staff members have the background and knowledge that most gyms don’t have. We have trained exercise physiologists with masters and bachelor’s degrees that go beyond what a normal personal trainer would do and can do. Every client that comes in gets a 1-on-1 appointment with an exercise physiologist to discuss his or her health history and fitness goals. From there we develop the most effective and safe program to influence the most success.”

Dr. Shassberger brings his knowledge from years of work in a health club setting. During his undergraduate years and immediately after, he worked designing fitness programs for successful athletes. “I was hired to work for a fitness company designing programs to assist gym members at achieving their fitness goals. Over time the number of obese clients increased enormously. One of the tasks I was in charge of was bringing the program to the internet and combining the food intake portion with a device that tracks energy expenditure. This combination assists the client by giving very accurate energy expenditure information while learning better how to track food intake.”

Shassberger found these methods resoundingly successful and has implemented most of the ideas he cultivated during this time into the Belle Athena Medical Weight Loss program. “In a nutshell we are achieving fitness goals using methods the client can maintain for the rest of their life while delivering improved health.”

For more information about the Athens-Limestone Medical Weight Loss Program, call 256-233-2744.

Teresa Fields, Athens-Limestone Hospital Sleep Center Manager. Join her in her Medical Weight Loss Journey with Dr. Steve Shassberger

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In Grateful Appreciation ofSam F. Frankel, M.D.

OtolaryngologyFor Your Loyal and Distinguished Service to

The Athens Limestone Community

Serving the Area Since January 198925+ Years of Service

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If you’re a senior turning 65 or older, you have a choice to make. Do I keep my Original Medicare and add a Supplement to pick up the eligible expenses that Medicare doesn’t cover, or do I give up my Original Medicare and go with an Advantage Plan, that on the surface, appears to have added benefits and lower premiums? Let’s explore both options so you can make an informed decision.

1 How does Original Medicare work and why is it important to have a Medicare supplement?

As most seniors know, Original Medicare is the federal government healthcare plan which serves seniors age 65 and over. But Medicare only covers 80% of eligible medical expenses. That leaves a costly gap in your coverage. A supplement like FirstCommunity Senior Select fills the gap, covering the other 20% of eligible medical expenses. Supplements are the best way to prevent spending thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses that Medicare doesn’t cover.

2Are there any co-pays with Medicare supplemental plans?

No, there are no co-pays with a Medicare Supplement. Original Medicare pays for most of your care while your supplement helps fill the gap in Medicare eligible expenses such as deductibles and coinsurance.

3How do the Advantage plans work?On the surface they seem simple, but they can be

very complicated. Seniors must first give up their Original Medicare and then rely on a private insurance company to manage their health care. That means the private insurance company will decide which services you are eligible for and whether or not they will pay for those services.

4Don’t they require a lot of co-pays as well?Yes, seniors will face multiple co-pays for physicians,

specialists, hospitals, diagnostic services, outpatient services, ambulance, the ER or skilled nursing care each time you go to a hospital or outpatient facility. In some cases, you may be responsible for the 20% co-insurance for durable medical equipment and dialysis treatment. That could really add up to be hundreds or even thousands of dollars out of your pocket per illness or accident.

5 is that how they offer such low or even nO premiums?

Exactly. It’s only free if you don’t use it, so to speak. Do you really want to gamble with your healthcare just because you’re healthy today? We all hope to stay healthy but you never know what could happen. In addition, Advantage Plans are not guaranteed renewable like FirstCommunity Medicare Supplement.

6 Does FirstCommunity Medicare supplement cover skilled nursing facility care?

Medicare covers the first 20 days in a Medicare-approved skilled nursing facility.

From day 21 through day 100, without a supplement, seniors have to pay $141.50 per day out of their pockets. With FirstCommunity’s Plan C, we cover the $141.50 per day and your Part B deductible is covered as well.

Under some Advantage Plans, coverage for skilled nursing facility care is limited to the first five days instead of the first 20 days with Original Medicare. In addition, after the first five days in a skilled nursing facility, the daily co-pays with Advantage Plans can rise considerably.

When I turn 65, do I need a Medicare

Supplement or an Advantage P lan?

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7Can you choose your own doctor with FirstCommunity? What about Advantage plans?

Yes you can. FirstCommunity encourages you to choose a physician in the area who admits patients to one of our many participating hospitals.

Many Advantage Plans require you to choose a physician from their network of doctors. You should check to make sure that your doctor participates with a particular Advantage Plan. Otherwise, you may be charged higher physician co-pays if you go outside the network.

