Nurses Celebrated May 6-12 In Sulphur Springs
Sulphur Springs City Council joins American Nurses Association and CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs in recognizing the dedication and accomplishments of the “nation’s largest health care profession” by designating May 6-12 as National Nurses Week in Sulphur Springs.
The theme adopted for the week, “4 Million Reasons to Celebrate,” is “a nod to nurses’ sheer numbers and an open invitation to #ThankaNurse for enriching our lives and the world we live in.”
Registered nurses, Sulphur Springs Mayor John Sellers read from the National Nurses Week proclamation, are “an indispensable component of the safety and quality of care of hospitalized patients.”
Sellers encourages the community to not only celebrating registered nurses’ accomplishments during National Nurses Week, but to show appreciation for RNs at every opportunity.
Present for the reading of proclamation were CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Harvey along with CNO Anitha Sanderson and Medical/Surgical Director Tanna Holland.
Johanna Hicks: High Blood Pressure: Do You Know Your Numbers?, Twogether in Texas Marriage Education Workshop
By Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Agent
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: DO YOU KNOW YOUR NUMBERS?
The “Be Well, Live Well: Healthy Aging” series is well underway, and we’re having a great time exploring nutrition, food safety, meal planning and more! It seems that more and more people talk about high blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of American adults are living with high blood pressure (also called hypertension), yet many are unaware that they have it. In kids and teens, elevated blood pressure is becoming increasingly common, which may lead to health problems later in life. During May’s National High Blood Pressure Education Month, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is working to raise awareness and share the most important tips o prevent or manage high blood pressure.
Knowing your risk factors is the first key prevention strategy. D r. Sumathi Venkatesh, Health Specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, states that other than age, genetics and a family history of high blood pressure, other lifestyle risk factors can be controlled. These include obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. Certain medical conditions like diabetes can also increase the risk of developing high blood pressure.
Because there are no obvious symptoms or warning signs for high blood pressure, it’s often called a “silent killer.” That’s why regularly monitoring your blood pressure and understanding your results is another key prevention strategy. A blood pressure measurement includes two numbers: The top number measures systolic pressure, which is the force of blood against the arteries when the heart beats. The bottom number measures diastolic pressure, which is when the heart is relaxing between beats. A blood pressure reading of 120/80 is considered normal, while reading above 180/80 mean a diagnosis of high blood pressure.
Know your numbers could save your life. Dr. Venkatesh reminds us that chronic uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage blood vessels and result in heart attack or stroke, the two leading causes of death in the U.S. High blood pressure may also contribute to kidney disease, vision problems, and peripheral artery disease, but the good news is that high blood pressure can be controlled by taking prescribed medications and following a healthy lifestyle.
Following the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) is one of the best ways to prevent or treat high blood pressure. This healthy approach includes eating plenty of fruits and vegetables plus whole grains, nuts, fish, lean meat and low-fat dairy products, while limiting added sugars and saturated fats. Sodium intake should not exceed 1500 mg per day, so it is important to check the sodium content listed on the nutrition facts label for any packaged foods. Other key prevention strategies include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising for at least 30 minutes a day, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Finally, be sure to talk with your doctor if you have any health concerns or challenges. Healthy blood pressure is a target within reach.
TWOGETHER IN TEXAS MARRIAGE EDUCATION WORKSHOP
This is the last call for the Twogether in Texas Marriage Education Workshop, scheduled for Saturday, May 18, at the Hopkins County AgriLife Extension Office, 1200 W. Houston, Sulphur Springs, beginning at 8:30 a.m. The workshop will cover the following topics: Marriage Expectations, Communication, Conflict Resolution, Money Management, and Goals & Dreams. The workshop utilizes videos, group participation, couple interaction, and fun activities, as well as lunch and ongoing refreshments. A major benefit, other than great information for getting the marriage started on strong footing, is that engaged couples will receive a certificate to save $60 (state portion) when applying for a marriage license. The certificate is good for one year from the date of presented, so couples who have a winter or spring, 2020 wedding can still take advantage of the savings.
There is no cost to attend the workshop, but I do request that couples call to reserve a seat so adequate preparations can be made – 903-885-3443.
CLOSING THOUGHT
There are two kinds of worry – those you can do something about, and those you can’t. Don’t spend time on the latter – Royce Ellington
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Blueberry Apricot Yogurt Parfait
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup apricot preserves
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 2 cups low-fat Greek yogurt, plain or vanilla
- ½ cup low-fat granola
- 2 tablespoons slivered almonds
- 4 teaspoons agave nectar or honey (optional)
- 5 dried or fresh apricots sliced in half (optional)
Directions:
- Place apricot preserves in microwavable bowl. Heat for 15 seconds. Add blueberries and toss to coat.
- Spoon ¼ cup of yogurt into each glass, top each serving with 1/3 cup blueberry mixture and 1 ½ tablespoons granola. Repeat layers.
- Top with granola and slivered almonds, dried apricots, and 1 teaspoon of agave nectar or honey. Serve chilled. 4 servings.
