THERE’S A CCH CLINIC NEAR YOU! Find A New Provider! TAYLORSVILLE CCH Clinic Taylorsville MAGEE CCH Clinic Magee COLLINS CCH Clinic Family Medical Family Care Express Covington Place Therapy & Counseling MT. OLIVE CCH Clinic Green Tree SUMRALL Express Care Sumrall SEMINARY CCH Clinic Seminary CHOOSE A LOCATION! Where Your Healthcare Matters S Scan This Code To
We are thrilled to announce the release of the Fall 2024 edition of CovingtonCares, a publication by Covington County Hospital. In this issue, we’re excited to highlight two departments whose vital contributions often go unnoticed yet are integral to the overall patient experience. Our feature on the Dietary Department explores the role of personalized nutrition in patient recovery. The dietary team creates specialized meal plans tailored to specific medical needs, working closely with providers and nurses to ensure nutritious and appealing meals. Their efforts contribute to faster recovery and enhance the overall patient experience. We are often complimented on the shininess of our floors – our team takes great pride in setting the standard for floor care. Our Environmental Services staff are the unsung heroes who maintain the hospital’s cleanliness and safety. Doing everything from sanitizing patient rooms to ensuring infection control, this department is on the front lines of preventing hospital-acquired infections and creating a healing environment. We dive into how their meticulous work keeps the hospital running smoothly, ensuring that patients, staff, and visitors are in a safe, clean environment. Last but not least, we are proud to highlight the exceptional teamwork of our Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Emergency Room (ER) staff in early recognition of stroke symptoms. With stroke being a time-sensitive emergency, our teams are now better equipped than ever to provide rapid, lifesaving care, ensuring that patients receive the immediate interventions they need. The teams' commitment to excellence underscores Covington County Hospital’s dedication to delivering high-quality care in every critical moment. Together, these departments exemplify the compassionate and comprehensive care provided at Covington County Hospital. We hope this edition of our magazine gives you a deeper appreciation for the people who, through dedication and expertise, play such an essential role in the health and well-being of our patients. We are honored to serve your healthcare needs and thank you for choosing Covington County Hospital. Gregg Gibbes, CEO MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
11 IN THIS ISSUE 20 06 ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES STAFF PLAYS BIG PART IN HEALTHCARE 08 BRIGHTSIDE PROGRAM ADDRESSES SENIOR MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES AT CCH CLINIC MAGEE, DR. BLACKLEDGE KEEPS AN EYE ON THE DETAILS SAFE HAVEN BABY BOX ALLOWS ANONYMOUS SURRENDER OF INFANTS INTERNSHIPS BENEFIT HOSPITAL, STUDENTS, COMMUNITY NUTRITION DEPARTMENT PROMOTES HEALING, HEALTH 12 14 16 EXCLUSIVE! 24 27 28 30 HEART HEALTHY RECIPE BOOSTING IMMUNITY NATURALLY SWIFT WELLNESS WORKOUTS COMMUNITY EXPERIENCED ER TEAM QUICKLY HELPS HEART ATTACK, STROKE PATIENTS
HELLO, FRIENDS I am Kenneth Daughtrey, M.D., Chief of Staff at Covington County Hospital. As a proud native of Covington County, I am privileged to be back home serving the community that raised me. Our dedicated staff at Covington County Hospital is committed to providing you and our community with the exceptional care that you deserve and expect from your family and friends. In this edition of CovingtonCares, we will showcase Dr. Thomas Blackledge and the CCH Clinic in Magee. You will also discover how one of CCH’s interns, Cambri Brewer, a Licensed Master Social Worker, found a home on staff with the Brightside Intensive Outpatient Program. Our Dietary and Environmental Services departments will enlighten you on why their role in patient care is invaluable. The cover story introduces our Emergency Room and the teamwork with Emergency Medical Services to recognize stroke and cardiac issues upon EMS' arrival on the scene. We are incredibly proud of their dedication and efforts that have gone into all their training and work, benefiting the community when time is of the essence. We are honored to serve our community and deliver award-winning healthcare. Thank you for entrusting us with your health and well-being. Kenneth Daughtrey, M.D. MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF OF STAFF 2024 Fall/Winter 4