8 When i call FirstCommunity, can i speak to a real person?

Yes, of course! FirstCommunity is known for their exceptional level of local customer service. Even though they have about 4000 members in North Alabama, they strive to know their customers by name. One hundred per cent of FirstCommunity’s focus is on seniors. When you call their office, you will speak to someone that lives and works right here – someone who can help answer your questions and guide you through the changes in Medicare.

9 Do Medicare supplements include part D prescription coverage?

No. But the staff at FirstCommunity will be happy to refer seniors the Medicare.gov website that offers a variety of choices for Part D. Stop by their office anytime at 699-A Gallatin Street, Huntsville, AL. If you have questions, call Karen Lingar at FirstCommunity in Huntsville at 532-2783 or toll free (800) 734-7826 or visit the website at firstcomm.org

10 Which plan provides the most peace of mind – a supplement or an Advantage plan?

As a Medicare supplement, FirstCommunity’s Senior Select offers safe, dependable health coverage, without the high deductibles, multiple co-pays and other uncertainties of an Advantage plan. A supplement, unlike an Advantage Plan, guarantees predictable monthly costs and that can be very important for seniors on a fixed income. Have peace of mind knowing that, in the event you get sick or hurt, you can count on Medicare and FirstCommunity Senior Select Medicare Supplement.

MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT

256-532-2783 or 1-800-734-7826

699-A Gallatin Street Huntsville, AL www.fi rstcomm.org An affi liate of Huntsville Hospital

Most seniors don’t realize that Advantage plans can be quite costly – especially if you get sick and require hospitalization.

It’s only “free” if you don’t use it.At � rst glance, their low or even “free” premiums look like a sure thing, but in truth, hidden copays can cost you thousands of dollars every time you get sick – copays for specialists, the hospital, the ER, the ambulance and more.

Without question, no surprises.If you’re having doubts about your Advantage plan, don’t worry – it’s not too late to switch. Call FirstCommunity for Medicare supplemental coverage you can count on, no question about it.

Call today!

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Choosing the Right Facility for

Short Term Therapy or Long Term Care.

Home seems like the best place to recuperate from surgery or serious illness. But hip or knee surgery, stroke, a heart condition or other illness may leave you unprepared for the demands of independent living. When that’s the case, the quickest and safest way home may include short-term treatment at the Senior Rehab and Recovery Center at Limestone Health Facility. Senior Rehab Center helps you return to an active and independent lifestyle as quickly as possible.

Recover at our place, at your own pace. Inpatient rehabilitation is the answer when you need a

short course of focused therapy to help restore strength or learn adaptive techniques. Each patient begins an individualized course of restorative therapies following a comprehensive admission assessment. Professionals in the fields of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, audiology, dietetics and social work, along with the entire nursing staff, contribute to your rehabilitation plan.

Most referring physicians recommend that patients begin therapy immediately following release from the hospital, with the goal of preventing at-home accidents that can occur when you’re not strong enough for activities of daily living, but patients may also transfer to Senior Rehab from another facility or from home.

Customized therapy lets you improve at a comfortable pace.

Balance, coordination, strength, range of motion, stamina, speech and fi ne motor skills are the major areas addressed in daily therapy sessions. Attention to adaptive skills for using ambulatory aids such as a walker,

wheelchair or other medical equipment is also a part of therapy. All our caregivers – RNs, LPNs, and CNAs – are trained to reinforce the lessons learned in one-on-one therapy sessions, encouraging patients to achieve the level of skill they’ll need at home. In addition, instruction in managing common conditions such as incontinence, gives you the confidence to continue an active lifestyle.

Rehabilitation isn’t all work. it’s play, too.Senior Rehab patients are encouraged to participate in

stimulating activity every day and we offer social programs geared toward duplicating the strengths and skills you will need in an independent setting.

Long term care is available too.Occasionally, patients may not progress enough to

return to independent living. In that case, you may choose to remain at Limestone Health Facility for long-term restorative nursing care. We are a home-owned and operated skilled nursing care facility which has served Athens-Limestone County for nearly fifty years. We care for your loved one the way you want them to be cared for – in a clean, warm atmosphere that always welcomes and involves family members.

it’s as easy as a phone call.Call Edie Belue, Director of Admissions and Social

Services, at 256-232-3461 and see how easy it is to get the care you need close to home. We accept Medicare, Medicaid, private pay and private insurance. You can even make the call yourself. Senior Rehab & Recovery Center at Limestone Health Facility is located at 1600 West Hobbs Street in Athens.

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At 79, Billy Bass was a regular at the gym, but all that changed when a tumor near his spine left him unable to move, let alone walk. After cancer treatment for his tumor, Billy’s doctor recommended Senior Rehab at Limestone Health Facility. Their physical therapists went right to work helping Billy get back on his feet.

