MTR Clips

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Hello and Welcome!

HISTORY IN THE MAKING!  You are witnessing a trial run of a new and more informative MED-TECH Newsletter.  Beginning with the New Year, we will send the MTR Newsletter in its newest design and layout to our friends, employees (past and present), and to MTR client contacts everywhere.  Look for more controls, feedback opportunities and interactive features with the new design.

HOWEVER, we must have a new name for the Newsletter, so a contest to name the MTR Newsletter starts NOW!  This is going to earn you some Christmas $$money$$.  We are offering a $250 Visa or American Express gift card for the person who submits the best idea for a name for the MTR Newsletter.  All who receive this edition of the Newsletter are eligible.  The deadline for submissions is December 17, 2008, so we can be sure to have your money to you before Christmas!

Congratulations to the latest contest winners, awarded for the best ideas for Newsletter content.  Two of our MTs, Ellen Karle from Lexington, Kentucky, and Joyce Scallish from Wake Village, Texas will each receive $25 gift cards.  Thanks to everyone that participated.  We had quite a few excellent ideas! 

MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL:

AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

By Lillie Privott

We are living in a time when it seems as though people find more and more to complain about.  Yes, self included at times.  However, we need to be careful to stop and think for just a minute before we complain.

We can start by asking ourselves some questions just before uttering a complaint.  For instance, when you are about to complain about your job, ask yourself:  Do I know someone who has no job, who has spent the past year looking for a job, who has been laid off or fired from their job?  I'm sure many of us do.  Now, be grateful for your job.

How about right before you start complaining about what you don't have, you take a look at what you do have.  Do you have a job?  Do you have a roof over your head?  Are you worried about where your next meal is coming from?  Are your children safe and healthy?  I could go on and on, but if you can answer yes to any of these questions, then you have something for which to be grateful. 

Let's try, just for one day, not to complain.  Can we simply give thanks for all of the things that we DO have and not worry about the things that we don't?  It is all about perspective and I am sure once we have taken a moment to see things from another point of view, we will realize that we do not have it as bad as we think we do.  Maybe, just maybe, that will compel us to do something for someone who is truly in a bad way, something that will help us to recognize that being able to help someone else is ALWAYS a reason to be grateful.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

THE WELLNESS ARENA:

By Ellen Karle

Coming soon to our new and improved Newsletter is “The Wellness Arena.”  This will be our question-and-answer forum for all of your health and wellness questions.  Your questions can be transcription related or not.  For guidelines, remember that the four main aspects of wellness include nutrition, physical activity, the environment, and stress reduction.  Our “Ms. Wellness” is Ellen Karle.  She is a transcriptionist with MTR who is also a wellness consultant.  Ellen has a BA in psychology, an MSCN (Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition), is a Kentucky-certified nutritionist, AFPA-certified personal trainer, and AFPA-certified senior fitness specialist.  She has studied related topics in graduate school including immunobiology and virology, exercise prescription, and various aspects of environmental systems.  To maintain her certifications Ellen’s continuing education studies have included weight loss, cancer prevention, herbal remedies, and Ayurvedic medicine.

So, send us your wellness questions, and we will publish them with answers in our first column in the first new MTR Newsletter issue at the beginning of the year!  We hope that this will be fun and educational.

NATIONAL TREASURES: 

By Maureen McKowen

National Parks and Historic Sites have always fascinated me.  Originally, from southeastern Massachusetts, I have enjoyed places such as the old whaling town of New Bedford, all the history surrounding Boston, and the seashores of Cape Cod.  Did you know it is illegal to put tomatoes in clam chowder in Massachusetts?  I would have to say it is a sin to put tomatoes in clam chowder. Illegal seems to be way out there, but having been raised with the rivalries between Massachusetts (Boston Red Sox) and New York (Yankees), I quite understand.

Did you ever get to see the Old Man in the Mountain on Kangamangus Highway in New Hampshire?  Have you ever been to the summit on top of Mt. Washington?  I still have a hard time believing that Mt. Mitchell in North Carolina is just feet taller than Mt. Washington in New Hampshire. The weather station on Mt. Washington has recorded some of the most brutal weather in the world.

There is so much beauty throughout our grand country to be preserved, enjoyed and shared.  Tell us about your favorite place.  In the state where you live, what would you like to share?

THE FIRST NATIONAL PARK

The borders of Yellowstone are located within three different states: Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana with the majority of the park in Wyoming.  The land, now known as Yellowstone National Park, first reserved for park use in May 1872, and to this day maintains more than 92% of the Park’s land as wild and undeveloped territory.

