He preaches vegetarianism

Minister says regimen helped cure his cancer

He preaches vegetarianism Minister says regimen helped cure his cancer Stressing the wisdom of a diet of raw vegetables and fruits, the Rev. George Malkmus delivers a message of health through natural foods.

On Monday, he will share the experience that changed his life when he speaks at the monthly Eat for Life Vegetarian Fellowship dinner at First Baptist Church in Hickory.

Malkmus, a Baptist preacher for more than 30 years, combines the personal testimonial of his own recovery from colon cancer with his research into nutrition and biblical teachings to develop a case for a vegetarian diet composed primarily of raw foods, he said in a news release.

Nearly 30 years ago, at age 42, Malkmus was diagnosed with colon cancer shortly after his mother died of the disease, the release said. Rather than pursuing the same treatment that had failed his mother, he chose to follow a vegetarian diet composed largely of raw vegetables and fruits.

The new diet, along with exercise and other lifestyle changes, cured his cancer and offered him relief from a variety of other ailments, including high blood pressure, hemorrhoids, hypoglycemia, and severe sinus and allergy problems, the release said.

Retired Hickory physician Dr. Thomas Warren, a member of First Baptist Church and the Eat for Life Vegetarian Fellowship, said he finds Malkmus' work to be worthwhile.

"It's an outstanding program, a good opportunity for people to address their health-care needs and take responsibility for them," Warren said. "The diet is biblically based and a vegan program, with no meat, poultry or fish.

"Once you make the leap into vegan, you'll find you can get everything you need from plant sources, including quality protein."

According to Malkmus, the more mankind strays from the original diet found in Genesis 1:29, the more likely that sickness is to occur. He says the standard American diet of processed foods and unhealthy lifestyles are largely responsible for an epidemic of obesity, diabetes and other diseases in the United States.

In 1986 Malkmus founded Hallelujah Acres in Shelby, a nondenominational Christian center for education, health food products and services, including raw food prep classes and a vegetarian cafe open for lunch on weekdays and Saturdays.

A half-mile walking path also winds along the perimeter of the campus past the organic garden and greenhouse through fields and by woods.

Medical Center names officers

Catawba Valley Medical Center recently announced its 2006 medical staff officers and department chiefs.Dr. Robert Yapundich will serve as the 2006 chief of staff, with Dr. Robert Highland as chief-elect of staff and Dr. Geoffrey DeLeary as secretary.

Serving this year as department chiefs are Dr. H. Lawson Huggins Jr., emergency medicine; Dr. Bart Lopina, family medicine; Dr. Wheaton Williams, medicine; Dr. Scott Chatham, obstetrics/gynecology; Dr. Mark Atkins, pathology; Dr. David Berry, pediatrics; Dr. Charles Davis, psychiatry; Dr. Charles Scheil, radiology; and Dr. Daniel Barnette, surgery.

Graystone honors longtime workers

Graystone Ophthalmology Associates recently honored 25 employees for a cumulative 260 years of service. Receiving awards were Caroline Pope, 25 years; Barbara Gilliam, Jenny Smith and Katie Perkins, 20 years; Cynthia Tucker, Melinda Reid, David Burke and Steve Baker, 15 years; Dr. T. Reginald Williams, 10 years; Charity Wilson, Sharon Rashidi, Randy Wilson, Brenda Stewart, Alicia Deal, Renee Pennell, Sheree Watson, Debbie B. Smith, Michelle Smith, Lisa Johnson, Ginger Duncan, Kim Green, Suxanne Morgan, Mandy Taylor, Ashley Kirby, Debbie G. Smith and Becky Frediani, five years.

Imaging center wins accreditation

Catawba Valley Imaging Center, a service of Catawba Valley Medical Center, has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in digital mammography following a recent survey by the American College of Radiology, Reston, Va.The accreditation is awarded to facilities for the achievement of high practice standards after an evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists. Criteria include qualifications of personnel and adequacy of equipment.

For information, contact Catawba Valley Medical Center's Out-Patient Services at (828) 326-3858.

Medical center recognized

Catawba Valley Medical Center was recently recognized by Health Imaging magazine for seamless connectivity of all imaging and patient information systems.

Out of more than 550 health care facilities, 10 were named as top connected care facilities and 12 more were selected for honorable mention. Catawba Valley Medical Center's department was one of only two municipality-owned hospitals nationwide to be recognized with honorable mention.

According to John Putnick, director of information systems at the hospital, the facilities selected successfully use digital imaging, information technology and support staff to connect imaging devices, physicians and referring physicians. This allows a rapid return of patient information for quick diagnosis and treatment.

Nurses get special certifications

Three registered nurses practicing at Catawba Valley Medical Center recently acquired specialty certifications, according to Eddie Beard, CVMC vice president of patient care.Debbie Martin and Christy Hoke each completed specialty certifications as Certified Medical-Surgical Nurse. Kim Watson completed certification as Certified Emergency Nurse.

Registered nurses who attain certification must fulfill a prescribed number of years' work within that specialty area in addition to successfully completing a rigorous written examination.

Certifications are generally awarded for three to five years. Renewal requires continuing education and completion of other criteria such as published articles or teaching.

Graystone center on top-50 list

Graystone Laser Refractive Surgery Center has been named one of the top 50 practices for 2005 from among more than 1,000 LaserVision practices.

LaserVision, one of the world's largest providers of laser vision services, cited Graystone for achieving one of the highest practice volumes.

Dr. Trey Oursler, Graystone's LASIK surgeon, was also named a top 100 surgeon by the company.

According to LaserVision, Oursler received the designation for his dedication to the latest technology and continuing education in refractive procedures, as well as high standards of exceptional patient care.

The company also stated that Oursler consistently performs high levels of refractive procedures and achieves superior surgical outcomes.

For information about LASIK at Graystone Ophthalmology Associates, contact Larcie Jackson at (828) 304-6606.

`Quit line' offers help with tobacco

Teens and others can get help to break the tobacco habit -- smoking or smokeless.The free, state-funded Tobacco Use Quit Line service is available to all N.C. residents daily from 8 a.m. to midnight. Trained quit coaches help tailor a cessation plan for each tobacco user who wants help, including those who use spit tobacco.

Coaching is available in English, Spanish and some other languages.

The service is provided by a grant from the N.C. Health and Wellness Trust Fund to the Catawba County Health Department and the Council on Adolescents.

Call (800) 784-8669 or the Council on Adolescents at (828) 322-4591.

Eat for Life Vegetarian Fellowship is jointly sponsored by First Baptist Church, St. Stephens Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and Hickory Seventh-day Adventist Church. The group meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday at First Baptist, 339 Second Ave. N.W., Hickory. Newcomers are welcome to bring a vegetarian covered dish and stay to hear the Rev. Malkmus and his wife, Rhonda. No charge. For details, call Lala Setzer at (828) 327-2189. For information on Malkmus' program, call (704) 481-1700 or visit www.hacres.com.

Fellowship of Food

Eat for Life Vegetarian Fellowship is jointly sponsored by First Baptist Church, St. Stephens Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and Hickory Seventh-day Adventist Church. The group meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday at First Baptist, 339 Second Ave. N.W., Hickory. Newcomers are welcome to bring a vegetarian covered dish and stay to hear the Rev. Malkmus and his wife, Rhonda. No charge. For details, call Lala Setzer at (828) 327-2189. For information on Malkmus' program, call (704) 481-1700 or visit www.hacres.com.