Synergy Saturday | Free Health Screenings | Free Clinic - The SCOOP

Grow Anyway: The Wisdom of the Vine

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 21:28:54 GMT

Have you ever watched a vine stretch and bend, twisting through tight places, climbing past rocks, and even reaching toward the sun through the cracks of concrete?

It doesn’t compete.
It doesn’t complain.
It simply adjusts, redirects, and grows anyway.

This quiet determination holds a powerful truth: you were designed to overcome.

Just like the vine, you already carry everything you need—within you—to live, grow, and thrive, no matter the shadows cast over your path. Whether life has blocked you with hardship, uncertainty, or the towering presence of others' opinions or expectations, you have permission to keep growing.

📖 Table of Contents

You Were Built for This
Lessons from the Vine
You're Still Growing—And That's Enough
Stay Connected to the Light

🌿 You Were Built for This
A smaller plant doesn’t look up at a tall tree in envy.
It simply finds another way toward the light. 🌞

This isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. It's faith.
The vine understands its purpose, its makeup, and its direction.
So should we.

Whatever season you’re in—starting over, healing, hoping, or rebuilding—know that you’re equipped. You have been given self-reliance, insight, creativity, and a divine design that makes you more than enough.

🌱 Lessons from the Vine

Stretch Without Strain
It’s okay to adjust your route or expectations. Growth doesn’t mean pushing yourself to exhaustion. It means listening to your inner guidance and trusting your timing.
Use What’s Around You
Vines use whatever’s near—walls, fences, branches—to climb. What resources, relationships, or routines around you could support your growth right now?
Trust Your Direction
Even if the way seems unclear, your roots know. Just keep reaching toward the light—clarity, peace, health, purpose.

💚 You’re Still Growing—And That’s Enough
Sometimes we measure progress by speed, size, or spotlight. But true progress often happens in the unseen places—within your character, mindset, and quiet resolve.

Keep reaching. Keep growing. Keep becoming.

Your resilience is your roadmap.
Your heart is your compass.
And your Creator never left you unequipped.

So, let others grow tall. You? Grow wisely. Grow freely. Grow anyway.

📌 Stay Connected to the Light
Let this post be your reminder: you’re doing better than you think.
Every small stretch, every choice to keep going, is a victory.

And we’re here with you every step—offering not just inspiration, but real tools to help you grow in health, in wisdom, and in wealth.

🌐 Visit synergysaturday.com/the-scoop for more stories that water your soul.

🌿 You Might Also Like:

Author

Larry Freeman is a celebrated community entrepreneur and health advocate. He is best known as the visionary Founder and CEO of Synergy Saturday, a nonprofit that delivers free, weekly pop-up wellness screenings in Little Rock and beyond. With a background in biology, he brings scientific insight to public health action—applying his knowledge to tackle health disparities and nurture community resilience.

Under his leadership, Synergy Saturday has:
✅ Delivered over 21,000 free health screenings since 2015 for underserved populations
✅ Earned multiple recognitions, including Nonprofit Executive of the Year and Healthcare Heroes Community Outreach of the Year awards
✅ Built flagship partnerships with UAMS, John Brown University, Arkansas State University, and regional hospitals to bridge gaps in rural healthcare access

Larry’s mission--Activism + Science = Advocacy—reflects his commitment to compassionate, evidence-driven solutions that empower individuals and strengthen underserved communities. His authentic voice, grounded in lived experience and scientific rigor, makes him a trusted guide on health, wellness, and social impact.

Tariff-Proof Your Table with Portion-Control Plates and the Diabetes Plate Method

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 03:16:25 GMT

As food prices continue to rise, managing both your health and grocery budget may feel like walking a tightrope. But what if you could reclaim control of your kitchen, your blood sugar, and your spending—all with a straightforward solution? Introducing the Diabetes Plate Method and portion-control tools that can help you eat smarter, feel better, and spend less.

Whether you're living with diabetes, focused on weight loss, or simply want to eat well without overspending, this method makes healthy eating practical, powerful, and sustainable.

🍽️ Why Portion Control Is the Secret Weapon

Proper portioning is more than a diet trick—it's a proven strategy for health, balance, and long-term success.

