For the love of the game: Former state champion still playing – thousands of miles away
December 13, 2017
Breakaway Barge
December 13, 2017
It was just one year ago that Thibodaux Regional Medical Center opened the doors of a new building and a new concept for local health delivery.
Friday the hospital’s staff and executives gathered with men and women who said their lives have changed for the better through services offered at its Wellness Center, celebrating a successful first year and speaking of a bright future that holds key improvements for the community,
TRMC’s CEO, Greg Stock, said initial estimates were for the center to serve around 1,400 members. Today the number is closer to 5,500.
The first of its kind in the state and marketed as “among the finest in the nation”, the medically-directed Wellness prevention, fitness, education, rehabilitation, and focused sports and wellness services. In addition to state-of-the-art health and fitness amenities, the center includes facilities for imaging, sports medicine, neuroscience, pain,, weight management and rehabilitation. The aquatics center features a competition lap pool and warm water therapy as well as a group exercise pool.
“Every story is of huge importance,” Stock said of testimonials from patients delivered during an hour-long gathering at the center’s sleek and massive lobby area. “We’ve been open for a year and now have evidence of its impact.”
Joshua Turner was among the testifiers. He spoke of tremendous gains in losing weight and overcoming diabetes through close work with his doctor and use of the facility’s amenities.
His treatment regimen began with simple walking.
“Walking turned into running,” he said, explaining how he was encouraged to make change that included transformation to a plant-centered diet, and the incorporation of exercise into his daily routine.
Janelle Bourgeois appeared with her husband, Eddie, and explained how routine work at the wellness center resulted in his ability to manage severe arrhythmia, and to lower his cholesterol.
A holistic approach and amenities that resemble those of a high-end health club rather than a hospital, members said, made life-changing and life-preserving differences.
The center has logged a total of 350,000 individual visits in its first year, Stock said.
The center has to date held more than 5,000 exercise classes, Stock said, with a combined attendance of 100,000. Changes now in the works, Stock said, are expected to greatly increase the center’s reach and effectiveness.
Stock acknowledged the difficulties many are facing locally because of downturns in the energy industry and said the center is working on ways to provide levels of service to those who have been suffering the economy’s effects.
Among future plans, he said, are new tennis courts, soccer fields, a splash park and a community garden.
The center is also working on outreach to the Lafourche Parish School Board, Stock said, to build cooperative endeavors in instilling good and healthy habits. The goal is to encourage an hour of exercise each day.
At the start and completion of the program local singing sensation Andrea Rhodes treated those in attendance to her music, trilling an exceptionally emotional rendition of the Christmas song “O Holy Night” during one point in her performance.
The 242,000 square foot facility cost $73 million. Thibodaux Regional is operated by a public hospital district which has the capability of taxing residents but has managed to remain self-sustaining.
The Wellness Center, staff members and board members agree, is a major jewel in the crown of TRMC’s achievements to date.
