Tiffany Skinner 10/11/22 Tiffany Skinner 10/11/22

Supporting Veterans through the Freedom Run

UPDATE: The Freedom Run has been postponed to Spring 2023. Check the Terra Running Race Calendar for an updated date.

Though we have been enjoying the fall feelings for a while, we are now fully immersed in the real deal: cold mornings, sweaters, and, of course, the beautiful colors on the trees! Something else uniquely fall? Racing! With the cooler weather comes faster race times, gorgeous training runs, and a wealth of races to choose from.

This year, runners have a new addition to the local fall race circuit — the American Legion Freedom Run! Supporting the work and community of the veterans at American Legion Post 68, the Freedom Run gives runners the option to run a 1K or a 5k on the scenic Eureka Trail in Athens, TN. A blend between a trail and the road, the Eureka Trail is a beautiful gravel path running alongside the old rail road tracks. We chatted with race director Dolores Anderson about the race.

Can you tell us a little bit about the American Legion and what that looks like nationally and in our area?

The American Legion Bill Rodgers Memorial Post 68 is an organization started in 1812 to benefit all veterans. We provide support for veterans thru assistance programs.

What about you? How did you get involved in the American Legion?

Both my husband and I are United States Air Force Veterans who started volunteering with the American Legion Post 68 to provide assistance to other vets in need, participate in community celebrations, Fish Fries and share camaraderie with other Veterans.

What about the Freedom Run? How did it come about and how does it benefit what you all do?

The Freedom Run 5k was initiated to have an event that all members of the community including men, women and kids can get together, have fun and support the American Legion.

Can you tell us a bit about the run itself? What is unique about it?

This 5k run is The American Legion Bill Rodgers Memorial Post 68 inaugural 5k event. The race takes place on the Eureka Trail with a 1k and 5k distance so that the whole family can be involved. The trail itself is gravel so it isn’t technical but still very pretty taking runners through the woods, especially with the fall colors. As an American Legion event, runners are directly supporting veterans in their community.

What about the details: where is it located, what is the distance, and when is it?

The Freedom Run will be held at the Eureka Trail in Athens , TN at 8am on November 5, 2022. There is both a 1k distance and a 5k distance option. Packet pick up is on Nov 3rd outside the VA office from 3-5 pm. The address is: 5 E Madison Ave Athens, TN 37303 downtown across from the courthouse.

How can people sign up? (and is there a sign up deadline) To register go to www.terrarunning.com . Deadline is Nov 3, 2022. Call (423) 507-4938 for further information.

UPDATE: The Freedom Run has been postponed to Spring 2023. Check the Terra Running Race Calendar for an updated date.

Tiffany Skinner 9/20/22 Tiffany Skinner 9/20/22

Meet Direct Primary Care & Associates

As runners we know that exercise is good for our health. We try to eat well (usually!) and get enough sleep as much as is possible. But a lot of time, our effort toward our health ends there. One of the reasons for this is that healthcare feels complicated, expensive, and often out of reach. If this sounds familiar to you, meet our friends at Direct Primary Care & Associates! Not only are they one of our premier sponsors for the Cleveland Half-Marathon, they are an incredible community partner passionate about keeping Cleveland (and Dalton, Athens and Knoxville) healthy. We interviewed Vice President of Business Development, Tim Tatum, about DPCA and how they can help you stay healthy without the usual bank breaking hassle.

Can you tell us a bit about Direct Primary Care and Associates? What is it and who would benefit from your services?

Direct Primary Care Associates offers a simplified and smarter approach to better health without the stress and limitations of third-party insurance companies. Our membership provides office visits with plenty of one-on-one time with your doctor, allowing you the opportunity to take proactive steps toward a healthier life. We meet you where you are with 24/7 access to your primary care provider via phone, text, email, or video call. DPCA offers same day or next day appointments and have locations in Cleveland, Athens, Dalton, and Knoxville. It’s not insurance – it’s healthcare.

What about yourself? What is your role at Direct Primary Care and how did you get involved?

I’m Tim Tatum and I am the Vice President of Business Development at DPCA. I have worked in the mental health arena since 1995 and I want to continue to use a collaborative approach to helping people overcome challenges. I left a career of over 25 years in Behavioral Health to start this company with my partners. I am extremely passionate about the service we provide.

What makes Direct Primary Care different from the “traditional model” of primary care?

We build a relationship with you. Visits at DPCA are unrushed and are typically 30-60 minutes. We offer same or next-day appointments and are available via our HIPPA compliant app , you can call, text, or video call 24/7. We meet you where you are. We offer preventative care, chronic disease management, minor in office surgical procedures, care coordination, personalized wellness plans, episodic care, medication refills, and labs.

When a lot of people hear the phrase “primary care” they think about their annual physical. What else does primary care cover? What services do you all offer?

We are proud to offer much more than just your annual physical. We offer women’s health, men’s health, annual lab work, mental health, removal of warts, urinalysis, cholesterol testing, electrocardiogram, and much more! Visit DirectPCA.com for a full list of our included services.

Do your patients usually still have some form of insurance for emergencies?

We are a great alternative to using your insurance for routine primary care and DPCA is much less than your insurance deductible. Our fee covers only our services, not the cost of visits to specialists or some of the tests we may request. This means that insurance may still be needed for some of the care we may order.

All patients, regardless of insurance status, pay the same monthly membership for our care and receive the same services. No patient is turned away because of insurance, and no one is turned down for pre-existing conditions.

Why should people care about their healthcare beyond emergencies?

To continue to improve your overall health and wellness. DPCA is focused on wellness which in turn decreases hospital admissions, specialty referrals, and decreases ER visits, therefore, affecting your physical and financial wellness.

How much does being a member cost?

DPCA is a membership-based fee of $70 per month for individuals aged 18 and older. We also offer family and employer group plans. Approximately 80% of our customers are sponsored though their employer. By keeping a modest rate, we become more cost effective than paying traditional copays and deductibles. Memberships include many routine labs and medications.

How can people learn more?

For more information, please visit DirectPCA.com or please email Tim@DirectPCA.com

As a physician, do you have any advice for our runners on staying healthy and injury free?

Before a run, we would recommend that you find great running shoes (from Terra RunningCompany), don’t run if you have any pain, and ice any injuries as needed. After a run, we recommend that you refuel and focus on eating protein and carbohydrates. This will help your muscles recover quickly. Of course, if you have any further questions or concerns, please contact us at DirectPCA.com.

Any final thoughts?

We are happy to be supporting Terra Running Co and we are thankful for our community that continues to support DPCA. Discover the difference today at DPCA.