Author: Spencer Oliver

Rediscovering Care: Brenda & Steven’s Journey to Healing at RMC

For Brenda, this community has always been her home. Steven came later, moving from Michigan in 1989, but quickly found his place alongside Brenda in the life they built together. For years, their connection to the community felt steady and familiar, until Brenda’s health changed everything.

Two years ago, Brenda began receiving ambulatory care at a different healthcare facility for a few wounds that were just having trouble getting better. The treatment kept things moving along, but it never felt like true healing. “It just felt like maintenance,” she said. “It never really was an experience of care.” Physically, the pain never eased and emotionally, the uncertainty weighed on them both. There were days when nothing went as planned, and the frustration grew. 

“I was miserable,” Brenda shared. “I was in so much pain with no real answers.”

The fear that haunted her most was the possibility that the infection had reached her bloodstream and that what she was living with might become permanent. That fear, combined with daily pain, left Brenda anxious and exhausted. Moving around the house felt overwhelming and every movement came with worry.

About a year ago, her health changed again. Even though she was already receiving regular treatment, Brenda’s pain became so unbearable they made the decision to go to  Regional Medical Center’s (RMC) Emergency Department. The response was immediate. “The staff at RMC was very fast in getting me the help I needed, including emergency surgery,” she recalled. “They literally kept me alive.”

The infection had, in fact, spread to her bloodstream and was causing a plethora of other issues, but Brenda and Steven sensed something different. What they found wasn’t just treatment anymore, they finally found care.

“It only took a visit or two to discover, but they actually cared,” Steven remarked about the ambulatory team at RMC. “They had drinks, a blanket, they met us at the door and treated Brenda like she was there to get better, not just to be a patient.” Those small, thoughtful gestures mattered more than they ever expected.

“They made you feel like a person,” Brenda explained. “It took some of the stress away so that I was able to actually, for the first time, focus on healing.”

For two months straight, Steven was by Brenda’s side at ambulatory care every single day. The consistency could have felt exhausting, but instead, it felt reassuring. Even during the most difficult moments, the staff never made them feel like a burden and, despite being on Medicaid, they never felt treated differently. “We felt heard and seen,” Steven said. “I saw Brenda actually getting better after every visit.”

Through it all, the team’s attentiveness never wavered. Smiles. Snacks. Gentle check-ins. Professional care paired with human connection. Over time, what began as patient-provider interactions grew into something deeper. “The previous facility was just clinical,” Steven said. “The RMC staff actually had real conversations with us, and those conversations grew very quickly into, what felt like, friendship.”

After months of treatment, Brenda reached a milestone she had almost stopped hoping for: a wound vac was finally removed after so many days of thinking this would be a permanent issue. “It was a true relief,” she said. “It felt like I was finally healing.” With healing came comfort, and with comfort came confidence. The anxiety, worry, and confusion that once felt debilitating began to fade and she could move around the house again without fear.

Brenda and Steven had been patients of Stringfellow Memorial Hospital for years, and trusting RMC did not come easily. “We were hesitant,” Steven admitted. “But we have a lot more respect now, especially with the changes we’ve seen and the care that we have now experienced in other areas.”

Today, when asked what RMC means to them, the answer is simple: hope. For anyone in the community who feels scared or unsure about where to turn, Steven and Brenda want them to know that RMC is not what it used to be, in the best way possible. “The care, the people, the overall experience,” Steven said. “We felt heard and seen.”

Their experience can be summed up in two powerful sentences. Steven says, “The RMC team was friendlier than I had experienced and much more helpful than I expected.” Brenda adds, “We are so grateful that our medical care was taken seriously and thankful they were part of my recovery.”

For Brenda and Steven, RMC wasn’t just a treatment facility, it was where they rediscovered healing, dignity, and a renewed sense of trust.

If you or a loved one would like to be featured in a patient testimonial for RMC, please email marketing@rmccares.org for consideration.

Catching the Spark Before the Fire: How the Critical Assessment Team at Regional Medical Center Saves Lives Every Day

At Regional Medical Center (RMC), we employ 5 values that we strive for each and every day: Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, and Service (CARES). One of the most powerful examples of that commitment to our core values is the Critical Assessment Team (CAT), a highly specialized, proactive team dedicated to identifying and responding to patient decline before it becomes a life-threatening emergency.

