Alabama State Society of American Medical … State Society of American Medical Technologists Alabama’s Technological Semi-Annual Journal Volume: 51 Issue: 1 ... The ALATECH is the

Alabama State Society of American Medical Technologists Alabama’s Technological Semi-Annual Journal

Volume: 51 Issue: 1 June 2016

Thank you for your service!

“Puppies Behind Bars”

Giving Returning Veterans

Hope

The ALATECH is the official publication of the Alabama State Society of

American Medical Technologists and is published bi-annually. Contributions and editorial

communications should be sent to the editor at [email protected]. Contributions will

not be returned unless specifically requested by the author.

Editorial opinions printed in the ALATECH are those of the authors and are not the official

opinion of the ALSSAMT.

ALSSAMT reserves the right to edit all communications to the ALATECH.

Publication Dates: First Issue – May 15th and Second Issue – November 15th.

Advertising Rates: Full pages - $50, half pages - $25 and business cards -$10

1.

Magnolia

Educational

Treasures

Biennial

Meeting

Holiday Inn 9515 US Hwy 49

(228) 679-1700

October 28-29

2016

Gulfport,

Mississippi

Reminders

2016 Alabama State Society of American Medical

Technologists Fall Business/Board Meeting

Holiday Inn, Gulfport, MS

Friday

October 28, 2016

5:00 p. m.

Alabama/Florida

Panhandle Chapter

Sept.—Nov

2016

Click on link

www.alz.org/alfl/

American Kidney Fund continues

Blood Pressure Screenings at the

Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex

September 29—October 2 2016

Medical Assistant’s

Recognition Week

October 17-21, 2016

2.

ALSSAMT Officers & Board Members

Angela Woodson, MA, RMA

Board Member

251-648-7234

[email protected]

President

Rikki Packer, AAS, RMA

17634 Dailey Lane

Foley, Alabama 36535

251-550-8719

[email protected]

Treasurer & Publication & Electronic Media Editor

Nettie Norphleet, MS, LPC, NCC, RMA

817 Criterion Street

Prichard, Alabama 36610

251-457-6479 [email protected]

Secretary

Salimata Kone-Coulibaly, MS, MT

738 Lundy Chase Drive

Auburn, Alabama 36832

334-887-1388

Legislative Chair - MLPW

Dr. Paul C. Brown Sr., MT (MT), CLT (HHS)

Past National President/Past State President

2506 South Cobb Loop

Millbrook, Alabama 36054

334-285-3976 [email protected]

Michele Gillies, MT

Board Member

256-797-4895

[email protected]

Vice-President

Daniel Benson, RPT, RMA 9620 Autumn Leaf Dr.

Mobile, Alabama 36695

251-214-3993

[email protected]

AuDrenia Rogers, RMA

Board Member

334-546-4841

[email protected]

Cynthia Perkins, AAS, RMA

Board Member

334-531-3874

[email protected]

Chasity Jones, ASA, RMA

Board Member

334-318-0841

[email protected]

Southern District Councilor

Kaye A. Tschop, MT

4954 Hopedale Drive

Nashville, Tennessee 37211-4853

615-833-3427

[email protected]

Erin Stovall, RMA

Board Member

334-462-8317

[email protected]

Table of Contents

1. Reminders - Events and Meetings

2. Officers and Board Members

3. Table of Contents

4. Editor’s Message

5. Presidential Message

6. Strengthening Your Heart

(Submitted by Dr. Paul C. Brown)

7. Alabama’s New AMT Certificants

9. 2016 Delegate Requirements &

Puppies Behind Bars Photos

10. About Zika Virus Disease

(Submitted by Dr. Paul C. Brown)

11. MLPW Proclamations & Celebration Photos

(Tuskegee, Opelika and Auburn)

12. Montgomery MLPW Proclamation Photos

13. Southern District Councilor’s

Spring 2016 Message

14. AKF/AMT 2016 Alabama Fundraiser

Bus Trip Photos

15. Coronary Artery Disease

(Cynthia Perkins)

16. AKF Action Day in Bessemer: Photos

17. 2016 Spring Board Meeting Photos

18. Alabama Kidney Foundation Kidney Walk Photos

19. What Would You Do?/

(Submitted by N. L. Norphleet)

20. Legislation passed for CBD Oil

(continued from previous page)

