Regional Medical Center | Thrive for Life | Fall 2018

Louis Bass Regional Medical Center CEO To your health As we enter the season of Thanksgiving, I’m reminded of a quote from Neal A. Maxwell, American scholar, educator and religious leader: “We should certainly count our blessings, but we should also make our blessings count.” Across the RMC family of care, people use their blessings, talents and skills every day—making them count and making a difference in our community. We see the dedication of volunteers like Sara Mell Edwards (see page 6). We witness the determination of clinicians and caregivers to optimize your health. And we invest in the latest technologies to help you thrive and to enhance your health care. It is an honor and a privilege to work with this remarkably talented and compassionate group of people. Whether it’s at our facility entrances, in our community clinics, on the nursing floors, in the cafeteria or in the operating rooms, I am always impressed with the caliber of care and caring. I am awed and inspired by the work of these amazing people. I am also fortunate to work with a team of brilliant and dedicated leaders who strive to balance the complexities of health care with the needs of all those we serve. As you browse the pages of this issue, you will learn about the many blessings we encounter every day and how our workforce makes those blessings count. On behalf of all our employees and physicians, thank you for your continued support of and trust in Regional Medical Center. IS IT LUNG CANCER? Learn the signs and who should be screened. LIVING OUR MISSION Saying thanks to RMC employees of 20 years or more. 8 14 5 | RUN BABY RUN! A fun way to raise funds for women’s services at RMC. 6 | MEET SARA MELL EDWARDS Find out how rewarding it is to be a volunteer. 13 | SAVE THE DATE Plan to join us for our tree lighting and holiday cheer! UNITED AGAINST HUNGER RMC employees take action to help those in need. Check out facebook.com/rmccares and twitter.com/rmccares . Also be sure to visit Regional Medical Center at rmccares.org . Next time you’re online: Facebook “f”Logo CMYK / .ai Thrive for Life Volume 3, Issue 4 EDITOR: KATE VAN METER, Director, Marketing and Public Relations Information in THRIVE FOR LIFE comes from a wide range of medical experts and resources but is not intended to replace the advice of your personal health care provider. Please contact your provider with concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. To subscribe or unsubscribe, email us at thriveforlife@rmccares.org . 2018 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. 4 On the cover, Alyssa Hudgins, living with diabetes as a college student and student athlete. Cover photo and photos on pages 11 and 12 by Jerrod Brown Studios. FROM OUR CEO Correction: A photo caption on page 13 of the Summer 2018 magazine contained a spelling error. Our apologies to Dr. John Beehler, president of Jacksonville State University, for this error. Defeating diabetes 10 This chronic disease is on the rise—but there are ways to manage your risks. 3 rmccares.org