Nutrition facts per serving: 268 calories, 5 g total fat, 5 mg cholesterol, 82 mg sodium, 46 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 14 g protein
Source: Extension’s “Dinner Tonight” Healthy Cooking School
Lady Cat Sadavia Porter Preps For State 100 Meter
Lady Cats Track Coach Derek Tyson Discusses Sadavia Porter’s Prep for State Track Meet Friday
Lady Cats Track Coach Derek Tyson said Friday night (May 10) at 7:05 p.m., when they run the Class 5A 100-meter dash at UT Austin, Lady Cat Sadavia Porter will be ready to go. Coach Tyson said Porter, a UT Arlington commit for track, has had some real good workouts since she qualified for the state meet at a regional meet at UTA on April 27. Coach Tyson he has made some contacts in an attempt to learn some of the best practice methods for preparing a sprinter. He said Porter has enjoyed being able to concentrate on one event after a season of competing in several events. Coach Tyson said Porter is doing less running but he called it more purposeful running. He said he took Porter off the track last week to give her a break from the pounding involved in running a sprint. Coach Tyson said Porter has had two good workouts this week. He said they concentrated on block starts and acceleration work. Porter has been working out with Lady Cat sophomore sprinter Breasia Ivery. Ivery will be going with Porter to the state meet as a buddy. Coach Tyson feels if Porter can run her personnel best on the always fast track at UT Austin, she may well be in contention for a medal. He said that would exciting for her, her family and for Sulphur Springs High School. Coach Tyson said Porter is one of the top nine Class 5A 100-meter runners in the state. He said that in itself is quite an accomplishment.
ETCOG “Go Bus” May Expand Rural Transportation Services to Hopkins County
The East Texas Council of Governments, Director Of Transportation, Vince Huerta and Business Development Manager, Melissa Cure came to the Senior Citizens Center on Wednesday, May 8th to get input about transportation concerns from the citizens of Hopkins County. They are assessing the need to expand their operation to Hopkins County and the Surrounding Counties. They already have a 14 County area that they service. They are holding meetings in the surrounding counties to check out the needs in those counties as well. They would be able to Transport people to Doctors Appointments in other Cities. They are trying to work out a schedule on certain days of the week to take people to Tyler, Paris, Winnsboro, etc… That way multiple people can ride to the same destination at the same time and not have to make several trips. They will try to work with Clinics and the different Doctors in town to only schedule people’s doctor visits on certain days so they can have transportation available to take them to different cities. If you have any input that you would like to talk to them about please feel free to contact them at: www.GoBusTransit.com.
This will take time to get all of the Logistics set in place.
Chris Brown, Executive Director of Ark-Tex Council of Governments and Hopkins County Judge, Robert Newsom were at the meeting to answer any questions and to give their input on the Project.
We already have a great TRAX System in Hopkins County.
Everyone that needs a ride is welcome to call and request a ride. They need at least 24 Hours in advance notice but 48 would even be better. Fares are $ 1.00 for each ten miles and an additional $ 1.00 for each 10 miles after that. If you are 60 and over you can ride FREE if you fill out some paperwork. You must have the correct fare to ride. They only accept cash or check. The TRAX bus runs Monday – Friday 8:00 – 5:00. They are Handicap Accessible and are driven by trained drivers.
If you would like to ride the TRAX Bus please call (903) 885-2769 and wait for the prompt for Hopkins County.
Semester-Ending Hot Dog Lunch At PJC.
Paris Junior College Director of Student Life Kenneth Webb, left, was on the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center campus this week serving up hot dogs to students and faculty as they complete final exams at the end of the spring semester. Final day of classes is May 17. Registration is underway at the campus for summer and fall semesters. For more information call 903-885-1232.
Two Arrests for Winnsboro Police During the April 29-May 5, 2019 Report Period
Two arrests, two accidents, responding to 112 calls for service, issuing 16 citations and writing 27 warnings occupied the time of the Winnsboro Police Department during the April 29-May 5, 2019 report period.
Nathaniel Carroll, 25 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested
on 5/2/2019 on a Winnsboro Municipal Warrant.
Joseph Bearden, 26 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on
5/5/2019 on a Wood County Warrant.
On May 4th in the 600 Block of Autumn Dr a minor two vehicle accident resulted when one vehicle was backing down Autumn Dr. in reverse when the driver confused the pedals striking a car parked at 600 Autumn Dr. The parked car was unoccupied. The driver of the one car was unconscious
and was transported by ambulance to Christus Mother Francis in Winnsboro for treatment.
On April 29th in the 200 Block of East Coke at Walnut St. a two vehicle accident resulted when a vehicle traveling East on Coke Rd. struck another vehicle traveling South on Walnut St. Both units were proceeding through the traffic light at the intersection. The South bound vehicle came to rest in the east bound lane of Coke Rd. The East Bound vehicle came to rest striking a wood power line pole on East Coke Rd. Multiple occupants were taken to Christus Mother Francis Hospital in Winnsboro for treatment. The injuries, if any, are unknown at this time.
