FALL 2025 Healing a child’s trauma Special therapy to help both parent and child Varicose veins? More serious than you might think Caring beyond cancer treatment When a patient’s house burned, our team stepped up
2 VITALITY Fall 2025 Citizens Memorial Hospital Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation 1500 N. Oakland Ave. Bolivar, MO 65613 417-326-6000 CEO/Executive Director Michael Calhoun Marketing Director Tamera Heitz-Peek Marketing Department Tessa Arnold Jennifer Stegner Katie Duncan Aaron Tallant Charlotte Marsch Mission Providing compassionate care for all generations by leading physicians and an exceptional health care team. Vision Be the first choice for health care by delivering the safest, highest quality and best experience for the communities we serve. Values I am Safe, Engaged, Respectful, Valued and Empowered. Together, we make a difference by serving others. For permission to reprint any portion of this magazine, call 417-328-7245. If you wish to be removed from the mailing list, please email theitz@citizensmemorial.com or call 417-328-7245. VITALITY is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of CITIZENS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL. Information in VITALITY comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2025 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Citizens Memorial Hospital complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. CMH has arranged for language assistance services free of charge. Call 417-326-6000. (Spanish) ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 417-326-6000. (Chinese) 417-326-6000. We’d love to hear from you on social media facebook.com/citizensmemorial x.com/cmhbolivar instagram.com/cmhbolivar linkedin.com/company/citizens-memorial-healthcare Michael Calhoun, CEO/Executive Director Citizens Memorial Hospital and the Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation Making advanced treatments more accessible Through our partnership with Central Care Cancer Center, patients have received the best in cancer care in Bolivar for the past two decades. We’re making some changes to that partnership, starting in January 2026, to enhance care coordination and support continued innovation. We’re excited about the future of cancer care at Citizens Memorial Hospital (CMH). Patients will still receive the same great care from the same medical staff, led by Leo Shunyakov, M.D. He is a nationally recognized cancer doctor, at the forefront of cancer research and treatment. On pages 12 and 13, you’ll learn more about the partnership and how we support cancer patients beyond medical care. On page 7, you’ll learn about a new procedure at CMH that helps people with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema breathe better. The life-changing Zephyr® Valve treatment, administered by Jason Bailey, D.O., a pulmonologist at CMH, can help improve lung function and reduce shortness of breath. In this issue, you’ll also learn about a specialized therapy for treating childhood trauma on page 9 and varicose vein treatment on page 14. As your local health care partner, we’re here to make sure you and your loved ones have access to the care you need, when you need it. Together, we’re building a healthier future—right here at home.
citizensmemorial.com 3 CMH receives national honor for heart attack care Citizens Memorial Hospital received the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain–MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2025. CMH is one of only 323 hospitals nationwide and one of 11 in Missouri to receive the honor. The award recognizes CMH’s commitment and success in using a higher standard of care for heart attack (myocardial infarction, or MI) patients. It signifies that CMH treats these patients to standard levels of care as outlined by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. “This award reflects the outstanding care patients receive at CMH,” says Michael Calhoun, CEO/ Executive Director of CMH and the CMH Foundation. “Our heart attack patients receive the same exceptional treatment as patients get in bigger hospitals. This consistency helps patients in our rural communities get safe, high-quality care close to home.” CMH Home Medical Equipment expands services Citizens Memorial Hospital Home Medical Equipment is expanding its power mobility services. Justin Horn, ATP, CRTS, joined the team as a certified assistive technology professional. He helps patients by customizing power wheelchairs to meet their specific needs. Power wheelchairs provide comfort, safety and ease of use. They help patients move through daily life with more confidence and control. Medicare Part B, Medicaid and many commercial insurance plans cover power mobility equipment. CMH Home Medical Equipment has two locations: 1915 S. Springfield Ave., Bolivar. 315 S. Ash St., Buffalo. For more information, call 417-328-7263. CMH earns 4-star CMS rating two years in a row For the second consecutive year, Citizens Memorial Hospital has received a four-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for patient safety and quality. The star rating appears on the CMS Care Compare site at medicare.gov/ care-compare. “Earning this rating for the second year in a row reflects the consistent, high-quality care our patients receive at CMH,” says Michael Calhoun, CEO/Executive Director of CMH/Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation. “Quality and safety are daily priorities, and this recognition highlights our team’s ongoing commitment to excellence in every area of care.” CMS calculates the rating using 46 quality measures in five groups: mortality, timely and effective care, safety of care, readmission, and patient experience. The Overall Star Rating gives consumers a simple rating generated by combining multiple aspects of quality into a single summary score.
