INTEGRIS, Oklahoma’s most comprehensive health care system, announces the selection of Timothy Pehrson as its president and chief executive officer following completion of a national search. Pehrson comes to Oklahoma from Intermountain Healthcare in Utah where he most recently served in a dual role as regional vice president/CEO for the North Region and vice president of continuous improvement for Intermountain Healthcare.
Like INTEGRIS, Intermountain is widely recognized as one of the most innovative, high-quality health systems in the country. In his role as CEO of the North Region, he was the market leader of a five-hospital region in Utah and Idaho, responsible for integrating the efforts of physicians, hospitals and health plans to improve care for the communities Intermountain served. In addition to his role in charge of regional operations, as vice president of continuous improvement he led the enterprise-wide improvement efforts across Intermountain Healthcare to drive caregiver engagement and strong performance in safety, quality, patient experience, access, caregiver engagement, costs and growth.
“Tim distinguished himself throughout the interview process with his impeccable record of accomplishment, an impressive understanding of not only today’s health care industry and its challenges, but more importantly his insights into areas of opportunity for sustainability, affordability and even greater success,” said INTEGRIS Health Board Chairman Pete Delaney, who added, “Tim’s strong physician and employee focus and his genuine enthusiasm for the possibilities that exist here make him the right choice to lead INTEGRIS.”
“I am both humbled and pleased to be joining INTEGRIS, a health system also recognized nationally for excellence, pioneering medicine, innovation and commitment to community,” said Pehrson. “The physicians, clinical professionals and employees at INTEGRIS are some of the most accomplished anywhere. Professionally and personally, my family and I are excited to be making the move to the Oklahoma City area and being part of a growing community that offers an excellent quality of life.” He succeeds Bruce Lawrence, who retired last December, and Pehrson officially steps into his INTEGRIS leadership role Aug. 1.
Pehrson’s career at Intermountain began in 2000 as operations officer at one of its hospitals, and he was named that hospital’s CEO in 2004. Prior to his career at Intermountain, Pehrson worked for United Healthcare, Samaritan Health and Henry Ford Health System.
Tim earned his B.A. in history from Brigham Young University and his master’s in health services administration from the University of Michigan.

From stinging, blistering and swelling to more serious side effects like headache and nausea, even a run-of-the-mill sunburn can make you wish you’d applied your sunscreen before going out in the sun.
But as bad as the instant regret can be, the long-term effects pose the most substantial threat, said Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation President Stephen Prescott, M.D.
“A number of issues can arise over time, including premature aging, deep wrinkles, eye damage and, most significantly, skin cancer,” he said. “Ultimately, the takeaway is: sunburns are bad news and can have serious consequences.”
Although most people are aware of the dangers burns can present, that doesn’t mean they’re taking the necessary precautions. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that more than one-third of adults and 70 percent of children have been sunburned within the past year.
Those numbers, particularly in children, strike Prescott as alarming.
“There is a clear link between sun exposure and certain types of skin cancer. This is particularly true when children and young adults get bad burns, because it gives problems a longer time to develop as they age,” said Prescott.
“It’s almost impossible to prove, but many experts think even one bad burn, particularly in childhood, can make the mutations in your DNA that will eventually lead to cancer,” he added.
It’s not the acute burn itself that proves to be dangerous, he said. The infrared rays that cause you to look red or pink when you come out of the sun can cause pain and blistering, but it’s rare that a sunburn is severe enough to require medical attention. It’s the other rays—ultraviolet rays—in sunlight that cause longer-term issues.
Ultraviolet rays are the leading factor in causing skin cancer, the most common cancer in the U.S. In fact, more people have suffered from skin cancer than all other cancers combined over the past three decades, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
And sunlight might not be your only enemy when it comes to UV rays. Prescott said even tanning beds can lead to many of the same skin issues and elevated cancer risks.
Thankfully, the solution is a simple one: if you’re going to be exposed to the sun, wear sunscreen. You can also cover up with hats, long-sleeves and pants.
It’s important to note that all sunblock is not created equal, Prescott said. Use something that blocks UV rays, and the higher the SPF the better. OMRF’s Prescott recommends using SPF 30 or higher to be safe.
“We all want to have fun outdoors in the summer at barbeques and lounging by the pool, but taking a few minutes to apply proper sun protection can make a word of difference in the long run,” he said.

Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City is expanding neurology services with the creation of the Herman Meinders Center for Movement Disorders at Mercy NeuroScience Institute (NSI), adding an expert physician and cutting-edge new treatment.
Dr. Cherian Karunapuzha, a neurologist specially trained in treating movement disorders, has joined Mercy NeuroScience Institute. A movement disorder is a neurological disease that impairs a person’s ability to move naturally. The most common types include Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor and dystonia.
“At Mercy, we have developed a comprehensive multidisciplinary program which serves as a one-stop shop for care for all aspects of movement disorders,” Dr. Karunapuzha said. “This first of a kind center for Oklahoma will provide patients and referring physicians access to advanced care without having to travel out of state.”
As part of the comprehensive approach to care, Mercy will now offer deep brain stimulation (DBS) for patients living with movement disorders. Dr. Eric Friedman, an experienced neurosurgeon, will perform the new procedure at Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City.
Deep brain stimulation involves implanting electrodes in the brain to help regulate abnormal body movements using electrical impulses.
“DBS essentially acts like a pacemaker for the brain,” said Dr. Richard Vertrees Smith, medical director of Mercy NeuroScience Institute. “Movement disorders may progress very slowly, often over decades, and some patients reach a point where medications no longer work. We are proud to be able to offer this exciting new technology that can dramatically improve the quality of life of our patients.”
The creation of the new comprehensive movement disorder clinic was made possible through a $1.7 million donation from local philanthropist Herman Meinders.
In 1970, Meinders founded American Floral Services Inc. (AFS), an international flowers-by-wire service based in Oklahoma City. AFS grew to be ranked as one of the largest floral wire services in the world. Meinders sold AFS in 1994, and it merged with Teleflora in 2000. He remains chairman emeritus of Teleflora.
Herman and his wife were longtime supporters of Parkinson’s research and treatment before he was diagnosed in 2014.
“When I became a patient of Dr. Karunapuzha, I realized what a great doctor he is and when I learned he was considering joining Mercy, I wanted to do whatever I could to make that happen,” said Meinders. “The fact my donation provided the funding necessary to create a comprehensive center for movement disorders and also allowed Mercy to add the best Parkinson’s doctor in Oklahoma to its outstanding staff made this an easy decision for me.”
At the Herman Meinders Center for Movement Disorders, patients will also have access to the most up-to-date imaging services, group exercise classes and a specially trained team of nurses, physical therapists and occupational therapists.
“We couldn’t be more grateful for Herman Meinders and his extreme generosity,” said Jim Gebhart, president of Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City and regional strategy officer. “This donation will have a profound impact on our patients and families for years to come.”
Dr. Karunapuzha will begin seeing patients May 21 at Mercy NeuroScience Institute Suite 218. To schedule an appointment, please call the movement disorder center at 405-302-2661 or the administrative office at 405-749-7000.

Sagora Senior Living proudly announces that two of its associates working in Tulsa, Okla., have been named 2018 “Caregiver of the Year” by the Oklahoma Assisted Living Association (OKALA). Bellarose Maintenance Director Joe Canaan was named Maintenance Caregiver of the Year and Aberdeen Heights Certified Nursing Assistant Brenda Cox was named Direct Care Caregiver of the Year.
OKALA, which is dedicated to excellence in care for Assisted Living residents, conducted a state-wide search to recognize associates that have positive & inspiring attitudes and go above and beyond to improve quality of life for their residents.
Canaan has provided excellent service at Bellarose for more than two years. “Joe goes out of his comfort zone to help residents and families to ensure we are well taken care of, wherever and whenever he is needed,” one Bellarose resident noted. “With his great personality, Joe is a go-to person for just about anything I need in my apartment,” wrote another.
Cox has delivered exceptional care to residents and families for more than eight years at Aberdeen Heights Assisted Living. “Brenda is reliable, dependable, patient and Johnny-on-the-spot—she isn’t pushy, and she doesn’t rush me,” wrote one Aberdeen Heights resident that nominated Cox. “She stands out! Brenda jokes with me and goes out of her way to care for me,” wrote another.
“We are extremely proud of our associates for receiving these prestigious accolades,” said Sagora Senior Living President Bryan McCaleb. “Brenda and Joe emulate the Sagora philosophy of ‘resident first’ every day, and we are so glad their hard work and dedication is being recognized in the senior living industry.”
Bellarose Senior Living offers a true continuum of care through independent living, assisted living and memory care in a dynamic environment where residents receive the appropriate level of compassionate care specific to their needs. Located at 18001 East 51st Street, the pet-friendly community has 135 comfortable apartments.
Aberdeen Heights Assisted Living at 7220 South Yale Avenue, boasts 80 apartments in a caring, pet friendly environment that offers privacy and independence with the benefit of 24-hour support and access to care.

