By Larry Frase, M.D. and Donald Richards, M.D., Ph.D.

For years, anti-smoking campaigns have touted the same message – “Smoking Causes Lung Cancer.” Today, you’d be hard-pressed to find any American unaware of the strong link between the two. However, during Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November, it’s important to highlight some lesser-known facts about lung cancer and smoking that can still have a big impact on your health.

Smoking Causes Lung Cancer…
But Not All Lung Cancer Is Caused by Smoking
According to the American Cancer Society, while cigarette smoking is by far the most important risk factor for developing lung cancer, smoking accounts for 87 percent of lung cancer deaths. This means that there are thousands of people diagnosed with lung cancer each year who have never smoked.
Other lesser-known risk factors for lung cancer include exposure to secondhand smoke, as well as ongoing exposure to asbestos, certain metals like arsenic, and air pollution.
Genetics can also make you more susceptible to developing lung cancer, especially those who develop the disease at a younger age. People who are more genetically prone to the disease should be extra cautious and reduce exposure to carcinogens as much as possible.

Screening exams are not
available for lung cancer

Mammograms help detect breast cancer…but for lung cancer there isn’t a specific screening test. However, recent studies suggest that CT scans can be a valuable screening tool that helps detect lung cancer at early, more treatable stages. This research could lead to an approved screening test in the near future.

It’s important to watch for early signs and symptoms of lung cancer, and make an appointment to see your doctor if you experience any of the following:
• Persistent cough or hoarseness of voice
• Deep chest pain, shoulder or upper-
back pain
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Reddened, rust-colored or bloody phlegm
• Recurrent respiratory infections, like
pneumonia or bronchitis
• Weight loss or lack of appetite
• Abnormal breast growth in men

Many of these symptoms could indicate a number of other conditions, but they can also be signs of lung cancer. It’s important to trust your gut – if you are not feeling right, don’t hesitate to consult your physician.

Tobacco use causes more than lung cancer

In the United States, the leading cause of preventable illness and death is tobacco use, according to the National Cancer Institute. In addition to lung cancer, smoking can cause numerous other types of cancer including bladder, cervical, esophageal, kidney, lip, larynx, mouth, acute myeloid leukemia, nasal cavity, pancreatic, sinuses, stomach, and throat cancer. Smoking also contributes to heart disease, emphysema, bronchitis, and stomach ulcers.

Many states ban smoking
to protect residents’ health

The most important thing you can do to prevent lung cancer is stop smoking, or distance yourself from those who do. A Center for Disease Control report released this year said the number of states with comprehensive indoor smoking bans went from zero in 2000 to 26 in 2010, and in 10 more years, the entire nation could be covered by smoking bans in workplaces, bars, and restaurants.

Texas does not currently have a comprehensive smoking ban in place. The Texas Legislature considered a statewide ban on smoking in public places this year, but the measure wasn’t passed. Only three southern states – Florida, Louisiana, and North Carolina – have laws banning smoking in any two of the three venues (workplaces, restaurants, and bars) and no southern state has a smoke-free law covering all three. If Texas were to pass a comprehensive statewide smoke-free law, the measure would be expected to save an estimated $31 million in state Medicaid costs over two years.
In the absence of a smoking ban, avoid indoor areas like sports bars and restaurants that have a high-concentration of smokers. This includes cigars and pipe smoke, which also increase the risk of lung cancer.

For more information on the links between lung cancer and smoking, please visit www.TexasOncology.com.

Larry Frase, M.D., is a Medical Oncologist at Texas Oncology–Longview, 1300 North Fourth Street in Longview, Texas. Donald Richards, M.D., Ph.D., is a medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Tyler, 910 East Houston Street, Suite 100 in Tyler, Texas.