21. MET 2016 Flyer and Registration Form

22. National Award Winners and Reminders

June 2016

In July of 1997 Gloria Gilbert Stoga had an idea of “putting puppies in...prisons.” The idea in a nut shell was by allow-ing inmates to raise, care for and train Labrador retriever (breed of choice) puppies in prison for a standard of 24 months they could find a renewed purpose in life and rehabilitate back into society as a more productive individ-ual while assisting others in need. By January of 1998 Puppies Behind Bars (PBB) was well on it way to becoming the go-to program for “Dog Tags: Service Dogs for Those Who Have Served Us.” In 2006 PBB devel-oped this program for combat veterans return-ing home with traumatic physical and mental injuries. Check out some photos on page 9 and-please click on the link below where you can find out more about this valu-able program like how to apply for a service ani-mal, becoming a volun-teer or to simply donate to a worthy cause.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

http://puppiesbehindbars.com/veterans-ptsd (Information provided by PBB website and CNBC News online) Submitted by N.L.Norphleet

Cover photo taken by Rudy Valdez and pro-

vided courtesy of PBB president and founded

Gloria Gilbert Stoga

3.

First of all, a big shout out to the new AMT certificants of Alabama. Hooray! We are quite

thrilled you have joined our state society and are looking forward to formally meeting all of you at

future meetings and events. Secondly, to the National award winners – Daniel Benson, RMA, RPT,

Distinguished Achievement Award and Nettie L. Norphleet, MS, LPC, NCC, RMA, O . C. “Skip”

Skinner Armed Services Award – congratulations and Hip Hip Hooray! The Alabama State Society of

AMT has also been chosen as the 2015 1st Place Journal Award winner thanks to the many articles and

photographs submitted by so many other members as well as the hard work and long hours of editor

Nettie Norphleet whom by the way was also selected as AMT’s 2015 Editor of the Year. As I write

these words of congratulations to all, I am still quite numb. Thank you to all who shared in making

these awards possible.

Dr. Paul C. Brown, Sr., MT (AMT) journeyed his annual route to a few Northeast Alabama

cities and met with the mayors along with local organizations for MLPW proclamation signings. He

further met with area hospital’s and universities’ students and staff as well in conjunction with city

mayors in hopes of continually shining a light on the important work medical laboratories and their

professionals impact patients’ healthcare and diagnoses.

This year, one of several American Kidney Fund (AKF) Action Days was held on Saturday,

March 19th at Debardelen Park in Bessemer, Alabama. And despite a little bit of rain there was still

fun to be had by all who attended. There were over a hundred healthcare screenings and endless

amounts of educational materials provided during the five-hour event. If you would like to see just

how much fun, food and entertainment was enjoyed please visit AKF website and click on “view pho-

tos from event.”

In this 2016 Spring issue of the ALATECH the focus is on “Be kind to your heart.” Dr.

Brown takes a look ways to strengthen your heart while Cynthia Perkins, AAS, CNA, CMAS, RMA,

addresses elements of coronary artery disease and prevention. We take a look at the little known Zika

Virus and how it has made its presence well known across the globe since it was discovered in 1947.

Check out the soon to famous “Vet’s Corner” which provides a peek into current topics of particular

interest to the military veteran. By the way, have you heard about “Puppies Behind Bars?” Also in

this issue there is an array of pictures and photographs displaying what the ALSSAMT members have

been up to in Alabama since our Fall issue. From upcoming events and meetings to interesting and

educational articles there is much to read and browse through for your information and enjoyment.

The AMT 2016 National Meeting will be held in Memphis, Tennessee at the world re-

nowned Peabody Hotel, July 17-21. I cannot wait to see the parade of the ducks through the lobby!

AMT’s 2017 National Meeting will be held in Kansas City, Missouri at the newly renovated Intercon-

tinental Hotel (formerly The Fairmont), July 9-13. Please do not forget to sign up for the Magnolia

Educational Treasures Meeting in Gulfport, Mississippi, at the Holiday Inn, October 28-29, 2016.

Please visit Alabama’s website regularly to stay informed. It is progressively updated as necessary

with valuable information. Until next time, “Be patient with the faults of others, they have to put up

with yours.”

Positive Direction

N. L. Norphleet, MS, LPC, NCC, RMA

PEM Editor

4.

Editor’s 2016

Spring Message

. Dear Members, I hope you are enjoying this fine spring weather, warmer temperatures and taking delight in performing gardening. Exercising for me has been great and I appreciate early morning walking. Let me encourage you to take advantage of these beautiful days.

