Vital Signs Spring-2017

INSIDE:
SOUTHEAST TEXAS SPRING 2017

• SURGERY CONTROLS DIABETES
ITAL SIGNS • STROKE ROBOT SAVES LIVES

• FIGHTING PARKINSON’S
WINNER
FIRST
PLACE
2015 - 2016 ANSON JONES AN EXAMINER CORPORATION PUBLICATION
4 Vital Signs – Spring 2017
MEET THE
Acadian Ambulance Service medics Nachol Cravens,
Cindy Lou Powell, Revia Richard and Steven Block
Photos by David Block
MEDICS
Acadian Ambulance team talks saving lives,
dealing with tragedy, offers advice
to potential paramedics
T
he life of a medic is more than just blood, guts and adrena-
line. It can bring with it a smorgasbord of stress, excitement,
tragedy and triumph. The gamut of emotions medics experi-
ence on a day-to-day basis is almost limitless because they never
know what the next call is going to bring.
“There’s nothing normal about our job,” said Jon Clingaman,
operations manager at Acadian Ambulance Service. Clingaman
began his current role in 2016 but has been a paramedic since 1997.
“If you’re looking for a Monday-Friday, 8-5 gig, you’re in the wrong
spot. It’s just the unfortunate part about our business. … No two
days are the same.”
Acadian Ambulance Service in Beaumont responds to calls from
Jasper to Port Arthur. Medics drive an average of 300-400 miles a
day and the Beaumont station transports around 130 patients a day
and around 50,000 a year in its service area, Clingaman said.
“We have 235 employees in our region,” Clingaman said, “from
van operators, to EMTs, to paramedics.”
His medics wouldn’t have signed up to save lives if they didn’t
enjoy it, Clingaman said.
“In all reality, probably 90 percent of our paramedics — they
want to be taking care of that person,” he said. “We have a great
group of people here.”
As a medic, anything can happen while on call. Some of these
happenings can even occur on the first day on the job.
Nachol Cravens, a paramedic for Acadian, said her first call while
training in 2009 at the Texas City Fire Department involved a tragic
situation.
“This guy was going through a custody battle with his wife. He
killed himself, her and all five of his kids,” Cravens recalls. “He ran
his car into a concrete barrier on I-45 and they all died. … That was
my gut check.”
Cravens said she contemplated not even finishing her shift but
was able to speak to a chaplain to calm her down.
“This isn’t something that’s going to happen every day, but it will
happen,” she said.
Cindy Lou Powell’s first experience as a medic was a little more
bizarre.
“My first shift was a DOA (dead on arrival),” Powell said. “I’d not
been told what the body really does when you move them. Nobody
was home but the DOA, and we found them.”
Powell said while bringing the body out of the house, they had to
maneuver the stretcher down a narrow hallway and in the process of
doing so, they shifted the body and the DOA patient let out a growl.
Vital Signs – Spring 2017 5
62
Jon Clingaman, operations manager at Acadian Ambulance Service in Beaumont
“I screamed and ran out of the house,” she said, explaining that the
body was actually just releasing air postmortem. “My partner said, ‘It’s
OK. They do that.’ I was an instructor after that for 10 years, and I
always taught my students what the body will do postmortem so they
Steven Block
would know ahead of time.” EMT – Paramedic
Acadian holds regular debriefings following big incidents like a bus
wreck with multiple passengers. Hometown: Vidor, TX
20 YEARS
“We talk about what went right, what went wrong and what we can Education: Lamar State College - Orange experience
do different next time,” Clingaman said. Previous job: Sales
Hobbies: Carpenter Sign: Capricorn
“There’s nothing normal about our job. If you’re

looking for a Monday-Friday, 8-5 gig, you’re in the
wrong spot.”
46
— Jon Clingaman,
operations manager at Acadian Ambulance Service
The company also holds debriefings when tragedy strikes and it

may be tough for the medic to deal with it. For example, if a child is
lost.
“We also have an internal critical stress management team with a
chaplain and a certified Critical Incident Stress Management director.
The crew is automatically contacted by one of the two. …”
Losing a patient, especially a child, is tough for a medic to deal with.
“Sometimes you’re too late and there’s just nothing you can do,”
Clingaman said. “It takes a long time to learn that.”
“I went through a period where it was all children,” said Steven
Block, a paramedic for Acadian. Losing an 18-month-old baby girl
after a deadly car wreck was his breaking point.
“I finally busted out crying when that baby girl died. We got her to
the hospital alive, but I couldn’t get an IV and the doctors couldn’t get
an IV, so they drilled her in the arm because both of her femurs were
Nachol Cravens
broken. The last thing I heard her say was ‘Mama.’ … I walked out of EMT – Paramedic
the room and the nurse said, ‘CPR in progress,’ and she didn’t make it.
That tore me up.” Hometown: Silsbee, TX
12 YEARS
Block said it bothered him for a couple of days. Education: College of the Mainland experience
“It made me love my grandchildren even more,” he said. “But you Previous job: Engineer & Firefighter
get over it.” Hobbies: GBO Bodybuilder Sign: Virgo
Different people handle tragedy in different ways, reminded Revia

Richard, Acadian EMT. “Some people turn to their clergy, some
53 people turn to their friends, some people turn to their co-workers,
and some people are able to just block it out.”
“I don’t bring my job to my home, and I don’t bring my home to
my job,” Cravens said. “I’m capable of being able to shut either one
off, no problem, but not everyone’s like that.”
Regardless of the emotional challenges of the job, medics have
little time to mourn a lost patient. During a busy day, they’re lucky
if they get a break.
“It’s a luck thing, whether you get to stop to eat or go to the bath-
room or anything,” Powell said.
“Sometimes I have to drink my meals because I don’t have time
to stop,” said Cravens, who added, despite misconceptions, there
is no such thing as an ambulance driver — everyone is a medic.
“People don’t understand that.”
“If you’re smart, you’ll bring your food with you, some snacks or
something,” advised Richard.
“You’re taught when you go to school that you may not eat that
whole shift,” Block said. “When you take a patient to the hospital,
that’s your bathroom time.”
Hurricane season (June 1 – Nov. 30) is a busy time for Acadian as
Cindy Lou Powell well.
“From a leadership standpoint, we meet every year,” said Clinga-
EMT – Intermediate man, who said this year’s meeting is in April. “We have business
development team members. Those guys are the relationship people
Hometown: Vidor, TX with our company. They’ll get a census from the nursing homes and
30 YEARS
Education: Lamar State College - Orange experience break them down by ambulance, wheelchair, etc., and we’ll have a
Previous job: Popeye’s manifest that shows who goes to what, when and where. We’ll have
Hobbies: Racing Sign: Capricorn that on file and meet as a leadership team to make sure that we have
everything worked out.”
In May, Clingaman and other leaders have a staff meeting with
the medics and remind them of the expectations.”
45 Being a medic also requires a lot of sacrifice when it comes to
family and relationships.
During hurricane season, when there is an active storm in the
Gulf or threatening the area directly, medics are on call 24-7 and
must bunk at the station, Clingaman said.
“They’re not going anywhere. It sucks, but they are mandated to
be here. We put them on around the clock. … A lot of people don’t
know this, but we service all of the I-10 corridor. It’s not only if
something is impacting Texas. We service from basically Mississippi
to Texas, so we have a huge responsibility. We roster up people to
go to Louisiana, and Louisiana sends people here,” said Clingaman,
adding that Acadian’s main office is in Lafayette. There are more
than 450 ambulances in the Acadian fleet. The Beaumont service
area has a fleet of 50, Clingaman said.
During a direct hit, they’ll evacuate to the Lumberton ISD
FEMA Safe Room, he said. “We would go there until it pushes
through and then come back and start looking at things.”
In the event Texas is impacted by a hurricane, Acadian also sets
up an emergency response center in Louisiana separate from its
dispatch center.
Revia Richard “You’ll have day-to-day operations still going because, remember,
people are still going to call for ambulances,” Clingaman said.
EMT – Basic In June, Acadian will participate in a statewide drill called Hur-
ricane Charlie, he said.
Hometown: Beaumont, TX “All of our local first responders will participate,” Clingaman said.
23 YEARS
Education: Trans-Star Ambulance experience “A big part of what we do is disaster responses.”
Previous job: Nursing assistant
Hobbies: Crocheting Sign: Aries SEE ACADIAN • PAGE 8

Texas Legislators consider
bill that would allow first
responders to carry firearms
A bill under consideration in
the 85th Texas Legislative Session
would allow first responders
such as paramedics and
firefighters to carry
a firearm openly
or concealed. HB
982 was recently
referred to the
Homeland Security Nachol Cravens.
and Public Safety Acadian EMT Revia Richard
Committee in the Texas said you never know when
House of Representatives and has something unexpected can happen
a May deadline to be passed this on a call, and despite the best
session. efforts of dispatchers to prepare
“The bill would take effect Sept. them, EMTs and paramedics go into
1 should it pass and be signed volatile situations unknowingly.
by Gov. Greg Abbott,” District 21 “You get there and there’s that
Revia Richard holds Acadian’s electro cardiogram monitor. The device,
Rep. Dade Phelan said. “The bill random family member that comes
which costs around $20,000, is wireless and sends patients’ readings
to doctors at the hospital before they even arrive. Every Acadian addresses both (Penal Codes) 30.06 out of the back room. What do you
ambulance is equipped with one. and 30.07, so they could carry do? You can’t blame the dispatcher
open or concealed. It will have because they’ve done the checks
a committee substitute that will and balances, but you’re still in
ACADIAN • FROM PAGE 7 that dangerous situation,”
address concerns regarding
additional training, liability Richard said.
If you are considering becoming a paramedic, Jon Clingaman,
Acadian offers a ride-along program. and indemnification.”
The National Association operations manager
“Folks will spend 10-12 hours on an ambu- at Acadian, said the
lance. Usually we tell them 14, just because you of Emergency Medical
Technicians found that ambulance service is still
never know what’s going to happen. They’re prob- investigating all the factors
ably going to get that late emergency, and we hope four in five medics have
experienced some form of involved with arming its
that they do. The reason for that is because we medics and hasn’t decided
want them to see what it’s like,” Clingaman said. injury as a result of their
job and the majority, 52 Phelan one way or another
“We bring them in and they’re allowed to observe
percent, claim to have been whether it would do so.
only. Some of them realize this is what they want
injured by assault. More than 20 “We’re not police officers. We’re
to do, and some of them realize it’s not. It’s not
percent ranked personal safety as a not trained in law and those tactics
all lights and sirens and shootings and stabbings,
primary concern. that they utilize. If the scene is not
motor-vehicle accidents with cars piled on top of
“First responders often secure, we wait for law enforcement
each other. It’s babies — kids that die from SIDS
operate in hostile and dangerous to secure that scene,” he said,
when mom rolls over on them. …We see people at
environments and should not be adding that Acadian doesn’t want
their worst. It’s a very thankless job.”
denied the opportunity to defend to put its crews into situations
What advice does the Acadian team offer to
themselves when doing their job,” where they might need to use a
people who are thinking about entering the field?
Phelan said. firearm.
“Come ride with us and see if this is something
you want to do because it’s very expensive to go to Acadian Ambulance Service EMT “Them carrying guns … I think
school for,” Powell said. “Go into it knowing that Cindy Lou Powell said she often that is something that will have
you’re not in it to make a paycheck. You’re in it to finds herself in situations where she to continue to be evaluated,”
help someone.” doesn’t feel safe. Clingaman said. “Right now, I
“You have to have a passion for it,” Cravens said. “It’s our right to be able to arm don’t think it is something we can
For more information on Acadian Ambulance ourselves, I think,” Powell said. necessarily support. … Just because
Service, call (800) 259-3333. “I’ve been assaulted several it’s allowed doesn’t mean that it’s
times,” said Acadian Paramedic going to happen.”
— Kevin King

