Guest Blogger: LoneStart Wellness

Getting a Jump on 2009 With LoneStart

New Year. New Challenges. New Opportunities.
We'll soon put 2008 behind us - and begin 2009 with high expectations and renewed enthusiasm for what we can accomplish in the coming year.

We all start the New Year optimistic that "this will be the year." It's why we make resolutions - to lose weight, to quit smoking, to save more, to be more responsible, to plan for the future, to do those things we know are the right things to do.

LoneStart too has plans for 2009. We're in business just as you are, and we understand that in mid-November there's a real tendency to put off any new projects until the New Year. (That's why January is one of our busiest months.) We also know that for some programs and some projects timing is everything and that now is the right time to lay the groundwork for an employee wellness initiative.

If one of your objectives for 2009 is to trim your organization's financial waistline, you know that one path to that goal is to get your employees to trim their waistlines, and as the New Year approaches, the timing couldn't be better. As a recipient of our monthly e-newsletter, "Wellness in the Workplace," you've read plenty of articles about the multiple benefits, in addition to a solid R.O.I., that accrue when you initiate a positive, open-ended wellness strategy, (especially a proven, cost-effective, turnkey strategy such as ours).

Here's why now is the time to get ready to launch the LoneStart Wellness Team Esteem Challenge in January:

• January is a proven time to psychologically support your employees' readiness to make health a lasting and achievable resolution for the New Year.
• It takes about a month before the "Start Presentation" to build interest. We provide posters, flyers, envelope stuffers and prepared press releases - all customized with your logo and contact information. We'll also work with the Facilitator or your Wellness Team to establish the details for the Team Esteem Wellness Challenge incentives.
• We want your chosen facilitator to have time to become familiar with the LoneStart Strategy, and to this end we provide a comprehensive Facilitator Training Handbook on CD-ROM as well as unlimited phone and email support.

Getting Started

We'll hold one or more "Start Meetings" to get your 63-Day Team Esteem Challenge underway. These meetings are informative, positive and fun. Our goal is to maximize enthusiasm for and participation in your wellness initiative. Once we have you up and running, we'll provide 9 weekly Participant Bulletins containing helpful tips, information on nutrition, ways to get active, success stories and weekly recipes (additional recipes are available on our website). Your facilitator will have unlimited access to information and support throughout the initiative. In fact, once you become a LoneStart client, you will continue to be supported with periodic bulletins, posters and flyers to keep you working toward your new, sustainable Culture of Wellness. This support is provided free of charge.

Teamwork

If this is your first wellness initiative or if you have tried other strategies, have under-performing programs already in place or have underutilized wellness facilities, we will use what we know about affecting behavior change to jumpstart your employee wellness efforts. We apply established principles of behavioral science to challenge, support and motivate your employees to make modest but meaningful improvements in their lifestyle choices. Central to this strategy is teamwork. We know that identity with a team improves and sustains high performance and yields organizational benefits including improved morale, communication and a sense of mission.

Breaking Through

LoneStart is out to make 2009 the "breakthrough" year when we all work toward creating a new and sustainable culture of wellness. When you show your employees that you value them by offering a positive, proactive wellness initiative, you'll find that multiple benefits begin to accrue to your organization. Wellness, like some illness, is contagious. When your employees prove to themselves that they can successfully take charge of their health, they tend to "spread" this new culture of wellness throughout the organization and beyond, to family, friends and into the community. We call this Viral Wellness and it's something you'll want to catch.

Not Sold Yet?

If you're not sold yet, contact us below at information@lonestartnow.com, or 512-894-3440 for more information on how we can help your organization start 2009 with a new culture of wellness - and start saving on health care related expenses. We'll be glad to prepare a full proposal outlining LoneStart program costs, features and implementation details (and we can talk with you about ways some of our clients have defrayed the upfront expense that quickly becomes an investment in wellness).

LoneStart Wellness Initiative
________________________________________
email: information@lonestartnow.com
phone: 512.894.3440
web: http://www.lonestartnow.com
LoneStart | P.O. Box 1188 | Dripping Springs | TX | 78620

Today It's Personal

Last night I found out for the second time in two years that a friend of mine has died of a sudden heart attack. Both were men under the age of 45, so if you think you have LOTS of time to worry about that later, you may very well be wrong. My friends were happy, gregarious men who happened to be pretty sedentary, overweight, and smokers. I must assume this is why they are gone from us so young.

