New CEO Named at Hillside Heather L. Harper has been selected as the new CEO of Hillside Hospital. Mrs. Harper is currently the CEO of Philips County Health Systems in Phillipsburg, Kansas. Her responsibilities include the oversight of a 25 Critical Access Hospital, a 33 bed Long term care unit, and two rural health care clinics. Prior to this position she served as Assistant Administrator and Ethics/Compliance Officer at Central Arkansas Hospital, a 200 bed facility in Searcy, Arkansas. She received her B.S. from Henderson State University in Arkansas, majoring in Human Services and minoring in Sociology. She was awarded her Masters in Health Services Administration from the University of Arkansas. Mrs. Harper, and husband, Phillip, have two year old twins. She plans to begin her duties as Hillside CEO on October 4.

Fourth Annual Ladies Night Out Coming Up! In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the Women’s Imaging Suite at Hillside and Hillside Hospital are hosting the fourth annual “Ladies Night Out” on Tuesday, October 5 from 5:00 to 6:30 in the Giles Heritage Theatre at First National Bank in Pulaski. OB/GYN Dr. Terry Wynn, Urologist, Dr. Thomas Alderson, and new surgeon, Dr. Lee Howard will be the guest speakers and will entertain questions after the presentations. Join Hillside for “Ladies Night Out”! A light dinner will be served and the first 100 in attendance will receive a gift. This event is free and for additional information about Ladies Night Out, October 5th, contact Jane Lee Robertson at Hillside Hospital 363-9366.

Giles County Heart Walk-September 25 Hillside Hospital, First National Bank, Frito Lay, the Giles County Office of Coordinated School Health (CSH) and the American Heart Association would like to invite the community to participate in a “Heart Healthy Walk” on September 25, 2010. The walk is approximately 2 miles long and will start at the Pulaski Recreation Center. Registration is at 7:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 8:00 a.m. Donations to the American Heart Association will be gladly accepted at registration, but not a requirement for participation in the walk. Walking is great medicine! Adults may gain as many as two hours of life expectancy for every one hour of regular, vigorous exercise. During registration, participants may register one time for one of our eight local schools. The school receiving the highest percentage of participant signatures will win a $500.00 mini grant award to be applied toward physical activity, health or wellness. There will also be a second place award of $250.00 and third place receiving the highest percentage of participant signatures will receive a $100.00 mini grant. We would love to see PTO’s, and various groups like the football teams and cheerleaders involved. The sponsors also encourage other businesses, churches, and organizations to get a group together and participate. Hillside Hospital is sponsoring a “Heart Healthy Walk” poster contest for the 3rd- 5th grades. A $50.00 cash prize will be awarded for the first place winner, $25.00 for the 2nd place winner, and $10.00 for the 3rd place winner. The Giles County Office of Coordinated School Health will also award the teacher of the first place winner a $50.00 cash prize to be used for their classroom. The winning student and his/her family will serve as Grand Marshals of the Heart Walk. The poster contest information will be sent to schools on September 1, 2010. If you have additional questions, please contact Hillside Hospital’s Marketing Director, Mrs. Jane Lee Robertson at 363-9366, or the Director of Coordinated School Health, Mrs. Teresa Williamson at 363-4558.

Governor’s Award Congratulations to the Giles County Health Council for receiving the Shining Star Award from the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Health. Naomi Beddingfield, Hillside Food Services Director was last year’s chairman and this year’s vice chairman. She and hospital representative, Jane Lee Robertson along with 2010 chairman Teresa Williamson, and council members Denise Sanders and Suzy Sanders accepted the award from Governor Phil Bredesen. The council received the award based on its involvement in community events regarding health and fitness such as the annual Kid’s Day, Heart Walk, and Ladies Night Out, all of which the hospital sponsors.