With the 2012 Stars over Longview–Women Who Rise to the Occasion program approaching Longview Regional Medical Center (LRMC) has released its list of local ladies to be honored at the event.  LRMC Marketing Director Kim Brown explained the significance of this list.
“The day the nomination period opened in August for Longview Regional’s Stars Over Longview the nominations began flowing into my e-mail’s inbox,” she said.  “It’s amazing how many deserving women our community wishes to have recognized each year.  New people continue to be submitted.”
Along with the Women’s Advisory Council (WAC,) LRMC presents Stars Over Longview every January. The WAC is made of sixteen local businesswomen, volunteers and activists, and have the task of compiling the annual list of winners.  With so many deserving nominees this task keeps getting harder, but the panel managed to complete the list October 17.
“The Women’s Advisory Council reviews plentiful nominations for such commendable candidates,” said LRMC Chief Operating Officer Jill Berney.  “The twelve extraordinary women who were chosen to be honored all exemplify fortitude of service, dedication and devotion to improving the lives of Longview’s citizens and community as a whole.”

2012 Honorees

February Star Over Longview is Brenda Jones
March Star Over Longview is Nancy Murray
April Star Over Longview is Linda Buie
May Star Over Longview is Linda Eaves
June Star Over Longview is Barbara McClellan
July Star Over Longview is Lynette Goodson
August Star Over Longview is Amy Allen
September Star Over Longview is Dale Sage
October Star Over Longview is Glennis Woodall
November Star Over Longview is Shirley Griffin
December Star Over Longview is Donna Blalock
January 2013 Star Over Longview is Amy Brown

These Stars will be honored Tuesday, January 12, 2012 at the 12th Anniversary celebration and awards luncheon at Maude Cobb Activity Center, beginning at 11:30 a.m.  LRMC will provide valet parking, and tickets will be $25 apiece and can be bought beginning in mid-November at the LRMC at 448 East Loop 281.  Payment can be made by cash, check or credit card.  Eight-person tables can be reserved for $175, and guests will savor a plated hot lunch and dessert by Lori’s Eats and Sweets of Gilmer and by Chris Murray Confections.  For additional information on the event please call (903) 381-7239.
The keynote address will be delivered by motivational speaker Abby Rike, who spent thirteen years as a high school theater and debate teacher. She changed her life after her husband and two children were killed in a 2006 traffic accident.  In 2009 she set out to better her personal lot by participating in the NBC reality program Biggest Loser.  She followed up by appearing on the Today Show, Ellen Show and with Jay Leno.  She has shared her message of self-improvement, faith, family values and personal healing with multitudes nationwide.
Rike considers her calling a privilege as she strives to give God’s word of love and healing with so many who, like her, stand to gain so much from it.  Her rejuvenated health and personal life are a testament to the truth of her words and assertion that with God’s help there is always hope.  Her message comes through clearly and with power in her recent book Working It Out: A Journey of Love, Loss and Hope.  For more information on this remarkable woman please visit www.abbyrike.com.

Longview Chamber President Kelly Hall, Community Development Coordinator Diana Northcutt, and Keith Honey with AEP/SWEPCO will represent the Longview Chamber of Commerce, as well as City Planner Michael Shirley with the City of Longview at the International Council of Shopping Centers Trade Show in San Antonio on November 2-4. At this conference, developers and municipalities from all over Texas network and promote their communities in order to bring more retail development to their area. The ICSC trade show is the fifth largest ICSC deal making convention in the nation. Over 3,000 retailers, brokers, developers and municipalities will attend.
Getting the Longview Community involved by conducting a survey to see what Longview needs will help to make this a more successful event.

www.websurveymaster.com/s/LongviewChamber

Results from our survey will be posted on the website LongviewTX.com.