If you have someone in your life who is in danger, don't be afraid to talk to them about it. If YOU are in danger, it's time to DO something about it. Please, do it for the people around you if you won't do it for yourself.

For more information on heart health, visit the American Heart Association's website at http://www.americanheart.org. Give the gift of life - YOURS!

We Are Launching a Durable Medical Equipment Loaner Program!!

See Our New Info Page

Bridges to Wellness is asking for each of you to check your attics, closets, and garages for any crutches, braces, wheelchairs, or other reusable medical equipment that you no longer need. We are looking for clean donations in good condition for a program we are starting in 2009. Bridges to Wellness will be providing this equipment at very low or no cost to those in need.

Check grandma’s attic or barn. Ask your friends and relatives! We need portable commodes, wheel chairs, braces, hospital beds, shower benches, or any reusable medical equipment you would like to donate. Be sure to keep us in mind when you are doing any holiday cleaning!

Bridges to Wellness is funded by a three year federal grant. We are working to promote the health and well being of all persons through local collaborative community efforts. We are here to help increase access to care and to increase the quality and viability of rural health care.

Bridges to Wellness is located in the Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital Annex and our phone number is (479) 549-2639. Melanie Lowery Brakeville is the Director, Joyce Lynch is the Member Services Coordinator, and Tammy Weeks is the Administrative Assistant. For more information, call or visit us online at www.ssbtw.com.

Free Flu Shots a Huge Success

Friday, November 7, 2008 at St. Francis Clinic in Siloam Springs, AR, people lined up for their free flu shots. Actually - they stepped right up to get their shots with very little waiting, thanks to the wonderful volunteer turnout!
There were over 800 adults and 70 or more children that hopefully, because of a few minutes on Friday, will not get the flu this year. This event was sponsored by the Benton County Health Unit, St. Francis Clinic in Siloam Springs, and Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital. It was an all day event and extremely well attended, as you can tell by the numbers.
Volunteers from area businesses came out in full force to assist the BCHU nurses and staff with this event. The BCHU nurses were extremely grateful for all the volunteers. A special “Thanks” goes out to all who helped. Your time spent at the clinic helped to assure all who wanted a flu shot were able to receive one, without much wait!
Another special “Thanks” goes to Randy Torres and AVEST Bank for providing the volunteers with lunch! It was a real treat to have pizza delivered to us at the clinic. The volunteers took a few minutes to eat, and then went right back to the job at hand. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU ARVEST!!!!
There were people in line from 7:00 a.m., until the event ended at 5:00 p.m. While there was a little lull at noon, the rest of the day was fairly steady. Everyone seemed to be extremely grateful for the opportunity to receive a free shot without having to travel to Bentonville.
It will not be long before the Benton County Health Unit has a permanent home in Siloam Springs again. Preparations are being made to ready their new building at the corner of University and Mt. Olive for their opening. We will be glad to have them back here in Siloam Springs to assist the western part of Benton County with all the services they provide.
Until Next Time, Stay Healthy!
Joyce

"Biggest Loser" should be "All Winners"

Well, Carlos & Jan Treat & Stacy Avery's Biggest Loser program was a GREAT success in Siloam Springs. So much so that they are willing to do it again! It starts November 4, and is from 5:45 to 6:15 pm at the Senior Activity Center. Our group, this time lost over 500 lbs. Now, if that isn't "Winning" then I don't know what is! Everyone who completed the program is feeling a bit lighter now. Clothes are starting to sag a little in places we didn't used to notice! Which for someone who is overweight, that is an amazing feeling. I am going to do another round with them. It is great to have to be accountable each week without criticism. And to go to a meeting and get the support and suggestions you might need to stay on track is an invaluable resource! Also, the web support is great, especially if you are rushed one week and can't stay for the entire meeting.
Consider coming to join us for the next 10 weeks. You know that will get us through the holidays. Even if we can just hold our current weight, and not gain the normal 3-5 lbs. holiday weight gain, we will be ahead of the game. This session will only cost $25, with $21 of that going to the "Biggest Loser" pot.
Holidays are a busy time, but we should all take a little time for ourselves and stay on track with our own healthcare and wellness.
Stay Healthy!
Joyce

Speaking of Flu Shots...