According to Billy, “I couldn’t have done it without the folks at Senior Rehab, home health and the extra physical therapy that followed.” Now Billy’s back at the gym, living life and getting stronger everyday.

“Senior Rehab at Limestone Health Facility was the beginningof my long road to recovery.”

www.limestonehf.com

600 West Hobbs Street Athens, Alabama 256-232-3461

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Crescent Sausage BitesINGredIeNTs:1 pound hot or regular sausage (pork or turkey)1 8 ounce package cream cheese2 packages crescent rolls

DIrECTIONS: • Preheat oven to 375 degree.• Brown sausage; drain. Blend in cream cheese until the cream

cheese is melted.• Unroll one package of crescent rolls and place on a baking

sheet. Gently press the seams together to seal them. Spread the sausage mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch border along the edges.

• Unroll the remaining package of crescent rolls and place on top of the sausage mixture. Press the edges together to seal. Gently press the seams together.

• Bake at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes, or until crescent roll dough is golden brown.

• Cut into small squares and serve. (Use a pizza cutter for easy cutting.)

If you look for a New Year’s tradition, you’re sure to find one. Whether you kiss your sweetheart at midnight on New Year’s Eve, or cook a feast fit for a king on New Year’s Day, the point of New Year’s is a new beginning. Some of the most common dishes cooked for good luck are black eyed peas, hog jowl, and sauerkraut. These dishes are supposed to bring good health and riches. But there are also a few foods to avoid! Chicken and lobster both make backward movements, which could lead to setbacks in your own life.

Whether you believe in eating for good luck, the superstitions don’t end with food. Don’t wash laundry or dishes on New Year’s Day, or you’ll wash away your good luck; and remember, whatever you’re doing on New Year’s Day will carry over throughout the rest of the year—so spend your hours wisely.

But the fun doesn’t have to end just because the New Year’s been ushered in. There are lots of other causes for celebrations. Think Super Bowl parties, and we can’t forget Elvis’ birthday (it’s January 8)! If you’re looking for something special to cook up for any fun celebration, you might like some of these:

R E C I P E S

Elvis Peanut Butter Gooey Butter CakeINGredIeNTs: One yellow cake mix1 egg1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter

FILLING: One 8 ounce softened cream cheese3 eggs1 teaspoon vanilla extract1/2 cup peanut butter1 ripe mashed banana1/2 cup (1 stick) butter1 pound powdered sugar

TOPPING:Whipped cream, powdered sugar, mint leaves

DIrECTIONS:• Preheat oven to 350. Spray 13x9 pan with baking spray.• In a large mixing bowl stir together cake mix, egg, and

butter. Pat into prepared baking pan.• In the same mixing bowl, mix cream cheese, eggs, and

vanilla. Add in banana, peanut butter, and butter. Finally, stir in powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Pour over cake mixture.

• Bake for 30-40 minutes. Do not over bake. Wait 15 minutes before topping.

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Perfect Popcorn

INGredIeNTs:1 3-quart saucepan with lid3 Tablespoons of high smoke point oil such as canola,

peanut or grapeseed oil2 Tablespoons or more of butter1/3 cup of high quality popcorn kernelsSalt to taste

DIrECTIONS:• Heat the butter and oil in a 3-quart saucepan on medium high heat.

Add salt.*• Put 2 or 3 popcorn kernels into the oil and cover the pan. Move the

pan back and forth on the element.• When the kernels pop, remove pan from element and add the rest

of the popcorn kernels, covering the bottom of the pan with the kernels. Place the lid on the pan and wait 30 seconds. **

• Return the pan to the element. Continue moving the pan and try to keep the lid slightly ajar to release the steam. **

• Once the popping slows to several seconds between pops, immediately remove the pan from the heat, and pour the popcorn into a bowl.

* By adding salt before cooking, it will become evenly distributed throughout the popcorn as it pops.

** By using these tips, nearly all of the kernels will pop and the popcorn will turn out crispy.

Super Popcorn BallsINGredIeNTs:2 cups packed brown sugar2 cups corn syrup1 cup butter2 teaspoons salt

DIrECTIONS:• Heat brown sugar, corn syrup, butter and

salt to simmering.• Boil rapidly for 2 minutes.• Pour mixture over popcorn and stir until all

the popcorn is completely covered.• Allow to cool enough to handle. Cover

hands with sandwich baggies and form into balls.


