Oak Ridge Today

City, state work to reduce infant deaths through safe sleep program

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Oak Ridge Police Department partners with Tennessee Department of Health to reduce infant deaths

One of the top priorities of the Tennessee Department of Health is to reduce the state’s infant mortality rate (a measure of how many babies die before reaching their first birthday). TDH has discovered that 20 percent of all infant deaths in Tennessee are due to unsafe sleep practices. As part of this effort to save babies’ lives, Oak Ridge Police Department is partnering with the Tennessee Department of Health in the effort to reduce infant mortality by participating in the Direct On Scene Education, or DOSE, program.

DOSE is an innovative program using first responders to educate families about safe sleep for all infants. First responders at the Oak Ridge Police Department will be educating all households with pregnant women or infants after they respond to the immediate emergency. Our police officers will be equipped with safe sleep kits to provide to families. These kits contain educational materials to teach the caregivers about safe sleep environments for infants. [Read more…]

Free workshop on health care reform for individuals, small businesses

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A free workshop on health care reform on June 24 will provide an update for individuals and small businesses.

The discussion will include requirements, penalties, the Marketplace, and SHOP program, a press release said. The workshop is scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 24, at the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce at 1400 Oak Ridge Turnpike.

It’s offered by the Tennessee Small Business Development Center at Roane State Community College, in partnership with the Community Health Alliance.

To sign up, call (865) 483-2668, email Jutta Bangs at jbangs@tsbdc.org, or visit www.roanestate.edu/tsbdc.

The Tennessee Small Business Development Center advises and assists entrepreneurs and small business owners at no cost to them.

Honors: Tammy Sparks named May’s MMCer of the Month

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Tammy Sparks

Tammy Sparks

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Tammy Sparks, a licensed practical nurse and certified surgical technologist in the Family Birthing Center at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, has been named the MMCer of the Month for May.

In her duties, Sparks provides care for patients in the Family Birthing Center, assists physicians with c-section deliveries, and assists registered nurses in patient care as well as stocks and manages supplies for the Family Birthing Center and operating room. She has been with Methodist since 2010.

Sparks is described by Donna Hamby, director of Surgical Services, as “an asset to her patients, co-workers, physicians, Methodist Medical Center, and Covenant Health.”

Hamby continued, “She provides excellent patient care and has good clinical judgment and skill.”

The person who nominated Sparks said, “She is the most efficient and productive employee that I have ever had the pleasure of working with.” [Read more…]

Free CPR class offered by Anderson County EMS, Marlow Fire Department

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Anderson County EMS and the Marlow Volunteer Fire Department are offering a free CPR class on Saturday.

The class is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Grand Oaks Elementary School at 1033 Oliver Springs Highway in Marlow.

“This class will teach you how to perform CPR, use an AED, and also how to recognize heart attacks and strokes,” a press release said. [Read more…]

Honors: Anderson County EMS recognizes EMT, paramedic, officer of year

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Nathan Sweet

Nathan Sweet

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Anderson County EMS is proud to present the annual awards for EMT-IV, paramedic, and officer of the year. Each year we receive nominations from peers, and supervisors alike in regards to each award. These awards are truly tough to decide, as there are so many deserving providers here at Anderson County EMS.

It is amazing to look at all of the worthy providers and see how blessed we are to have them here! Anderson County should know that they are in good hands with their EMS service, as the EMT-IVs, paramedics, and officers that serve them every day are top-notch and making a difference.

EMT-IV of the Year

Gage Whitman is a well-regarded EMT-IV among his peers and supervisors. His strong work ethic and commitment to excellence stand out. He always gives his personal best in his job. EMT-IV Whitman shows a genuine respect for all others, and exhibits outstanding customer service at all times. He is currently enrolled in the paramedic program at Roane State Community College and will undoubtedly make a great paramedic!

Paramedic of the Year

Keith Alred is truly deserving of this award for so many reasons. His performance is outstanding, and he is always willing to help others and the service wherever there is a need. His patience with students and new hires has brought him high praise from those who have had him as a preceptor. He has a lot of experience at many levels in EMS, and uses his knowledge and wisdom to make our service better. Paramedic Alred is a field training officer and also serves in other capacities on committees in our organization. [Read more…]

Free Medical Clinic receives donation

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Free Medical Clinic Donation

At left, Tanya H. Vargas, co-medical director of the Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge, receives a donation from Oak Ridge Panhellenic Alumnae Treasurer Emily Flatau. (Submitted photo)

The Oak Ridge PanHellenic Alumnae Association presented a donation of $1,500 to Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge Co-Medical Director Tanya Vargas at a recent meeting. The donation is earmarked to purchase two pieces of much-needed equipment: an ophthalmoscope and an otoscope, a press release said.

The Free Medical Clinic serves residents of Anderson, Morgan, and Roane counties who are uninsured and can’t afford to pay for medical care. The clinic is located at 116 Division Road in Oak Ridge.

The Oak Ridge PanHellenic Alumnae Association is an organization made up of a cross-section of community-spirited women who meet monthly to exchange ideas, learn from programs presented, conduct their business meetings, and have fun, the press release said. [Read more…]

Neurosurgeon to discuss pinched nerves, false symptoms at health lecture Tuesday

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Lawrence Maccree

Lawrence Maccree

A pinched nerve in the neck can cause pain, tingling, or numbness, which can even travel into the shoulder, arm or fingers. But how can you tell the difference between a pinched nerve and a problem that only acts like a pinched nerve, such as shoulder problems, bicep tendonitis, a heart attack, or a sprain or strain? Join Methodist Medical Center for Health Night on the Town as board-certified neurosurgeon Lawrence Maccree, DO, explains the difference.

