When you visit the North Arkansas Regional Medical Center (NARMC) cafeteria, you’ll see a variety of people, including staff, students, families of patients and community members. During lunch, one person you will often run into is Harold Lair, a lifelong resident of Harrison, former business owner, competitive cyclist and a NARMC cafeteria regular. Harold has eaten lunch in the NARMC cafeteria nearly every day for the last four years and has formed new friendships along the way.
“I’ve always been a little bit of a health food nut,” Harold said when asked why he chooses the NARMC cafeteria. “I can always find good tasting, healthy food here. I love the baked salmon – it’s my favorite.”
Harold was well known for his cycling hobby, which is the reason behind his passion for a nutritious diet in the past. After 23 years of cycling, Harold faced a major health struggle that left him unable to walk or stand for many months. During this time, Harold lost nearly all of the strength in his muscles. After a year and a half, Harold overcame his struggle and regained his ability to walk. Harold cannot ride his bike anymore, but he does continue to build muscle strength through his diet.
“I use to eat a lot of carbohydrates for prolonged energy. Now, I eat a lot of protein to build my muscle back,” Harold added.
If Harold misses a day in the cafeteria, it does not go unnoticed by his friends. The relationships Harold has formed over time range from patients to staff, and include many of the NARMC dieticians who have helped Harold understand portion sizes and food choices to best suit his health condition.
RN Sandra Guidry, who is a clinical supervisor in the OB department, is another who enjoys joining Harold for lunch.
“I join him for lunch because he is so happy, upbeat, fun to be around and a great listener. When he shares his story of his illness and how he overcame those obstacles, it is so inspiring,” Sandra said. “Spending time with Harold is uplifting.”
Most days when you visit the NARMC cafeteria, you can find Harold chatting with a nurse, enjoying his veggies or maybe even splurging on ice cream. NARMC is proud to create an environment comfortable for each and every person.
The NARMC Café is located on the first floor of the hospital. The café serves breakfast from 7:00-9:30 a.m., lunch from 10:30-1:30 p.m. and dinner from 4:00-6:30 p.m. For daily menu options, call 870-414-4380.To receive Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) provided by an NARMC Registered Dietitian, please discuss your needs with your physician and ask for a referral to our dedicated nutritional team.