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STROKErobot
RP-Vita helps save Beaumont nurse’s life
M
iechael Eason, 48, has
been helping save lives
at Baptist Hospital in
Beaumont for more than 20 years
as a nurse, but in 2013, it was
Eason’s live that needed saving.
Eason, RN, said she was work-
ing as a supplemental nurse at the
time.
“I had already made my rounds
and assessed all my patients and
went to start giving meds,” Eason
recalled. “I noticed my right side
was getting kind of heavy and
started to tingle.”
She continued working despite
the strange feeling she was expe-
riencing.
“When I leaned over my pa-
tient, I started drooling, so I knew
something was wrong,” she said.
“I excused myself and told the
charge nurse.”
Eason was having a stroke.
“Very quickly, I started pro-
gressing with no speech,” Eason
said. “I couldn’t get much going
on the right side. I do remember
the tPA they were going to give
me, but at some point I had a
seizure and was intubated.”
Tissue plasminogen activa-
tor, or tPA, is given through an
IV and works by dissolving the
clot and improving blood flow
to the part of the brain being
deprived of blood flow by the
stroke. For tPA to be effective,
it needs to be given to a stroke Miechael Eason,
victim within three hours of the RN, MSN. The
InTouch Vita
onset of symptoms, said Donna
robot helped save
L. Biscamp, RN, CEN, a nurse Eason’s life in 2013
in the emergency department at when she had a
Baptist who was there the day stroke during her
nursing shift at
Baptist Hospital.
Photos by Kevin King

The InTouch Vita, also known as
the RP-Vita, is a remote presence ro-
bot developed by iRobot and InTouch
Health. It assists medical professionals in
the exchange of information in healthcare
environments and enhanced service to
patients.
Baptist began using the robot in
2007, said Dr. Victor Ho, MD, FACEP,
FAAEM, an emergency department physi-
cian who was instrumental in starting the
hospital’s telemedicine program in 2001.
Telemedicine is the remote diagnosis
and treatment of patients by means of
telecommunications technology.
“We were one of the first hospitals in
the nation to use the (robot),” Ho said.
“It’s a great way of providing care to
places like our area where you don’t have
all the specialists you need.”
Neurologist Teddy Wu, MD, talks to a patient via telemedicine at The University of Texas Health Science Center at With only a handful of neurologists
with
Houston. Wu and other stroke physicians at the center are key in Baptist Hospital’s ability to treat What is venous
stroke patients reflux?
available to provide on-call coverage for a
Veins are blood vessels with one way valves that return blood to the heart.
remotely through the use of a stroke robot. Photo courtesy ofIfMemorial Hermann damaged
these become 75- tothey100-mile service
will allow the area
blood to poolin Southeast
in the feet and
that Eason had her stroke. Despite the difficulty of seeing lowerher
legs. Texas, the hospital realized it needed a
“She was standing in the nursing co-worker suffer, Biscamp activated Whatthe causes way of calling
varicose veins?in extra help to deal with
station and she grabbed my hand and stroke process just like she would for veins
Varicose a are caused
strokeby patients.
damaged valves in the vein. This can be due
to the vein being so dilated that the edges of the valve no longer meet in the
couldn’t say anything,” Biscamp said. “She regular patient. middle. Other causes are:“There’s not enough neurologists in
kept trying to talk but couldn’t. This was The hospital utilized its stroke robot * Ageto
* Pregnancy
very emotional because she’s one of ours.” care for Eason. * Genetics SEE ROBOT • PAGE 12
* Over Weight
FYI: Women are more likely to develop varicose veins.
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ROBOT • FROM PAGE 11
this area to take care of the vast number

of stroke patients we have. We live on
what they call the ‘Stroke Belt,’” said
Biscamp, who added it isn’t uncommon
for Baptist Hospital to treat more than
40 stroke patients in a span of six months
with the robot.
According to Live Science.com, the
Stroke Belt includes 11 states: Alabama,
Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky,
Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina,
South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
Some medical experts also believe the
belt should include parts of Northern
Florida and East Texas. Stephen Reid, MS, RN, FNP-C, is a teleneurology nurse practitioner at Baptist Hospital in Beaumont. He communicates
The hospital partners with UT Health with UT neurologists through the robot to care for his stroke patients.
to fill the gaps.
“That agreement has led to stroke cer- to treat and see patients (remotely) from The physician examined her, she got tPA
tification at our facility and has allowed my office or my home.” and during that time, she had a seizure.”
us to participate in some very leading- Stephen Reid, MS, RN, FNP-C, is te- The stroke continued to cause Eason
edge research that’s been done globally leneurology nurse practitioner at Baptist to have seizures, and she had to be put
but has allowed us to have that technol- Hospital in Beaumont. He communi- on life support, Biscamp said, but she
ogy here in Beaumont,” said William cates with UT neurologists through the continued getting the tPA that she des-
Toon, chief information officer at Baptist robot to care for stroke patients. perately needed to dissolve the blood clot
Hospitals of Southeast Texas. “With the “I facilitate the visit by uncovering and save her life.
UT stroke program and teleneurology, all the medical history that is pertinent The tPA Eason received with help
from an in-patient standpoint, we can and, of course, the doctor can interview from the robot at Baptist Hospital in
see consoles with the UT physician and the patient directly, and I can assist with Beaumont saved her life, but she was
a nurse practitioner or practitioner here physical examination,” Reid said. “Then flown to Memorial Hermann Hospital
that’s speaking with that physician on the doctor formulates a treatment plan in Houston as a precautionary measure,
a daily basis and getting that care, that with me, and we institute that treatment Biscamp said.
follow-up. The communication with the plan. … We follow the patients daily “I think that it was the right decision,”
UT neurologist and the physician here with the robot.” Eason said. “If the clot would have still
can happen on a daily basis and even In addition to the use of a telemedi- been there, we wouldn’t have had the abil-
sometimes multiple times a day.” cine robot for neurological consults in ity to go in after it, and there they did.”
Neurologist Teddy Wu, MD, leads the the emergency department for stroke Eason was in the stroke ICU in Hous-
telemedicine program at the University victims like Eason, as of February, Baptist ton for three days.
of Texas Medical School at Houston is now using a second telemedicine ro- “They moved me to the stroke floor,
and is instrumental in getting Southeast bot, the InTouch Lite V2, for in-patient and I stayed there for three days, and
Texans the care they need. He is often stroke victims, as well. then I came home with home health
the medical practitioner at Baptist speak- “Primarily, any stroke that comes because I couldn’t drive,” Eason said.
ing on the other side of the robot’s screen through our ED, depending on the sever- Eason received extensive physical and
through what is similar to, but far more ity of that stroke, we can now send that speech therapy for three months follow-
advanced than, a Skype session. Other patient upstairs and they’ll continue to ing her stroke before she could return to
stroke physicians at UT are used some- be followed by the same neurologist that work. She had to learn to speak again.
times, as well. saw them in the ED and follow that pa- The only permanent side effect from her
“The robot is essentially an extension tient throughout their entire care,” Toon stroke is short-term memory loss, she said.
of us,” Wu said. “It allows us to see the said. “We’ll have a nurse practitioner that Eason recently returned to college and
patient with great clarity, and it shows follows through that and be able to affect earned her master’s in nursing and now
the patient a warm face, letting them that patient’s care after a really devastat- works as a nurse educator for behavioral
know there is a human being on the ing diagnosis or event like a stroke, or health at Baptist Hospital.
other side, not just a cold machine.” anything that’s neurological in nature. “I love the stroke robot,” Eason said.
Wu said that just like being in the Those admitting physicians can now “I love the fact that it gives us access to
room with the patient, doctors are able to consult immediately those UT physicians a bigger hospital that gives us more ad-
look at monitors, imaging, etc., and they through the telemedicine program. vanced technology. We get their knowl-
are able to control the robot remotely The InTouch Vita robot was used with edge of telling us what we need to do,
and move it around where they need it. Eason after her stroke. and we can respond so quickly.”
“It’s just like we are physically in the “The stroke robot was used,” Biscamp
room,” he said. “It essentially allows me said. “The UT physician came on. … — Kevin King