Make Plans for Kid’s Day The fifth annual Kid's Day is coming up on Tuesday, July 13th . Hillside Hospital, the First National Bank Kid's Klub, Giles County Coordinated School Health and Martin Methodist College are sponsoring a morning full of fun promoting healthy kids and creating awareness about childhood obesity. Tennessee has one of the highest rates of childhood obesity with 43% of children being overweight, or at risk to being overweight. And even in Giles County, that statistic is also at 43%. The morning will begin at 8:30am with games and exercise sponsored by Hillside Physical Therapy, then participants will get to see a movie at the Martin with a healthy snack provided. After the movie everyone will be treated to a healthy picnic sponsored by the HH Café at Hillside. Children12 years old and under are invited and will need to be accompanied by an adult. It's all free, but you will need to call Judy Pruett at 424-2105 or Jane Lee Robertson at 363-9366 to register, or for additional information.

Hillside Hospital Selects Giles County Coordinated School Health for $1,000 Grant Hillside Hospital has selected Giles County Coordinated School Health to receive a $1,000 grant from The LifePoint Community Foundation. The $1,000 grants are being given in every community served by a facility affiliated with LifePoint Hospitals® in honor of the company’s 10th anniversary. "We deeply appreciate the work of Coordinated School Health and are pleased to be able to provide them with this contribution,” said hospital marketing director, Jane Lee Robertson. “We have been partners on a number of events in the community encouraging better health habits for the children of Giles County and they are making great strides in this common goal in our school system.” “This grant enables us to extend our awareness and programming against childhood obesity in Giles County,” said Teresa Williamson, R.N., B.S.N., Director of the Coordinated School Health program. “We are so appreciative of the hospital and their commitment to the health and wellness of the children in our community. Students must be healthy to learn and learn to be healthy.” About Hillside Hospital and LifePoint Hospitals® Hillside Hospital is part of LifePoint Hospitals, a leading hospital company focused on providing quality healthcare services close to home. Through its subsidiaries, LifePoint operates 47 acute-care facilities in 17 states. With a mission of “Making Communities Healthier,” LifePoint is the sole community hospital provider in 44 of the communities it serves. More information about the Company, which is headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee, can be found on its website LifePointHospitals.com. As a philanthropic arm of LifePoint Hospitals, the mission of the LifePoint Community Foundation is to promote health and well-being in the communities served by LifePoint. The Foundation supports organizations that that work to encourage the positive growth and development of the local community and those who live there. A focus is on assisting organizations that have a demonstrated commitment to maximizing available resources and a reputation for delivering high-quality services with caring and compassion. All references to “LifePoint,” "LifePoint Hospitals," or the “Company” used in this release refer to LifePoint Hospitals, Inc. and its affiliates.

Hillside Hospital Presents 2010 Mercy Award Pam Coy Honored for Compassion Pulaski, TN, Date, 2010 – Pam Coy has been awarded Hillside Hospital’s 2010 Mercy Award in recognition of their caring spirit and passion for serving others. The annual award was established in 2002 to honor the life of Scott Mercy, founding Chairman and CEO of LifePoint Hospitals®, of which Hillside Hospital is a part. Being named the local award recipient makes Pam eligible for LifePoint’s 2010 companywide Mercy Award, the highest honor an employee can receive from LifePoint. The companywide award will be presented to the one employee who best represents the spirit and values on which the company was founded. This individual will be honored during a special ceremony at LifePoint’s Senior Leadership Retreat in June. Pam began her involvement and interaction with Hillside Hospital while she was a receptionist for a local pediatrician. It was during this time she also met a very special child that turned her life around. Her relationship with this child and his family has been a compassionate and loving journey shared with the community over the years. Throughout these years the hospital staff and other members of the community have had the opportunity to see that this act of sincere kindness was not the only good deed in Pam’s life, there were and still are many. She is an active member of St. Andrews United Methodist Church where she is a Pre-K Sunday School teacher, keeps the nursery during church services, helps with the choir and a children’s dance program, and is affectionately called the “Donut Lady”. Pam is a member of the Pastor/Parish Committee and serves on the church’s Clean Up Pulaski committee, as well as Relay for Life Team. Pam currently works for an orthopaedic surgeons and it is to no one’s surprise to find her visiting his patients in the hospital and nursing homes. But when some of the hospital staff found out she had volunteered to spend the night in the hospital with a lady before her knee replacement because the lady was anxious and nervous everyone knew she something special. Being a kind, giving person is natural to Pam. She collects items to send to the military, she collects items for veterinarians and pet care personnel, and she is constantly helping out individuals having struggle in their lives. “We are committed to delivering quality patient care as well as investing time and resources to help make our community healthier. The only way we can accomplish these goals is through the compassionate hard-working employees who choose to work with us. We are extremely proud to recognize Pam Coy for her work on behalf of our patients and our community,” said Patrick Romano, interim hospital CEO. “Her compassion and commitment sets a high standard for healthcare professionals everywhere. Undoubtedly, our patients benefit from the kind of dedication to excellence and humanitarian efforts she demonstrates each day.” About LifePoint Hospitals® LifePoint Hospitals is a leading hospital company focused on providing quality healthcare services close to home. Through its subsidiaries, LifePoint operates 47 acute-care facilities in 17 states. With a mission of “Making Communities Healthier,” LifePoint is the sole community hospital provider in 44 of the communities it serves. More information about the Company, which is headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee, can be found on its website LifePointHospitals.com. All references to “LifePoint,” "LifePoint Hospitals," or the “Company” used in this release refer to LifePoint Hospitals, Inc. and its affiliates.

