Whole Texas Health Huguley, your partner for better health Spring 2025 Look inside for a chance to win an Amazon gift card Is it an emergency? Where to go when you need care ‘Given with love’ Meg Cotton gave her kidney to a stranger
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: Obstetrician-gynecologists Christopher Petr, MD, and Raquel Robles, MD, in one of Texas Health Huguley Hospital’s OB operating rooms. 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 Saturday, May 31, 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. Penny Johnson, President and CEO Easing the path to wellness The approaching spring season fills all of us at Texas Health Huguley Hospital with renewed optimism and energy. It is truly a privilege for us to remain committed to providing you and our community with the highest-quality care. One of the many things I’ve been looking forward to is this spring issue of Whole Health. In its pages, you’ll discover valuable information designed to empower you on your health journey. Our goal is not only to provide the care you need but also to help you prevent and manage common health challenges. We strive to make it easy for you to maintain your optimal health and to access care whenever you need it. Make It Easy is one of four guiding service standards here at Texas Health Huguley, alongside Love Me, Keep Me Safe and Own It. These principles are at the heart of everything we do. Thank you for choosing Texas Health Huguley. I wish you and your family a wonderful spring season filled with health, happiness and new beginnings. Sincerely, Our goal is not only to provide the care you need but also to help you prevent and manage common health challenges.
Whether you’ve just discovered you’re pregnant or are thinking about growing your family, choosing the right place to have your little one is crucial. At Texas Health Huguley Hospital, we offer various features designed to make your birthing experience as comfortable and supportive as possible. Beautiful birthing rooms. Our private labor and delivery rooms are among the largest in the DallasFort Worth area and are equipped with the latest technology, a private bathroom, a sleeping couch for your guest, TV, Wi-Fi and more. “My favorite aspect about the rooms is the large windows that let in plenty of natural sunlight,” says Raquel Robles, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN). “And they have everything the nurses need to take care of you in the room.” Compassionate and experienced nurses. During your stay, you will receive personalized, one-on-one care from a highly trained OB nurse. “We have a well-trained and very experienced team that is attentive and friendly,” says Christopher Petr, MD, OB-GYN. “I consistently hear positive feedback from my patients who have had great experiences with the nurses who took care of them.” Childbirth classes and lactation support. To help you prepare for the arrival of your little one, we offer complimentary childbirth classes that cover delivery, newborn care and breastfeeding essentials. “We have lactation specialists in the hospital every single day,” Dr. Robles notes. “After you go home, you can return with your baby on an outpatient basis to continue to get lactation support.” Specialized care for high-risk pregnancies Our level 2 maternal care and NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) designations mean that our OB doctors are well-equipped to manage most high-risk pregnancy scenarios. And our NICU provides care for ill and premature newborns, starting from as young as 30 weeks, all while keeping you close to home. Dedicated OB Emergency Department (OBED). An OB provider is always on hand to address urgent, pregnancy-related concerns—from changes in your baby’s movements to water breaking. “Patients are evaluated right away by a doctor,” Dr. Petr says. “This immediate attention is a real benefit for expectant mothers.” The Texas Health Huguley team is dedicated to providing the best care for you and your baby, reflecting our commitment to your health and well-being. Hello, baby! Special deliveries at Texas Health Huguley Hospital Experience the Huguley difference To register for a childbirth class or arrange a tour of our birthing facility, visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/ Maternity. Spring 2025 3
You only have one heart. How can you learn more about it and help protect it from heart disease? One way is to know your coronary calcium score. “Think of coronary calcium scoring as a source of information that allows you and your provider to make decisions about your future heart health,” says Cardiologist Naginder Sharma, MD, at Texas Health Huguley Hospital. A look inside your arteries Coronary calcium scoring starts with a noninvasive CT scan. It’s quick, painless and requires no special preparation. The scan looks for microscopic amounts of calcium in your coronary arteries, which supply your heart with blood. These calcium deposits may be a sign of coronary artery disease. The amount of calcium found informs your calcium score. “The usual treatment is lifestyle changes