Whole Texas Health Huguley, your partner for better health Winter 2025 Look inside for a chance to win an Amazon gift card Advanced heart and chest surgery Growing program welcomes new cardiothoracic surgeons Reclaim your life How therapy can help you thrive
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: Cardiothoracic Surgeons Darien Bradford, MD, and Jeffrey Lin, MD, inside a Texas Health Huguley Hospital operating room. 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 Friday, February 28, 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 Delivering excellence in the new year As we welcome the new year, I am filled with enthusiasm and hope for what lies ahead. This season invites us to reflect on our priorities and what we hope to accomplish. As always, Texas Health Huguley Hospital is honored to be focused on helping you and your loved ones stay healthy in mind, body and spirit. Whether your goals involve preventing illness, managing a chronic condition or simply getting back to enjoying your favorite moments in life, our dedicated team is here to provide the care you deserve—close to home and at the right time. That’s our promise to you. Our hospital has been a pillar of this community for decades, continually growing and evolving to meet your needs while remaining steadfast in our mission of providing whole-person care. In this issue of Whole Health, I am pleased to share some exciting updates from our hospital. It features the incredible providers who bring their unique talents and passions to their work, the hospital’s investment in robotic technology for enhancing spine surgery, and much more. On behalf of the entire Texas Health Huguley team, I wish you and your family a very happy and healthy new year! Thank you for your continued support, which inspires us to strive for excellence every day. Sincerely, This season invites us to reflect on our priorities and what we hope to accomplish.
Winter 2025 3 Why you need a primary care provider Insights from our experts Primary care providers (PCPs) play a vital role in keeping patients healthy and thriving. Three Texas Health Huguley PCPs answered some common questions about their work and the services they provide. QWhat exactly do PCPs do? “A little bit of everything,” says Christopher Rasmussen, APRN, FNP-BC. “From sick pediatric care visits to sports medicine screenings, I offer vaccinations, long-term health management and preventive care.” Margaret Joachim, FNP-C, adds: “We screen for diabetes and high cholesterol, coordinate mammograms and bone density tests, and can refer you to a gastroenterologist for a colonoscopy. I also perform well-woman exams for cervical cancer screening.” In addition to treating minor illnesses, PCPs can help manage chronic diseases. “Today, I saw multiple patients with asthma,” Christopher shares. “I took the time to educate them about the importance of using a rescue inhaler and how to use it effectively. I take the extra 10 to 15 minutes to talk to people about their disease, the medications they are taking and what the medications do for them.” Q Why should I choose primary care, even when I’m not sick? Regular checkups give your PCP the opportunity to prevent health issues or catch them early. “Oftentimes, we can have things going on in our body that don’t have symptoms,” Margaret says. “A perfect example is high blood pressure.” “It can be lifesaving,” emphasizes Jenner Hernandez, APRN, FNP‑BC. “The sooner you’re able to manage an issue, the easier it is to treat and the less damage it can cause to your body.” Routine visits also give patients a chance to ask questions and voice concerns. “I’m very proactive about education and fostering an environment where patients feel safe to ask and talk about anything,” says Christopher. QWhat do you enjoy most about your specialty? “I love interacting with folks and witnessing their progress,” Jenner shares. “When patients improve, feel better or tell you that they’re able to do more, that makes you feel successful.” PCPs and their patients often build long-lasting relationships. “We get to build a rapport,” Jenner says. “We know their families. We talk about more than just their health concerns.” Jenner Hernandez, APRN, FNP-BC TexasHealthHuguley.org/ Hernandez Margaret Joachim, FNP-C TexasHealthHuguley.org/ Joachim Christopher Rasmussen, APRN, FNP-BC TexasHealthHuguley.org/ Rasmussen Get connected to a PCP For an appointment, visit the relevant webpage:
