Whole Texas Health Huguley, your partner for better health Summer 2026 Look inside for a chance to win an Amazon gift card New PET scan service Advanced tech, closer to home Healthy weight loss Nutrition tips for GLP-1 users
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: Wesley Marquart, MD; Ronny W. Ford, MD; Angela Jones, RN; Sam Dickson; Judith Pellot-Ruiz, MLS(ASCP); Catherine Teal, RN; and Ethan Foster, RN 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 Monday, August 31, 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. Your wellness partner for every season I hope you’re enjoying the summer and making memories with family and friends. While summer break brings opportunities for rest, travel and fun, it’s also important to stay mindful of seasonal health and safety. In this issue of Whole Health, our providers share tips and insights to help you enjoy summer safely. This season, we are proud to celebrate Texas Health Huguley Hospital earning an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, the nation’s leading independent organization focused exclusively on patient safety. This recognition reflects how well hospitals protect patients from preventable errors, injuries and infections and recognizes the systems hospitals have in place to keep patients safe. While recognitions like this are meaningful, what matters most is what it represents for our patients and community. This achievement encompasses the hard work of every team, working together, across our hospital to provide safe, compassionate, high-quality care every day. From all of us at Texas Health Huguley, we wish you and your family a safe, healthy and happy summer. Sincerely, Penny Johnson President and CEO In every season, we are here to support your health and care for you in mind, body and spirit.
Summer 2026 3 Watch for melanoma Plus, summertime skin protection tips There’s a crucial reason why melanoma is the most serious skin cancer. “Without treatment, melanoma can quickly spread to other parts of the body,” says Grace Barajas, FNP-C. Melanoma forms in cells, called melanocytes, that make the pigment melanin, which determines skin color. “Those cells are particularly sensitive to UV damage,” Grace explains. Checking your skin regularly for new or changing spots or moles can help you detect melanoma. Remember the ABCDE rule: ASYMMETRY. One half of the mole looks different from the other. BORDERS. The mole has irregular borders. COLOR. The mole has multiple colors. DIAMETER. The diameter is larger than a pencil eraser. EVOLVING. The size, shape or color is changing. Tell your provider if you notice these or other concerning changes. An ounce of prevention Before heading out this summer: Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 to 50. Reapply every two hours or if you swim or sweat. “Certain injuries and illnesses trend upward this time of year,” says Emergency Physician Steve Hamilton, MD. Consider these tips before hiking, boating, swimming or doing other activities: Be water-wise. Wear a life jacket while boating. Never swim alone. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and cool. Increase your intake when it’s hot and you’re active. Respect your limits. Plan your outings according to your physical abilities. Rest when you need to. Know when to call 911. Any time you suspect a life-threatening emergency, such as trouble breathing, uncontrolled bleeding or head trauma, make the call. Even a change in normal behavior can indicate that something is wrong. “If someone Get a checkup Visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/Barajas to make an appointment. Wear sun-safer clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, pants, UV-blocking sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. Put safety on your summer schedule appears confused, isn’t answering questions appropriately or is drifting off, that could suggest that they are disoriented from an illness such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, or something more serious,” Dr. Hamilton says. Texas Health Huguley’s emergency department is a level 3 trauma center, with multiple subspecialists available 24/7. “We’re here whenever you need us,” Dr. Hamilton says. Be prepared Visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/ED to learn about On My Way check-in and more.
4 TexasHealthHuguley.org Stay stone-free this season Summer can raise the risk of kidney stones Quenching your thirst isn’t the only reason to drink plenty of water in the summer. In hot places, like Texas, dehydration makes kidney stones more likely to form. When you don’t drink enough water, your urine becomes concentrated with minerals like calcium and oxalate, which can stick together to form tiny crystals that may eventually become stones. “It’s basic chemistry,” says urologist Christopher Buchanan, MD. Stones may sit in the kidney for years without symptoms until one moves into the ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder) and blocks the flow of urine. “And then, all of a sudden, that stone causes you severe pain because it’s in a narrow tube,” Dr. Buchanan says. Treating stones If you develop a troublesome stone, medicines can help it pass. Larger stones may need to be removed with ureteroscopy. Using a small scope, Dr. Buchanan goes through the bladder into the ureter, breaks the stone up with a laser and removes it in pieces. Symptoms of a stone Kidney stone pain typically begins in the side or lower back and may move toward the groin as the stone travels. The pain can be accompanied by nausea or vomiting. If symptoms are mild, you can call your doctor for advice. Seek immediate care for pain that’s severe or comes with a fever. To schedule an appointment, visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/Buchanan. Kidney stone quick guide Stay hydrated, and recognize when to seek care for possible kidney stones with these tips from Dr. Buchanan. Prevention starts with hydration: Drink more water— enough to produce about 2 to 2.5 liters of urine per day or slightly yellow (not dark) urine. Limit tea and soda. Sodas may dehydrate you, and tea contains oxalates. Consume less salt. A salty diet contributes to stones. Enjoy refreshing lemonade. Citric acid helps prevent calcium from binding to oxalate in urine to form stones.
Summer 2026 5 How to eat well while on GLP-1 medications You’ve seen the TV ads about GLP-1 weight-loss medications—and maybe you’ve wondered if they could help you. GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) mimic the natural GLP-1 hormone our bodies make when we eat. They were first approved to improve blood sugar (blood glucose) control in people with type 2 diabetes. But some GLP-1 medications are now prescribed to treat obesity. They have several effects in the body, including working in the brain and stomach to help control hunger and help people feel satisfied with smaller portions, says Marcela Hinojosa-Clapp, MD, a family and obesity medicine physician. “One of the ways these medicines work is by helping reduce hunger and increase the sense of fullness after eating,” she says. Nutrition and GLP-1s If you’re prescribed a GLP-1, lifestyle changes such as eating smaller, balanced meals may help you get the right nutrients and have fewer side effects. Prioritize lean proteins such as fish, chicken, tofu and legumes. Choose balanced, nutrient-dense foods such as vegetables, whole grains, fruits, legumes, and healthy fats—like nuts, seeds, avocado and olive oil. Be mindful of portion sizes. GLP-1s help you feel full sooner and slow how quickly food moves out of the stomach, so food stays there longer. Eating large portions may lead to side effects such as nausea and bloating. “If you feel full, stop eating and save any leftovers for the next meal,” Dr. Hinojosa-Clapp says. The importance of exercise Weight loss can also lead to some muscle loss, which may slow metabolism. “Muscle plays an important role in supporting metabolism and healthy weight loss, so preserving it is important,” Dr. Hinojosa-Clapp says. Add resistance (strength) exercises to your aerobic routine. “Resistance training helps preserve muscle and support a healthy metabolism as you lose weight,” Dr. Hinojosa-Clapp says. A whole-person approach Obesity is a complex, chronic disease with many contributing factors. It’s important to address lifestyle habits and underlying health issues, with regular monitoring and guidance from your doctor. Questions for your primary care provider Am I a candidate for GLP-1 medication? What side effects should I expect? How long will I need to take the medication? How should I adjust my nutrition and exercise habits? Is it safe to use someone else’s medication or buy it online? To make an appointment with Dr. HinojosaClapp, please go to TexasHealthHuguley.org/ Hinojosa.
6 TexasHealthHuguley.org Destination healthy digestion Travelers’ tips to avoid tummy troubles Before you hit the road this summer, plan ahead for three common digestive discomforts. “Travel creates a big change to your daily routine,” says Irene Yu, MD, Colorectal Surgeon with North Texas Surgical Specialists. “Those changes can affect the way your gut works.” Constipation. Dehydration can make you constipated. Boost your water and fiber intake beforehand with fruits, veggies and a supplement, if needed. Continue hydrating on the go, and pack a laxative just in case. Diarrhea. The combination of travel stress and trying new foods can cause diarrhea. Pack an antidiarrheal medicine in case you need it. Traveling to a developing country? Use a safe water source, like bottled water, for drinking and brushing your teeth. Stick to cooked foods. Indigestion and bloating. Travel stress can cause them both. “Also, people tend to eat a lot or eat too fast when they’re traveling,” Dr. Yu says. “When people eat fast, they swallow more air, which can lead to bloating and indigestion.” Try eating smaller, more frequent meals. Relax, slow down and enjoy—you’re on vacation! Enjoy safer summer barbecues Summertime heat can cause harmful bacteria in foods to multiply faster, notes Melissa Collins, FNP-C. “That causes foodborne illnesses to spike during warmer months,” she says. So, remember these tips for your next cookout or picnic: ● Pack enough ice to keep cold foods below 40 degrees. “Keep your cooler out of direct sunlight, and limit how often it’s opened,” Melissa says. ● Cook foods to a safe internal temperature. Verify with a food thermometer. ● Avoid cross-contamination. “Always use separate containers, cutting surfaces and platters for raw and cooked meats,” Melissa says. ● Refrigerate leftovers within two hours—one hour on days that are 90 degrees and higher. If you suspect food poisoning Foodborne illness can start within hours to a few days. Seek medical care for severe symptoms, such as: ● Diarrhea for three days or more. ● Bloody stool. ● A fever of 101.5 or higher. ● Vomiting that prevents you from keeping liquids down. ● Severe dehydration. Schedule an appointment Visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/Collins. Discover more digestive health services Visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/ DigestiveCare.
Summer 2026 7 Faster, easier access to PET scans Advanced tech boosts local cancer care A cancer diagnosis is stressful enough. You shouldn’t have to travel outside your community or wait weeks for the scan you need to help determine the next steps in your care. That’s why Texas Health Huguley Hospital began offering positron emission tomography (PET) scanning last fall. “We wanted to minimize that delay for our patients and give them another option,” says Shayne Musick, Director of Imaging Services. “We’re trying to remove as much stress as we can for our patients.” What is a PET scan? PET scanning is a type of nuclear medicine imaging technology. It can spot changes at the cellular level that may be cancer, often before other imaging studies can detect them. “One of its key uses is to assist with staging, a treatment planning step that helps determine whether a tumor has spread to other areas of the body,” Shayne says. Here’s the simplified version of how it works: Before the test, you receive a small dose of radioactive sugar (glucose), called a radiotracer, by injection. Cancer cells absorb glucose at a high rate. Special cameras detect the energy emitted by the radiotracer, which makes any areas with cancer, called hot spots, “light up” on a PET scan image. A typical PET scan takes about 30 minutes, and the results are often ready within 24 hours. What you eat before your PET scan can affect its accuracy, so you’ll want to follow the dietary instructions provided. Easier access, shorter drive Texas Health Huguley offers PET scans through a mobile unit each week. The ability to get PET scans locally means community members no longer need to wait two to three weeks, says Oncology Director Kristy Robinson, APRN, AGACNP, OCN. In addition to reducing anxiety, this may shorten the time between diagnosis and treatment for some patients. Discover more imaging options Visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/ Imaging. “We knew we had to do this for our community. We offer PET here, and we offer it efficiently and easily for our patients. It’s a huge win.” —Kristy Robinson
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. We believe great care starts with someone who truly listens and understands that wellness means more than checkups and prescriptions. From your child’s first fever to managing everyday health and unexpected concerns, our primary care providers offer trusted, individualized care for all ages. We’re here to be your partner through it all, because life is better when your care team feels like family. That’s the Huguley difference. TexasHealthHuguley.org/Providers YOU’VE GOT A PARTNER IN THIS THING CALLED LIFE.
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