The Catalyst Issue 19 | August 2014 | Page 6

COMMITMENT | to patients and the future Passion for PATIENTS AND THE FUTURE by community surveys. Also, seniors in Taylor and surrounding communities are benefiting from free exercise classes focusing on flexibility and balance. Scott & White Healthcare Round Rock also offers a free speakers bureau for community organizations, businesses, civic groups, schools and churches. Requests for speakers can be submitted by completing a form found on roundrock.sw.org. Por tu familia® is an American Diabetes Association program available at Scott & White - Round Rock. It focuses on healthy behaviors, such as exercise and diet, for people at risk for Type 2 diabetes, as well as those who already have the disease. “We identified in Williamson County that there is a very high rate of Type 2 diabetes,” says Ms. Stafford. “And the disease disproportionately affects the Hispanic and Latino population.” The program will also be available in Bell and McLennan counties before the end of the year. Free classes include a cooking class called “Health & Flavor in the Latino Kitchen,” and an exercise class titled “Everybody Dance for Your Health.” Upcoming Round Rock events On October 17, Scott & White Healthcare - Round Rock will be participating in the bi-annual Sun City health fair, a free event featuring screenings and vendor booths geared toward the 55+ population. “About 200 to 300 people attend, with about 25 percent of those getting screened for conditions including high blood pressure, elevated blood glucose, and balance issues,” says Kathy Lesko, marketing manager for Scott & White Healthcare - Round Rock. The event will be held in the main ballroom of the community center at 2 Texas Drive, Georgetown. Scott & White also partners with the Texas Medical Association Foundation to bring the monthly Walk with a Doc program to Georgetown. It features a physician “walker” who gives a brief talk about a particular health topic before stepping off on a two-mile walk. A schedule is posted at walkwithadoc.org. For more information about programs through Scott & White Healthcare - Round Rock, call Ms. Lesko at 512-218-6381 or visit sw.org/event-search. is community wellness. We also offer community health fairs staffed by our nurses on a quarterly basis. These typically require a flat fee of $25, and the screenings and labs provided are quite comprehensive.” Brenham Wellness Center offers a monthly “Lunch and Learn” on healthrelated topics chosen by the community. One of the latest events featured Troy Simon, MD, an otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon. Programs related to chronic disease management, exercise, and nutrition are also available at no charge. For more information about these and other programs, please call the Scott & White Brenham Wellness Center at 979-839-5017 or visit sw.org and search “Brenham Wellness Center.” Community care in Brenham McLane Children’s Hospital asthma education Brenham Wellness Center is a unique facility aimed at improving the health and well-being of people in a seven county area. “I wish we had 20 Brenham Wellness Centers because it’s an incredible place!” Ms. Stafford says. “People come in to get their screenings, inoculations, and free classes. They can also join a diabetes support group, with one-on-one or group classes recognized by the American Diabetes Association. It’s a total wellness center available to the community.” Jennifer Mertz, director of the Department of Education and Wellness Services at Scott & White Brenham Wellness Center, says, “Our sole focus A community health needs assessment revealed pediatric asthma is increasing, especially among minority children up to age 4. Michelle Schwier is McLane Children’s Hospital’s new asthma outreach coordinator; she was Just 20 minutes south of Killeen, campers at Camp Wheeze Away participate in intensive asthma education for at least one hour every day. 6 THE CATALYST August 14 | sw.org