Whole Texas Health Mansfield, your partner for better health Spring 2025 Look inside for a chance to win an Amazon gift card Focused on your GI health Get to know the care we provide with our GI Alliance partner Women’s Center expansion is coming soon! Expect even better maternal and infant healthcare
2 TexasHealthMansfield.org WHOLE HEALTH is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of TEXAS HEALTH HOSPITAL MANSFIELD, 2300 Lone Star Road, Mansfield, TX 76063, 682.341.5000, TexasHealthMansfield.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: GI Alliance physicians, from left: Gregory Brennan, MD; Suwebatu T. Odunsi-Shiyanbade, MD; and Moustafa Youssef, MD. Find the hidden cowboy hat Ready to win? Find the hidden cowboy hat in Whole Health, and you could win a $100 Amazon gift card! Once you find the hidden cowboy hat, scan the QR code or visit TexasHealthMansfield.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 Hospital Mansfield team members and their immediate family members are not eligible to win. Growing with our community As we welcome the spring season, all of us at Texas Health Hospital Mansfield want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to serve you and your family. This time of renewal inspires us to embrace our commitment to caring for the whole person—body, mind and spirit. We look forward to continuing to provide you with the exceptional care you deserve. I’m thrilled to share some exciting news about our Texas Health Mansfield family as we grow to better support you during the special moments of starting or expanding your own family. This issue of Whole Health highlights the expansion of our Women’s Center, which will feature additional midwives and new team members. We are also eagerly anticipating the upcoming opening of our new neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), which will provide specialized care for newborns who need a little extra support. Our maternity care facility is one you can always rely on. These enhancements will allow us to offer even more personalized care for moms-to-be and their little ones, all in one location. No matter what healthcare services you may need, Texas Health Mansfield is here for you. On behalf of our team, I wish you and your loved ones a healthy, happy spring season. Sincerely, Eulanie Lashley President and CEO Expanding our Women’s Center and opening a new NICU will enhance our personalized care for momsto-be and their little ones.
Spring 2025 3 Welcome, William Polachek, MD An expert at easing foot and ankle problems Is a painful foot or ankle problem keeping you from enjoying life to the fullest? If so, you might want to meet William Polachek, MD, the newest orthopedic specialist at Texas Health Hospital Mansfield. Dr. Polachek’s subspecialty is foot and ankle care. Some of the many conditions he treats are: ● Heel pain ● Ankle fractures and sprains ● Sports injuries ● Ankle arthritis ● Foot deformities, such as flat feet ● Bunions Dr. Polachek notes that many people with these issues have pain with every step. “The goal is to get patients back to their ability to function without pain in their daily activities, as well as their work, sports or hobbies,” he says. Achieving that goal begins with a thorough understanding of a patient’s condition. “That leads to shared decision-making with my patients about the best course of action for their condition,” Dr. Polachek says. Treatment often starts with nonsurgical care, such as physical therapy, bracing or injections. But when surgery is the right choice, Dr. Polachek is trained in the latest techniques that use small incisions. Highly skilled Dr. Polachek completed his undergraduate studies at Harvard University. He then earned his medical degree from the University at Buffalo, completed an orthopedic residency at the University of Chicago, and completed a foot and ankle fellowship at Baylor University Medical Center. A focus on your GI health You don’t have to put up with a digestive health problem that’s causing you discomfort and concern. Texas Health Hospital Mansfield offers expert gastrointestinal (GI) care in partnership with the GI Alliance. The gastroenterology group provides advanced, comprehensive care—so whether you need a diagnostic test, an endoscopic procedure, relief from acid reflux or other GI treatment, you can get care close to home. Colorectal cancer screening Colorectal cancer is on the rise among younger adults, notes Moustafa Youssef, MD, a gastroenterologist with the GI Alliance. “This is why our national guidelines changed to start screening at age 45 or earlier if you have a family history,” he says. Screening can detect the disease early or find and remove polyps before they become cancerous. Dr. Youssef advises choosing fiber-rich foods, exercising, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol use to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer. He also stresses the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms. Stool changes (such as narrow or bloody stools), unintentional weight loss and persistent abdominal pain can all indicate the disease. “If something feels off, don’t wait,” Dr. Youssef says. “Talk to a doctor.” Start your healing journey Visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/ Orthopedics or call the Orthopedics Navigator at 682.341.6045. Discover great digestive care Visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/ DigestiveCare.