✅ Weight Management – Reduces calorie overload without leaving you hungry
✅ Balanced Nutrition – Helps you get the proper amounts of carbs, protein, and veggies
✅ Blood Sugar Control – Prevents spikes and crashes by avoiding oversized meals
✅ Mindful Eating – Encourages you to slow down, enjoy your food, and listen to your body
✅ Food Budgeting – Stretches groceries by reducing waste and keeping portions realistic
✅ Better Digestion – Smaller meals are gentler on your gut and more energizing
✅ Sustainability – Cuts down food waste and supports more conscious consumption

🥗 Master Your Meals with the Diabetes Plate Method

No calorie counting. No carb weighing. Just simple visual cues that help you build nourishing, balanced meals—right on your plate.

Manage your blood sugar using the Diabetes Plate Method to create healthy meals. With this method, there's no need for calculating, counting, measuring, or weighing! The benefit is that you can easily prepare meals with perfect portions and a balanced mix of carbohydrates, protein, and vegetables. Serve your meal on a plate and enjoy eating your way to wellness!
It's as easy as this:

½ your plate: Non-starchy vegetables (like spinach, broccoli, carrots)
¼ your plate: Lean protein (chicken, fish, tofu, eggs)
¼ your plate: Healthy carbohydrates (brown rice, sweet potatoes, beans)

And yes—you can even enjoy dessert and still keep your balance with a smart plate strategy!

🍽️ Choose Your Perfect Plate Tools

To make it effortless, we've handpicked high-quality portion-control plates designed to match our Plate Method perfectly—whether you're at home or on the go:
🌀 Bariatric Bowls and Plates (for post-surgery or portion precision):
👉 Shop on Amazon

🍽️ Flat Diabetes Plates (simple and sleek):
👉 Shop on Amazon

🍱 Sectioned Diabetes Plates (for built-in portion guidance):
👉 Shop on Amazon

📘 Ready to Learn More? Download Our Guides

🎯 Whether you're cooking at home or eating out, our white papers give you everything you need to take control of your meals, including how to use your hand as a tool for portioning.

📄 Diabetes Plate Method White Paper
👉 Download Now
🥗 DASH Diet + Diabetes Plate Bundle
👉 Get the Special Bundle

These guides are ideal for caregivers, parents, individuals newly diagnosed with diabetes, or anyone who wants a foolproof, budget-friendly way to eat better.

💵 Coupon Clipping Meets Meal Planning

Want to eat smart and save money? Try this next time you shop:

Download your local grocery store's digital app (like Kroger, Walmart, or Albertsons)
Clip weekly coupons for fresh produce, lean meats, and grains
Plan meals in advance using our Diabetes Plate guide
Stick to your shopping list + plate plan for significant savings and health gains

Over time, your food budget will stretch further, your fridge will waste less, and your body will thank you.

✨ Final Word: Health Doesn't Have to Be Expensive—Just Intentional

You don't have to let inflation, rising food tariffs, or grocery gimmicks derail your health goals. With the right strategy—and the right plate—you can take back control of your health, your budget, and your peace of mind.

Tariff-proof your table today with:

Proven portion tools
Plate-based nutrition
Grocery-saving strategies
Step-by-step guides you'll actually use

It's time to serve your best life--one perfectly portioned plate at a time.

📥 Bonus Tip:
Set a calendar reminder to review your plate plan and digital coupons each Sunday. Weekly consistency creates lifelong habits!

Author

Reclaim Your Energy, One Sip at a Time: The Power of Proper Hydration

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 22:02:14 GMT

Do you ever feel sluggish by midday, get random headaches, or experience mood swings for no obvious reason? Before you reach for caffeine or sugar, consider this simple truth: you might just be dehydrated.

Water is the most essential nutrient in your body—yet it’s often the most overlooked. You can survive weeks without food, but only a few days without water. Staying properly hydrated isn’t just about quenching thirst—it’s about powering your brain, protecting your heart, energizing your cells, and maintaining overall balance.

Let’s break down the importance of daily hydration, how to do it right, and how simple reminders can transform your energy and health.

