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TownTalk 2-11-21 Kevin Otis, Masonic Home For Children

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The Masonic Home for Children in Oxford has a long history of providing for children who, for reasons beyond their control, need a place to live. And although things have evolved over the years, Administrator Kevin Otis said the MHCO mission remains the same, some 150 years after the orphanage was established.

Otis was on Thursday’s Town Talk with host John C. Rose and discussed a bit of the past, its relationship with nearby Central Children’s Home and what he hopes is in store for the future.

Both orphanages are recipients of a current donation drive, the idea of Alyssa Blair, an employee with the City of Oxford. Donations selected from a wish list may be dropped off at the City of Oxford offices, 300 Williamsboro St., Oxford through March 24, Otis said.

Household items like batteries and flashlights, dish towels and bath towels, as well as supplies for school or office would all be appreciated, he said. “If we get a box of pens donated, then we don’t have to buy a box of pens,” he said.

Any items that families seem to need to function properly would be useful. “We really go through that stuff” in the cottages, he said.

Currently, there are 37 children residing at MHCO. Stricter licensing regulations for staffing ratios make it more difficult to offer space to more children. The children live, family-style, not in dormitories as of old, but in cottages with two house parents.

For full audio click play…story continues below.

The campus, located at 600 College Street, has buildings that are occupied by other agencies that serve the community, and Otis is proud of the community partnerships that have developed over the years. For instance, Smart Start has a satellite office on campus, and there are Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, too.  He hopes a popular karate class can crank back up when COVID-19 restrictions loosen. And a plan is in the works to provide some additional services to those who live off campus, but said details have to be sorted out before any announcement is made.

Otis speculated that COVID-19 may play a role in the lower numbers of residents. “Families aren’t comfortable (with their children) being in congregate care. He said he hopes that a boost in marketing will reach families who need help. Older children could also be a part of the independent living program.

Further complicating the placement process is the requirement to quarantine for 14 days upon taking up residence at the orphanage, he said.

Admissions, or placements, is but a part of the job of MHCO administrator, Otis said. “It means you wear every hat,” he said. “You are the person communicating with the board, vetting ideas, getting their feedback of what are best practices and best business practices and then going ahead and making sure that we conform to those by policies and procedures,” he said. It involves fundraising, going out and doing presentations…and dealing with incidents that may arise,” he continued.

Being the administrator also involves, however “getting the pats on the back for the wonderful things that your staff has done,” Otis said. One initiative comes as a result of a grant from Triangle North Healthcare to train staff on the trauma-informed model of care through Cornell University. The practices included in this particular model of care “will help all of our staff, even maintenance and print shop people, understand better the traumatic situations that kids go through,” he said. It will provide a kind of comfort level for children who have been in traumatic situations, which helps them become more successful.

Otis said a strategic planning session is scheduled for March for the board, as well as some MHCO employees and other invitees. He hopes that this session will solidify a strong marketing plan for the next four years and beyond. The ultimate goal, he said, is to market the home, increase the number of children in residence and make sure the programs are delivered using best practices.

To learn more, please visit mhc-oxford.org, phone 919.693.5111 or send Otis an email at kotis@mhc-oxford.org

TownTalk 2-10-21: Dr. Sydney Short, MPH Cardiology; Feb is American Heart Month

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February is American Heart Month, and a local cardiologist was happy to steal the medical spotlight from COVID-19 for a short while to discuss heart health, risk factors and ways people can contribute to their own good heart health.

Dr. Sydney Short has more than 30 years’ experience as a cardiologist, and he has been at Maria Parham Health since late January 2019. He spoke with John C. Rose on Wednesday’s Town Talk. In addition to the usual suggestions for improving heart health – regular exercise, watch your diet, and stop smoking – Short offered additional insights to help people feel better about how they treat their hearts.

Although heart disease is an increasing concern, he said, advances in treatments are encouraging. “It’s important,” Short said, “and something that a lot of people deal with in their lives.” And yes, regular exercise is still the best way to improve your heart function,” Short said. During the pandemic, however, regular exercise regimens may have been affected by COVID-19 restrictions. It needs to be sustained, aerobic exercise that gets your heart rate up, Short reminded. Unfortunately, simply being physically active in the workplace doesn’t count.