Urologist Joins Hillside Hospital Medical Staff Hospital CEO Jim Edmondson announces the addition of Dr. Thomas P. Alderson to the Hillside Medical Staff. Dr. Alderson is a Board Certified urologist and is opening Urology Associates of South Central Tennessee at 600 E. College Street in Pulaski on February 15. He will also have an office in Lawrenceburg at 1605 S. Locust Avenue, Suite 103 “We are fortunate to have added a specialist such as Dr. Alderson,” said Edmondson. “We have been very committed to recruiting a urologist to Hillside because so many people have voiced that need. We have been committed to the idea of alleviating the need to travel miles to obtain urologic services. Dr. Alderson will provide an array of services allowing those in the area to stay close to home for their care.” Urology is the surgical specialty that focuses on the urinary tract of males and females, and on the reproductive system of males. Physicians specializing in the field of urology such as Dr. Alderson are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage patients with urological disorders. The organs covered by urology include the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra, and the male reproductive organs (testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate and penis). Both urologists and general surgeons operate on the adrenal glands. In men, the urinary system overlaps with the reproductive system. In both sexes, the urinary and reproductive tracts are close together, and disorders of one often affect the other. Urology combines management of medical (i.e. non-surgical) problems such as urinary tract infections and benign prostatic hyperplasia, as well as surgical problems such as the surgical management of cancers, the correction of congenital abnormalities, and correcting stress incontinence. Dr. Alderson’s specific interests are in percutaneous stone extraction, ureterorenosopy, artificial urinary sphincters, pediatric urology, urologic oncology, infertility, and impotence. Dr. Alderson completed his residency program in Birmingham, Alabama at the Lloyd Noland Hospital and Clinic, and then was the Chief Urology Resident for three years at the William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan. He has been in private practice since 1986 at the Urology Center of southwest Louisiana in Lake Charles, Louisiana where he is affiliated with St. Patrick Hospital, Lake Charles Hospital, and Women & Children’s Hospital. He is a member of the American Urological Association, a Fellow, American College of Surgeons, the American Fertility Society, the American Clinical Urologists, the society of Laparoscopic Surgeons, and other urological related organizations. Dr. Alderson and his wife are natives of Tennessee and purchased a farm years ago in neighboring Marshall County. They have divided their time between both Louisiana and Tennessee but ultimately, their Tennessee roots have called them home. He will open Urology Associates of Southern Central Tennessee on February 15. For additional information about Dr. Alderson or the services offered, call Hillside Hospital at 363-7531.