4 VITALITY Fall 2025 Barbara Owens receives Hutcheson Award Citizens Memorial Hospital recognized Auxiliary volunteer Barbara Owens with the 2025 Lillian Hutcheson Award. The Lillian Hutcheson Award honors an outstanding volunteer who shows commitment, dedication and compassion to patients, residents and the organization. Lillian Hutcheson founded the Auxiliary program before CMH opened in 1982. Owens has volunteered 2,224 hours during the past seven years. She serves in the CMH Gift Garden every Friday afternoon. The Auxiliary has 300 volunteers who donate more than 22,000 hours annually. Volunteers support CMH in various ways, from staffing information desks to hosting fundraising events. The Auxiliary donated more than $150,000 to CMH in fiscal year 2024 for purchases that improve the patient experience. Learn more about the CMH Auxiliary at cmhbolivar.info/auxiliary or by calling Shantelle Posten at 417-328-6432. From left are Shantelle Posten, Director of Volunteer Services; Barbara Owens, 2025 Lillian Hutcheson Award winner; and Tregg Geren, Chief Operating Officer. New administrator Alecia Robinson Ash Grove Health Care Facility Learn more about CMH long-term care in these videos CEO update: What makes CMH’s long-term care feel like home. cmhbolivar.info/LTCblog-May25 CEO update: What sets apart long-term care at CMH. cmhbolivar.info/LTCblog-June25 About long-term care at CMH ● 6 skilled nursing facilities with a total of 705 beds in Ash Grove, Bolivar, Buffalo, El Dorado Springs and Stockton. ● 1 residential care center in Bolivar. ● 5 independent living communities in Ash Grove, Bolivar, Buffalo and El Dorado Springs. How to connect with CMH long-term care ● Go to cmhbolivar.info/SeniorLiving to learn more online about CMH’s senior living options. ● Answer a few questions at bit.ly/CMHCare Options to receive personalized senior living recommendations. A member of the CMH Long‑Term Care Admissions team will reach out to discuss your options. ● Call the CMH Long-Term Care Admissions team at 417-328-6731. ● Already have a facility in mind? Call the facility to schedule a tour. Long-term care news
citizensmemorial.com 5 Michael Calhoun named in Biz 417’s ‘10 for the Next 10’ CMH CEO/Executive Director Michael Calhoun is part of Biz 417 magazine’s 2025 Class of 10 for the Next 10. The Biz 417 profile, which can be read at cmhbolivar.info/3Iv6Egu, features Calhoun’s leadership of the $100 million CMH expansion and his advocacy for rural health care. As for the next 10 years? Calhoun sees expansion in long-term care and skilled nursing, leveraging technology to extend the reach of the workforce and stronger pipelines to encourage more young people to choose health care careers. Biz 417 selects honorees for their annual 10 for the Next 10 feature based on nominations from readers, the Biz 417 advisory board and Biz 417 editors. Nominees are evaluated on professional achievements, community impact and leadership qualities. CMH Golf Classic winners Fifty-eight teams participated in the 35th annual Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation Medical Excellence Golf Classic, presented by SGC Foodservice. The tournament was held June 5 at Silo Ridge Golf and Country Club in Bolivar. The 18-hole, four-person scramble raises money for CMH’s Medical Excellence Scholarship program, which provides financial assistance to individuals in CMH’s eight-county service area who are pursuing careers in health care. Read the news release at cmhbolivar.info/3T20fvC to find a list of the winning golf teams, individual awards and drawing winners. CMH receives SBJ Economic Impact Award Citizens Memorial Hospital received top honors in the 36–74 Years in Business category at the 2025 Springfield Business Journal Economic Impact Awards, presented July 17. This recognition highlights CMH’s long-standing commitment to growth and providing exceptional health care services across the communities we serve. The OakStar Bank team, with Kelly Parson, Jared Taylor, Bradley Davis and former Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, placed fourth in the C Flight.