VOLUNTEERS
Barbara Warren
and Lottie Arline
Delivering meals
and joy to seniors
To deliver meals and check in on 1,200 people at home every
weekday in Hardin and Jefferson counties takes an enormous
team effort. The nonprofit agency Nutrition and Services for
Seniors provides the Meals on Wheels program, bringing a hot
lunch and a smile to homebound individuals and to its 17 com-
munity dining centers spread out across the service area.
The strength of the program is the 200 dedicated volunteers who
deliver the lunches along 40 routes, says Barbara Warren, commu-
nity outreach coordinator for Nutrition and Services for Seniors.
“The volunteers are important because they allow us to serve
many more people,” Warren says.
The staff plans, cooks and packages the meals, but the man-
power to get the food to the people who need it comes from the
volunteer team.
Most individual volunteers and teams sign up for a route
one day a week, and spend about an hour delivering meals and
compassion to their clients.
“It’s not that we just hand (our clients) a nourishing meal. We
look after them. Our volunteers make the connection to home-
bound people that helps keep them going and out of the doctors’
office, out of the hospital. We check on them,” Warren says, adding
that volunteers often develop lasting bonds with their clients, and
look forward to seeing their friends along their route each time.
“Our clients are all different kinds of people; so are our vol-
unteers,” Warren says. They are retired people, working people
who deliver during their lunch hour, college students, church
members, couples and others.
Volunteers pass a background check and participate in an
orientation session with Warren. Then, Lottie Arline, Meals on
Wheels volunteer coordinator, matches volunteers with delivery
routes and works to ensure every route is covered every day.
In addition to delivering meals, volunteers are tapped to
help maintain the center’s fruit and vegetable garden, assemble
Saturday breakfasts and holiday meals, and support the pet food
program for the pets of seniors who receive homebound meals.
They also participate in the community-wide holiday “Santa to a
Senior” gift project with Home Instead Senior Care.
Read about Meals on Wheels volunteers throughout this issue.
— Volunteer photos and profiles by Karen Stubblefield
New chance at life
Metabolic surgery recommended by organizations
worldwide as treatment option for diabetes
W
hen Artis Jones, 41, of Beaumont found out he had Type 2
diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in 2008, he went on a strict diet
and exercise regimen.
T2DM is a chronic condition that affects the way the body pro-
cesses blood sugar (glucose). The body’s ability to produce or respond
to the hormone insulin is impaired, resulting in abnormal metabolism
of carbohydrates and elevated levels of glucose in the blood and urine.
Although he wasn’t insulin dependent like many diabetics, at 355
pounds, Jones said he knew that he needed to change his lifestyle.
His job as a correctional officer at the Larry Gist State Jail required
him to be at his best both physically and mentally, and in order for
him to remain so, something was going to have to change.
Jones tried diet pills, which helped temporarily but didn’t seem to
keep the weight off.
“It always came back on,” Jones said.
He even went to see a dietician and did see some success.
“I saw a dietician once a month for a whole year,” Jones said. “She
re-programmed me on how to eat. … She taught me what vegetables
and different types of meat to eat. That first year, I took off about 40
pounds by myself.”
Seeing the dietician was a prerequisite to having surgery, which ul-
timately helped Jones not only take off the weight he wanted, but sent
his diabetes into full remission.
Jones’s doctor, Jerome Schrapps, MD, FACS, wouldn’t allow him
to go under the knife without trying the weight-loss program first. Dr.
Schrapps is a surgeon and medical director of Christus Southeast Texas
Bariatric Center in Beaumont.
“You should always try your very best to treat the disease without
an operation first,” Dr. Schrapps said. “If somebody just walked in my
door and said, ‘I’ve never tried to lose weight, and I don’t take my dia-
betes medicines,’ I’d say, ‘Look, you really need to get with your doctor
and make a good effort to get these things taken care of with medica-
tion and exercise and diet. Give that a good try first.’”
Having tried that first and not having much success, however, Jones
needed something more.
“I was looking for a more permanent option to press the reset but-
ton and keep the weight off,” he said.
“I went into surgery weighing about 315.

Now, I’m down to 255. My diabetes
is in complete remission”
– Artis Jones, Beaumont correctional officer

In 2009, Schrapps performed a sleeve option for certain categories of people recommended intervention.”
gastrectomy on Jones. with diabetes, including people who These conclusions are based on a
Dr. Schrapps essentially offers two are mildly obese and fail to respond to large body of evidence, including 11
operations — sleeve gastrectomy and conventional treatment. randomized clinical trials showing that
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Schrapps Many people who undergo metabolic in most cases, surgery can either reduce
will begin offering the duodenal switch surgery experience major improvements blood sugar levels below diabetic thresh-
operation sometime in 2017, as well. All in glycemia, as well as a reduction in olds (diabetes remission) or maintain
surgeries are minimally invasive, he said. cardiovascular risk factors, making it a adequate glycemic control despite major
“You have to differentiate these oper- highly effective treatment for T2DM reduction in medication usage. While
ations from things like LAP-BAND and and a highly effective means of diabetes relapse of hyperglycemia may occur in
balloon,” he said. “Those are different prevention, researchers found. up to 50 percent of patients with initial
animals. They are not causing any physi- “Despite continuing advances in remission, most patients maintain sub-
ological changes. There’s no immediate diabetes pharmacotherapy, fewer than stantial improvement of A1C long term,
improvement in diabetes.” half of adults with type 2 diabetes mel- the authors noted.
Both sleeve gastrectomy and Roux- litus attain therapeutic goals designed to A1C measures the glucose in the blood
en-Y gastric bypass both cause immedi- reduce long-term risks of complications, by assessing the amount of what’s called
ate increase in insulin production by the especially for glycemic control, and glycated hemoglobin. An A1C level below
pancreas, Schrapps said. lifestyle interventions are disappointing 5.7 percent is considered normal. An A1C
“The operations that we do now all in the long term,” wrote the authors of between 5.7 and 6.4 percent signals pre-
cause your body to secrete more insulin, the first-ever clinical guidelines for when diabetes. T2DM is diagnosed when the
so they help with diabetes, so it’s a huge to recommend metabolic surgery as A1C is over 6.5 percent.
deal,” he said. “What bypass does that treatment for people with diabetes. The Surgery should be an accepted option
sleeve does not is that it decreases insu- guidelines were published in the June in people who have T2DM and a BMI
lin resistance. … You get an additional 2016 issue of Diabetes Care, a journal of 35 or more, according to the Ameri-
mechanism of action when it comes to published by the American Diabetes can Society of Metabolic and Bariatric
diabetes.” Association. Metabolic surgery, on the Surgery.
Findings by the American Diabetes other hand, has been shown to “im- Jones said after his sleeve gastrec-
Association support Schrapps assertion. prove glucose homeostasis more effec- tomy, he has gotten his weight down to
In a joint statement endorsed by 45 tively than any known pharmaceutical 255 pounds, but not only did he lose
international professional organizations, or behavioral approach,” they wrote. weight, his diabetes has been a non-
diabetes clinicians and researchers are Despite such evidence, to date, meta- factor since the surgery.
urging that metabolic surgery be recom- bolic surgery had not been included in
mended or considered as a treatment clinical guidelines for diabetes care as a SEE METABOLIC • PAGE 16
Vital Signs
Vital Signs –– Spring
Spring 2017 15
2017 15
METABOLIC • FROM PAGE 15 Photo by Kevin King
“I went into surgery weighing about

315,” Jones said. “My diabetes is in com-
plete remission.” Jones added that he no
longer has to take medication for diabetes
either. Before the surgery, his A1C level
was as high as 7.1, but is now down to
6.0.
His ultimate goal is to get down to 210
pounds, Jones said.
“I can do whatever I really want to do,”
he said, adding that the only thing he has
to watch his hydration level because his
stomach is so much smaller. “I play bas-
ketball a lot now. I can play almost every
day.”
He’s gotten a lot of positive comments
at work, as well.
“A lot of the offenders, as well as the
officers and the warden, they see me
and can’t believe what I look like,” Jones
said. “They say I’m like a whole different Dr. Jerome Schrapps is a surgeon and medical director of the Christus Southeast Texas Bariatric Center in Beaumont.
person.” Schrapps said both sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgeries cause an immediate increase in insulin
— Kevin King production by the pancreas, helping treat patients with Type 2 diabetes. Bypass also decreases insulin resistance, he said.
VOLUNTEERS
Virginia and Jay Hurley
Volunteers, Meals on Wheels
Partners in life, this retired couple, Jay

and Virginia Hurley of Beaumont, have
naturally paired up to deliver Meals on
Wheels since 2001.
It’s a team approach – one gets the
meals ready, one delivers. If one is sick,
the other can still deliver. They also
frequently fill in for other routes when
needed.
“We love doing it. We just enjoy going
and interacting with so many delight-
ful people,” says Virginia. “It’s a blessing
to us. They bless us more than we bless
them.” Thus, when she retired in 2001, she Jay is retired from Strategic Petroleum
During her 32 years as an employee at knew where she wanted to spend her Reserve in Winnie.
American Valve and Hydrant, Virginia community service time. She wanted Together, the couple raised five children,
volunteered for the United Way cam- to be involved in a program created for and has seven grandchildren and five great-
paign, where she witnessed the benefits of those who have less opportunity to help grandchildren. They have enjoyed traveling,
the Nutrition and Services Center Meals themselves.
on Wheels program. “A little bit of gas in our car is not a time with friends and volunteering at their
“When I would visit these agencies, big deal. As long as we can drive our cars, church. Jay spends time “tinkering” in his
the nutrition center just stuck with me,” we’ll keep delivering meals,” she says, shop, where he can repair almost anything.
she says. “They help those who cannot knowing the program helps their clients Virginia loves cooking, reading, sewing and
help themselves.” keep their independence a little longer. quilting.
Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas,
Cancer Center of Southeast Texas and Altus
Cancer Center consolidating cancer services
Administration for Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, Cancer Center UT Physicians Community Health & Wellness Center-Beaumont
of Southeast Texas and Altus Cancer Center announced Monday, April
NOW OPEN
3, the consolidation of specialized radiation therapy, hematology and
medical oncology services to expand and enhance regional cancer care in
Southeast Texas. Complete Medical Care
The three cancer centers in Southeast Texas have joined efforts to for Your Family
improve the lives of those they jointly serve, the entities announced in a
PRIMARY CARE
release. Family Medicine
“Three organizations with the same patient-first culture are now one Pediatrics
with multiple locations for members of our community fighting cancer,”
stated Ernest Hymel, MD, PhD. “Patients throughout the region will have SPECIALTY CARE
greater access to specialized cancer physicians and the availability of clinical Behavioral Health
trials. It is an unprecedented opportunity for those fighting cancer.” Obstetrics & Gynecology UTP Nurse Triage Line
“This combined effort between three well-known facilities strength- Registered Nurses Available 24/7 for:
3610 Stagg Dr.
ens the future of cancer care for our community,” said David Parmer, CEO Beaumont, TX 77701
Health Related Questions • Home Care Advice
of Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas. “All three organizations will work Urgent/Sick Appointments when Needed
Mon. - Fri. 8 am - 5 pm Concerns with the Effects of your Medication
together to develop the best evidenced-based patient care models while
providing cancer services at home from physicians they know and trust.” For questions or
“The community, physicians and health systems of Southeast Texas appointments call www.UTPhysicians.com
will see a great improvement to the access of high-quality cancer care, (409) 730-4700
no longer requiring patients to feel the need to travel to Houston,” stated
Kevin Herrington, executive vice president of Altus Health.
Most insurances accepted including Medicaid, CHIP and Medicare.
This team of board-certified cancer specialists with more than 100
years of combined experience, including many years at MD Anderson Financial assistance programs available.
Cancer Center, will combine compassion and commitment, strengthening
their reputations as leaders in cancer care. For continued access to cancer
care, all three locations will remain operational.
This partnership, combined with the recent comprehensive ac-
creditation through the Commission on Cancer for the Baptist Cancer
Center, demonstrates the commitment to providing safe, efficient, and
high-quality cancer services in a loving environment to members of
the community, the release states. Baptist Regional Cancer Network
is Cancer Center of Southeast Texas, 8333 9th Ave., Port Arthur, (409) Now offering Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement
729-8088; Altus Cancer Center, 310 N. 11th St., Beaumont, (409) Therapy and innovative approaches to help you
981-5510; and Julie & Ben Rogers Cancer Institute, 3555 Stagg Drive,
quit smoking such as Nicotine Lollipops.
Beaumont, (409) 212-5922.
All Healthcare Plans Accepted Including Medicare Plan D
Jasper (J.J.) Lovoi, r.ph.

