Medical Leader News Weekly Columns

Jesus feeds

Fri, 09 May 2008 14:46:05 GMT

The Bible says in Genesis 2:15-17, "And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat. But to the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."

Food has been in short supply ever since Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden because they did eat from the tree of knowledge.

We find many places in the world today where the food supply is running short. The news media is telling us today that food prices are continuing to rise in price.

Jesus Feeds. Jesus miraculously supplied food to the Israelites in the wilderness. He sent manna from Heaven to meet their needs.

Jesus saw a great multitude of people climbing the hill, looking for Him. Turning to Phillip he asked, "Phillip, where can we buy bread to feed all these people?" Phillip replied, "It would take a fortune to begin to do it."

Then Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up. "There's a youngster here with five barley loaves and a couple of fish. But what good is that with all this mob?"

Tell everyone to sit down, Jesus ordered. And all of them -- the approximate count of the men only was five thousand--sat down on the grassy slopes. Then Jesus took the loaves and gave thanks to God and passed them out to the people.

Afterwards he did the same with the fish. And everyone ate until they were full and there were twelve baskets filled with the leftovers!

JESUS FEEDS. A little faith left in the hands of Jesus can turn into big results.

- Kaminski Robinson serves as Chaplain for PMC. He can be reached by phone at 606-218-3969 or via email kaminski.robinson@pikevillehospital.org

Mom, this is your day

Fri, 09 May 2008 14:23:46 GMT

I'm a mamma's boy, so this column will be one of many gifts my mother, Gerri, receives this Mother's Day.

Over the years, people have come and gone in my life, but my mom has always been there for me. About two years ago, I decided to take a job in North Carolina. When wrestling with the decision, I dreaded looking my mother in the eye and telling her I was leaving the nest.

She cried. No matter how old - and stupid - I get, I know that I will always be my mother's baby.

But having the distinction of being a mamma's boy isn't cheap. As my salary has grown over the years, so has the list of things my mother wants - or wants done around the house.

This year has been no different. We have just completed a remodeling effort in her basement. The biggest challenge has been finishing a rose garden, a gift my brother (Daniel) and I wanted to do for Mother's Day.

Of course, that isn't enough. Throw in a gift certificate for hair color (yes my mother is old and grey) and nails, and you have one Mother's Day to remember.

I can watch my checking account dwindle as I type this column.

Over the years, I have made it a tradition to roast - and boast -mom in a column.

So, without further hesitation, let's toast to a roast - my favorite part.

As I am typing this paragraph, the grill is being fired up - I've turned off the television and observed a moment of silence for the choice of meat that will be mangled today by mom's wrath.

Ol' mom has a way of taking charbroiled to a whole new level. What we like to do (to make dinner more bearable for our stomachs and our teeth) is take a knife and scrape the choice of meat. Sometimes, we strike it lucky. Other times, we're better off eating the charcoal pieces.

My teeth hurt just thinking about it.

On a more serious note, Mom always told me I could move mountains - you know, like it says in the Bible. I've never moved a mountain, but I've moved many, many mountains of furniture, clothes baskets, etc.

As Mom grows older (she's sliding down the other side of the hill), she's losing her ability to hold things.

Let me elaborate (or should I?): Last summer, Mom was in the garden picking green beans. After a short amount of time, she noticed some of the corn stalks were moving. She yelled at her pets (all cats) and told them to calm down.

The cats - or, at least, that's what she thought it was - kept on moving the stalks. She decided to move over a row and see what was going on.

That's when a deer - yes a deer - came flying through the row of corn and about sideswiped Mom. Needless to say, she lost control of something (I'll let you fill in the blank here.)

Take the w out of twinkle and what do you get?

You got it!

I can't believe I (partially) told that story.

Now, to boast a little: Over the years, I have understood (for one reason or another), a lot of children don't have the luxury of having both parents - if any - in their lives.

My parents, as sick as this sounds, are as much in love today as they were when my dad snuck her across the state line (illegally) to marry her at the age of 17.

They really could be on one of those prescription drug commercials - I won't elaborate any further.

So, all joking aside, here's to you mom. This is your day and I thank my lucky stars that I have someone as caring as you in my life.

In the meeantime, mom, watch out for those deer, my dear.

- After Joshua Ball's mother reads this column, she plans on disowning him and going into seclusion after suffering humiliation and embarrassment. Joshua can be contacted at (606) 218-4509 or by e-mail at joshua.ball@pikevillehospital.org

Relay for Life testimonial for cancer survivors

Fri, 09 May 2008 14:21:14 GMT

Pikeville Medical Center employees will join others throughout the community May 16-17 to participate in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life at Bob Amos Park.

It is a time for many to reflect on their personal loss, but at the same time, a celebration of cancer survivors.

There are many stories throughout the hills of eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia - stories of courage, of families and of using a determination to defeat the odds.