4 TexasHealthHuguley.org Advanced heart and chest surgery Growing program welcomes new cardiothoracic surgeons Before he became the expert cardiothoracic surgeon he is today, Darien Bradford, MD, considered pursuing other medical specialties. “But nothing made my heart beat quite like cardiothoracic surgery,” he says. Dr. Bradford has been a cardiothoracic surgeon for nearly 25 years and has deep roots within the community. He is the newest member of a team at Texas Health Huguley Hospital that includes Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon Jeffrey Lin, MD, a longtime provider who now operates exclusively at the hospital. Transforming lives through surgical expertise Cardiothoracic surgery encompasses the treatment of the heart, lungs and other vital organs within the chest. It includes both open-heart surgery and innovative, less invasive procedures. For Dr. Bradford, the most rewarding aspect of his work is transforming life-threatening situations into opportunities for healing, when a patient can say, “You helped save my life!” Indeed, cardiothoracic surgeries are often needed in critical moments, such as during a heart attack. “We typically see patients in a more urgent or emergent situation in the hospital,” Dr. Bradford explains. “And with that consultation, we have to make a quick decision in terms of whether an operation is needed.” Some common cardiothoracic procedures are: ● Coronary artery bypass grafting to redirect blood flow around blocked arteries ● Valve surgery to repair or replace malfunctioning heart valves ● Lung cancer resection to remove tumors Pacemakers: Keeping the heart in sync Doctors also perform procedures to diagnose heart disease If you need a pacemaker to help manage a heart problem, Texas Health Huguley Hospital has you covered. A pacemaker is a batterypowered device that can help regulate a heart that beats at the wrong rhythm or rate. Cardiologist and Medical Director of Cardiac Services Alvaro S. Rios, MD, FACC, notes that you might need a pacemaker if you have a slow heartbeat. The device can relieve the symptoms caused by your heart condition, such as feeling tired, light-headed or even passing out, so you can get back to living your life. Most pacemakers connect to the heart with wires. Newer ones are wireless and are no bigger than a pill capsule. They’re all implanted in Texas Health Huguley’s cardiac catheterization laboratory (cath lab). Cardiologists insert traditional pacemakers through a skin incision near the collarbone, while wireless pacemakers are implanted with a catheter inserted through a vein in the groin area. “In general, it’s a very safe procedure, and you should go home the same day,” Dr. Rios says. Pacemakers typically last eight to 10 years before the battery is replaced. They need to be checked
Winter 2025 5 If you suspect you or someone else is having a heart attack, call 911 immediately. Heart attack symptoms for men and women Men and women can experience heart attack symptoms differently. Men and women Chest pain. Arm or shoulder pain. Shortness of breath. Feeling weak. This can come with light-headedness, fainting or breaking out into a cold sweat. Jaw, neck or back pain. Women Women are more likely to experience other, less recognized symptoms. Unexplained tiredness. This symptom is common for women and easy to overlook. Nausea or vomiting. Back pain. This may feel like upper back discomfort. It’s not always a stabbing pain. In women, it can feel like squeezing, pressure or fullness. Other body pain, such as discomfort in the lower chest, stomach, jaw or neck. ● Esophagus surgeries to treat severe acid reflux and hiatal hernias Cutting-edge approaches to chest surgery “Advancements in technology are allowing us to fix these problems in a much less invasive way,” Dr. Lin says. One example is robot-assisted lung cancer surgery. The robot’s precision allows Dr. Lin to perform intricate surgeries through small incisions that were previously too complex to be performed that way, significantly reducing patient recovery time. “The ability to carefully dissect around delicate structures is the difference,” Dr. Lin explains. A warm welcome home Dr. Bradford’s return to Texas Health Huguley is not a new chapter; it’s a homecoming. He, alongside Dr. Lin, played a pivotal role in establishing the hospital’s cardiac surgery program more than 20 years ago. He says one reason he returned is that the health system’s faith-based mission carries over to patient care. With Dr. Bradford’s and Dr. Lin’s extensive expertise and the advanced capabilities offered at Texas Health Huguley, patients can expect not just innovative surgical solutions but also compassionate care that prioritizes their well-being. and reprogrammed periodically to ensure they’re working correctly. No matter what type of pacemaker you need, the team at Texas Health Huguley will provide you with compassionate and individualized care. Home to more heart care In addition to inserting pacemakers, doctors in the cath lab perform procedures to diagnose heart disease. One example is cardiac catheterization. Doctors use catheters and imaging equipment instead of surgery to locate blocked arteries and treat them with inflatable balloons and stents. Your doctor may order cardiac catheterization if you have symptoms such as angina, which is chest pain that comes and goes. Despite these advancements in care, a healthy lifestyle and regular checkups are the keys to staying heart-healthy. “We always prefer to prevent these heart conditions or to catch them early,” Dr. Rios says. Discover more heart and vascular care Visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/Heart.