owner & pharmacist in charge
Ernest C. Hymel, MD, PhD, MBA, chief medical officer, Baptist Regional Cancer
Network; David N. Parmer, MHA, FACHE, CEO, Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Visit us online at
Texas; and Kevin Herrington, MBA, FACHE, executive vice president of Altus www.lovoiandsons.com
Health, ‘sign an agreement’ to consolidate cancer treatment services between
Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, Cancer Center of Southeast Texas and
Altus Cancer Center. All three locations will remain operational. Courtesy photo
3480 Fannin St. • Beaumont, TX • 409-833-7538
DIABETIC
PANTRY
Southeast Texas
Food Bank offering
program for diabetes
T
he Southeast Texas Food Bank recently
launched a diabetic program to help
people suffering from diabetes watch their
diet and educate themselves about the disease,
which affects around 1.8 million adults in Texas,
according to the latest statistics from the Texas
Department of State Health Services.
According to the Centers for Disease Control,
diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose levels

are above normal. Most of the food humans eat is turned into
glucose, or sugar, for our bodies to use for energy. The pancreas,
an organ that lies near the stomach, makes a hormone called
insulin to help glucose get into the cells. When a person has
diabetes, their body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t
use its own insulin as well as it should. This causes sugar to
build up in the blood.
The food bank’s diabetic program provides free monthly
healthy food boxes and a six-week diabetes management course
to those who register. The food boxes contain low-sodium
canned vegetables, milk, canned chicken and tuna, fruit packed
in juice, and dried beans. Anyone who has been diagnosed with
Type-1 or Type-2 diabetes can sign up for the program.
“One in three households that receive food assistance have a
diabetic person in the household,” said Amber Brown.
Brown, a Port Arthur native, is a volunteer for AmeriCorps
Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), a national service
program designed to alleviate poverty. VISTA is implanting
the diabetic program in the food bank’s Nutrition Education
Department.
“These numbers came from a study that VISTA did in 2015
to see if there was a need in the area,” Brown said. “This pro-
gram is going to be good for this area. It makes me feel good to
know that I’m making a difference in my own community.”
Dan Maher, executive director of the Southeast Texas Food
Bank, added, “When we noted … that one-third of those who
approach our partner agencies for food deal with diabetes in
their household, it made sense to put an emphasis on healthy
food options for those families as part of our mission. If our
food distributions can help control health costs for even some
of those families, then we have helped improve their quality
of life, and the community has gained a benefit from reduced
health care costs, too.”
The distribution of food boxes and the classes are offered at
partner food pantries currently hosting the program.
SEE PANTRY • PAGE 20

PANTRY • FROM PAGE 19
“When I go out to the sites, (the

clients) get so excited about the food,”
said Brown, adding that the food bank’s
program currently serves around 137 cli-
ents. “They tell me how good it is. ... A lot
of them say it’s a big, big help. It teaches
them what they need to eat and helps
them make healthier choices when they go
to the grocery store.”
To register for the program, go to one
of the pantries offering the program to
fill out the registration forms. You will be
asked to provide your doctor’s name and
phone number. If you do not currently
have a doctor, you will be referred to a
low- or no-cost clinic. Food boxes contain low-sodium canned vegetables, milk, canned chicken and tuna, fruit packed in juice, and dried
The food bank will send a physician beans. Photo by Kevin King
referral form to your doctor after you The classes last one to two hours each the diabetic program. However, anyone is
complete the registration forms so your week for six weeks and cover a wide range welcome to attend the classes, if desired.
doctor can provide your most recent A1C of topics on how to manage diabetes For further information, contact the
reading. including nutrition, exercise, diabetes risk Southeast Texas Food Bank’s Diabetic
According to the food bank, you can factors and complications, and how diabe- Program at (409) 839- 8777 or toll-free at
receive your first food box at the time you tes impacts different body systems. Atten- (844) 356-9084.
register if you provide proof of prescription dance at these classes is required for those
to a medication used to manage diabetes. wishing to receive healthy boxes through — Kevin King
Diabetic Pantry distribution sites
Beaumont Seventh Day Adventist Church United Christian Care Center St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
3175 S. Major Dr., Beaumont 293 Wilson St., Vidor 680 Calder Ave., Beaumont
Second Wednesday of every month from 9-11 a.m. Second Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. – noon First Friday of every month from 9-9:30 a.m.
(Vidor residents only)
Orange Christian Services Pineland Housing Authority

2518 W. Park Ave., Orange 317 Dogwood St., Pineland
Third Wednesday of every month from 10 Third Thursday of every month starting at 1 p.m.
a.m.- 2 p.m. (Orange County residents) (Sabine County residents)

Now there
is a
NEW WAY
of treating
Cancer in
Southeast
Texas
where commitment and caring come together
Cancer Center of Southeast Texas

8333 9th Avenue • Port Arthur • (409) 729-8088
Altus Cancer Center

310 N. 11th Street • Beaumont • (409) 981-5510
Julie & Ben Rogers Cancer Institute

3555 Stagg Drive • Beaumont • (409) 212-5922
By creating a single, stronger organization, we have greater scale and stability as well as an expanded
geographical reach. As we continue to grow the regional systems we have in place now and to
partner with new communities, we’ll continue our progress in meeting the triple aim of improving
the experience of care for our patients, expanding access, and providing more efficient care.
This combination of physicians and healthcare professionals provides some of the best resources
and strength in the field of Cancer Care in Southeast Texas.
Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.
Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.
NURSE
PRACTITIONERS
A whole new twist on going to the doctor
A
doctor may not be the only healthcare provider you see at
your annual checkup.
A growing number of health professionals, generally
called Advanced Practice Providers (APP), are diagnosing and
treating patients in the Southeast Texas area, consistent with the
trend across the state and nation. Some run clinics with physi-
cian oversight, and some work alongside physicians in collab-
orative practices.
These advanced practice providers deliver a variety of health-
care services including primary care, such as vaccinations,
well-visits, sick care and treatment of chronic conditions;
specialty clinics; surgery and anesthesia services; wound
care; hospital and emergency care; and palliative care. They
generally complete four to six years of medical or nursing
training and clinical rotations to earn their licenses. After
that, they participate in annual continuing education to
maintain their licenses and certifications.
There are two tracks to becoming an

advanced practice provider, and both
are trained and guided by physicians:
1. Advanced practice registered nurses earn
their credentials at nursing schools. Most of
them are nurse practitioners, although there are
also clinical nurse specialists, certified registered
nurse anesthetists and certified nurse-midwives.
2. Physician assistants graduate from programs
located mostly at medical schools and universities.
PA education consists of two phases, often compared to
the first through third year of medical school, according to
the Texas Academy of Physician Assistants.
The growth is staggering. In Hardin, Jefferson, Orange counties, there are 60
percent more licensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) than there
were five years ago, according to the Texas Board of Nursing. The number of
physician assistants practicing in Texas has increased 35 percent over the same time
period, according to statistics from the Texas Medical Board.

Why the growth? practitioner profession offers
an attractive career path for
A popular career choice many entering the health
with many diverse and care professions. Organiza-
satisfying options for the ad- tions like US News & World
vanced practice provider, the Report consistently rank
profession offers stable sched- nurse practitioners as one
ules, job satisfaction, of the nation’s top
and providers can be jobs.”
out in the workforce “Physician As-
within a reasonable sistants are highly-
amount of time. skilled health prac-
APPs are sought titioners who work
after to address the to provide needed
increasing demand physician services.
for health services, PAs are highly
aid in reducing wait sought by physician
times, and improve Zdanuk and institutional
access for people employers in virtu-
seeking medical care. ally all medical and surgical
“The growth of the nurse settings,” according to a
practitioner workforce is a di- document provided by the
rect response to the demands Texas Academy of Physician
in our health care system for Assistants.
more providers who can ad- So don’t be surprised
dress our state’s growing and when the person in the white
changing health care needs,” coat entering the exam room
Southeast Texas Nurse Practitioners Association officers April Cockerham RN, FNP-C,
president (bottom left); Brandi Wright, MSN, FNP-C Treasurer; Joe Dodd, RN, FNP-C, said Jan Zdanuk, president
community affairs coordinator (top left); Catherine Trevino, RN, FNP-C, secretary; and of Texas Nurse Practitioners.
“At the same time, the nurse NURSE • SEE PAGE 26
Siobain Rogers, RN, FNP-C, CCRN, vice president Courtesy photos

NURSE • FROM PAGE 25 he is able to sit and talk with his hospi-
introduces him or herself as a nurse prac-

talized patients to help them understand
their illness and coordinate their care
State legislation
titioner or physician assistant. Except in among all the specialists.
“People in the hospital see different
to expand access
rural areas, patients typically see the phy-
sician too. In Texas, because physician doctors and a lot of nurses and techs. I even more
oversight is required by law, the patient see them every day and explain what’s go-
will often see both the physician and the ing on,” said Fondrick, who works with
advance practice provider. Providers say Dr. Sydney Marchand at Beaumont Der-
matology and Family Practice. Fondrick Legislation introduced into the current
this benefits patients because the two
professionals bring different perspectives graduated last August with a master’s session of the Texas Legislature would
and training. degree in physician assistant studies from allow Advanced Practice Registered
the University of Texas Medical Branch
Nurses (APRNs) in Texas to practice to the
More access and time with health in Galveston.
full extent of their training and education.
care providers
Emphasis on overall health,
Beaumont physician assistant Audrey House Bill 1415 and Senate Bill 681 were
Reyenga, PA-C, works alongside orthope- education and prevention
dic surgeon Dr. Gene Isabell at Beaumont
introduced by Texas state Rep. Stephanie
“As nurses, we treat the patients
Bone and Joint Institute. “We collabo- holistically. We look at other things Klick and Texas state Sen. Kelly Hancock.
rate and figure out how to best serve our that could impact a patient’s health,”
patients,” Reyenga explained. “Our team said April Cockerham, MSN, APRN, Unlike many states, including nearby New
approach allows our patients to have in- FNP-C, president of Southeast Texas Mexico and Arizona, Texas law requires
creased access and more time with us.” Nurse Practitioners. “A patient’s family
Because there are two providers, “We and environment are part of that health. APRNs to sign a delegation agreement
are able to respond more quickly to We also stress patient education, to help with a collaborating physician in order to
questions and calls. It allows one of us to in teaching the patient to improve their practice, even though the physician may
engage in the insurance approval process” own health.”
while the other continues to see patients,
live hundreds of miles away and never see
She staffs a chronic disease clinic at
Reyenga said. She serves as the surgeon’s the Federal Correctional Institution in any of the APRN’s patients.
first assistant during surgery, and then Beaumont and provides palliative care.
afterward, often closes up the incisions, The chronic disease clinic is just one of HB 1415/SB 681 would remove the
applies dressings and splints, and ac- the services provided by the health clinic requirement for a physician delegation
companies the patient to recovery. This inside the prison, Cockerham said.
allows the doctor to go talk to the family Similarly, Reyenga as a physician agreement and place APRNs under the
regarding the outcome of the surgery. assistant is able to spend time during exclusive regulatory authority of the Texas
Physician Assistant Jason Fondrick, Board of Nursing. Full practice authority
PA-C, works in a hospitalist program as
well as an internal medicine clinic, where NURSE • SEE PAGE 27 already exists in 21 states and the District
of Columbia, the Department of Defense,
and the U.S. Department of Veteran
Affairs.
“We applaud Rep. Klick and Sen. Kelly