Congratulations: The following members will be recognized at AMT 78th National Meeting and Educational Program which will convene at the Peabody Hotel Memphis, Tennes-see July 17-22, 2016. Nettie L. Norphleet, MS, LPC, NCC, RMA, has done a phenomenal job as our state editor. Her thorough and diligent efforts were outstanding, by enhancing the ALATECH, resulting in her receiving the Editor of the Year Award and the ALATECH received First Place in the journal category. Nettie also will receive the O. C. “Skip” Skinner Armed Ser-vices Award in recognition of outstanding services to the armed services. Daniel Benson, RPT,

RMA will receive the Distinguished Achievement Award. Rikki Packer, AAS, RMA, will be rec-ognized as a recipient of the Exceptional Merit Award Join me in applauding their noteworthy efforts. I urge many of you to plan and attend this meeting as it is in our district. There is an exceptional program planned for Memphis. The state society Board of Directors meeting met on Saturday April 23, 2016 in Pratt-ville. I give my personal thanks to all who attended and your contributions to a successful board meeting. I appreciate your willingness to serve our state society. The Magnolia Educational Treasures meeting will be held October 28-29, 2016 at the Holiday Inn Airport Gulfport, Mississippi. They have prepared two tracks for continuing edu-cation units: MT and Non-MT. There is a lineup of excellent presenters for this conference. The room block is from Oct 27 – 30, 2016. See more information on meetings and events on our web page where you may download meeting flyer, program and registration. Our next business meeting will be during the Magnolia meeting and you are invited to attend. I want to thank Dr. Paul C. Brown for setting up 5 proclamation signings in celebra-tion of Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (MLPW) within our state: in Huntsville, Tuske-gee, Auburn, Opelika and Montgomery. Dental Assistants were recognized March 6-12, 2016. Our state will recognize and celebrate National Medical Assistants Recognition Week during October 17 – 21, 2016. As state society members you are welcome and encouraged to partici-pate in these gubernatorial and mayoral events. Congratulations to each of our new state members and welcome to the ALSSAMT. We invite you to get active in your state society. I hope to see many of you at one of the upcoming meetings. As we approach the summer please take care, be safe and enjoy each day to the fullest. Sincerely,

Rikki R. Packer, AAS, RMA

ALSSAMT President 5.

2016 Spring President’s Message

“Above all we strive to do

no harm while adhering

to the quality and stan-

dards of our profession”

Chances are, you already know that physical activity is good for you. “Sure,”

you may say, “when I get out and move around, I know it helps me to feel

and look better.” But you may not realize just how important regular physical

activity is to your health. According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on

Physical Activity and Health, inactive people are nearly twice as likely to

develop heart disease as those who are more active. This is true even if you

have no other conditions or habits that increase your risk of heart disease.

Lack of physical activity also leads to more visits to the doctor, more hospitalizations and more use of

medicines for a variety of illnesses. The good news is that physical activity can protect your heart in a

number of important ways. Moreover, to get benefits, you don’t have to run a marathon. Regular activity –

something as simple as a brisk 30-minute walk each day – can help you to reduce your risk of heart dis-

ease.

Heart disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become hardened and nar-

rowed, due to a buildup of plaque on the arteries’ inner walls. Plaque is an accumulation of fat, cholesterol

and other substances. As plaque continues to build up in the arteries, blood flow to the heart

is reduced.

Generally, the more vigorously you engage in an activity, and the more time you spend do-

ing it, the more health benefits you will receive. However, moderate-intensity activities can

also be excellent fit- ness choices. When done briskly for 30 minutes or

longer on most days of the week, moderate exercise can help to condition your heart and

lungs and reduce your risk of heart disease.

There are many ways to spend your 30 minutes of activity. Get creative! Invite a friend for

a walk. Go jogging with your pup. Take a dance class. Play tag with

your kids. Head to a local indoor pool and enjoy some lap swim-

ming or an aquatic exercise class. If you live in an area with snow, go cross-country

skiing in a local park.

Of course, you’ll want to first talk

with your doctor about start-

ing an exercise pro- gram. Then

grab your spouse, a friend or your kids and start walk-

ing (or dancing or swimming…) your way to a

stronger heart!

-Source: National Institutes of Health

Health Connection Issue 2 *Heart Health Month February 2016

Submitted by Dr. Paul C. Brown, Sr., MT (AMT)

6.

