FCHS speaks to Jacksboro Lions

Tim Carpenter is not a fan of “repeat offenders.”

Faith Community Hospital’s Director of Therapy Services says a lot of people that see him and then are forced to come back because their issues and pain return could avoid coming back if they would simply exercise.

“They never apply what they learn (in therapy),” Carpenter explained to Lions Club members. “Things will only change if you change what you’re doing. That will bring a different result.

Carpenter said a recent statistic stated that 50 percent of broken hip patients will pass away within six months.

“I have an increased fervor to make sure they’re not a statistic,” Carpenter said.

Hospital and Swan Family Wellness Center officials are trying to avoid more statistics. The center is allowing free use of the center this summer for high school students to reduce inactivity problems at a young age, Carpenter said. Exercise has shown to help mood in the short term and mental decline in the long term.

Carpenter, who has been with the hospital more than three years, said more and more people are taking an interest in their health with the COVID pandemic and asking what can be done. Tai Chi classes and chair yogas classes have become increasingly popular.

“We had to turn people away during COVID because of the social distancing requirement,” Carpenter said. “We’re still full for our two classes.”

Physical therapy is one way people can avoid surgery. It’s not quite the “torture chamber” it used to be, however,.With onset of technology it can be much less painful with better results, Carpenter said.

In other news, former Jacksboro High School Leo Paxton Kenvin was awarded State Leo of the Year at the State convention this Spring. She was given her awards at the meeting.

The next Lions Club meeting is scheduled for July 27.