2024 Fall/Winter 6 Lee and his 22 employees handle a wide range of housekeeping and janitorial services at the hospital, including cleaning rooms, removing garbage, and replenishing paper towel and soap dispensers. Their hard work is often noticed by hospital visitors, many of whom compliment the cleanliness of the facilities as soon as they enter the door, often noting how shiny the floors are. ‘Cleanest Bathrooms’ Lee has observed that visitors to the hospital have noted that the bathrooms are exceptionally clean. The cleanliness is not just surface level. Lee's team thoroughly cleans from the floor to the ceiling, paying special attention to sanitizing high-touch areas like handrails and elevator buttons. Lee believes that the Environmental Services team’s role in infection prevention is a serious one. EVS must be concerned about every person that walks into the building. ‘Super Important’ “Our jobs are super, super important.” Lee and his staff provide cleaning services for several healthcare facilities in Collins, including the hospital, Arrington Living Center (nursing home), the Brightside Intensive Outpatient Program facility, Covington Place Therapy & Counseling, CCH Clinic Family Medical, and Family Care Express. Lee started working at CCH five and a half years ago, having previously worked at multistate cleaning companies, including the Memphis-based giant ServiceMaster. Proud of His Staff Lee takes great pride in his staff and their work. He specifically commended Patricia Oliver, Velma Weathersby, Tina Hinton, and Cynthia Fairley for their exceptional work. Cynthia, in particular, is wellknown and loved by the patients for her outstanding interaction with them. ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES STAFF PLAYS BIG PART IN HEALTHCARE Monty Lee, the Director of Environmental Services at Covington County Hospital, makes a bold statement about his team: “We are the front line of infection control.”
CovingtonCares 7 “Our jobs are super, super important.” “When it's done right, nothing beats that feeling.” – Monty Lee, Director of Environmental Services In general, Lee feels confident in his team's ability to get the job done efficiently, even without direct supervision. About those floors: Lee himself handles most of the floor work at the Arrington Living Center. Hinton takes care of the hospital’s floors. Their secret for super shiny floors? “Maintenance,” he said. “Most people think it's the initial scrubbing and waxing. But maintaining them, that's the key. The mopping, the buffing, mopping, buffing. We have to keep them maintained. And if you maintain them right, voila. That's what they look like.” Rewaxing Once a Year The team strips and rewaxes the floors once a year. For daily cleaning, they use a chemical called Zing. “It pulls the dirt out of the wax so the wax won’t look as dull as fast.” Environmental Services has one simple goal, Lee said: doing their jobs the right way. “When it's done right, nothing beats that feeling.” Monty Lee, Director of Environmental Services
Cambri Brewer, LMSW, didn’t anticipate that she would get such satisfaction from helping older patients deal with mental health concerns at Covington County Hospital’s Brightside Intensive Outpatient Program. “I had always worked with children, so I didn’t really know what to expect,” said Brightside’s newest Social Worker. “They surprised me with how much they were able to open up about their feelings. In day-to-day life, older adults tend not to do that.” Providing Mental Health Care Brightside provides mental health care to patients 55 or older who have a condition requiring the supervision of a psychiatrist. Services include individual counseling, group therapy, medication management, and psychiatric evaluations. Patients must have insurance, such as Medicare Part B, that covers outpatient mental health services. Brewer worked as a Brightside intern from August 2023 to May 2024 while completing her master’s studies at The University of Southern Mississippi. BRIGHTSIDE Program Addresses Senior Mental Health Issues Dovie D. Cameron
For a free Brightside Intensive Outpatient Program consultation and assessment, call 601.765.4600. To learn more, visit CovingtonCountyHospital. com/brightsideiop LEARN MORE SIGNS OF MENTAL DISORDERS IN SENIOR ADULTS • Noticeable changes in mood, energy level, or appetite • Disorientation • Feeling flat or having trouble feeling positive emotions • Anger, irritability, or aggressiveness • Obsessive thinking or compulsive behavior • Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much • Seeing, hearing, and feeling things that other people do not see, hear, or feel CovingtonCares 9 “I loved all of the patients, and I loved being in group therapy with them,” she said. “I just felt like we all had such a good rapport. I genuinely loved being able to lead the group.” Great Attitude Brightside Program Director Kimberly Bennett, LCSW, CDP, said it was an easy decision