Led by experienced clinicians Laurie, RTT, RTT-ACCS, RTT-NPS, CRRP and Caleb, RN, CRRP, the CAT program at RMC has become a model for hospitals across Alabama, proving that proactive critical care saves lives, improves outcomes, and supports frontline staff in meaningful ways.

What Is the Critical Assessment Team (CAT)?

The Critical Assessment Team is a dedicated group of critical care professionals whose primary responsibility is responding to declining inpatients anywhere in the hospital. Unlike traditional rapid response models that are often reactionary, CAT was designed to intervene early. Their guiding philosophy is simple but powerful: “Catch the spark before the fire.”

That mindset drives every call they answer, every patient they assess, and every educational opportunity they create by being proactive, not reactive, and taking personal accountability to redefine rapid response within a healthcare facility.

RMC’s Unique Approach

In 2008, rapid response teams became a national requirement. While many hospitals now technically meet the standard, the execution often remains reactive by rapid response staff functioning as bedside nurses who already carry full patient loads and are called in to assist only after a patient has significantly deteriorated.

The CAT program at RMC was created to be a dedicated team, free from routine patient assignments, allowing them to respond immediately and focus exclusively on critical assessment and intervention. Their goal extended not simply to respond to emergencies, but to use education and presence to start preventing critical situations before they become critical.

Today, CAT responds proactively to early signs of patient decline active and potential cardiac arrests, ICU upgrades, patients at risk of being sent back to the ER, and increasing patient severity at the bedside.

Since its implementation five years ago, the Critical Assessment Team has helped achieve a 92% reduction in non-ICU or non-ER cardiac arrests; a remarkable outcome that underscores the effectiveness of early intervention and expert bedside care.

A large portion of that goes back to their efforts of preventing deterioration instead of reacting to it. CAT has significantly reduced codes on inpatient units, improved patient stability, and relieved strain on both the ICU and Emergency Departments.

ICU-Level Care Anywhere in the Hospital

One of the most unique aspects of CAT is its ability to bring full ICU-level care directly to the bedside, regardless of where the patient is located in the hospital.

The team is equipped with a top-of-the-line ventilator in a backpack, capable of providing advanced respiratory support, critical monitoring tools, and other necessary equipment to stabilize patients immediately in any patient room at RMC.

This capability is especially important when ICU beds are unavailable due to patient volume. By delivering ICU-level care at the bedside, CAT helps prevent ER backflow, stabilizes patients in place, and buys critical time until appropriate beds become available.

CAT also plays a vital role in supporting both physicians and nursing staff. Laurie and Caleb often describe their role as being “another set of critical eyes”; experienced clinicians who can quickly identify subtle changes, assist with bedside procedures, and collaborate on treatment decisions.

For nurses, this support is invaluable. While CAT focuses on the critical situation at hand, floor nurses can continue caring for their other patients, ensuring safe staffing and continuity of care across the unit. However, Laurie and Caleb also use each call to aid the nurses and build education into every call.

Every CAT call is treated as more than an intervention; it is an opportunity for education.

The team actively teaches and mentors staff during real-time patient scenarios, reinforcing best practices, assessment skills, and critical thinking. This hands-on approach helps build confidence across the hospital and strengthens RMC’s overall culture of safety.

Beyond bedside education, CAT is deeply involved in formal training initiatives, including:

  • Teaching classes for respiratory care and nursing students
  • Providing Advanced Life Saving Care (ALSC) training
  • Providing Pediatric Life Saving Care (PLSC) training to nursing staff
  • Simulation Lab and Mock Code Training

The Critical Assessment Team also runs and hosts RMC’s patient simulation lab, where staff participate in mock codes and other high-risk scenarios. These simulations allow teams to practice emergency responses in a safe, controlled environment; aiding and improving communication, coordination, and confidence long before real emergencies occur.

A Program That Leads the State

The Critical Assessment Team at RMC was established as a pilot program in Alabama, and its success has not gone unnoticed. Other facilities across the state have since adopted the CAT structure modeled after RMC’s program, further validating its effectiveness and leadership.

When a patient is declining, time matters. CAT’s response times reflect their commitment to urgency and excellence. 80% of CAT calls are cleared within 90 seconds or less and that speed can make the difference between stabilizing a patient early and deploying critical measures.