🌊 Why Hydration Matters
Water makes up 60–70% of your body. Every cell, tissue, and organ needs it to function properly. When you’re even slightly dehydrated, your body and mind suffer.

Hydration impacts:

🧠 Brain Function – Improves concentration, mood, memory, and mental clarity
💓 Heart Health – Keeps blood volume stable and supports healthy blood pressure
💪 Muscle and Joint Performance – Reduces cramps and boosts flexibility
🔄 Digestion and Detox – Aids in nutrient absorption and flushes waste
🌟 Skin Health – Promotes elasticity and glow while reducing dryness
🛡️ Immunity – Helps lymphatic flow and transports nutrients to fight disease

Even mild dehydration (losing just 1.5% of your body’s water) can affect mood, memory, and motor coordination. And chronic dehydration can contribute to headaches, fatigue, digestive issues, kidney stones, and more.

💦 How to Hydrate Properly Each Day
Hydration is more than just drinking when you’re thirsty. Thirst is actually a late sign that your body needs water. A proactive hydration plan keeps you feeling your best all day long.

✅ Daily Hydration Regimen:

Start your day with water: Drink 1–2 cups first thing in the morning to activate your organs and rehydrate after sleep.
Aim for 6–8 cups per day: That’s about 48–64 ounces, or more depending on your activity level, age, and environment.
Increase intake when:
- Exercising or sweating
- Outside in hot/humid weather
- Ill or recovering from sickness
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
Sip throughout the day: Large gulps all at once can overwhelm your kidneys. Instead, drink steadily in small amounts.
Add electrolytes when needed: If you're sweating a lot (workouts, heat), consider natural sources of sodium, potassium, and magnesium (e.g., coconut water, cucumber, or a pinch of Himalayan salt in lemon water).
Infuse for flavor: Add slices of lemon, cucumber, mint, or berries to make water more appealing and nutritious.

💧 During a Meal:

Drinking small sips of water can aid digestion by helping break down food and absorb nutrients.
It helps prevent overeating by promoting a feeling of fullness.

💧 After a Meal:

Drinking water after eating helps complete the digestive process and keeps you hydrated.
It's especially helpful after a fiber-rich or high-protein meal to aid nutrient absorption and waste elimination.

🚫 A Word of Caution:

Avoid large amounts of water immediately before or during meals, as this may dilute digestive enzymes and slightly impair digestion.
For people with certain digestive disorders (e.g., acid reflux), drinking too much during meals might worsen symptoms.

✅ Best Practice:

Take small sips with your meal.
Drink a full glass of water about 30 minutes after eating for optimal digestion and hydration.

⏰ The Power of Setting Water Reminders
Most people forget to drink water until they're already dehydrated. That’s why setting hourly alarms or hydration reminders is a game-changer—especially for kids, older adults, and busy professionals.

📱 Try this:

Set alarms for every 2 hours between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Label them things like:
- “Rehydrate & Refocus”
- “Water = Energy Boost”
- “Sip to Stay Sharp”
Use a free water-tracking app or a smart bottle that sends notifications

This simple step trains your body into a new habit and makes hydration intentional, not accidental.

💡 Final Thought
Water doesn’t just hydrate—it revitalizes. It’s the easiest health fix you’re likely skipping. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, aiming for radiant skin, or simply wanting to stay energized, drinking enough water daily is one of the most powerful self-care practices available to you—free of charge.

Water is the ONLY beverage that truly hydrates.

Sports drinks, juice, soda, and even coffee can’t replace what pure water does for your body. That’s why we teach: hydrate the day before and replenish today to stay ahead of dehydration and support your overall health.

So go ahead—fill up that glass, set your reminders, and sip your way to better health. Make water your daily wellness partner—for energy, focus, and longevity. 💚🧡

Want to track your hydration-improved wellness metrics?
👉 Download the “Know Your Numbers” app today and take control of your health—one sip at a time.

ZEROWATER PITCHER

Author

Causes of: MENTAL CONFUSION IN THE THIRD AGE by Arnaldo Liechtenstein, Physician

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 12:27:10 GMT

Whenever I teach clinical medicine to students in the fourth year of medicine, I ask the following question:

What are the causes of mental confusion in the elderly?

