Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Cameron earns Master of Science in Nursing

Congratulations to Sierra Cameron on earning her Master of Science in Nursing from Rockhurst University and achieving her nurse practitioner credential!

Sierra is part of the Bates County Memorial Surgery Department and will soon be taking the next step in her nursing career. We’re proud of her accomplishment and wish her continued success in the journey ahead.

Courtesy BCMH

Whirlwinds earn All-District honors

Congratulations to the following Archie Whirlwind players on for earning All-District honors in football

Tristan Leeper- QB, DB, Returner
Jackson Kash- WR, DB
Peyton Himes- LB
Joey Dawson- TE
Tanner Thompson- OL, DL
Carson Houchen- OL
Caden Baker- DL
Brecklen Marcks- OL

Congratulations!

Ingrassia takes 100th career win


Harrisonville junior Rylie Ingrassia recorded her 100th career victory Saturday at the Marshfield Duals

The milestone came in her opening match against Destany Oster of Waynesville. After a hard-fought three periods with Oster holding a late lead on points, Ingrassia battled back, tied up, hit a late reversal, and secured the fall in the third period.

Congratulations to Rylie on reaching 100 career wins!

Monday basketball scores

Boys

Harrisonville 96
Adrian 27

Pleasant Hill 76
Appleton City 54

University Academy 74
Butler 49

Holden 52
Drexel 66

Nevada 67
Metro 26

Plaza Heights 67
Midway 29

Crest Ridge 53
Windsor 55

Girls 

Nevada 56
Clinton 19

Holden 18
Drexel 32

Purdy 31
Sheldon 42

Crest Ridge 50
Windsor 21



Adrian wrestling results from Monday

Adrian Blackhawk wrestlers had a great night on Monday

The boys went 2-1 on the night and the girls went 3-0.
Boys dual results:
Adrian 48 Windsor 17 W
Adrian 42 Holden 36 W
Adrian 36 Lone Jack 42 L
Girls Dual Results:
Adrian 60 Windsor 12 W
Adrian 54 Holden 15 W
Adrian 47 Lone Jack 24 W

"Dash for Cash" earmarked for Eli Ferrell recovery


The Midway and Adrian School Districts raised $2300 collectively for Butler student, Eli Ferrell, during a “Dash for Cash” at the Midway-Adrian football game on September 19th. Thank you to all who contributed that evening to support Eli in his recovery!

Editor's note- Butler High School student and athlete Eli Ferrell was seriously injured in an automobile accident on August 29th leaving him with a brain bleed and broken bones however, he continues to make great strides toward a miraculous recovery.

Butler Jr. High Students of the Month

 


Why Your Blood Pressure Spikes Around the Holidays

These joys (and stressors) of the season may affect your heart without you realizing it.

The holidays are often filled with joy, but one thing you may not expect from the season is that they can also be the reason your blood pressure is higher than usual. This festive time of year can create a perfect storm of factors that send blood pressure soaring, and if that pressure stays too high, it puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk for heart attack and stroke. Thankfully, making a few changes to your holiday habits can help keep your blood pressure steadier.

Why Blood Pressure Increases During the Holidays

Here are some common causes of higher blood pressure at this time of year:

  • Salty, rich foods: Traditional holiday dishes tend to be loaded with sodium. Salt makes the body hold on to extra fluid, which increases pressure inside the arteries.
  • Stress and busy schedules: The holidays are full of demands. Stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol tighten blood vessels and raise heart rate, causing blood pressure to climb.
  • Less movement: Exercise routines often fall by the wayside when you get busy. Long hours spent sitting during travel or family gatherings don’t help.
  • More alcohol, less sleep: A few extra drinks or late nights can interfere with healthy blood pressure regulation and make it harder to recover from stress.
  • Missed medications: Between travel and disrupted routines, it’s easy to forget doses or skip refills, which can quickly throw blood pressure off track.
  • Cold weather: When temperatures drop, blood vessels tighten to conserve heat. That constriction makes it harder for blood to flow, which can raise blood pressure.

Tips for Keeping Blood Pressure in Check

The holiday season doesn’t have to derail your health. Here are some simple ways to keep your blood pressure under control while enjoying the holidays:

  • Go easy on the salt. Season food with herbs, citrus, garlic or pepper. When eating out or at gatherings, take small portions of high-sodium dishes and fill your plate with vegetables and lean proteins.
  • Keep moving, even in small ways. Take a short walk after a meal, park farther from stores or dance while wrapping gifts. Just 30 minutes of light to moderate activity most days helps lower blood pressure.
  • Find simple ways to relax. Take a few slow, deep breaths when you feel tense, listen to calming music, spend time outside and say “no” to obligations that drain you.
  • Watch the cocktails and caffeine. A drink or two is fine for most people, but too much can raise blood pressure and interfere with sleep. If you drink, do so in moderation.
  • Get enough rest. Late nights and early mornings can take a toll. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep, and try to stick to your normal bedtime when possible.
  • Don’t forget your medications. Bring medications with you when traveling and set reminders on your phone so you don’t miss a dose. This is one of the easiest ways to avoid spikes.
  • Keep an eye on your numbers. Check your blood pressure regularly with a home monitor and jot down the results. This helps you spot any problems early.

With more awareness and a few habit changes, you can keep blood pressure under control so you stay healthier while enjoying all that the holiday season has to offer.

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