CAT’s role extends into the Emergency Department as well. The team conducts rounds on patients who have been admitted but are waiting on inpatient beds. This proactive rounding ensures that any signs of deterioration are identified early, even before the patient is admitted to the hospital from the ED.

Beyond the Hospital Walls

CAT’s mission doesn’t stop at the hospital doors. The team is actively involved in community events, providing education on critical health topics such as anti-smoking and anti-vaping awareness. These efforts support long-term community health and align with RMC’s broader commitment to prevention and education.

Furthermore, while CAT is often associated with high-intensity critical care, the team is also deeply involved in end-of-life care. Laurie and Caleb take great solace in knowing that no patient will ever be alone during their final moments.

Their presence brings comfort not only to patients, but also to families and bedside staff during some of the most emotionally challenging situations in healthcare.

At its core, the Critical Assessment Team represents what is possible when expertise, compassion, and proactive care come together. Through early intervention, education, and unwavering dedication, Laurie and Caleb help ensure that patients at Regional Medical Center receive the right care promptly and efficiently. 

By catching the spark before the fire, CAT doesn’t just respond to emergencies. They prevent them, support their colleagues, and save lives, one patient at a time.

The Dangers of Radon; A Silent Risk

Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive, colorless, odorless gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rocks, and water, and it can seep into buildings through foundation cracks. While low levels are common in outdoor air, radon can build up indoors, and breathing in high concentrations over time is a major health issues.

Radon is the leading environmental cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Long-term exposure to high radon levels can cause lung cancer, including in people who have never smoked. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that around 21,000 people die from radon-associated lung cancer each year and is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.

Patients can prevent radon-associated lung cancer by testing their homes and installing radon reduction systems, if needed. Unfortunately, there is a lack of awareness about radon in the general population.

Who is Affected by Radon & What are the Dangers?

  • Everyone can be exposed! Homes, schools, and workplaces can all have elevated radon levels.
  • Smokers exposed to radon have a much higher risk of lung cancer
  • Non-smokers are also at risk—radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in people who have never smoked.
  • Risk increases with long-term exposure and higher radon concentrations

When radon is inhaled, it breaks down into radioactive particles that:

  • Become trapped in the lungs
  • Damage lung tissue over time
  • Increase the risk of lung cancer, often without early warning signs

Symptoms usually do not appear until the disease is advanced, which makes prevention and testing critical.

Respiratory Perspective: Caring for patients with Potential Radon Exposure.

From a Respiratory Therapy standpoint, radon exposure is often a silent contributor to chronic lung disease and lung cancer. Care focuses on assessment, early recognition, symptom management, and prevention education.

If you are concerned about Radon Exposure following an at home radon test, talk to your primary care provider, who may refer you to a respiratory therapist for further evaluation.

  • Obtain a detailed exposure history (home, workplace, long-term residence)
  • Assess for chronic symptoms such as:
    • Persistent Cough
    • Shortness of Breath
    • Chest discomfort
    • Recurrent respiratory infections
  • Pay close attention to non-smokers with lung disease, where radon may be an overlooked risk factor.

Depending on condition and severity, care may include:

  • Oxygen therapy for hypoxemia
  • Bronchodilator and airway clearance therapies
  • Ventilatory support (non-invasive or invasive) when respiratory failure is present
  • Symptom management for dyspnea, fatigue, and anxiety

Radon exposure is preventable, and lung cancer risk can be significantly reduced through testing, mitigation, and awareness. Knowing your radon risk could protect your lungs – and your life. At home test kits are available for purchase on the internet or at major home improvement retail outlets, but some entities do provide discounted or free kits periodically. For more information about Radon in Alabama, visit the ADPH website.

https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/radon/radon-in-alabama.html

From Safety to Smiles – How the Tyler Center’s Security Supervisor is Redefining the Role

Anthony Henderson is no stranger to helping those in need – transferring to Anniston from RMC Jacksonville almost a decade ago, he has continued on his mission to make the patient experience his number one priority at the Tyler Center, regardless of his title.

According to Anthony, he just tries to make the patient’s time here at RMC the way he would want to be treated, with kindness and respect.