Some offer: "Tumors in the head". I answer: No!

Others suggest: "Early symptoms of Alzheimer's". I answer again: No!

With each rejection of their answers, their responses dry up.

And they are even more open-mouthed when I list the three most common causes:

- uncontrolled diabetes;
- urinary infection;
- dehydration

It may sound like a joke, but it isn't. People over 60 constantly stop feeling thirsty and consequently stop drinking fluids.

When no one is around to remind them to drink fluids, they quickly dehydrate. Dehydration is severe and affects the entire body. It may cause abrupt mental confusion, a drop in blood pressure, increased heart palpitations, angina (chest pain), coma, and even death.

*This habit of forgetting to drink fluids begins at age 60, when we have just over 50% of the water we should have in our bodies. People over 60 have a lower water reserve. This is part of the natural aging process.*

But there are more complications. Although they are dehydrated, they don't feel like drinking water because their internal balance mechanisms don't work very well.

*Conclusion:*
People over 60 years old dehydrate easily because they have a smaller water supply and because they do not feel the lack of water in the body.

Although people over 60 may look healthy, the performance of reactions and chemical functions can damage their entire body.

So, here are two alerts:
1) *Get into the habit of drinking liquids*. Liquids include water, juices, teas, coconut water, milk, soups, and water-rich fruits, such as watermelon, melon, peaches, and pineapple; orange and tangerine also work.

*The important thing is that you must drink some liquid every two hours. Remember this!*

2) Alert for family members: constantly offer fluids to people over 60. At the same time, observe them.

If you realize that they are rejecting liquids and, from one day to the next, they are irritable, breathless, or display a lack of attention, these are almost certainly recurrent symptoms of dehydration.

Did you like it?

If so, share it! But, DON'T FORGET TO DO IT NOW!

Your friends and family need to know for themselves and help you to be healthier and happier.

It's good to share! *For people over 60*

Happiness always 😊

Author

Dr. Arnaldo Liechtenstein is a general practitioner at Hospital das Clínicas and a collaborating professor in the Department of Clinical Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo (USP).

A Weekly Wellness Revolution: Health Equity and Economic Empowerment Combined

Tue, 18 May 2021 21:30:33 GMT

Imagine having a synergistic day devoted to preventive health promotion and legacy wealth creation—every Saturday.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic diseases—such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension—account for 7 out of every 10 deaths each year and 86% of the nation’s healthcare costs. These conditions are largely preventable with early detection and proper management through responsive healthcare teams and timely screenings. Yet, preventive services are used at only about half the recommended rate.

Why?

Most check-ups and screenings occur in physician clinics, where cost-sharing through copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles is required. Many individuals either cannot afford these costs or opt not to pay. These financial barriers often deter people from accessing life-saving preventive care.

Despite the proven benefits of preventive health services, many go without due to the closure of clinics in rural communities—designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs)—and financial hardship. Economic, environmental, and social disadvantages further reduce access. Even individuals with quality insurance may avoid care due to copayments or the risk of a preventive visit being reclassified as diagnostic if any symptoms are discussed, resulting in unexpected charges.

Each year, millions of premature deaths are caused by chronic diseases that could have been prevented. While prevention helps contain rising healthcare costs, barriers such as limited access to care, healthy food, safe environments, and opportunities for education and employment continue to drive costs upward. Preventive care improves health at every life stage—helping people stay healthy, delay or avoid illness, manage existing conditions, and live more productive lives.

We know what influences health: avoiding tobacco, eating well, staying active, seeing a doctor when sick, and receiving screenings, immunizations, and wellness visits. But until Synergy Saturday, there was no unified way to bring these components together in an accessible, proactive, and community-driven model.

Enter Synergy Saturday

Synergy Saturday offers a consistent, safe, and convenient platform for preventive care—free of cost-sharing. Every week, we bring together healthcare professionals, wellness providers, and community members for screenings, education, and holistic health services. The name reflects our collaborative spirit and unified mission to improve population health.

Evidence supports that team-based care is effective and cost-efficient. Synergy Saturday harnesses this power by creating a shared space where healthcare professionals from diverse disciplines work together to deliver better outcomes. Our mobile screening events help participants understand their health data and build a roadmap toward lasting wellness.