6 VITALITY Fall 2025 Coming soon: CMH Dialysis Center The CMH Dialysis Center is opening this fall! The 10,000-square-foot facility includes: ● 16 hemodialysis chairs, each facing the large windows offering scenic views. ● 4 patient rooms for home hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis education. ● Waiting room. ● Staff support areas. ● Water room with the latest advancements in purification and sanitization—a dual reverse osmosis water treatment system with heat sanitization technology. The CMH Nephrology Clinic will move to the Dialysis Center, putting all nephrology and dialysis services in one convenient location. Follow the construction progress at cmhbolivar.info/dialysisconstruction. Protect your kidneys— know the risks While some kidney diseases are hereditary, the two most common causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure. While kidney disease can’t be reversed, you can slow it down with healthy habits: ● Eat well. ● Stay active. ● Quit smoking. ● Limit alcohol. ● Stay hydrated by drinking enough water to help your kidneys remove toxins. ● Treat urinary tract infections promptly. Keep an eye on your blood pressure and kidney function, especially if you have risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease. Early detection is key! Kidney disease has no early symptoms, but simple tests can check your kidney health. If you are at risk or have symptoms such as swollen feet, fatigue or changes in urination, talk to your primary care provider for the right tests and treatment. Call 417-328-7300 to make an appointment with nephrologist Russell Davis, D.O., at the CMH Nephrology Clinic.
citizensmemorial.com 7 For people living with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema, even simple tasks like getting dressed or taking a shower can feel exhausting. These lung conditions affect millions of Americans and are among the leading causes of disability. Now, a new, minimally invasive treatment is bringing real relief—and real hope—to qualified patients in southwest Missouri. Hard to breathe “COPD is an obstructive lung disease that makes it difficult for patients to exhale effectively,” explains board-certified pulmonologist Jason Bailey, D.O., of CMH Pulmonology Clinic. “They often experience shortness of breath because their lungs are damaged and their diaphragms are flattened, making it harder to breathe.” Until recently, treatment options were mostly limited to medications—especially inhalers. “While inhalers can help, the improvement in lung function is modest—typically around 3%,” says Dr. Bailey. “They offer some relief, but not enough to truly improve daily life.” Letting it all out Now, a new procedure approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration—called endobronchial valve placement—is offering a breakthrough alternative. Instead of surgery, doctors use a thin tube called a bronchoscope to place small, one-way valves in the most damaged areas of the lungs. The scope goes through the mouth, so no cuts or stitches are needed. The Zephyr valves allow trapped air to escape, helping the healthier parts of the lung expand and work more efficiently. Find out if it’s for you “There are very specific criteria patients must meet to qualify,” Dr. Bailey explains. “But when they do, the results can be remarkable. We’ve seen lung function improve by up to 30%.” At CMH Pulmonology Clinic, each patient undergoes a full evaluation—including imaging and pulmonary function testing—to determine eligibility. “For individuals with COPD, even something as simple as a deep breath can be difficult,” Dr. Bailey adds. “After this procedure, many can make the bed, take a shower or go for a walk without gasping for air. It’s truly life-changing.” Pamela, Actual pe Zephyr V Results m You deserve to breathe easier Living with severe COPD/emphysema can make everyday tasks a challenge. But you’re not one to give in or give up. If your current treatments alone are not enough, FDA-approved Zephyr® Valves may help. Zeph insur While in guaran for the Z covered How Zephyr® Valves work The Zephyr Valve treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that is completed in about an hour. The valves are placed by bronchoscopy—a flexible small tube