Longview Chamber President Kelly Hall, Keith Honey with AEP/SWEPCO, and Community Development Coordinator Diana Northcutt

The East Texas Symphony Orchestra (ETSO) has always been dedicated to music and education.  Even if it can assist in the schooling of just one more child its aim is to immerse children in its classical music in order to improve the futures of our youngest scholars.  ETSO Executive Director Nancy Wrenn believes the music of the classical masters enhances the classroom performance of young students.
Research compendia indicate that education in the arts is a promising route to improving the lot of at-risk youth who are both very young and come from disadvantaged situations.  Also, students needing remedial instruction benefit in all areas from education in classical arts.
Specifically, exposure to the arts produces an optimum learning environment that cannot help but improve young minds’ concentration on their education.  The arts can reach students that may not be reached by any other avenue, and even create learning opportunities for the parents and guardians of less fortunate children.
The most significant factor in sustaining arts education in our schools is the active involvement of community leaders and institutions.  This furthers the shaping and implementation of policies and programs related to arts awareness.  The ETSO’s mission is to engage, embrace and excite East Texas as a community through inspiring musical performances, hence influencing growth and learning via connecting audiences who attend live performances.  In response to current economic crises the ETSO-AT&T collaboration is essential toward accomplishing the goal of reaching students first through a distance, offering substantial music education while simultaneously responding to constituents’ financial needs.  AT&T External Affairs Director for Northeast Texas Candace Gast is upbeat about the partnership’s potential.
“At AT&T we know the importance of the fine arts for their role in enriching the local communities they serve, and we are thrilled to be able to provide the East Texas Symphony Orchestra with this grant of $10,000,” she said.  “As a committed supporter of the arts, and through its philanthropic initiatives and partnerships, AT&T supports projects like this one, which create learning opportunities, promote academic and economic achievement and address community needs.”
She went further in her outline of the project.
“We invest in the people and communities in which we live, work and operate every day, and we hope this grant will open even more doors and opportunities for the people of East Texas to continue to enjoy the Symphony Orchestra’s shows and performances now and in years to come,” she said.
“I am very excited about AT&T’s continued support of the arts,” said Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass.  “Their particular interest and collaboration to improve the lives of young people in our community is greatly appreciated.”
When school districts endure budget cuts, concert performances and field trips are typically the first activities to be eliminated.  By electronically connecting schools curricula can be integrated, meeting the essential elements Texas needs for music and arts education.  Teachers are therefore able to receive quality lessons themselves while presenting and evaluating, on-campus, connected live art forms.  “Our students and the ETSO thank AT&T for addressing this vital community need,” said Wrenn.

Left to right: Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass, Gregg Smith, president East Texas Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors, Candice Gast, director, AT&T External Affairs Northeast Texas, and Nancy Wrenn, executive director, East Texas Symphony Orchestra

Back in 1984 Good Shepherd Medical Center (GSMC) organized 60 women into the Good Shepherd Guild/Gold Rush.  These volunteers offer up their time, talents and sundry support to assist the hospital in various ways year-round.  The more than $6 million in contributions the Gold Rush has raised through the years have financed the Heart Center, opened in 1987, and the 1992 expansions to the critical care expansion on the 5th and 6th floors.  Additional efforts by the Gold Rush have funded updated pediatric capabilities, catheterization equipment, a central monitoring system in Maternal Children Services, emergency defibrillators for the emergency ambulance service, assisted in financing the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the hospital’s Institute for Healthy Living, and Shepherd House.
More than 450 businesses assist Gold Rush by underwriting tables, auctions, and the sale of raffle tickets.  Additionally, 175 GSMC employees also, crucially volunteer during the auctions as greeters, servers, valet parking attendants, cashiers and silent auction monitors.
According to Cindy Jordan, director GSMC Foundation, the proceeds raised this year at “Boots, Buckles and Bling” will allow the Medical Simulation Center to lead the charge in East Texas medical education advancement through expansion. The Center is dedicated to creating an innovative learning environment utilizing interactive techniques.
In addition, the Center is committed to collaborating with area schools, emergency medical services, allied health programs, including the participants of the new Good Shepherd Internal Medicine Residency program.  “More than one hundred and ten tables were sold,” said Jordan. “We thank everyone for their support.”
The Good Shepherd Foundation is Gold Rush’s official organizer.  The foundation is a non-profit, charitable organ that solicits philanthropic support for GSMC programs, facilities, services and activities.