Synergy Saturday strengthens the role of hospitals and healthcare workers in population health, making their involvement essential—especially in participating communities. Much like Redbox used existing McDonald's locations to expand quickly, we partner with hospitals and health systems to maximize reach using their established footprints. This modular model allows for easy scaling across regions.

We also promote holistic health and informed decision-making, empowering individuals with alternatives to chronic medication use. With rising misinformation, side effects, and the risks associated with long-term medication—especially in vulnerable populations—education and lifestyle change are more crucial than ever.

Synergy Saturday promotes total wellness from pain and stress relief to improved circulation, digestion, immunity, and mental health. Our collaborative approach yields results greater than any single effort. It addresses the root causes of poor health—whether stemming from poverty, negative self-image, or a lack of access—and offers sustainable solutions.

Shop Small Every Saturday With Synergy Saturday

In addition to promoting personal health, Synergy Saturday supports financial health. Participants attending free health screenings are encouraged to support local vendors who share our values. Community members invest in local economies and businesses by shopping small every Saturday at our venues.

As participants continue their health journey with us, they begin to feel better, do better, and live better—leading to more productive, healthier, and wealthier communities

Join the movement! 👉 Volunteer or sponsor a screening to help us deliver free, empowering health care every Saturday.

Author

Beat Cancer: Strengthen Your Body, Prevent Cancer Cell Growth, and Reduce the Risk of Recurrence

Tue, 18 May 2021 18:57:54 GMT

In response to the growing concerns, questions, and interests expressed by our patients and participants, we have added this section to highlight the body's natural ability to resist disease—particularly cancer. Our goal is to provide education that reduces fear, offers honest answers, and empowers individuals with strategies for prevention and resilience. While cancer remains a significant public health challenge, it's also one of the most commercialized diseases, often surrounded by fear-based messaging and misinformation. This section aims to bring clarity, not confusion—empowerment, not panic.

Questioning the Narrative: “No Known Cure”

The phrase “no known cure for cancer” is frequently cited by major health organizations, media outlets, and pharmaceutical stakeholders. While technically accurate from a clinical standpoint—since “cure” implies the complete and permanent eradication of all cancer with no chance of recurrence—the phrase can also be discouraging and easily misinterpreted. It often masks the reality that many forms of cancer are treatable, manageable, and, in some cases, preventable through early detection and lifestyle choices.

Importantly, the absence of a universally accepted "cure" does not mean that natural, complementary, or preventive approaches are ineffective or unworthy of exploration. A growing body of research supports lifestyle-based interventions—such as nutrition, hydration, exercise, and stress reduction—as essential in reducing cancer risk and recurrence.

🧬 Harvard Medical School, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) all emphasize that 70–90% of chronic diseases, including certain cancers, are preventable through modifiable lifestyle factors.

So, rather than focusing solely on a "cure," the real power lies in prevention, early intervention, and supporting the body’s natural defenses.

Creating an Environment Where Cancer Cannot Thrive

Your body comprises trillions of cells and approximately 60–70% water. The health of these cells—and the internal environment they exist in—plays a critical role in disease prevention. Cancer cells tend to thrive in low-oxygen, acidic, and inflammatory conditions. By contrast, high-oxygen, alkaline, and nutrient-rich environments have been associated with improved immune function and disease resistance.

Here are two wellness tools that have shown potential as complementary supports in creating a healthier internal environment:

1. Alkaline Water: Cellular Hydration and pH Balance
Alkaline water, typically with a pH above 7, is marketed for its ability to:

Enhance intracellular hydration
Restore essential minerals like calcium and magnesium
Neutralize free radicals through antioxidant effects
Potentially helps maintain a slightly alkaline body environment, which may support immune health

Some lab studies have indicated that highly oxygenated, alkaline environments may be less conducive to the growth of cancer cells. However, reputable medical institutions like MD Anderson Cancer Center and the National Cancer Institute emphasize that while hydration and a healthy diet are vital, alkaline water alone is not a cure or treatment for cancer. It should be viewed as a supportive wellness tool, not a standalone solution.