He said he has enjoyed having an ongoing doctor-patient relationship with his patients. When patients come in with a problem and have a heart catheterization study “and you see that it can be fixed, patients often feel better quickly and get back to a normal life,” he said. “It’s fun to be involved in their lives and see how much better they’re doing after they’ve actually been able to have an intervention,” Short added.

To Hear Dr. Short’s TownTalk Interview, Click Play…and continue reading below.

Of course, it’s always better to maintain good heart health and not need the services of a cardiologist. But for those who need a cardiologist’s care, help is a short drive away.  “It’s very exciting and very rewarding to see patients get this health care that previously had been a farther distance away – and now it’s on their doorstep,” Short added. Maria Parham’s Cardiology office is located behind the main hospital in the Jenkins Building.

There’s a difference between heart disease and a heart attack, Short explained. For example, a person who exhibits chest pain each day when he walks to the mailbox is probably describing an ongoing or developing heart problem. Sudden, immediate pain in the chest, however, is more associated with a heart attack.

Symptoms, in addition to sudden chest pain that are warning signs of a heart attack include: breaking out in a sweat, shortness of breath, weakness and dizziness, Short said. “The longer I’ve been in medicine, the more unusual presentations I’ve seen,” he explained. “Most patients have a more typical kind of presentation with their chest pain, with their heart problem.” But that pain could show up in other areas, such as back pain or other areas. And women seem to exhibit more unusual or out-of-the-ordinary symptoms, he said.  “All of these symptoms should be taken seriously,” he said.

Short puts family history at the top of the list of indicators of heart disease. Smoking is a very important risk factor, too. Although other health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol can contribute to heart disease, Short said, it’s not a done deal.

“If all those are treated and are under control, you are less likely to have heart disease,” he said. “We do speak of those risk factors when patients come into the office. It’s one of the first things we go through” he said, and then he and the patient try to modify those factors to decrease the chances of having problems in the future.

Similarly, people who have already experienced some sort of heart problem can take steps to maintain good heart health. “Once they’ve had an event of some kind, then we work very carefully … to try to decrease their risk of having further problems in the future.”

“If you still smoke, then you are much more likely to have another problem with your heart in the future,” Short said. “If you have had heart disease in the past, you definitely need to stop smoking,” he said.

(This article and the audio contained within are not meant to offer any diagnosis or treatment or offer medical advice.  Maria Parham Health is a paying advertising client of WIZS.  This is NOT a paid ad.)

TownTalk 2-9-21 Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

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Host John C. Rose and co-host Bill Harris speak with Erin Carter and Bratanya Simmons of Infinite Possibilities about Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness month. On TownTalk today Erin Carter and Bratonya Simmons of Infinite Possibilities discussed the issue and talked about an upcoming event that addresses teen dating violence. The training event to be held virtually via Zoom this Friday from 1 to 2 pm and Carter says it “will help raise awareness of Teen Dating Violence”. Simmons stated that “A lot of teenagers don’t realize they are in an abusive relationship. I think that is due to a lot of teenagers are raised in domestic violence homes”. “Violence often begins between 6th grade and 12th grade”, Carter said. Most parents are unaware that their child is in a violent relationship because teenagers don’t talk about it with them. Carter said that Covid 19 has also put teenagers at a higher risk of abuse, including digital abuse online on social media platforms. The training event will address all components of Teenage Dating violence including social media. According to Carter, warning signs include behavioral changes and a loss of interest in activities they have previously enjoyed since an abusive person is looking to isolate their partner. Carter says that rehabilitation is an important step in helping not only victims recover from abuse but to the abuser as well. Victims sometimes can think that they are the cause of the abuse. Help and counselling can help the victims overcome these thoughts. It’s also important to remember that violence can be not only physical but emotional or even financial as well. Once again this training meeting via Zoom will take place Friday from 1 to 2 pm. You can see all the contact info at wizs.com for the training meeting, just click on the Infinite Possibilities logo.

 

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TownTalk 2-8-21 Lisa Harrison, Granville Vance Public Health director

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Lisa Harrison, health director for Granville Vance Public Health was on Town Talk Monday and provided an update on current COVID-19 vaccination deployment throughout the two counties.