Health Night will take place Tuesday, May 20, at 7 p.m. in the Ridge Conference Room, located in the hospital at 990 Oak Ridge Turnpike. The program is free and open to the public.

Dr. Maccree is a board-certified neurosurgeon who earned his degree from Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pomona, California. He completed his neurosurgery residency at the Garden City Osteopathic Hospital in Garden City, Michigan. Dr. Maccree is in practice with the Cumberland Neurosurgery and Spine Center.

For more information about Health Night on the Town, call (865) 835-4662.

Relay For Life kicks off with Survivors Lap on Friday

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Relay for Life Survivors

Cancer survivors walk the first lap during an all-night Relay for Life at Oak Ridge High School in June 2012. (File photo)

Relay For Life of Oak Ridge will kick off with a special Survivors Lap on Friday. It’s a moving experience honoring those who have defeated cancer, a press release said.

Survivors will join together to walk the opening lap, unified in victory and hope, while the rest of the event’s participants surround the track to cheer them on. This empowering celebration is just a small piece of the special experience of Relay For Life, the release said.

Relay For Life is a unique grassroots fundraising event in which individuals and teams of participants in more than 6,100 communities nationwide walk around a track overnight to celebrate the lives of those who have faced cancer, remember loved ones lost, and commit to fight back against the disease. The money raised through Relay For Life supports the efforts of the American Cancer Society to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

The Survivors Lap starts at 6 p.m. Friday at Oak Ridge High School. Relay for Life continues until midnight at Ben Martin Track at ORHS. [Read more…]

Honors: Becky Cox named April’s MMCer of the Month

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Becky Cox

Becky Cox

Becky Cox, a registered nurse in the Post Anesthesia Recovery Unit, or PACU, at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, has been named the MMCer of the Month for April.

In her duties, Cox prepares patients for surgery as well as cares for their needs in the recovery room. She joined Methodist as a student nurse in 1979 and has been employed as an RN since 1981. Prior to working in the PACU, Cox worked in the Acute Care Unit and was one of the first two RNs to open Methodist’s Cath Lab in 1988.

Cox is described by Deborah Lively, nurse manager in the PACU at Methodist, as “dependable, committed, and someone who provides excellent care to each and every patient and family she comes in contact with.”

Lively continues by saying, “She is a team player and works well with all of her co-workers, surrounding departments, and physicians.” [Read more…]

Methodist Medical Center’s classes in May

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Methodist Medical Center

Methodist Medical Center

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Prepare for baby’s birth, exercise for better health, find support group

Whether you want to get in shape, prepare for the birth of a baby, or find support from others going through a similar experience, Methodist has a class for you.

Classes will be held at the hospital, located at 990 Oak Ridge Turnpike in Oak Ridge, unless otherwise noted. For more information and registration, call (865) 835-4662 or 1-800-468-6767.
[Read more…]

Riley, 5, loves princesses but battles brain tumor

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Riley Mozingo

Five-year-old Riley Mozingo was diagnosed with brain cancer May 10, 2010. A princess-themed carnival was held Friday at Lake City Elementary School in her honor. All proceeds from the carnival will help fund her bedroom renovation. (Photos by Sara Wise)

LAKE CITY—“Come on, let’s go,” shouts Riley Mozingo as she drags her good friend, Anderson County Schools junior Emilee Hooks, toward the bounce house outside Lake City Elementary School.

Riley is a typical five-year-old. She loves princesses—especially The Little Mermaid, Ariel—and has big dreams to become a doctor when she grows up. But one thing sets Riley apart: she was diagnosed with astrocytoma grade 3.

She has had eight procedures since she was diagnosed with the brain tumor on May 14, 2010, and has undergone chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Now, she has to attend physical therapy sessions because she has trouble with her left side. Her tumor hasn’t shrunk—it actually got bigger during chemo—but it’s stayed about the same size with radiation.

Riley Mozingo and Little Mermaid

Riley admires a Little Mermaid-themed game during the carnival.

But it’s not all bad for Riley. She’s about to have her bedroom renovated by Special Spaces of Knoxville. The nonprofit organization renovates rooms for sick children all across the country, especially those with life-threatening illnesses. Riley is getting a princess-themed room.

Melanie Lamberson of Special Spaces said that once she heard about a five-year-old with cancer, she knew she had to help. [Read more…]

Honors: Free Medical Clinic founder honored at surprise reception

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Free Medical Clinic Founder Honored

John Auxier, left, is welcomed by FMCOR Co-Medical Director Dr. Jim Michel at a surprise reception held in his honor. (Submitted photo)

 

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While the waiting room often gets crowed at the Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge (FMCOR), it was packed to capacity on a recent Sunday afternoon. People huddled together not to see a doctor, but to surprise the person whose efforts led to the clinic’s opening nearly four and a half years ago.

John and Mary Lou Auxier arrived at the clinic with John’s sister for a pre-arranged tour by Executive Director Teresa Brittain. Instead, John was surprised by more than 60 friends, colleagues, and clinic volunteers who gathered for a reception to honor him for turning his dream into a reality, a free clinic that provides basic medical care to the uninsured or to those who can’t afford to pay for medical care. Since opening, more than 3,500 residents of people who reside in Anderson, Roane, or Morgan counties have received care in more than 15,000 visits. [Read more…]