to hire Brewer full time after her internship ended: “Her attitude, the way she interacts with the patients, the way she leads groups – she was able to just jump right in and catch on.” Bennett checked with one of Brewer’s USM instructors, Diana Smith. “She said, ‘Yes, snatch her up,’” Bennett recalled. Brightside therapists Cambri Brewer, LMSW, and Tammy Matlock, LMSW, are dedicated to treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, dementia, and other serious illnesses. Self-Referral OK For each patient, the Brightside program lasts three to six months. Referrals can come from anyone, including patients themselves. Free transportation is available within a 50-mile radius. Patients participate in four-hour group therapy sessions every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, with lunch and snacks provided. “We use different methods to make it more interesting for them,” Bennett said. “It can be cognitive behavioral therapy or some other type of therapy, or psychoeducation. It can be videos, games, all kinds of things.” Grateful Participant Dovie D. Cameron, who is approaching her 90th birthday in November, is thankful for the program. Despite facing numerous challenges like her husband’s stroke, her son’s shooting incident, financial theft, and health issues, she found solace in the Brightside Intensive Outpatient Program. She said, “It gives me faith. It gives me encouragement.” ‘Go for Help’ She shared this heartfelt advice for fellow seniors who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, or life’s challenges: “Seek help. Allow your mind and brain to relax. It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” Kimberly Bennett, LCSW, CDP Tammy Matlock, LMSW Cambri Brewer, LMSW
SAFE HAVEN BABY BOX ALLOWS ANONYMOUS SURRENDER OF INFANTS A new Safe Haven Baby Box near the entrance to Covington County Hospital’s 24-hour Emergency Room can provide happy endings for tragic stories of parents who can’t care for their infants. “It’s heartbreaking to see newborn babies left on the curb outside of our hospital,” said Gregg Gibbes, the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer. “Now they can be placed in the Safe Haven Baby Box. Safe, Secure “Our priority is to provide a safe and secure environment for these precious little ones.” CCH held a dedication and blessing ceremony for the box in May. The Covington County Republican Women led the effort to raise $20,000 for installation and maintenance. “We wanted to give an alternative to women who are in crisis and who are just not ready for motherhood,” said Dianne Pickering, Vice President of the women’s group. The box is climate-controlled at 74 degrees, said Caitlin Kelly, the Mississippi representative for the Safe Haven Baby Boxes organization. She said a silent alarm sounds inside the hospital when the box is opened. Laying a baby inside the medical-grade bassinet triggers a second alarm. Child Protection Services Hospital staff care for the baby until the state Department of Child Protection Services can take custody. Mississippi law allows the anonymous surrender of an infant up to 45 days old without fear of prosecution. Simpson General Hospital in Mendenhall also has a Safe Haven Baby Box. Said Lynn Scott, RN, the CCH Chief Compliance and Patient Care Officer, “Our number one goal is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the infant.” Safe Haven Baby Boxes Inc. promotes installation of boxes for safe, anonymous surrender of an infant and offers a 24-hour toll-free voice or text hotline for helping parents in crisis: 866.99BABY1 (866.992.2291) LEARN MORE CovingtonCares 11
SOCIAL WORKER WITH PAGEANT PAST Brightside Intensive Outpatient Program Social Worker Cambri Brewer, LMSW, found her career path while competing as Miss Pearl River Valley in the Miss Mississippi pageant. Her platform was combating human trafficking. She decided it was a problem worth fighting personally. “I just wanted to contribute in any way I could,” Brewer said. “Then I fell in love with the therapy aspect of social work.” She has also represented Petal, her hometown, in the Mississippi Miss Hospitality Competition to select the state’s goodwill ambassador for economic development and tourism. She is now director for the competition’s Petal region. INTERNSHIPS BENEFIT HOSPITAL, STUDENTS, COMMUNITY 2024 Fall/Winter 12 Internships at Covington County Hospital provide hands-on training for osteopathic physicians and social workers, valuable services for the hospital, and extra care and support for community members seeking help. William Carey University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine and The University of Southern Mississippi School of Social Work, both in Hattiesburg, supply the