Events Announcement "Getting to the Heart of the Matter" Heart Healthy Dinner & Seminar Tuesday, February 16 5:30 - 7:00 Cardiologist, Dr. Arthur Constantine St Thomas Heart Group/Guest Speaker Giles Heritage Theatre/First National Bank 1st 100 people in attendance will receive a free cookbook. Free to the public-no registration necessary Lilies & Lace "A Celebration for Ladies of All Ages" Free to the public Tuesday, February 23 5:00-7:30/Dinner will be served Giles County High School Exhibits & 20 minute Seminars Both events: Contact Jane Lee Robertson, 363-9366 for additional information

Hillside Employees Recognized at Annual Awards Banquet Hospital CEO, Jim Edmondson, Donald Gavin, CFO, and CNO Philip Ragusa passed recognized more than 50 employees at the annual awards banquet held at Hillcrest Country Club on Friday, December 4th. The first person recognized was Darryl Whitehead, the 2009 Mercy Award winner that was selected in the spring. Those recognized for years of service were: 5 Years: Gina Tice, Maria Journey, Pam Coy, Laura Nunez, Sherry Zachman, Rachel Fernandez, Mark Freeman, Shannon Carlton, LeeAnne Coble, Amanda Jones, Jennifer Westmoreland, Michelle Youngblood, Jenny Waybright, Peggy Wood, Holly Clem, and J. Fly. 10 Years: Debbie Risner, Kelley Pardon, and Tina Wilson. 15 Years: Cissy Hill, Debora Williams, and Doug Ead. 20 Years: Penni Patterson, Mary Mitchell, and Amanda Orton. New CNO, Philip Ragusa presented the 2009 nursing awards. The recipients of the Florence Nightingale Awards were Sara McNeese, Kathey Reynolds, Chris Griffis, Darlene Isbell, Ruby Like, and Danielle Reinhart. Doug Ead was named the Nurse of the Year and Debbie Weaver was selected as Nurse Leader of the Year. Those receiving top honors from the ancillary departments were Crystal Watson, Laura Nunez, Tracey Cothron, Jamie Ingram, Shannon Russ, Fleecy Johnson, Amanda Orton, and Laura Campbell. Tammy Betty from the Business Office was named Ancillary Leader of the Year. Missy Scott, Cheryl Buell, Shannon Russ, and Pam Coy were recognized as being quarterly Shining Star winners and Missy and Pam were both named Shining Stars for the Year. Bruce Krause was awarded the Hugh Hoskins Community Service Award. Bruce has been a dedicated member of the Giles Co. Fire and Rescue Squad since August of 2000 and currently serves as the captain of the Anthony Hill Station. All attending were served a traditional Christmas dinner and later entertained by DJ, Marquis Casey for IDOMUSIC in Nashville.

Lucas Returns to Hillside Medical Staff Hillside Hospital officials announce today the return of general surgeon, Dr. Todd Lucas to the medical staff. “It is with great pleasure that I announce Dr. Lucas’ return to our staff and surgical team,” said hospital CEO, Jim Edmondson. “A surgeon of his caliber is truly a compliment to our hospital and community.“ Dr. Lucas graduated Magna Cum Laude from Vanderbilt University and later graduated with highest honors in 1996 from the University of Tennessee School of Medicine. Following medical school graduation, he entered into a general surgery internship at Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital where he also completed his residency. Dr. Lucas was awarded the Brian A. Dorman Award for publication during his residency. He also served as chief resident of general surgery during his last year. In 2001, he began service in the United States Army as a general surgeon. Dr. Lucas was stationed at Ft. Jackson, SC, but also served in deployments to Skopje, Macedonia and Iraq. During his one year tour in Iraq as a general surgeon with the 240th Forward Surgical Team, Dr. Lucas was awarded the Combat Medical Badge for provision of medical care under fire. Dr. Lucas performs general and laparoscopic surgeries including gallbladder removal, hernias, colonoscopies, breast surgeries, in office vasectomies, the removal of skin cancers and moles, as well as a full range of other general surgery procedures. Dr. Lucas’ will open his practice on December 1 and will share an office with orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Richard Taylor. The office is located at 204 Hillside Drive in Pulaski. For addition al information, call 363-3514.