4 TexasHealthMansfield.org Big changes are coming to the Women’s Center at Texas Health Hospital Mansfield. “There are a lot of exciting things on the horizon,” says Director of Women’s Services LaTosha Boldware. A women’s services expansion project will begin this year and is expected to take up to 24 months to complete. The work will include: Level 2 NICU (neonatal intensive care unit). The NICU will upgrade its capabilities from a level 1 to a level 2 unit that can care for sick newborns as young as 32 weeks. Additionally, the NICU will be expanded by eight treatment bays. As Texas Health Mansfield continues to grow, more babies will be able to receive specialized care here. More postpartum rooms. The hospital is expanding its postpartum unit by adding 24 fully equipped rooms. Women’s Center expansion coming soon Project includes new level 2 NICU Have your baby here Visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/Maternity. Twice as many beautiful birth suites. The hospital will increase the number of labor and delivery rooms from five to 10. Midwives and OB hospitalists Other exciting changes this year at the Women’s Center include: New midwifery program. The skilled midwives at Texas Health Mansfield are integral members of our maternity team, ensuring that you have more choices in pregnancy care that’s highly personalized. “It’s an exciting model that our community has grown to love and trust,” LaTosha says. “Midwifery is something we are very committed to providing for our patients and our community because it is something they seek and enjoy.” OB hospitalists. Texas Health Mansfield is adding obstetric hospitalists to its team of experts. Having OB hospitalists on-site 24/7 means that laboring moms will have an OB-trained doctor on hand to care for them even if their regular OB provider isn’t available. Care that feels personal The Women’s Center expansion reflects Texas Health Mansfield’s commitment to personalized, holistic and empowering comprehensive maternal care. “We live to extend the healing ministry of Christ, and that is very evident in how patients are treated in our Women’s Center,” LaTosha says. “Our moms feel very supported, heard and included in their plan of care.”
Spring 2025 5 Heart disease remains a leading cause of death for women, claiming about one in five lives each year. The good news is that heart disease is preventable, and understanding your risk is the first step toward better heart health. “There are several major risk factors for heart disease that affect both men and women,” says Cardiologist Shoaib Saya, MD. “These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking and a family history of heart disease. However, there are specific risk factors that are more prevalent among women.” Those risk factors include: Lupus. Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that can raise the risk of heart disease. Because lupus is more common in women than in men, a woman’s chances of having heart issues related to lupus are higher. Menopause. Before menopause, higher levels of estrogen help protect women from heart disease. After menopause, estrogen levels decline, and a woman’s risk of heart disease rises. Women who Understanding unique heart risks for women experience early menopause—before age 45—are at higher risk for heart problems. Pregnancy complications. Women who face conditions such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy) may encounter a higher risk of heart issues postpartum. Help your heart Talking with your doctor about your specific heart disease risk factors can help your heart. Your healthcare provider may recommend monitoring your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Managing stress as best you can is also crucial, Dr. Saya advises. As a woman, it’s important to keep in mind that chest pain isn’t the only symptom of a heart attack that should prompt you to call 911. “Women often experience shoulder, neck or back pain,” Dr. Saya notes. “They may also feel nauseated or like they’re going to pass out.” Paying attention to these symptoms and your heart disease risk factors can help you take action to protect your heart now and in the future! Stay heart-healthy Visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/Heart to learn about the expert heart care at Texas Health Mansfield.
