Get a Healthy Start in 2019 by Attending a Free Community Health Fair
Health Screenings Valued at Over $500 per Participant

With the start of a new year, many individuals have made resolutions to live a healthier life, yet many avoid or delay needed care. South Central Regional Medical Center invites those ages 18 years of age and up to attend a comprehensive, free Community Health Fair Friday, February 1 st. The health fair will be held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at South Central Place in Laurel. Free health screenings, interactive health education booths, healthy snacks and much more will be provided to all who attend.

"We have health education, health information and numerous screenings available at no charge to the community," says Karen Vanderslice, BSN, RN, Community Education Coordinator at South Central Regional Medical Center. "The health fair is completely free because the cost of the event is covered by the South Central Health Care Foundation with funds raised at the Art of Healing and from other fundraisers held throughout the year."

The screenings for individuals ages 18 and up will include:
  • High Blood Pressure Screening
  • Body Mass Index Screening
  • Bone Mineral Density Screening
  • Carbon Monoxide Screening
  • Cataract Screening
  • Depression / Anxiety Screening
  • Diabetic Foot Screening,
  • Facial Sun Damage Screening
  • Kidney Disease Screening
  • Non-fasting Blood Glucose
  • Non-fasting Cholesterol
  • PSA Screening
"Representatives from South Central's Pharmacy will also be on hand to conduct a "Brown Bag Review". If you bring your current medications with you to the health fair, a South Central Pharmacist will be glad to look at them to determine if they have any concerns," Vanderslice said. "We offer this service because some patients see several healthcare providers and many times forget to tell their primary care physician all of the medications they are currently taking."

"If you take advantage of all the free screenings provided, the value is approximately $500 per participant. The best part about the health fair is that it is absolutely free of charge," Vanderslice said. "It is nice to know that when area artists donate their pieces to the Art of Healing, they are helping save lives. Free health screenings like the ones offered on February 1 st would not be possible without the sponsors of the Art of Healing, those who donate pieces to the event, and those who bid on items at the fundraiser each year."

Healthy refreshments will be provided during the health fair. Vanderslice concluded by saying, "This is a tremendous opportunity for area residents to learn more about their health."

Prevention and early detection starts by attending this event. The community health fair is being conducted as part of South Central's Community Health program. For more information about the community health fair on February 1st at South Central Place in Laurel, please call 601.399.0501.



South Central Regional Medical Center will host a career fair from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 29th, at South Central Place in Laurel.

The job fair is geared toward the following personnel:  Housekeepers,  Floor Techs,  Food Service Workers,  Clerical Staff,  Social Workers,  RN's,  LPN's,  Nurse Aids,  Medical Assistants,  Paramedics,  EMT's,  Echo Tech,  EEG Tech. 

Representatives from South Central Human Resources will be onsite for interviews and to answer applicant questions. The career fair will be held at South Central Place, 2260 HWY 15 North in Laurel.

South Central Regional Medical Center offers a comprehensive benefit package, including: tuition reimbursement for full time employees, scholarship opportunities for nursing, medical/dental insurance, long term disability, cancer plan, wellness/fitness center, daycare center, earned time off/sick time, competitive wages and an excellent work environment.

Facilities within SCRMC include: medical center, long-term care centers, medical clinics, cancer center, wellness and rehabilitation center, ambulance service, billing offices and more. For more information, call 601-399-0517. To apply online or for a complete list of open positions, visit scrmc.com/careers.

South Central Regional Medical Center is an equal opportunity employer.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus, commonly known as RSV, is a respiratory virus that causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Annually, over 57,000 children younger than 5 years old in the United States are hospitalized due to RSV infection. The season of RSV occurs in most regions of the United States during the fall, winter and spring. Fortunately, there are ways to attempt to help keep children and infants healthy during the season.

Grant Saxton, MD Pediatrician
Laurel Pediatric Clinic
Laurel Pediatric Clinic's newest pediatrician, Grant Saxton, MD, explains what parents should do to help their children during this season. "RSV is a very common virus that circulates in cold weather months much like influenza. Most children will recover from RSV within a week, but it can be serious especially for infants. In younger infants with prematurity, RSV can be more severe."

The signs and symptoms of RSV are typically runny nose, congestion, cough and a decrease in appetite. RSV symptoms may not be severe when it starts, however it can develop over time.

"RSV can cause a generic clinical condition called bronchiolitis that causes a lot of mucus in the lower airways that affects the lungs' ability to oxygenate well with resulting difficulty breathing," states Dr. Saxton. "This is more likely in younger infants and infants with history of prematurity. For an older child or adult, it will present as an upper respiratory illness similar to a common cold. RSV is notorious because it is the main offending virus that causes bronchiolitis. However hundreds of other respiratory viruses can also cause the same bronchiolitis illness."

To help prevent RSV and other respiratory viruses, the number one thing a person can do is practice good hand washing hygiene. Dr. Saxton explains, "Children are busy and they touch many things, and share germs with classmates and friends. It is important to be diligent with hand washing for parents and children."

