In an effort to share the faces behind our organization before we open this August with our community, we're shining a spotlight on our Planning Team, Volunteers, and Board Members who have worked tirelessly to get Trinity Health Center open to provide health and healing to the working uninsured and underinsured neighbors in DeSoto County.

This week, we're spotlighting Trinity Health Center Volunteer, Judy Umfress. A retired pharmacist and local volunteer, Judy is excited to help educate and support our patients with their medications.

Why did you become involved with Trinity Health Center?
I have been retired for two years and was looking for a way to give back to our community.

What excites you most about Trinity Health Center's mission and purpose?
It is always good to be able to help the underserved in our community and I’m excited to play a small part.

What are some of your favorite places in our County to enjoy a healthy lifestyle? 
My husband and I love the Olive Branch Park. We love taking our dog to the dog park and enjoy the walking trail there.

What is your favorite quote or bible verse?
"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or if necessity for God love the a cheerful giver." - 2Corinthians 9-7

Preventive care, including regular doctor visits, is important for everyone. The following screenings are recommended for men to maintain good health and catch health problems early:

Body Measurement
The American Heart Association recommends that men over age 20 have body measurements taken every two years, although your frequency may vary based on age and existing medical conditions. Measuring height, weight, waist and body mass index will determine whether you are overweight or obese and if your weight is a threat to your health. Overweight people are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure and increase their risk for other serious conditions.

Blood Pressure
Men should receive blood pressure screenings at least every two years. Preventive screening of blood pressure can lead to early detection of high blood pressure (hypertension). The cuff placed around the arm during a blood pressure screening measures the amount of pressure the heart generates when pumping blood through the arteries (systolic pressure), and the amount of pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats (diastolic pressure). Narrowed arteries limit the flow of blood.

In general, the more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries are, the harder your heart must work to pump the same amount of blood. The longer high blood pressure goes undetected and untreated, the higher the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney damage.

Cholesterol Screening
Men age 20 or older should have their cholesterol tested every five years or more frequently if the doctor recommends it. High levels of cholesterol raise the risk of heart attack and stroke. Cholesterol is a form of fat carried in the blood by lipoproteins. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad” cholesterol) deposits cholesterol on the artery walls. High-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol) carries cholesterol away from the arteries to the liver for disposal. Problems occur when LDL deposits too much cholesterol on the artery walls, or when HDL does not take enough away. This can lead to a buildup of cholesterol-containing fatty deposits (plaques) in the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis.

Fasting Blood Sugar
The fasting blood sugar test measures the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood after fasting for eight hours. High glucose levels can be an indication of diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends a blood sugar test every three years for men age 45 and older. If you are at risk for diabetes, your doctor may perform these tests at an earlier age, and more frequently. You should also receive a blood sugar test if you experience symptoms of diabetes such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue or slow-healing cuts or bruises.

Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer screening tests detect cancerous cells and growths, or polyps, that may become cancerous on the inside wall of the colon. Not everyone needs to be tested for colon cancer, though, the need depends on individual risk level. Three major factors influence the risk for colon cancer:

• Age 50 or older
• A family or personal history of colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps
• A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease

If you have these higher risk factors for developing colon cancer, the American Cancer Society (ACS) suggests talking with your doctor about screenings.

Prostate Cancer Screening
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer (besides skin cancer) in American men. As men age, their risk of prostate cancer increases. The ACS suggests that men age 50 and older speak to their doctor about prostate screenings. Consider initiating this talk at an earlier age if you are African-American or have a family history of prostate cancer.

Testicular Exam
Testicular cancer is the most common type of tumor in American men between the ages of 15 and 35. For this reason, all men should receive a testicular examination every time they have a physical exam. In addition, men of all ages, beginning in their teens, should perform a monthly self-examination of their testicles. Testicular exams should check for any masses, as well as changes in size, shape or consistency. For more information about how to do a proper self-exam, visit the Testicular Cancer Resource Center at tcrc.acor.org/tcexam.html.