News Release
For Immediate Release
September 23, 2008

Benton County Providing Flu Shots on November 7, 2008
County Testing Mass Dispensing Plan

Flu season is near, and it’s also time to get your flu shot. On November 7, 2008, the Benton County Health Unit in coordination with the St. Francis Clinic in Siloam Spring and Siloam Springs Bridges to Wellness will be exercising its local Mass Vaccination Dispensing Plan by providing flu shots at the St. Francis Clinic, 304 S. Maxwell, Siloam Springs from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

The purpose of the clinic is to provide flu vaccination to County citizens and also to exercise the county’s mass dispensing plan. Dr. John Huskins, Benton County Health Officer, said, “The time to practice dispensing large amounts of medication is now, before we have a disaster. It’s important for Benton County citizens to get their flu shot to protect them from influenza this year. It’s also important to exercise our County Mass Dispensing Plan.”

The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) reports that there is an ample supply of flu vaccine this year. This County effort is part of 81 health units statewide that are participating in one-day mass flu vaccination clinics.

Participants are advised to bring their Medicaid, Medicare and /or state insurance card. There will be no charge to those that do not have coverage and are unable to pay.

A Parent, Grandparent or legal guardian must accompany all children. No exceptions will be made.

After the day of the Mass Dispensing Plan exercise, a cost of $20.00 per shot will be observed at the Benton County Health Unit for those not enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid, the Vaccines for Children Program or selected state insurance programs.

For additional information you may contact the Benton County Health Unit 479-271-1055 or St. Francis Clinic 479-524-9550.

Get Your Flu Shot!

I woke up Saturday morning with yet another reminder of why I don’t like cold weather; a very scratchy throat and a stuffy nose! But it could be worse. Last year was the first year in at least the last ten that I did not get a flu shot, and you guessed it, I got the flu. It was in February, and I was sooo sick. Missed a whole week of work and didn’t get to enjoy a single minute of my days off! That’s just wrong.

So I have already had my flu shot this year. Have you? If not, I urge you to do so. A lot of employers offer them for their employees and families, either free or at a reduced charge, so check with the HR Dept. where you work.

And also, the St. Francis Clinic in Siloam Springs is offering free flu shots on Friday, November 7, on a first-come, first-serve basis, starting at 8:00 am.

So don’t be a baby, flu shots don’t hurt at all and they may certainly save you some pain and suffering later on!

Stay well!
Tammy

Tammy's First Blog

Well, this is my first attempt at “blogging”, so bear with me!

I am here to let you know that I am not a fan of cold weather! I don’t mind fall too much, as long as the days stay above, oh, 65 degrees, or so! I know, I am asking a lot, but I can dream. We have had some beautiful golden days so far and I have surely enjoyed them, but I know that the cold stuff is lurking behind every colorful leaf.

One of the reasons I dislike cold weather so, is that my kids always got sick at the first hint of autumn and the grandkids are following in their footsteps. And, true to form, my six-year-old grandson woke up last Sunday morning running a high fever and with white spots all over his throat. Yep, good ole strep throat! What fun, and my daughter, his mom, also got it, and then little sis, (she just has to do everything her big brother does!) and where do you go on a Sunday except the ER? Well, they decided to tough it out until Monday morning, and so had a very unpleasant weekend.

An after hours clinic in town would certainly be a welcome addition to the health care community, don’t you think? This would help to keep the ER open for actual emergencies, which would improve efficiency and maybe lower costs. I know my kids and grandkids are not the only ones who get sick on the weekends, and I have an idea that a clinic of that sort would stay very busy, especially during the winter months.

Which brings me to the Health-Care Needs Survey that Bridges to Wellness is conducting. Right now, you may go onto our website, www.ssbtw.com, and fill out the Business Needs Survey, and soon we will have our individual health needs assessment available for you to fill out concerning you and your family’s health care needs.

Hopefully, with enough input from the community, we will be able to make a few of the things we are lacking into reality in the not-too-distant future.

So take a couple of minutes to check out the Business Needs Survey now, and if you have any input you think would be beneficial, please fill it out and submit it to us and watch for the summary of the Business Needs Survey coming soon. And also keep watching for the individual survey which should be available right here on the website within a couple of weeks! We need everybody’s input, so don’t think your opinion doesn’t matter! The more information we have, the better our chances of improving the current health care system.