Ribbon Cutting & Reception Dr. Michael P. Nelson hosted a Ribbon Cutting and Reception to celebrate the opening of Internal Medicine of Pulaski located at 1255 E. College St., Suite 500 in Pulaski. Several Giles County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors and members were in attendance and pictured to the left of Dr. Nelson is the office nurse, Sharon Rolin and to his left is the office assistant, Margaret Campbell. Internal Medicine of Pulaski Dr. Michael P. Nelson 1255 E. College St., Suite 500 Wednesday, October 21 9:00am-10:00am

Hillside Hospital Host Annual Ladies Night Out In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the Women’s Imaging Suite at Hillside is hosting the third annual “Ladies Night Out” on Thursday, October 1 from 5:00 to 6:30 at the Giles Heritage Theatre. Not only will the seminar focus on breast cancer, but this year we will also discuss heart disease in women. Local general surgeon, Dr. Kenna Williams has a special interest in breast health and will discuss early detection, breast cancer, and breast diseases and a representative from the St. Thomas Heart Group will share information regarding heart disease in women. Both will entertain questions from those attending. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among American women, but the good news is that the 5-year survival rate is 98% when diagnosed at a localized stage, making early detection more important than ever. Recent studies have shown that digital mammography, as compared to traditional screen film mammography, detects up to 28% more cancers in women 50 and younger and in “difficult-to-image” categories. Hillside Hospital is proud to have been the first facility in middle Tennessee to provide digital mammography. The American Heart Association continues to promote the Go Red For Women program creating awareness of women’s heart disease. Go Red For Women celebrates the energy, passion and power women have to band together to wipe out heart disease and stroke. Thanks to the participation of millions of people across the country, the color red and the red dress now stand for the ability all women have to improve their heart health and live stronger, longer lives. Everyone attending the seminar will receive a red dress pin. Hillside Hospital officials also encourage everyone to participate in the American Heart Association Heart Walk on Saturday, October 10 at 8am at the Pulaski Recreation Center. Join us for “Ladies Night Out” and learn more about breast and heart disease! Refreshments will be served and the first 100 in attendance will receive a gift. There is no charge for the event. For additional information about Ladies Night Out on October 1st or the Heart Walk on October 10, contact Jane Lee Robertson at Hillside Hospital 363-9366.

Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of Wynn Gynecology & Obstetrics L-R Michael Stone-Chamber, Hillside Hospital CEO, Jim Edmondson, Pat Robertson, RN and Nancy Rose, RN, Obstetrical Nurses from Hillside, Dr. Terry Wynn, Dr. Michael Nelson, Jennifer Skeets, office manager, Joyce Swann, Chamber Ambassador, Emily Walls, office nurse, Tammy Sova, Chamber Ambassador, Jessie Parker, Hillside Physician Recruiter, and Margaret Stone, Chamber.

Hillside Hospital Continues to Attract New Physicians Hillside Hospital CEO, Jim Edmondson announces the addition of Dr. Michael P. Nelson to the hospital medical staff. Dr. Nelson will open Internal Medicine of Pulaski on October 1. “It is a compliment to the community and the hospital to be able to attract the attention of quality physicians such as Dr. Nelson”, said Edmondson. “He comes to us highly recommended by his peers and it is obvious he was well respected by those he worked with and that he was admired by his patients.” Dr. Nelson is relocating to Giles County from Detroit, Michigan where he was affiliated with Triumph Hospital. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and completed his residency at Providence Hospital and Medical Center in Southfield, Michigan. He is a member of the American Medical Association. What’s the difference between Internal Medicine doctors and other primary care physicians? Internal Medicine physicians, often referred to as “internists” devote three years of residency training focusing solely on adult medical conditions. In fact, Internal Medicine is also the path sub-specialty physicians such as cardiologists, pulmonologists, oncologists, etc. choose first for their initial training because of the intense focus on adult medicine. An internist’s approach to medicine is much like an investigator. From physical examinations, questions and tests, the specialist in internal medicine determines the condition of the organs and systems that make up the complex human body and arrives at a diagnosis. He or she finds and identifies problems from the many thousands of possibilities, and determines the proper treatment to restore your health. When needed, the internist coordinates the treatment from other sub-specialists such as cardiologists, pulmonologists, and so on. Local musicians will be interested to know that Dr. Nelson enjoys playing the piano and has a sincere appreciation of Jazz. He also has a special interest in gardening. “It is vital to the quality of healthcare in Giles County to have enough primary care physicians to support the need warranted by our population and we will continue to recruit physicians of Dr. Nelson’s caliber to meet this need,” concluded Edmondson. Internal Medicine of Pulaski will be located in the Doctors Pavilion I at 1255 E. College Street, Suite 500. He will be accepting most insurances and will be able to make appointments beginning September 21. For additional information, call 363-2343.