Hancock for filing House Bill 1415
and Senate Bill 681,” said Jan Zdanuk,
president of Texas Nurse Practitioners.
“APRNs are filling a critical void in the
healthcare provider workforce, but
their hands are being tied by outdated
regulations to the detriment of Texas
patients, especially those in rural and
medically underserved areas.”
Both bills are currently in committee.
Jason Fondrick, PA-C

NURSE • FROM PAGE 26
visits counseling and advising patients, helping them with pain

management, modifying lifestyles and being active. She was a
certified athletic trainer before completing PA school at Baylor
School of Medicine in Houston in 2009, and she still provides
sideline coverage for high school sporting events as well.
At the Texas Center for Neurosciences, where Nurse Practitio-
ner Siobain Rogers, RN, MSN, FNP-C, CCRN, works, patients
seek help for back and neck problems, but Rogers says her
nursing and primary care background means she looks beyond
the problem being presented by the patient and considers the
patient’s overall health.
“The other day, I had a patient and caught a problem (unre-
lated to the visit) that would have been overlooked for a while,
and I got that patient into a primary care provider before it
became a bigger issue,” said Rogers, who is also vice president of
the Southeast Texas Nurse Practitioners.
Rogers worked as a registered nurse with the sickest and most
critically ill patients in the intensive care unit for over six years.
She realized she wanted to be more involved in preventive care,
so she went back to school at the University of Texas at Tyler to
become a family nurse practitioner. Rogers works with Beau-
mont neurosurgeon Dr. Remi Nader and sees patients in the
clinic, assists in surgery, provides follow-up care for patients dur-
ing their post-operative visits, and runs a weight loss clinic.
Audrey Reyenga — Karen Stubblefield
VOLUNTEERS
Victoria Curtis
Volunteer, Meals on Wheels
Lamar University Student Victoria Curtis was inspired to
become a Meals on Wheels volunteer in the summer of 2014,
when a college classmate told her about the program delivering
meals to seniors in the community. She says she enjoys meeting
the people she serves.
“I love being a part of their lives and giving them a moment
of attention. And every day I see them, they give me a sense of
purpose,” says Curtis. “I have met so many wonderful souls.”
There’s a side benefit for the Port Neches Groves High
School graduate: “They have great life advice. They motivate
me.”
She carries their guidance with her, including:
• Make every moment count
• Stay focused, never give up them,” Curtis says. “Even after I stopped volunteering, I still
• You have your life ahead of you would visit some of them. One even called me her adopted
A pre-dental student, Curtis expects to graduate in 2018. daughter. They became family, they take an interest in me and I
She finds ways to talk with her clients about their health and became part of their lives.”
about caring for their teeth. As of January, she is back at it. She has a new delivery route
Curtis had to take a year away from delivering meals because and a new set of friendships to develop.
of her demanding class schedule. She says, “Every individual touches my life in a different
“Honestly, I hated to give it up because I wanted to see way. I love meeting the people.”
MASSAGE THERAPY
A viable treatment for daily stress
28 Vital
28 Vital Signs
Signs –– Spring
Spring 2017
2017
Studies of the benefits of massage demonstrate that it is an effective treatment for reducing stress. Photo by Kevin King
S
tress. We all have suffered from age, for constant checkers than for those
it at one point or another, and who do not engage with technology as
many of us deal with it on a frequently. On a 10-point scale, where
daily basis. one is “little or no stress” and 10 is “a
Since 2007, the annual nationwide great deal of stress,” the average reported
survey Stress in America has examined overall stress level for constant check-
how stress affects the health and well-be- ers is 5.3, compared with 4.4 for those
ing of adults living in the United States. who don’t check as frequently. Among
Overall, adults report that stress has employed Americans who check their
a negative impact on their mental and work e-mail constantly on their days off,
physical health and a sizable proportion their reported overall stress level is even
do not feel they are doing enough to higher, at 6.0.
manage their stress, reports the American Lynn Bufka, PhD, APA’s associate ex-
Psychological Association (APA), which ecutive director for practice research and
commissioned the survey as part of policy, said, “Today, almost all American
its Mind/Body Health campaign. adults own at least one electronic
A 2017 survey by the APA device, with many being constantly
found excessive technol- connected to them. What these in-
ogy and social media use dividuals don’t consider is that while
has paved the way for the technology helps us in many
“constant checker” — ways, being constantly connected
those who check their can have a negative impact on
e-mail, texts and social both their physical and mental
media accounts on a health.”
constant basis, which Whatever the cause, stress
can lead to stress. can be blamed for many of
The survey found people’s day-to-day ail-
that stress runs ments. That nagging head-
higher, on aver- ache, frequent insomnia, MASSAGE • SEE PAGE 30
MASSAGE • FROM PAGE 29 the Mayo Clinic’s website says.
DeeAuna Lamare, a licensed mas-
or decreased productivity at work can all sage therapist at the Getaway Day Spa,
be side effects of stress, according to the located inside the MCM Eleganté Hotel
Mayo Clinic, which goes on to say that in Beaumont, said too many people
stress that’s left unchecked can con- believe massage therapy is just a luxury
tribute to many health problems, such and don’t consider it as regular treat-
as high blood pressure, heart disease, ment for their well-being.
obesity and diabetes. “Massage can be a tremendous
It can also lead to strains in people’s benefit for reducing stress,” Lamare said.
work and personal relationships. “Stress will cause you to do things to
According to the your body. … A lot of
APA, almost half of people have the tenden-
adults (47 percent) who Studies have found cy to clench their jaws.
have a spouse or partner If they clench their
report losing patience massage may also jaws, in my experience,
with or yelling at them the scalp is really, really
be helpful for: tight and if the scalp is
in the past month
when they were feeling really, really tight, then
stressed. In addition, • Anxiety your neck is really tight.
46 percent of parents Then the shoulders are group subjects participated in break
(defined as those with
• Digestive disorders tight. You just start therapy. For 15 minutes weekly, sub-
children under 18 living • Fibromyalgia making your whole jects either received a massage or were
at home) report simi- body tight.” allowed a break, depending on their
• Headaches Lamare said massage assignment to either the treatment or
lar behavior with their
children. One-quarter • Insomnia related to stress helps relieve the tight- control condition.
(25 percent) of those • Myofascial pain syndrome ness stress causes. Participants’ stress levels were mea-
employed report snap- “Massage will help sured with questionnaires.
ping at or being short
• Soft tissue strains or injuries loosen you,” she said. According to the study, significant
with co-workers because • Sports injuries “Your circulation’s bet- reductions in anxiety levels were found
of stress. ter. When that happens, for the massage group.
• Temporomandibular joint pain you start moving toxins Lamare recommends that people with
So what’s the solu-
tion? While many may out. All around, it’s just high-stress jobs receive a massage, at the
turn to medications, very therapeutic for the very least, once a month.
there may be an enjoyable drug-free individual.” “Usually people can get that in their
alternative. A study published in The Journal budget and work with that,” she said.
According to the Mayo Clinic, studies of Applied Behavioral Science evalu- “People think that massage is a luxury,
of the benefits of massage demonstrate ated the effectiveness of an on-site chair but in this day and age, it’s really becom-
that it is an effective treatment for reduc- massage therapy program in reducing ing a necessity.”
ing stress, pain and muscle tension. anxiety levels of employees.
Beyond the benefits for specific con- Eighteen subjects participated in the
ditions or diseases, some people enjoy chair massage therapy pro-
massage because it often produces feel- gram for six weeks.
ings of caring, comfort Fifteen control
and connection,

VOLUNTEERS
The Williams Family
Volunteers, Meals on Wheels
For the Williams family, helping others through voluntary
service means delivering Meals on Wheels together. Parents
Michael and Brooke found the program to be a good fit for their
daughter, Emma, 13, and son, Reagan, 11.
“The children are learning about the value of helping some-
one in need,” says Michael. “Sometimes, there’s a simple way to
meet that need by bringing a meal and visiting with them.”
On holidays and in the summer, Brooke and the kids bring
15 or so meals to residents of a low-income retirement complex
in Port Arthur. And the rest of the year, Michael delivers the
meals during his lunch hour. The family has been delivering
meals for six and a half years.
Michael serves as minister of Nederland Avenue Church of
Christ, and has even enlisted other members of the church to
help. For example, they pitched in to move furniture and boxes
when a resident on his delivery route needed to relocate to a
downstairs apartment.
Reagan plays soccer, and Emma is a twirler at Central Middle
School in Nederland. They are both actively involved in the
youth group at church, as well.
SOUTHEAST TEXAS
ITAL SIGNS
A publication of The Examiner Corporation
Publisher: Don J. Dodd
Editor: Kevin King
Copy Editor: Joshua Cobb
Advertising Director: Kristi Dodd
Creative Director: Adam Balla
Contributors: Chad Cooper, David Block, Eleanor Skelton,
Karen Stubblefield, Jennifer Jackson
Cover Photo: David Block
Any erroneous reflection upon the character, standing or reputa-
tion of any person, firm, or corporation which may occur in Vital
Signs will be gladly corrected upon being brought to the attention
of the editor.
Published three times per year by The Examiner Corporation, 795
Willow Beaumont, TX 77701 409-832-1400.
Copyright 2017. All rights reserved.

MEDITATION LU faculty hope meditation will help relieve nursing students’ stress
F
aculty members at Lamar University are conducting research that they
hope will help nursing students learn to cope with the stress that
comes with pursuing a nursing degree.
The LU School of Nursing study involves the use of mindfulness
meditation and is being carried out by faculty members Eileen Deges
Curl, Gina Hale, Iva Hall, Stacey Knight, Cindy Pipkins, Kelli White,
Christy Wright and School of Nursing Chair Cindy Stinson, as well as
former nursing student and licensed social worker Nancy Thompson.
The project focused on analyzing the effects of mindfulness meditation on
anxiety levels in BSN students.
“Nursing school is stressful, but life in general is very stressful, as well,”
said Stinson, who has been a nurse for 42 years. “When you’re a nurse, you’re
still first an individual who has problems outside of nursing. So not only are
you handling other people’s stress, but you’re also handling your own stress. If you
don’t learn how to take care of yourself, then you can’t take care of patients. …
There’s a lot of research that shows that people who are in helping professions
like priests, preachers, policemen, social workers — any of those helping
professions — have some major problems because they have to learn
how to cope. Some turn to alcohol and drugs because you have to
give so much of yourself that there’s very little left for you.”
“Nursing school is stressful. ...