This was kind of fun, so I suppose you will be hearing from me again!

Tammy Weeks
Bridges to Wellness, Administrative Assistant

SSMH Health Fair - Fall 2008

Hello All BTW Followers!

Fall is definitely upon us now. We have had our first frosts on the pumpkins and leaves are turning the beautiful colors so familiar to those who live in this part of the Ozarks. Speaking of fall always brings up the hospital Health Fair. They do one each spring and fall, and held a very successful Health Fair on Saturday, October 18, 2008. They had more people than ever stop by and have their blood drawn for the lab to check. The lines were long from very early (6:45 am) until it was over at noon. All vendors seemed to stay busy passing out information and giving goodies that might advertise their business. Many hospital departments were represented, and I got the feeling from the people I spoke with that it was just a great community event. The weather was beautiful! We had sunshine and a blue sky, but there was a bit of a nip in the air when we arrived.

During this event, another thing was happening in our fine community. The Annual Siloam Springs Heart Walk took place. From what I have heard, more money was raised this year than ever before! Way to go Siloam!!! The economy is down, but people are still stepping up to GIVE for heart health and walk to show support! I was proud to be a part of the Heart Walk this year, and walked the 2 miles without much difficulty, except for the uphill climb at the end of the walk. The walk started at the Hospital Health Fair, went down Maxwell street hill to E Twin Springs, then left on Washington street to get on the Walking Trail at Washington and Main. We then followed the trail to a point on Washington that made one mile, turned around and came back on the same path to end up back at the Health Fair. That meant the UPHILL climb was the last part of the walk. It really wasn't so bad as I made it out to be, but I did huff and puff for a while when I got back under the big white tents at the Health Fair!

We were able to pass out many fliers about Bridges to Wellness, as well as surveys, to both individuals and businesses. We hope many will go ahead and fill out those surveys, or at least visit us online to see what we are up to. Thank you to all who have turned in your completed surveys! Your input is greatly appreciated, and we are continuing to gather and compile that information so we will be able to help the most people with their health and wellness.
Best wishes for Health and Wellness to you all!
Joyce

Job Fair Was A Great Opportunity

October 14, 2008, Bridges To Wellness participated in the Community Job Fair at the Siloam Springs Community Building. While we were not looking to employ anyone, but instead we had information about continuing health care for those who might be between jobs.

It is very important for everyone to continue to see their doctors, especially if they have a chronic disease. Diabetes care and even high blood pressure are not things to be put off, just because you do not have insurance benefits.

We spoke with lots of people, including the other vendors at the Job Fair. We felt it was a great benefit for all involved. We got the word out that Bridges to Wellness is here to help, especially the underserved population of our region, and we let several people know about St. Francis Clinic. We were surprised that a lot of people did not know it was here in our community to help those who might not have a primary care physician that they can afford to see regularly. St. Francis Clinic is for the working uninsured, but they will see anyone who meets their guidelines and is in their service area. The fees are reasonable enough that most can afford to pay at the time of service.

We just want to keep spreading the word that we are your community Bridge to Wellness!

Until next time,
Joyce

SSMH Health Fair - A Great Value

Every 6 months Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital does a health fair in their parking lot under the big white tents. This will be happening this next Saturday, October 18, 2008. You can get several screenings free, and you can get a comprehensive blood test which screens for diabetes, liver and kidney function, and total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides, all for only $15. Those results will be sent to you, as well as, your primary care physician. Now that is a great value! (Don't forget to fast for 12 hours prior to the blood draw.) The hospital lab is very careful with these tests and get very accurate results. We have a great lab team! Thanks Marlene! There will also be a prostate cancer screening blood test for men for $15.

Just some of the free checkups include: blood pressure, blood sugar, body mass index, bone density screening, simple spirometry and much more! Take a few minutes early Saturday morning to come see what is available to you.

While you are there checking out the Health Fair, you can also participate in the American Heart Association's Heart Walk. It will start at 9:00 am, right there at the Health Fair. Hope to see you at the fair!!

Joyce

Mayor Van Poucke declares "Women's Heart Day"

The Heart Truth campaign and its Red Dress Project are coming to Siloam Springs, AR and the surrounding area.