Pet food ministry reaches out

by Vickie Jenkins, Staff Writer

Too many Oklahoma seniors face financial challenges each month.
But for Kim Pempin, founder of Pet Food Pantry, those decisions should never force seniors to decide between feeding themselves or feeding their best friend.
“Seniors can’t just go out and get more money,” Pempin said.
Pet Food Pantry delivers free pet food and supplies to low-income seniors, veterans, homeless and those in domestic violence shelters so they can feed and care for their companion pet while helping them afford their own food and medical supplies.
Pempin and husband, Mike, started Pet Food Pantry in their garage in June 2010.
Feeding street dogs and doing rescue work was just something that came natural for Kim.
She had been delivering food regularly to the men’s mission in cowtown and whatever was left over she would hand out to those on the street with animals.
“God spoke to me and said “Why don’t you do more,’” she remembered. “I knew people in rescue. I knew people who loved seniors and those who loved the homeless.
“I called some friends and asked if anybody was doing this.”
The answer was a resounding, no.
Two weeks later the group had its name and eventually a 501(c)(3) non-profit designation.
A bunch of pet food from a friend was donated. She called a friend at Skyline Ministries to see if they might need some.
She unloaded cases at the organization’s Primetimers programs and noticed something interesting.
When seniors would win Bingo games they would get their choice of a food or clothing item.
“When the pet food was there they would forego that and would get the pet food,” Pempin said. “That kind of told us it was a real deal.”
Branching out from Skyline Urban Ministry clients, Pet Food Pantry continued to grow to its current 150 seniors that receive home delivery and “at least that many in homeless.”
Mike Pempin does a homeless outreach twice a month to make sure pets of the homeless are fed.
The also group regularly provides food to the Homeless Alliance and domestic violence shelters, where kennels are maintained to help in a crisis.
“There’s probably about 800 pets we feed per month through all of this,” Pempin said.
That equates to nearly five tons of food for Oklahoma City’s dogs and cats.
Reaching Out
Applications for pet food assistance are required. But other resources are provided.
Pantry assistance, medication assistance and other resources are also readily available for Pempin to plug participants into through various metro resource providers.
“We do pet food, litter, bowls and treats and all that but we also do a three-month supply of flea and tick medicine,” Pempin said of what her group can provide.
Mindy Duke has volunteered with Pet Food Pantry since 2014.
“The first thing we did was help Mike start bagging food because he was doing it all himself,” Duke said. “Now we’re expanding out and we know corporations are out there looking for opportunities for their employees.
“Everybody who comes seems to have a good time and they keep coming back to help us.”
The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is a major supporter of Pet Food Pantry as are private businesses and citizens but the need is growing.
You can contact the organization by calling 405-664-2858.
Free pet food to those 63 or older, or U.S. Veterans (any age with proof of service) is offered with the condition that all pets must be spayed/neutered.
Areas currently served include Bethany, Britton, Del City, Edmond, Midwest City, Moore, Mustang, Norman, Oklahoma City Metro, Warr Acres, and Yukon.
Volunteers including sub route drivers, bin managers, event, and fundraising volunteers are always needed.
Tips for Pet Health
For dogs who have trouble eating dry food, a few hours before your pet’s feeding, place dry food in bowl and add just enough water to cover food. Place bowl in refrigerator. Dry food will plump up and be easier to eat – plus will give your pet some extra moisture. Take bowl out of refrigerator, add some warm water or warm in microwave checking to be sure food is not too hot. Smash food into smaller pieces with a fork. Repeat for each meal.
Healthy alternatives
Green beans are healthy treats and good for controlling pet’s weight. Store in freezer and give as a frozen treat or thaw in the refrigerator and serve with dry dog food. Low calorie, high fiber helps pets feel full and satisfied without increasing their weight. Green beans in the frozen section will have less sodium than canned green beans.
100% canned pumpkin is good for their digestive system – helps with constipation and diarrhea. Keep refrigerated. Add a spoonful to their food or place “dollops” on waxed paper and freeze. Also good for giving pills.