Strengthening Your Heart in Just 30 Minutes Per Day

AHI

Bassong, Franck - Montgomery

CMAS

Crusoe, Donella - Montgomery

Curry, Shatequa - Montgomery

Gilchrist, Tniya - Hayneville

Varnadore, Irene - Moody

Davis, Fiera - Wetumpka

Johnson, Shakita - Montgomery

Moncrief, Katrina - Montgomery

Wheat, Felicia - Auburn

Barber, Miranda - Montgomery

Capleton, Tiffany - Montgomery

Davis, Rosie - Tallassee

Freeman, Latrece - Montgomery

Fuller, Vernia - Montgomery

Griffin, Altress - Montgomery

Howard, Tiffany - Montgomery

Lockly, Tiffany - Montgomery

Moorer, Robert - Montgomery

Southall, Vonnice - Montgomery

Urbina-Moncada, Rebecca - Hope Hull

MLT

Connell, Rebecca - Thorsby

Deal, Kelly - Gardendale

Genov, Carlette - Troy

Hays, Tonya - Moody

Howard Bryant, Pamela - Birmingham

Ngarnuiya, Winnie - Helena

Proctor, Jennifer - Birmingham

MT Reaves, Brandy - Daleville

Rainer, Julie - Birmingham

Click, Alyssa - Trussville

Judy, Tracey - Tuscaloosa

Patel, Bhavyata - Vestavia

RDA

Judge, Kalan - Fort Mitchell

RMA Baily, Robyn - Lineville

7.

Berry, Kerri - Tuskegee

Bracken, Andrea - Montgomery

Brantlely, Tinicha - Grady

Brown, Erica - Mobile

Bruce, Tanisha - Montgomery

Cham, Mariama - Montgomery

Cross, Shanitha - Whistler

Davis, Barbara - Florence

Davis, Staneshia - Montgomery

Drinnon, James - Lillian

Easterling, Shane - Eight Mile

Erwin, Deborah - Foley

Hall, Freedom - Elmore

Hall, Misty - Sheffield

Hancock, Chelsea - Theodore

Jalbert, Gini - Saraland

Riley, Stephanie - Tallesee

Sirleaf, Asata - Prattville

Stovall, Erin - Montgomery

Thomas, Amanda - Pike Road

Waldrop, Kimberly - Florence

Williams, Dawn - Tallasee

Ancrum, Sydney - Montgomery

Baker, Amanda - Tuscaloosa

Baker, Brittani - Prattville

Brooks, Sonya - Montgomery

Brown, Megan - Florence

Burgess, Crimson - McCalla

Champion, Donna - Woodstock

Christy, Angela - Mobile

Church-Jacobs, Ashley - Phoenix City

Cope, Kort’nee - Union Springs

Davis, Emily - Millbrook

Davis, Lori - Decatur

Doaty, Kenna - Adasville

Donaldson, Taylor - Dora

Eason, Tracy - Deatsville

Evans, Markeya - Autaugaville

Harrison, Channa - Irvington

Hetherington, Alexandria - Monroeville

Hicks, Tyteauner - Selma

Newsom, Patricia - Decatur

Northcutt, Susan - Hueytown (continued on next page)

Welcome Aboard New AMT Certificants To

Your ALSSAMT Family March 6, 2015 through March 16, 2016

Pratt, Candance - Lexington

Riker, Amanda - Ohatchee

Rivers, LaSharion - Headland

Shatinsky, Nicole - Montgomery

Siems, Lisa - Prattville

Vann, Carron - Roanoke

Wally, Jennifer - Vance

Washington, Stephanie - Montgomery

Windhauser, April - Hope Hull

Woods, Pricilla - Mobile

Baty, Lori - New Hope

Bell, Shandra - Mobile

Betts, Mary - Montgomery

Billiter, kylie - Athens

Botchway, Clydetta - Red Bay

Burchell, Carol - Montgomery

Carter, Jessica - Montgomery

Davis, Tina - Montgomery

Eason, Geneva - Montgomery

French, Kendra - Huntsville

Graham, Andrea - Opelika

Graves, Stacy - Warrior

Gullet, RaShonda - Anniston

Hardrick, Jennifer - Odenville

Haynes, Britteny - Eastaboga

Hearl, Angela - Huntsville

Holden, Latasha - Huntsville

Johnson, Brittany - Prattville

King, Teegra - Huntsville

Martin, Allison - Killen

McCord, Tracy - Jacksonville

McGhee, LaToya - Millbrook

McGhee, NaQuelle - Montgomery

McKinney-Craig, April - Fultondale

McMillian, Endia - Mobile

Moses, Naomi - Prattville

Murray, Emily - Cullman

Paige, Latekia - Greenville

Patterson, Ieshia - Atmore

Peoples, Adina - Anniston

Posey, Vicky - Decatur

Russell, Shana - Hayden

Shattuck, Anita - Brookwood

Shows, Tonya - Northport

Stanley, Rinda - Bessemer

Story, Natasha - Madison

Talley, Ahlam - Madison

Trimble, Shem - Montgomery

Wilson, Brittany - Huntsville

RPT

Huot, Patty - Bayou la Batre

Peterson, Brunetta - Birmingham

Taylor, Whitney - Hope Hull

Fargason, Talia - Birmingham

Moses, Naomi - Prattville

Pomara, Nicole - Taylor

Rackow, Alysha - Lanett

8.