inserted in the mouth or nose. This requires no incisions or cutting. The procedure requires a 3-night hospital stay to allow for careful observation. After the procedure, it is important to continue to take medications as prescribed by your doctor. Breathe Easier Be less short of breath with increased lung function.1 Have More Freedom Do more things on your own, like bathing, cooking, and cleaning.1 Enjoy Life More Have more energy and get back to your favorite hobbies and socializing.1 Complications of endobronchial valve treatment can include, but are not limited to, pneumothorax, worsening of COPD symptoms, hemoptysis, pneumonia, dyspnea, and, in rare cases, death. Whe my pr co Feel More Confident When leaving home and living life.1 1 3 2 This is a diseased lung. It is hyperinflated, trapped air in the lungs that cannot be released, putting pressure on the diaphragm. Zephyr Valves are placed in the most diseased part of the lungs using a standard bronchoscope and flexible catheter. The valves allow trapped air in the lungs to escape while preventing more air from entering this part of the lung. This allows the healthy parts of the lungs to expand more fully. With the trapped air released, lung volume is reduced, and pressure on the diaphragm is relieved —improving breathing and lung function. 4 *Pulmonx P through th patients op notice bec regulation Administra insurance p Med covers who certain Breathe easier New COPD treatment now available at CMH Pulmonology Clinic Find relief Get started by calling the CMH Pulmonology Clinic in Bolivar at 417-328-6055. Infographic by Pulmonx Corp.
8 VITALITY Fall 2025 Men, you have a roughly 1 in 8 chance of getting prostate cancer in your lifetime. Though it’s a serious condition, the prostate cancer death rate is half of what it was 30 years ago, thanks to earlier detection and better treatments. Here are the facts you should know about prostate cancer today. Symptoms Early-stage prostate cancer typically has no symptoms. (That’s why you need to get screened.) Later-stage symptoms can include frequent, difficult or painful urination. You might also have erectile dysfunction or pain in the lower back, hips, pelvis and upper thighs. Screening Getting screened is essential to catching prostate cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage. There are two types of screening tests: a digital rectal exam and a blood test called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. If either of those tests shows abnormalities, you may need more testing. Types of cancer If a biopsy shows that you have prostate cancer, the next step is determining how aggressive the cancer is and if it has spread. Stages I and II are early stages where the cancer hasn’t spread beyond the prostate. Stages III and IV indicate that the cancer is more advanced and has spread to other parts of the body. Treatment If you receive a diagnosis, talk to your provider to choose a treatment plan. Sometimes the best option is no treatment. This is called watchful waiting, which means your provider will check the growth of the cancer often. If there’s no growth, there’s no need for treatment. When treatment is needed, it often involves radiation therapy and/or hormone therapy to shrink the cancer. Your provider may also recommend removing your prostate. If you have questions or want to discuss screening, contact your provider, who may refer you to a specialist. If you don’t have a provider, go to citizensmemorial.com to find one near you. What men need to know about prostate cancer Expert prostate cancer care at CMH If you or a loved one needs prostate cancer treatment, ask your primary care provider to refer you to board certified urologist Mark Walterskirchen, M.D., at the CMH Urology Surgical Clinic. Dr. Walterskirchen is one of the few physicians in Missouri who can perform both cryoablation and robotic prostatectomy for prostate cancer treatment. Cryoablation is a procedure to freeze prostate tissue and kill prostate cancer cells. Robotic prostatectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part or all of the prostate gland. For more information, call the CMH Urology Surgical Clinic at 417-326-2550. Watch a video from Dr. Walterskirchen at cmhbolivar.info/ ProstateCancer.
