Growing Health

Arkansas may be the top producer of rice and poultry, but food isn’t always widely available to its residents. The state is ranked No. 1 in the country for senior hunger, says Jerry Mitchell, executive director of the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Arkansas. Some 13 percent of residents ages 60 and older live … Continue reading Growing Health

Breaking the Taboo

Vagina. Does the word make you uncomfortable? It makes a lot of people uncomfortable. But why? After all, the vagina is a human body part just like any other. It’s an organ that connects the uterus to the outside world. It’s part of sexual intercourse. Babies come into the world through it. It’s a source of … Continue reading Breaking the Taboo

Hunter’s Hope — Commentary

"Isn't he just full of it?" Amber Atwood asks with a laugh. "He thinks he knows everything." "I do not. I'm just right, and that's just the way it is," her son, Hunter Phifer, snarks with a grin. It's been six weeks since Hunter received a new kidney, and he is certainly feeling better. It's … Continue reading Hunter’s Hope — Commentary

Hunter’s Hope — Article 5

At 1 p.m., Brian Smothers opens his eyes. He’s groggy, confused and in pain. He’s in a surgical recovery room but isn’t sure why. Before he falls back to sleep, a nurse asks him to rate his pain. “I am going to say a 10,” he replies. “But I’ve never been in this much pain … Continue reading Hunter’s Hope — Article 5

Hunter’s Hope — Article 4

  Hunter Phifer checks in to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Medical Center at 4:50 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21. He says he's not nervous, but a slight twitch of his eye suggests otherwise. He hasn't slept and says he's hungry. Brian Smothers arrives at the Little Rock hospital just before 6 a.m. He's … Continue reading Hunter’s Hope — Article 4

Hunter’s Hope — Article 3

Christmas miracles don't always happen on time. Today was going to be an extra special holiday for Rogers resident Hunter Phifer. He was supposed to be recovering from a surgery scheduled on Dec. 10 -- a kidney transplant that would have changed his life, and possibly saved it. Unfortunately, the surgery was delayed indefinitely. "I … Continue reading Hunter’s Hope — Article 3

Dinner for Two

The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 at Plymouth Plantation, and according to Mayflower passenger Edward Winslow, 53 pilgrims and about 90 Wampanoag Indians took part in the event. The feast lasted three days and was a time of thanksgiving and prayer. And those who attended had a lot to appreciate. The pilgrims landed in … Continue reading Dinner for Two

Hunter’s Hope — Article 2

For most Arkansans, Dec. 10 will be like any other Wednesday in the heart of holiday shopping season -- busy malls, gift wrapping, office parties -- nothing particularly out of the ordinary. But for two local men, it will be the beginning of some drastic changes. At 5 a.m. that day, both will check into … Continue reading Hunter’s Hope — Article 2

That’s Just Nuts

Sometimes you feel like a nut. And right now, you should. Today is National Nut Day. No, it's not a celebration of coworkers or far-away family members but rather a celebration of the nutty goodness that makes up our favorite spreads and butters and childhood sandwiches. But they're not just tasty. Nuts, like peanuts, almonds … Continue reading That’s Just Nuts

Altitude Attitude

She described the moose as a "presence." She was approaching the saddle of San Luis, a 14,000-foot peak in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. She was about 10 miles north of Creede and thoroughly enjoying the rare wilderness of this high trail. She was walking quietly, which was not uncommon. Being on the trails … Continue reading Altitude Attitude