Neurologist Kristi Mahaffey Nord, M.D. was recently appointed to the Medical Staff at Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center. Dr. Nord studied biomedical engineering as an undergraduate at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut and received her medical degree from Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine in Hershey. She completed her internship and residency in neurology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center is sponsoring a "First Friday Health Screening" on Friday, July 6, from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. in the Community Relations Classroom at Memorial Southside Office, 1100 West 12th Avenue in Jasper. Participants must be 18 years of age or older and will have cholesterol (including total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides) and blood glucose checked via finger stick. A 12-hour fast is required; however, you may drink water and take prescribed medications.

Smoking causes a significant increase in the risk for cancer, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema as well as diseases of the heart and coronary arteries, yet quitting tobacco is very challenging. The health educators at Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center in Jasper are offering  the “Becoming a Non-Smoker” program to help prepare individuals who want to quit smoking.

This free, three-week course will include information about the effects of tobacco, a personalized plan to stop smoking, and information on nicotine replacement therapies as well as a new medication specifically designed for smoking cessation. Participants will learn about relapses and how to create healthy habits to replace the smoking habit. Support as well as tips for maintaining your weight will also be offered.