The Good Shepherd Medical Center (GSMC) Auxiliary recently hosted its 49th Annual Style Show at Pinecrest Country Club.  This year the fund raiser’s theme was “Vogue,” and it featured the latest fashions from LaPromenade.  Since 1956 this non-profit organization has donated more than $3 million to the hospital and its Foundation.  Part of this is a yearly $150,000 contribution raised via sales in the Auxiliary-operated Gift Shop.
Money from the style show, ongoing book fairs and jewelry sales also support Auxiliary projects that benefit the Medical Center and its patients.  Projects of the 2010-2011 Fiscal Year included:
• New equipment, computer software and nurse training for the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program (SANE) which teaches nurses how to gather evidence to help law enforcement identify, arrest and prosecute sex offenders. The Auxiliary’s total contribution was $36,000.
• Renovating the hospital’s fifth and sixth floors with new furniture, signs, artwork, computer stations, floorings and window treatments.  Total Auxiliary donation was $96,000.
• Another $87,000 went to purchase new flat-screen televisions for all patient rooms in GSMC Tower A.
In previous years Auxiliary projects have funded  new cardiac equipment valued at $295,000 in 1999 and $500,000 for Emergency Room expansion in 2001.  The Auxiliary also provided $25,000 to the Level IIIa Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, which opened in 2004.  Another $600,000 recently went to the Institute for Healthy Living capital campaign.
The senior volunteers who work in the hospital’s thirty-plus areas are assisted by forty junior volunteers, many of whom also participate in the summer Spirit Teen Program for high school seniors.  These two groups of volunteers average about 45,000 hours on the job yearly–the equivalent of twenty-seven full-time employees.  This saves the hospital about $900,000 annually.
In addition to donating time, service and money to GSMC, the Auxiliary provides qualifying students with scholarships toward college education in health care.  Donations from memorials, honoraria, baby photos and other sources support this fund.  Through the years the Auxiliary has raised nearly $100,000 this way.
Membership in the Auxiliary is open to the public.  Application forms are available next to the Gift Shop by the GSMC Main Entrance at 700 East Marshall Avenue.  Also, those interested in joining may call (903) 315-2199.
Additional services and fund-raising projects directed by GSMC Auxiliary include:
• Making Christmas stockings for babies born in December.  These handmade stockings are large enough so that the babies can be taken home from the hospital in them.  This has been a popular project for decades.
• Some ladies in the Auxiliary make “Angel Gowns” for premature babies who do not survive.  The gowns are given to parents for the childrens’ burials.  The Auxiliary also furnishes “Memory Boxes” to these babies’ families.
• Auxiliary members also make “Walker Bags” out of attractive spare material.  These bags are for patients and other individuals who can only get around with the aid of a walker.  Most recipients are in the Rehab unit, and the bags also make excellent holders for personal items.
• Auxiliary volunteers assist Good Shepherd’s staff in community events such as A Fair of the Heart.

Models strutted their stuff at Good Shepherd Medical Center Auxiliary's 49th Annual Style Show

