Whole Texas Health Huguley, your partner for better health Fall 2025 Look inside for a chance to win an Amazon gift card Complete care for mom and baby See what it’s like to deliver with us Preventing cancer Take steps to guard against colorectal and lung cancer
2 TexasHealthHuguley.org WHOLE HEALTH is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of TEXAS HEALTH HUGULEY HOSPITAL FORT WORTH SOUTH, 11801 South Freeway, Burleson, TX 76028, 817.293.9110, TexasHealthHuguley.org. Information in WHOLE HEALTH comes from a wide range of medical experts. It should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your healthcare provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. Doctors on the medical staffs practice independently and are not employees or agents of Texas Health hospitals or Texas Health Resources. 2025 © Texas Health Resources. 2025 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Follow us on: On the cover: A mother and her newborn baby shortly after delivery. Find the hidden cowboy boots Ready to win? Find the hidden cowboy boots in Whole Health, and you could win a $100 Amazon gift card! Once you find the hidden boots, scan the QR code or visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/Contest to submit your contest entry. All entries are due by Sunday, November 30, 2025. One entry per person. All correct entries will be placed into a drawing, and one winner will be selected. Must be 18 or older to enter. Texas Health Huguley Hospital team members and their immediate family members are not eligible to win. If you ever need us, we’ll be right here to offer you restorative care that meets your physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Empowering your health journey At Texas Health Huguley Hospital, we’re here to be your partner in lifelong wellness—not just to heal you when you’re ill. That means standing by you and your family and empowering you to achieve your personal health goals. I value a healthcare partnership when it comes to my own wellness journey. As a woman and a mom, it’s essential for me to be there for my family— and make my well-being a priority. Having a provider to guide my health decisions is key, from adopting healthy habits to scheduling a recommended screening, like a mammogram—which women my age are encouraged to do, especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. It’s why I’m proud of our dedicated team that works every day to offer you information and support so you can take charge of your health. I invite you to explore this issue of Whole Health, which shares some of the many ways we support your health journey. You’ll find features on how getting early and regular prenatal care benefits moms and babies, guidance on maintaining breast and colorectal health, and tips for keeping your body healthy and strong— courtesy of our orthopedic and physical therapy teams, who work together to help you maintain your active lifestyle. Thank you for trusting us with your care as we live our mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ. Blessings, Penny Johnson, President and CEO
Fall 2025 3 Take charge of your breast health No doubt about it—screening mammograms are a vital tool in protecting women’s health. These important imaging exams can detect tumors when they’re still too small to feel, when treatment often works best. “Early detection is the best protection in the fight against breast cancer,” says Azita Tadjali, MD, a board-certified radiologist with fellowship training in breast imaging at Texas Health Huguley Hospital. That’s why it’s recommended that women at average risk for breast cancer begin getting regular mammograms starting at age 40. Designed for your comfort When you schedule your 3D mammogram at Texas Health Huguley, you’ll experience a more comfortable, patient-centered approach. That’s thanks to the SmartCurve system, which is designed to fit the natural shape of the breast and ease discomfort during compression. Beyond screening While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, these healthy lifestyle choices may help reduce your risk: Maintain a healthy weight. Unwanted pounds may increase breast cancer risk, particularly after menopause. Stay active. Regular exercise, like walking or jogging at a moderate to vigorous pace, may help lessen the risk of breast cancer. Know the risks of alcohol. Even moderate alcohol consumption may increase the risk of breast cancer. Remember: While healthy habits may help, the most important step is to talk with your healthcare provider about your individual risk and when you should begin regular screenings. “Early detection can indeed save your life,” says Dr. Tadjali. Schedule your mammogram today Visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/Mammo. Even before your little one arrives, prenatal care gives your baby the best possible start. These regular checkups help ensure your health and your baby’s development are on track. They’re also a great time to ask questions, ease worries and build a relationship with your provider. “You can ask your questions and feel comfortable knowing that you’re on the right path and doing the best things for your child,” says Kari Griswell, RN. Prenatal care reduces the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight, Kari notes. And while most women have healthy pregnancies, prenatal testing can help spot potential issues like high blood pressure or gestational diabetes before they become serious. Before the big day Find out what to expect when you’re ready to deliver. Visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/Maternity. The power of prenatal care Key benefits for you and your baby Most people start prenatal visits between eight and 12 weeks of pregnancy. From there, it’s usually once a month until week 23 or 26, twice a month until week 36, and then every week until baby arrives. Each visit includes important checks, like your weight and blood pressure, your baby’s growth, and sometimes lab work or ultrasounds. So don’t miss any of them. “Please come!” Kari says. “You will be so excited about the team you have here to support you. Get to know us, talk to us and tell us all your concerns.”