Maybe mindfulness meditation can
help my students get through it.”
– School of Nursing Chair Cindy Stinson
According to the Lamar study “Mindfulness Meditation

Intervention for Nursing Students to Decrease Anxiety
(MIND),” nursing students can experience more anxiety
than college students in other majors due to the demands
of clinical experiences in health care agencies, new skills
required to provide nursing care, and the amount of scien-
tific knowledge students must learn. This anxiety can lead to
students’ poor academic performance and attrition from nursing
programs.
“You have to learn to not think about the past or the future,
but what’s happening right now. If you don’t do that, you lose all
that energy to those negative thoughts,” said Stinson, who said the
theory of mindfulness is around 5,000 years old, and it is current-
ly being used by MD Anderson Cancer Center to help patients
get through chemotherapy treatment.
“Stress, we know, is at the basis of all illness, including cancer.
(MD Anderson) is finding out that there are actually biomarkers

that (show meditation) changes the brainwaves and the gray allows the individual to become more aware of physical and
matter. People who practice meditation actually have higher mental states.
white blood cell count, so their immune system is better, and The first step is pretty simple, according to Thompson,
they’re able to get through chemotherapy. My thought was if and involves just getting students to sit down, relax and clear
it can help cancer patients get through chemotherapy, maybe their minds of worrying about school or anything else for that
it can help my nursing students get through nursing matter.
school,” said Stinson, who is herself a cancer survi- “The first thing I do is bring them into the present
vor. moment by making them aware of their connection
What is this mindfulness tool Stinson and with the chair,” Thompson said. “Then I invite them
fellow researchers hope to deploy in the fight to rest their eyes. … After that, I have them to
against stress? notice their breathing and not to alter it. … After
According to G. Alan Marlatt, author of they notice the breath, they are just breathing.
“Relapse Prevention: Maintenance Strategies in And I’m having them notice sound because they
the Treatment of Addictive Behaviors,” mindful- are noticing it anyway, but to bring that in makes
ness is a way of paying attention that originated in it OK. Yes, there are sounds, but they don’t have to
Eastern meditation — paying attention do anything about it. It’s not their responsibility,
in a particular way: on purpose, in the so they can just maintain the focus on them-
present moment, and nonjudgmen- selves. Then just noticing thoughts. When
tally, and bringing one’s complete thoughts would take them outside this
attention to the present experience room to what they have to do later today
on a moment-to-moment basis. or what they’ve already done, I would
In Lamar’s MIND study, just bring them back to the room. That’s
the authors define mindful basically all.”
meditation as learning how The process is called progressive
to be present. The process muscle relaxation.
involves a breathing and Thompson uses chimes in the note of
centering exercise that E during the session to keep the stu-
dents’ attention from straying.
Thompson uses chimes in the note of E during
the session to keep the students’ attention
MEDITATE • SEE PAGE 34
from straying. Photo by Kevin King
Nancy Thompson (left) leads a progressive muscle relaxation

session with Lamar University nursing students. Photo by Kevin King

MEDITATE • FROM PAGE 33
“A lot of times your mind will wan-

der,” Stinson said. “What she’s trying to
do is keep them here.”
In Lamar’s initial study, a total of 166
students participated — 49 in a treat-
ment group and 117 in a control group.
Study findings indicated a significant
reduction in anxiety for the treatment
group.
The authors of the study received the
Excellence in Research Award, presented
annually by the Texas Organization for
Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing
Education (TOBGNE), an organization
for innovations in teaching and excel-
lence in research.
“I think this shows the excellent work
that the Lamar University Dishman
School of Nursing faculty is doing,”
Stinson said.
The Lamar University School of
Nursing is currently finishing up a
second study involving Mindfulness
Meditation in collaboration with North-
ern Illinois University and will compare Pictured are Christy Wright, Cindy Pipkins, Iva Hall, Cindy Stinson, Eileen Deges Curl, Gina Hale, Stacey Knight and
findings. Kelli White. Nancy Thompson, also an author of the study, is not pictured. The research team received the Texas
Organization for Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing Education Excellence in Research Award for their study using
— Kevin King mindfulness meditation to reduce anxiety in nursing students. Courtesy photo
VOLUNTEERS
Rhonda Bell
For Rhonda Bell, delivering meals is a
rewarding way to give back.
“It’s a good feeling to be interacting
with the client in their surroundings with
their family members. You are doing
something to help somebody else,” Bell says. “You get to
know their family history and their family stories.”
For more than 26 years now, Bell has listened to a lot of
stories. And she doesn’t plan on slowing down.
“As long as I am able to do it, I will volunteer,” Bell says.
She also takes on extra days when a substitute is needed,
and regularly volunteers at the hospitality center.
She is an engineering technician at the City of Port Arthur
and makes the deliveries during her lunch hour. Bell raised a son
and daughter as a single mother. The family has been involved in
soccer, from the time her children were young to as recent as last
summer when her 26-year-old Jarrod was honored as coach of
the year in a local league. He started playing soccer at age 7.
Just a few years from retirement, Bell is planning to travel
and take a cruise.
Local initiative encourages
people to share their
struggles with mental
illness, seek treatment
L
eaders of a new initiative in South-
east Texas hope to make people
feel comfortable about coming out
about their mental health problems. And
when they do, the program will be there
to provide them the information they
need to get treatment.
Looking to bring together mental
health organizations and community
leaders from throughout the area for a
common cause, Regina Rogers, founder
of the impactful Beaumont cancer-fight-
ing nonprofit the Gift of Life, and Kim
Phelan, local attorney and wife of Texas
state Congressman Dade Phelan, have
teamed up with Dallas-based Meadows
Mental Health Policy Institute to bring
the Okay to Say mental health campaign
to Beaumont and surrounding areas,
forming what Rogers and Phelan are
Regina Rogers and Kim Phelan have teamed up with Dallas-based Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute to bring the
calling the Behavioral and Mental Health
Okay to Say mental health campaign to Southeast Texas. Photo by Kevin King
Consortium of Southeast Texas.
The consortium met for the first time gan to realize the need to develop a new jano, director of community affairs for
Thursday, March 9, at Broussard’s Centré ten-year strategic plan to make systemic Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute.
in Beaumont, where civic, business changes in the delivery of behavioral and “It’s community-based, and the main mes-
and community leaders and health care mental health services in Texas. sage we want to get across to people is that
professionals, social workers, law enforce- In April 2014, with the help of a $10 most mental illnesses are treatable, and
ment officers and educators all converged million grant, the Foundation launched we want to offer a message of hope and
to hear the announcement. the Meadows Mental Health Policy recovery to Texans and their families.”
Rogers emphasized, “We must launch Institute (MMHPI) to publicize mental The goal of Okay to Say is to change
this campaign in May in conjunction with and behavioral health issues and to influ- the conversation and perceptions around
Mental Health Awareness Month. We ence state leaders and policy decisions mental illness, which ultimately can lead
cannot wait but have to take ownership of at the state level affecting mental health to:
the mental health problems in our region services. • Growing understanding, advocacy
by inviting and welcoming all partners Over the years, the Meadows Founda- and support for those with mental illness
through diversity and inclusiveness.” tion has enjoyed a close connection with • Improving access to community
Southeast Texas and has a special interest services for diagnosis and treatment
Help from The in enlisting the region’s support and in- • Accelerating progress in the quality
volvement in the Okay to Say campaign. and delivery of mental health care.
Meadows Foundation Aware of similar interests and a like- According to MMHPI statistics, 9
The Meadows Foun- minded focus, the foundation contacted out of 10 Texans think it’s harder to talk
dation, which began in Rogers in fall 2016. The first week of De- about mental health rather than physical
1948 to fund arts and cember, Rogers and colleagues attended issues, 1 in 5 of mental health patients
culture, civic/public af- a two-day conference in Dallas. They nationally quit treatment prematurely
fairs, education, health, were encouraged, motivated and inspired and 2 out of 3 people with a diagnosable
and human services in Quijano by this opportunity to collaborate in the mental illness do not seek treatment.
Texas, has a special em- common mission to spread awareness Eighty-eight percent of Texans agree that
phasis on three high-priority initiatives: through the Okay to Say campaign. stigma surrounding mental health issues
environment, mental health and public “Okay to Say is basically a public
education. In 2011, the foundation be- awareness campaign,” said Kanani Qui- OKAY TO SAY • SEE PAGE 36
Vital Signs
Vital Signs –– Spring
Spring 2017 35
2017 35
OKAY TO SAY • FROM PAGE 35
need to be removed, and 3 out of 4 agree

that more education would make them
feel more confident about discussing
mental illness.
“They’re hopeless, helpless and filled
with despair,” Rogers said, adding that
her heart lies especially with children
3 4 IN
suffering from mental illness, specifically

those who are residents at the Minnie
Rogers Juvenile Justice Center whom she
often visits. The campaign is not only
for children, however, and looks to help
adults suffering from mental illness as Texans have a friend or family member that
well, Rogers pointed out. has experienced a mental health issue.
“Some of those people are walking the
streets and thinking about committing
crimes and actually violating the law and for 2017, Quijano said. Currently, Okay to Say is recruiting
doing horrible things because they do not Goals of the Southeast Texas campaign partners to come on board with the cam-
have the medication and the help that include creating an area resource guide, paign as well as make testimonial videos
they need,” Rogers said. “Those are the recruiting partners, and holding an Okay and support videos letting people know
people we are hoping to reach with the to Say event in May to officially launch it’s OK to talk about their struggles with
Okay to Say. the initiative locally. mental illness.
“Our prisons and criminal justice According to Quijano, at this point “I think it shows people that mental
centers for adults and juveniles are filled the event is still in its planning stages, illness has no boundaries,” Quijano said.
with individuals who have mental health but will most likely include key note “We’re all affected. It doesn’t matter
issues that have never been addressed,” speakers and video testimonials from lo- about your socio-economic background,
she continued. “We will save billions of cal leaders as well as info on the Okay to or how you grew up. It doesn’t matter
dollars over time by dealing with mental Say campaign itself. about race, ethnicity. Mental illness af-
health issues first hand and intervening “This is a celebration of the commu- fects everybody.”
early on. In addition nity coming together Rogers and Phelan invited stakeholders
to the stigma and to say it is OK to talk from every segment of the Southeast Texas
lack of awareness, not openly about mental community to the next meeting of the
everyone can afford illness,” Quijano said. Behavioral & Mental Health Consortium
mental health care and “It’s important to of Southeast Texas on April 6 at 10 a.m. to
2/ 3
treatment. We have let others know they help plan for the Okay To Say May media
to have resources in are not alone. Treat- launch and future workshop/conference.
place and know where of people with a ment is available, and Phelan stressed the importance of col-
diagnosable mental illness
to send people for do not seek treatment. treatment works when laboration, of identifying gaps and barri-
services so that we are you can stick to it. It’s ers to service, and developing a compre-
ready when we kick off easier to stick to treat- hensive mental health area service guide
our campaign. ment when you have hope, when you to pass out to schools and hospitals.
“But I want to help all people who are know recovery is possible, and when you The consortium is looking for partners
having emotional and mental difficul- know you’re not alone.” to help make the mental health initiative
ties,” she stressed. According to Rogers, the event will more successful. Contact Lisa Briggs at
In its first year, Okay to Say has been most likely be open to the public, and lisbriggs1@gmail.com or call (409) 719-
launched in four communities — Ama- she hopes that the area resource guides, 2776 for more information. You can also
rillo, Dallas, Austin and Sherman/Deni- which will include information on local visit okaytosay.org to learn more about
son, and has over 70 partners statewide mental health treatment facilities as well the Okay to Say campaign.
and from every county in Texas, with as educational materials on mental illness
several other launches and events planned will be available at the event. — Kevin King and Kathie Platt
9 10 OF
Texans think it’s harder to
talk about mental health
rather than physical issues