Female OB/GYN Joins Hillside Staff Hillside Hospital officials announce the addition of Dr. Terry Ann Wynn to the medical staff. She will open her practice, Wynn Gynecology & Obstetrics on August 17. The office is located at 1255 East College Street, Suite 100(formally Dr. James Brann’s office). Dr. Wynn received her Medical Degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit in 2002 and completed her residence in obstetrics and gynecology at Hutzel Women’s Hospital in Detroit in 2006. Since that time she has been in practice in Detroit. Dr. Wynn is originally from Tennessee and had been looking for an opportunity in her home state. She is a member of the American Medical Society, the National Medical Society, and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. “We began our search for another OB/GYN as soon as Dr. Brann informed us of his intent to retire,” said hospital CEO, Jim Edmondson. “We had visits from both male and female physicians and we are excited to have the first female OB/GYN on staff at Hillside. Dr. Wynn comes to us highly recommend by her peers and we feel she will be a tremendous asset to the hospital and the community.” An OB/GYN is a physician specializing in providing medical and surgical care to women, with expertise in pregnancy, childbirth, and problems of the reproductive system. Dr. Wynn treats women of all ages and she has a special interest in adolescent gynecology and family planning. Additionally, she also has a special interest in laparoscopic surgery. Bruce Thurman, Director of Surgical Services at Hillside recently met with Dr. Wynn to discuss her equipment and staff needs for the gynecological procedures and surgeries she will be performing at Hillside, one of which will be a laparoscopic hysterectomy. Thurman says this new advanced surgery will be unique to the area and will benefit those women facing a hysterectomy. Dr. Wynn, and her family will be relocating to Giles County in mid-July in time for her son to enter the second grade. Wynn Gynecology and Obstetrics will be open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. The phone number is 207-8708. Anyone interested in finding out additional information about Dr. Wynn and the services she provides, or would like to make an appointment can call the beginning of August.

Hundreds Attend Event to Fight Childhood Obesity Hillside Hospital, First National Bank Kids Klub, Martin Methodist College, and Giles County Coordinated School Health teamed up for the 4th Annual Kids Day, an event to create awareness of childhood obesity. Close to 500 children, adults, and volunteers from the sponsors dawned the Martin lawn to begin the day with games and exercises led by Valerie Simmons from Hillside Physical Therapy. The Get Fit Tennessee team was on hand again this year with health and nutrition trivia and led the crowd in line dancing. GetFitTN is a statewide awareness program developed to address the rising epidemic of Type 2 diabetes and risk factors that lead to diabetes, like obesity. Tennessee has one of the highest rates of childhood obesity with 43% of children being overweight, or at risk to being overweight. A healthy snack of fruit juice and smart-pop popcorn was provided by First National Bank during the movie, “Madagascar II” and then the nutritional services department from the hospital provided a healthy picnic with turkey franks, baked chips, fruit, water, and for dessert participants made mud cups out of low calorie pudding and Oreos. As a special treat, all the participants were given bag filled with a jump rope and Frisbee to promote exercise and a water bottle to encourage drinking water. Information regarding child safety was also distributed from the Hillside Emergency Staff.

Hillside Celebrates Senior Health and Fitness Day On May 27, Hillside Hospital will celebrate the nation’s largest health and fitness event for senior adults(age 50+). Senior Health and Fitness Day is held every year on the last Wednesday in May. More than 150,000 senior adults celebrate the event with different activities. Hillside Hospital will be hosting a "Senior Walk" at 9am at the hospital. The short walk on the hospital campus will be led by Hillside Hospital Physical Rehab director, Valerie Simmons. A FREE breakfast will be served to those participating in the walk between 7am and 9am. The goal is simple: help keep our seniors healthy and fit by raising awareness and offering encouragement. Senior Health and Fitness Day is the perfect time to start your own fitness program. Here are three of the more popular forms of exercise favored by seniors. Three Ways To Stay Fit Walking: Many experts consider walking to be the best form of exercise. Walking works both your muscles and your heart at the same time. It’s easy, quick (a 10-15 minute walk can do wonders), and you can do it just about anywhere. Swimming: Swimming is easy on your joints. This no-impact form of exercise conditions your heart and muscles without putting wear and tear on your knees and ankles. Light Weights: Working out with a pair of 2- or 5-lb. dumbbells is an easy way to improve muscle tone. It also helps with your agility and increases your metabolism, so you’re less likely to gain weight. Don’t have any weights at home? Then use what’s handy around the house: a can of peaches or water bottles. Callout: If you are beginning a new exercise program, don’t forget to consult with your physician about what’s right for you. Call Jane Lee Robertson at 363-9366 for additional information about the "Senior Walk" at 9am on May 27th at the hospital.