Dental Exam
The American Dental Association recommends regular dental checkups in which the dentist examines the teeth and gums. In addition, the dentist can evaluate bite and determine problems such as teeth grinding or issues with the jaw joint.

Eye Exam
Eye examinations can determine a need for glasses or contact lenses or a need for a changed prescription. They can also identify new vision problems. Common vision problems detected by regular eye exams include glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts.

Hearing Test
A hearing test determines potential hearing loss. The American Speech Language Hearing Association recommends screening at least every 10 years through age 50, and every three years thereafter. Ask your doctor how often you should have your hearing checked.

Skin Exam
To check for skin cancer, the doctor will examine your skin from head to toe, looking for moles that are irregularly shaped, have varied colors, are asymmetric, are greater than the size of a pencil eraser, or have grown or changed since your last visit. Talk to your doctor about getting a skin exam during your regular checkup, and also perform routine self-exams, looking for any spots or moles that fit the above characteristics.

Diabetes is a condition in which your body doesn’t properly process food for use as energy. If you have diabetes, your body either doesn't make enough insulin or can't use its own insulin as well as it should. This chronic disease is the seventh-leading cause of death in the U.S. and the number one cause of kidney failure, lower-limb amputations and adult-onset blindness.

While there are different types of diabetes, Type 2 diabetes is the most common. Fortunately, it’s also preventable.

Consider adopting the following lifestyle changes to help keep this chronic condition at bay:

• Talk to your doctor. What’s considered a healthy diet change for your friend might not be considered healthy for you, too. The best way to determine how to go about changing your diet is by talking with your doctor first.

• Lose weight and keep it off. You may be able to prevent or delay diabetes by losing 5 to 7 percent of your starting weight.

• Move more. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week. If you haven’t been active, talk with your doctor to find out what a safe exercise plan is for you.

• Eat healthy. A healthy diet is key to keeping chronic conditions like diabetes at bay. Try things like eating smaller portions, staying away from fatty foods and choosing low-calorie beverages to reduce the amount of calories you eat each day and help you lose weight.

• Get screened. Go to your doctor for routine diabetes screenings. These screenings will let you know how at-risk you are and will help you determine how to further prevent diabetes.
Remember, you have the power to keep your health in check. To find out more about diabetes and your personal risk of developing this disease, talk to your doctor today.

This week, Trinity Health Center received several pallets of miscellaneous medical supplies from a generous donor including stethoscopes, gauze and surgical scissors.

Our Executive Director, Kimberly Remak, joined Board Member and DeSoto County Supervisor Lee Caldwell and volunteers Ed Gomez and Judy Umfress to sort through the donations.

We were able to donate extra equipment to Desoto County Emergency Services who are committed to continuously enhancing public safety and all-hazard community preparedness right here in Northwest MS.

As we work towards opening our doors inside the Desoto County Dream Center, please help us provide hope and healing to our underserved neighbors in DeSoto County→ http://bit.ly/Donate2TrinityHealthCenter

DeSoto County Clinic for working uninsured / underinsured, opening Late Spring 2020, hires passionate medical director

Opening late Spring, Trinity Health Center will provide high quality, cost effective, compassionate primary healthcare to the working underserved / underinsured of DeSoto County and recently hired its part-time Medical Doctor to spearhead its patient care efforts.

Dr. Patrick A. Ball is a family medicine physician who received his medical degree from Kansas City University of Medicine & Biosciences and has been practicing medicine in Mississippi for sixteen years.

“Calling to serve as part-time director of Trinity Health Center is a direct result of having watched my father, a physician, provide both medical and spiritual care for his patients in small town Batesville, Mississippi,” said Ball. “Through these early life experiences, it impressed on me that we are to use our resources and our opportunities to help those around us.”

Trinity Health Center is collaborating with local church and community leaders and will be modeled after Church Health, the largest charitable clinic in the country serving over 50,000 working uninsured individuals with primary care, wellness and education.