In addition to staying on top of the medical side of the vaccination rollout, Harrison and her team have had deep-dive lessons into the basics of supply and demand. And right now, there is more demand than supply.

Harrison said it is important that the community understand that vaccine continues to be available, but once the doses come in, it is imperative that they be administered as quickly as possible. There have been several mass vaccination clinics in the two counties, she said. But those clinics are set up only when large doses come in to the health department. The two counties administer, on average, 160 doses per county per day in the daily clinics that the health department operates.

To hear Lisa Harrison on TownTalk, click play.  Written story continues below.

The mass drive-in clinics, some held on hospital or school campuses in the local area, require cooperation across agencies, Harrison said. For example, the Jan. 25 clinic set up at Maria Parham Medical Center was organized because Harrison learned “sort of last-minute” that 975 extra doses of the Phizer vaccine would be headed to Maria Parham – for immediate use. “We don’t want to waste a single dose,” she said.

Harrison and the team sprang into action upon learning of the vaccine shipment. “It takes a lot of partners and a lot of energy to do that well,” she said. From hospital staff to EMS, law enforcement, and nurses from Vance County Schools, the health department was able to orchestrate the coordinated effort. We didn’t have a lot of lead time to put it all together, but we’re really proud of our partners for working together to make that happen.

Generally, there’s a 6-hour window for a mass clinic like the Jan. 25 event, she said, because of the need to keep the vaccine adequately refrigerated.

“We were lucky we got 975 extra (doses) not originally allocated,” Harrison said. The shipments are based on population, she said, but the local health officials had done such a good job of getting the vaccines in peoples’ arms, they were able to show they could use more.

Simply put, the vaccines create a way for our bodies to recognize the COVID-19 virus, which leads to our bodies being able to identify and fight off the virus if or when a person is exposed to the real thing.

The Phizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses given three and four weeks apart, respectively, and her team has enlisted the aid of key community leaders to help with outreach, especially into underrepresented segments of the population. If there happens to be extra doses at a clinic, these community leaders have a way to get the word out to ensure that all doses will be used.

That being said, Harrison explained that if there are extra doses at a Dose 1 clinic, a network of community leaders has been identified to help get the word out. Reaching out to key community leaders, she said, helps “to ensure an equitable distribution of vaccine (to those) who may not have the ability to access the hotline. This community outreach approach to public health is vital to get people on our list who otherwise are having a hard time. Visit gvph.org or phone the COVID-19 hotline at 252.295.1503 to learn how to register for the vaccine.

Graphic prepared by Granville Vance Public Health. Shows vaccine distribution as of February 5, 2021.

Each shipment of vaccine is identified as a Dose 1 or Dose 2. She said she wants to reassure the community about Dose 2 availability. “We always have Dose 2 for every Dose 1,” she said. But that second dose is only used for second doses. It’s all about supply management, she said. “We’re just extremely careful” with those second doses. “We only pull up into syringes the exact number of doses of people we have appointments for and are coming (to get their booster),” she said. Any extra doses from the Dose 2 shipment are better used by other health care providers who may be short of vaccine for some reason.

While the logistics may seem complicated, Harrison noted that the last thing she and her team want to do is call a client to cancel an appointment because of insufficient vaccine.

“If we have 800 vaccines for the week,” she said, we’ll open up 800 appointments. When those are filled, we won’t take any more appointments until we get more vaccine.

“We’re getting rid of (the vaccine) as quickly as we receive it, but we don’t receive enough to have a full clinic 5 days a week in both locations,” Harrison said. If the weekly shipment contains 200 or 400 doses, she said, those can be administered in the regular clinics the health department operates.

One local organization is offering help to the community with getting registered for the vaccine. Lucette Mercer, deputy director of Green Rural Redevelopment Inc. (GRRO) told WIZS Monday that the organization has 30 community health workers who can assist people getting registered online for COVID-19 vaccines.

In addition to Granville and Vance counties, GRRO also serves Warren, Franklin, Nash, Wake, Durham and Pitt counties. These community health workers have remote online access and can help with online registrations. Call 252.430.7999 for more information.