2. Laminine®: A Nutritional Supplement for Cellular Support
Laminine is a dietary supplement containing a proprietary blend of:

22 essential amino acids
Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF), known to support cellular regeneration
Plant proteins and marine extracts

Proponents claim that Laminine may support:

Tissue repair and regeneration
Reduced oxidative stress
Enhanced stress response
Overall cellular vitality, especially during recovery phases (e.g., post-chemotherapy)

While early testimonials and small-scale studies suggest promising effects, larger peer-reviewed clinical trials are needed to validate these claims. Like all supplements, Laminine should be used in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider, especially for individuals undergoing cancer treatment or managing chronic conditions.

A Holistic Approach: Science, Ethics, and Empowerment

We are not promoting miracle cures or dismissing the life-saving roles of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy when appropriately applied. Instead, we advocate for a holistic, ethical approach to cancer prevention and recovery that:

Respects scientific evidence
Empowers individuals with accurate health information
Supports the body’s natural defenses
Promotes complementary wellness strategies that improve quality of life

This integrative mindset aligns with the growing movement toward patient-centered care, where nutrition, lifestyle, emotional well-being, and social support are vital health components.

🧠 "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" is not just a proverb—it’s a public health principle.

Final Thoughts

Your health is your most valuable asset. By nurturing your body with clean water, whole foods, physical activity, rest, purpose, and community support, you can build strong defenses against cancer and many chronic illnesses. Knowledge is power, and empowerment starts with awareness.

As always, consult licensed healthcare professionals before starting any new supplement or treatment approach. Let’s combine science with wisdom, hope with honesty, and prevention with action.

Empower your health with our science-backed wellness tools: explore supplements, diet guides, and screening resources to help you take proactive steps against cancer.

Author

Synergy Saturday: A Community-Centered Solution for Rural America's Health Crisis

Tue, 18 May 2021 13:59:35 GMT

Screenings Save Lives.

Early detection is one of the most powerful tools we have in the fight against disease. Health screenings can uncover conditions—such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer risk—at stages when treatment, lifestyle changes, or all-natural supplements are most effective. That’s why we value every Synergy Saturday health screening at a minimum of $100 per person: a life could be saved for every $100 raised. Our participants are empowered by knowing their numbers, enabling them to take proactive steps toward healthier, longer, and more productive lives

Reimagining Healthcare Access in Rural Communities

Synergy Saturday is the first initiative of its kind—an innovative, community-based model that rebrands healthcare as engaging, relevant, and accessible, particularly for youth and underserved populations. Without sacrificing clinical quality or standards of care, we make health education FUNctional while honoring the dignity and needs of seniors, working families, and the medically underserved.

We don’t just deliver screenings. We close gaps—economic, ethnic, generational, and geographic. By doing so, we’ve built a mobile, intergenerational, and multicultural movement that brings award-winning, person-centered care to people where they live, work, worship, and gather.
This is not just healthcare—it’s care that connects.

Addressing the Crisis Exposed in the WSJ: Rural America Is the New ‘Inner City’

The Wall Street Journal article “Rural America Is the New ‘Inner City’” illuminated a harsh reality: many rural communities now face the same deep challenges once primarily associated with urban centers—chronic disease, addiction, food insecurity, and poverty. Healthcare consolidation, economic disinvestment, and social fragmentation have left these communities behind.

Synergy Saturday is our answer.

As the article points to the urgent need for systemic, sustainable change, we deliver a local solution with national potential—starting in the heart of Rural Arkansas.

Why Rural Arkansas? Why Now?

Arkansas is one of the most rural states in the nation. It sits at the center of the map—and at the crossroads of a national crisis in rural health. Rural America has long been the backbone of our economy, culture, and leadership. It’s where presidents were raised, communities were built, and American values were forged.

But healthcare access is not a luxury—it is a fundamental right. When rural communities suffer, America suffers.

Synergy Saturday is bringing urban innovation to rural recovery. Through our Health & Wealth Initiative, we address the social determinants of health that disproportionately affect rural populations—like food deserts, lack of transportation, mental health stigma, unemployment, and unaffordable care.