by Bryan Painter

Jill DeRusha wears her hands-on love for agriculture with pride.
Before the sun has snuck a peek at the new day in southwestern Oklahoma, the 60-year-old who lives northwest of Mangum in the Jester/Willow Community, is out at the barn feeding. Depending on the day, she’s checking to see if heifers are calving. She’s checking water on the places with no ponds. She’s running after parts for the machinery. She’s making sure everyone has lunch and that the paperwork is filled out for the Farm Service Agency office. She’s checking on markets for cattle and crops, and selling crops “when appropriate.” She’s feeding hay to cattle and, when time permits, she’s mowing the yard.
So by the end of the day, DeRusha is always wearing her love for ag not only in her heart, but on her button down shirt and blue jeans.
“On any given day, I can have manure, hay, dirt and grease on me somewhere,” DeRusha said.
Paying attention
She and husband Randy raise cattle, cotton, wheat, alfalfa and some milo. They’ve had roughly 2,000 acres of cotton in recent years. They also have 350 mama cows. They own some acres and lease the rest.
DeRusha said, “We have a sign that says, ‘Jill Ranches, DeRusha Farms.’ That sums up our roles around the place. I can operate most of the machinery, but Randy is who keeps it running and in good shape. I take care of the cattle and he helps with them when needed.”
When DeRusha says she checks on her cattle, that doesn’t mean she’s simply counting them. She knows her mama cows – and the reason for that dates back more than 50 years.
“My granddad would take me everywhere with him,” she said. “He taught me to tell one cow from another. He would say, ‘Just look at their faces or look at them closely. That’s ole curly face, that’s short tail.’ To this day, I don’t tell my 350 mama cows by an ear tag. They all look different or have different personalities.”
DeRusha firmly believes agriculture has shaped her entire life.
“I think the way of life on the farm or ranch teaches a person to deal with everyday living in a positive way,” said DeRusha who’s quick to point out that their ag operation is four generations deep. “One learns there are many different paths to reach a goal or complete a task.”
The well-known drought in the 1950s ended the year Jill DeRusha was born, 1957. However, Jill and Randy found themselves right in the middle of the historic drought that sank its teeth into Oklahoma less than a decade ago.
“One of worst times we have faced was the drought of 2010-2011,” she said. “We had to decide whether or not to hold on to our cattle. We kept all but the 50 head and sold those. We fed hay. We hauled water. Every other day, I hauled a little over 3,000 gallons of water. It paid off, because when it rained and the grass came back we didn’t have to buy all the cattle back that we needed.”
It was a lesson of life, of carrying on, to pass along to family, regardless of their professions. Between them, they have five children. Her daughter Jaclyn and son-in-law Trey Christensen live in Oklahoma City, daughter Kelsey and son-in-law Kelby Merz live in Elk City, and son Kolby Miller and daughter-in-law McKenzie live in Oklahoma City. TaShina DeRusha lives in Somerville, Tenn., and Jared DeRusha lives in Dallas.
Jill and Randy have six grandchildren.
“I’m thrilled that the fifth generation loves coming to visit us at the farm,” DeRusha said. “I am so proud of our family.”
Always a part of her life
DeRusha’s parents, Jimmy and the late Joyce (Wheeler) Heatly, were partners in the family farming and ranching operation which included a cow-calf operation, cotton, wheat and hay.
The first tractor DeRusha drove was a Massey Ferguson 65. She was in second grade.
“I could jump across the width of the plow, so you didn’t seem to get much accomplished in a day’s time,” she said. “I loved the cattle part of the family business the most and my brother Jack would rather be on some piece of machinery, so it worked well. We learned teamwork was always the best way to get things done and that hard work usually pays off.”
Through 4-H and FFA their family traveled near and far showing cattle.
“It taught us more about hard work and responsibility for our animals, as well as sportsmanship and competition,” DeRusha said. “Through 4-H I grew to love Oklahoma State University. While there I was the Agriculture Queen, and even won the wild cow milking contest.”
She finished in the top 10 in the “Ag college.” That college experience only deepened her love for agriculture and she went on to work in the OSU Extension Service at the county level as an Ag Agent. She was a pacesetter in that regard.
She uses that knowledge and experience daily in their ag operation.
Knowing a little about a lot
Paul Harvey’s “So God Made a Farmer” includes a heartfelt description of just some of what is required of a farmer and rancher.
“I love Paul Harvey’s poem, ‘So God Made a Farmer,’ and it is on our wall,” DeRusha said.
Why does she love it? Because she believes that in agriculture you not only have to be determined, you have to be flexible.
“I think farmers and ranchers wear many different hats and I have worn a lot of them,” she said. “I love the spring or fall when the weather is cool. We calve both spring and fall and I love seeing the calves running around their mothers. I love the smell of fresh cut alfalfa hay and the sound of rain on the roof is music to my ears.”
So whether it’s mud, manure or grease that she has on her shirt and jeans at the end of the day, DeRusha will be found wearing every bit of it with pride.