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The largest of the two-year institutions comprising theAlabama Community College System, Calhoun is recognizedamong the region’s most successful economic and workforcedevelopment engines, providing educational and trainingopportunities to approximately 12,000 credit students, morethan 3,500 non-credit students, and dozens of area businessand industry.

As an institution on the cutting edge of providing excellencein teaching and service, Calhoun is home to many of the state’smost innovative, cutting-edge programs.

Calhoun is preparing the workforce of the future.

North Alabama's Leader in Workforce and Economic Development

256/306-2500 (Decatur)

256/890-4700 (Huntsville)

Buffalo WingsINGredIeNTs:1/2 cup all-purpose flour1/4 teaspoon paprika1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper1/4 teaspoon salt10 chicken wings oil for deep frying1/4 cup butter1/4 cup hot sauce1 dash ground black pepper1 dash garlic powder

DIrECTIONS:• For hot sauce, combine the

butter, hot sauce, pepper and garlic powder in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir together and heat until butter is melted and mixture is well blended. Remove from heat and set aside.

• In a small bowl mix together the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper and salt. Place chicken wings in a large nonporous glass dish or bowl and sprinkle flour mixture over them until they are evenly coated. Cover dish or bowl and refrigerate for 60 to 90 minutes.

• Heat oil in a deep fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). The oil should be just enough to cover wings entirely, an inch or so deep. Fry coated wings in hot oil for 10 to 15 minutes, or until parts of wings begin to turn brown. Remove from heat, place wings in serving bowl, add hot sauce from step 1 and stir together.

Serve with Blue Cheese Dressing and Celery.

Blue Cheese DressingINGredIeNTs:1/2 cup mayo1/2 cup sour cream1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese

DIrECTIONS:• Mix ingredients together, then

store in refrigerator.

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T R AV E L T h e H o l y C i t y b y B e t s y H a r r i s p h o t o s b y S c o t t H a r r i s

IIt was a beautiful fall Sunday morning as we stood listening to a symphony of church bells. We marveled at the Charleston skyline, dotted with church steeples. With the dense population of historic churches (180 churches inside the city limits - more than in Rome or Jerusalem), finding a place to worship or a sanctuary to explore is as simple as taking a leisurely stroll along the sidewalks. No wonder Charleston, South Carolina is called the Holy City.

The stately historic district of Charleston is a photographer’s muse; that is why my husband Scott, Source Photographer, and I, Source Editor, chose this scenic location for our fall vacation. By day, Scott is an Electrical Engineer at Redstone Arsenal and I am the Development/Foundation Director for Athens-Limestone Hospital. Together we work to share pictures and stories with our Source readers about Athens-Limestone Hospital and its grateful patients, excellent doctors, hardworking nurses and staff, and the benefits of health and travel.

Charleston is home to one of the largest and best-preserved historic districts in America. I wasn’t content to simply marvel at antebellum mansions from the sidewalk. My desire was to explore a city full of living examples of Charleston history, stroll through the oldest landscaped gardens in America and stand in the spot where the first shot of the Civil War was fired.

Scott and I both enjoy history. Did you know America’s first museum is the Charleston Museum, which was founded in 1773? But it’s not the only landmark located in this area.

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Charleston is known for its many historic homes: the Nathaniel Russell House, the Joseph Manigault House, and the Aiken-Rhett House, to name a few. The one we found most impressive was the Calhoun Mansion, the largest home in the city with twenty four thousand square feet, thirty five rooms, thirty five fireplaces, and seven tractor trailer loads of to-die-for antiques from all over the world. And the owner still lives there, hosting 33,000 visitors every year.

Shopping in Charleston starts at the Market Street Market where vendors sell everything from jewelry and art to t-shirts and tablecloths. Be sure to check out the sweet

grass baskets. If your taste is more refined, head to Kings Street lined with antique stores, boutiques, art galleries, and department stores.

Our hotel, the King Charles Inn on Meeting Street was a great location, close to many of the places we wanted to go. After a long day around the town the last thing you want is a long walk back to your hotel. And did I mention delicious breakfasts and free parking? Call them at 843-723-7451 or visit them on the web at kingcharlesinn.com.

General Manager, Maureen Sheridan, shared with us some of the Inn employees’ favorite lunch and dinner spots: Cru Cafe’ is a hidden

gem in an 1800 house on Pinckney Street and our favorite lunch spot. A trip to Charleston wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a seafood restaurant, and Hank’s is one of the best, with delicious seafood among other things. And desserts? Let’s just say we had dessert first and dinner last on more than one occasion. All the restaurants we tried were marvelous but if you’d like to eat at a certain time, you’ll want to make reservations wherever you eat.