Introducing: Operation Rescue Rural America

Our boldest campaign yet, Operation: Rescue Rural America, brings together health professionals, local leaders, volunteers, and vendors to deliver care that is:

Free at the point of service
Mobile and consistent (every Saturday!)
Holistically designed to support total wellness
Built on partnerships with both urban and rural stakeholders

We’re not just screening for problems—we’re activating solutions. Participants leave with knowledge, referrals, local resources, and a renewed sense of agency in their health journey.

Your Support Matters

Rural Arkansas now has urban allies in its fight against poor health, drug dependency, childhood obesity, opioid misuse, and generational poverty. But we can’t do it alone.

We invite you to stand with us. Join the Synergy Saturday movement. Support Operation: Rescue Rural America. Together, we can bring healing where needed most—and build healthier, wealthier, and more hopeful communities from the ground up.

gofundme.com/RescueRuralAmerica

Be part of the solution! Learn how to launch or support a Synergy Saturday event in your own rural community--join our volunteer network or become a community partner.

Author

Proven Pillars of Prevention: Eating Right, Exercise, and Hydration

Tue, 18 May 2021 08:58:25 GMT

Eating Right: Fueling Health from the Inside Out

What does it really mean to “eat right”? It means consistently choosing balanced, whole foods that fuel your body, support your immune system, and help prevent disease.

A healthy diet includes:

Two or more balanced meals a day made from all the food groups
Daily fruits and vegetables, ideally fresh and in season
Whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats
Limited processed foods, added sugars, and excessive salt

🌱 Why Fruits and Vegetables Matter

Fruits and vegetables are packed with:

Essential vitamins: A (beta-carotene), C, E, and folate
Key minerals: Magnesium, zinc, phosphorus
Phytochemicals: Natural plant compounds that fight inflammation and disease
Dietary fiber: Improves digestion, lowers cholesterol, and helps manage weight

A diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables is linked to a lower risk of:

Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
Stroke
Certain cancers
Heart disease

✅ Note: These benefits are strongest when nutrients come from whole foods, not synthetic supplements.

🌈 Eat the Rainbow

Colors in food are more than visual appeal—they represent powerful health benefits. Different pigments are linked to different disease-fighting properties:

🛒 In-Season = In Power

Seasonal produce is:

More nutritious
More affordable
Less likely to contain preservatives
Grown closer to home = smaller environmental footprint

Use the following links to find seasonal produce guides and farmers markets near you:

💧Hydration: The Forgotten Pillar of Wellness

Your body is approximately 60–70% water—and every cell depends on it.

Water supports:

Cellular function and detoxification
Brain clarity and focus
Healthy digestion and nutrient absorption
Joint lubrication and heart health

🚰 Aim for 6–8 cups of water daily—or more when active, ill, or in hot weather.

A lack of proper hydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, mood swings, and even impaired immune function.

Balanced Eating Infographic

Exercise: Your Heartbeat of Longevity

Physical activity doesn’t have to be intense or time-consuming. What matters is consistency and intention.

The goal: Raise your heart rate for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.

This can include:

Brisk walking
Dancing
Gardening
Biking
Group fitness or stretching classes

A brisk walk, for example, is more beneficial than a leisurely stroll because it challenges your heart and lungs while improving circulation, mood, and metabolism.

Regular physical activity helps:

Prevent obesity and chronic disease
Strengthen muscles and bones
Improve mental health and sleep
Boost immune function
Enhance overall longevity

💡 Fun Tip: Exercise with a friend or to music. Make it enjoyable—because the best exercise is the one you'll stick with.

Bariatric, Portion-Control, and Diabetes Plates

Ethical and Sustainable Eating

While plant-based diets are widely associated with lower disease risk, we understand not everyone may follow a vegetarian lifestyle. If you choose to consume meat, prioritize ethically sourced, pasture-raised, or non-caged animals fed a natural diet. This supports animal welfare, environmental health, and reduces exposure to hormones and antibiotics.

Conclusion: Small Steps, Big Impact

Preventing disease doesn’t require drastic change overnight. It’s about intentional daily choices rooted in care, education, and self-respect.

