Week Without Violence events planned

The Week Without Violence committee will host several events the week of Oct. 20 to address violence in our community.

Throughout the week, Robidoux and Truman middle school students will be participating in a program on preventing teen dating violence. On Oct. 20, Missouri Western athletes will attend presentations on preventing violence against women on college campuses.

On Oct. 21, a presentation for men on becoming more effective parents will be held at the American Red Cross from 1 to 3:30 p.m. This event is open to the public, and reservations can be made by calling 232-4481. The committee also is encouraging community members to participate in the annual “Thursdays in Black” throughout the month of October as a statement against violence. More information on any of these events can be obtained by contacting Dawn Berryman, YWCA Victim Services Volunteer Coordinator at 232-4481 or by e-mail at dberryman@ywcasj.org.

St. Francis marks Physical Therapy Month

October is National Physical Therapy Month, and the physical therapists at St. Francis Rehab & Sports Medicine are planning an open house to celebrate. The open house will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 13 in the St. Francis Rehab & Sports Medicine department on the north wing of the hospital. In keeping with the American Physical Therapy Association’s theme for this year, “Physical therapy: it’s all about movement,” physical therapists will demonstrate exercises to improve strength and neuromuscular control, and the importance of doing them correctly.

The open house will offer demonstrations and information on exercise and other physical therapy treatments.

Health Department offers flu clinic

The City of St. Joseph/Buchanan County Health Department will offer a free public flu clinic to Buchanan County residents from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until the vaccine is gone on Oct. 15. The flu clinic will be located at the Mayes Memorial Armory, 301 N. Woodbine. A drive-up vaccination service will be available for any person with mobility issues.

The 600 doses are for adults aged 65 and older or persons 64 and younger with heart, lung or kidney disease, diabetes or anyone who has an already compromised immune system due to another medical problem. People with a medical risk are not required to provide a note from their doctor. People with a minor cold, without fever or generalized aching, can receive the vaccine.

Children or women who will be pregnant during flu season should get vaccine from their family doctor.

The Health Department will have a limited supply of vaccine for children under the age of 18, but it will be dispensed at Patee Market, 904 S. 10th St., during normal business hours. The flu clinic at the Armory is for Buchanan County residents only — proof of residency is required. Medicare or MO HealthNet patients must bring their card with them and present it at the sign-in table.

Any remaining vaccine will be available at the St. Joseph/Buchanan County Health Department clinic. For more information, call 271-4725.

McMillen among top doctors of 2008

Dr. James McMillen of St. Joseph was recently named one of The Top Doctors of 2008 by Ingram’s, Kansas City’s business magazine covering business, industry and economic development trends in the bi-state region. This year, 12 physicians are included among the Top Doctor honorees. The Top Doctors Award is reserved for those physicians who have a heartfelt interest in the well-being of the patient. Each year, 10 to 15 physicians are chosen from hundreds of nominations for this distinction. The winners are selected by physicians who are past Top Doctors Award recipients.

Dr. McMillen has been a practicing physician for nearly 35 years. He is board certified in internal medicine, internal medicine–geriatrics, American Medical Directors Association–Certified Medical Director and American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. He serves in several leadership roles at Heartland Health, including medical director of Heartland Home Health and Hands of Hope Hospice, Community Health Plan and Health Information Services.

Thompson named Auxilian of the Year

Beverly Thompson was recently honored as Hedrick Medical Center’s Auxilian of the Year. Brian Johnston, Hedrick’s CEO, presented the award.

The Auxilian of the Year award is designated to recognize auxiliary members who show consistent outstanding performance. In her nomination form, Beverly is described as “making patients feel comfortable and always willing to offer a helping hand while having a smile. Beverly possesses and demonstrates all great qualities that an employer would look for in an employee.”

Lifestyles reporter Erin Wisdom can be reached at ewisdom@npgco.com.