Experience Old Faithful, the most popular geyser in the world and a part of a collection of the world's most extraordinary geysers and hot springs.  View the colorful Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, which was created by a volcanic eruption more than 600,000 years ago, and enjoy the wild beauty of Yellowstone Lake.  Look for bears and wolves, elk and buffalo in the Lamar and Hayden Valleys.  Discover Fort Yellowstone and learn about the park's history.  Hiking, camping, fishing, enjoying exhibits and films, and attending Ranger-led programs are among the many ways you and your family can enjoy Yellowstone National Park.

Did you know?

Yellowstone contains approximately one-half of the world’s hydrothermal features.  (Hydrothermal is an adjective to describe something related to or produced by hot water, especially water heated underground by the Earth’s internal heat.)  There are over 10,000 hydrothermal features, including over 300 geysers, in the park.

First National Park:  From the National Park Service's website at:  http://www.nps.gov/yell/

ROAD TRIP: 

By Maureen McKowen

We had a great and relaxing time on our vacation this year.  Our first stop was visiting friends at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, then on to the Black Hills of South Dakota.  The weather was wonderful with only one really, hot day - over 105 degrees!  There were pop-up storms throughout the week, which kept the temperatures nice!  We visited Deadwood and Spearfish Canyon.  We even found Nemo, a small town located between Sturgis and Rapid City.  We spent time with friends in Belle Fourché where we met Wim and his son Obi from Holland.  They only make the trip once every six years.  They fly from Holland into Denver, Colorado and then rent Harley Davidson motorcycles, spending two weeks riding around Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota.  We talked about all sorts of things related to Holland’s culture, its people, and of course windmills and tulips. 

We visited my favorite place in the Black Hills, Custer State Park.  Roy, my husband, and I have been traveling to the Black Hills for 10 years.  Every year we find something new to explore:  the many caves in the Hills, the wildlife loop in Custer State Park, the Wall, Badlands, and Wild Horse Sanctuary in Hot Springs, South Dakota.  I was terribly upset that instead of seeing hundreds of buffalo we only saw 2!  Guess they were smarter than we were because as soon as we finished the wildlife loop a storm hit with a lot of hail and rains that would have strangled a frog.

In Hot Springs there is also The Mammoth Site.  That place is awesome!  At The Mammoth Site, on the southern outskirts of Hot Springs, South Dakota, there is a museum built around an active excavation of mammoth fossils.  The site was a flooded sinkhole during the Pleistocene.  Mammoths ventured in to drink, then were sometimes unable to get back up the banks to escape.  We try to visit The Mammoth Site every other year, between visits to the Wind Cave and the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary.

The Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary is located on 11,000 pristine acres with the Cheyenne River running through it.  It is absolutely beautiful.  I love visiting there not just to see the wild mustangs and other critters that live there but for the laid back, relaxing atmosphere.  It is a working ranch, but I love to just go and sit on the front porch of the store and enjoy the ambiance.

Go to http://www.gwtc.net/~iram/ for more information.

FAMILY MATTERS:

Brags:

From Judi Cohen:  On July 24, my daughter Daniela had her first child, a son, Matthew Orrin.  He weighed 8 pounds, 14 ounces, and was 21 inches tall.  Needless to say, I think he is adorable.  He is my second grandchild.   My son has a daughter, Sera Abigail, 4 years old.  Aunt Ellen, the good twin, is the proud adoptive great aunt.

From Joyce Scallish:  LINK TO Pictures here. I want to brag about my grandchildren.  Zachary Tyler was born Sunday, July 6 @ 6:23 a.m.  Weight was 8 lb. 9 oz., 21-3/4 inches long!  He's a little chunk!  Since most people don't know me, I've sent in Kaity's photo as well.  Kaitlyn Elizabeth is about to be 9 years old.

From Kathy Brubaker:  We have another new grandchild.  Ethan Andrew Brubaker was born July 2 at 6:00 p.m. weighing in at 8 pounds.  With stepchildren, that makes 5 for our son.  (He has 4 stepdaughters.)  We also had a new granddaughter back in March on the 13th, Teagan Rae Baker.  So, now our oldest daughter has 2 counting her stepdaughter, and last but not least, our youngest daughter has four children, bringing the total of grandchildren for us to 11.  Unfortunately, they all live in other states and we hardly ever get to see them.  Also, my husband and I will be moving in with my parents on the 21st of July.  With gas prices so high and being 20 miles away from them, it has become nearly impossible to get there often enough to do all the things that need doing.  We also hope to start building our own house next door to them this fall.  So, a lot of big changes in the Brubaker family!

