Whole Texas Health Huguley, your partner for better health Spring 2026 Look inside for a chance to win an Amazon gift card Spine and orthopedic care New center is underway Smart tech in your hospital room AI-assisted virtual care is here
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. 2026 © Texas Health Resources. 2026 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Follow us on: On the cover: Von Evans, MD, and members of the orthopedic surgery team are shown with the Mako robotic system at Texas Health Huguley. 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 Tuesday, June 30, 2026. 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. Deeply committed to women’s health As we celebrate both Mother’s Day and National Women’s Health Month in May, I’m reminded of how often women put others first. As women, caregivers and leaders in our families and communities, it can be easy to set our own well-being aside, but your health matters, too. At Texas Health Huguley Hospital, our team is here to support you through every stage of life. Whether it’s time for your annual wellness exam, you’re preparing to welcome a new baby or you’re navigating changes that come with each new chapter, we are honored to be part of your care. Our focus is on your total well-being—physical, emotional and spiritual—because feeling your best touches every part of your life. We also believe in empowering you with knowledge and access to care that fits your life. In this issue of Whole Health, you’ll find helpful insights on women’s health, the convenience of virtual care, advances in orthopedic services and more, all designed to support you and your family in making informed health decisions. On behalf of all of us at Texas Health Huguley, thank you for trusting us with your care. Wishing you a joyful, healthy spring filled with hope. Sincerely, Penny Johnson President and CEO We believe in empowering you with knowledge and access to care that fits your life.
Spring 2026 3 Healthcare providers at Texas Health Huguley Hospital have new smart room technologies to help them deliver even better patient care and experiences. Texas Health Huguley, operated by AdventHealth in partnership with Texas Health Resources, is deploying an AI-assisted virtual care platform in several patient care areas, says Valerie Hertneck, RN, MBA, BBA, BSN, Southwest Region Executive Director of Workforce Management and Virtual Care for AdventHealth. Smart technology integrates with the hospital’s electronic medical record (EMR) to enhance patient care and assist bedside teams. “It enables virtual consultations with specialists, fosters patient engagement and allows for family involvement when they can’t physically be present in the room,” Valerie says. “It supports clinical excellence and wholeperson care.” Patient rooms will feature: Electronic door signage. Digital door signs outside patient rooms display non-identifying information that prepares staff members before they enter. For instance, signage might alert them if a patient is at risk for falls. Virtual care cameras. Cameras connected to in-room TVs let patients connect virtually with care team members when an in-person visit is not immediately available. Our hospital rooms are getting smarter Telehealth: Myths vs. facts Technology enables telehealth, so you can see a provider without visiting their office. “During COVID, we learned it can be an effective way to care for patients, even if they are not physically present,” says Tisha Gonzalez, APRN, FNP-C. Yet misconceptions about it persist. For example: Myth: You need to be a computer whiz to use it. Fact: “We send a link via text message, or you can sign in through MyChart,” Tisha says. “Patients who don’t know how to use a smartphone can still connect successfully.” Myth: Providers can’t do much over telehealth. Fact: “We can do quite a bit more than you would think,” Tisha notes. This includes making a diagnosis based on symptoms and prescribing appropriate treatments. “Virtual care visits are designed to complement, not replace, bedside care,” Valerie notes. “Virtual care providers serve as an extension of the bedside team.” Smart boards. Digital whiteboards will replace traditional dry-erase boards that help patients and families stay informed about care. Smart technology enhances bedside care Talk to an expert Visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/ Gonzalez for an appointment with Tisha Gonzalez.
