TAHLEQUAH —
In this high-tech age of computers, fast food and video games, it’s sometimes hard to train children to eat healthy and exercise.
The Grand View Parents As Teachers program hosted its first Fit for the Heart Community Health Fair Tuesday at the school’s Early Childhood Center, with hopes of meeting new families.
Those in attendance visited with health care and education professionals, as well as other family-related services. The Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Mobile Telemedicine Clinic, or mobile medical bus, was on site to promote specialized health care in rural areas.
“Our goal is to recruit babies to the program in our community with our parents as teacher program,” said Grand View PAT Parent Educator Jean Smith. “We’re trying to help people get everything ready for school and raise healthy families. Sharing and helping – that’s what our program is all about. The underlying focus of the health fair is to get more families in the program.”
The Oklahoma State University mobile medical bus is one way health care can be delivered to rural populations. OSU has the state’s largest telemedicine network, connecting physicians to patients using the internet, which allows patients living in rural areas the same access to specialized health care as those living in metropolitan areas.
OSU medical students receive hands-on training in telemedicine.
“We do actual clinics two to three days a week,” said OSU TeleHealth Manager Debbie Martin. “We supplement the specialized needs they don’t have in a community. We offer cardiology, dermatology, psychiatry, behavioral health management and counseling with ADHD children.”
The mobile medical bus is providing clinics in Stilwell, Poteau, Miami, McAlester, and Pawnee to doctor-referred patients.
“We go to our patients,” said Martin. “The doctors can talk to them on video”
Because it is mobile health service, the computer equipment provides “real-time” readings so the doctor and patient can communicate much in the same fashion as an in-office visit.
It’s this kind of specialized care and support that the PAT program provides for participating families.
“I see pre-natal through pre-school aged children and their families,” said Smith. “We do developmental screenings. We do referrals. We focus on the family’s well-being. Not just a particular child, but the whole family.”
Tuesday’s health fair represents just one way PAT helps not only the families that participate in the program, but the Grand View community.
“It’s really great,” said PAT participant and mom Candace Nottingham. “She brings lots of information. Lots of booklets. She can answer any question I have.”
Nottingham said the benefit of participating in a program like PAT is the “extra guidance and support behind you.”
Cherokee Nation Veteran Outreach specialists were also available for consultation.
“We reach out to veterans who may be in need of readjustment services, marriage counseling, PTSD support – everything veterans and their families may need,” said Outreach Specialist Jack Musgrove.
Local News
Related Photos
-
With friend Cassandra Bowin looking on, far right, sisters Mckenzie and Mariah Kimble, center, play with a replica of five pounds of fat as mom Melissa Kimble, left, works on setting up the Tahlequah City Hospital Cardiac Rehab table. Rob Anderson
Discussion
Getting fit for life
- Local News
-
-
Thriving on culture
Northeastern State University began as the Cherokee Female Seminary and was established prior to statehood. It has a long and storied history ntertwined with the Cherokee Nation, and to this day, it offers degree programs and outreach opportunities for American Indians.
-
CN Tribal Council election this Saturday
Cherokee citizens will take to the voting booths Saturday, June 22, as eight tribal council seats are up for grabs. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in all seven districts.
-
Teens killed in area crash were TPS students
Two Tahlequah teenagers are dead after a pickup carrying several young people crashed early Saturday morning at the intersection of Indian Road and Pettit Bay Road.
-
Diamondhead to host Red Dirt music festival
Barbara and Kevin Kelly, owners of Diamondhead Resort on State Highway 10 on the Illinois River, have worked for years to create a fun, festival atmosphere. That includes floating, camping, swimming, as well as hosting a variety of musical guests.
-
Market offers homemade goods
The Cookson Hills Center United Methodist Mission Farmers’ Market was born on a whim.
-
Diamondhead to host Red Dirt music festival
Barbara and Kevin Kelly, owners of Diamondhead Resort on State Highway 10 on the Illinois River, have worked for years to create a fun, festival atmosphere. That includes floating, camping, swimming, as well as hosting a variety of musical guests.
-
A day for dads
Fathers show their love for their family in different ways.
-
Researching indigenous family roots
At some point in life, most people can’t help but wonder about their family’s past, and from whom they are descended.
-
TPWA approves $24.23M budget for fiscal year
Members of the Tahlequah Public Works Authority Board of Trustees unanimously approved the budget for the 2013-2014 fiscal year – which included a 5 percent overall increase – during Friday’s monthly meeting at the Public Works Office Board Room.
-
Bar and grill, hair salon join downtown corridor
Business on Tahlequah’s main street corridor continues to grow with the recent addition of a bar and grill eatery and a beauty salon.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Raw: Massive Protests Fill Brazilian Streets
Raw: German President Welcomes President Obama
Fans Cheer Dramatic Heat Comeback
Raw: Arizona Wildfire Scorches 8 Square Miles
Hoffa Mystery Still Fascinates After 4 Decades
Raw: 1 Dead in Shooting at Mo. Apartment Complex
Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park
Raw: Obama Arrives in Berlin
3 Charged in Ohio With Enslaving Mom, Daughter
Obama Seeks G-8 Support on Syria
Raw: Volcano Erupts Near Mexico City
Kid Couture: Spending Big Bucks on Babies
Suicide Bombs Target Baghdad Mosque, Killing 29
Military Plans to Put Women in Combat Jobs
Solar Power Chargers in NYC Parks
Civil Rights Groups Sue NYPD Over Muslim Spying
Raw: First Lady, Daughters Enjoy Irish Sights
RAW: NSA Director Says 50 Plots Foiled
Boeing, Airbus Battle for Sales Supremacy