interns, who are not paid. Internship Locations They work at the Brightside Intensive Outpatient Program for older mental-health patients, Covington Place Therapy & Counseling, and the hospital’s Senior Care Unit. Cambri Brewer, LMSW, worked as an intern from September 2023 to May 2024 at Brightside. “It was a lot more hands-on than some of my classmates were able to experience,” she said. “I was actually able to sit in on all of the groups and get to build that rapport with the patients.” It also led to her current job as a Social Worker at Brightside. Kimberly Bennett, LCSW, CDP, the Brightside Program Director, also oversees the intern program. The Whole Picture Bennett hired Brewer after months of watching her interact with patients. “You can interview somebody, and you don’t get the whole picture,” Bennett said. “But when they’re an intern, and they’re coming in every day, you have a good idea how they’re going to work out.” For students, real-world experience teaches things that classwork can’t. For example, Brewer said, “I got to learn documentation, which was a big thing.” Precisely documenting what happens with patients is crucial for billing and insurance reimbursement. “I got so much out of it,” Brewer said. Cambri Brewer, LMSW
CONGRATULATIONS EMPLOYEE YEAR OF THE KACI TRIGG 2023
She and her staff of 20 prepare 300 meals a day for hospital patients and residents of Arrington Living Center, the nursing home. They also serve breakfast and lunch daily Monday through Friday to CCH employees. In addition, they supply food to the Brightside Intensive Outpatient Program, which provides specialized mental health treatment for older patients, and cater for hospital meetings and events. NUTRITION DEPARTMENT PROMOTES HEALING, HEALTH Feeding Covington County Hospital patients, nursing home residents, and hospital employees every day, the Nutritional Services department operates with a simple objective: “We can't please them all, but we're going to try,” said department Director Jessica Walker. Ashley Bryant, R.D.
CovingtonCares 15 Nutrition Screenings It’s a meticulous process. Every hospital patient and nursing home resident undergoes a nutrition screening before receiving meals. Dietitians Regina Day, MBA, R.D., L.D., and Ashley Bryant, M.S., R.D., L.D., along with the nursing staff assess for food allergies, chewing or swallowing difficulties, recent weight loss, wounds, and conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. They review the patient’s medical and social history, anthropometric measurements, lab reports, and medications from the patient's chart, as certain foods can interact with medications either positively or negatively. They also inquire about the patient’s food preferences, as even the healthiest meals won’t help if they aren’t eaten. Recommendations The dietitians make recommendations to the physicians and other healthcare providers, who ultimately approve any special diets. Dietitians also manage certain components of treatment, such as tube feedings for patients who can’t chew or swallow. “Anything to do with ensuring the patient is receiving adequate nutrition and hydration is my responsibility,” Bryant said. Proper nutrition promotes healing and can help prevent patients from returning to the hospital. “Part of our job,” Bryant said, “is to educate the patient and their family on which foods can exacerbate their symptoms and which foods can help them.” Interviewing Residents At Arrington Living Center, she usually conducts interviews with residents on the day they arrive. “We try to accommodate their preferences as much as we can, but within reason,” Bryant said. “Jessica makes it happen. She has made several special trips to accommodate a request a resident may have.” Walker received culinary school training courtesy of Uncle Sam. She spent eight years as a cook in the Army. Both she and Bryant use residents' feedback to shape menus. Walker attends resident council meetings to get their reviews. This Is Their Home “This is their home,” Walker said. “You want to make sure that you’re pleasing them.” The kitchen works on four-week menu cycles, changing according to what produce is in season. Sometimes, Bryant said, residents will look at the daily menu posting, “and they’ll call and say, ‘Hey, I don’t really want that. I want to order a hamburger and fries instead.’ And we’ll send it over.” She does her best to educate, but the residents get the final say. “If I tell them, ‘Your blood sugar has been elevated; I really don’t think it’s a good idea for you to have this cake,’ sometimes they tell me, ‘OK. That’s nice. You’re sweet. But I’m going to eat the cake.’” Regina Day, R.D. Jessica Walker, Director To learn more about Nutritional Services at Covington County Hospital, visit CovingtonCountyHospital.com/ nutrition or call 601.698.0198. LEARN MORE