Salvation Army fights summer heat

by Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer

The temperature climbed into the 90s in May and Dee Watts started getting concerned.
“We were freaking out,” said Watts, the Director of Social Services for the Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Command. “We went from spring to blazing. Normally, we have time to get these collected and get them out but we’re already there.”
This past June marked Watts’ 27th year with the Salvation Army. She’s worked on the organization’s annual fan drive for 25 of those years.
But this is one of the earliest summers she can remember.
Fan distribution began in late June and will continue this month until supplies are gone.
“However many we get we will give,” she said.
To request a fan you must go in person to the Salvation Army at 1001 N. Pennsylvania or contact Watts at 246-1070.
“It gives us an opportunity to help our community,” Watts said. “With the weather being so hot most (clients) are medication sensitive.”
A box fan costs $20. Any amount was accepted but donors were urged to purchase “a blade” for $5.
“With that limited income, with medications and limited resources (a fan) can mean everything,” Watts said.
Last year, Watts was able to send out 1,100 fans to those in need.
“When we were giving out 50 fans we thought we were doing something great,” Watts laughed remembering starting the program up nearly a quarter century ago. “It went up to 200 and we thought that was amazing. Then when it went to 500 we thought we had plateaued. Last year with 1,100, you just don’t think there are that many people in need.”
The Salvation Army also offers food pantry as well as other assistance.
Westlake Ace Hardware has been a proud sponsor for the Salvation Army to partner with for the past few years and Watts spent at least one June Saturday afternoon manning a donation table inside the 11801 S. Western location.
“It keeps us on their minds and that need and that cause,” Watts said, sitting just inside the front door. “We so need Oklahomans to come in and help because it’s been so drastic. (The temperature) has not had any lull and the need is so great.”
One great way to stay cool is to come indoors to one of the Salvation Army’s Senior Centers.
Also in June, the Salvation Army Central Oklahoma announced that it will host Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma.
The series of reading and discussion programs are made possible through a grant from Oklahoma Humanities with generous funding from the Inasmuch Foundation and the Kirkpatrick Family Fund.
The Warr Acres Senior Center, 4301 N. Ann Abor, will be the venue for the four-part series, The Oklahoma Experience: Looking for Home. The Salvation Army’s senior centers are very excited to participate in this program which reinforces the search for home is not only for a place on the landscape, but also for the peace of mind that comes from a sense of belonging.
The titles in the series include: Sundown by John Joseph Mathews; The White Man’s Road by Benjamin Capps; Walking on Borrowed Land by William A. Owens; and Bound for Glory by Woody Guthrie.
The first reading and discussion group is set for July 17th from 9-11 a.m. with Kurt Lively leading the discussion of the title Sundown. Participation is free, however seating is limited. Individuals wishing to participate should contact Diane Maguire, Warr Acres senior center coordinator, at 405-789-9892.
“We are very excited to be offering this reading and discussion program,” said Lisa Sydnor, senior programs manager. “This series was chosen specifically because many of our participants enjoy Oklahoma history. The discussions and open dialogue between the scholar and attendees will be interesting and thought provoking. I am extremely thankful to Oklahoma Humanities for investing in The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma with this program.”
The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma has been serving the elderly population for over 50 years. There are currently four senior centers in the Oklahoma City metro area serving approximately 350-425 seniors each week. The centers are open to anyone age 55 or older, free of charge. Wellness activities, lunch, Bible study, and reading and discussion groups are all a part of the current programming taking place.