Christus personnel receive training on smallest heart pump in the world
C
hristus – St. Elizabeth Cardiac Cath Lab staff and local physi-
cians attended training aboard the Abiomed Mobile Learning William Stafford, RN, regional training manager at Abiomed, works
Lab on Wednesday, Feb. 22, at the corner of Harrison and with Christus – St. Elizabeth Cardiac Cath Lab personnel at the echo
14th streets near the hospital in Beaumont. As many as 100 doctors, station of the Abiomed Mobile Learning Lab on Wednesday, Feb. 22.
nurses and other hospital personnel were trained on how to insert and
use the Impella device, the smallest heart pump in the world, during
the training conducted by Abiomed, the device’s manufacturer.
“We’re having this learning lab here today to show the staff and
some of the physicians how it works, and how to put it in and all that
good stuff,” said Dr. Mark Fasulo, a cardiologist at Advanced Car-
diovascular Specialists in Beaumont. “Cath lab nurses, cardiovascular
surgery nurses, IC nurses, CVIC nurses — basically (anyone) taking
care of a critical care patient — they have to know how to work the
console that controls it, they have to know how to troubleshoot it if
it’s not working in the middle of the night, and they have to know
what to do and what not to do with the patient to keep it in place.
They go through the training top to bottom with us.”
The Impella pulls blood from the left ventricle through an inlet
area near the tip and expels blood from the catheter into the ascend-
ing aorta.
“This is a heart pump we can put in … without having to go into
the operating room and having a big surgery,” Fasulo said. “We can
put this in through the leg, and it goes up to the heart. It takes about
10 minutes to put in. If you have someone who has low blood pres-
Dustin Rogers, RN, regional clinical educator at Abiomed, works
sure, is having a heart attack, whose heart is failing as a pump, you with Christus – St. Elizabeth Cardiac Cath Lab personnel on insertion
put this pump in, which acts as an impeller that spins and pulls fluid techniques involving the Impella device, the smallest heart pump in
out of the ventricle and into the heart.” the world. Photos by Kevin King
Rhonda Butler BSN, RN, PCCN, nurse navigator and clinical
manager of the Christus – St. Elizabeth Cardiac Cath Lab, said the
hospital has been using the Impella device on its patients since 2011.
“We’re one of the No. 1 users in Southeast Texas for this device.
We’ve worked with this over the years, and as the technology has
developed and the evidence has proved out, the physicians have
gained a lot more confidence in this technology, and the patients
and the outcomes are just amazing,” she said. “We train on it two to
three times per year, but this is the most advanced and comprehensive
training that we’ve had. … If there’s some bit of technology that a
person hasn’t (been trained in), there’s a station where they can get it.
… It’s really amazing. For each person, if there is some part of it they
don’t understand, it can all be addressed in one spot.”
“This is key in helping physicians and staff members understand
Impella,” said Susan Sullivan, RN, and senior cardiology account
manager for Abiomed.
This was the first time the Abiomed Mobile Learning Lab, which
has a 30-foot by 90-foot footprint and takes up 20 parking spaces,
has come to Beaumont, Butler said. Rhonda Butler BSN, RN, PCCN, nurse navigator and clinical manager
—Kevin King of the Christus – St. Elizabeth Cardiac Cath Lab, and Jamie Vincent,
RT, cardiac interventional specialist at the Cath Lab

FIGHTING BACK AGAINST
PARKINSON’S
R
esting tremors, insomnia, nausea, constipation, slowness of movement, stiff limbs, loss of balance, rigid-
ity, poor memory, speech and swallowing problems, drooling and smell loss — these are just some of the
symptoms people suffering from Parkinson’s disease experience. Many patients experience some symp-
toms and not others, and the pace at which the disease worsens varies on an individual basis.
Approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s each year, and this number does not reflect
the thousands of cases that go undetected, according to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation. More than 10 million
people worldwide are living with the disease, and as many as one million Americans live with it — more than the
number of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and Lou Gehrig’s disease combined.
“Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative condition,” explains Dr. Nestor Punay, a Beaumont neurologist who
said he currently has more than 1,000 tremor and Parkinson’s patients in his database. “Basically, the brain is
degenerating. … When a person is diagnosed with Parkinson’s, the dopamine, which signals the brain to help
coordinate your movement and motor functions, is on average decreased by about 40 percent already from the
normal level. There is some loss of the neurons in the brain that produce the dopamine located in the brain
stem that is called the substantia nigra.
“It comes in stages,” Punay continued. “Stage one affects one side of the body. Stage two affects two sides.
In stage three, the patients fall a lot. Stage four, they can’t walk, and stage five is death. The span of all of that is
about 25 years.”

Doug McCullor, 74, of Moss Bluff, Louisiana, spars with Hope Therapy Center physical therapist Tiffany DiPaolo, PT, DPT, during a Rock Steady Boxing session for Parkinson’s disease patients.
Photos by Kevin King
Although the diagnosis is grim, and LOUD and LSVT BIG program. The through a systematic hierarchy of exercises.
there is no cure, according to the Nation- hospital is Joint Commission certified in Trouble swallowing, one of the main
al Parkinson Foundation, medication and Parkinson’s disease. symptoms of Parkinson’s, is addressed
therapy are used to treat the symptoms of “It’s a very high amplitude, high through the LSVT LOUD program as
Parkinson’s. intensity program that’s carried out over the exercises help rehabilitate the throat
At the Post Acute a four-week period,” muscles, said Misty Nall, speech therapist
Medical Rehabilita- said Kori Metteauer, at PAM.
tion Hospital of “I got to the point director of rehab at LSVT BIG can be delivered by a
Beaumont (PAM), where I couldn’t move, PAM. “They have to physical or occupational therapist and is
formerly HealthSouth, be able to carry over administered in 16 sessions over a single
patients like Charles
and the program has what they learn on a month (four individual 60 minute ses-
Kelly, 86, of Lumber- brought me back to day-to-day basis. The sions per week). The protocol helps with
ton receive speech and where I was before I got end goal of the pro- range of motion and is both intensive and
physical therapy for gram is not so much complex, with many repetitions of core
Parkinson’s. Charles is sick.” daily compensatory movements that are used in daily living.
currently in stage two – Charles Kelly patterns of how the “When you can do things in a big way,
of the disease, his wife patient copes with the it helps with Parkinson’s,” explains Peggy
Lee says. movement disorder, Woodson, who leads a Parkinson’s group
“The exercises have helped me quite but actually being able to recognize the for the Eljay Foundation for Parkinson
a bit,” Charles said. “I got to the point smaller movements they’re producing and Awareness for Southwest Louisiana and
where I couldn’t move, and the program overcoming those by those internal cues Southeast Texas. The group meets at
has brought me back to where I was that they learn through the program of Central Library in Lake Charles the third
before I got sick.” moving big and speaking loud.” Thursday every month to share testimo-
Monday, Feb. 13, Charles was ready According to LSVT Global, pioneers nies and learn strategies to cope with
to be released from the rehab hospital of the treatment, LSVT LOUD improves the disease. Eligha Guillory Jr., a Lake
but will continue to work on exercises he vocal loudness by stimulating the muscles
learned at the center through the LSVT of the voice box and speech mechanism PARKINSON’S • SEE PAGE 40

PARKINSON’S • FROM PAGE 39
Charles mayoral candidate, started the

group in 2000. The Eljay Foundation
has groups in Orange and Beaumont
as well. Guillory’s father, Eligha Guil-
lory Sr., an Orange native who passed
away in 2012, suffered from Parkinson’s
for more than 30 years. In starting the
nonprofit in Lake Charles, Guillory said
he worked closely with Maury Meyers,
the former Beaumont mayor who died
from Parkinson’s in 2014. Meyers started
the Parkinson’s group in Beaumont, and
Guillory started groups in Orange and
Lake Charles, Guillory said.
“The main reason for starting the
chapter was to get people involved and
to educate the general community on
Parkinson’s disease,” Guillory said. “Re-
sources weren’t there for the patients and
their families. When we started looking
for resources, we couldn’t find any, and Hope Therapy Center owner and therapist Sonya Brooks works with Parkinson’s patient Lloyd Woodson, as Lloyd’s wife,
so we thought if we couldn’t find any, Peggy, holds the heavy bag. The three started a Rock Steady Boxing program for Parkinson’s patients in Lake Charles.
everyone else must be having the same Peggy leads a Parkinson’s support group in the city as well.
problem. We started the organization
and got friends and family together to
support the mission and started doing
fundraisers.”
Friday, March 10, across town at
Hope Therapy Center at 1717 E. Prien
Lake Road, Peggy Woodson’s husband,
Lloyd, who has suffered from Parkin-
son’s for more than four years, fights
back against the disease with help from
therapist Sonya Brooks, MA, CCC-SLP
and owner of the center, in a treatment
program sweeping the nation but new to
the area called Rock Steady Boxing.
Lloyd learned about the program
while visiting Jim Kroeger’s Windy City
Rock Steady Boxing program in Chicago.
Lloyd and Peggy immediately wanted to
bring the program to Lake Charles and
asked Brooks to implement it. Guillory
also helped make it a reality, Peggy said. Charles Kelly, 86, of Lumberton works on LSVT BIG exercises with Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Melanie
“I saw it in action and thought it was Thibodeaux at PAM Rehabilitation Hospital in Beaumont.
great. It’s all over Facebook. There’s new
groups opening up all over the country,” According to the 2011 study “Boxing “It’s great for your balance and co-
Lloyd said. “It’s a very hot topic right now.” Training for Patients With Parkinson’s Dis- ordination,” said Brooks, who learned
Rock Steady Boxing is the first non- ease,” after 12 weeks of training, researchers Rock Steady Boxing from former world
contact boxing program in the country found measurable improvements in gait, champion boxer Kristy Rose Follmar in
dedicated to people with Parkinson’s balance and quality of life. Participants with Indianapolis.
disease. milder Parkinson’s improved sooner than Besides heavy bag, shadow boxing and
According to the Rock Steady Boxing patients with move severe symptoms. speed bag, Rock Steady Boxing exercises
website, Parkinson’s causes a loss in many “The No. 1 thing to keep Parkin- such as catching a ball also help with
of the same areas that boxers condition to son’s down is exercise,” Lloyd said. “I’m hand-eye coordination, cognitive coordi-
improve, and published medical research starting Rock Steady Boxing because my nation and response time, Brooks said.
has shown that forced, intense exercise tremors are getting worse and my balance According to Rock Steady Boxing’s
can reduce, reverse and delay Parkinson’s is off again. This should help get strength
symptoms. back in my arms and shoulders.” PARKINSON’S • SEE PAGE 41