Cancer affects so many of us on a personal level. The American Cancer Society spends much of their time educating the community on how to lessen fears and provide inspiration through their many programs and services.

Thanks to PMC employees, and others who make donations to this worthy cause, it's all free of charge.

This is a community event, one we support wholeheartedly with good reason.

Pikeville Medical Center is the region's medical leader. Your health, and your family's health, comes first with us.

That's why we ask for you to join us for one day and one night to bring awareness to those who have survived cancer and those who have been less fortunate, but not forgotten.

When participants begin the walk around Bob Amos Park's track, it allows the American Cancer Society to continue its war against cancer - a cause that we must fight together.

The people of our region are so kind and generous when it comes to worthy causes such as the Relay for Life. Your generosity is needed next weekend.

Every dollar raised at this year's event in Pikeville, as well as others all around the region and nation, makes a difference to people in our community whose lives are touched by cancer.

The society has contributed to almost every major discovery in cancer research. Millions of lives have been saved as a result, including people you may know.

For those people and countless others, the research the society has funded is resulting in better ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer.

Cancer takes hope to heal.

Join us next week to continue the fight. These types of events bring together friends, families, businesses, hospitals, schools, churches and people from all walks of life.

Once again, we're being challenged. We've answered the call before and we'll answer the call again.

Become a lifesaver and take part in the upcoming Relay for Life. You'll be glad you did.

- Teddy Paynter

Your final destination

Fri, 02 May 2008 14:23:17 GMT

Years ago, I had just finished my degree at Northwest Christian College and began making plans to attend seminary. Little did I know, those plans would move me nearly 2,500 miles to eastern Tennessee and Emmanuel School of Religion.

The noteworthy part of this story is that it was accomplished in an old Ford pickup in mid July. It was a long and agonizing journey.

Along the way, there was trouble: I blew a tire, and broke a wheel bearing and generator. If that wasn't enough, I drove miles through the blazing heat with no air conditioning.

I remember the wheel bearing going out in front of a small garage on old Route 66 - amazingly, they had the wheel bearing and we weren't broke down long.

The next day, the generator died at 6 p.m. on a Sunday night in the middle of New Mexico.

Eventually, I arrived at my destination, Johnson City, Tenn.

All of these obstacles could have been discouraging had I not had a specific destination in mind. Had I not had this goal, I could have easily given up or quit.

So it is with the human experience we call life.

We each have many obstacles and hurdles to cross - adversity comes to every life.

We can want to quit or just plain give up. As tempting as this might seem, the joy of experiencing our arrival at our final destination far surpasses the trouble getting there.

As Christians, may we hear the Apostle Paul's words ring in our ears, "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13- 14).

We all have a destination in life, either heaven or hell, may we choose heaven and Jesus.

- Randy Johnson serves as Chaplain for Pikeville Medical Center. He can be reached by phone at 218- 3915 or by email at randy.johnson@pikevillehospital.org

It's all about support

Fri, 02 May 2008 13:50:05 GMT

For many parents, including our very own Bob - do you have a comb I can borrow - Bell and Ellen Blackburn, graduation will mean a hearty dose of empty-nest syndrome.

Bob is depressed. He's spent the past year gazing over old photos of his son, Jordan, a senior at Pikeville High School.

It's not unusual catching Bob pacing the office, shaking his head and saying, "I don't know what I am going to do when he (Jordan) graduates."

For Ellen, the feeling of empty nest is two-fold. Her son, Josh, will graduate from Belfry. Her oldest son, Jarrod, recently got married. Sometimes I feel like I am a shrink, offering counseling to Bob and Ellen as they go through a change (not the change) in life.

It doesn't help.

This is the last hoorah for Bob and the local sports scene. Some of you may know Bob as the vocal (very vocal), crazed Pikeville basketball fan that crosses his arms (in pure disgust) and shakes his head at officials. When his temper gets out of control, he'll raise his arms and waive at the officials (I have the photos to prove it.)

Just ask Johnny Webb!

Sometimes Ellen walks around like a zombie. I have been her adopted son for years, and I have told her that I will move in and give her the honor of cooking and cleaning up after me.

She didn't take me up on the offer.

Graduation isn't a change - it's a transition.

Instead of giving your child money for the movies, eating out, clothes and shoes, you can add college, apartment and other items to the list.

Needless to say, Bob and Ellen are thrilled to get their stimulus check.

PARTING SHOT: With graduation on my mind, I can't help but remembering my big day in 1999.

We spent graduation morning making our principal so upset that he told us to just go home.

After hours of telling us when to sit and stand, some of my classmates (and I) decided to have some fun by pulling the seats out from our classmates in front of us.

It didn't go over well, and our principal sent us home. Instead, we went to a nearby lake and jumped off our favorite rock cliff.

Boy, how times have changed.

Or have they?

In all seriousness, seniors should enjoy this time in their lives. It is important to have fun, but that also means being responsible.

This is your time.

Sadly, I've had my time.