Vickie Jenkins
Staff Writer

Meet Mr. George Martin, 69, an Army Veteran, a kind and considerate gentleman that believes in second chances in life. He is also an amputee. Martin is an amazing man that has a story to share with others.
Martin had a rough childhood with his parents and ended up going to live with his aunt. His aunt was attending a little, country church. “I remember being about 12 years old and I would go to church with her and then one Sunday, all of a sudden, I felt God calling me. It was a strong feeling that I had never experienced before,” Martin said. “It was as though God knew that I needed to know what love was. So, it was that Sunday that I got baptized in a horse trough. Back then, that is what they used,” he added.
It was the year 1967. Martin was in the Army, fighting the Vietnam War. It was on March 13, 1968 that Martin found himself in a foxhole. He got shot in the leg 3 different times with an AK47. “That is a mean weapon,” Martin said. “A tourniquet was placed on my leg to stop the bleeding but every time my heart beat, I felt the blood gushing out!” He was taken to the hospital where Martin had bled to death and was pronounced dead!
This is when Martin felt a peace come over him. He heard the nurse say, ‘we lost him.’ This is when Martin felt himself floating upward. “It’s true how people say they see a tunnel, full of light. I saw that tunnel and then, I saw Heaven open up! I saw all of God’s Glory!” Martin said. “I saw streets of gold; a pure gold that seemed transparent. It was beautiful! I had an overwhelming feeling of peace, love and joy! It was so magnificent! There was beautiful green grass, not a flaw in it. I heard a choir and orchestra, praising the Lord. I was surrounded by beautiful flowers! The praises were everywhere! I saw water in the distance and it sparkled like diamonds! Beams of glory were all around! I heard God speak to me…I am going to put you to sleep now. I have a purpose for you!”
“The next thing I knew, I was waking up in a body bag. It was dark and I felt a toe tag. With all my might, I tried to move, as much as I could. I heard a voice close by and then, a scream! I was out for 3 days but I was alive! The doctors and nurses were trying to get me stabilized, sending me to a hospital in Japan. I got very ill and spent 8 months in the hospital. Being in Vietnam, we had all been sprayed with Agent Orange. (A herbicide and defoliant chemical, causing many health problems for any individual who were exposed.) It was eating up the inside of my body!”
“That was 50 years ago. The Lord has seen me through so much but I am alive! I continue to give Him praises. I attend a little, country church and I share my testimony in different churches around Oklahoma. I am thankful to God for giving me a second chance and showing me that I still have a purpose here on earth.”
“Yes, I am an amputee; I am living my life for Him. A big thank you to Patriot Prosthetics and Orthotics for everything,” said Martin.
A big thank you to Michael Huggins and Dallas Curtis for taking care of the many Veterans and their prosthetics. The first prosthetic that Martin had was a wooden one, heavy, uncomfortable and bulky. That was in 1968. Now, thanks to Patriot Prosthetics and Orthotics, Martin’s prosthetic is light weight, comfortable and a digitized prosthetic. Martin has been going to Patriot Prosthetics and Orthotics for about 20 years.
“They are such great people over there and I trust them with everything.” Martin said.
It is of the utmost importance of the staff to treat each patient with respect, dignity and fairness. They strive to promote a greater acceptance of each prosthesis or orthosis through a positive spirit and education for each patriot’s individual potential and rehabilitation. They are committed to providing the highest quality of Prosthetic and Orthopedic care with compassion. The staff is dedicated to learning the latest advanced technology to better serve the needs of each patient.
A heart-felt thanks to the many men and women who have or are presently serving our country today. You have given us freedom.