The local Texas Spine and Joint Clinic recently had its grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony at its newest location 725 North 4th Street.  Director of Operations Ann Ribble welcomed guests to the facility, and introduced front desk clerk Shannon Rosser, X-ray technician Leah Spencer, Clinical Nurse Bienvenida Torres and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Sharon Patterson. The clinic is providing orthopedic and neurologic treatment, X-rays and non-surgical pain management from 22 physicians and practitioners.  Doctors Ryan Patterson, Aaron K. Calodney, David Penn and some of the clinic’s first patients were on hand for the ceremony.
Each doctor brings his own area of expertise.  Additional resident physicians are Cary Clark, Guy Danielson, Paul W. Detwiler, Brad Duhon, Kim Foreman, Thomas W. Graham, Duane Lee Griffith, Rebel Huffman, Jon T. Ledlie, Chad McNeil, Mark Renfro, James Michaels, Eduardo Ozuna, Todd Raabe, Andy Redmon, Laurence Rosenfield, Michael Russell, Jerry Schwartzbach and Claire Tibiletti.
Dr. Patterson is a newcomer to this area, and thrilled about serving Longview.  He specializes in orthopedic surgery on the hand and upper extremities.
New patients are not required to have a referral to see the Family Nurse Practioner (FNP).  Patients are not required to be referred to the clinic either.  The staff is enthusiastic about serving Longview and its people.  The Longview satellite office will enable local patients to receive treatment they previously could get only by driving to Tyler.  Clinic CEO Tony Wahl expressed his staff’s eagerness to commence improving Longview residents’ health.
“We’re excited to finally invite the Longview community inside to tour our new spine and joint clinic,” he said.  “We are very honored to meet the medical needs of patients in this area, and being a part of a growing medical community.”
One early patient, Linda L. Voyles, a real estate broker for Suzanne Cook Realty, attended the opening and spoke on the treatment she has already received for an automobile accident four years ago and for a recent fall.  Her pain has been decreased to the point she can again climb stairs.
“You don’t have to live with pain,” she said.  “It is just a matter of finding the right business, the right person and the right time for treatment.”
Clinic hours will be 8:00 to 5:00 Monday through Friday, no appointment required.
“Calling to schedule an appointment is not necessary,” said Wahl.  “People just walk in.”
The local Spine and Joint Hospital is a 20-bed facility providing acute care, an outpatient surgery center and ancillary imaging center, and a total staff of 220 full- and part-time employees who have already performed over 30,000 procedures this year.  It focuses on patient-centered care, and a Press Gamey Associates survey indicates it ranks in the 99th percentile nationally for patient satisfaction.  For more information, please call 903.758.8754

Cynde Bell, Chamber ambassador, presents new membership plaque to Ann Ribble, Operations director; Dr. Ryan Patterson, left, as Dru Crenshaw, marketing director, looks on.

Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt was recently honored by the Children’s Advocacy Center of Gregg and Harrison counties.
Stoudt graduated from Georgia State University with a business administration degree before moving to Longview. He is a 40-year resident of Longview and an experienced, successful businessman. He is happily married to Suzanne, a teacher in Longview ISD. He also has one daughter, Cameron a practicing Veterinarian at Equine Surgery in Bryan College Station.
Stoudt has a stellar record in community service.
He has served as director or chairman in many organizations including:
Longview Economic Development Corporation
Gregg County Appraisal District
City of Longview High Education Council
Cherokee Water Company
Regions Bank
University of Texas-Longview Campus
Boys & Girls Club of East Texas
He currently serves as a Trustee of the Centurion Club, a non-profit cooperative foundation that provides financial assistance to the families of East Texas Police Officers killed in the line of duty.  In addition, he is an active member of the Rotary. Stoudt worships at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Longview.
The Children’s Advocacy Center that honored Stoudt is a nonprofit organization dedicated to children who are entering the justice system due to suspected sexual or serious physical abuse or have witnessed a violent crime.
According to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Gregg & Harrison Counties they conducted:
296 interviews in 2009
385 interviews in 2010
210 of those children made an outcry of abuse
52 of those clients had sexual assaults exams
45 are receiving ongoing mental health services
The mission of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Gregg and Harrison Counties is to lessen the emotional trauma to children by coordinating multidisciplinary investigation, assessment, prosecution and treatment of child abuse.
Several advocates and sponsors joined in recognizing Stoudt and giving to the Center and they include AEP Southwestern Electric Power Co., Longview Regional Medical Center, Martin Gas, R & K Distributors, Cammack & Strong P.C. in Austin, Perry Reed & Company.

