MRC News

Biomedical engineers lend their expertise to Methodist-sponsored Downhill Derby

JACKSON, Miss.—For guys who spend their spare time elbow-deep in engines, it sounded like a dream assignment: Build a fleet of racecars for Methodist Rehabilitation Center’s Downhill Derby, set for Nov. 12-13 in Jackson.

But before their enthusiasm could shift into overdrive, Methodist’s biomedical engineering staff learned there was a catch—motors aren’t allowed in this competition. In gravity car racing, the rallying cry is: Gentlemen, start your ingenuity. To win, you’ve got to finagle the forces of downhill momentum.

Methodist Rehabilitation Center's Downhill Derby to benefit the Andrew Jackson Council of Boy Scouts

JACKSON, Miss.—Gentlemen, start your downhill descent.

That will be the call to action on Nov. 12 and 13, as local gear-heads get a taste of gravity car racing at Methodist Rehabilitation Center’s Downhill Derby in Jackson.

A fund-raiser for the Andrew Jackson Council of Boy Scouts of America, the event features face-offs between vehicles powered solely by downhill momentum and boyish enthusiasm.

Encouraging kids to be active promotes lifelong fitness

JACKSON, Miss.—On a Saturday morning when many of his peers were munching sugar-laden cereals and watching cartoons, Sam Peddicord of Madison was happily hoofing across the finish line at Methodist’s Rehabilitation Center’s Reunion Race in Flowood.

The 7-year-old has discovered the joys of an active lifestyle, and his mom Linda couldn’t be prouder. As a registered dietitian at Methodist, she knows how important the habit is to his lifelong health.

Patients, runners from across the state to benefit from fast-paced Reunion Race

FLOWOOD, Miss.—Reunion Race, a 5-kilometer run/walk sponsored by Methodist Rehabilitation Center, is set for Saturday, Sept. 11 at 8 a.m. at the hospital’s east campus in Flowood.

The race, sanctioned by the Mississippi Track Club, raises funds for the non-profit hospital’s patient care fund. The fund helps patients purchase wheelchairs and other equipment vital to their everyday needs.

Rankin County man learns even healthy people can succumb to severe West Nile virus infection

BRANDON, Miss.—Charles Goldsmith of Brandon has only a hazy recall of the days he spent fighting to survive a severe case of West Nile virus encephalitis.

But there is one memory he won’t soon forget. “All my family was marching in and getting in my face and telling me they loved me,” remembered Goldsmith. “I thought: Maybe I’m dying and they’re saying their last good-byes.”

OPERATION RESTORATION: Methodist Rehabilitation Center leads international effort to aid Iraqi amputees

FLOWOOD, Miss.—A Methodist Rehabilitation Center mission of mercy is coming to the aid of Iraqi civilians who have lost arms or legs in the war.

Employees of the Jackson hospital left today for Fort Hood, Texas to deliver a truckload of donated supplies. The U.S. Army will ship the equipment to the Baghdad area to be used in a free amputee clinic.

Bank employee cashes in on therapy, makes dramatic change to return to work

MADISON, Miss.—As Penny Cooper prepared to undergo gastric bypass surgery in March of 2003, the Madison businesswoman couldn’t wait to put her plus-sized days behind her.

She looked forward to a new reflection in the mirror and the satisfaction of winning her battle with obesity. Little did she know that her quest to improve her body would soon be overshadowed by a fierce struggle to reclaim her mind.

Northwest Rankin teacher back in classroom after devastating car crash

RANKIN COUNTY, Miss.—After 11 years of teaching, you would think the first day of school would be old hat for Bridget Walker.

But this year the Northwest Rankin Middle School teacher savored every last ritual—from assigning seats to calling roll.

Monday was the Rankin County resident’s first time in front of a class since a Feb. 14 car crash left her wondering if she would ever be able to teach again. “I’m ready to be back,” she said. “I’ve been looking forward to the kids coming and getting started.”

Playground safety begins with adult intervention, proper equipment usage

JACKSON, Miss.—As children return to school this fall, Methodist Rehabilitation Center urges parents and educators to think first about playground safety.

“Because many playgrounds are unsafe, parents and school educators need to be more involved in playground supervision,” said Dr. Rahul Vohra, medical director at Methodist Rehab. “Always check the area for hazards and keep children in close proximity.”

Mississippians urged to have a lightning safety plan, to be alert for signs of trouble

JACKSON, Miss.—If thunder is crashing, you better be dashing inside.

Outdoors is no place to be during a dangerous lightening storm, says Lauren Fairburn, coordinator of Think First, Methodist Rehabilitation Center’s statewide injury prevention program.

“When a thunderstorm approaches, many people wait until it begins raining to take shelter and that delay could prove deadly,” she says. “According to the National Weather Service, most people struck by lightening are not in the rain.”

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