Diabetes: Assessing Your Risks and Safeguarding Your Future It could be considered a modern day epidemic. In fact, the American Diabetes Association reports that more than 23.6 million children and adults in the U.S. have diabetes; that's 7.8% of the population. While approximately 17.9 million of those have been diagnosed, unfortunately, 5.7 million - or one-fourth - don't even know they have the disease. Most people with diabetes have health problems -- or risk factors -- such as high blood pressure and cholesterol that also increase their risk for heart disease and stroke. When combined with diabetes, these risk factors add up to big trouble. In fact, more than 65% of people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke. With diabetes, heart attacks occur earlier in life and often result in death. By managing diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, people with diabetes can reduce their risk. But that's certainly easier said than done, according to health professionals at Hillside Hospital. "Because the disease's symptoms often develop gradually, many people go an average of five or six years before being diagnosed," said registered dietitian, Judy Merritt. "If the disease isn't caught early and managed consistently, it can cause significant and irreversible damage to the heart, eyes, kidneys or other organs." Diabetes results when the body fails to use insulin properly or when it doesn't produce enough insulin. The condition can present itself through a variety of symptoms including, but not limited to fatigue, recurrent infections, frequent urination, bad breath, swollen gums, blurred vision and frequent thirst or hunger. The most common form of diabetes is Type 2 diabetes - once called noninsulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes. "The complications from not managing diabetes can be devastating," says Merritt. "And, you certainly can't manage your diabetes if you don't even know you have it. That's why early detection is so important and why screenings are so readily available." The American Diabetes Association agrees. The organization now recommends that all people over age 40 have a yearly blood glucose test. Because Type 2 diabetes is more common in certain ethnic groups, the American Diabetes Association especially encourages people of African American, Latino, Native American, Asian American and Pacific Islander descent to be tested. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), of Americans with diabetes, 7.8% are white, 13% are African-American, 10.2% are Hispanic and 15% are Native American. Reducing Your Risk "People who are overweight and lead an inactive life as well as those who have high blood pressure or high cholesterol are candidates for developing Type 2 diabetes," she said. Studies show that Type 2 diabetes may also be hereditary. "The exact reason isn't well understood, but your risk of developing diabetes is often increased if your mother or father has or had diabetes," Merritt said. "While Type 2 diabetes does appear to have a genetic link, it is possible to reduce one's risk through lifestyle modification. For example, with diet and exercise, a person can drastically reduce his or her chances of developing the disease." That's the good news. However, recent research suggests many people believe lifestyle changes to reduce risk are "too hard," indicating they may be uninformed about the small steps that can be taken to reduce their disease risk. CheckUp America is a national prevention initiative of the American Diabetes Association aimed at helping people learn how to lower their risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. To understand your risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease, it's important to know your cardiometabolic health, which is made up of cardiometabolic risk factors. Some risk factors can be managed (modifiable factors) because you can take action against them. They include: Modifiable Risk Factors Overweight & Obesity High blood glucose High blood pressure Unhealthy Cholesterol levels Physical inactivity Smoking Other factors cannot be changed (non-modifiable factors) because they represent who you are. They include: Non-modifiable Risk Factors Age Race Gender Family history The bottom line: understanding and managing your risk factors can help you avoid diabetes, lower your risk for heart disease and stroke, and live a longer, better life. Hillside Hospital sponsors a local Diabetes Support Group that meets the second Sunday of each month at 2:30 in the hospital cafeteria. For more information you can contact Ms. Merritt at 363-9323. Merritt and Hillside Hospital encourage you to contact your physician if you think you are at risk for diabetes. If you do not have a doctor, call 363 7631 for a listing of the physician in the community.