4 TexasHealthHuguley.org At Texas Health Huguley Hospital, you can expect exceptional care from pregnancy planning through postpartum recovery. Learn a few highlights of this special experience. We honor your birth preferences. Your prenatal care provider will discuss your preferences with you during your third trimester. You can also prepare a birth plan to share with your provider. “A birth plan is about specific desires that a patient wants during her labor and delivery experience,” says Raquel Robles, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB‑GYN) at Texas Health Huguley. A birth plan could include how you want to manage labor pain, delayed umbilical cord clamping, skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding. When you arrive. When you check in, you’ll be triaged in a private room to assess labor progress. From there, you’ll be welcomed into your spacious labor room, where one-on-one nursing care begins. An in-house OB hospitalist is there 24/7 in case of immediate deliveries. “If it’s a scheduled induction or C-section, then the staff will be expecting you, and you will go straight to your room to be prepared,” Dr. Robles says. When the time comes, you’ll be able to deliver in your same labor room. Your journey through labor and delivery “Everyone is there to give you and your baby good care,” Dr. Robles says. Postpartum support. Once baby arrives, you’ll spend a few hours recovering in the labor room. Afterward, you and your family (larger now!) will transition to a postpartum room to continue your recovery. Most moms stay one or two nights after a vaginal delivery, and two or three nights after a C-section. “You’re going to feel very caredfor here,” Dr. Robles says. “You’re going to have all your needs met, and it’s a special place to have your baby.” Build your confidence We offer free childbirth classes to those delivering at our Women’s Center: Childbirth and baby basics. Learn what to expect during labor, delivery and recovery. Prenatal breastfeeding education. Learn breastfeeding basics—plus tips. Learn more Visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/ ParentEducation.
Fall 2025 5 Is your hip or knee hurting? Many things could be the cause, from injury to excessive use. One common culprit: osteoarthritis, the breakdown of the cushioning cartilage in a joint. “Think of the joints as a door hinge,” says Maliah Kelley, MSN, RN, Orthopedic and Spine Service Line Manager. “Our cartilage helps the hinge move smoothly and easily. When you have arthritis, the cartilage becomes thinner and rougher, bones can start to rub together, and the hinge can’t move as effortlessly as before. This can lead to symptoms like stiffness, decreased mobility, pain and swelling.” Some consistent lifestyle choices may help lower your risk of osteoarthritis, which becomes increasingly common with age. Among them: ● Maintain a healthy weight. ● If you smoke, quit. ● Exercise regularly. ● Practice good posture and proper lifting. Be good to your joints and bones Take proactive steps Find out what raises your risk for knee and hip pain. Get started at TexasHealthHuguley.org/Orthopedics. If you do wind up with arthritis aches, using warm compresses or ice packs may help. Over-thecounter pain relievers may help, too, if they’re safe for you to use. Gentle, low-impact exercise can help keep your joints flexible and mobile. But it’s time to see a doctor if your pain interferes with daily activities or your health goals or if your symptoms include swelling, popping, instability of the joint, or pain that lasts longer than a few weeks, Maliah says. Joint pain expertise Treating hip or knee pain usually starts with nonsurgical approaches, such as physical therapy, joint injections and medications. If your hip or knee is severely damaged, joint replacement surgery may be the most effective way to improve your pain and get you moving again. “Texas Health Huguley offers advanced Mako robotic technology and highly specialized orthopedic surgeons, allowing for a precise and individualized fit for your new joint,” Maliah says. What’s more, a total-joint coordinator is here to assist you at every step! Physical therapy enhances recovery Physical therapy is often essential after joint surgery. As Lisa Tatum, PT, DPT, CKTP, Outpatient Therapy Manager, points out, physical therapy rehabilitation can help maximize mobility and stability and strengthen core muscles—the body’s “natural back brace.” Cornerstone treatments include therapeutic exercises and manual therapies, but also may include dry needling, aquatic therapy or other approaches as needed. “Our physical therapy treatments are highly specific and targeted to each person’s needs and goals,” Lisa says.