“Certification represents your

declaration of professional

competence, both current and

ongoing. This declaration is for

your benefit, as well as for your

employer and for the public-at-

large. It is important to stay

certified.”

Quoted from AMT webpage “Why Stay

Certified”

1) AMT Resolutions, Presentations and Meet the Candidates Tuesday—2:30 p. m.—4:30 p. m. Candidates for the AMT Board of Directors and AMTIE Board of Trustees will be presented to AMT Members.

2) AMT District Meetings Thursday—8:30 a. m.—10:30 a. m.

(All district members should attend)

3) Town Hall Session Thursday—10:00 a. m.—12:00 p. m. (Annual Reports and Legislative Reports)

*All delegates must be credentialed before Thursday in order to participate

in the business meeting.

4) AMT Annual Business Meeting Thursday 1:30 p. m.—4:30 p. m.

Everett Bloodworth, MT, AMT President presiding. ___________________________________________________________________________________

9.

2016 Delegate’s Requirements

Photographed by Peggy Vance

Puppies Behind Bars

Photos courtesy of Gloria Gilbert Stoga

Dogs who graduated and later

paired with Veterans

Prison inmates

love, nurture and

train lab puppies

for 24 months

Photographed by Peggy Vance Photographed by Peggy Vance

Photographed by Valerie Shaff

Photographed by Peggy Vance Photographed by Valerie Shaff

Zika virus disease (Zika) is a disease caused by Zika virus that is spread to people primarily through the

bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint

pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to

a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito. People usually

don’t get sick enough to go to the hospital, and they very rarely

die of Zika. For this reason, many people might not realize they

have been infected. Once a person has been infected, he or she is

likely to be protected from future infections.

Zika virus was first discovered in 1947 and is named after the

Zika forest in Uganda. In 1952, the first human cases of Zika

were detected and since then, outbreaks of Zika have been re-

ported in tropical Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.

Zika outbreaks have probably occurred in many locations. Be-

fore 2007, at least 14 cases of Zika had been documented, al-

though other cases were likely to have occurred and were not reported. Because the symptoms of Zika

are similar to those of many other diseases, many cases may not have been recognized.

In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert regarding the first con-

firmed Zika virus infection in Brazil and on Feb 1, 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) de-

clared Zika virus a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). Local transmission has

been reported in many other countries and territories. Zika virus likely will continue to spread to new

areas.

Key Facts

Zika is spread to people primarily by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito.

There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Zika. Travelers to areas with Zika

should prevent mosquito bites.

Pregnant women should delay travel to areas with Zika.

Most people infected with Zika virus do not get sick. The illness is usually mild, lasting from

several days to a week.

Symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes.

Prevention Tips

Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites.

Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents. Always

use as directed.

Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and stay in places with air conditioning or

that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.

Treat clothing and gear with permethrin or buy permethrin-treated items.

Pregnant women should delay travel to areas with Zika.

**Source: Centers for Disease Control (CDC) – Disease of the Week 24:7/Saving Lives, Protecting People

Submitted by Dr. Paul C. Brown, Sr., MT (AMT)

10.

About Zika Virus Disease

11.

Proclamations Signed Throughout Alabama Celebrating

Medical Laboratory Professional’s Week (MLPW)

(L) Kathy Storey, Laboratory Director (EAMC) Opelika & (R) Kathryn West CLS Program Director (AU)

L to R: Past-President of ALSSAMT Ann Brocato, ALSSAMT Board member Michele Gillies and

Huntsville’s Mayor Tommy Battle Photo courtesy of Michle Gillies, ALSSAMT Board Member

A meeting of the mayors in Auburn!

Tuskegee’s Mayor Johnnie Ford, Dr. Paul C. Brown along with Staff and Students from Tuskegee University CLS Program and Tuskegee’s

Veterans Administration Hospital

Photo courtesy of Joali Jenkings, Tuskegee City Manger Administration

Auburn Mayor Bill Ham Jr. (center-L, Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller (center-R) along with Dr. Paul Brown and staff and students from Auburn University (AU) and East Alabama Medical Center

(EAMC)

(Photos are courtesy of Griffith Waller, Public Relations Specialist, City of Montgomery) 12.