“If someone that’s here for a visit is having a bad day, the way I see it, it’s on everyone to be part of making that experience better” says Anthony. “I try to go out of my way to make sure they are okay and taken care of. Sometimes that a blanket, sometimes its a smile.”

Being centered in rehab and orthopedics, the Tyler Center sees a lot of patients that have extended care windows, and Anthony makes it a point to go out of his way to know those patients. When asked why he puts an such emphasis on the patient experience, Anthony didn’t hesitate.

“I take my job very seriously because people take their health seriously and they are choosing to come here, and sometimes they are coming here for a while. You start seeing their needs and they build that trust with you. Patients know they can call on their way and I’ll have a wheelchair waiting for them – it’s a lot for some of these patients to come out of their homes and we need to be ready to care for them when they arrive.”

On top of this, Anthony also goes above and beyond his actual security role, according to one member of the Outpatient Rehab department.

“This assistance is something he does in addition to making rounds around the building and parking deck. He can also be found picking up litter on the grounds and in the parking deck – something that really isn’t his responsibility. He also checks in with us … and I know he does the same for Outpatient Registration on the second floor. “

From kiosks to cleaning and everywhere in between, it’s no secret why Anthony Henderson is a beloved member of the Tyler Center community at RMC. On behalf of your entire RMC Family, thank you, Anthony, for always going above and beyond the call.

RMC Opens New Post-Acute Care Clinic

RMC understands that healing doesn’t end at discharge. Our new Post-Acute Care Clinic ensures patients have the care and support they need during recovery, especially those who may not have a primary care provider or quick access to an appointment.

The clinic provides a seamless bridge between hospital and home, offering follow-up care within 72 hours to help patients manage medications, understand discharge instructions, and address any health concerns early.

By guiding patients through this important phase of recovery, RMC aims to help prevent complications and avoid hospital readmissions, while keeping the focus where it belongs — on better outcomes and healthier lives.

A LEGO Set That Makes Imaging Less Scary for Kids? RMC Just Brought It to Anniston

Regional Medical Center and Starlight Foundation Bring New MRI LEGO® “Education  Sets” to Help Reduce Anxiety for Pediatric Patients

ANNISTON, Ala. — Regional Medical Center (RMC) has introduced a new, child-friendly resource across its imaging departments designed to make MRI and CT scans less frightening for young patients. Through a partnership with the nonprofit Starlight Foundation, RMC has received 10 MRI “education sets”, specialized LEGO® kits internationally recognized for significantly reducing pediatric anxiety during imaging procedures.

The models, which allow children to explore a miniature, movable MRI machine before their own scan, have been shown to reduce pediatric anxiety by up to 96% and a physician reported a decrease in the need for general anesthesia or sedation by 42%. The sets help children understand what the machine looks like, how it works, and what they can expect to hear or feel, creating a more predictable and empowering experience. This educational model, part of the LEGO® “Learning Through Play” initiative, has supported over one million children with their scans over 4 continents since being introduced in 2023.

“These kits are a simple but incredibly effective tool,” said Thomas Abernathy, Director of Imaging Services at RMC. “For a child who may be scared or overwhelmed, being able to touch and interact with a model can make all the difference. We’re grateful to Starlight for helping us bring this resource to families in our community.”

RMC’s imagination sets will be placed throughout the health system, so that children receiving scans across any campus will have access to the same comforting resource. The interactive models feature a screening room, waiting room, sliding bed, and a breakaway MRI machine that opens up to demonstrate the rotating magnet so that the patient can see the entire experience up close before the process begins.

“This is exactly the kind of compassionate, patient-centered care we want to bring into every corner of RMC,” said Keith Parrott, CEO of RMC. “It’s a small addition that can make a big difference on a hard day.”

The Final BEE and DAISY of 2025 – How Unit 8West is Defining the Standard of Care at RMC

Exceptional patient care is the cornerstone of what we aim to achieve each and every day here at Regional Medical Center. For some, that high expectation is not enough, and our incredible staff finds a way to go above and beyond for those under their care. 

Each quarter, we present the BEE Award to one outstanding staff member  and the DAISY Award to one and one amazing nurse. This most recent cycle is a first, even for RMC; both winners were from the same unit!

