The Jackson Clinic offers FREE Program to Help Combat Vascular Disease and Stroke in the Community

Jackson, TN - On Saturday, September 23rd from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., The Jackson Clinic will work in conjunction with Life Line Screening to provide a free screening program for local residents who may be at risk for vascular disease and stroke.   

Millions of men and women 60 and older are at risk for vascular disease and stroke. Vascular disease encompasses serious conditions such as: peripheral artery disease (PAD), carotid artery disease, and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD), sometimes known as hardening of the arteries, is a blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the arms and legs. PAD may lead to loss of limbs.

• Carotid artery disease occurs when there is a blockage in the arteries within the neck that supply blood to the brain. Carotid artery disease is the #1 cause of stroke, a leading cause of US disability and death.

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an enlargement in the lining of the artery that leads from the heart to the lower abdomen. Rupture of an AAA often results in sudden death.

Who Should Be Screened?

People who are 60 years of age or older and have at least one risk factor for vascular disease—smoking, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, or family history of AAA—should call 1-866-220-7283 for a free screening. An expert can help confirm positive risk factors and set up your appointment for a screening exam.

The Jackson Clinic and Life Line Screening urge patients and family members who think they may be at risk to call the toll-free number right away. Early detection of vascular disease can prevent serious and even fatal outcomes. Screening will be by appointment only and will be conducted at The Jackson Clinic’s West Forest Campus in the Internal Medicine Department.

Dear Editor/Producer/Reporter:

Many people in your local area may be at risk for vascular disease and stroke.

Life Line Screening is working with The Jackson Clinic to help the community realize that vascular disease is a serious health issue and take action. Together, we have implemented a new program taking effect immediately: the Stroke & Aneurysm Vascular Evaluation (S.A.V.E.) screening program. The program will offer a free vascular and stroke screening exam to qualified community members, with the support of [[Hospital Name]]. Together, this support team aims to reduce the burden of vascular disease and stroke in your community and improve overall health.

We invite you to join us in presenting the S.A.V.E. screening program to the public. The screening will take place at The Jackson Clinic at 616 West Forest Avenue in Jackson between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.  and will be by appointment only. Individuals who think they may be at risk for vascular disease and stroke—or who have family members who may be at risk—should call 1-866-220-7283 for a brief evaluation that will confirm if they qualify for a free screening. Patients who qualify for a free screening may set up an appointment during the call.

Vascular disease encompasses serious conditions such as: peripheral artery disease (PAD), carotid artery disease, and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD), sometimes known as hardening of the arteries, is a blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the arms and legs. PAD may lead to loss of limbs.
• Carotid artery disease occurs when there is a blockage in the arteries within the neck that supply blood to the brain. Carotid artery disease is the #1 cause of stroke, a leading cause of US disability and death.
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an enlargement in the lining of the artery that leads from the heart to the lower abdomen. Rupture of an AAA often results in sudden death.

Jackson Clinic Physicians Certified in Urgent Care Medicine

Jackson, TN - John S. White, M.D. and Benny C. Houston, M.D. of The Jackson Clinic have recently been Board Certified by the American Board of Urgent Care Medicine.  Both Dr. White and Dr. Houston work at The Jackson Clinic Convenient Care locations which are walk-in, urgent care facilities.

Dr. John S. White is also Board Certified by the American Board of Family Practice and is a member of the Board of Directors for the American Board of Urgent Care Medicine.  A graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Memphis, Dr. White completed his residency at the University of Tennessee Family Practice Center in Jackson. 

Dr. Benny C. Houston is also Board Certified by the American Board of Family Practice.  He is a member of the American Medical Association, American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Urgent Care Medicine. After graduating from medical school at East Tennessee State University, Dr. Houston completed his residency at the University of Tennessee Family Practice Center in Jackson.

Established in 1997, The American Board of Urgent Care Medicine, (ABUCM) is an independent certifying body ensuring physicians meet the high standards required for recognition by the American Academy of Urgent Care Medicine. The certification process is based on the education, practice, and experienced-based requirements set forth by the Board and recognizes excellence in the discipline of Urgent Care Medicine.

Awards honor recipients for humanitarian work

By Aetna Smith
The Jackson Sun
April 5, 2006

Hazel Pearson has made the Denmark-West Community Center her mission and that mission has made her eligible to receive one of the nation's top awards for public service.