They All Came Out for the 2016 MLPW Proclamation Signing in Montgomery with Mayor Todd Strange April 24th

Montgomery Public

Health Laboratory

We would like to give our thanks and appreciation to all the mayors, students and staff members who made 2016 MLPW Celebra-

tion a success. But, we do not want to forget the constant dedication Dr. Paul Brown has toward keeping communities informed of

just how valuable the medical technologist is to healthcare. We salute you Dr. Brown and thank you for your service!

42nd Clinical Laboratory Group

Maxwell, Air Force Base

Baptist South CLS Program

Students and Staff

Jackson Medical Center

Auburn University in Montgomery

CLS Program Students and Staff

“Count it all JOY!”

The New Year is off to a good start. Spring is just around the corner and before you know it we will be in

Memphis, Tennessee for AMT's 78th Educational Program and National Meeting. The Peabody Hotel at

149 Union Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38103 will be the site for this event. July 18-22, 2016 will be

the actual date for the meeting but room rates will be valid July 12-26, 2016. Room rates will be $129.00

plus 15.9% tax ($20.51) for a total of $149.51 per night single or double. Room rates will be $159.00

plus 15.9% tax ($23.69) for a total of $172.69 triple or quad. Make your room reservation as soon as

possible. The reservation cut-off date for the Peabody Hotel is June 22, 2016. *Spend a few extra days

and take in the sights and sounds of Memphis! Once the room block is full, there is no guarantee that

the hotel will honor the AMT rate, even though the reservation cutoff date of June 22, 2016 has not yet

arrived. AMT attendees will receive 15% discount in hotel restaurants. There is an indoor pool and

steam room. Attendees will enjoy free wireless internet in the guestrooms, health club, weekday newspa-

pers, overnight shoe shine. There will be coffee and tea service in the deli each morning and free local

and 800 number calling. Make your reservations now!

Registration for the meeting is now available online. AMT has a special low early bird rate of $200 for all

members. Registration will jump up to $425. So, register now to make sure you do not miss out on

saving $225. There will be no extensions to the May 1 deadline for early bird registration. The

preliminary program is on the website. So, be sure to go online and review. You will notice there will be

numerous workshops offered on Sunday this year. You will see more management courses and some

maneuvering of items to different days. So, check the program carefully.

The location of the 2017 convention will be at the Intercontinental

Hotel, Kansas City, Missouri, July 9-13, 2017. Mark your calendars

and plan your vacation around the AMT National Convention. We will

be meeting at the same hotel as the previous Kansas City meeting. The

Fairmont is now the Intercontinental Hotel.

** Remember to enter all your continuing education credits into AM-

Trax. It is quick, easy and most of all it is free to all members. A Certi-

fication Continuation Program (CCP) cycle has recently ended and a

random 10% audit has just occurred. I cannot stress how important it is to record all your education cred-

its into AMTrax and to ensure you have the required continuing education points to remain certified.

Please attend your State Society meetings. They are an excellent source of continuing education and an

opportunity to meet with your AMT family.

If you have any questions or concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or

phone me at (h) 615-833-3427 or (c) 615-424-0550

Respectfully submitted,

Kaye A. Tschop, MT

AMT Southern District Councillor

13.

Spring 2016 Southern District

Councillor’s Message

14.

Another Successful

AKF/AMT Pair-Up Fund

Raising Bus Trip

The attendees enjoyed Mimosas and

Bloody Mary drinks as well as an

assortment of cakes and snacks on

their comfortable Continental

Trailways ride along the Scenic and

Beautiful Southern Gulf Coast.

*If you would like to make a charitable donation to the

American Kidney Fund in care of the state of Alabama

please visit

Let’s Make a Difference! - Daniel Benson’s fundraising page

for American Kidney Fund

Just Remember: No Donation Is To Small!

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease in the United States.

Coronary artery disease, also called coronary heart disease, or simply, heart disease, is the No. 1 killer in

America, affecting more than 13 million Americans.

For some people, the first sign of CAD is a heart attack. CAD is

caused by plaque buildup in the walls of the arteries that supply

blood to the heart (called coronary arteries) and other parts of the

body. Plaque is made up of deposits of cholesterol and other sub-

stances in the artery. Plaque buildup causes the inside of the arter-

ies to narrow over time, which could partially or totally block the

blood flow. This process is called atherosclerosis. Too much

plaque buildup and narrowed artery walls can make it harder for

blood to flow through your body. When your heart muscle does-

n’t get enough blood, you may have chest pain or discomfort,

called angina. Angina is the most common symptom of CAD.