EXPERIENCED ER TEAM Quickly Helps Heart Attack, Stroke Patients When patients with a cardiac issue – such as a heart attack or stroke – arrive at the Covington County Hospital Emergency Department, they’re racing against time. That race starts with the onset of symptoms. So calling 911 immediately saves lives. Pictured L-R: Shelia Duckworth, RN, Emergency Department Director; Zach Tisdale, RN; Terri Byrd, NP
When a possible heart attack patient arrives, said Emergency Department Nurse Shelia Duckworth, R.N., “We get that EKG within five minutes. We get an IV started within 10 minutes. There’s a time limit and we know it, so everybody jumps on it.” Golden Hour For a stroke (caused by reduced blood flow to the brain), Duckworth said, treatment is most effective within 60 minutes after symptoms begin – the “golden hour.” An immediate head-and-neck CT scan can confirm the stroke diagnosis and determine what type of stroke has occurred, which in turn dictates the kind of treatment. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Stroke is number four. For either, it’s crucial to call 911 quickly. Heart attacks and strokes disrupt blood flow. Restoring the blood supply as soon as possible can prevent or minimize damage to the brain and other organs. Better to Be Safe “Get it checked out,” Duckworth said. “It’s better to be safe than sorry.” At Covington County Hospital, the emergency team works to stabilize the patient. Then the patient is transferred to a hospital that best fits their treatment and recovery needs. Duckworth said the team tries to turn around heart attack patients within 30 minutes, especially those having a STEMI – an ST-elevation myocardial infarction, the most dangerous type of heart attack. “Our last one that we shipped out was 18 minutes, door in, door out.” Experienced Duckworth has worked at CCH for 20 years, and in the ER for over a decade. The emergency team consists of twelve providers (doctors and nurse practitioners), eight full-time registered nurses, and seven registered nurses who fill in as needed. All are certified in several types of life support. Most, like her, have a decade or more of experience in the department. During her years in the ER, she said, she’s seen an increase in heart attack patients – and a decrease in their average age. Younger patients “We’re actually seeing a lot of heart attacks in younger patients, some under the age of 40,” she said. “We have sent 20-year-olds to Hattiesburg with heart attacks. A lot of them think it’s just acid reflux.” Strokes can also afflict young people. Amy Yates, CCH’s Director of Emergency Medical Services Education and Training, said a fellow paramedic recently treated a 16-year-old boy who felt dizzy, passed out, and woke up unable to feel the left side of his body. It was indeed a stroke, caused by a birth defect. Fortunately, Yates said, “He is doing very well.” Broad Training Mississippi doesn’t require stroke certification for EMS personnel, but Yates said almost all CCH Ambulance Service paramedics are stroke certified anyway. They’re also trained in basic life support (CPR), advanced Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CovingtonCares 17
SIGNS OF HEART ATTACK Call 911 for any of these possible heart attack symptoms: • Pain or discomfort (pressure, squeezing, fullness) anywhere in the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back. • Upper body pain or discomfort (in one or both arms or shoulders, back, neck, jaw, or stomach). • Shortness of breath. • Nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, weakness, unusual tiredness, cold sweat. Sources: American Heart Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cardiovascular life support, and pediatric advanced life support, among other lifesaving techniques. Yates is responsible for making sure EMS workers at CCH and Simpson General Hospital in Mendenhall stay current on all required courses and certifications. She monitors their performance to make sure it meets CCH’s high standards. She and fellow CCH paramedic Josh Blackwell teach advanced stroke life support. That starts with recognizing stroke symptoms through a test known by the acronym BE FAST. FAST (a stroke test often recommended for the general public) involves checking for face drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulty, plus noting the time of first symptoms. Balance and Eyes To that, the paramedics add BE – checking balance and eyes (for blurriness, double vision, or vision loss). Yates said the community can feel confident about CCH paramedics’ response to a possible stroke: “They have been trained to know what a stroke looks like. They have been trained to recognize it promptly, and they know how to handle it and activate treatment early so they can get the patient to definitive care.” 2024 Fall/Winter 18