Pearson was named Tuesday as Jackson's representative to the national Jefferson Public Service Awards, to be held in Washington, D.C. That honor came at an awards ceremony, sponsored by The Jackson Sun, at Premier Place Catering in Jackson. She was one of five who were honored for their outstanding public service work in specific categories.

Pearson was honored in the "Support for Children and Family'' category and is eligible to win the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award for Public Service. This is one of the nation's highest accolades for humanitarian work.

After consolidation of Madison County and Jackson city schools in the early 1990s, the West Junior High building was vacated and began to deteriorate. Pearson and others began the Denmark-West High School Alumni Association to convert the building into a center. Just last month, the association helped raised more than $50,000 for a new health center for the uninsured in Denmark.

"This is really something," Pearson said about the honor. "I'm so proud of what we've been doing. This building is for the community, for all of us to come and use it."

Each individual award carries a $1,000 prize that is donated to charity. Pearson's charity is Operation HOPE.

Other winners include:

Libby Murphy of Jackson, honored in the "Community Enrichment Category.'' Murphy has raised at least $500,000 for the care of Jackson's Dianne Odell, who lives with an iron lung. Odell, supported by the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation, needs round-the-clock care. Murphy's award was donated to the Foundation.

Dr. Evanna Proctor, honored in the category of "Health and Well-Being,'' for her service in opening the Jackson Free Clinic that provides health care for the uninsured. The Jackson resident also volunteered to work with Hurricane Katrina victims while on sabbatical from the free clinic. Proctor's award was donated to ACTS of West Tennessee.

Trey Climer, a 14-year-old from Bells, honored in the "Outstanding Youth Category.'' Climer is known in his community for his commitment to church, 4-H Club, Boy Scouts and the Humane Society. What is less known is that he lives with hemophilia. Climer's award was donated to the Tennessee Hemophilia and Bleeding Disorders Foundation.

Edith Taylor of Decaturville, honored in the "Education and Literacy'' category. Taylor was born with only one arm but it didn't stop her from becoming a typing teacher, or a librarian. After retiring in 1982, Taylor has become involved in several retired teacher associations on a local and state level. Her award was donated to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Visit jacksonsun.com and share your thoughts.

- Aetna Smith, 425-9763

Fix Feet for Weight Loss Success

(Jackson, TN) Many of the estimated 70 million obese Americans are trapped in a life- threatening vicious cycle:  Obesity aggravates foot problems, like heel pain and flat feet; sore feet make it hard to exercise and lose weight; and without exercise, obesity worsens and exacerbates progression of diabetes, heart disease and other serious health threats.  Today, a local foot and ankle surgeon urged obese adults to seek immediate treatment for chronic, activity-limiting foot and ankle problems to foster compliance with physician directed exercise programs.

“Its unfortunate obese adults get caught up in the vicious cycle of avoiding physical activity due to foot or ankle pain, thereby permitting cardiovascular disease and other life-threatening conditions to worsen as a result,” said Dr. Rod Staton, a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.  “For example, in many cases, chronic heel pain occurs from carrying too much weight.  Left untreated, it becomes an impediment to physical activity and meaningful weight loss.” 

Dr. Staton believes there’s no reason foot or ankle pain should stop obese patients from exercising, and the first step toward breaking that vicious cycle is to have the problem evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon. 

According to Dr. Staton, many causes of foot pain can be relieved non-surgically through stretching exercises, orthotics and athletic shoes with good shock absorption and support.  If a bunion, heel pain or other condition requires surgery, patients can participate during their recovery in non-weight-bearing activities, such as riding a stationary bike, swimming or weight training.

For those moderately to severely overweight, Dr. Staton said a thorough physical examination is mandatory before beginning an exercise program.  “Once cleared by your physician to begin exercising, don’t try to do too much too soon.  Follow a gradual routine until your body adjusts to the stress of regular physical activity,” he advised.  “For example, I counsel overweight patients to avoid working out on treadmills or elliptical machines to minimize pounding and stress on their joints.”

Shedding excess pounds helps diabetic patients control their disease, but Dr. Staton noted many who experience foot ulcerations and vascular problems caused by diabetes might think they shouldn’t exercise.  “Every diabetic patient needs regular foot exams to check for possible sore spots and assess nerve sensation,” said Dr. Staton.  “And with proper diabetic foot care and the right footwear, most patients can follow an exercise regimen that is safe and appropriate for them.”