for anyone with a score above 0,” Dr. Sharma says. For example, your doctor may recommend exercising regularly and eating better. If your calcium score is 100 or above, your provider may recommend medication, such as a cholesterol-lowering statin. A very high calcium score might also mean you need additional No doubt about it—allergies can make us miserable. But what exactly are they? “Allergies are when your immune system reacts to foreign substances, or proteins, that get into your body,” says Family Medicine Physician Olayemi Chukwuogo, MD. “These proteins are generally harmless. But if they cause an adverse reaction from your immune system, then you have an allergy. And the things you are allergic to are called allergens.” Some common allergens are pollen, pet dander, insect stings, Accepting new patients! See what appointment times are available and schedule your visit with Dr. Chukwuogo at TexasHealthHuguley.org/Chukwuogo. Understanding allergies mold, certain foods, latex and dust. People affected usually get mild to moderate symptoms, such as sneezing, watery eyes, itching, a runny nose or a skin rash. The most severe allergic reaction is life-threatening anaphylaxis, which can happen with food, bee sting, medication or latex allergies. Its symptoms include trouble breathing and a swollen throat and mouth— reasons to call 911. Get a skin or blood allergy test, and then “stay away from the allergen,” Dr. Chukwuogo urges. Your doctor can help you plan to avoid your allergens and advise you on medicines, which may include an epinephrine injector to use in case of anaphylaxis. What’s your coronary calcium score? testing, like a stress test, notes Dr. Sharma. You should consider having a calcium scan if you’re at moderate risk for heart disease but have no symptoms. For example, you could be in this category if you have diabetes, high cholesterol or a family history of heart disease. Ask your primary care provider if a coronary calcium scan is right for you. Put your heart in skilled hands TexasHealthHuguley.org/Heart 4 TexasHealthHuguley.org
Don’t let high blood pressure sneak up on you How’s your blood pressure? For your health’s sake, you should know. “Blood pressure is an important vital sign,” says Cardiologist Deval Mehta, MD, FACC. “It is a measure of the amount of pressure in our arteries.” High blood pressure, or hypertension, is when that pressure is too strong. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. But left untreated, it can lead to stroke, heart disease and kidney disease. The good news? “Controlling blood pressure is possible with a combination of lifestyle changes and medications,” Dr. Mehta says. “You can reduce the risk of these adverse events by managing your blood pressure well.” Get it checked Severe high blood pressure can sometimes trigger headaches and visual disturbances. But for the most part, getting your blood pressure checked is the only way to know if it’s elevated. If your blood pressure numbers are high, you’ll need to get checked again to confirm whether it’s a persistent problem. Under current guidelines, high blood pressure is when the top (systolic) number in a blood pressure reading is 130 or above and the bottom (diastolic) number is 80 or higher. Take control If you have high blood pressure, your provider may prescribe medications to help lower it. Dr. Mehta also stresses the importance of lifestyle changes, such as exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, choosing a plant-rich diet and avoiding excessive alcohol. “Most fruits and vegetables are high in potassium,” Dr. Mehta says. “They have very little sodium, and they have other natural materials that will help you reduce the blood pressure.” A new blood pressure treatment If you’re still having trouble controlling your blood pressure, you may benefit from a procedure called denervation that will soon be available at Texas Health Huguley Hospital. This nonsurgical procedure helps lower blood pressure by treating nerves in the arteries of the kidneys with radiofrequency energy. These renal nerves help regulate blood pressure. “This procedure will be for people who are having difficulty controlling their blood pressure despite being compliant with their medication,” Dr. Mehta says. Now, isn’t it time you checked your blood pressure? Know your numbers Dr. Mehta is dedicated to educating patients about their health and empowering them to make healthy decisions. For an appointment, visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/Mehta. Spring 2025 5