Over time, CAD can weaken the heart muscle. This may lead to

heart failure, a serious condition where the heart can’t pump

blood the way that it should. An irregular heartbeat, or arrhyth-

mia, also can develop.

Several health conditions, your lifestyle, and your age and family

history can increase the risk for heart disease. About half of all

Americans (47%) have at least one of the three key risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure,

high cholesterol, and smoking. Other risk factors include being overweight, physical inactivity, unhealthy

eating, alcohol use, and smoking tobacco. Some of the risk factors for heart disease cannot be controlled,

such as your age or family history. But you can take steps to lower your risk by changing the factors you

can control.

To help lower the risk for heart attack or worsening heart disease:

Lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthier (lower sodium,

lower fat) diet, increasing physical activity, and quit-

ting smoking.

Medications to treat the risk factors for CAD, such as high cho-

lesterol, high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat,

and low blood flow.

Surgical procedures to help restore blood flow to the heart.

To find out if a person is at risk for CAD, health care providers may

measure your blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels.

The above article is based on material provided by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/about.htm.

Submitted by: Cynthia D. Perkins, AAS, CNA, CMAS, RMA

(ClipArt Pictures provided by N.L. Norphleet)

15.

Coronary Artery Disease

(*Potos courtesy of Tracy Shaw of AKF)

“Bessemer, Alabama!” March 19, 2016

Health Screenings, enter-tainment, face painting,

health and nutrition vendors,

Rain of Shine it was a Great

Day for Communities

to Join Together and

Give!

Health Screenings, enter-tainment, face painting,

health and nutrition vendors, exercise demon-

strations and the UAB mascot Blaze is such a hot head even he had to

stop by and get his blood pressure checked! LOL!

Hear Thee, Hear Thee!

A Proclamation to Commemorate this day as KIDNEY ACTION

DAY!

City Councilmen share a photo

16.

17.

2016 ALSSAMT Business/Board Meeting at “Uncle Mick’s Cajun Market & Café”

Prattville, AL “2015 Winner of TripAdvisor’s “Certificate of Excellence”

ALSSAMT Board Members in attendance: Dr Paul Brown, MT, Jerrod Packer, RMA, (Honorary member), Daniel Benson RMA, RPT,

Rikki Packer, AAS, RMA, Nettie Norphleet, MS, LPC, NCC, RMA, Salamata Kone-Coulibaly, MS, MT and Cynthia Perkins, AAS, CNA, CMAS, RMA

Photos courtescy of N. L. Norphleet

“Y’all Come See Us!”

“Taste just like chicken!”

Alabama Kidney Foundation Kidney Walk - Montgomery, Alabama

May 7, 2016

A quote from Phillip Butler. “I can’t tell you all how much it means to me for your support of me and

this day, but thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

No! We are not being carted off to jail. It is just our friend Deputy Dog telling

us to be safe on the highway home! We are so glad you came out to join us!

A big hand for all the attendees!

Popcorn and Snow Cones, Come and get them!

Register and don’t forget you door prize ticket!

B³ Group Leader & 2016 1st Place T-Shirt Design Winner — Phillip Butler

How about a workout to get thing started!

MOM

DAD

Just hanging with dad!

18.

Well, as of May 11, 2016 I will have to change most of this paper I have written. What was

once the plight of the disillusioned parent is has changed to good fortune of the enamored. For what was

once a report on how slowly the wheels of change turn in the Alabama Legislator is now a report on how

rapidly the wheels turn when the coals are stoked.

Only just yesterday, Governor Robert Bentley signed into law legislation that will allow the

legal possession and use of cannibidiol (CBD) oil. No longer will families have to leave the state of

Alabama in order to gain legal access to a drug which studies have found to be effective if not halt the

multiple episodes of debilitating, violent seizures seen in adults and children. Nicknamed “Leni’s Law”

is the next step in a battle which began with Carly’s Law, (Senate Bill 174 was signed into law also by

Bentley on April 1, 2014) a little piece of legislation which made it legal for CBD oil to be researched

and studied only. By the way, an on-going University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB) study, which

started almost one year after 174 was signed has since reported two children who are seizure-free. When

the study began only a chosen few were allowed to participate. For the many thousands of others in

Alabama it was pretty much “hurry up and wait.”