TownTalk 2-4-21: Genealogy & History With Shannon Christmas and Mark Pace

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The way Shannon Christmas sees it, the reason genealogists should use new-fangled science in conjunction with old-fangled documentary research to complete their family tree is simple: DNA does not lie, he said. Sometimes, people do.

Christmas spoke with Bill Harris and Mark Pace on Thursday’s Town Talk about how genetic testing can confirm family histories that often are passed down through man-made documents. But DNA can also throw genealogists a curve ball, he said, when test results don’t match up to what family members have known, or been told, for years.

The noted genetic genealogist paid a return visit to Town Talk and encouraged all levels of genealogists to really understand the value of both science and old-fashioned research to have as complete a family tree as possible. “We have a real problem now,” Christmas said, that individuals think that “all they need to do to learn about their family history is just to take a DNA test and nothing else.” DNA test results can yield information about previously-unknown branches of a family tree, but documentary research – combing through court records or family papers, for example – “can provide the same sort of shocking info, the same sort of revelation,” Christmas said. It is important, he added, to do both of them together when working to fill in the family tree.

Click Play for this edition of TownTalk…

A DNA test is “a great resource for confirming one’s own ancestry and also for extending your family tree,” he said. Knowing the different types of tests and their particular strength is helpful, too, he added. Autosomal DNA testing and X-chromosome DNA testing are used to predict relationships and assign kinship, he said. Sometimes, a family tree’s branches are gnarly, such as when families have double-first cousins or half siblings. That’s when genealogical DNA tests can help. The Y DNA is passed from father to son, and mitochondrial DNA, which males and females both have, is only passed down from mothers.

Christmas decided to delve into his own ancestral lineage when his nephews were born.

“In 2009, I recognized that my position within my family had changed. I was no longer the oldest member of the youngest generation,” he explained. “I became an uncle and I wanted to document my family’s history for the next generation – For my nephews – and their children. “ Although that was his prime motivation, he confessed: “I also enjoy the intellectual stimulation that comes from doing genealogy and genetic genealogy in particular.”

Here’s just a snippet of what he’s learned about Erasmus Christmas, his paternal 2x great-grandfather: He was born enslaved in 1830 in Warren County. Through the family’s oral history, he had been told that his biological father was also the slave owner and his mother was an enslaved woman on the plantation. “DNA was able to provide evidence that supported the oral history,” Christmas said. Y-DNA test results showed that he, indeed, had traits that were of European origin. “That was a crucial piece of information that confirmed the oral history; in addition, the autosomal DNA matched me to other descendants of the slave owner’s parents.

He predicts the future of DNA testing will come to include complete genomic mapping, which, in addition to artificial intelligence and automation, can help speed up the whole process. More cataloging of more DNA segments is one thing, Christmas said, but “artificial intelligence is, well artificial.” No algorithm in the world can take the place of the human eye when it comes to noticing errors, he said. Genealogists must continue to do research manually and continue “to vet every source and every record” for accuracy.

For now, Christmas said, “it’s more important to get your DNA into each of the autosomal DNA databases. There might be a relative in one database and not in the others, and those relatives might have the answers you’re looking for.”

Take the case of King Richard III, for example. The British monarch’s remains were positively identified in 2013 using DNA from living descendants. The king died in 1485. That’s 528 years, folks.

TownTalk 2-3-21: Hon. Henry L. Gupton, Vance County Clerk of Court

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WHAT AN IMMENSELY ENJOYABLE SHOW WITH VANCE COUNTY CLERK OF COURT THE HON. HENRY L. GUPTON.  FROM HIS BEGINNINGS AS A VANCE COUNTY SHERIFF IN 1986, TO HIS CIVIC DUTIES AS A MAGISTRATE, TO HELPING MANY A VANCE COUNTY RESIDENT AT HIS/HER MOST VUNERABLE MOMENTS, TO HANDLING MILLIONS IN FINANCES EACH YEAR, HENRY GUPTON IS WHO’S HERE FOR YOU IN VANCE COUNTY.  AND NOT JUST GUPTON, BUT HIS STAFF AND ALL THE DEDICATED INDIVIDUALS INSIDE THE VANCE COUNTY COURTHOUSE EACH DAY. THANK YOU MR. GUPTON!  YES SIR, YOU ARE ESSENTIAL AND MORE AS IS EACH OF YOU IN THE NC COURTS. — John C. Rose

Please enjoy our interview from TownTalk by clicking play…as well as our write up below…

The Hon. Henry L. Gupton takes his job seriously, without a doubt. But the Vance County Clerk of Court also values the importance of making personal connections, whether it’s with the courthouse employees, his staff or the people who come to his office for help.