To plan your visit to Charleston, check out the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau website at charlestoncvb.com.

photos clockwise beginning with upper left:Huguenot Church interior; St. Philip’s Episcopal Church; Joseph Manigault House hall and staircase

opposite page: Scott and Betsy at Boone Hall Plantation

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This past year brought much excitement as my husband, Wyman, and I went through the process of building a new house. About a year ago we fell in love with a beautiful pièce of land in Elkmont. We bought it and began building our retirement home. We wanted something out of the ordinary. We had the perfect setting for a mountain cabin.

We’re finally in the house and loving it. It is a blessing to have things go so smoothly, especially since building or remodeling can be such a stressful time.

Choosing the right contractor for the job can help ease worry, save money, and mean the difference between being in love with your home or being ready to run. If you’re looking to build a new home, add on to an existing home, or start a home remodel, you’ve come to the right place. The folks represented in this special section are experienced in the home building and remodeling arena, and they’d be happy to help make your dreams come true.

S P E C I A L S E C T I O NB u i l d i n g a n d R e m o d e l i n gb y T e r e s a G i b b s

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If you would like to place an ad in the next issue of Source, have a story idea or would like to share a

comment, call Teresa Gibbs at 256-431-6112 or email [email protected].

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You don’t have to travel far to see Rogers Group’s handiwork. After all, the family-owned company has been paving roads, building bridges and supplying construction grade crushed limestone in north Alabama since the 1950s. Stone mined by Rogers Group can be found in Corridor X, Redstone Arsenal, and the Guntersville and Lineville Dams — not to mention hundreds of miles of roads and highways and numerous schools, homes and places of business.

Truly, Rogers Group is a significant part of north Alabama’s growing business community, but that’s not the only place you see them.

“I have worked for Rogers Group for 18 years, and helping the community has always been an important part of who we are,” says Dale Cathey, the sales manager for the company’s Alabama locations. “It’s always good to invest in the neighborhoods where your employees live and raise their families, but more than that, it’s just the right thing to do.”

Rogers Group operates rock quarries in Tanner, Tuscumbia, Lacey’s Spring, and Moulton, and it’s not uncommon to see a school bus at one of them. Tours for school groups are available at most locations, and employees can help organize these based on the needs of the class and age groups of the students.

Visits usually begin by the plant manager talking about where we can find crushed limestone in everyday life and in special applications (everything from lining ditches to chewing gum and toothpaste). Students are then driven through the plant around huge piles of rock while employees talk about the different types of stone and how the product is moved via conveyor belt from the pit to the pile to the truck that

delivers it to the customer. The visit concludes with a few hands-on activities that will keep the students talking about the trip for days afterward.

Seeing the equipment is always a popular item on the agenda for many children: life-sized Tonka trucks come to life.

Conducting school tours is only one way Rogers Group supports local schools. Each quarry adopts a local school to become a “partner in education”. Plant managers work with teachers and school administrators to participate in various volunteer opportunities, teacher appreciation events, fund raising projects, and student group sponsorships. They also make educational resources available to help teachers when covering geology and other earth science topics.

“I love working with local schools,” says Tommy Thurman, who oversees all of the quarries and asphalt plants in Alabama. “I enjoy my job, and I like showing kids what it’s like to work here.”

Another place you’ll find Rogers Group is wherever the community needs them to be in a time of tragedy. When Alabama experienced the worse outbreak of tornadoes any of us have seen, employees and their heavy equipment were on the scene helping to clean up, deliver water and food items, provide places for debris to be deposited—whatever they could do to help out. When a quarry neighbor’s front porch was deteriorated to the point it was unsafe, employees donated their own time and materials to help rebuild it.

Rogers Group strives to be a good neighbor in the community, and thanks to the good people they hire, they are.

Visit RogersGroupInc.com to learn more about Rogers Group.

Rogers Group Continues Legacy of Community Service

RGI employees Derek Roberts and Tommy Thurman unload donated bottles of water and other items at Tanner School after the tornadoes of Spring 2011.

A class from Lacey’s Spring School takes advantage of a photo op with some heavy equipment at the nearby quarry.

Choral students show off RGI-donated T-shirts at James Clemons High school in Madison.

RGI helps sponsor the annual tractor pull in Tanner.

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9271 US Highway 31, Tanner, AL 35671 • 256.580.2840 www.RogersGroupInc.com

CRUSHED STONE • SAND • GRAVEL • ASPHALT PAVING

ROGERSGROUPINC.

Athens-Limestone HospitalP.O. Box 999Athens, Alabama, 35612

PRST STDUS PoSTage

PAIDHUnTSville, al

PeRmiT 97A Publication of Athens-Limestone Hospital

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