Pierians hear speaker from Metroplex

Ginger Henderson, a registered nurse, spoke to the GFWC/TFWC Pierian Club at its March 11 meeting in the home of Susan Browder.

Mrs. Henderson is director of special projects at Metroplex Hospital in Killeen but has lived in Lampasas for 20 years. She previously was director of nursing at Rollins Brook Community Hospital in Lampasas before being transferred to Metroplex.

Mrs. Henderson is active in local community activities, and she spoke to club members about health and shingles.

The chicken pox virus stays in the body and is dormant for many years, she said, and may appear as shingles.

It only affects one side of the body at a time and generally disappears in two to four weeks. It can begin as a rash, and a doctor should be seen right away.

Shingles can be very painful, Mrs. Henderson said, and often settles in nerves and continues to inflict pain.

A vaccine is now available, and she suggested club members speak to their physicians about getting the shot, especially those over age 60.

Mrs. Henderson gave an update on Rollins Brook, noting it has a new surgical suite, mobile MRI once a week (which may increase to twice weekly), and two sleep labs on the weekends.

Discussion is ongoing about building an office building which will house all offices and possibly a new kitchen and cafeteria, she said.

During her wrap-up, Mrs. Henderson suggested members check with their physician about getting a pneumonia shot, as well as the shingles vaccine.

Club president Sue Zane Faulkner welcomed new member Barbara Mullican, and conducted the club's business. Members voted to amend an article in the bylaws.

Twenty members were on hand with co-hostesses Lucy Walker and Nancy Patteson.

Next meeting is April 8 in the home of Cindy Abel with co-hostesses Karon Cambon and Kim Garrett. Central Texas gardener and newspaperman Bill Luedecke will give a program on organic gardening.