NSMC News

You probably have heard us brag about the Sleep Center at North Sunflower Medical Center a handful of times. And there is a really good reason for that. It is amazing.

Like with so many things here at North Sunflower, the Sleep Center is a state-of-the-art facility that provides comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for patients suffering from sleep disorders and pulmonary conditions.

The study of sleep medicine dates back to the early 1950s. But the critical importance of sleep to good health and life has become clearer as studies have evolved over the past 25 years.

Visit the Sleep Center's Experts

Today, the Sleep Center at North Sunflower Medical Center is a leading sleep medicine provider in the region. A team of highly trained medical professionals staffs the center. They specialize in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. They offer a full range of diagnostic tests, treatment options, and education and support for patients and their families.

One of the key diagnostic tools used at the Center is the electroencephalogram (EEG), a non-invasive test measuring brain activity. The EEG is used to diagnose sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, a neurological disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks. The test also monitors brain activity during sleep to help identify abnormalities that may be causing sleep disruptions.

The Center's team of highly skilled professionals includes board-certified sleep specialists, registered polysomnographic technologists, and respiratory therapists who work together to provide personalized care to each patient.

The Center also offers pulmonary care for patients with respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, and lung cancer. The center's respiratory therapists work closely with physicians to develop individualized treatment plans that address each patient's unique needs. The center has the latest technology, including a pulmonary function testing machine, which measures lung capacity and function.

Sleep Center Studies, Education, and Quality Care

The Sleep Center also provides sleep studies, which are conducted in a comfortable and private room right here in Ruleville. The patient's vital signs, brain activity, and breathing patterns are monitored during the study to help diagnose sleep disorders. NSMC's sleep specialists analyze the data collected during the sleep study to develop a personalized treatment plan for each patient.

The Center also educates patients with sleep disorders in a supportive environment. The Center provides information on healthy sleep habits, including tips for improving sleep quality and ways to manage sleep disorders.

Patients who visit the Center can expect comprehensive care addressing their sleep disorder and any underlying pulmonary conditions. The center's team of experts works together to provide patients with the highest quality care possible. This ensures you receive the treatment you need to improve your quality of life.

If you think you might be living with a difficult sleep disorder or could use a better night's sleep, contact the North Sunflower Sleep Center at (662) 756-4000. Our staff members want to help you get the restful sleep you need to improve your health and well-being.

As we turn the calendar from February to March, we want to highlight one of North Sunflower's most beneficial partnerships: NSMC Cardiology Clinic and Jackson Heart Clinic.

Thanks partly to this partnership, NSMC Cardiology Clinic has been a leading healthcare provider in cardiology in the Delta for over a decade. The clinic has been dedicated to providing patients with the best care anywhere. We use the latest technology and techniques to help patients maintain a healthy heart.

We talked with Brad Cooper, Director of the NSMC Cardiology Clinic. He told us, "It all goes back to Dr. Hutcheson."

The NSMC Cardiology & Jackson Heart Team

Dr. Gene Hutcheson was a renowned cardiologist who practiced medicine for over 30 years before retiring last year. For over a decade, he brought his expertise in interventional cardiology to Ruleville. He helped thousands of patients recover from heart-related issues.

The NSMC Cardiology Clinic now has a trio of exceptional cardiologists that fill Hutcheson's sizable shoes. Dr. J. Gray Bennett, Dr. William H. Crowder, and Dr. J. Clay Hays, Jr. are now members of the North Sunflower family, continuing our outstanding partnership with Jackson Heart Clinic.

"This partnership allows our patients to get the same high level of care right here in Ruleville without having to drive to Jackson or other areas," Brad told us.

The Jackson Heart Clinic is a well-respected cardiology clinic based in Jackson, Mississippi. They are known for their expertise in diagnosing and treating heart disease. They are committed to providing patients with compassionate care. The two clinics have shared knowledge and resources to ensure their patients receive the most up-to-date and effective treatments.

Dr. Bennett, Dr. Crowder, and Dr. Hays each work closely with the team at NSMC Cardiology Clinic to develop treatment plans for patients with complex heart conditions. They use their collective knowledge and experience to ensure patients receive the best care possible.

Heart Health

Over the years, this partnership has resulted in countless success stories. Patients who have received care at NSMC Cardiology Clinic and the Jackson Heart Clinic have seen significant improvements in their heart health. Many have increased energy levels, improved quality of life, and reduced risk of future heart problems.

One thing that sets this partnership apart is the emphasis on patient-centered care. Both NSMC Cardiology Clinic and the Jackson Heart Clinic are committed to putting the needs of their patients first. This ensures that patients receive personalized care tailored to their unique needs and circumstances.

The long-standing partnership between NSMC Cardiology Clinic and the Jackson Heart Clinic has provided patients with the best care for heart-related issues. Their commitment to patient-centered care and shared expertise and resources has resulted in many success stories. They continue working together to help patients achieve optimal heart health.

If you promise someone your heart, maybe make sure it's in good shape before giving it away. That's why North Sunflower Medical Center (NSMC) reminds patients to prioritize their heart health this Valentine's Day. 
 