The Emergency Department (ED) at Texas Health Huguley Hospital is a 24-hour Emergency Center of Excellence, and the dedicated emergency team stands ready to help. But how do you know when to use the ED? In general, if you or someone else could lose a life or a limb, that’s an emergency, and you should get help quickly, says Steve Hamilton, MD, Emergency Physician. It’s usually best to call 911 so that ambulance crews can begin treatment even before you reach the hospital. “Calling 911 and getting an EMS crew to your location is often lifesaving, as opposed to getting in a car and driving yourself or your loved one to the hospital,” he says. According to Dr. Hamilton, some common signs of an emergency are: ● Chest discomfort, especially if associated with other symptoms, like heavy sweating ● Stroke-like symptoms, such as sudden confusion, a droopy Children and emergencies When it comes to sick or injured children, Dr. Hamilton says different guidelines apply. Parents should seek emergency care for kids with any concerning symptoms or injuries. That’s because kids are often more vulnerable to a rapid decline in their condition. If you have concerns about your child— for instance, when a fever won’t break or your child can’t stop vomiting—do not hesitate to seek emergency care. Care around the clock See how you can count on Texas Health Huguley when every second counts. Visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/ED. Is it an emergency? Where to go when you need care face, or weakness in an arm or leg ● Difficulty breathing ● Sudden or severe abdominal pain ● Persistent nausea or vomiting, especially with signs of dehydration ● Bleeding that won’t stop ● Burns from scalding water ● Mental health crises, especially those including suicidal or homicidal thoughts When to see your primary care provider (PCP) Your PCP can be a good choice for nonemergency care, like when you have ongoing symptoms, such as a nagging cough or an ache that’s been building slowly for weeks. Getting the help you need to start feeling better might be easier than you think. “We try hard to improve access to care for our patients who need to get in for things that are not emergencies,” says Family Medicine Physician Dan Chadwick, MD. “We would rather not have them go to the ED for things like coughs and colds, urinary tract infections, and minor abdominal pains.” Other examples include sore throats, pink eye and earaches. If you’re not sure whether you should make an appointment, you can call your provider’s office and ask. 6 TexasHealthHuguley.org
Before joining the Texas Health Huguley Hospital team, Army veteran Meg Cotton, CRNA, worked as an ICU nurse at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. It was there that a conversation with a patient opened Meg’s eyes to a greater need. The patient had given one of her kidneys to a stranger through something called altruistic or nondirected organ donation. Due to a shortage of donor kidneys, many people with kidney failure who could be helped by a transplant have to wait years to receive a deceased donor organ. Meg began to think, why not me? “There’s such a great need,” she says. “So many people go to sleep every night praying for their name to come up next. For thousands of people, that call never happens.” Fast-forward to 2023. Meg, by then out of the Army and finishing anesthesia training, was ready to give her precious gift. She asked about becoming a kidney donor at a transplant center in Fort Worth. “They match you with somebody,” she says. “It could be anybody, anywhere across the country.” Over the next few weeks, Meg had lab tests as part of the donor match process. Doctors made sure she was healthy enough to give a kidney. ‘Given with love’ Meg Cotton gave her kidney to a stranger Meg had her surgery right before Christmas in 2023. A transplant team removed her left kidney and flew it to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, where a recipient received the anonymous gift—and a second chance—later that day. By sharing her story, Meg hopes to raise awareness in our community of the need for organ donation and options for being a living donor. Aside from having periodic kidney function labs, Meg says that giving a kidney hasn’t changed how she lives her life. “It was given with love,” Meg says about her kidney. She may never meet the stranger who received that amazing gift. But she thinks about them often. “I hope and pray that they are doing well and that it’s one less struggle for them in their healthcare journey,” she says. April is National Donate Life Month To discover more about organ donation, visit donatelife.net. Spring 2025 7
Nonprofit Org U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 11801 South Freeway Burleson, TX 76028-7021 H Our providers are ready to meet your healthcare needs. Visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/ Providers or scan the QR code to find yours today. Take charge of your health Cardiology designed for you. The Texas Heal h Huguley Hospital hear team just got even stronger with the addition of two exper cardiothoracic surgeons. As our cardiology team grows, so do the advanced treatment options available to our community. Your hear deserves the best, come experience compassionate, high-quality hear care, that’s the Huguley Diference. 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 Visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/Heart to learn more about what sets us apart as your healthcare partner. Jef rey Lin, MD Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery Darien Brad ord, MD Cardiothoracic Surgery
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjI2MTU5NA==