Savannah Rodabaugh, Patient Care Tech, and Hailey Swink, Nurse both serve on our 8 West Medical / Surgical for pre and post operative care. Unit Nurse Manager Michelle Bain put it best, “It’s truly a blessing to come to work everyday with staff that give it their all – this is a wonderful crew and I am so excited they are receiving the recognition they deserve.”

Savannah has been with RMC for 2 ½ years as a Patient Care Tech and truly considers her RMC family a home away from home. Being the 10th of 12 siblings, Savannah is no stranger to fostering a sense of community, even if it is, at times, very chaotic!

Savannah also comes from a long line of those who live life with a servant’s heart – her mother served as a firefighter and nurse, her sister and two aunts also serve as nurses, and her grandfather was one of the first paramedics ever to serve in the state of Missouri. 

When asked about her favorite part of the job, Savannah said “I really enjoy actually interacting with the staff and especially the patients; learning about who they are and not just their chart.”

Savannah is planning on continuing her healthcare journey this fall by attending nursing school at Jacksonville State University with the goal of becoming an ER/Trauma nurse in the near future.

Hailey Swink started her nursing career as a student at Gadsden State Community College and after graduation, has been working at RMC now for almost 2 years after completing the Student Nurse Apprenticeship program.

Working in the diverse environment of the Medical / Surgical floor, Hailey’s coworkers describe her as “amazingly sweet” and “places patient care above all else.” Those words ring true, as Hailey has been nominated for the Daisy Award every single quarter she has worked with RMC.

Hailey attributes her compassion and consistency to the relationship with her mother, both in showing and receiving care.

“My mom was a nurse who inspired me and shaped my future,” Hailey said. “I lost my mom to COVID-19 five years ago, but she had been at RMC several times before; seeing the care she received each time she was here further confirmed that this is where I wanted to be.”

When asked further about challenges of healthcare, Hailey said “It’s patient first every day – regardless of your internal challenges, you have to leave the outside at the door. Our patients choose RMC, so it’s our responsibility to provide the best care, even when it’s difficult personally.”

Congratulations, Savannah and Hailey, from your entire RMC family on exhibiting what it truly means to be a BEE and a DAISY – by  providing consistent, exceptional care to our patients.

Partnership to Bring Freestanding Emergency Department to Jacksonville Enters Next Phase

JACKSONVILLE, AL (12/09/2025) The Health Care Authority of the City of Anniston (RMC), Jacksonville State University (Jax State), the City of Jacksonville, and Developer Solutions and Facilities Development Company (DSF) are working collaboratively to expand emergency healthcare for the citizens of Jacksonville and surrounding areas by moving forward with plans to construct a free-standing emergency department (FED) within the City of Jacksonville.

On Nov. 5, 2025, RMC filed a formal Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Alabama Certificate of Need (CON) Review Board for the construction of a Freestanding Emergency Department on Jax State’s campus in Jacksonville, AL. Mayor Jones and the Jacksonville City Council have welcomed the project’s progress and the partnership between RMC and Jax State that continues to strengthen the Jacksonville community.

“On behalf of the city of Jacksonville, we’d like to thank Jacksonville State University and Regional Medical Center for their commitment to making a free-standing emergency room become a reality for our community,” said Mayor of Jacksonville Mark Jones. “This delivers on our commitment to bring quality emergency care to the people of Jacksonville, providing faster response times when seconds count. We look forward to working together on this significant project.”

This partnership represents a significant investment in the health and well-being of Jacksonville residents, as well as a major enhancement to emergency and primary care access for Jacksonville State’s faculty, staff, and students.

Jax State is uniquely positioned to help bring this project to life. The university’s long-standing partnership with RMC, particularly through the Jax State College of Health Professions and Wellness, has created valuable opportunities for hands-on training and collaboration in a fast-paced and real-world clinical setting.

A portion of this proposed 17,000-square-foot facility would relocate the RMC Student Health Center at Jax State from its current location on the south side of Jacksonville to a wing of the new construction. The site is set to be located directly across Highway 21 from Hugh Merrill Hall on the north side of campus, the plot adjacent to the previously announced new Jacksonville Fire Station #2.

“This project is another example of what can happen when Jax State, RMC, and the City of Jacksonville work together toward a shared goal,” said Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr., President of Jacksonville State University. “We’re grateful for the leadership of Mayor Jones and the City of Jacksonville, and for RMC’s continued collaboration and shared commitment to addressing a critical need for expanded emergency care in our community. Together, we’re working to strengthen healthcare access for our campus and for the people of Jacksonville.”