6 TexasHealthMansfield.org Texas Health Hospital Mansfield is home to the latest advancements in robotic technology and the skilled physicians who use them. One example: Hydros aquablation for BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). If medicines fail to relieve the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (such as a weak urine stream and waking up at night to urinate), many patients try a procedure next. That used to mean having a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). But Urologist James Kelley, DO, offers a newer option to relieve symptoms of BPH with extreme precision and a much smaller chance of sexual side effects. The Hydros aquablation system treats BPH through the urethra, without the need for incisions. Dr. Kelley first maps the prostate with ultrasound. Then he guides the system’s robotically driven water jet to remove excess prostate tissue that’s restricting the flow of urine. “The robotic system uses the map to send the water-jet energy only as deep as I told it to,” Dr. Kelley explains. “And it follows the path that I created.” Texas Health Mansfield is one of just two area hospitals using the newest Hydros aquablation system, which integrates AI technology. Robots in the OR The hospital is also home to da Vinci Xi and Mako robots, which offer less-invasive surgeries and quicker recoveries. Surgeons use these robotics in a variety of ways, including: Knee replacement surgery. The Mako robot helps the orthopedic surgeon make more precise cuts of the bone when placing a knee implant. Hysterectomy. This surgery—performed by gynecologists like De Shawndranique Gray, MD— Robotics provides a targeted new treatment option for BPH removes the uterus, often because of fibroids (growths in the uterus). Advanced robotics are also used for a variety of other procedures, including colon, gallbladder, appendix and bariatric surgeries. During robotic surgery, the surgeon sits at a console, controlling robotic arms that hold tiny instruments. The arms mimic the surgeon’s movements but can rotate and flex with greater range of motion than human hands. “Think of a PlayStation,” says Lindsey Wise, Surgical Services Director. “The robot allows the surgeon to operate in a video game-like experience. The robot’s expanded motion capability can make it easier to operate while also increasing precision.” Discover advanced surgical care Visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/Surgery to learn more about our procedures and to find an expert surgeon.
Spring 2025 7 Living with a chronic condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, can be challenging. With effective management, you can enhance your well-being and lead a fulfilling life. A primary care provider (PCP) can help with that. In addition to offering preventive care, a PCP can help you navigate the complexities of chronic disease management. For Family Medicine Physician Katherine Pederson, DO, being a PCP means serving as both an accountability partner and an advocate for her patients. She emphasizes the importance of holistic support, asking her The importance of routine screenings Your PCP can help you get the screenings you need Being proactive about your health by getting regular screenings can bring you peace of mind. Health screening tests can help detect many problems early, when it’s often easier to treat them. “There are diseases like high blood pressure where you may not have signs or symptoms,” says Internal Medicine Physician Prabhash Kakarla, MD. “It might present later as a stroke or a heart attack. And you don’t want to wait for that.” How do you know which screenings you need and when to start getting them? By seeing your primary care provider (PCP), even when you feel fine. Depending on factors like your age, sex and health, your PCP may suggest screenings for: ● Breast, cervical, colorectal, lung or prostate cancers ● Diabetes ● High blood pressure ● High cholesterol A focus on prevention Navigating routine screenings is just one of the ways Dr. Kakarla helps his adult and geriatric patients maintain their health. “The important thing is to at least have an annual physical and speak to your physician about what screenings are appropriate for you,” Dr. Kakarla says. Living your best with a chronic condition Your primary care provider can help patients about their daily lives and the challenges they face that may hinder them from managing their condition. “I ask questions like, ‘How are Mom and Dad doing?’ or ‘How is work going?’ ‘Is that the stressor that is causing your diabetes to worsen?’” she says. Dr. Pederson then offers a range of solutions, including lifestyle changes and access to nutrition and mental health counseling. She makes sure her patients fully understand how to manage their chronic conditions and safely and effectively take their medications. The most rewarding aspect of Dr. Pederson’s work is witnessing her patients achieve their goals. “They come in super proud,” she shares. “And that’s what I like. They’ve improved their health, and they’re proud.” By fostering collaboration, Dr. Pederson helps her patients manage their chronic conditions and inspires them to take charge of their health journeys. Make an appointment Visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/ Pederson to schedule an appointment. Make an appointment with Dr. Kakarla Visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/ Kakarla.
Nonprofit Org U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 2300 Lone Star Road Mansfield, TX 76063-8744 M Take charge of your health Our providers are ready to meet your healthcare needs. Visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/ Providers or scan the QR code to find yours today. 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 Welcome our new doctor, who just found his happy place. Please welcome the newest addition to our Women’s Services team, Jeremy Vaughan, MD — Obstetrics & Gynecology. Dr. Vaughan provides personalized care to women throughout all stages of life. From first-time OB/GYN patients to expectant mothers and women struggling with the symptoms of menopause, he’s dedicated to caring for his patients with an approach that is focused on their well-being. He’s now accepting new patients. Call 972.294.7112 or scan the QR code below. Located at THMA Cedar Hill Women’s Center 210 S. Broad Street, Cedar Hill, TX 75104 Visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/Vaughan to learn more or schedule an appointment. Jeremy Vaughan, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology
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