AT CCH CLINIC MAGEE, DR. BLACKLEDGE KEEPS AN EYE ON THE DETAILS 2024 Fall/Winter 20 Dr. Thomas R. Blackledge, Jr., M.D., pays close attention to details. He even personally designed the impressive building where he practices, CCH Clinic Magee, for maximum efficiency in serving the community where he grew up. “He sat down with a piece of paper and drew this thing out and gave it to Chip Hunt” of Chip Hunt Design and Construction in Magee, said Dr. Blackledge’s wife, Sonia Blackledge, R.N. “And Chip put it together. Every little detail is thought out for best use of space. It just flows.” Opened in 2005 The full-service family care clinic, which opened in 2005, is affiliated with Covington County Hospital. Dr. Blackledge sees patients from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. every weekday. Nurse Practitioner Katie Rush, FNP, takes over from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sonia Blackledge, who works at the practice, said the focus on efficiency maximizes the number of people the clinic serves and minimizes waiting room time. “We can get you in and get you out,” she said. “You don’t have to wait very long.”
CovingtonCares 21 Father Was Principal Dr. Blackledge moved with his family from Moss Point to Magee when he was in fourth grade. His father, Ray Blackledge, was principal at Magee High School and owned an auto dealership, Blackledge Ford. Dr. Blackledge attended Magee schools through ninth grade, then Simpson County Academy in Mendenhall. He received his undergraduate degree from Mississippi College and his medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in Jackson. After a family medicine internship and residency at the University of Alabama and private family practice in Indianola, Mississippi, he came home to Magee. After five years with a physician group, he founded the clinic and went into solo practice. Wide Range of Care CCH Clinic Magee offers a wide range of family care services, including preventive care and treatment of minor injuries. The clinic provides physicals, including Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals, and Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefits for those under age 21 enrolled in Medicaid. Sonia Blackledge has shared her husband’s journey. They were high school sweethearts, married in 1990. Older son Gage is a physician himself, a surgery resident in Shreveport, Louisiana. Seth is a maritime lawyer in New Orleans. The youngest, daughter Brooke, plays basketball and tennis at Simpson County Academy. Away from the office, Sonia said, “Tommy has done everything. He has flown airplanes. He has gone scuba diving. He has gone skydiving. He’s an adventurer.” Gardening and Dogs These days, his main hobby is gardening and hanging out with the four family dogs: two Chihuahuas and two Great Danes. On weekends, the Blackledges like to visit their place on the Mississippi coast, in Gulfport, and boat to nearby islands. Even when he’s relaxing, Sonia said, Dr. Blackledge stays in motion – tending plants, pulling weeds, caring for the dogs. “He’s got to constantly be doing something,” she said. “He’s always been nose to the grindstone.” CCH Clinic Magee is a full-service family care clinic affiliated with Covington County Hospital. It is open 7 a.m.-5 p.m. MondayFriday at 800 Third Street Southwest in Magee. Visit CovingtonCountyHospital.com/ cchmagee or call 601.849-1918. LEARN MORE L-R: Darrah Bruce, Admission Clerk; Sherry Turner, CCMA-CPT; Sonia Blackledge, RN; Hayley Dyess, Clinic Coordinator; Sharette Bass, CCMA-CPT Thomas and Sonia Blackledge at prom L-R: Gage holding Burger, Brooke holding Prissy, Seth holding Bou Office Pet: Zippy the Bearded Dragon
DON’T BE TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF! When looking into Medicare Advantage plans, it’s important to be aware of potential drawbacks so you can make informed decisions. Some private insurance options may advertise low premiums and extra benefits, but it’s essential to consider all the factors involved to make the best choice for your needs: Before enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan, it’s wise to thoroughly research and compare all available options, consult with your healthcare provider, and pharmacy to consider your long-term healthcare needs and to ensure that the plan you choose will serve your best interests without unexpected costs or limited access to care. The information provided for Medicare Plan enrollment is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute professional, medical, or insurance advice. Actual coverage may vary based on individual circumstances and specific plan details. It is recommended to consult with a licensed insurance agent or Medicare representative to discuss options and make informed decisions regarding healthcare coverage. PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE ACCESS TO SPECIALISTS LONG-TERM CARE & ADDITIONAL BENEFITS INCREASED HEALTHCARE NEEDS PREVENTATIVE SERVICES For more FAQ’s about Medicare plans visit www.covingtoncountyhospital.com To compare plans, scan the QR code with your smart phone’s camera app. To speak to a live person call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). To contact State Health Insurance Program: (228) 868-2311 or 1-800-444-8014.