Valentine's Day, a holiday traditionally associated with love and romance, also falls smack dab in the middle of Heart Month. This time serves as a reminder to prioritize heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Approximately 655,000 Americans die yearly from heart disease.
 
The time after a heart attack, heart surgery, or other cardiac events can be challenging. Even though you are well enough to return home after your hospitalization, your doctor will prescribe outpatient cardiac rehabilitation as an essential part of your recovery.

NSMC Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

The NSMC cardiac rehabilitation program is a comprehensive program designed to help patients recover from heart disease and improve their heart health. NSMC's Cardiac Rehab is certified through the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. It's a partnership between NSMC cardiologists and the Beacon Wellness Center. 
 
Cardiac rehabilitation is a monitored exercise and education program that helps you regain your strength, reduce cardiac disease risk factors, help decrease anxiety/depression associated with the cardiac event, and prevent future cardiac events. If you've just experienced a cardiac event, there's no better way to start your journey to recovery and wellness than The Cardiac Rehab at North Sunflower Medical Center.
 
We talked with Brad Cooper, Director of the Beacon Wellness Center. "We have two exercise physiologists that run our sessions and a respiratory therapist that assists. They monitor the patients as they exercise," Brad told us. "We have three classes per day and have people come two or three days a week – depending on the patients."
 
Patients are referred to the program by their primary physician or cardiologist. They then work with a team of healthcare professionals to develop a personalized treatment plan based on their individual needs and goals. The program also includes nutritional counseling, stress management, and other resources to help patients make healthy lifestyle choices.

Heart Health

"Any cardiac event can be life-changing. If something happens to your heart, you don't want it to happen again," Brad told us. "Patients develop comradery and have less fear since our people monitor them to ensure nothing goes wrong. And if it does, they are at the hospital, and we can take care of them. They come out way better than before their event with less anxiety and a better hold on life."
 
By providing comprehensive support and resources, the program is helping patients recover from heart disease and improve their overall health and well-being.
 
Valentine's Day is the perfect time to remind that special someone in your life to prioritize their heart health and improve their overall health and well-being. By participating in the Cardiac Rehab Program, patients receive the support and resources they need to lead a heart-healthy lifestyle. That can reduce their risk of developing heart disease so they can be around for many more Valentine's days.

A Night for Beauty and Botox

Sunflower Med Spa and Balance Fitness in Cleveland, owned by Lauren Caston and Georgia Tindall, are coming together for a night of Beauty and Botox. This spring event is Thursday, March 23, from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm and will be held at Balance Fitness. "

We are excited to host this event. Come see our beautiful studio and meet Dr. Erica Bass. We want everyone to enjoy a night of Beauty and Botox," said Caston.

More information on the event will soon be provided on North Sunflower Medical Center's website and through text messaging. North Sunflower Medical Center and Balance Fitness will also use their social media platforms to begin promoting this event on and around March 1. 

Alice Pyles, Director of Sunflower Diagnostic Center, said, "We are so excited to collaborate with our first ever Beauty and Botox with the Balance Fitness Studio. We are looking forward to everyone meeting Dr. Erica Bass. And we hope to have several other events in the future!!"

The Beacon Wellness center has hosted the Biggest Loser Challenge for the past few years. If you've seen the TV show, this is just like that, except it is for Beacon Wellness Center members and employees of  North Sunflower Medical Center.
 
Simply put, the goal is to see who can lose the most weight and get healthy in the new year.
 
We talked with Brent Langston, Assistant Manager of the Beacon Wellness Center and Lead Cardiac Therapist, who oversees the contest. "We generally have it at the beginning of the year. It seems like everybody's New Year's resolution is to get healthy, lose weight, and just have a healthier lifestyle," Brent told us. "We are trying to rewrite the long-term habits people have created over the course of their life."

Avoiding "Quitters Day"

According to a CBSNews poll, twenty-six percent of Americans make their New Year's resolution about losing weight or improving their fitness. Unfortunately, January 19th has been called “Quitters Day,” as statistics show most people abandon their healthy resolutions.
 
That is where the Biggest Loser Challenge comes in.  “Some folks are super competitive, and that gives them the incentives they need to stick with a program,” Brent said. Exercise increases endorphins, and endorphins make people happy.
 
It all starts with the first weigh-in at the end of January.  Potential Winning Losers come to the Beacon Wellness Center to get weighed, take their waist-to-hip measurements, and measure their Body Mass Index and fat percentage.  Over the next four months, there are monthly weigh-ins.  Then there are four weigh-ins over the next four months. Brent added, “We have prizes for each weigh-in just to keep people motivated to stick with the program.”

Beacon Wellness Center

Almost everyone in and around Ruleville knows Beacon Wellness Center is one of the many jewels of North Sunflower Medical Center. Opened in 2011, the 33,000-square-foot facility houses the surgical wing, administration, sleep center, and state-of-the-art workout facility. The wellness center also has personal trainers who are on hand to help the Losers chive their goals.
 
