March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing awareness about the importance of colorectal screenings and early detection. Ozarks Healthcare officials say the health system is committed to educating the community about colon cancer prevention, symptoms and screening options through a special educational event in West Plains. more

Ozarks Healthcare is continuing to offer its low-cost lab screenings in 2025, providing an affordable way for community members to monitor their health, say officials. These screenings include tests for cholesterol, diabetes, thyroid function, and more, helping individuals stay proactive about their well-being.
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Breastfeeding can be a challenge for many new moms, regardless of where they live. However, a new study from the University of Missouri highlights a unique struggle faced by mothers in rural America: a lack of access to support systems and information. As a result, rural moms are more likely to stop breastfeeding within the first few days or weeks compared to their urban and suburban counterparts. more

Dr. Zaid Alirhayim and the Baxter Health Heart Team based in Mtn. Home have successfully performed their first PFO closure using Abbott’s Amplatzer Talisman PFO Occlusion System, health system officials announced. The therapy treats patients with a patent foramen ovale (PFO) who are at risk of recurrent ischemic stroke, they explained. more

Cedarhurst of West Plains, 2151 U.S. 63, invites the community to join staff and residents for a Spring Carnival from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. March 22. more

The American Red Cross has announced Lee Eastburn is the new executive director of the Southern Missouri Chapter. more

Officials with the Office of Workforce Development and Community Education at Missouri State University-West Plains will offer an eight-week phlebotomy technician training program beginning April 5.   more

Did you know that March is National Nutrition Month? more

The University of Missouri Extension is much more than a resource for advice on crop and livestock management, industry trends and keeping up-to-date on social media as a tool for business growth. more

March is National Nutrition Month, prompting me to wonder how often this column focuses on the links between what we eat and our health and well-being. more

Hepatitis A is a virus spread from person to person or by consuming contaminated food or water. People who have the virus in their body are not always symptomatic but can still pass it on to others. more

Dr. John Harrington, board-certified general surgeon, has submitted his resignation from Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston, effective immediately, hospital officials announced Thursday. more

The Red Cross of Southern Missouri is helping to bridge access to health care for blood donors by providing free A1C testing, commonly used to screen for diabetes and prediabetes, on all successful blood, platelet and plasma donations in March officials announce. more

Texas County Memorial Hospital’s radiology department in Houston now has a new Hologic Horizon DXA bone densitometer, an upgrade from the hospital’s original densitometer, which had reached the end of its operational lifespan. The new replacement offers the latest technology in bone densitometry, said officials. more

Everyone knows that February is all about love, chocolates and Valentines. But February is also about being aware of heart disease risks and taking charge of your heart health. more

In a major boost for local veterans’ health care, West Plains City Council in August approved the building permit for a new U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs clinic that aims to improve medical services for the area’s military veterans.. more

With aging facilities and in recognition of the needs of individuals and families recovering from the trauma of domestic and sexual violence, Christos House continues to move forward with a tiny house project meant to better meet those needs. more

In a display of progress that transcends brick and mortar, the Southern Missouri Community Health Center’s West Plains clinic at 1137 Independence Drive has taken a major leap forward in its mission to care for West Plains residents and neighboring communities. more