Dr. Ball believes that healthy communities are strengthened and sustained by the health of its members and through personal relationships built on the transformative love and others-oriented mindset of Christ. “I feel that this opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Church Health and its founder, Dr. Scott Morris, is a very exciting chance for those in the DeSoto County community of faith to become a tangible expression of God’s love to this community.”

The cost of healthcare or absence of health insurance contributes greatly to the ability of low-income DeSoto County residents to access care and with the growing Coronavirus pandemic, more residents than ever are experiencing hardships which will result in needed quality and affordable healthcare.
The lack of available and affordable primary care access in the existing healthcare safety-net is driving the creation of Trinity Health Center. With almost 30,000 identified uninsured residents, DeSoto County will benefit from a comprehensive health clinic designed to serve those falling through the cracks of our healthcare system.

Dr. Ball is married to Kim Ball who serves as the Women’s Minister at Getwell Road Church in Southaven, MS. They have a fourteen year old son, Caden who is a freshman at Northpoint High School and are an indelible asset to our community. Ball will continue to maintain his busy practice at DeSoto Primary Care Associates while serving as part-time Medical Director at Trinity Health.
If you’re interested in donating, volunteering, or providing medical services to Trinity Health Center, you can contact them at info@trinityhealthcenter.org or by visiting www.trinityhealthcenter.org

In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization have recommended that individuals who may have been exposed to the disease self-quarantine at home for 14 days. In addition, public health officials are recommending that healthy individuals practice social distancing, staying at home to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Following the advice of public health officials can help stop the spread of COVID-19, but if you don’t take proper precautions, your mental well-being could suffer while you’re quarantining.
If you’re self-quarantining or practicing social distancing, keep the following tips in mind to maintain your mental well-being.

Maintain a Routine
One of the best things that you can do to preserve your mental well-being is to stick to a routine. For example, if you’re used to going to the gym before work, try to wake up early and get an at-home workout in before you go to work or start your workday from home. Maintaining as much normalcy as possible with your daily routine can help keep your mood as lifted as possible, and prevent boredom and distress from taking over.
If you have children that will be at home now, it’s also important to create a routine for them. Whether they are practicing virtual learning with their schools or if they will just be home, you should implement a structured schedule for them so they know what your expectations are. Try to limit as much screen time as possible and incorporate learning activities throughout the day.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep
This suggestion goes hand-in-hand with sticking to a routine. While you’re at home, it can be easy to go to bed or sleep in later than you typically would. Breaking your normal sleep routine can have negative effects on your overall mental well-being, so you should try to stick to your typical schedule as much as possible.

Spend Time Outside
Unless health officials give you explicit instructions to stay in your home no matter what, try to get outside periodically throughout the day. This could involve going out in your backyard or taking a walk around the block, but shouldn’t include going to a park or other areas where large groups of people may be. 
Being outside also helps to promote higher vitamin D levels, a vitamin the body makes when skin is directly exposed to the sun. Many people are deficient in vitamin D, so exercising outside can be a great way to correct that.

Leverage the Power of Technology
When in quarantine or self-isolation, it can be easy to feel lonely. Fortunately, advancements in technology have made it easy to connect with others without having to physically be in contact with them. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recommends reaching out to loved ones with technology to reduce feelings of loneliness and anxiety, and to supplement your social life while you’re quarantining or social distancing. If you’re feeling down, use video calling technology or social media to get in touch with friends and family.
 
Don’t Obsess Over the News
It can be easy to become overwhelmed by watching the news and reviewing the updates of the COVID-19 situation. While it’s important to be informed of the situation, you should not obsess over the news. For example, instead of monitoring the news all day from home, consider checking for updates once in the morning and once at night. 

Practice Positivity and Gratitude
Taking five minutes a day to write down the things that you are grateful for has been proven to lower stress levels and can help you change your mindset from negative to positive. While you’re quarantining or social distancing, it’s important to build time into your routine to practice positivity or express gratitude to change your mindset on your situation and boost your mood.