From Elaine Dodd:  LINK TO Pictures here. The picture of the big guy is my husband Jim's horse, a Tennessee Walker.  He has a name about a mile long, but we just call him Chance.  He is a trickster and will try to steal anything you might be using or working with, like brushes or tools.  In one photo, I am sitting on my darling Arab mare, Teka.  (Do not look at me; that is a horrible picture.)  Teka is sweet and obedient, and will stand on her head for an apple treat.  We also have Teka's younger sister, Khopi Kat.  Kat is a little more feisty, but sweet in her own way. 

From Maureen:  My niece, Kaitlyn, just started karate in South Carolina, and she won two first place trophies in forms and sparing for her belt and age group at a tournament in Greenville.  She is also the youngest, only a ninth grader, to get the rank of Master Sargent at Carolina Academy in Greenville, South Carolina.  My mom, Lucille, started volunteering for the Red Cross.  She also spends a lot of her time rescuing and fostering Norwegian elkhounds getting them ready for their forever homes.

THIS MONTH’S RECIPE:

Corn, Avocado, and Tomato Salad

Here is a colorful medley that makes a delicious summer dish.  You can serve it as a salad or call it a chunky dip and scoop it up with tortilla chips.

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
	2 tablespoons olive oil
	1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
	1/4 cup chopped cilantro
	1/4 teaspoon salt
	1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
	2 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels (from about 5 ears)
	1 1/2 cups diced avocado (1/2-inch pieces)
	1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered
	1/2 cup finely diced red onion

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the corn, avocado, tomatoes, and onion and toss to mix. Serve at room temperature.  Serves 4 to 6

Tips: Choose ears of corn with bright green husks that are tightly closed. The ends of the corn silk should be golden brown, not pale -- an indication that the corn was picked too early.  To remove corn silks, hold the ear in one hand and rub downward with a wet paper towel.  To remove corn kernels for a salad or salsa, stand an uncooked ear in a shallow bowl and use a sharp, thin-bladed knife. For chowder, add another step: reverse the knife and run the dull side down the ear to press out the rest of the corn and its milk.

OUR HEROES:

In this issue, we would like to say “thank you” to those out there who volunteer.  There are many types and places of and for volunteerism in your community.  Here we would like to send kudos to those who volunteer in their community and abroad.

While most of us don’t have much time to give, there are small but significant things that don’t take much time.  These things, such as creating care packages, donating blood, transporting animals that are going to foster homes or rescue organizations, fostering abused, neglected or abandoned pets, and even such things as helping the elderly with meals and transportation to doctors appointments can help a great deal.  There is so much that can be done just down the street from where you live. 

We are now in the hurricane season, from Labor Day to Halloween.  Already we have had multiple hits in different cities and will likely have more storms coming.  The United Way and The American Red Cross are two of the best-known non-profit volunteer organizations.  When most people think of the Red Cross, they think of donating blood, but there is so much more to the American Red Cross than that.  In this issue of the Newsletter, we will focus on the American Red Cross.

A bit of history on The American Red Cross:

Swiss businessperson Henry Dunant founded the Red Cross Movement after witnessing an 1859 battle outside the northern Italian town of Solferino.  At nightfall, he saw 40,000 dead or wounded soldiers strewn about the battlefield without medical attention, and began organizing care for the wounded.  Later, Dunant remembered the horror of Solferino and worked to establish a society for aid of those wounded in battle.  In 1864, the first "Geneva Convention" established the International Committee of the Red Cross and specified that the "red cross" would be a protective emblem for medical personnel, equipment, and facilities.  In 1901, Dunant received the first Nobel Peace Prize for his work. 

Clara Barton, the famous Civil War nurse, admired the Red Cross movement and established The American Red Cross in 1881.  That same year, she sent relief supplies for those left homeless by the devastating forest fires in Michigan, and later led relief efforts during the great Ohio and Mississippi River flood of 1884.  Heroic efforts after the Johnstown flood of 1889 firmly established the Red Cross in the hearts of the American people.

The American Red Cross is the largest volunteer organization in America.  Since the founding of the American Red Cross by Clara Barton in 1881, volunteers have been trained to help families, friends, and neighbors in the event of an emergency.  The American Red Cross is committed to making a positive difference by improving the quality of human life, enhancing self-reliance and concern for others, and helping people avoid, prepare for, and cope with emergencies.

As a voluntary organization, The American Red Cross depends on the generosity of people for both their time and money to provide disaster relief.  The American Red Cross is an independent organization, not a government agency.  All disaster relief given by The American Red Cross is given free of charge as a gift from the American people.  For more information check out your local American Red Cross Chapter or visit online @ http://www.redcross.org

BRAINTEASER:

A woman gave birth to two boys on the same date, within about twenty minutes of each other, and yet they were not twins.  How could this be? 

She had triplets!