Only 55 percent of women know that heart disease is their leading cause of death, and most fail to make the connection between its risk factors—such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol—and their personal risk of developing heart disease. In fact, this disease kills one out of every three American women. A nationwide campaign—The Heart Truth—is underway to raise awareness that women need to protect their heart.

The Heart Truth features a Red Dress as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness. This symbol links a woman’s focus on her “outer self” to the need to also focus on her “inner self” and her heart. What’s a Red Dress got to do with it? A simple Red Dress works as a visual red alert to get the message heard loud and clear: “Heart Disease Doesn’t Care What You Wear—It’s the #1 Killer of Women.”

While heart disease risk begins to rise in middle age, heart disease develops over time and can start at a young age—even in the teen years. It’s never too early—or too late—to take action to prevent and control the risk factors for heart disease. This national campaign is building awareness of women’s heart disease and empowering women to reduce and prevent their risk. It is reaching women with important heart health messages in community settings through a diverse network of national and grassroots partner organizations.

The Heart Truth campaign is sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS); WomenHeart: the National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease; Bridges to Wellness, Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital, 2008 Siloam Springs Heart Walk, St. Francis Clinic, The American Heart Association, and other groups committed to the health and well-being of women.

Community organizations across the country are joining The Heart Truth campaign and using its Red Dress symbol to raise awareness about women and heart disease. Educational materials are being distributed at local events and presentations emphasizing women’s health issues. Mayor M.L. Van Poucke has been asked to declare October 18, 2008 as Women’s Heart Day.

If you would like to have someone speak to your civic group or club, please feel free to call Bridges to Wellness, at (479) 549-2639, for more information. To find out more about women and heart disease, visit The Heart Truth Web pages at https://mail.ssmh.us/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.hearttruth.gov/ or call the NHLBI Health Information Center at 301-592-8573.

(Featured in GROUP Photo above, left to right: Tammy Weeks, Bridges to Wellness; Shelly Moran, Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital; Joyce Lynch, Bridges to Wellness; Patti Eiland, Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce; Sheila Colvin, Liberty Bank & 2008 Heart Walk Co-Chair; Mayor M.L. Van Poucke, City of Siloam Springs; Raquel Beck, St. Francis Clinic of Siloam Springs; Gail Walters, 2008 Heart Walk Committee Member; Melanie Brakeville, Bridges to Wellness; Jennifer Lightle, American Heart Association. CLICK ON PHOTOS FOR LARGER VERSION.)

Team Finds Evidence Linking Chemical In Plastic Products To Diabetes, Heart Disease

Check out this article from Channel 40/29. The water bottle you carry on your walks could be giving you diabetes & heart disease!

Research Links BPA, Disease In Adults
Team Finds Evidence Linking Chemical In Plastic Products To Diabetes, Heart Disease
POSTED: 8:50 am CDT October 13, 2008

http://www.4029tv.com/health/17701946/detail.html?treets=fts&tml=fts_12pm&ts=T&tmi=fts_12pm_1_12000810132008

Guest Blogger: Jerry Cavness, United Way of NWA

At United Way of Northwest Arkansas we believe that all people in our community deserve the opportunity to have a better life. Today more than ever, we are working to address the issues Northwest Arkansas cares most about. We refer to it as “advancing the good of all”. Our goal is to create long-lasting changes because if any one of us succeeds, we all succeed.

Did you know…?

More than 33,000 children in Northwest Arkansas are on the free or reduced lunch program. More than 60,000 residents in Northwest Arkansas are living in poverty. Each night there are more than 1,100 people in Northwest Arkansas that are homeless, living each night in a shelter, a car or a friend’s home. Over half of these 1,100 homeless are children.

What can we do about these statistics? We believe there are three main building blocks to help address these areas. They are Education, Income and Health.

Education: Helping children and youth achieve their potential through education by improving access to quality, affordable child care and early learning opportunities. Also providing after-school and mentoring programs for at-risk youth.

Income: Helping families become financially stable and independent by supporting basic needs while increasing financial education. Working to have more affordable housing for seniors and families.

Health: Improving people’s health by increasing access to critical healthcare services. Working to reduce substance abuse, child abuse and domestic violence and increasing health education and preventive care.

These building blocks can only come about with involvement of us all as givers to and supporters of the over 86 funded United Way programs. Much can be achieved by Giving, Advocating and Volunteering. If we join hands, open our hearts, lend our voices and muscles we can make a difference. LIVE UNITED! Reach out a hand to one and influence the condition of all.