6 TexasHealthHuguley.org Here’s good news when it comes to colorectal cancer: Making a few small changes in your lifestyle and getting screened on time could lower your risk of this preventable disease. “Of course, screening is key,” says Amy Thomas, FNP-C, with Texas Health Medical Associates Gastroenterology Group. “But some risk factors for colorectal cancer are modifiable.” 1 Get some daily movement. Getting moderate or vigorous physical activity lowers your risk for colorectal cancer and polyps, which are growths inside the colon that can change into cancer. “Take a good brisk walk around the neighborhood,” Amy says. “It doesn’t have to be very strenuous.” 2 Put more produce on your plate. Limit red and processed meats while eating more fiber-rich fruits and veggies. COLORECTAL CANCER 6 tips to help reduce your risk Make an appointment Visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/ Thomas. Looking for a trusted healthcare provider for you and your family? Texas Health Medical Associates (THMA) experts deliver care that‘s personal and focused on the whole you. The healthcare network serves northern Texas with 71 providers, and five more are joining this year. THMA offers a wide range of diagnostic services and care: Primary care. They have family medicine providers, internal medicine physicians, pediatricians and geriatricians who offer wellness exams and treat everything from colds to complex chronic conditions. Specialty care: Cardiology, gastroenterology, women’s health (including obstetriciangynecologists and certified nurse midwives), cardiothoracic surgery, general surgery, sports medicine, behavioral health and rheumatology are among the specialties available to you. Schedule a visit Get connected with a provider at TexasHealthHuguley.org/Providers. Connect to the care you need Expert primary and specialty care “No matter the specialty, THMA providers care for the whole person,” says Melissa Williams, LVN, Practice Administrator. “For example, if a patient visits a gastroenterologist and has high blood pressure, the provider will ensure they are connected with their primary care provider to address it. This collaborative, whole-person approach is a hallmark of THMA’s care philosophy.” With THMA, you can expect to receive compassionate care that is tailored to your unique needs and guided by their faith-driven mission, Melissa adds. 3 Commit to quit. That’s right—smoking boosts the risk of colorectal cancer, too. 4 Avoid alcohol. If you choose to drink, limit your intake. 5 Watch your weight. Regular exercise and portion control can help tip the scales in your favor. 6 Get screened. Ask your doctor about colorectal screening when you turn 45, or earlier if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease. A colonoscopy can detect polyps in the colon that can be removed before they might change into cancer. “Colorectal cancer is 100% preventable, and it’s treatable when caught earlier,” Amy says.
Fall 2025 7 When it comes to lung cancer, there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of developing the disease or to catch any potential problems early. If you smoke, quit. You already know smoking causes lung cancer. But did you also know it’s never too late to quit? Over time, your risk of developing lung cancer can drop to about half that of a current smoker. Test your home for radon. This naturally occurring gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Hardware stores sell DIY radon test kits. Get screened. If you’re between the ages of 50 and 80 and you smoke or have quit within the past 15 years, a yearly low-dose CT scan may be recommended. This test can catch lung cancer early, when it’s most treatable. “One of our goals at Texas Health Huguley Hospital is to help the community become more aware of lung cancer screenings,” says Lung Nurse Navigator Julissa Escamilla, RN. “It’s as easy as getting a mammogram.” If a screening turns up something abnormal, like a suspicious lung nodule, Julissa will be there to guide you through the next steps, such as follow-up tests to monitor the nodule over time. Most lung nodules aren’t cancerous. But if a biopsy is needed Guard against lung cancer with these key steps to be sure, patients at Texas Health Huguley have access to advanced ion robotic bronchoscopy. (See the section below on this page.) And remember: You are not powerless to protect yourself. From quitting smoking to getting a lung screening, there are things you can do to lower your risk. “Awareness is the one thing I can’t stress enough,” Julissa says. A closer look at ion robotic bronchoscopy Ion robotic bronchoscopy is a high-tech procedure that uses CT mapping and a flexible catheter to reach nodules deep within the lungs better than traditional techniques and tools. It’s more precise and less likely to cause complications. “Now we can track down those nodules that may be early lung cancers,” says Pulmonologist Jason Seiden, MD. “So we can biopsy them early and make the diagnosis early.” Schedule a lung scan Talk to your doctor or call Julissa Escamilla at 817.568.5318.
Nonprofit Org U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 11801 South Freeway Burleson, TX 76028-7021 H Emergency care you can count on From broken bones to lifethreatening conditions, our team is ready 24/7 to provide fast, compassionate care. Here, every day is a celebration. At Texas Health Huguley Hospital, we have the latest orthopedic technology, a dynamic team of physicians and the top physical therapists right here, to ensure that you move toward a stronger, healthier tomorrow — because every step matters. That’s the Huguley difference. TexasHealthHuguley.org/Orthopedics WE CELEBRATE THE MOST IMPORTANT DAY IN THE HISTORY OF YOU. TOMORROW.
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