People with chronic low back pain might get “modest, short-term pain relief” from opioids. But when it comes to long-term treatment, evidence to support the effectiveness of opioids is “lacking.”

That’s the conclusion of an analysis by JAMA Internal Medicine (“Efficacy, Tolerability, and Dose-Dependent Effects of Opioid Analgesics for Low Back Pain,” May 23, 2016), after reviewing the results of 20 trials that included nearly 8,000 participants.

Native Americans and European pioneers were a tough bunch to be able to eke out a living in the American wilderness. Nothing symbolizes that toughness more than hickory, a common tree of great strength and versatility. It goes back a long way as a revered and useful plant.

Suppertime isn't like it used to be back in the day. When was the last time your entire family sat down together for the evening meal? Those of us in our elder years know what I am talking about. It's not an every day event anymore, even on Sunday.

Aluminum foil hasn't always been available for the housewife. (That's what we called married ladies that stayed home and didn't work outside in the real world.) I remember, after World War II, when aluminum foil and I were first introduced. Oh yes, I had become quite an expert in using waxed paper to seal a bowl for chilling in the fridge, but we all know you can't cook with waxed paper. It was love at first rip between me and aluminum foil. I looked for new ways to use this wonderful invention. This oven dish is one of them.

Union County Business & Professional Association Member Meeting Minutes February 12, 2019 Meeting called to order by President, Martin Shafer at approximately 12:05 at Hardees Invocation: By Carroll Carmon Pledge Allegiance: By Marvin Jeffreys Treasurer's Report and Membership Report ...

It is a great time to be a coffee drinker in Maynardville. Whether you are waking up early headed to work, finishing up the morning school drop offs, or just plain love to guzzle coffee all day, with one sip you will be sure to add a new stop to your daily route. Liquid Lightning, a local veteran owned and operated coffee shop, has opened their doors and put the go-juice on to brew with a goal of bringing delicious coffee, lots of laughs, and a sense of joy and comfort to the community.

Knoxville TN: Local author Kaye George took home a second place win from BOULD (Bizarre, Outrageous, Unfettered, Limitless, Daring) for her short story Dream Girl. The story is published in BOULD Awards Short Story Anthology and is now available on Amazon.

Mincey’s Musings
Year Two, Week Six

I write this article for you on the eve of Lincoln’s Birthday, 2019. It will be published for your reading pleasure closer to the eve of Washington’s Birthday.

I got a call from Aaron Russell the other day. He was checking to see how I was doing. He hadn't talked with me in a while. During the conversation, he mentions that he likes to bake bread. Not just any bread, but salt-rising bread. He described the process as well as how good the bread tastes. That got me thinking.

“Well, you always want an adventure!” Lynda locked the car doors.

It’s an interesting story how we had gotten to that point. Lynda is my best friend and cousin. We played ball together, ran around together, and went to the same middle and high school.