Heart Event Huge Success Approximately 150 attended the "Getting to the Heart of the Matter" seminar and heart healthy dinner sponsored by Hillside Hospital during National Heart Month. Cardiologist, Dr. Kevin Maquiling of the South Central Heart Group was the featured speaker discussing risk factors of heart disease, warning signs of heart attacks, and more related to heart disease. Medical Imaging Director, Sarah Pierce spoke in regards to the cardiac diagnostic capabilities at Hillside. Cardiopulmonary Services Director, Brian Marks, along with technologists Tammy Waddell and Haley Brumit, and Gwen Black, RN were also hand for questions related to their specialties. The first 100 people in attendance received a free "Cooking for the Heart" cookbook. The menu for the evening was taken from recipes in the book. The event was free to the public and plans are underway to present Part II of "Getting to the Heart of the Matter" later this year.

Giles County's New Year's Baby Times Two As far back as anyone can remember this is the first time Giles County has had New Year babies! Yes twins! Hillside Hospital officials announce the birth of baby girl, Kayden and baby boy Ayden Fowler on January 2 at 12:13pm and 12:25pm respectfully. The babies' parents are Toni Conforto and Corey Fowler of Cornersville. Baby girl Kayden weighed 4 pounds, 10 ounces and baby boy, Ayden weighed 5 pounds, 7 ounces and are doing fine. Hillside Hospital officials recognized both babies with the honor of being the New Year Baby and gave each of them a $500 savings bond.

Hillside Hospital Announces the Introduction of Two New Internists Residents of the southern middle Tennessee will have additional options for healthcare providers beginning in September according to Hillside Hospital CEO, Jim Edmondson. Mr. Edmondson announced that two internal medicine specialists, Dr. Sanjay Agarwal and Dr. Clement Aluyi will be joining the medical staff at the hospital. “Each day our healthcare team and our administrative team strive to provide the community with the best healthcare possible and the addition of Dr. Agarwal and Dr. Aluyi confirms that continuing commitment”, said Edmondson. “These physicians’ medical knowledge, complimented by their dedication of caring for their patients will be an asset to our hospital and the community.” Dr. Agarwal completed his internal medicine residency at Hurley Medical Center in Flint, Michigan. Before entering the residency  program in Michigan he received his Masters Degree of Public Health and taught at Idaho State University. Before coming to the U.S., Dr. Agarwal practiced general surgery in his home country of India. “Dr. Agarwal is a highly educated man with an incredible talent of being a great listener and his interest in geriatric medicine is a plus for our community as well”, said Mr. Edmondson. Dr. Aluyi completed his the three-year internal medicine residency at Meharry Medical College in Nashville and he will be relocating from The Medical Center at Bowling Green, Kentucky where he served on staff. Dr. Aluyi is Board Certified in internal medicine, is a member of the American College of Physicians, and is a Tulane University Alumni. “Dr. Aluyi’s medical qualifications are superb, but his patients will find that it is his kind endearing personality which makes him such a excellent physician,” added Edmondson. Many may wonder what the difference is between an internal medicine specialist and another specialty. Internists devote the entire 3 years of their residency training focusing solely on adult medical conditions. The internist is a primary care doctor whose approach to medicine is much like an investigator. From physical examinations, questions and tests, the specialist in internal medicine determines the condition of the organs and systems that make up the complex human body and arrives at a diagnosis. He or she finds and identifies problems from the many thousands of possibilities, and determines the proper treatment to restore your health. When needed, the internist coordinates the treatment from other sub-specialists such as cardiologists, pulmonologists, and so on. Dr. Agarwal’s practice, Giles Co. Internal Medicine Associates will be located at 206 Hillside Drive and Dr. Aluyi’s practice, Premier Internal Medicine will be in Suite 400 at 1255 E. College St., both adjacent to the hospital entrance. There will be a reception to welcome the new physicians to Giles County on Wednesday, September 17 from 8:00am to 9:30am, held at Hillside Hospital. For additional information about the new physicians or the reception contact Jessie Parker at 424-7535.