Town Talk host John C. Rose checked in with Gupton, on Tuesday, and the interview aired Wednesday. Gupton talked about his love for working in and with the Vance County community, which began in 1986. Gupton was a deputy sheriff and then became a magistrate in 1993. He became clerk of court in 2017, filling the seat vacated b

y Deborah W. Finch’s retirement. He was elected for the first time in 2018.

“It’s just a passion for me,” Gupton said. “I enjoy serving people and helping people. Everything I’ve done in my career, I’ve felt like at some point, I have made a difference in someone’s life,” he added. “To me, that’s what Henry Gupton and the clerk of court’s office is all about.”

The clerk of court’s office is the record keeper for the entire court system in Vance County, Gupton explained. From wills and estates to small-claims and superior and district court cases, Gupton and his staff are charged with maintaining all documents filed at the courthouse.

And he is afforded the title “the Honorable” because he is an ex oficio judge as his job pertains to probating wills.

The way he sees it, he and his office must “do everything we can to help our citizens – that’s what my office is here for and that’s what we try to do on a daily basis,” he added. When people come to him during an emotional time, after the death of a relative or loved one, it’s important to Gupton to just listen.

“I give them a moment to sit down and cry and just let their feelings out because they’re at a very vulnerable moment… and then do what we have to do to have them move forward in life,” he said.

Restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic have affected the courthouse operations a bit, but Gupton said the courthouse operations were only disrupted for half a day. He expects to hold the first jury trial on Mar. 1 – practicing social distancing, of course. He and the courthouse staff must make sure that they are “taking care of our citizens who will be on jury, and our other citizens and the public. At this moment, courthouse staffs are in the Phase 3 category to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Although some form of court is held every day in Vance County, the local courthouse faces serious backlogs, just like other courts across the state. “We’re doing what our North Carolina General Statutes say –  we’re keeping the courts open and keeping them running for business, serving our citizens,” Gupton said.

With lots of sanitizing between court sessions, he added. “The courthouse (staff) is doing a fantastic job,” Gupton said.

The clerk’s office has come through with flying colors two state audits – not a single deficiency, Gupton said. “It’s a great feeling,” he said, responding to a question about the audit. “My hat’s off to all of my staff. I have a wonderful staff in this office. And that lets me and the public know what a great job we do – as a team – in our office.“

TownTalk 1-28-21 Misty Bailey, Her Strength and a BBQ Fundraiser

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Family and friends of Misty and William Bailey are working together to host a barbecue plate fundraiser on Feb. 6 to help the Baileys with medical bills. You might say they’re mighty good-hearted people, helping a young woman whose own heart is giving her some trouble.

The Baileys recall the exact day her heart problems escalated to the current diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis – it was Nov. 18, 2019, Misty said on Thursday’s Town Talk. She had experienced some heart issues before then, (she knew she was in AFib and had arrhythmia) but the November 2019 event has taken her heart condition to a whole different level.

The medications, the regular visits to the hospital, all are adding up, and that is why their friends and family have stepped up with the idea of a fundraiser. The event will be held at Kerr Lake Country Club from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 each; the goal is to sell 1,000 tickets.

Tickets are available now and will be available at the event, said Amy Bowling, Misty’s sister-in-law, who is spearheading this effort. T-shirts are available for sale as well, Bowling said. Visit the Facebook page “Fight For Misty” to learn more.

“It’s a really rare disease,” Misty told Town Talk host John C. Rose. The disease is treatable, but it has no cure. Since her diagnosis just more than a year ago, Misty has been hospitalized five times – two of those hospitalizations were 4-5 days each in ICU. She has a pacemaker now to help keep her heart in rhythm. Her most recent stay was in December, where doctors performed an ablation to help the arrhythmia caused by inflammation in her heart.