4 TexasHealthHuguley.org Opening is set for March 2027 A dedicated spine and orthopedic care center is coming to Texas Health Huguley Hospital so that more people in our community can get the care they need, closer to home. In December 2025, Texas Health Huguley broke ground on the new center, in partnership with Lone Star Orthopaedic and Spine Specialists. The facility, which is expected to open by March 2027, will bring together a multitude of orthopedic and spine care services. The approximately 70,000-square-foot space will include advanced imaging, physical and occupational therapy to support recovery after injury, an outpatient surgery center, and an outdoor sports and conditioning area. Expanding access The added space will allow for more subspecialty experts to serve our growing community, while enhancing the experience for patients. Other features of the new center include minimally invasive robotic surgical technology and nurse navigators, who will continue to guide patients through their care. The goal of the institute is to improve care coordination; enhance the patient experience; and deliver a more seamless, patient-centered approach for the community. Tips for long-term spine health New spine and orthopedic institute for a growing community Get connected to great care If you need spine or orthopedic care, help is nearby. Visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/Spine or TexasHealthHuguley.org/Orthopedics. Strengthen your core. A strong back and abdomen supports the spine better. “The stronger your core is, the less back pain most patients will have,” Dr. Section says. Sit up straight. Align your ears with your shoulders, and keep your feet flat on the floor. “Get up and move at least every 30 minutes,” Dr. Section adds. When lifting, bend your knees (not your back). See a doctor if any back pain persists or radiates into your legs or you have bowel or bladder changes. And know that, should you need expert spine care, Texas Health Huguley Hospital has the latest nonsurgical and surgical treatments. A lifetime of changes can take a toll on the spine, a common source of pain, notes Orthopedic Spine Surgeon Jarren Section, MD. To help protect your spine:
Spring 2026 5 Healthy knees for life Tips for preventing knee problems While there’s no surefire way to prevent knee injuries or arthritis, these steps might help reduce your risk: Aim for a healthy weight. Unwanted pounds put extra stress on weight-bearing joints, like the knees. “Every time you take a step, you can put as much as double your normal weight on that leg when you’re walking,” says Orthopedic Specialist Von Evans, MD, at Texas Health Huguley Hospital. Don’t ignore pain during or after an activity. Reduce your activities or rest your knees. “Sometimes it’s temporary soreness,” Dr. Evans says. If you push through pain, you could cause a new injury or accelerate the progression of any arthritis. Choose proper footwear, especially if you already have arthritis. For everyday wear, choose shoes with good cushioning, not hard leather soles. If you run, invest in proper shoes for that purpose. Replace them when the cushioning wears out. By the way, the pounding on your joints from high-impact running and jumping can be a factor in knee problems. If you love running marathons, keep enjoying it. It’s a healthy pursuit that Dr. Evans enjoys, too! Just listen to your knees. Stretch before your workout to loosen up and afterward to increase flexibility. “Increasing flexibility can take stress off the joints, especially the knees,” Dr. Evans says. When your knees need treatment See a doctor if your activities regularly trigger knee pain, if pain limits your activities or you have symptoms like locking, catching or that “trick knee” that suddenly gives out when you pivot or turn. The right treatment depends on what’s causing your pain. With a meniscus tear, for example, doctors often recommend arthroscopy, which uses tiny incisions and a camera to treat the knee. For knee arthritis, treatment usually starts with nonsurgical options, such as: ● Oral anti-inflammatory medications ● Steroid injections ● Lubricating gel shots If that’s not enough, you and your doctor might discuss knee replacement surgery. At Texas Health Huguley, Dr. Evans and the orthopedic surgery team use the advanced Mako robotic system, which offers millimeter-level precision. “I tell patients, they’re going to tell me when it’s time,” Dr. Evans says. What raises your risk for knee and hip pain? Find out at TexasHealthHuguley.org/ Orthopedics.