The program can be life-changing for some. But even those who stay with it for a little while still see healthy benefits. “We have people who have turned their life around and are regular gym members. I see people who are faithful and come every day for the whole year.  Some will do the contest, and they won’t darken the door until next year.  But we're happy to have everyone.” After all, Brent told us, “Exercise increases endorphins, and endorphins make happy people.”
 
If you think you have what it takes to become the winning biggest loser, call Brent at the Beacon Wellness Center for details at (662) 746-1800.

Twenty-one years ago, Ora Nellum stopped by North Sunflower Medical Center to apply for a job.

“They called me right back and hired me the same day. When I met everyone, they were all nice, like a family. I knew it was the place for me,” Ora tells us.

Since then, Ora has become a respected and longstanding hospital fixture. The mother of four was named Non-Clinical Employee of the Year for 2022.

“I was shocked. I never expected it. They wanted to keep it a secret from me. I was so happy,” says Ora, the Ward Clerk for Acute Care.

Lindsey Flowers had a similar experience about ten years ago when she considered leaving her home health job. She planned to drop off her resume at North Sunflower. Instead, she spent two hours meeting the hospital team—and left with a job.

“They made me feel right at home from that very first day. I’ve had other opportunities, but I enjoy who I work with. I’ve made lifelong friends at North Sunflower Medical Center. I absolutely love it here,” Lindsey says.

Lindsey, the 2022 Clinical Employee of the Year, was also shocked by the announcement.

“I was very, very surprised. I had to pick my mouth up off the table,” says Lindsey, the RN discharge coordinator.

NSMC Employee of the Year Awards for 2022

Both Ora and Lindsey stress that while they appreciate the honors, they consider themselves part of a team united in caring for the community.

The award may have been a surprise to them, but to most everyone here at North Sunflower, honoring the two was a privilege for us. Ora and Lindsey’s dedication is inspiring.

Ora has two sets of twins and a new grandchild born just this month. As a ward clerk, Ora ensures everyone has the supplies they need, and she is a friendly voice for people calling the hospital.

“I like the fast pace here. I get to know the patients. I work with a lot of young people,” Ora says. “I tell everybody this is a good place to work. Everyone here is easy to get along with. This is just a nice place.”

Lindsey remembers the day she decided to become a registered nurse.

“My grandmother got sick and was rushed to the hospital. Seeing the hospital nursing atmosphere, that’s the day I knew where I wanted to be,” Lindsey tells us. “When I look back now, there was no other career for me.”

As discharge director, Lindsey hears feedback from our patients. She says she gets compliments daily about all the staff at the hospital, including the floor employees, doctors, nurses, and dieticians.

“Patients say, ‘it’s just top-notch here.’ I thank them for that because we truly love what we do. It’s a family here and team-oriented,” Lindsey says.

Lindsey tells us that her children, ages 8 and 3, were excited about the goodie bag that came with her award.

Ora says the plaque will have a special place in her home.

“I’m not going to take a chance of ever losing it,” Ora says.

The past couple of years has transformed the North Sunflower tradition of Christmas parties.  In the past, we had huge Christmas parties that brought the entire family together for one big celebration. 

COVID halted that as we opted for gift cards for every member of the NSMC family. This year, by a vote of the vast majority, employees are hosting their own smaller, more intimate Christmas parties for each department.

One thing that hasn't changed is the spirit of giving that Ruleville is known for this time of year.

The North Sunflower Medical Foundation gives gift cards to every employee who donates to the Foundation. The focus of the North Sunflower Medical Foundation is to provide resources for North Sunflower Medical Center for equipment, educational grants, programs, and services that otherwise would not be possible. Cards can be redeemed at local, Ruleville businesses like Simply Sunflower and other locally owned businesses.

These gift cards also make nice stocking stuffers for friends and co-workers and are an easy way to make giving to the Foundation a gift for the entire Ruleville community.

Another tradition that is not going away, North Sunflower Medical Foundation will also provide gifts to patients in the hospital during the Christmas holidays. We started this tradition many years ago. No one wants to be in the hospital during the holiday season, but this small gesture helps put a smile on our patients' faces.

And if you think you get busier over the Holidays, imagine what a crazy time of year this is for Santa Claus. 

That is why we feel so special that Jolly Ole St Nick made time to come through town to take a ride on the Firetruck for the Ruleville Chamber of Commerce Ride Around last Saturday. Kris Kringle was in town doing final checks on who had been naughty and nice before heading back to the North Pole to get ready for his trip around the world on Christmas Eve.

And coming up next month …

The very popular Heart Healthy Program is expanding to all year long for 2023 starting in January.  Because heart problems can occur at any age - from infancy to adulthood – North Sunflower Medical Center is committed to helping you take care of your heart with a heart-healthy screening. 

The Heart Healthy Screening can detect your risk for heart disease or stroke. Also, we will perform a high blood pressure evaluation and a calcium score test.  

An order from your primary care physician is required for the Heart Healthy screening, so tell everyone you know to call and ask for a referral today! We also have physicians from Jackson Heart at NSMC each week should you need to see a Cardiologist.

We don't miss a beat at North Sunflower Medical Center - your heart is in good hands! So, when you need a check-up, follow your heart to North Sunflower Medical Center. We would love to take care of you!