Thank you,

Jerry Cavness
Area Coordinator
United Way of Northwest Arkansas
(479) 524-6639
jcavness@unitedwaynwa.org

Updates to the Website

It's been a very busy time here at Bridges to Wellness. We've been putting together an enormous list of health related events in our area, along with grant & funding resources, and lots more. In addition, we've been busy working with area business to get them to fill out our Business Needs Survey so that we can compile the information and submit it to the regional medical community.

Please take a few moments and look around our site. As always, it's a work in progress, but we'd love to get your feedback. Plus, I guarantee you'll be surprised at how many FREE health events we have available to us here in the Siloam Springs region.

www.ssbtw.com

Wishing you a healthy week!
Melanie Brakeville
Network Director

Biggest Loser in Siloam

I welcome our first "guest blogger" today! This is from Joyce Lynch, the Bridges to Wellness Member Services Coordinator. I am sure most all of you know her already, as she's a true area native! - Melanie Brakeville, BTW Network Director

The first signs of fall are now in the air! It's great. No excuses now for not getting outside and moving around for some exercise. We are half way through the competition for the Biggest Loser (actually, we are all winners!) in Siloam Springs. All who are still active in the journey seem to be doing well. There is no doubt, some are doing better than others, but that is to be expected. We are all working at our own rate, and we now have more awareness than we did before we started the challenge. It's great to be in Northwest Arkansas and getting healthy!

Til next time.
Joyce

Looking for "Movers"

I believe it's time to start (or join with) a walking/running/moving forward club here in Siloam Springs. I have found where there might have been one about a year or more ago, but I can't find anything recent. Does anyone out there know of any active running clubs here? By running, let me say that I personally include pretty much anything from walking to "really" running. I myself sometimes walk, sometimes run, sometimes mix the two together, but NEVER go anywhere quickly.

Perhaps we should call what I am looking for a "moving forward" club! I'd like to have a group (or groups) of people meet at least a couple of times a week to make a run/walk/crawl together at least once or twice a week. What do you say? Anyone out there interested? Do you know of existing clubs?

Please get in touch if you have any ideas, input, or interest in this concept.

Moving forward,
Melanie

UPDATE: Here are some great ideas for names for our new group. Many thanks to a very creative group out there, and you know who you are! What do YOU like most?

• Step On It
• The Road Runners
• The Ramblers
• The Walkingsticks
• Soles with Souls
• Happy Feet
• Sager Creek Cruisers
• Trekkers
• Dogwood Striders
• J-Walkers
• Siloam Stompers
• The Puddle Jumpers

St. Francis Clinic of Siloam Springs Wins Grant!

MEDIA ADVISORY
ATSC 2009 Community Health Grant Awards –Event Date August 18, 2008; Release Date August 21, 2008 Commission Contact: Aaron Parish Black (501-683-0074)

Little Rock, Arkansas – The Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission (ATSC) is proud to announce the awards for its 2009 Community Health Grant Program. In a ceremony at the Arkansas State Capitol with Governor Mike Beebe, the ATSC Commissioners presented checks totaling $500,000 to 13 organizations around the state. This funding will be used to improve the health and lives of thousands of Arkansans through projects as varied as smoking cessation programs to diabetes education to health screening services. “Providing access to preventative care and services is critical to building healthy communities across Arkansas,” Governor Mike Beebe said. “We have made tremendous strides in creating a healthier state by using 100% of our tobacco settlement money on health related activities, the only state in the nation to do that.”

Funding for this grant came from the Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Proceeds Act – an Act passed by 64% of Arkansas voters in 2000. This Act specified that tobacco settlement funds received by Arkansas should be used exclusively to improve the health of Arkansans through smoking prevention and cessation, increased access to health care, educating Arkansans on healthier lifestyle choices, and important medical research.

