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, Dianne Holliday, a retired Registered Nurse.

Why did you become involved with Trinity Health Center?
Even though I retired from nursing I still felt like I wanted to give back. Trinity’s mission to provide quality healthcare to the working uninsured really spoke to my heart.

What excites you most about Trinity Health Center's mission and purpose?
Providing quality healthcare to the most in need across DeSoto County.

What are some of your favorite places in our County to enjoy a healthy lifestyle? 
I enjoy taking my grandchildren to the playground at Snowden Grove and the Olive Branch City Park. The salads at Buon Cibo in Hernando are always fresh and use locally grown ingredients.

What is your favorite quote or bible verse?
Isaiah 40:31: ”But those that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”

We are so thankful for Dianne's involvement with Trinity Health Center. ​

Contrary to popular belief, not all fat is bad for you -- especially if it contains omega-3 fatty acids. While this "good fat" is not naturally produced by the human body, it does play a role in reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease. Adding in good fats to your diet can help you improve your overall health. According to the Cleveland Clinic, here's how you can incorporate good fats into your diet:

Cook with plant-based oils like olive oil, canola oil and peanut oil, instead of solid fats like butter.

Eat seeds and beans like walnuts, flaxseed, sunflower seeds and soybeans.

Eat plenty of oily, cold-water fish like tuna and salmon.

Talk to your doctor about taking omega-3 supplements.

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, Priscilla Porter. A member of Brown Missionary Baptist Church, Priscilla has been involved with Trinity Health Center since its early planning discussions.

Why did you become involved with Trinity Health Center?
I became involved with Trinity Health Center because I am passionate about healthcare and felt that I could make a difference by assisting others with their healthcare and non-healthcare needs. I was inspired during my time of taking care of family members and saw the importance of having people available to assist with navigating the healthcare system. I also know what it is like to be underinsured or uninsured and have to deal with the stress of not having the money to seek medical attention. I believe that Trinity Health Center will be the helping hand that so many in our community need.

What excites you most about Trinity Health Center's mission and purpose?
Providing quality healthcare to patients who are underinsured and uninsured in the community such as primary care, physicals and wellness checks.

What are some of your favorite places in our County to enjoy a healthy lifestyle? 
Olive Branch YMCA, Olive Branch City Park, Papa Murphy’s salads

What is your favorite quote or bible verse?
“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 NLT

We are so thankful for Priscilla's involvement with Trinity Health Center. 

Summer is in full swing. And while you should use sunscreen every day of the year, it’s even more important during summertime – when the days are longer, the sun is stronger, and it’s easier to spend more time outdoors. When choosing sunscreen, be sure to read the label before you buy. FDA regulations require the labels to follow certain guidelines. Our guide can help you understand the terms.

1. Choose a sunscreen with “broad spectrum” protection. Sunscreens with this label protect against both UVA and UVB rays. All sunscreen products protect against UVB rays, which are the main cause of sunburn and skin cancers. But UVA rays also contribute to skin cancer and premature aging. Only products that pass a certain test can be labeled “broad spectrum.” Products that aren’t broad spectrum must carry a warning that they only protect against sunburn, not skin cancer or skin aging.

2. Make sure your sunscreen has a sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or higher. The SPF number is the level of protection the sunscreen provides against UVB rays. Higher SPF numbers do mean more protection, but the higher you go, the smaller the difference becomes. SPF 15 sunscreens filter out about 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 sunscreens filter out about 97%, SPF 50 sunscreens about 98%, and SPF 100 about 99%. No sunscreen protects you completely. The FDA requires any sunscreen with SPF below 15 to carry a warning that it only protects against sunburn, not skin cancer or skin aging.
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3. “Water resistant” does not mean “waterproof.” No sunscreens are waterproof or “sweatproof,” and manufacturers are not allowed to claim that they are. If a product’s front label makes claims of being water resistant, it must specify whether it lasts for 40 minutes or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating. For best results, reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours and even more often if you are swimming or sweating. Sunscreen usually rubs off when you towel yourself dry, so you will need to put more on.

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 Coordinator, Katrina McKinney-Kimble. A member of Brown Missionary Baptist Church, Katrina was first on the planning team back in 2017 to discuss the need for a DeSoto County charitable health clinic.

Why did you become involved with Trinity Health Center?
Back in 2017 during a meeting at Brown M. B. Church, Pastor Orr asked members to serve on the planning committee for a new clinic. I grew up in Sardis, MS, which is a small rural town and understood the needs of the underserved population. This was an opportunity for me to put faith in action by serving our community.

What excites you most about Trinity Health Center's mission and purpose?
Wow, I am so excited about everything. Trinity Health Center will meet the needs of families through the services and programs provided, improve the quality for community, and be a resource of healing for generations.

What are some of your favorite places in our County to enjoy a healthy lifestyle? 
I like the fresh salads at Newk's , Pyro's or Jason's Deli. I like to walk on the trails at my church, Jim Saucier Park or Greenbrook Lake Park. I love being near water.

What is your favorite quote or bible verse?
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
- Philippians 4:6

We are so thankful for Katrina's dedication to volunteer recruitment and retention for Trinity Health Center. 

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