6 TexasHealthHuguley.org Is winter getting you down? Does your mood drop during the winter months and rise again in spring? If this sounds familiar, you might be experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This condition can bring on symptoms of depression, such as feelings of emptiness or hopelessness. Other signs that may indicate SAD include excessive sleeping, social withdrawal, weight gain and craving starchy foods. “Seasonal affective disorder is influenced by several factors, particularly during the shorter days in winter, which may impact your body’s circadian rhythm,” says Mandy Norman, RN, MSN, Director of Nursing/Behavioral Health. Getting help for SAD If you find yourself struggling with symptoms of SAD, there are coping strategies that can help, such as spending time outside in natural sunlight. But when a depressed mood persists and interferes with daily life, it’s important to see a provider. “No one should have to feel that way, even for just a season,” Mandy says. Treatment options for SAD may include counseling and medication. Most people wouldn’t hesitate to see a doctor for a physical health issue, Mandy notes. The same should apply to your mental health. Care for SAD and more Texas Health Huguley Behavioral Health offers a range of mental health services designed to help you feel whole again, including: ● Free mental health assessments. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ● Full-day and half-day outpatient programs for mental health and substance abuse issues. Participants attend the programs Monday through Friday but do not stay overnight. ● Programs to help teens overcome mental illness or addiction. ● Adult inpatient unit with private rooms for a comfortable healing environment. Prioritize your mental well-being Visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/ BehavioralHealth to learn how we can help you or a loved one. Get moving for a better mood Did you know exercise can significantly enhance your mood? Along with improving your physical health, it’s one of the potential benefits of using the Texas Health Huguley Fitness Center. Explore the new equipment, engaging group workouts, personalized fitness coaching and more! Visit TexasHealthHuguley. org/FitnessCenter.
Winter 2025 7 Reclaim your life: How therapy can help you thrive Recovering from an illness or injury can be a daunting journey, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Texas Health Huguley Hospital, dedicated teams of physical, occupational and speech therapists are ready to help you reclaim your life. Here’s a glimpse of the many challenges we can help you overcome at a clinic near you: Neurological problems. Options include movement therapies for conditions like Parkinson’s disease, balance and dizziness treatments, and therapies to help people recover physical and cognitive abilities after brain injuries and strokes. Extremity injuries. Maximize your recovery from hip or knee surgery. Or, if your doctor agrees, consider therapy as a nonsurgical alternative to heal bone or joint problems. If you have a hand, elbow, wrist or shoulder issue, the team can help you regain function. Spine issues. If back pain is disrupting your life, our therapy team is equipped to address chronic, acute and post-surgical spine conditions. “Whether you want to move freely with less pain, return to hobbies or get back to sports, we’ll give you an individualized treatment plan to address your goals,” says Melissa White, Director of Therapy Services. “And we strive to make a personal connection with each patient.” Robotic technology enhances spine surgery precision Specialists at Texas Health Huguley Hospital have a new robot to help make spine surgeries even better for patients. The ExcelsiusGPS™ is a robot-assisted surgical navigation system. It allows surgeons to achieve unparalleled accuracy when placing surgical screws in the spine, says Orthopedic Spine Surgeon Brian Gengler, MD. This advanced system can help ensure exceptional results for patients. How it works First, the surgical team obtains a CT scan of the spine. With these images, the surgeon creates a plan for screw placement and defines a pathway for the robot. Once the plan is complete, the robotic arm moves to the precise location where the screws are to be inserted. The surgeon then uses instruments to secure the screws in place, all while having real-time visual feedback on a display. “When we are putting the screws in, we can see on the screen exactly where each screw is,” explains Dr. Gengler. “We can watch it be inserted into the bone as we are placing it.” Robotic spine surgery has the potential to minimize complications. It also reduces blood loss and shortens the overall procedure time, resulting in less time under anesthesia for patients. Dr. Gengler notes that surgeons can use the innovative system for various procedures, such as lumbar fusions, scoliosis corrections and vertebral fracture repairs. It’s another way Texas Health Huguley provides patients with the latest advances in spine surgery. Get connected to local care If you need spine or orthopedic care, help is nearby. Call 817.839.2225 to speak with a nurse navigator about your healthcare options. Start your recovery Ready to reduce your pain or increase your flexibility? To schedule an appointment, visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/Therapy.
We care more about your health than winning awards. Maybe that’s why we keep winning awards. We’re honored to be recognized by The Leapfrog Group as one of America’s highest-rated hospitals for patient safety. We’ve also been nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report as high performing in various adult procedures. In other words, we’re committed to helping you feel whole. At Texas Health Huguley Hospital, we’re here to care for you as we would our loved ones. Trust us to be your partner in health because here, your well-being truly comes first. Doctors on the medical staffs practice independently and are not employees or agents of Texas Health hospitals or Texas Health Resources. © 2024 Texas Health Resources Visit TexasHealthHuguley.org to learn more about what sets us apart as your healthcare partner. Nonprofit Org U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 11801 South Freeway Burleson, TX 76028-7021 H Curious about your heart health? Take a few minutes to complete an assessment to discover your potential risk for heart disease and get a better understanding of your health. It’s easy and online! Just scan the QR code.
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