6 TexasHealthHuguley.org Fad diets are everywhere online. But are they actually good for you? When evaluating nutrition trends, Kelly LeVasseur, MS, RDN, LD, CDCES, suggests that you consider the following: Is someone selling something? “If you have to purchase something to follow their recommendation, then that’s an indication it’s not actually evidence-based,” Kelly says. Are entire food groups off limits? “We need all of the food groups to help create balance in our diet,” Kelly says. That’s among the concerns she has with the carnivore diet, which excludes carbs and allows only animal products. But at least one viral trend that adds nutrients to your diet—rather than removes them—may be beneficial. “The fibermaxxing trend is actually one I get behind,” Kelly says. Fibermaxxing is about eating more fiber, found in plant foods. If you decide to fiber up, do so gradually to avoid gas and bloating. What about detoxing? There’s no need to buy special products or follow a special diet to cleanse or detox, Kelly says. “Your liver and kidneys already do that for you.” To build a better diet, aim for balance and improve just one meal a day—breakfast, lunch or dinner. “Once that becomes a habit, move on to the next meal,” Kelly says. Did you know hidden health risks can build up without your noticing? Here are three key areas of your health you shouldn’t ignore. 1 Stress. Chronically elevated stress hormones raise your risk of everything from weight gain to erectile dysfunction. “Stress can affect the body in multiple ways,” says Joshua Richard, DO, a primary care and sports medicine physician. Take action Try progressive muscle relaxation. You can find simple instructions online. 2 Heart health. High blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels can quietly damage the body until a heart attack occurs. “These things are often silent—until they’re not,” says cardiothoracic surgeon Darien Bradford, MD. Also, some men downplay symptoms that may signal heart disease, such as tiredness, shortness of breath, indigestion, or chest or upper-body pain. Take action Talk to your provider about your key heart numbers, like blood pressure and cholesterol. Discuss any family history of heart disease and any concerning symptoms. Nutrition fads: Healthy or hype? Ask the experts Visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/ Nutrition to see how nutrition counseling can help. Schedule your men’s wellness check To learn more about Dr. Bradford, visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/ Bradford. For an appointment with Dr. Richard, visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/ Richard. Men: Three ways to stay healthy 3 Preventive care. Routine checkups and screenings can help uncover hidden health risks before they become bigger problems. Take action Schedule your annual checkup, and get age-appropriate screenings and guidance to stay well.
Spring 2026 7 Women: Could it be endometriosis? Questions for your OB-GYN If you suspect endometriosis, take the time to ask your provider these questions: ● Is my menstrual cycle normal or abnormal based on my pain and bleeding? ● Could endometriosis be contributing to my fertility issues? You don’t have to put up with painful or heavy periods, says OB-GYN Christopher Petr, MD. A typical menstrual cycle occurs about every 28 days, lasts five to seven days and may include mild to moderate cramping during the first few days. But if your bleeding becomes heavy after that and the pain or your symptoms interfere with your daily life, it could indicate a bigger problem—like endometriosis (when uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus). “When you’re missing work or school and you can’t do your normal activities, those are the things that make me say, ‘This might be endometriosis,’” Dr. Petr says. Many women with endometriosis also experience nausea or vomiting, pelvic pain even outside their menstrual cycle, painful intercourse, or trouble getting pregnant. “It’s a combination of things,” Dr. Petr says. With suspected endometriosis, providers may suggest conservative treatments first, including: ● Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and hormonal therapies, such as birth control pills ● Pelvic floor physical therapy ● Heating pads or warm baths to help with cramping pain In some cases, minimally invasive surgery may be recommended to diagnose and treat endometriosis. Tell a provider if your periods seem unusual. “We can help you, even if it’s not endometriosis,” Dr. Petr says. Get answers and great care Visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/Women to find a gynecologist near you.
Nonprofit Org U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 11801 South Freeway Burleson, TX 76028-7021 H Our magazine is now available in Spanish Scan the QR code to read the digital version. Nuestra revista ahora está disponible en español Escanee el código QR para leer la versión digital. MIRACLES HAPPEN EVERY TIME I GO TO WORK. Bringing new life into the world is more than just a job, it’s our calling. From the moment you arrive, our experienced team is here to provide compassionate, personalized care for you and your baby. We’re proud to deliver more than babies, we deliver peace of mind. That’s the Huguley difference. TexasHealthHuguley.org/Women
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