Keith Honey, external affairs manager, AEP SWEPCO; Suzanne, and husband, Judge Bill Stoudt

The Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s a united movement to reclaim the future for millions brought out families and friends to the LeTourneau University campus in Longview for this famed annual event. The Walk raises awareness and funds needed to fight Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s participants walked one mile and learned more about the disease, advocacy opportunities  clinical trial enrollment, and support programs and services of Alzheimer’s Association.
In addition, each walker joined in a meaningful tribute ceremony to honor those affected by Alzheimer’s disease. According to President and CEO Mike Spencer, Alzheimer’s association, Greater Dallas Chapter the numbers of participants doubled this year.
Jack and Nelda Strong served as this year’s honorary chairmen of the event. Jack Strong, a former state senator, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a few years ago, according to Carolyn Ramirez of the Alzheimer’s Association. “He was very active in a number of community organizations for many years, so he’s well known in the region,” she said. Jack Strong, his family and friends made the strongest showing – financially and numerically.
Dr John and wife Karen Hill also came on behalf of Jack and Nelda Strong. “He is a dear friend,” said Dr. Hill. “Our family has been touched by Alzheimer’s’ and we are here to support them.”
In addition, R&K Distributors continued their community benevolence and made a sizeable donation to the Alzheimer’s association.
Though scientists know that Alzheimer’s disease involves the failure of nerve cells, the reason for the failure is still unknown. Nonetheless, they have identified certain risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing the disease.
Age is the greatest risk factor. Most individuals who develop the disease are 65 and older.  Family history and genetics play a crucial role  also. Research has shown that those who have a parent,  brother or sister with Alzheimer’s are two or three times more likely to develop the disease. If more than one member of the family has the disease the risk becomes higher.
Furthermore, scientists have identified one gene that increases the risk of Alzheimer’s but does not guarantee an individual will develop the illness. In addition, research has revealed certain rare genes that virtually guarantees a person will develop the disease. The genes that directly cause the disease have been found in only a few hundred extended families in the globe and account for less than 5 percent. Experts therefore believe majority of the cases are caused by a complex combination of genetic and non-genetic influences.
But there is hope.  According to the Alzheimer’s association, there is a link between serious head injury and future risk of the disease. People are encouraged to protect the head by wearing seat belts or helmets when driving or playing sports. Also, do not forget to fall-proof the home.
Furthermore, overall healthy aging which includes eating a healthy diet; staying socially active, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol; exercising both the body and mind may help keep Alzheimer’s at bay.
Studies of donated brain tissues provide evidence for the heart-head connection linking brain health to heart health. Heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure or high cholesterol puts an individual at a high risk of developing Alzheimer’s, hence good health is important.

Jack and Nelda Strong at the recent 'Walk to end Alhzeimer's' event.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100 Board Chair John Ruan III has appointed Longview Chamber President Kelly Hall to the committee.  Chamber 100 is made up of the nation’s leading chamber of commerce chief staff executives, whose primary function is to serve as an advisory body for the U.S. Chamber dealing with matters specifically related to state and local chambers of commerce.
“These experienced leaders provide advice to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce board of directors, enhance chamber lobbying and coalition work, recommend programming and strengthen outreach to the business and chamber community,” said Ruan.  “Having CEOs like Kelly provides us with the expert help and advice needed to assist the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to better understand the needs of chambers of commerce, and can offer recommendations on programs and services to meet those needs.”
Committee members attend two meetings annually, receiving leadership development through high-impact seminars with business experts and leading authors, discussions on pressing policy issues, and CEO-to-CEO breakout sessions.
Hall described being appointed to the Committee of 100 as a great honor and achievement.  Being part of such a dynamic group enables one to benefit the community and fellow board members.  Hall’s being part of this panel will give Longview a stronger voice in identifying and affecting emerging issues that will impact the local chamber’s members at a national level.
Hall also sits on the Transportation Infrastructure and Logistics Committee for the U.S. Chamber.  This committee is made up of executives who represent transportation providers and users, and is the primary policy-originating body for the U.S. Chamber on issues of transportation infrastructure.  This committee’s jurisdiction extends to policy, regulatory and financing issues related to aviation, surface transportation and ports and inland waterways.  It also serves as a crucial forum for networking and education for our members.  In 2010 Hall addressed the committee on the importance of higher rail speeds.