MRC News

‘Nothing but smiles’: Nauvoo, Methodist Rehab’s new facility dog, assists in therapy and lightens mood at the Jackson hospital

Only one employee at Methodist Rehabilitation Center is allowed to nap on the job.

But he’s also the only employee with four paws and a tail.

He’s Nauvoo, the Jackson rehabilitation hospital’s new facility dog. And he’s no ordinary pooch. The black Labrador and golden retriever mix was trained by Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), who for over 40 years have been training dogs to enhance the lives of people with disabilities. Nauvoo knows over 40 commands designed to assist and inspire MRC’s patients.

“I’ve got to fight”: Mississippi College student overcomes deadliest type of stroke with help of Methodist Rehab

After months of therapy at Methodist Rehabilitation Center in Jackson, Mar’Shanna Graham—aka Mars—has returned to her regular orbit.

She’s back taking classes at Mississippi College in Clinton. And she’s over the moon about her recent acceptance to MC’s nursing program.

“Yay for me,” she says beaming her trademark smile.

MRC names Employees of the Quarter Q1 2018

Methodist Rehabilitation Center in Jackson has named its latest Employees of the Quarter.

Leslie Taylor of Brandon was named Clinical Services Employee of the Quarter. She serves as a physical therapist for MRC’s stroke recovery program.

Toney Vaughan of Jackson was named Support Services Employee of the Quarter. He serves as a technician for MRC’s environmental services department.

‘A tremendous help’: Methodist Outpatient Therapy to host free screenings for proven lymphedema treatment on Feb. 27

When Carol Cannon of Ridgeland was diagnosed with lymphedema, she had never even heard of the condition that was causing swelling in her lower legs so severe she couldn’t wear shoes.

“It’s bothered me for at least eight years,” said Cannon, 81. “I’d been to several doctors. They thought the swelling was from my heart, then my veins. They tried me on strong diuretics. I just figured nothing was going to help me.”

‘We knew he’s in there’: Therapy at Methodist Rehab gives aneurysm survivor Spencer Gunn a second chance

Spencer Gunn spent two touch-and-go months in a Memphis hospital after a brain-injuring aneurysm. But his wife Jacquelyn never lost hope he would get better.

“First, they had told me he only had a 2 percent chance to live. Then, when he left the ICU, they said he didn’t qualify to go to rehab,” she said. “They said he could either go to a nursing home or home. I told the doctors that I wasn’t going to leave the hospital until my husband gets some therapy.”

Choreographing a comeback: Specialized therapy helps dance teacher overcome debilitating balance disorder

As she leads her students at Xpress Dance in Madison, Melanie Creek moves with grace and fluidity, the product of more than 30 years of practice.

But back in July, she was more like a wobbly toddler taking her first steps. “I couldn’t even walk straight,” she said. “It was really scary and very frustrating.”

Creek’s problem was a debilitating balance disorder. And the dancer credits physical therapist Susan Geiger for choreographing her comeback.

Wilson Foundation receives major gift for robotics research

A $750,000 gift to the Wilson Research Foundation at Methodist Rehabilitation Center in Jackson will launch new robotics research and education initiatives at the Jackson hospital.

The gift from Linda and Wirt Yerger III of Ridgeland will establish the Yerger NeuroRobotics Research Fund. The aim is to improve the application of robotic therapy for those who have suffered stroke, brain or spinal cord injuries.

Wilderness medicine readies rescuers for everything from tree stand falls to deadly temps

You’ve just stumbled upon a man lying unconscious in the woods. He appears to have fallen from a tree stand. What do you do?

That question confronted participants of a recent Wilderness Medicine Seminar at Methodist Rehabilitation Center’s Flowood campus. And the answer was probably a surprise to some.

Rather than rushing to act, it’s best to size up the scene for threats to your own safety, advised seminar leader Dr. Philip Blount.

Beyond the hospital: Injuries are overcome and lives restored at Methodist Rehab’s community-based clinics

George Atchley of Ridgeland, Miss., is not the kind of guy who rushes into surgery.

He’s lived with a bum knee since he woke up 10 years ago with a burning sensation in the joint.

“The next morning it was completely numb, and it has been completely numb ever since,” said the retired planetarium director for Samford University in Birmingham, Ala.

Atchley might still be ignoring the problem, if not for some pain-related sleep deprivation.

Back on the beat: Quest program helps Meridian policeman return to the job he loves following a brain injury

As a 20-year veteran of law enforcement, Devie Freeman is used to closing cases.

But still open is the case of what exactly happened to him on the night of Aug. 22, 2016 at his Canton, Miss., residence.

“In the wee hours of the morning, around 3 a.m., apparently I was attempting to go downstairs—I’m assuming to get a bottle of water—and I fell down the stairs,” Freeman said. “Later, I was informed that my door was open and my alarm went off, so the police came to the apartment for the alarm call and they found me laying on the sofa and bleeding.”

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