Summary
Your mental well-being plays a huge role in your overall health and well-being, and it should be prioritized. These six suggestions may help you maintain your mental well-being during a quarantine, but shouldn’t be considered as medical advice.

If you have concerns about your mental well-being while you’re in quarantine, please contact your mental health professional or use SAMHSA’s National Helpline by calling 800-662-HELP (4357).

Trinity Health Center Executive Director, Kimberly Remak was recently featured on the cityCURRENT Radio Show with Jeremy C. Park to discuss the mission of Trinity Health, how the community can help and benefit from our services, and the need in our community.

​Please help us provide hope and healing to our underserved neighbors in DeSoto County by becoming a Trinity Health Champion→ http://bit.ly/Donate2TrinityHealthCenter

DeSoto County Clinic for working uninsured / underinsured, opening Spring 2020, hires Executive Director
 
Tucked behind a bustling Goodman Road in Horn Lake, you will soon find a center becoming a beacon of hope and healing for thousands in DeSoto County when it opens Spring 2020. Trinity Health Center will provide high quality, cost effective, compassionate primary healthcare to the working underserved / underinsured of DeSoto County.

Trinity Health Center will be housed in the DeSoto County Dream Center, a 17,300 square foot building which formerly housed Southern Thunder Harley-Davidson. The DeSoto County Dream Center will serve as a resource center focused on finding solutions to healthcare, hunger, and lack of education through community outreach programs including Trinity Health Center.

At the helm of the 501c3 nonprofit, Kimberly Remak will serve as Executive Director and Trinity Health Center hopes to hire or recruit volunteers for a medical director, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, medical assistant, social worker, receptionist, and administrative assistant in the near future. Remak’s tenure in the healthcare and nonprofit sectors will lead Trinity Health Center’s impact in our community. As former founder of the Arc Northwest Mississippi, a nonprofit serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Remak is no stranger to helping those across the region.

Trinity Health Center is collaborating with local church and community leaders and will be modeled after Church Health, the largest charitable clinic in the country serving over 50,000 working uninsured individuals with primary care, wellness and education. Part of Church Health’s mission is to assist others in creating and expanding ministries of their own. Trinity Health Center will work with Church Health’s replication arm, ECHO (Empowering Church Health Outreach) for assistance and will become a member of the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics and the Christian Community Health Fellowship to tap into the knowledge base of their members.

This new organization was supported in partnership between Brown Missionary Baptist Church and Life Fellowship Church along with other community partners to be a holistic approach to hope and healing across DeSoto County. According to the US Census Bureau’s 2016 Population Survey, 20% of Mississippians were without any form of health insurance.  DeSoto County’s uninsured rate is roughly 17% (29,750).The lack of health insurance falls disproportionately to minorities, those without a college education, and those earning less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Line. Remak says the clinic is intended to provide primary care to a population that often relies on the emergency room. When you’re making choices between food, shelter, transportation and heat – Remak says routine healthcare is not always a priority.

The cost of healthcare or absence of health insurance contributes greatly to the ability of low-income DeSoto County residents to access care. Out-of-pocket costs associated with health care deductibles, copays, prescriptions, and other costs inhibit residents from accessing care when they need it. 19% (33,250) of adults in DeSoto County consider cost a barrier to accessing care and acknowledge that they have not received care because they could not afford it. Trinity Health Center plans to become the medical home for many of these individuals.
 
The lack of available and affordable primary care access in the existing healthcare safety-net is driving the creation of Trinity Health Center. With almost 30,000 identified uninsured residents, DeSoto County will benefit from a comprehensive health clinic designed to serve those falling through the cracks of our healthcare system.
If you’re interested in donating, volunteering, or providing medical services to Trinity Health Center, you can contact them at info@trinityhealthcenter.org or by visiting www.trinityhealthcenter.org