VOLUNTEERS
Paula Garcia
Paula Garcia of Sour Lake was look- thing that is very rewarding,” says Garcia.
ing for a way to serve others when she “If you’ve never delivered lunches, it is
became a Meals on Wheels volunteer in hard to explain. They are your family.
2001. You look out for them.”
“I always like to do what I can for She tries to not miss a day; she even
others. I heard about Meals on Wheels, works her schedule around her delivery
and I thought I would try it. I was look- day.
ing for something to do to help,” Garcia “Some of the people don’t have family
says. or family close by. I might be the only
At first, she took on one route one day person they see that day,” she says.
a week, but then recognized that she had They depend on her to check on
the time for a second route and added them. Sometimes she brings along dog
another. She spends about one and a half food for pets, and prepares homemade few years ago.
to two hours delivering meals along the treats at holiday time. “They needed me,” she says.
two routes. “I do something for them, but they do Garcia is a retired medical technolo-
And that time she spends is immense- so much for me too,” she says, explaining gist. She currently works for fun, she
ly satisfying, she says. that the responsibility of delivering her says, maintaining a part-time job in a
“You have those who become friends. route motivated her to starting driving quilt shop. She and her husband, Jimmy,
We develop a relationship. It is some- again after she had had a car accident a raised six children.
PARKINSON’S • FROM PAGE 40
website, rigorous exercise, emphasizing gross motor move-

ment, balance, core strength, rhythm and hand-eye coor-
dination, can favorably impact range of motion, flexibility,
posture, gait and activities of daily living.
More recent studies, most notably at Cleveland Clinic,
focus on the concept of intense “forced” exercise, and sug-
gest that certain types of exercise are neuro-protective, which
means that it is a type of exercise that may actually slow
disease progression.
Brooks said the program, which starts Tuesday, April
11, is the only one of its kind between Houston and Baton
Rouge, but that if people in Beaumont are interested in
learning about the program, they are welcome to contact
Hope Therapy Center at (337) 478-5880. There is also a
Rock Steady Boxing class at Louisiana Tech.
“We’re thinking our schedule will be Tuesdays and Thurs-
days from 4-5 p.m.,” Brooks said. “You don’t have to be a
patient. Anybody can come, but you have to be evaluated
before you can take part in the program. You can’t invite
your friend unless they’re a cornerman.”
Doug McCullor, 74, of Moss Bluff, Louisiana, also tried
out Rock Steady Boxing for the first time March 10. McCul-
lor found out he had Parkinson’s a little over a month ago, he
said.
“I liked it,” McCullor said of the boxing. “I’m going to
keep doing it if it’s going to keep me going.”
— Kevin King

CALENDAR
OF EVENTS
Stars of The Arc Celebrity Style Show
APRIL and Dinner
Through Sunday, April 16 Holiday Inn and Suites Beaumont
Golden Triangle Emergency Center Plaza
Coloring Contest 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Drop off completed coloring sheet to (409) 838-9012 American Cancer Society Relay For Life
Golden Triangle Emergency Centers. Friday, April 28
Contact Kari Busch at (409) 920-4470. Saturday, May 6 Contact Olivia Kay at (409) 212-6113.
PHC Foundation
6th Annual Golf Tournament American Cancer Society Saturday, May 20
Through Friday, April 28 Crush-A-Clay for Cancer Sporting Clay
United Way of Beaumont and North Idylwild Golf Club, Sour Lake American Red Cross of Southeast and
10 a.m. Shoot Deep East Texas
Jefferson County One In One Hundred Gun Club,
Communitywide “Just Because” drive Contact Alicia Schaeffer at (409) 673- Centennial Masquerade Gala
7556. Lumberton MCM Eleganté Hotel, Beaumont
Donations can be dropped off at 700 8 a.m.
North St., Suite H. Saturday, April 29 6 p.m.
Contact Kathy Chessher at (409) 924- Contact Kari Fenner at (409) 782-9121.
Contact John Rollins at (409) 835-4575 American Cancer Society 0576.
for more info on items needed. Relay For Life of South/Mid Jefferson Saturday, May 27
County Thursday, May 11 Lone Survivor Foundation
Thursday, April 20 Christus Southeast Texas Health
Gift of Life Boston Avenue, Nederland Buffalo Wild Wings Dirty Frog Obstacle
Noon – midnight System Course and Mud Run
Champagne & Ribs Christus LiveWell Women’s Conference
Ford Park, Beaumont Contact Rene Doise at (409) 924-0576. Proceeds benefit Lone Survivor
Ford Park, Beaumont Foundation Crystal Beach Retreat
6:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, April 29 Go to www.christuslivewell.org to
Call (409) 833-3663 for purchase American Cancer Society facility for veterans who suffer from
register. posttraumatic stress and their families.
information. Relay For Life of Beaumont
Beaumont Civic Center Saturday, May 13 Texas Frog Festival, Crystal Beach
Saturday, April 22 Samaritan Counseling Center of 8 a.m.
Christus Southeast Texas Foundation Noon – midnight
11 a.m.- 10 p.m. Southeast Texas Go to texasfrogfest.org/bwwdirtyfrog
37th annual Gala starring Keith Urban Sixth annual Clay Shoot to register.
Beaumont Civic Center Contact Rene Doise at (409) 924-0576.
1-in-100 Gun Club, Lumberton
7 p.m.
Call (409) 236-7555 for purchase MAY Choice of flight times: 9:30 a.m. or JUNE
12:30 p.m.
information. Contact Codie Vasquez at (409) 720-
Tuesday, May 2 Friday, June 9
6400 x 210
American Heart Association The United Way
Golden Triangle Go Red For Women Saturday, May 13 Third annual Golden Triangle
Luncheon Spindletop Center Emergency Center Golf Tournament
Beaumont Country Club Diamond Minds Gala Bayou Din, Beaumont
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Ford Park, Beaumont 8 a.m.
Contact Rasheeda Daugherty at (409) 6-7 p.m. – VIP Cocktail Reception Contact Kari Busch at (409) 920-4470.
363-0787. 7-11 p.m. – Dinner and Entertainment
Friday, June 16
Thursday, May 4 Call (409) 839-2230 for purchase Alzheimer’s Association
Nutrition and Services for Seniors information. 2017 Beaumont Professional
Deliver the Difference Luncheon Friday, May 19 Conference
benefiting Meals on Wheels Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas Christus Outpatient Pavilion,
Event Centre, Beaumont Foundation Conference Room III
Buffalo Wild Wings 11:30 a.m. Cajun Classic Golf Tournament 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Dirty Frog Obstacle
Friday, Apriland
Course 28 Mud Run Call (409) 892-4455 for purchase Beaumont Country Club Contact Lindsey Ramey at (409) 833-
The Arc of Greater Beaumont information. 8 a.m. 1613.

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SOUTHEAST TEXAS SPRING 2017

ITAL SIGNS • STROKE ROBOT SAVES LIVES

Jon Clingaman, operations manager at Acadian Ambulance Service in Beaumont

“There’s nothing normal about our job. If you’re

The company also holds debriefings when tragedy strikes and it

6 Vital Signs – Spring 2017

Vital Signs – Spring 2017 7

8 Vital Signs – Spring 2017

COMMUNITY SOCIAL ACTIVITIES & POOL/SPA, GAZEBOS, BUSINESS, MEDIA

GRANITE COUNTERS FENCED DOG PARK ONSITE SALON W/D CONNECTIONS

3585 NORTH MAJOR DRIVE BEAUMONT, TX 77713 409.866.7170 ProvidenceOnMajor@ITEXmgt.com

3585 NORTH MAJOR

3585 NORTH MAJOR DRIVE • BEAUMONT, TX 77713 • 409.866.7170 • ProvidenceOnMajor@ITEXmgt.com

MORE ITEX SENIOR PROPERTIES IN SE TX:

Crystal Creek • Port Arthur, TX • 409.727.1684

Photos by Kevin King

this area to take care of the vast number

12 Vital Signs – Spring 2017

“I went into surgery weighing about 315.

– Artis Jones, Beaumont correctional officer

14 Vital Signs – Spring 2017

“I went into surgery weighing about

Partners in life, this retired couple, Jay

Jasper (J.J.) Lovoi, r.ph.

18 Vital Signs – Spring 2017

SEE PANTRY • PAGE 20

Vital Signs – Spring 2017 19

“When I go out to the sites, (the

Diabetic Pantry distribution sites

Orange Christian Services Pineland Housing Authority

20 Vital Signs – Spring 2017

where commitment and caring come together

Cancer Center of Southeast Texas

Altus Cancer Center

Julie & Ben Rogers Cancer Institute

There are two tracks to becoming an

24 Vital Signs – Spring 2017

Vital Signs – Spring 2017 25

introduces him or herself as a nurse prac-

“We applaud Rep. Klick and Sen. Kelly

Both bills are currently in committee.

Jason Fondrick, PA-C

visits counseling and advising patients, helping them with pain

30 Vital Signs – Spring 2017

Vital Signs – Spring 2017 31

“Nursing school is stressful. ...

– School of Nursing Chair Cindy Stinson

According to the Lamar study “Mindfulness Meditation

32 Vital Signs – Spring 2017

Nancy Thompson (left) leads a progressive muscle relaxation

Vital Signs – Spring 2017 33

“A lot of times your mind will wan-

need to be removed, and 3 out of 4 agree

suffering from mental illness, specifically

36 Vital Signs – Spring 2017

Vital Signs – Spring 2017 37

38 Vital Signs – Spring 2017

Vital Signs – Spring 2017 39

Charles mayoral candidate, started the

40 Vital Signs – Spring 2017

PARKINSON’S • FROM PAGE 40

website, rigorous exercise, emphasizing gross motor move-

Vital Signs – Spring 2017 41