citizensmemorial.com 9 Helping families heal together CMH Pediatric Clinic highlights the power of child-parent psychotherapy in treating early childhood trauma For more information about child-parent psychotherapy or to schedule an appointment, call the CMH Pediatric and Walk-In Clinic at 417-777-2121. When a young child experiences trauma, healing doesn’t happen alone—it happens in the arms of a trusted caregiver. Many families have found hope and resilience through child-parent psychotherapy (CPP), an evidence-based treatment model designed to restore the vital connection between children and their caregivers after trauma. Reestablishing trust CPP is one of the few therapeutic approaches developed specifically for children from birth to age 5. Whether a child has experienced abuse, domestic violence, the loss of a parent or a major disruption in their environment, CPP focuses on repairing and strengthening the parent-child relationship as the primary path to healing. “Early trauma can deeply affect a child’s development, behavior and sense of safety,” says Rachael Swopes, PhD, with CMH Pediatric and Walk-In Clinic. “But when we work with the parent and child together, we can help reestablish a sense of trust and emotional security that’s essential for healing and healthy development.” Building understanding In CPP, both the child and caregiver attend therapy sessions together. The therapist helps the caregiver understand how trauma may affect the child’s behavior and emotional responses and how the caregiver’s experiences may impact their parenting. Through guided interaction, play and discussion, CPP helps caregivers become effective sources of comfort, regulation and support. “Children don’t have the language to explain their trauma, but they show us through their behavior, play and relationships,” Dr. Swopes says. “CPP meets children where they are and helps their caregivers become the anchor they need.” Research shows that CPP can reduce symptoms of trauma, anxiety, depression and behavioral problems in young children while improving caregiver mental health and the parent-child relationship overall. CPP is especially effective in communities experiencing intergenerational trauma, systemic stressors or limited access to early intervention services. Experienced providers With two trained and rostered childparent psychotherapy providers on staff—Dr. Swopes and Nicole Twenter, LPC—the CMH Pediatric and Walk-In Clinic can provide trauma-responsive care to families.
10 VITALITY Fall 2025 Health problems after menopause Life after menopause differs from the years before it in some ways. One obvious change is that you won’t have to manage menstrual periods anymore. Some health risks can rise for women, partly due to the lower levels of estrogen hormones that exist after menopause. Health risks to watch for include: Heart disease. Before menopause, women generally have a lower risk of heart disease than men do. After menopause, as the protective effect of estrogen (which may help keep coronary arteries healthy) declines, a woman’s risk of heart disease starts to climb to a level similar to that of men. Stroke. A woman’s risk of stroke rises sharply around the time of menopause. Lower estrogen levels may also play a role here. Osteoporosis. Bone loss accelerates after menopause. That puts women at greater risk of osteoporosis, a bone-thinning disease that makes people more prone to fractures. Lead poisoning. The lead that builds up in everyone’s bones over a lifetime may be released into your bloodstream more readily due to the rapid breakdown of bone after menopause. Higher lead levels in the blood can contribute to health issues, such as high blood pressure and thinking and memory problems. Unwanted weight. Metabolism (the rate at which the body burns calories) slows down as we age. That’s one reason many postmenopausal women gain weight, which may put their health at risk. Urinary incontinence. Accidental leakage affects about half of postmenopausal women. Low estrogen levels may play a role here too. Some of your best years are yet to come It’s never too early or too late to focus on staying healthy. For example, do your best to exercise regularly (brisk walks can help!), follow a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight and avoid smoking. Ask your doctor if you should take supplements like bone-healthy calcium and vitamin D. Get checkups and recommended screenings, too, including blood tests and screenings for osteoporosis and breast, cervical and colorectal cancers. Sources: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry; American Heart Association; Endocrine Society; Office on Women’s Health Speak up Do you have any concerns about your health? Are you experiencing hot flashes or other discomforts? Ask your primary care provider what you can do. If you don’t have a primary care provider, find one at citizensmemorial.com.
