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More an a Hpital 5 CRHEALTHCARE.ORG FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS As fate would have it, Dr. Clark's first patient at Southeast Orthopedics was none other than Terrie Priest, vice president of business development and community relations with Columbus Regional Healthcare System. "On the Friday night before the practice was scheduled to open Monday morning, I fell and broke my elbow in two places," says Priest. "I was out of town, so I went to an emergency department where I was, and when I told the doctor treating me we had a new orthopedic surgeon starting Monday, he said I needed to be Dr. Clark's first patient." Terrie already knew Dr. Clark, as the two had been working on marketing for Southeast Orthopedics for about a month before the practice opened, and she was the first patient when it opened Monday morning. She was also Dr. Clark's first surgical patient Thursday of that week. "It was a great experience. He does a terrific job explaining things, which was important to me because I've worked at the hospital for 17 years but have never broken a bone or had any kind of surgery," Priest says. "He certainly had a rookie patient on his hands, but both my surgery and recovery went very well." Priest is currently working with Columbus Regional's physical therapy department to regain her full range of motion. "We're an organization where friends and neighbors take care of friends and neighbors," Priest says. "Our new orthopedic practice can handle just about anything that walks in the door, so there's no need for anyone to go out of town for orthopedic services. We have care, surgery and physical therapy all handled right here at home." Learn more about how we can meet your orthopedic needs by calling 910-641-MOVE. Preventing Injuries This Fall Whether you're playing a sport, helping a friend move or working in the yard, it's important to protect yourself as seasons and activities change. If you're working around the house, injuries can be prevented by making sure to: • Wear supportive shoes that fit well • Stay hydrated • Do your outdoor chores during the coolest times of the day • Bend from your knees rather than your waist when lifting anything—and lift with your legs, not your back • Pay close attention to your posture • Stretch before you begin and after you finish strenuous tasks • Follow all safety instructions on yard equipment Sports-related injuries can be avoided by: • Enrolling in sports programs with coaches who are well-trained in first aid and injury prevention • Ensuring both you and your children use the proper equipment • Creating a warm-up and cool-down routine that stretches your muscles • Remaining properly hydrated by keeping water or a sports drink nearby CRAIG CLARK, MD