Articles

The Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce’s 27th Annual Business EXPO highlighted local businesses with two days of networking, innovation, and community engagement. Held at Downstream Casino Resort, the event featured B2B showcases, a public expo, and a Business After Hours social with a silent auction.

Freeman Health System employees wore red on February 1 to support the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® campaign, raising awareness about women’s heart health. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death for women, and the event encouraged women to prioritize their heart health.

The Carthage Chamber of Commerce held their 2019 Annual Banquet with a Casino Royale theme, honoring outstanding community members. Susan Wendleton received the Citizen of the Year award, with other recognitions including Emerging Leader of the Year, Small Business of the Year, and the Spotlight Award. Over 400 attendees celebrated local achievements.

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age and causes symptoms like pelvic pain, painful periods, and infertility. While it can be debilitating, effective management through medication, surgery, and expert care can help women maintain quality of life. March is Endometriosis Awareness Month—if you experience symptoms, consult a women’s health provider for diagnosis and treatment options.

Kathy Bowling has lived an active, adventurous life despite losing her right leg as a child. Thanks to advances in prosthetic technology and personalized care from Grand Prosthetics & Orthotics, she enjoys improved mobility and confidence, including wearing high heels for the first time. Kathy credits the small-town, personal approach of Grand Prosthetics for making her feel valued and at home.

Freeman Health System’s Webb City Neighborhood Care offers convenient local healthcare with urgent care, primary care for adults, and an outpatient dialysis center. Staffed by board-certified physicians and trained personnel, the center provides accessible treatment for minor illnesses, ongoing health management, and comfortable dialysis services. This local option helps patients spend less time traveling and more time focused on their health.

Recovery Community Centers (RCCs) provide vital peer-operated support for individuals maintaining long-term addiction recovery by offering resources, social activities, and connections to services beyond treatment. They help recovering individuals build a supportive community and foster sober living, addressing the challenge of reintegration after formal treatment. RCCs are increasingly recognized as essential in sustaining recovery and preventing relapse.

Kristin Girard’s jewelry line, Kristin’s Laboratory, blends science and art to create unique, affordable pieces inspired by nature. Using her chemistry background, she experiments with techniques like copper electroforming and also volunteers teaching jewelry-making to help the community. Her work is available locally and online.

February is American Heart Month—a great time to focus on heart health by managing blood pressure, reducing sodium intake, and staying active. The Joplin Family Y encourages checking blood pressure regularly, choosing fresh home-cooked meals over processed foods, and boosting potassium-rich foods to support a healthy heart. For more tips and wellness programs, visit JoplinFamilyY.org.