citizensmemorial.com 11 Reduce your fall risk as you age The older you get, the more likely you are to be injured in a fall that could rob you of your independence. Each year, an estimated 1 in 4 seniors falls, often with serious consequences, like fractured bones. With that in mind, you might want to take steps to reduce your risk of falling. These tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other experts can help. Make your home safer Since many falls happen at home, start your prevention efforts there. For example, you can: ● Improve the lighting in your home. Replace any dim or burnedout bulbs. Use a night-light or put a lamp near your bed in case you need to use the bathroom at night. ● Reduce tripping hazards. Pick up objects from the floor. Run power cords alongside walls. Remove any loose rugs. If needed, have someone help you reposition your furniture for clearer pathways. ● Use nonslip mats in the tub. And have grab bars installed. Stay steady on the go To help avoid falling when you’re out and about, choose well-fitting shoes with nonslip soles and low heels. Tread carefully around uneven curbs and sidewalks. If your winters are icy, use traction sand or deicer products around doors and walkways. Keep moving your body Age-related loss of strength and muscle mass is part of the reason some older adults fall. Regular exercise, like walking and strength training, can help you stay strong. For better balance, consider yoga or tai chi. Manage any medical conditions that might make you fall Ask your doctor if any health conditions or medicines you take might cause you to fall. For instance, some medications can cause dizziness or drowsiness. And diabetes, foot problems and postural hypotension (low blood pressure when you stand up) can affect your balance. Having poor vision or hearing could also cause you to take a tumble. So have your eyes and hearing checked regularly, and update any lens prescriptions. Enlist your doctor’s help to prevent falls At your next checkup, ask your doctor about your risk of falling and other ways you can help reduce it. Additional sources: National Council on Aging; National Institute on Aging Fall risk goes up as you age, and many falls happen at home. To help reduce your risk: Equip tubs and showers with grab bars. Remove loose rugs. Keep things bright with enough light. Clear clutter from any place you walk. Make sure all stairs have handrails, preferably on both sides. 5 WAYS TO FALL-PROOF YOUR HOME Source: National Institute on Aging
12 VITALITY Fall 2025 Enhanced local cancer care with CMH and Central Care Cancer Center Citizens Memorial Hospital and Central Care Cancer Center of Salina, Kansas, signed an agreement to continue their commitment to deliver comprehensive cancer care services to the Bolivar community through a refined partnership. The two organizations have collaborated since 2005, leading to the opening of the Carrie J. Babb Cancer Center in 2008. What’s new? Under the new agreement that starts in January 2026, CMH will provide medical oncology and infusion services as part of its outpatient operations. Central Care will continue providing radiation therapy services at the Carrie J. Babb Cancer Center. To maintain seamless care, CMH will contract with Central Care for physician, billing and management services. Patients will continue to receive care from the same experienced and Whole-person care, close to home Cancer Center patient Jennifer Cannon Oncology, hematology, chemotherapy, radiation—these are what people commonly associate with cancer care. But cancer patients often face other challenges, from emotional struggles to financial hardships. In addition to expert medical services, the Carrie J. Babb Cancer Center at CMH offers support through social services, nutritional counseling and other services. Social worker Julie Hicks connects patients with resources available at the Cancer Center and in the community. Sometimes, she simply listens. “I have the privilege of standing and walking beside patients and families during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives,” Hicks says. A true story Jennifer Cannon has been receiving hematology care for a platelet disorder at CMH for three years. During that time, for her and her husband, Shane, the one constant in their lives has been CMH’s supportive community. “The Cancer Center helped me as a whole, not just medically, but emotionally, as well,” Jennifer says. “I wouldn’t emotionally be able to do it without the Cancer Center and the people involved. We were scared, but we found pure kindness.” Jennifer didn’t have insurance, and Julie helped her apply for Medicaid and disability. And Jennifer will never forget how Julie and others at the Cancer Center supported her after a house fire in spring 2024. “It was devastating. We lost everything,” she says. “It truly helped us when we were at our lowest.” After the fire, Julie gave Jennifer and Shane hygiene kits, gas vouchers and a grocery voucher made possible by donors to the Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation. She connected them CARRIE J. BABB CANCER CENTER AT CMH