Eleanor “Leni” Young’s family was proactive and decided their daughter’s

quality of life was not worth the wait. They packed up and moved west. Ore-

gon that is, where now Leni has made remarkable progress as reported by her

parents. It is reported that CBD oil will be available for medical use in Ala-

bama as soon as June 1, 2016 which is very good news for those who decided

to stay and wait. “She’s progressed further than we were ever told was a pos-

sibility for her,” Amy Young said last week. “I can’t wait to watch our

friends’ [in Alabama] children progress.”

Do you know what CBD Oil is? Well, I did not. It happens to be oil derived from the mari-

juana plant which is in effect – wait for it – non-narcotic. In other words, it will not get you high! There

seems to be some discussion about THC levels and what a child should be administered. The Drug En-

forcement Agency’s (DEA) Schedule I as opposed to Schedule II, III, etc. was a major part of the legali-

zation issue. But, we are talking about a substance which has no addictive quality at all. In the UAB

study, the level of THC in one dose of CBD oil administered is less than .2% and is administered only

twice a day. But, you know Legislators in Alabama, they hear the words “marijuana” and “legalization”

in the same breath and that my friends is the end of the discussion.

Spearheading the push to the legalization of CBD oil was Republican Representative from

Madison, Alabama Mike Ball. He, from the first steps in getting Carly’s Law passed to this recent vic-

tory has worked tirelessly to move this Bill forward. Adults and parents with children suffering from

conditions such as cerebral palsy or epilepsy and working within the parameters of “I have tried every-

thing,” will finally get the treatment they have been waiting years to use without fear of incarceration.

Well, there are many who did threw caution to the wind and did whatever it took when it came to the

welfare and quality of life for themselves or for their children. When faced with unspeakable odds,

what would you do to help the one you love?

Dilemma: A man’s wife was suffering from a debilitating illness and the medicine used to treat this

illness was quite expensive.

19.

When Faced With Unspeakable Odds, What Would You Do?

The time came where the medicine ran out and there was no money for more. He had already

sold everything in the house of value and yes even in the world of Obamacare they had no health insur-

ance.

He was a Christen man and prayed day after day night after night. He could not bear to see her

in pain and if you have ever had to watch a love one suffer you can relate. Off to the pharmacist he

went.

Now this particular pharmacist was not your “Friendly Neighborhood Pharmacist.” He had

recently been robbed for the fourth time and he had had enough of that neighborhood! No more foolish-

ness for him. He went out and got himself a shotgun. “Now let them just try me.”

It was late when the man arrived at the pharmacy but, after presenting his case and telling

about how the money had run out, he thought for sure the pharmacist would help him. After all he lis-

tened so attentively.

The pharmacist waited politely for the man to finish and sternly refused to refill the medicine unless the

man had the full price and not a penny less. The man was a proud man but, for his wife he placed pride

and vanity aside and pleaded and begged with the pharmacist until the pharmacist bellowed for the man

to leave his store but, the man was so distort he fell to the floor and sobbed profusely.

The pharmacist was so angry he pulled out his shotgun and pointed at the man. Then he

threatened to shoot the man if the man did not leave the store immediately.

Stunned, shaken and defeated this broken left the store right at closing time. He could not

think about anything except the pain his wife must be experiencing now and the look on her face when

she sees his hands are empty once again. As he walked away he noticed the pharmacist driving down

the street.

When faced with unspeakable odds, what would you do to help the one you love?

There are laws. There are ethics. There are morals. Black and white. Right and wrong. Good and bad.

Male and Female.

There may be many things in life that are polarized, but life itself is not……….there is always some-

thing in between.

There will always be gray areas, always!

Welcome to the Gray!

Submitted by N. L. Norphleet

References: United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Drug Scheduling

WHNT News 19, Alabama Republican legislators to urge federal government to re-schedule

marijuana for medical use, /David Kumbroch, February 3, 2016

The Cannabist Newsletter, Alabama legalizes CBD oil for treatment of epilepsy, effective June

published May 11, 2016

Governor Bentley officially signs Carly’s Law, WHNT News 19, /Drew Galloway

20.

21.

Exceptional Merit Award - Rikki Packer, AAS, RMA

AMT Editor of the Year - N. L. Norphleet, MS, RMA

Distinguished Achievement Award - Daniel Benson, RPT, RMA

First Place Journal Award Winner

Alabama

O. C. “Skip” Skinner Armed Services Award

N. L. Norphleet, MS, RMA

22.

2015 National Award Winners

Medical Assistant’s Recognition Week October 17-21, 2016

Medical Assistant’s Recognition Day

October 19, 2016

*Don’t forget your observance packets“

Contact

www.americanmedtech.org

Affiliates:

www.americanmedtech.org

“Relax ALATECH is here to inform you”