The St. Francis Clinic of Siloam Springs received $38,370 in a grant from the Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission Community Health Grant Program to operate their grant program titled, “Ounce of Prevention Worth a Pound of Cure.” Project “Ounce of Prevention Worth a Pound of Cure” will improve and optimize the health status of Arkansans in Western Benton County by establishing a long-term program targeting chronic health conditions among low income medically uninsured and underserved persons with special emphasis on the diabetics and Hispanic/Latino population. The goal is to reduce the rate and effects of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, COPD, and tobacco use through a screening, early detection, and education program that will lower the death rate and improve the quality of life of persons suffering from these debilitating conditions. St. Francis Clinic will achieve this goal by increasing accessibility of medications through the Pharmaceutical Assistance Program; purchase of diabetic lab tests and supplies; health screenings including blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, lipid profile, weight/BMI, and overall health risk appraisal; health education for patients and self-management classes, and nursing disease management for at-risk persons with chronic conditions.

PHOTO CUTLINE (Left to Right): The Honorable Kim Hendren, State Senator; Stacey Rowley, Jepson Drugstore Pharmacy Technician; Melanie Brakeville, Siloam Springs Regional Health Cooperative Network Director; Raquel Beck, St. Francis Clinic Director; ATSC Vice Chairman Dr. Omar Atiq, Director of the Arkansas Cancer Institute; The Honorable Mike Beebe, Governor of Arkansas; ATSC Commissioner John Selig, Director of the Arkansas Department of Human Services; Bettie Skelton, St. Francis Clinic Board Member; Carol Roberts, Jepson Drugstore Assistant Manager; ATSC Chairman Dr. Bill Lefler, Major General USA (RET); ATSC Commission Designee Dr. Jennifer Dillaha, Arkansas Department of Health.

St. Francis Clinic of Siloam Springs is a Network Partner in the Bridges to Wellness Coalition. Raquel Beck is also on the BTW Board of Directors.

Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission101 East Capitol Avenue, Suite 460 ♦ Little Rock, Arkansas 72201Phone: 501-683-0074 ♦ Fax: 501-683-0078 ♦ www.atsc.arkansas.gov

We Are Blessed!

If you know me, you know that I am often out & about, running, walking, or letting my dogs take me for a stroll. On my walk last night, I was looking around & thinking about how lucky we are here in Siloam Springs to have such a vast system of safe trails and sidewalks. I walked more than 5 miles & never had to walk on the street. I know I could have easily gone more than twice that without having to worry about a thing.

Sometimes people think that they just can't exercise. They come up with all sorts of excuses. I know, because I do it too! But here in Siloam Springs, you don't need to join a gym, or buy fancy equipment, or arrange your life around exercise classes. We can just walk out of our doors, connect to a trail, and go!

The weather is getting cooler now, and I challenge you all to get outside & give it a try. If you don't know where the trails go, stop by the Parks & Recreation Building on Mt. Olive Street (by the creek) and get a map. I know you'll find lots of beautiful walks right here in your own town.

Now - get out there and EXPLORE!!

I'd love to hear from other walkers/runners out there. Tell me your stories. Did you see a deer? A groundhog? Find a street you didn't know about? Take a new look at an old building? There is almost always something new each time I go out, so I know it will be the same for you.

Also, if you are from Gentry, Gravette, Decatur, Jay, Talequah, Watts, Westville, or anywhere else in the area, let us know where YOUR good walking spots are. Maybe we'll make a visit to your town!!

Wishing you wellness,

Melanie

Meet Our New Logo

After much deliberation, our new logo has been selected. Now the website design process can begin. Let us know what you think! We are very excited about coming together as a group to make a big difference in the health & well-being of our community. I hope you will join us in this effort.

For more information about Bridges to Wellness, please get in touch! Many thanks to all of you who have already worked so hard on this very important project.

~ Melanie Brakeville, Network Director

P.S. Please don't forget to fill out our online "Business Needs" survey at http://www.ssbtw.com if you have not done so already.

Welcome!

Welcome to our new blog! Please visit us regularly to find out what's new with Bridges to Wellness and our Network Partners. You'll also find musings on the state of wellness in our region, along with comments from other readers.

Bridges to Wellness (officially Siloam Springs Regional Health Cooperative, Inc.) is a new, federally-funded regional health cooperative. Our service area includes western Benton & Washington counties in Arkansas, and also Adair, Delaware, and eastern Cherokee counties in Oklahoma.

Our goals are to increase access to health care for all citizens while we strengthen the viability and quality of rural health care providers.

Please feel free to let us know what YOU think our region needs to create a Culture of Wellness for all of our citizens!

Thank you for your interest in our program.
Melanie Brakeville
Network Director