citizensmemorial.com 13 CMH Foundation supports cancer patients In fiscal year 2024, the Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation provided support to cancer patients at the Carrie J. Babb Cancer Center in these ways: 3,707 complimentary lunches for cancer patients. 1,200 uncompensated patient and family visits by social workers and dietitians at the Carrie J. Babb Cancer Center. 348 free cases of nutritional supplements given to patients at the Carrie J. Babb Cancer Center. 104 hygiene kits for cancer patients. Learn more about donating to the CMH Foundation at cmhbolivar.info/ giving. You can designate gifts for the Cancer Center. Or contact Tara Akins at development@citizensmemorial.com or 417-328-6318. Support groups CMH Cancer Survivors Gathering Support Group: Open to current and former cancer patients, their families and caregivers. Meetings are on the last Friday of each month from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Tremain Family Hospitality House. CMH Women’s Support Group: Offers a welcoming space for women to connect and share their experiences with cancer or blood disorders, whether personally or as caregivers. This group provides an opportunity to share personal stories, celebrate victories, and find encouragement and support. Meetings are on the last Wednesday of each month from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Tremain Family Hospitality House. For more information about either group, call Julie Hicks at 417-328-7055. compassionate staff they know and trust. And CMH will go on providing nutritional counseling and social services for patients at the Carrie J. Babb Cancer Center. Partners for complete cancer care “We value our long-standing partnership with Central Care in providing quality cancer care in this region,” says Michael Calhoun, CEO/Executive Director of CMH and CMH Foundation. “This collaboration ensures that patients will continue to receive care from trusted medical professionals and have access to the best possible oncology services.” “We are proud to continue our collaboration with Citizens Memorial,” says Alfredo Lopez, CEO of Central Care. “Together, we are strengthening our shared commitment to patient-centered care, ensuring individuals have access to expert oncology services, advanced treatments and compassionate support close to home.” This joint effort enhances care coordination and supports continued innovation in cancer treatment for the region. As a social worker at the Carrie J. Babb Cancer Center, Julie Hicks helps patients with needs beyond medical care. She helps them find resources for support during their cancer journeys. with a thrift store for clothing and a food pantry for meals. She also tracked down resources through Jennifer’s disability benefits to help them purchase an RV to make their new home. “It’s not just about offering support during a devastating time in their lives,” Julie says. “It’s about honoring their bravery, being their cheerleader with encouragement.” Jennifer also appreciates her medical providers’ compassion. “Dr. [Penelope] Harris will take the time to just listen,” Jennifer says. “She calms me down. It’s been a long, hard haul, but this place has been a light—it never shut the door on us.”
14 VITALITY Fall 2025 More than skin-deep Those swollen leg veins may signal underlying health issues You may feel a little self-conscious about those pesky purple veins in your legs, often called spider or varicose veins. They also could be causing more damage than you might think. Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) occurs when the valves in the veins lose the ability to fully close. This makes it hard for blood to return to the heart. Some blood stops moving up the veins. It then falls back down and collects due to gravity. As many as 35% of adults in the U.S. have CVI. It’s more common in women than in men. Diagnosis A physical exam of the legs can identify CVI. A family history of CVI is another critical factor. Your doctor may refer you to a surgeon for a simple venous ultrasound. It lets the surgeon know the diameter of the vessel and how leaky the valves are. Treatment The first line of defense is lifestyle changes, including: ● Maintaining a healthy diet and weight. ● Regular exercise. ● Lower extremity elevation. ● Avoiding smoking. ● Wearing compression socks. ● Moisturizing the legs. “Moisturizing the legs may seem unimportant, but it is very important,” says Rachel Pruett, M.D., a general surgeon with the CMH General Surgery Clinic. “If you have any type of swelling in the legs, moisturizing the legs helps prevent worse complications.” Compression socks are an easy, nonsurgical treatment to support the veins. People at high risk of CVI can wear compression socks. These socks should have 10 to 15 mmHg of compression for those without symptoms or visible vessels and 20 to 30 mmHg for those with symptoms or visible vessels. They help prevent or delay the onset of CVI. If surgery is necessary, the surgeon may close off an affected vein or remove all or part of the vein. Detect it early Dr. Pruett emphasizes that CVI can indicate serious health issues. “Although it seems like these bulging veins are cosmetic, catching CVI early and treating it early is the best way to address it,” Dr. Pruett says. “CVI is a sign of underlying issues. If you can’t prevent it completely, you can postpone it.” Talk to your primary care provider about CVI or call the CMH General Surgery Clinic at 417-326-8700.