People diagnosed with sarcoidosis have tiny collections of inflammatory cells called granulomas that affect proper function of the affected organ. In Misty’s case, it is her heart that has the granulomas.

“The doctors at Duke are amazing.” Misty said. And I am grateful for everything they have done for me and continue to do.” Ultimately, she may need a heart transplant, she said.

Since her diagnosis, Misty said she has learned to be grateful for every little thing. It’s so important, she said, “to do what you can when you can.” On those days she really doesn’t feel like getting out of the bed, she gets up anyway. “I have to,” she said, “while I can.”

Misty expects to begin visits to the hospital every 4-6 weeks to receive infusions, which doctors hope will help reduce inflammation as well. “There are some days that I am just so tired,” Misty said, but husband William “is right there, my extra set of hands and feet,” she said. The couple has five children, and she credits William’s support for making all the difference.

Family, friends and the community have been supportive as well. William’s employers, the City of Henderson and Food Lion, “have both been behind me every step of the way,” he said. February 6 is going to be a good day, William said. “It’s gonna be a long day,” he added with a chuckle. “As we learn more and as we do more, our hearts are behind finding a cure,” he said.

According to Bowling, Mike Humphries and members of the Gela Hunt Club in Granville County are helping with the fundraiser, and Doug Puckett is cooking. The plate will include barbecue, cole slaw, potato salad, bread and assorted desserts.

Misty said she plans to be at the fundraiser, providing moral support for everyone working to make it a success. “I’ll be there to show my appreciation,” she said. “Friends, family, the community have really been good to us.”

For the audio story on TownTalk, click play…

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TownTalk 2-2-21 Litter

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Host John C. Rose and callers discussed the ongoing litter problem in Vance County. The Vance County Commissioners’ Planning and Environmental Committee met about Roadside Litter on January 25th with Dept. of Transportation Maintenance Engineer Frank Carpenter, Sheriff Curtis Brame and Vance County Appearance Commission Chair Terri Hedrick to discuss the issue of roadside litter. In 2020, almost $397,000 was spent on roadside and debris clean up in Vance County. Carpenter also explained that the roadside cleanup budget has also been reduced and is over budget for the current fiscal year which impacts the frequency of future litter cleanups. The committee stated this was unacceptable and considered the idea of lobbying the state for additional funding. Several other ideas were also discussed during the meeting including shutting down a gravel portion of Ross Mill Road where illegal dumping has become a problem, and targeted enforcement by the Sheriff’s Office among other ideas.

For complete details and full audio click play.

 

TownTalk 2-1-21: Vance Granville’s Month-long Celebration of Black History

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Vance-Granville Community College has a bevy of activities scheduled for its celebration of Black History in the month of February. A team from VGCC has created the monthlong event – from book discussions to highlighting Black trailblazers – in a webpage VGCC calls “Against All Odds – Honoring Black Trailblazers.” Visit www.vgcc.edu/blackhistorymonth/ to learn more about how to participate in these events.

Dawn Michelle Tucker, dean of Continuing Education & College + Career Readiness at VGCC, was on Town Talk Monday to kick off the monthlong celebration. Tucker spoke to host John C. Rose about famous Blacks in history, as well as the struggles that still challenge African Americans today.

Tucker, along with co-chair Angela Thomas, dean of Health Sciences and other VGCC faculty and staff, put together a “celebration of all the accomplishments and the different opportunities that we’ve been able to take full advantage of,” she said. Webinars, lunch and learn sessions, in addition to the two book discussions are all activities that the community can take part in.

The first of two book discussions will take place on Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. The book that will be discussed is titled “Who Owns the Icehouse? Eight Life Lessons from an Unlikely Entrepreneur,” based on a true story written by the nephew of a man who owned an icehouse in 1950’s in the Mississippi Delta.

In conjunction with this event, VGCC President Dr. Rachel Demarais will sign the Presidents for Entrepreneurship Pledge to kick off the book discussion. This pledge has been, or will be, signed by community college presidents across the nation to show support for expanding entrepreneurship in the communities they serve and creating a positive culture on their campuses to foster entrepreneurism. VGCC has training and counseling services available for new business owners through its Small Business Center, Tucker said.