RMC leaders echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the project’s importance in meeting the growing demand for emergency care across Calhoun County.

“One of the most consistent pieces of feedback we’ve received from patients is about emergency department wait times. Over the past several months, we’ve made tremendous progress, reducing the time it takes for patients to see a provider by 26% and decreasing wait times for admitted patients by 29%. Our wait times are now below national averages. This new location in Jacksonville would further alleviate demand at our Anniston facility while providing faster access to high-quality care closer to home for many residents,” said Keith Parrott, President of Regional Medical Center.

In addition to supporting this improvement in emergency care, the Board of Regional Medical Center has not only approved this venture but also a $7M capital budget for FY2026 to continue advancing patient care and safety across all RMC Health System campuses.

The project will undergo state review through the Alabama CON Board. The estimated construction time, including approvals, design, and construction, is projected to take 20-24 months, with an anticipated completion in Spring 2028.

“We are excited about the opportunity to fill an important gap in patient care and provide better healthcare access to the people of Jacksonville and surrounding communities with this Free-Standing Emergency Department,” says Parrott. “I am deeply grateful for the support and collaboration of Jacksonville’s former Mayor Johnny Smith, current Mayor Mark Jones, City Council President Terry Wilson, and Dr. Killingsworth of Jax State. Their combined efforts have been instrumental in advancing RMC’s vision to expand emergency care access for the community and strengthen primary care services for Jax State.”

About RMC Health System (RMC)

RMC Health System (RMC) in Anniston, Alabama, is a trusted leader in healthcare, serving Northeast Alabama with integrity, skill, and compassion. With more than 1,800 employees, 300+ volunteers, and over 200 physicians across a broad range of specialties, RMC provides comprehensive, state-of-the-art care to the community. The hospital is accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer (CoC), has earned Blue Distinction Center+ status for Orthopedic® and Maternity Care® from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, and received the 2025 Commitment to Quality Award from the American Heart Association (AHA). RMC was also the first Baby-Friendly designated birthing facility in the state of Alabama and was recently accredited by the Institute of Healthcare Improvement (IHI) as an Age-Friendly Health System.

For other questions or further correspondence, please contact: 

Spencer Oliver
soliver@rmccares.org
(256) 405-7555

Manage Holiday Stress with these Five Tips from RMC’s own Dr. Carpenter

By Paul Carpenter, D.O., RMC Hospitalist Medical Director

The holiday season is a joyful time filled with celebrations, family gatherings, and giving. However, it can also bring about increased stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. At RMC Health System, we understand how challenging these feelings can be, especially during busy times. To help you stay balanced and healthy this holiday season, Dr. Paul Carpenter shares five practical tips to manage holiday stress effectively.

1. Prioritize Self-Care

Amid the hustle and bustle, don’t forget to take time for yourself. Whether it’s a short walk, listening to calming music, or practicing deep breathing exercises, prioritize activities that help you relax and recharge. Remember, taking care of yourself is essential for handling stress better.

2. Set Realistic Expectations

Holidays often come with high expectations for perfect celebrations and gift-giving. Recognize that imperfection is okay. Focus on enjoying time with loved ones rather than meeting every ideal. Setting realistic goals reduces pressure and helps you embrace the true spirit of the season.

3. Maintain Healthy Boundaries

It’s easy to become overwhelmed by family commitments or social obligations. Learn to say no when necessary, and don’t overcommit yourself. Respect your limits and communicate your needs clearly to avoid burnout.

4. Stay Connected to Support

If feelings of stress or sadness become overwhelming, reach out for support. Whether talking with a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional, sharing your feelings can lessen their burden. RMC’s behavioral health programs are here to support you—more info can be found here.

5. Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude

Take a moment each day to focus on the present and reflect on what you’re grateful for. Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, can lower stress levels and foster a sense of calm and appreciation.

Remember, managing holiday stress is about finding balance and being kind to yourself. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need extra support, don’t hesitate to reach out to RMC’s Behavioral Health Services by calling (256) 741-6464. We’re here to help you enjoy a healthier, happier holiday season.

Wishing you peace and joy this holiday season from all of us at RMC Health System!