citizensmemorial.com 15 Rice bowl breakfast with fruit and nuts Makes 2 servings. Ingredients 1 cup cooked brown rice ½ cup nonfat (skim) milk ½ teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup chopped fruit (mix of apples, bananas, berries, peaches and raisins) 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds) Directions ● Combine cooked rice, milk and cinnamon in a microwavesafe bowl. ● Microwave on high for 45 seconds. Stir and heat for another 45 to 60 seconds, or until rice mixture is heated through. ● Divide rice mixture between two bowls. Top with fruit and nuts. Serve warm. Nutrition information Serving size: 1 cup. Amount per serving: 203 calories, 5g total fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 35g carbohydrates, 6g protein, 4g dietary fiber, 31mg sodium. Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture Snacks that satisfy Salsa crunch Dip wholegrain tortilla chips in zingy salsa. Yum! Veggies with hummus Carrot sticks, bell peppers and cauliflower are dippable and delicious. Spiced apples Sprinkle cinnamon over apple slices. DIY trail mix Combine plain, airpopped popcorn; unsalted nuts; and raisins. Ants on a log Spread peanut butter on celery sticks; top with raisins for naturally sweet fun. Cheese quesadilla Melt low-fat cheese inside a rolled-up, wholewheat tortilla. Water with a twist Add a citrus or cucumber slice to chilled water. Consider pairing the rice bowl with a healthy protein (scrambled eggs, egg white omelet, one serving of turkey sausage, etc.) for a stronger start to your day. And if you are watching sugar and carbs, you can leave out the raisins.
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 Citizens Memorial Hospital District 1500 N. Oakland Ave. Bolivar, MO 65613 ZACHARY CAREL, M.D., is an emergency medicine physician. He completed medical school at the University of Minnesota Medical School–Twin Cities. He completed a residency in emergency medicine at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine in Roanoke, Virginia. He is board eligible with the American Board of Emergency Medicine. For more information, call 417-326-6000. ZADESHA GORDON, M.D., is a geriatrician at Bolivar Family Care Center and works in long-term care facilities. She received her medical degree from the American University of Antigua, Osbourn, Antigua. Dr. Gordon completed a residency in internal medicine at Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida. She completed a fellowship in geriatric medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. She is board eligible with the American Board of Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine. For more information, call Citizens Memorial Healthcare Facility at 417-326-7648. Ah, breathe again! New, gentle treatment for people with COPD— see page 7. Say hello to our new providers JEFFREY R. FRERKING, M.D., is a pediatrician at the CMH Pediatric Clinic. He earned his medical degree at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Arkansas. He completed a residency in pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is board eligible with the American Board of Pediatrics. To make an appointment, call 417-777-2121. JEANINE HERRERA, FNP-C, is a family nurse practitioner at Pleasant Hope Family Medical Center. She has a master’s degree from Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. She is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board. To make an appointment, call 417-267-2001. DYLAN SCHWINDT, M.D., is a general surgeon at the CMH General Surgery Clinic. He received his medical degree from the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine and completed a general surgery residency at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, Georgia. He is board eligible with the American Board of Surgery. For more information, call 417-326-8700. NICHOLAS LOCKE, FNP-C, is a family nurse practitioner, now seeing patients at the CMH Nephrology Clinic. He previously saw patients at the Dallas County Family Medical Center & Walk-In Clinic. He is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board. To make an appointment, call 417-328-7300. Provider on the move
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