An extensive review of 25 randomized clinical trials found “little evidence” that invasive surgery was more effective than sham or placebo procedures in reducing chronic pain. The study was published in the journal "Pain Medicine".

An estimated 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, with costs estimated at more than $500 billion annually. With the development of new minimally invasive procedures, Americans spent an estimated $45 billion on surgery for chronic low back pain. Non-opioid treatments, like surgery, are being increasingly used.

In rural East Tennessee, throughout history, farming has proven more than just a family tradition for many by providing a livelihood and lifestyle. In Union County, many families have been cultivating the land for generations. In 1958, after five years of marriage, Leonard Padgett Sr. and wife Loretta Graves Padgett, moved with their two young sons, Leonard Jr. (Len) and Wendell, from Rifle Range Road in Knoxville to a portion of the old Beeler farm in Maynardville totaling more than one hundred ten acres, later being titled Cedar Crest Farms.

There is an old saying most Union County folks have heard or used a few times during their lives that says, “Sometimes it takes a village.” Whether referring to raising a child, moving a neighbor to a new home, or getting escaped cattle back inside their fences, sometimes we must all come together as a village or a tight knit community to achieve a desired outcome. A community joining forces as the village in that old saying is the mental image I have come accustomed to while learning of the upcoming Benefit Singing for Greg Davis.

Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Commissioner of Agriculture, Jai Templeton, Deputy Commissioner Tom Womack and Assistant Commissioner, Administration & Grants Larry Maxwell recently visited Seven Springs Farm to Table and The Winery at Seven Springs Farm. Commissioner Templeton was able to view first-hand how much help their valued partnership through the Tennessee Agriculture Enhancement Program and the Tennessee Agriculture Enterprise Grant has been to Seven Springs Farm.

Union County is a beautiful place to live and visit during any season, but this winter was even more sparkling than expected. The Light Up Union County Event, hosted by partnership UT Extension and Union County Chamber of Commerce, generated twenty three divine holiday light displays. The contest was split into three categories this year including Individual, Organization, and Commercial Business. A Facebook poll was conducted, running about two weeks, for each category.

As we say 'Hello to a New Year' I'm wondering where 2018 went. In fact, I'm wondering where the last 50 years have gone! On May 19, 2018, the Horace Maynard High School Class of 1968, had its 50-year reunion. Seriously, how did we go from signing year books to signing up for Medicare!

A recent study in the Journal of Public Health indicates that adolescents who experience frequent back pain are also more likely to use tobacco and alcohol, and report problems like anxiety and depression.

The Union County 4-H Program is very active in projects and activities providing many opportunities to youth in our area. Heading into the new year, Union County youngsters will be ready to kick off several 4-H events and contests.

Our 4-Hers are an active group of youth vested in the community. Currently, Tennessee 4-H Foundation has launched a Friends and Family Campaign to provide county 4-H clubs with an opportunity to grow funds, gain new support, and increase awareness of 4-H. Union County joined the movement and is looking to raise funds towards a goal to grow the county’s established endowment fund. This trust provides a quarterly payout to be applied to educational 4-H programs as well as camp and conference scholarships, right here in Union County for years to come.

Union County High School students meet goals set by the Tennessee Department of Education for high school students to attain industry certifications before graduating. Ms. Booker’s Computer Science Foundations students travelled to Walters State Community College to test in information technology. The students took a 75 question exam from the world’s leading tech association, CompTIA. CompTIA is an IT professional association and a leader in certification programs. Their programs set industry standards.