Promoting entrepreneurship, especially among African Americans, Tucker said, is one component of that pledge. “It’s our commitment to making sure that our community has the support system in place for new entrepreneurship opportunities,” she said. VGCC strives to provide a consistent message of support for those individuals who want to venture out on their own to create a new business. “The consistency will have an impact on what we’re doing,” she added. All this is to provide for the community the necessary resources to advance entrepreneurship.

Click Play to Listen to TownTalk with VGCC’s Dawn Michelle Tucker…

“We have to continue to push out the idea of entrepreneurship. If as a college we are pushing the idea and being consistent about our messaging about entrepreneurship, then we are hopeful that the consistency of what we’re doing will have an impact on our communities, Tucker said. College officials want to continue to pour in the idea of entrepreneurship, and the book “Who Owns the Icehouse?” provides insight into the mindset of not just being an entrepreneur, she said, but being a successful entrepreneur.

Challenges surrounding racism and inequality are barriers that Black people still face today, Tucker said. “It’s the challenge of being seen as a person of color first and not being seen by your character, your integrity and what you actually bring to the table outside of the color of your skin,” she said, adding that Blacks often are “not able to fully reach (their) potential because we are held up by skin color.” How Blacks move forward, in the face of these challenges, is part of the ongoing conversations that must take place, Tucker said.

The community college continues to look for new programs and opportunities, Tucker said, adding that newly minted entrepreneurs most likely will need a skilled work force to be successful in their endeavors. Vance-Granville Community College has long provided programs that allows workers to re-tool or learn new skills to make them more marketable employees.

As dean of Continuing Education and Career Readiness, Tucker takes seriously her responsibility to share her experience with young people entering the workforce. “That’s how I get to live in the younger person’s world, by sharing information and building relationships with them so that they have the benefit of older, more experienced people to share ideas and to gain momentum for moving forward,” she said.

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Your Thyroid Is So Important; January Is National Thyroid Awareness Month

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If you’re feeling generally well today, you probably have your thyroid to thank. Dr. Gary Smith, family physician Maria Parham Primary Care, discussed the multiple jobs that this small, butterfly-shaped gland has to keep our bodies functioning normally.

January is National Thyroid Awareness month, and Smith was a guest on Town Talk Wednesday to discuss the thyroid’s role in good health.

The thyroid is part of the endocrine system, and it produces several hormones that help to regulate metabolism and body temperature, among other functions. It is located in the front of the neck, near the middle and below the Adam’s apple. “It has profound effects on the mind and the body,” Smith said. “The thyroid has many functions – it regulates hormones of the body, temperature regulations, stability of organ systems,” he said.

A simple blood test can show whether the thyroid is producing too much hormone or too little, he said. In either case, Smith said, medication is most often the answer. Hypothyroidism, when the thyroid isn’t producing enough hormone, can cause slower heart rate or brittle, dry nails and hair loss, he said. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism, when the thyroid over-produces hormone, could include nervousness, increased heart rate or anxiety, he added. Medication is needed to either stimulate or slow the thyroid. “We like a nice, normal level to be in sync with other parts of the body,” Smith noted.

Click Play to Listen to the TownTalk Interview…

In addition to helping regulate your heartbeat, a healthy thyroid also “helps blood flow to the brain so you can think clearly,” Smith said. It affects the lungs and how we breathe, our intestines and how we process and digest food as well. “We are definitely dependent on the thyroid gland for (healthy) function of our body,” Smith said.

A healthy diet, with lots of fruits and vegetables, as well as exercise, serve to support the body’s immune system and increases blood flow throughout the body, including to the thyroid.

The thyroid may be a small gland, but its role in overall health is significant. “We don’t take this gland for granted,” Smith said. “If a patient feels their neck and something doesn’t feel right, a mass or something hard, call your primary care physician. Don’t wait,” he advised.

In cases that diseased or cancerous thyroids are removed, patients would benefit from supplementing with a synthetic hormone to replace what the body no longer naturally produces.

Smith’s advice for anyone with questions or concerns? Consult with their primary care physician. “That’s the best thing to do, to follow up with your primary care physician and let them assist the patient in whatever their concerns are,” he said. We’ll explore it, and we’ll find the cause or the reason for the concern.”

(Maria Parham Health is an advertising client of WIZS.  This is not a paid ad.)