Dr. Mark Short Joins The Jackson Clinic

(Jackson, TN) Dr. Mark Short has joined the Gastroenterology Department of The Jackson Clinic.  Dr. Short will be joining Dr. J. William DuVal, Jr., Dr. James E. Egan, Dr. Gregory A. Szych, and Dr. Richard L. Williams at The Jackson Clinic located on West Forest Avenue.

Dr. Short received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.  He then went on to receive his Medical Degree from Hahnemann University in Philadelphia.  Dr. Short completed his residency in Internal Medicine, as well as a fellowship in Digestive Disease, through Rush University at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. 

Dr. Aleruchi Oleru Joins The Jackson Clinic

(Jackson, TN) Dr. Aleruchi Yvonne Oleru recently joined the Hospitalist Department at The Jackson Clinic. She joins hospitalists Dr. Lisa Hosea, Dr. Natasha C. Mahajan, Dr. Evanna Proctor, Dr. Bryan P. Tygart and Dr. Bradley Webb.

“Dr. Oleru’s work with Internal Medicine makes her a valuable addition to the Hospitalist Department. We at The Jackson Clinic are thrilled to welcome her to the team as we strive to offer the best care to our patients,” says Carl Rudd, Jackson Clinic Administrator.

Dr. Oleru received her Bachelor of Medicinal Science in Pharmacology at the University of Port-Harcourt in Nigeria. She then received her Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery at the College of Health Sciences in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria. Dr. Oleru completed a Residency in Internal Medicine at the Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. She is Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

As a hospitalist, Dr. Oleru specializes in the full-time care of hospitalized patients. Prior to working with The Jackson Clinic, she was a primary care physician for DOCS Continuum Medical Group affiliated with Beth Israel Medical Center in New York and a primary care physician at Lexington Internal Medicine in Lexington, North Carolina. Before that, Dr. Oleru worked with the National Youth Service Corps and the Massey Street Children’s Hospital in Nigeria.

Established in 1950 by five medical and surgical specialists, The Jackson Clinic has grown to include several locations in the West Tennessee area. The first multi-specialty group practice in Tennessee, The Jackson Clinic now employs over 130 physicians in over 24 specialties. For more information, visit our website at www.jacksonclinic.com.

Breast Care Center adds Women’s Imaging Department

The Jackson Clinic’s Comprehensive Breast Care Center just got even better. The addition of the Women’s Imaging Department allows women to have tests, including mammograms, biopsies and bone density tests, done in the same location as the Breast Care Center.

The Women’s Imaging Department includes new digital mammography equipment, digital bone density testing equipment and a new stereotactic biopsy system. This centralizes the many diagnostic services offered by the clinic for women. Formerly, women were tested in the Radiology Department within The Jackson Clinic, their results read and discussed at the Breast Care Center by the clinic’s breast care team.

According to Brenda Wheeler, Director of Ancillary Services, the Women’s Imaging Department allows the Breast Care Center to offer even better care to their patients.

“The new equipment is state-of-the-art and is an immense improvement over the older models,” Wheeler said. “We were already doing mammograms and bone density tests, but the Women’s Imaging Department allows everything, from initial testing to consultation and treatment, to be done in-house at the Breast Care Center.”

A designated waiting room for clients of the Women’s Imaging Department has been established on the second floor in The Jackson Clinic, offering more privacy, a relaxed atmosphere and an educational area with televised information and pamphlets to encourage women to take an active role in their own treatment.
The Jackson Clinic’s Comprehensive Breast Care Center offers a multidisciplinary approach to breast care through a team comprised of oncologists, radiologists, breast surgeons and a plastic/reconstructive surgeon to ensure prompt testing, evaluation and treatment. The doctors discuss and develop an individualized treatment plan for each patient. Each patient is tracked by a specially trained nurse who coordinates their treatment plan.

• The Breast Care Center offers:
• Breast Exams
• Mammography
• Breast Ultrasound
• Core Needle Biopsy
• Cyst Aspiration
• Ductal Lavage
• Ultrasound Guided Biopsy
• Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
• Needle Localized Breast Biopsy
• Axillary Lymph Node Dissection
• Hormonal Therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Breast Enhancement
• Breast Reduction
• Breast Reconstruction
• Radiation Oncology Referrals

As a part of The Jackson Clinic, the Breast Care Center provides coordinated scheduling of all appointments and one convenient phone number (731-422-0494) to call with questions or for appointments.