By eating right, moving your body, and staying hydrated, you are:

Increasing your quality of life
Reducing your healthcare costs
Honoring your body, mind, and community

Health is not just a destination—it’s a daily practice of self-love.

Fuel your wellness journey—download our free “Know Your Numbers” app to track your health metrics and stay on track with healthy habits!

Author

Addressing America’s Healthcare Challenges and Trimming Costs: The Synergy Saturday Solution

Tue, 18 May 2021 08:08:06 GMT

Empowering Communities Through Preventive Care

Based on extensive research, real-world experience, and proven health practices, we believe that individuals can—and should—play the leading role in maintaining and improving their physical and mental health. With the right education, tools, and guidance, people can take meaningful steps toward wellness.

This includes:

Knowing your health numbers through regular screenings
Taking safe, all-natural dietary supplements (when appropriate)
Eating seasonal, nutrient-dense foods in proper portions
Incorporating physical activity
Utilizing mobile health apps and digital health tools

Ultimately, no one is better positioned to care for your health than you. You are your best advocate—because no one else loves or protects your well-being more than you do. That is proper healthcare.

"People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."
--- Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the US

Current Challenges in the U.S. Healthcare System

Are hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers essential? Absolutely—especially for acute care, emergencies, childbirth, and complex illnesses. For these reasons, we deeply value our healthcare partners and rely on their expertise where it matters most.

However, the current U.S. healthcare model is largely reactive, focused more on treating illness than preventing disease. Most care is delivered at a high cost, often after worsening symptoms. Meanwhile, preventive, community-based care—which is typically low-cost or free—remains underutilized.

Even with insurance, many individuals face obstacles like:

Expensive out-of-pocket costs
Medication side effects that can be worse than the original issue
Complex pill schedules
Unequal treatment based on race, income, insurance status, or disability
Long waits for appointments and ER visits
Provider burnout, understaffing, or limited empathy
Hospital closures, especially in rural communities

These systemic barriers create a situation where many avoid care altogether, worsening treatable conditions. It’s no surprise that for some, today’s healthcare system feels more like “healthSCARE.”

The Case for Affordable, Proactive Wellness

According to the CDC and WHO, the majority of chronic illnesses—such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers—are largely preventable through early intervention, healthy lifestyle choices, and regular screenings.

And yet, the standard annual check-up provided by most insurance plans is not enough. You live 365 days a year. Why only check your health once?

We believe the true solution is bringing frequent, accessible preventive care directly to the community.

Introducing: Synergy Saturday

Synergy Saturday is an innovative wellness initiative providing free health screenings every Saturday—up to 52 times a year (weather permitting). Our events offer:

Vital health screenings (blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, BMI, etc.)
Health education handouts and resources
Lifestyle coaching and risk assessments
Giveaways and wellness product samples
A welcoming, fun, and culturally relevant environment
Experiential learning opportunities for medical professionals and students

We operate in partnership with hospitals, clinics, and healthcare workers who share our belief that proactive care saves lives and reduces long-term costs.

A Holistic Health and Wealth Initiative

Synergy Saturday is more than a health event--it’s a movement.

We address not only health risks but also the social determinants of health—like poverty, food insecurity, education, and employment—by equipping individuals with tools for total wellness and personal development.

By offering weekly access to preventive services, we:

Lower the long-term burden on the healthcare system
Reduce the need for emergency care and costly treatments
Promote equity by delivering care directly to underserved communities
Empower individuals to take control of their health

Everyone Deserves Quality Care

Healthcare is a human right—not a privilege based on ZIP code, income, race, or identity. Synergy Saturday provides care that is:

Free
Dignified
Inclusive
Evidence-based
Community-rooted

We welcome all, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, income level, insurance status, religion, or sexual orientation. We believe in genuine, people-first healthcare, delivered with love and mutual respect by caregivers who genuinely care.

The Vision Forward

By combining cutting-edge public health practice with cultural relevancy and grassroots mobilization, Synergy Saturday is creating a new standard of community wellness.

We are currently focused on expanding this model across Arkansas—and eventually across the nation—through strategic partnerships, training programs, and ongoing community engagement.

Together, we can shift the focus from "sick care" to proper healthcare—one Saturday, one screening, one life at a time.

Support Our Mission