Tira News for May 8, 2019
BY JAN VAUGHN
Joyce Dodd reports, “Martha’s [Payton] brother donated several bags of groceries to our pantry this week. Georgia [Smith] also made another donation. We have some very faithful people helping us out. Blessings keep finding their way to our little pantry.” She added that Yvonne Weir donated canned meats and “angels” brought four bags of food. We always appreciate the contributions.
A small group of the Horn family gathered at the Tira Community Center for a reunion on Saturday, May 4. Everyone enjoyed visiting, looking at family photos, bidding on silent auction items, and, of course, the delicious pot-luck lunch. Those attending included Doug Burkham, Dorreice Shuptrine, Doug and Gae Lou Haley, Betty Sue Johnson, June Vessel, Mitzi Doran, Sandra Ellison, Diane Wilcher, Jimmy and Janie Lewis, Elizabeth Steinsiek, Jaidyn Joslin, Chip and myself. We hope to have a bigger group next year on the first Saturday in May.
Our great-grandsons, Rylan, Brailon and Slaiden, came over for a while on Saturday evening. Our daughter and granddaughter, Jaidyn, came for a visit, too. Jaidyn and the boys always enjoy playing on their riding toys. Brailon and Slaiden were particularly interested in playing with the frogs that they and their daddy, Landon, found. They, reluctantly, released them back into the pond before returning home.
Tiffany Vaughn spent Thursday evening Saturday morning in Malvern, Arkansas. She picked Jaidyn up from the reunion on Saturday and they went to watch Brailon Joslin, son of Landon and Laiken Joslin, play t-ball in Commerce. Brailon’s family enjoyed cheering him on, and then going out to lunch together.
The Aiguier Cemetery Association meeting and homecoming will be held on Sunday, June 2. Watch for details to come soon.
Also, mark your calendar for the Tira Homecoming, which will be held on Sunday, July 7.
Chip’s sister, Linda Ellen Vaughn, had lunch with us on Sunday, along with Tiffany and Jaidyn. Chip and I attended the North East Texas Choral Society’s “Stage and Screen” concert that afternoon. The choir and musicians did a wonderful job of presenting the familiar TV, Broadway and movie themes, under the direction of Carol Allen.
I always need and appreciate input from my friends to help keep me informed of news in our community. If you have any news pertaining to Tira residents, past or present, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, at 903-438-6688 or [email protected].
High waters from floods will drive snakes and rodents into areas they may not venture normally. By Mario Villarino
Developed by Dr. Mario A. Villarino, County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources Hopkins County, Texas
High waters from floods will drive snakes and rodents into areas they may not venture normally, such as homes and storage buildings. According to Mississippi State University’s Extension Service anytime a building has been flooded, people should enter it with extra caution. Snakes and mice or rats are just like people; they will seek shelter from a storm. “If they are in flowing water and encounter a tree or structure, they’ll likely climb up for a dry spot. If they find a house, they may go up to an open area under the eaves.” When flood waters recede, urged extreme caution inside closets, on bookcases, under furniture or any place elusive creatures might hide. There may be an increase in snakes and rodents outside homes near piles of debris, around stalled automobiles, near or inside outbuildings or any area that offers shelter. “If a snake is in a house, homeowners can get glue boards that they can put down on top of sheets to catch the snake. After capturing a snake on a glue board, roll up the sheet to carry the snake outside for release. Vegetable oil will counteract the adhesive. In some areas, animal control officers may be available to assist. If homeowners are controlling rodents in the home, snakes will not remain for long. They will leave in search of other food. “Flood conditions can cause new infestations of insects, rodents, snakes and other pests that can cause health problems for humans and livestock,” “Use flashlights to inspect closets, basements, storage areas, bins and shelves with extra caution. It’s as important to avoid rat bites as you would want to avoid snake bites.” Snakes can only strike within two-thirds the length of their body, so a 3-foot snake could reach up to 2 feet away. A person who is bitten should try to look for characteristics to determine the type of snake it is. Venomous snakes will leave two distinct puncture wounds, and nonvenomous snakes may leave marks more like scratches.”Victims of venomous snake bites should try to get to the hospital as soon as possible. If you are not close to a hospital, wrap a constricting band between the bite area and the heart to slow down, but not stop, the blood flow. Do not apply a tight tourniquet, In general, it’s better not to waste time with first aid; just head to the hospital. Rodents can be eliminated by trapping or poisoning. The anticoagulant poisons (warfarin, pival, fumarin and diphacinone) require at least four days of successive feeding before the rats begin to die. Rats will continue to die for two weeks or longer after consuming bait..”Insects such as flies and mosquitoes can multiply at alarming rates after torrential rains, so people should be aggressive in removing standing puddles and containers filled with water. Appropriately dispose of garbage and animal carcasses. Repair or replace screens, windows, doors and vents as soon as possible.” For more information on this or any other agricultural or natural resources topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