INGREDIENTS (SERVES 4) • 2 teaspoons olive oil • 1/2 medium onion, diced • 1/2 bell pepper, diced • 1 celery stalk, diced • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1/2 cup brown rice • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper • 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth • 1/2 can (7 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained • 1/4 pound chicken breast, diced or sausage, sliced • 1/4 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined • 1 bay leaf • 1/2 cup okra, sliced (optional) • 1 green onion, chopped • 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped • Juice of 1/4 lemon HEART HEALTHY RECIPE HEARTHEALTHY JAMBALAYA This heart-healthy jambalaya is a lighter take on the classic Louisiana dish, packed with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. By using lean protein, whole grains, and plenty of vegetables, this version delivers all the traditional taste without the extra sodium or saturated fats. Perfect for a cozy fall dinner, it’s a dish that warms the soul while being kind to the heart. INSTRUCTIONS: • Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes. • Add Rice and Spices: Stir in brown rice, smoked paprika, thyme, cayenne, oregano, and black pepper. Toast for 1 minute. • Cook with Broth and Protein: Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, chicken, sausage, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 35-40 minutes until rice is tender. • Add Shrimp and Okra: Stir in shrimp and okra, (if used) cover, and cook for another 5-7 minutes until shrimp is done. • Finish: Remove the bay leaf. Stir in green onion, parsley, and lemon juice. Serve hot. 2024 Fall/Winter 24
BOOSTING IMMUNITY NATURALLY CovingtonCares 27 FOODS AND LIFESTYLE HABITS TO KEEP YOU HEALTHY YEAR-ROUND In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining a robust immune system is more important than ever. Your immune system is your body’s defense against infections, viruses, and other harmful invaders. While no single food or habit can prevent illness, a combination of healthy eating, regular exercise, and stress management can strengthen your immune system and keep you healthy year-round. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is essential for a strong immune system. Foods high in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, help protect your cells from damage. Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers, is well-known for its immune-boosting properties. Vitamin E, found in nuts, seeds, and spinach, also plays a crucial role in immune function. Zinc, found in lean meats, seafood, and legumes, supports the immune system by helping to produce and activate T-cells, which are key in fighting infections. Incorporating probiotics into your diet can also enhance your immune response. Foods like yogurt and fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut and kimchi are rich in probiotics, which help maintain a healthy gut microbiome – an essential part of immune health. Lifestyle Habits for Immune Health Beyond diet, certain lifestyle habits can significantly impact your immune system. Regular physical activity helps circulate immune cells throughout your body, making it easier to detect and eliminate harmful pathogens. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Adequate sleep is another critical factor. During sleep, your body produces cytokines, proteins that target infection and inflammation. Adults should aim for seven-nine hours of quality sleep per night. Managing stress is also crucial, as chronic stress can suppress immune function. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help reduce stress and improve immune resilience. Boosting your immunity naturally involves a combination of nutrient-rich foods and healthy lifestyle choices. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can build a strong immune system and stay healthy throughout the year. Remember, small, consistent changes can make a big difference in your overall well-being.