-When he isn't turning his office into a replica of the Dr. Phil set for Bob Bell and Ellen Blackburn, Joshua Ball is Managing Editor for the Medical Leader. He can be contacted at (606) 218-4509 or by e-mail at joshua.ball@pikevillehospital.org

This is one Hillbilly Days I'll never forget

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 20:33:22 GMT

Funnel Cakes - Check!

Lemonade - Check!

Gyros - Check!

Beef Tips - Check!

Please pass the Tums. Another Hillbilly Days - my second to be exact - is in the books.

Pikeville transformed itself into a Hillbilly Heaven on April 17-19 as Hillbilly (Shriners) from across the United States and Canada gathered to raise money for Shriners Children's Hospitals.

While the meaning of the festival is helping handicapped children, the mood is quite festive. Shriners wear hillbilly apparel (and then some).

One of my favorite Shriners is Tennis Baisden. I met Tennis last year and discovered that he is from my hometown of Logan, W.Va. We immediately clicked, and you may have noticed his photo in our Hillbilly Days special section published on April 11. He is the gentleman wearing the clock (literally) on his hand like a wrist watch.

The possum lady, who told me that she doesn't like to be interviewed, is another festival favorite. I tried to approach her this year (after avoiding her last year) but I just didn't have the courage. I thought about getting a photograph and placing it in my office.

Then I thought it would be better served as a scarecrow in my parents' garden.

Perhaps the best part of Hillbilly Days - outside of the purpose of raising money for the Shriners Hospitals - is the food.

My diet goes from 3,000 calories a day to 3,000 calories an hour. I had beef tips, funnel cakes, barbeque, deep-fried Oreos (which were delicious), crawfish, elephant ears, gyros and lemonade.

Thank goodness I work for the hospital. Speaking of PMC: I gladly avoided our blood pressure and glucose monitors at our first aid station on Main Street.

Preston Lewis, who oversees our hospital's education department, asked to take my blood pressure. I replied, "I'll blow that thing (the machine up) and my glucose will read, "To be continued.'"

And my feet - they hurt. Perhaps it is the additional weight I packed on. Maybe it was me running from street to street buying food. Regardless, I'm in pain. The only thing that lost weight during my Hillbilly Days adventure was my checkbook.

On to the parade: Those big Shriners on those small motorcycles remind me of a bad rental car experience.

Following a car accident (which wasn't my fault) I had to drive a rental car.

The only vehicle they had "comparable" to my Toyota Camry was a Chevy Aveo. Hold on, I'm not knocking the Aveo, especially with gas prices hovering around $3.50 a gallon.

However, the harsh reality of a compact car is the fact that I am 6-foot-6. I looked like an elephant riding an ant.

I felt those Shriners' pain on those bikes, pushing 2.5 horsepower.

Finally, my favorite Hillbilly Days moment was this gentleman (who seemed to be everywhere I was). He looked as if his face got into a fight with a bottle of barbeque sauce.

And the sauce won.

Perhaps he was leaving the sauce on his face for dinner.

Well, it's time to throw those overalls in the closet for another year. The streets of Pikeville are clear and it's back to a normal routine. Hillbilly Days brings us all a break from the hustle and bustle of a fastpaced life.

In the meantime, I'll keep taking my Tums and recovering from a weekend of food and fun. Do I have any barbeque sauce on my face?

- Joshua Ball is attempting to be the Managing Editor for the Medical Leader this week, despite suffering from a new disease caused by excessive consumption of funnel cakes.

Learning to love cats

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 21:05:09 GMT

In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats. And, as every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat.

I can remember my brother- in-law, Billy Osendott, joking one day about how it's their world and we just live in it.

He's 100 percent correct.

Since we adopted our "children" 18 months ago (Gosh, it seems like years ago) they have pretty much ruled the household.

We no longer need our alarm clock to get out of bed at 5 a.m. Buddy, our slender tomcat, now gets us up and out of bed by 4:40 a.m. Sometimes 3:59 a.m., but never at 5 a.m. when the alarm is set

His meow massages the heart, even if I complain to Lisa about having to get out of the bed.

Once my feet hit the floor we procede into the kitchen area.

One cat just leads to another. Oops, I almost forgot to introduce you to our "chunky" little kitten known as Buffy. She's spoiled rotten and I have nobody to blame but myself.

Instead of her eating a can of cat food in the early morning hours she begins her day with Sara Lee's Honey Roasted Turkey Breast.

That's right! Turkey from the deli.

Buddy's breakfast runs an average of 44 cents per can. Buffy's turkey habit runs $6 per pound. Lisa often jokes with me that Buddy gets "short-changed' when it comes to meals. I guess she's right.

Cats always know whether people like or dislike them. That's another part of this story.

See, I never liked cats before I married Lisa. I didn't dislike cats, but I never had the affection to want them around.

All that changed after moving in with Lisa. She has always had a love for cats. She showed me just how sweet they can be.

It didn't take her long to win me over. The two little kittens we visited at the animal shelter in Charleston (W.Va.) did that.

I love cats now because I enjoy my home. Little by little, they have become its visible soul. They have become the children Lisa and I never had. We often look at children and joke about which little boy or girl acts more like Buddy or Buffy.

I know, that sounds silly doesn't it? Only if you're not a cat lover.

With the qualities of cleanliness, affection, patience, dignity, and courage that cats have, how many of us, I ask you, would be capable of becoming cats?

And, keep this in mind - people who hate cats, will come back as mice in their next lives.

Have a great week!

- When he's not spending time with his furry little kids, Teddy Paynter can be reached as a reporter at the Medical Leader. Contact him at (606) 218-4932, or by email at: teddy.paynter@pikevillehospital.org

I am the true vine

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:47:29 GMT

I am the true vine

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

I am the vine, ye are the branches; He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

The Bible is filled with incredible examples of people who obeyed God. The Israelites, as unfaithful as they were, were God's special nation because their ancestor Abraham obeyed God.

Biblical heroes, like Abraham, were not perfect but they obeyed. We are not perfect but we must obey. God loves obedience. Obedience helps us to live according to God's plans. God is delighted when we choose to obeyed Him.

Obeying is more than knowing the Bible; it's living every day by faith that God is ultimately in control and knows what's best for your life and mine. We must try pleasing God today and every day by obeying not one, but all of His instructions

Jesus said "I have loved you even as the Father has loved me.

May we live within His love each day.

- Kaminski Robinson serves as Chaplain for PMC. He can be reached by phone at 606-218-3969 or via email kaminski.robinson@pikevillehospital.org

Nothing like ol' Westerns

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:24:01 GMT

I have always loved western movies. My wife, Lisa, can tell you I probably watch channel 635 on my cable more than most women watch shopping networks.

I can't even tell you how many westerns I watch in a month. But since it's just April 11, I'm sure the number isn't as many as it will be by April 30.

Grant you, it doesn't take up all my time, but I was thinking the other day on the drive to work about the top western movies of all time. At least the ones I think are at the top of the list.

For starters, there's "Winchester 73," starring Jimmy Stewart. He is one of three stars I would place at the top of my list of favorite actors to watch on the 32- inch RCA.

Gosh, how great it would be if I would go ahead and buy that big screen television I've begged for over the past few months. (That's no hint, honey!).

You can't think about westerns without bringing up Clint Eastwood. That brings to mind� "Good, The Bad, And The Ugly." Like Winchester 73, I could watch it time and time again. And, just for the record, I have.

You can't talk about great westerns without bringing up one of my all-time movie heroes - John Wayne. "She Wore A Yellow Ribbon" may have been one of his best works ever. It may have been the Duke's greatest role as an Indian-fighting captain.

That brings me to another John Wayne classic - "Fort Apache." Doesit get any better than that?

I would round out my top five with Once Upon A Time In The West, starring Henry Ford and co-starring Charles Bronson.

I could go on and on, but I'll tie up the horse on the hitching post for now. I'm sure I'm neglecting a whole slew of great movies.

I can remember as a young boy growing up in Logan County, W.Va., how I would get up on Saturdays to watch a number of great western television shows.

So, if I can name my top five movies, I can name my top five shows.

My top spot goes to none other than "Gunsmoke." Matt Dillon, a.k.a. James Arness, Miss Kitty (Amanda Blake), and Doc Adams (Milburn Stone) were simply the greatest in this young boy's eyes.

"The Rifleman," starring Chuck Connors as ranger Lucas McCain, would be my second favorite of all time.

"Wagon Train," "Maverick" and "Have Gun Will Travel" round out the list.

Yes, those were wonderful days and wonderful memories for a young boy who now as a grown man still enjoys the simple days of television. When a western was a western and cowboys were still cowboys.

Have a great week!

- When Teddy Paynter isn't playing couch potato with a diet Pepsi and popcorn in hand, he can be reached at the Medical Leader. Contact him at (606) 218-4932 or email him at teddy.paynter@pikevillehospital.org.

Overcoming fear

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:53:49 GMT

Hmm, public speaking - that was a class I dreaded (I dreaded most of them in college.)

Believe it or not, I was shy. Public speaking was something that was simply a course requirement in my venture in academia, but little did I know that my professor's rant, "You'll use this one day," would indeed be so true.

I have had the pleasure of speaking to many organizations over the past year, from athletic banquets to high school and middle school students.

Perhaps it was fitting that I was the keynote speaker for the Williamson Rotary Club meeting Tuesday at the Brass Tree Restaurant. When I was called upon by Paul McAllister, who works with the American Red Cross, I was humbled, somewhat nervous and anxious.

Let me explain: I was humbled that me, a 27-yearold journalist, would be even considered to talk to a group of community leaders. I was nervous because I put too much pressure on myself, and I was anxious to get free lunch (I'm all about free food.)

All joking aside, I had a wonderful time. I believe young people (and I use the term young lightly when it comes to me) have a place in the role of community service in our communities.

I addressed the Rotary Club about the importance of community journalism and the role of the Medical Leader's progressive and positive voice in their community.

In February, I made my debut as a public speaker as a representative of this hospital. I jotted down notes and wanted to make sure I did my very best. I think I did just that.

That same night, I stopped by a small, grocery store in Martin County (where my parents live) and three people stopped and said, "We heard you speak and we were impressed."

So, I thought, "Maybe I'm pretty good at this."

I'm not fooled, I'll stick to writing full time and speaking when asked to do so.

GIVE ME? O.K., an auctioneer says "11-1," meaning $11,100 for a new Harley Davidson motorcycle valued at $18,000.

I thought about bidding but I had two problems: the funds and my inability to drive a motorcycle.

So, I counted myself out of the Tug Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross dinner and auction on March 27 at the Williamson, W.Va. Fire Department.

Unfortunately, Tia (Maria), co-host of the Big Ol' Country Show on the Tri-State's Coal Country (96.5 FM), didn't mind throwing her bid in for the bike.

But there was one problem - or should I say misunderstanding.

Curt Fletcher, Williamson High School's boys' basketball coach who served as the auctioneer for the event, said "Give me 11-1?"

Tia raises her number and Fletcher replies, "I have 11- 1."

Tia replies, "Oh my, what did I just do?"

Tia, you almost bought a motorcycle.

Luckily, after Tia came to her senses (did she think he meant $11.01?), attorney Greg "Hootie" Smith bailed her out and bought the bike at $11,500.

SPEAKING OF TIA:

Tia and her co-host Rocky "Uncle Rock" Ball (no relation, he's a Titans fan) emceed the event and Rocky's man coat (called girl coat by Tia) was auctioned off later in the evening.

In the list of items auctioned, the coat had a value of priceless.

Wonder what it was sold for?

- When he isn't doing a speaking engagement or attending charity auctions (and making fun of others), Joshua Ball serves as Managing Editor for the Medical Leader. He can be contacted at (606) 218-4509 or by e-mail at [joshua.ball@pikevillehospital.org]

Ask the Pharmacist: What patients should know about Vytorin, Zetia and the ENHANCE study

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 17:00:30 GMT

By Kaleb Blair, Pharm. D.Candidate

What is the ENHANCE study?

The ENHANCE study compared the two cholesterol lowering drugs Vytorin (simvastatin/ezetimibe) and Zocor (simvastatin). Ezetimibe is sold as a single agent under the trade name Zetia. These drugs decrease LDL (or, bad cholesterol).

The goal of the ENHANCE study was to see if Vytorin reduced plaque build-up in blood vessels better than Zocor. Vytorin was not shown to be better at lowering plaque build-up than Zocor, but it was better at lowering bad cholesterol. This study only included people with a rare genetic disorder known as HeFH (affecting only 1 in 500 people), which causes them to have unusually high LDL cholesterol levels. The average person with high cholesterol probably doesn't have this disorder.

At the current moment, only a small amount of data from the ENHANCE study has been released. Researchers are still analyzing data from the study. It will be a few months before the study is published and other healthcare professionals have the opportunity to look at the data for themselves.

What if I am taking Vytorin or Zetia; how does this study affect me?

Currently, this information shouldn't affect you. Vytorin isn't better than Zocor at reducing plaque build-up in blood vessels. However, Vytorin is better than Zocor at lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) . Currently, it isn't known if Vytorin is better or worse than Zocor at preventing heart attack, stroke, and death; ENHANCE was not a clinical-outcomes study. Studies are currently in progress looking at these specific clinical outcomes. Information regarding their results will not be available for a few years.

Currently, experts recommend that healthcare providers continue prescribing drugs necessary to keep LDL cholesterol within a safe range. No changes in prescribing should be made based on this study alone.

Is taking Vytorin or Zetia dangerous?

The ENHANCE study did not show a difference in side effects between Vytorin and Zocor. Currently, there is no reason to believe Vytorin or Zetia are dangerous.

Should I stop taking Vytorin or Zetia?

Do not stop taking Vytorin or Zetia without first consulting with your healthcare professional.

References:
1. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3053094

2. http://www.lipid.org/news/1000053.php

3. http://www.acc.org/enhance.htm

4. http://www.pharmacistletter.com/

- Kaleb Blair works at Pikeville Medical Center's 24-Hour Pharmacy

Hmm... Sugarland

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:28:44 GMT

As we are getting ready for the upcoming Sugarland concert, I've started thinking about all of the uses for sugar - using it as a preservative, a sweetener and so on and so forth.

Let's look at one of my favorite desserts (or breakfast foods, depending on how you look at it) - a Bavarian-filled Eclair. There's just something about a light and crispy eclair filled with Bavarian cream with a hint of vanilla. It's so intoxicating.

And while making them can look a little overwhelming at first, it's actually very easy and completely worth the time involved.

So, let's get started.

The eclair batter: If you want to get technical, it's called pate a choux (pat-ashoe).

Here is the recipe for it:
� 8 ounces of unsalted butter
� 1 tsp. salt
� 1 tsp. sugar
� 1 pint of milk (16 oz.)
� 10.5 oz. of flour (sifted to remove any clumps)
� 16 oz. whole eggs

In a large sauce pan, bring the butter, milk, sugar and salt to a boil.

Add all of the flour at once and stir with a wooden spoon until it forms a ball, and does not stick to the sides (about 5 minutes).

Remove from the heat, and place in a mixer. Mix on low to allow to cool slightly.

Gradually add the eggs (one at a time) until they are completely mixed in.

Use a pastry bag to form desired shapes - swans are a great way to impress for parties.

Bake at 400 degrees until brown, and dry on the inside (check them often - probably about 15 minutes in a conventional oven).

Now for the Bavarian cream, which, in my opinion, is good enough to eat on its own.
� 2 tsp. unflavored Gelatin
� cup of cold water
� 4 egg yolks
� cup of sugar
� 1 pinch of salt
� 2 cups of milk
� 1 tsp. of vanilla extract
� 2 cups of heavy cream

Combine the water and the gelatin in a small bowl, and set aside.

Whisk together the egg yolks, sugar and salt to smooth.

Bring the milk to a boil, and very (VERY) slowly whisk it into the egg mixture.

Whisk in the gelatin and the vanilla extract, and run through a strainer to remove any lumps (allow to cool).

When it is cooled to room temperature, whip the heavy cream to medium peaks, and fold it in the egg mixture until it is incorporated.

Enjoy!

- Shawn Cash is Executive Chef for the East Kentucky Expo Center. He can be contacted at (606) 444-5500 or by e-mail at shawn@eastkyexpo.com

I Am the Way

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 14:59:34 GMT

I Am the Way

A man was traveling in a distant country.

His destination lay over high mountains. It was a difficult and dangerous journey, and he was in need of a qualified guide. One man offered his services. The traveler asked, "Have you ever been to the village to which I wish to go?"

No, the man replied, but I have been part of the way, and I heard others tell of the rest of the way. The traveler replied, you will not do. Another volunteered to serve as his guide. He, too, was asked, Have you ever been to the village?

His answer was, "No, but I have been to the top of the mountain and have looked down on the village." The traveler replied, "You will not do."

A third man came and offered his services. When asked the same question he replied, "Sir, that village is my home. I live there!"

The Lord Jesus Christ said: "I am the way, the Truth and the Life. No man cometh to the Father but by Me." (St.John: 14:6).

That land to which we all wish to go, He called it "My Father's house."

If we commit ourselves entirely to Him, He will take us there.

- Kaminski Robinson serves as Chaplain for PMC. He can be reached by phone at 606-218-3969 or via email kaminski.robinson@pikevillehospital.org

What's so funny?

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 14:43:47 GMT

Some things are just funny, and some things are just funny even when they're not really funny at all.

Case in point:

You bang your elbow and pain shoots down your arm to your hand and fingers. You grab your elbow and find that you've hit a small lump just to the side of it.

You yell, "Ouch!"

Your wife says, "That's your funny bone."

You give her a strange look. Funny bone? Why, that wasn't funny at all.

I can remember reaching into the trunk of my wife's car recently and as I went to close it, my elbow struck the frame structure. "Ouch!"

When you really stop to think about it, your funny bone has nothing to do with fun at all.

I'm not a physician or medical expert, but I tend to believe it isn't really a bone.

Instead, it's a place where a nerve crosses the long bone that's located near your elbow. It's called the humerus, but if you hit it, it isn't humorous at all.

I learned on the Medical Channel (it's called something else on the cable network) that nerves are tiny threads of tissue that run through all parts of our body.

These nerves carry a message to your brain, and to other parts of your body. They are part of the body's central nervous system, located in our spinal column and in that pink and gray matter that resembles gelatin (we call it our brain). The brain is part of my elbow?

I'll have to check the cable guide, but I think I got that straight.

Anyway.

The funny bone is one of the easiest nerves to bump or hit.

When you smack your elbow, you hit that nerve. Messages then travel to your spinal cord and from there, they go to your brain.

Then, your brain sends back a message of pain to your elbow, hands and fingers. This makes your face muscles move, so those around you know that you are in pain.

The pain causes your other hand to move to the elbow that you bumped.

That is a pain response. In other words, you respond to the pain by moving your hand to protect that spot.

Yes, it's called your funny bone, but we all know it isn't very funny at all, especially when you whack it.

Like I said�some things are just funny.

- When Teddy Paynter isn't thinking about a career in the medical field (or watching the Discovery Channel), he can be found writing for the Medical Leader. You can reach him at (606) 218-4932, or by email at teddy.paynter@pikevillehospital.org

Establish in a routine

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:17:01 GMT

One of the most effective ways to establish and maintain a discipline of any kind is to make it part of a daily routine.

The same is true of the discipline of daily devotions.

A daily devotion will give you energy for a new day.

First, read the Scripture. You might want to consider a reading schedule that moves you through the Bible in a year's time. We must allow for our own personal encounter with God's written Word. Mornings, when we first awake, are often a good time for devotions.

Reflect on the Word as it pertains to your life, personally.

Consider how the metaphors, insights, judgments, and mercies in the words you read impact your own soul and psyche. This will work like a fertilizer for our actions.

Pray�take time to communicate with God through prayer, naming those who are dear to you, those who are in need, and those who suffer. Lift up your own needs before God, and give thanks for all your blessings.

I personally keep a written list that I update daily or weekly. I often tell those I am praying for, you don't get off my list until your prayers are answered.

Repeating this process daily will make a difference. Read, reflect, and pray each day�do this until you can't leave home in the morning or turn off the last light at night.

A variety of materials and methods can enrich your daily devotions. I explore various devotional resources from a variety of writers, and reflect on poetry and hymns. I pray about many things I know about in our community, in our churches, family friends and neighbors.

The first days of establishing a routine are the most difficult.

Hang in there!

May the blessings of God be on you!!

- Kaminski Robinson serves as Chaplain for PMC. He can be reached by phone at 606-218-3969 or via email kaminski.robinson@pikevillehospital.org

We're proud to journey into Mingo County

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:03:55 GMT

Pikeville Medical Center takes pride in providing quality, regional healthcare in a Christian environment, and the Medical Leader takes that same pride in providing a product that focuses on the good news of uplifting those around us.

It is, after all, the work of Christ that motivates us. Every day, our group of dedicated healthcare professionals impact lives not only with their skills, but their compassion.

We bring that same compassion of good stewardship to the pages of the Medical Leader each week. Our passion is simple - it's an approach to community journalism that centers on the foundation of making a difference.

The fruits of our labor are evident. With the leadership of a progressive administration, the Medical Leader pages have evolved into a pillar of the public's conversation from Whitesburg to Pikeville, from Belfry to Prestonsburg, and now to the communities of Williamson, Delbarton, Matewan, Kermit and all areas in between. Our growth has centered on our commitment to community journalism and compassion to tell the stories of our neighbors.

This week, we extend our web of positive news into Mingo County, W.Va., and we welcome our friends and neighbors from the Mountain State.

We invite you to share in an experience of community journalism like no other.

At Pikeville Medical Center, we are an extension of Christ's ministry. Our healthcare professionals offer hope for the hurting and healing for the soul. We offer the good news - the same kind of news Christ shared as he traveled from town to town.

I like to use this scripture: "No matter what happens, live in a way that brings honor to the good news about Christ. Then I will know that you stand firm with one purpose. I may come and see you or only hear about you. But I will know that you work together as one person. And I will know that you work to spread the teachings of the good news." (Philippians 1:27 - the New International Version)

Together, let's spread the good news and share the many stories of our region that have been untold.

- Joshua Ball

Getting caught red-handed

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:01:55 GMT

I'm a handy man when I need to be around the house.

Well, sort of a handy man, I guess.

My age is starting to catch up with me on work around the house. After I finish up one project, I can't seem to recall just how much trouble it was completing. So, I start in on another.

Whether it's putting a computer table together or trying to figure out why the toaster isn't working, I'm always getting involved in some kind of work.

I've had my eye on building a deck on the back of our home for some time now, and I've made plans to sow grass this spring in the yard.

I can remember one time looking at the rust on an old mailbox at my mother's house and thinking� "That sure could use a paint job." The color had faded. I think it was red once, but had turned a shady brown. Actually, rust might be a better word to describe the project I was about to embark upon.

I already had a can of red paint, so it was just a matter of spraying it on the box.

So, I worked myself up to the job at hand. I went into the house and put on my "painting clothes" as we called them back then.

I went out to the street where the mailbox was located with the red paint in hand. Yes, I was armed and dangerous. I carried with me a piece of cardboard, which I planned to hold over the parts not to be painted to shield them from the spray.

I thought to myself�red paint...white paint�or both?

So, I stayed with red. I started to spray the box and everything seemed to be working okay until I realized I had painted my hand. It wasn't that big a deal because the mailbox looked great. Still, my hand was a bright red.

No problem.

I was able to get out the paint thinner and started to clean it off when mom said she needed bread from the store.

I hurried and jumped into the car and started down the road to the store with my hand still red.

When I handed the cashier a ten-dollar bill she gave me a strange look. I guess it was justified since my hand was a bright red.

Yes, I had a number of people ask me as I was leaving the store and parking lot what happened to my hand. I told them I was painting the mailbox and had to make a quick run to the store.

It's funny that you could probably walk around with a paper sack over your head and everyone would ignore you and pretend not to notice.

I've had some strange things happen in my lifetime, but that was the first time I was ever caught redhanded.

Have a great week!

- Teddy Paynter is a Staff Writer for the Medical Leader - when he is not painting mailboxes (or his hand). He can be contacted at (606) 218-4932 or by email at teddy.paynter@pikevillehospital. org.

Making a difference

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 18:02:05 GMT

I've always been impressed by the power of little things.

Nature is full of examples of this truth. Want proof?

Ants carry many times their weight. Contrary to their design, bees fly. Hummingbirds migrate thousands of miles every year - much of it over water.

In human terms, it is equally amazing what can be done with something small. Years ago, the children in a church I served helped teach us all a lesson on the power of just a penny.

They wanted to bring an offering (just like the adults), and we began filling a fivegallon bottle. Over the course of a year, they filled that jar -plus more.

All of those pennies added up to hundreds of dollars, and, more importantly, thousands of immunizations for needy children. The children learned a great lesson in the power of giving just a little.

Each year, the American Cancer Society sponsors a "Relay for Life," and I'm working at raising awareness - as well as some funds - to help fight cancer.

I invite you to join me in an exercise to again prove the power of little things.

If all of you, who read this column, were to find a way to give just a dollar or two, imagine how much of a difference we'd make by all doing a little to accomplish something great.

Here is a way!

You can stop by any Community Trust Bank branch and make a deposit in "Randy's Relay Fund."

I'll report every other week just how that fund is doing, and together we can show our community that we care about cancer, and that we can truly make a difference.

- Randy Johnson serves as Chaplain for Pikeville Medical Center. He can be reached by phone at 218- 3915 or by email at randy.johnson@pikevillehospital.org

Thank God for all my blessings

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 18:34:21 GMT

Over the course of the last 15 months I've shared many stories from my childhood. The majority of these stories have focused on childhood antics that have often been opportunities for my personal growth.

These are better known as an education in the school of hard knocks. What has been educational for me has been a source of pain and frustration chiefly for my mother. I can't tell you how many gray hairs on her head are directly related to my foolishness. Honestly, how my mother endured all these things has been another opportunity for my education.

She probably felt like calling somebody and asking them to come and get us many times. The thought that she brought us into this world and she could take us out of it may have even flashed through her mind as well.

What is it that I have learned? I know about the grace of God because of the grace my mother shared with me. I didn't get what I really deserved. It's the same way with God, I've spent my share of life offending God and his ways and because of it I deserve punishment.

Thank God I've received grace rather than punishment. How about you? Have you accepted God's offer of grace, the forgiveness of sin and eternal life? Our sin hurts God yet he offers us a second chance if we but believe in his Son Jesus Christ.

May the grace offered to you by others show you a glimpse of the grace of God? "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." Jn 3:16

- Randy Johnson serves as Chaplain for Pikeville Medical Center. He can be reached by phone at 218-3915 or by email at randy.johnson@pikevillehospital.org.

Maybe I should diet

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:13:56 GMT

I thought about going on a diet one time. In fact, I had talked to my wife about it not very long ago.

Believe me, I need to keep what little weight I have so I don't blow away in strong winds. Okay, I need to keep all the weight I have so I don't blow away.

My plan is to actually bulk up a little by lifting weights and potentially causing myself serious injury.

For the first few months, most of the bulk will probably be swelling.

I'm at the age now that just getting out of bed each morning is enough exercise to get me through the day.

I'll be the first to admit I've never been about using a machine to lose weight. I guess you can say I've never been a workout junkie.

If I join fitness clubs I'd have to fill out one of those membership forms. You know, when they ask you more questions than you're asked when buying a car or home.

Then there's the personal health check form. I think that's what it's called. But then again, I'm not sure because I've never joined one of those joints.

Now throw in an acknowledgement release and assumption of risk form.

I'm not sure what that is either.

Anyway, I'm feeling very positive about the whole thing.

Wait!

Does this mean a change in my eating habits?

Does this mean working out two or three days each week for 30 minutes or so?

Maybe I shouldn't rush into anything just yet.

Of all the muscles in the body, judging by the number of all the muscles in the body, judging by the number of fitness-made TV commercials, the ones on which there is a national fixation are the abs.

The look of my abs hasn't changed much in the past 20 years.

Given my age, I doubt there are enough years left for mine to become visible.

Baloney. There is suffering on a diet, plain and simple.

That means I would have to go to bed at night sobbing about the Krispy Kreme I was denied, or the nachos I would never create.

There are the obvious reasons for losing weight. It's better for you.

So I guess as long as I continue to lose it all in my head for now that will work.

At least until I decide to go on a diet.

Hmmm . . . what's for lunch?

- Teddy Paynter is a Staff Writer for the Medical Leader. He can be contacted at (606) 218-4509 or by e-mail at teddy.paynter@pikeville.hospital.org