Cindy McCracken says she’s on a mission to live a healthier life. A partnership in southwestern Missouri is helping her do just that, say officials with the University of Missouri Extension. more

Ozarka College recently hosted an American Red Cross Blood Drive in the lobby of the John E. Miller Education Complex in Melbourne, Ark. American Red Cross employees stated that 19 units of blood were donated and they welcomed four first time donors during the July 10 event. 
“We are extremely proud of the support shown by our Ozarka family and community members during the blood drive,” said Chrisha Savell, Ozarka’s administrative specialist for admissions. “The results are a testament of our lifesaving mission!” more

Officials with Baxter Health in Mtn. Home, Ark., are welcoming Dr. Jacob Carter and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Jeanne Marotta to the Baxter system. more

Baxter Health officials in Mtn. Home, Ark., say they are proud to welcome vascular surgeon Dr. Nestor Arita to the medical staff. Effective Aug. 1, he will join the Baxter Health Heart and Vascular Clinic and the practice of Drs. Heath Broussard, F. Michael Bauer, James Munns, Kent Nachtigal and nurse practitioners Emily Brown and Kathy Prinner. more

Ozarks Healthcare Chief Nursing Officer Lacey Carter has been promoted to the position of chief operations officer, health system officials announce. While taking on the duties of her new role, they said, Carter will continue to serve as CNO, overseeing the management and operations of all nursing services across Ozarks Healthcare. more

Ozarks Healthcare officials are reminding its communities of the availability of its walk-in clinics in West Plains and Mtn. Grove, offering immediate care for nonemergency situations this summer. With a stated mission to provide accessible and high-quality healthcare, Ozarks Healthcare walk-in clinics are “the perfect solution for patients needing prompt attention without the wait and cost associated with an emergency room visit,” said officials. more

A researcher at the University of Missouri in Columbia has developed a program that improves the quality of care and reduces avoidable hospitalizations in nursing homes — saving Missouri nursing homes and Medicare millions of dollars and allowing Missouri nursing homes to invest more in retaining their most skilled staff members. The program is so successful that it’s being recommended for use in all 50 states. more

Simple, clear conversations between health care providers and their patients can save lives. For University of Missouri-Columbia science communication expert Monique Luisi, those conversations are crucial not only for a successful doctor’s visit but also for the preservation of public health.
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One of the most important things to do on these hot summer days is to stay hydrated. There are all sorts of products to purchase, but simple, free water is the best thing for hydration. more

You often wouldn’t know it from what we see on TV and social media, but the basics of a healthy lifestyle can be pretty straightforward. Try to walk or do other physical activities, eat a healthy diet of mostly plant-based foods, limit alcohol and, of course, don’t smoke. more

Texas County Memorial Hospital has a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for the new TCMH Licking Family Clinic, board members heard at their monthly meeting last week. more

Over the last few months, we have watched on the news about the recalls of applesauce with possible lead issues. It’s concerning, as parents, that we might feed our kids something that could cause any health issues. more

As the busy Fourth of July holiday week gets closer, the American Red Cross asks donors to be a powerful force for good by giving blood or platelets now and in the weeks to come. Donors are critically needed right now after a sharp decrease in donations since late spring, say organization officials, noting all blood types are needed, especially donors giving type O blood and those giving platelets. more

Ozark Action, the West Plains Arts Alliance, Howell County Health Department and University of Missour Extension are partnering to bring a day of arts experiences to West Plains. The event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. July 16 in the Community Room at the MU Extension-Howell County offices, 1376 Bill Virdon Blvd. in East Towne Village, West Plains. more

Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston is hosting a “Chillin in the Ozarks” blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 12. Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) will collect blood donations in the Jayson Gentry Community Safe Room on the TCMH campus, 1333 S. Sam Houston Blvd. more

As warmer weather approaches and more time is being spent outdoors, we want to remind Missourians to also take simple steps to prevent illnesses that are spread by ticks and mosquitoes when spending time outdoors. more

Baseball fans have an opportunity to donate blood and get rewards for participating in a blood drive hosted by Ozarks Healthcare and the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks from noon to 6 p.m. Friday in the Willard Hunter Classroom at Parkway Center, 1211 Porter Wagoner Blvd. in West Plains. more

Our third annual Mommy and Me event on May 3 was a hit! We had 27 families who were able to attend. more

It’s not cool to be hot, says University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch. Water, rest and shade help workers beat the heat. more

Texas County Memorial Hospital officials in Houston announce Bonnie Evans, a certified nursing assistant in the hospital’s medical-surgical department, is the 2024 Sunflower Award recipient.  more