STRENGTH TRAINING FOR ALL AGES: BUILDING MUSCLE AND BONE HEALTH Strength training, often associated with bodybuilding, is actually a crucial aspect of health and wellness for people of all ages. This form of exercise involves the use of resistance – whether from weights, resistance bands, or even your own body weight – to build and maintain muscle mass and bone density. While strength training can certainly enhance physical appearance, its benefits go far beyond aesthetics, playing a key role in preventing age-related muscle loss, enhancing bone health, and improving overall functional ability. As we age, our bodies naturally experience a decline in muscle mass, a condition known as sarcopenia. This loss of muscle can lead to weakness, reduced mobility, and a higher risk of falls and injuries. However, regular strength training can counteract this process by stimulating muscle growth and maintaining muscle strength. This is particularly important for older adults, as it helps preserve their ability to perform daily activities independently and improves their overall quality of life. Bone health is another area where strength training offers significant benefits. Engaging in weight-bearing exercises, such as lifting weights or performing body-weight exercises like squats and push-ups, places stress on the bones. This stress prompts bones to become stronger and denser, which is vital for reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by weak and brittle bones, making fractures more likely, especially in older adults. By incorporating strength training into their routines, individuals can significantly lower their risk of developing this condition. Beyond muscle and bone health, strength training also provides metabolic benefits. It helps regulate blood sugar levels, supports weight management, and can even improve mental health by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. For optimal health, it’s recommended to include strength training exercises two-three times per week. No matter your age or fitness level, strength training is a powerful tool for enhancing muscle and bone health, ensuring a stronger, healthier future. SWIFT WELLNESS WORKOUTS LEARN MORE For information about Covington Fitness, visit CovingtonCountyHospital.com/ covingtonfitness. Call 601.698.0320 to learn more.
Hospital Week 2024 Fall/Winter 30
Okatoma Fest School Sponsorships CovingtonCares 31
Go the Extra Mile (G.E.M.) Award Winners 2024 Fall/Winter 32
8/22/2023 DISCRIMINATION IS AGAINST THE LAW Covington County Hospital complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Covington County Hospital does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Covington County Hospital provides free aids and services to people with disabilities to communicate effectively with us and access our services, such as: • Written and spoken information in other formats (large print, audio, accessible electronic formats, interpreters, etc.) • Handicap parking, curb cuts and ramps, elevators, etc. Covington County Hospital provides free language services to people whose primary language is not English, such as information written in other languages. • Name: Lynn Scott • Mailing Address: 701 South Holly Avenue, Collins, MS 39428 • Telephone number: 601-765-6711 • Email: lscott@covingtoncountyhospital.com If you believe that Covington County Hospital has failed to provide these services or discriminated in another way on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex, you can file a grievance with Covington County Hospital’s Compliance Officer. You can file a grievance in person or by mail, or email. If you need help filing a grievance, Covington County Hospital’s Compliance Officer is available to help you. You can also file a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, electronically through the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal, available at https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/portal/lobby.jsf, or by mail or phone at: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 509F, HHH Building, Washington, D.C. 20201, 1-800368-1019, 800-537-7697 (TDD). Complaint forms are available at https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/filing-a-complaint/complaint-process/index.html. CovingtonCares 33
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQxNg==