Whole Texas Health Huguley, your partner for better health Fall 2026 Look inside for a chance to win an Amazon gift card Fall and winter wellness tips Protect your family from seasonal illness Q&A: Holiday blues? You’re not alone: Help is available
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: Texas Health Huguley’s Behavioral Health team, from left (standing): Sarah Tabor, FNP-C, APRN; Ryan Seaver, MD, MS; and William Lawrence, MD; (seated): Christopher Rasmussen, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC. 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, November 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. Making time for your whole health Every year around this time, I encourage women to schedule their annual exams and recommended screenings, including breast exams and mammograms. As a woman and a mom, I know firsthand how easy it can be to put our own health on hold while caring for everyone else. The weeks before the holidays offer a natural opportunity to pause, make time for ourselves and take an active role in our health. As the holiday season approaches, it’s also important to check in on our mental health. Our behavioral health team at Texas Health Huguley Hospital works with men and women of all ages to address mental health concerns and provide support through life’s challenges. Whether you’re experiencing seasonal anxiety, depression, stress or another concern, reaching out for help is an important step toward feeling better and finding peace of mind. I invite you to explore this issue of Whole Health, which includes a breast cancer testimonial from one of our own, an update on our ongoing cath lab expansion, digestive health tips and more. Thank you for trusting Texas Health Huguley with your care. From all of us at Texas Health Huguley, we wish you and your loved ones a healthy, happy holiday season. It is a privilege to serve you as we live our mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ. Sincerely, Penny Johnson President and CEO The weeks before the holidays offer a natural opportunity to pause, make time for ourselves and take an active role in our health.
Fall 2026 3 For nearly three decades, Josie Ingram has been faithfully getting routine mammograms every January. In 2020, that strategy paid off when her screening revealed a stage I tumor in her left breast. “It was a blessing, because they caught it early,” says Josie, who works in Texas Health Huguley Hospital’s billing department. Routine screening mammograms can detect breast cancer early, while it’s still contained within the breast. That’s when treatment is most likely to be successful. After being informed about her choices, Josie underwent a mastectomy performed by breast surgical oncologist Adewuni Seyi Ojo, MD. She was able to go home the next day and needed no further cancer treatment. Josie’s recovery included physical therapy for lymphedema (arm swelling) and shoulder pain and stiffness after her breast surgery. Three months later, she returned to work, grateful for the whole-person care and support she received from Dr. Ojo; Vinaya Potluri, MD, medical oncologist and hematologist; and many other team members. And, as you might expect, she’s still getting routine mammograms and championing them. “I always tell my family that early detection is key,” she says. If you need to remind yourself when you’re due for a screening, try scheduling yours during your birthday month, Josie suggests. The early detection message isn’t only important to share during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “It’s not something that happens every October,” Josie says. “Breast cancer is every day.” Know your risk Risks you can’t control ● Biological sex. Breast cancer is more common in women. ● Age. Risk goes up with age. ● Genes. Up to 10% of breast cancers are hereditary. ● Ethnicity. African American women under 40 and white women are at higher risk. ● Family history. If a close relative has breast cancer, your risk almost doubles. ● Breast density. Dense breast tissue raises risk. ● Menstrual history. Starting early or going through menopause late raises risk. Risks you can change ● Alcohol use. Drinking increases your risk. ● Weight. Being overweight increases your risk. ● Activity. Regular exercise can reduce your risk. ● Pregnancy. Having many pregnancies and getting pregnant at a younger age reduces risk. ● Breastfeeding. It may lower risk, especially if it’s for a year or more. ● Hormonal birth control use. It may increase risk. Screening is key Learn about mammograms and more at TexasHealthHuguley.org/Women. Screening caught Josie’s breast cancer early Josie Ingram (left) with her aunt, who at age 90 is a breast cancer survivor and a hero to Josie.
4 TexasHealthHuguley.org Getting the best cardiovascular care shouldn't require long travel or wait times. That's why Texas Health Huguley Hospital is opening a fourth cardiac catheterization laboratory (cath lab) this fall. Construction began in late May. Community growth has increased the need for cath lab procedures to diagnose and treat the heart and blood vessels, notes Cardiologist Deval Mehta, MD, FACC. A fourth lab will facilitate this. The new lab is also a hybrid operating room that combines advanced imaging with surgical care. “This will allow us the option of offering additional procedures, such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or other complex heart-valve procedures,” Dr. Mehta says. “We are very excited about that opportunity.” The cath lab is the first phase of a broader expansion plan, which includes new and larger operating rooms, a dedicated surgery entrance, and waiting spaces, says Brian Jordan, Administrative Director for Planning Design and Construction. “The upgrades will make it easier for patients to receive the high-quality care Texas Health Huguley is known for,” he says. Texas Health Huguley Hospital is the first Texas hospital to earn The Joint Commission’s Excellent Health Outcomes for All certification. This designation is given only to hospitals that meet The Joint Commission’s standards around healthcare equity. “It’s about meeting our community and our patients where they are,” says Donelle Whiu, DNP, RN, CPHRM, CEN, Director of Risk Management. In the hospital, that can mean providing interpretation services or considering low income or other barriers to care that may impact a person’s health. Our program for underinsured and uninsured pregnant women with diabetes is one effort that has measurably improved health. The program connects moms-to-be with resources and support, and it has helped reduce rates of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit for their babies. This recognition celebrates Texas Health Huguley’s work to help every person live their healthiest life. Whole-person heart care Discover the comprehensive heart and vascular services at Texas Health Huguley. Visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/Heart. Whole health Explore care for you and your family at TexasHealthHuguley.org. Expanding heart care close to home Better healthcare for all Gerardo Herrera, RN, and Vanessa Stepan, RN, were part of the team that helped achieve this certification.
Fall 2026 5 Q&A: Holiday blues? You’re not alone: Help is available Q: Why can the holidays be hard on mental health? “Some people are grieving, missing family or friends, dealing with strained relationships, or feeling lonely,” says Psychiatrist Ryan Seaver, MD. Financial stress; disrupted routines; and shorter, darker days can also contribute. Q: How can people protect their well-being? Set clear expectations. “It is OK to say no, set a budget, limit commitments and choose the traditions that are actually meaningful,” Dr. Seaver says. You can also let someone trusted know that this holiday season is hard for you. Q: When should you talk to a provider? You might want to reach out if your emotional struggles linger past a couple weeks, get worse, lead to increased substance use or interfere with daily life. Dr. Seaver suggests that you might start by saying, “I haven’t felt like myself.” Hand arthritis hits harder in winter For many people, the aches and pains of arthritis seem to worsen with winter weather, and the hands are no exception. Experts don’t fully understand why, but one reason may be that when barometric pressure drops ahead of a weather front, tissue around a joint expands. “That can create a little more pressure on those joints, especially if there’s already that underlying level of arthritis,” says Adam Whitmire, PT, DPT. Also, cold weather constricts blood vessels, reducing circulation to your joints and causing stiffness, discomfort and less flexibility. The hands may be especially vulnerable, since reduced circulation means they get colder more quickly. We also tend to move less in winter, leaving many joints achier and stiffer. If your hands ache more in winter, there are things you can do. “The simplest one is to keep your hands warm, whether that means using hand warmers, wearing gloves or holding a warm cup of coffee or tea,” Adam says. “Also, keep your joints in motion. Gentle hand stretches and regular exercise overall can help reduce arthritis inflammation and pain.” See your provider if pain in any of your joints starts affecting your daily life or the activities you enjoy. Help for hurting joints Visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/ Orthopedics to get on the mend. Find your light in every season Visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/ BehavioralHealth to learn how we can help you or a loved one.
6 TexasHealthHuguley.org The holidays and tummy troubles We love our holiday food traditions. But festivities, travel and stress can create a perfect storm of digestive discomforts, says Gastroenterologist Mike Bismar, MD. To help avoid issues such as heartburn, gas, constipation and bloating: Eat smaller portions. Large meals stretch the stomach and boost acid reflux. Don’t eat within a few hours of bedtime. “This helps prevent nighttime reflux,” Dr. Bismar says. Limit your heartburn triggers. Common culprits include fatty foods, chocolate, alcohol, peppermint and fizzy drinks. Drink plenty of water. This supports healthy digestion and helps prevent constipation. Move it. “A short walk after a meal can aid digestion,” Dr. Bismar notes. Manage stress. “Simple strategies, like taking breaks, getting adequate sleep and not overcommitting to holiday obligations, can reduce the gut’s stress response,” Dr. Bismar says. Many digestive issues are harmless, but you should see your doctor if you experience: ● Blood in your stool ● Unexplained weight loss ● Trouble swallowing ● New or worsening belly pain ● Ongoing changes in bowel habits Don’t assume it’s just stress or something you ate, Dr. Bismar urges. A conversation with a gastroenterologist can ease your mind or even save your life. What raises your colorectal cancer risk? A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps Having inflammatory bowel disease A strong family history of colorectal cancer Having an inherited colorectal cancer syndrome (such as Lynch syndrome) Previous radiation exposure to the belly Source: American Cancer Society Make an appointment Visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/Bismar.
Fall 2026 7 Protect your family from seasonal illness Germs are in season—the kinds that cause illnesses like colds, flu, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and stomach bugs. The good news? There’s plenty your family can do to avoid getting these germs. Update vaccinations. “Start by making sure everyone is up-todate on recommended vaccines,” says Kimberly Petrie, FNP, DNP. Yearly flu shots are for everyone 6 months and up. Some family members may also need COVID-19, pneumonia or RSV vaccines. Ask your provider. Wash those hands with soap and water. “Hand sanitizers often are not effective against stomach viruses,” Kimberly says. Stay home if you’re sick. “Practice the 24-hour rule,” Kimberly says. If you’ve had a fever, stay home until you’ve been fever-free for 24 hours without using feverreducing medicine. Share holiday cheer, not germs. Don’t share cups, plates, utensils, or bites or sips of food or drink at holiday parties. Bolster your immunity. Kimberly says that getting plenty of rest, exercising daily, managing stress and eating nutritious foods are ways to do that. Healthy habits may reduce your lung cancer risk To lower your lung cancer risk, know the first move. “If you or someone you love smokes, we can help you find a way to quit,” says Lung Nurse Navigator Julissa Escamilla, RN. Tobacco smoke causes 80% to 90% of cases of lung cancer and is by far the most important risk factor. Family history of cancer, diet, age and certain jobs that expose you to carcinogens also increase risk. Ask your doctor and employer about precautions. Screening is another vital move If you’re a former or current smoker between age 50 and 80, talk to your doctor about yearly lung cancer screening with simple, low-dose CT scans. Screening can detect lung cancer early. “Our goal isn’t to find any bad news,” Julissa says. “It’s to find anything concerning as early as possible, because finding lung cancer early, when it is easiest to treat, can save lives.” State-of-the-art lung cancer care If your screening finds something, Texas Health Huguley Hospital offers diagnostic testing, biomarker testing, and robotic-assisted biopsies and surgery. A nurse navigator guides you at every step. Make an appointment Visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/Petrie. Take the next step today To schedule a lung scan, call Julissa Escamilla at 682.469.5318.
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. 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 Escanea el código QR para leer la versión digital.
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