Other ways to help prevent illness this cold and flu season are:
  • Teach your child to cover coughs and sneezes with inside of elbow technique rather than into hand
  • Get vaccinated to prevent influenza
  • Avoid touching your face
  • Limit contact with sick people
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces
  • Always stay home when you are sick
If your child presents with cold symptoms, there are experienced healthcare professionals available to help. Visits to a healthcare provider for an RSV infection are very common. During the visit, the healthcare provider will evaluate the proper course of treatment for the child. South Central Regional Medical Center offers pediatric care for children at two locations: Ellisville Pediatric Clinic and Laurel Pediatric Clinic. South Central Urgent Care is available for after hours and weekend treatment for children ages 6 months and older.

To schedule an appointment at Ellisville Pediatric Clinic, call 601-477-3550. To schedule an appointment at  Laurel Pediatric Clinic, call 601-649-3520. To learn more, visit scrmc.com.

Join South Central Regional Medical Center as we celebrate
Art of Healing on Saturday, March 23
at 7 p.m. at The Gables.

Tickets $45 each.
 
To purchase tickets by phone, please call 601-399-0503.
 
Art of Healing is an exciting fundraiser event in Laurel, MS. The evening will feature: a silent and live auction, wine pull, great food by The Gables, and cash bar. Get ready to dance the night away with live music from crowd favorites, Dr. Zarr's Amazing Funk Monster. 

All proceeds go to the South Central Health Care Foundation to fund community health initiatives. 
 
Thank You to our Sponsors of Art of Healing: BancorpSouth, Chancellor, Inc., Chas. N. Clark Associates, LTD, City of Laurel, Community Bank, ENT Surgical Services, PA, Foil Wyatt Architects & Planners, Howard Industries, IMPACT of Laurel, Laurel Leader-Call, Magnolia State Bank, Radiology Associates, PA, Sanderson Farms, State Farm Insurance - John David Jefcoat, The First - ANBA, The Gables, Venture South, WDAM and Wm. F. Horne & Co., PLLC .


For over 16 years those who entered the family surgery waiting area at South Central Regional Medical Center were greeted with a gentle smile and a warm embrace by Mrs. Charlene Todd. Mrs. Todd served as an integral part of South Central Regional Medical Center's Volunteer Services and has recently retired to spend more time with her children, grandson and dog, Charlie.

Ms. Todd (second from right) pictured with family members and friends during Volunteer Reception.
"Many years ago, Mrs. Bonnie Smith, the Volunteer Services Coordinator at SCRMC, spoke at my church about the joy volunteerism can bring to others and yourself," said Mrs. Todd. "I felt led to spend my time giving back to others. Throughout my time as a volunteer I have been able to assist in many roles."

As a volunteer, Charlene would deliver flowers to the inpatient rooms, assist at the Information Desk, and lend support at blood drives and community health fairs. But over time, she found her passion for volunteering was in the family waiting area.
"Family members would be anxiously waiting to receive updates for their loved one and I found that I could provide comfort during that time," said Mrs. Todd. "I never meet a stranger, so when I saw someone who needed reassurance or someone to listen to their worries while waiting, I would sit, hold their hand and listen."

Mrs. Todd has raised a family, served four years in the Navy, worked at local businesses and continued to devote her time to others. Charlene was married to James Todd for 54 years before his passing. Mr. and Mrs. Todd have two children, Jamie (Todd) Strebeck and Jeff Todd and one grandson, Jareth. When asked how she plans to spend her retirement from volunteerism, she replied, "drinking coffee and spending time with family and my dog, Charlie."

Bonnie Smith spoke about the respect she has for Mrs. Todd. "Charlene always took ownership of everything she did. She made sure to keep the patients' families informed. For instance, when it was time for her to leave for the day, she would make sure each family knew who the new volunteer was and how to receive updates on their loved one."

Along with helping patients, Charlene would also help the SCRMC volunteers.

"Charlene recruited several of her friends to our volunteer team. She had a passion for service, so she would often train new volunteers for their roles."

Ms. Todd (center) with members of Surgery Department at SCRMC.
As a volunteer at SCRMC, Charlene donated over 9,500 hours of service. During this time the Surgery Department staff, physicians, and visitors at SCRMC became like family.  "I looked forward to Thursdays and Fridays because I could spend my time helping others and visiting with our guests."

"God put us here to show the good and share His word," stated Mrs. Todd. "I hope that through my years at SCRMC, each person I have met will remember these words."

The respect and admiration of Mrs. Todd goes beyond being a volunteer. She has spent many years proving this to others in her kind actions and warm words.

"Charlene is a special person that each of us looks upon in a heartfelt way, and I hope she knows the impact she has had on so many families during her time," stated Smith. "To me, she is what volunteerism is all about."

Volunteering makes an immeasurable difference in the lives of others. According to medical studies, volunteering also helps those who are offering their time. From lowering stress to boosting self-confidence, volunteering offers many health and mental benefits-especially for older adults.
Benefits of volunteering include:
  • Decreased depression
  • Increased self-confidence and sense of purpose
  • Maintaining mental and physical activity
  • Reduced stress levels
  • Experiencing happiness and joy
  • Developing friendships
If you are ready to experience these benefits, South Central Regional Medical Center invites you to apply to become a volunteer. Volunteering for SCRMC offers many opportunities of service for individuals, ages 16 years old and up. To apply, please visit our website at scrmc.com/community/volunteers, email bsmith@scrmc.com or call 601-426-4704 today.

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