Numbers to know And how they affect your health Don’t just go with the flow We have solutions for pelvic floor disorders Whole Texas Health Mansfield, your partner for better health Fall 2023 Look inside for a chance to win an Amazon gift card
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. 2023 © Texas Health Resources. 2023 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Follow us on: On the cover: Mammography Technologist Megan McComb; fellowship-trained Breast Surgeon Arianne Gallaty, MD, of the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders; and Ultrasound Tech Lead Christine Sanders with a mammogram machine. 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 Nov. 30, 2023. 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 Mansfield team members and their immediate family members are not eligible to win. Previous contest winner: Ricky N., from Mansfield, Texas Partners in health, healing and joy As president and chief executive officer of Texas Health Hospital Mansfield, I’m proud of the work we do to serve our community. You can count on us to be your go-to partner for healthcare that helps you feel whole in mind, body and spirit. Our team members are dedicated to providing an exceptional patient experience, treating you with compassion, positivity and skill. We know you want to receive the best care, close to home. That’s why I am pleased to share our continual commitment to Mansfield and the surrounding communities. For instance, we offer specialized services, like geriatric care that helps seniors and their loved ones manage complex health issues, as well as dedicated physicians who are here to provide you with personalized, whole-person care. You don’t have to suffer with your health issues in silence. Our specialized treatments are designed to help you feel like yourself again. Whether you choose us for your healthcare needs or work alongside us to strengthen our community, we humbly serve as your partner. On behalf of our dedicated team, thank you for placing your trust in our care. It is a blessing to be at your service. Sincerely, Kenneth Rose President and CEO I’m proud of the work we do to serve our community and to be your go-to partner for healthcare that helps you feel whole in mind, body and spirit.
Fall 2023 3 Should you see a geriatrician? As we gain birthdays, our healthcare needs often change. We may develop multiple health problems in our 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond. It may be beneficial to schedule an appointment with a doctor that has special training to address these complex issues—a geriatrician. Prabhash Kakarla, M.D., is one of those doctors. As an internal medicine physician, Dr. Kakarla provides primary care for younger adults of all ages— not just seniors. His fellowship training in geriatrics—the care and treatment of older adults—allows him to offer additional resources for the older patients in his clinic. A focus on the whole picture of your health Geriatricians are experts in diagnosing and treating older adults with multiple, complex health problems. They take extra time to consider physical, mental and social factors that affect their patients’ well-being. Here are some areas of health and wellness geriatricians focus on: Medications. Older adults often take many medications. Some drugs can interact or cause side effects. A geriatrician will review these medications and identify any that are no longer needed. “There may be a pill you no longer need because your condition has changed since you were last prescribed that medication,” Dr. Kakarla notes. Mobility. With age, many of us may find it more challenging to get around. This may limit our daily living activities. Dr. Kakarla can prescribe exercises or physical therapy to help you stay stronger longer and to reduce your risk of falls. He or a social worker in the clinic may connect you with other resources, as needed. “Maintaining independence is the goal,” Dr. Kakarla says. Mental activity and memory. Everyone has occasional memory lapses. But forgetfulness and problems with thinking can be an issue if it interferes with daily activities, Dr. Kakarla notes. “The goal with geriatrics is to maintain your quality of life with the possibility of improving it,” Dr. Kakarla says. What does Dr. Kakarla find rewarding about working with older adults? Here’s one of the many things he enjoys: “You can make an impact not just on the patient but also on the entire family,” he says. “You can reduce caregiver burden for their families.” Make an appointment Please call 682.341.7200 or visit TexasHealth Mansfield.org/Kakarla to schedule an appointment.
4 TexasHealthMansfield.org Know your numbers Four numbers that matter to your health When it comes to your health, there are some key numbers you should know. We’re talking about numbers that reveal risks related to your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar and weight. “All of these numbers are extremely important,” says Internal Medicine Physician Hussein Alammar, M.D. “If any of them go beyond a healthy range, it could lead to a cascade of serious conditions.” Here’s a quick look at why these health markers matter: Blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force of blood against the artery walls. Too much pressure—high blood pressure—damages arteries, possibly triggering strokes, heart disease, kidney disease and more. Cholesterol. Your arteries can clog if a high level of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, the “bad” cholesterol, builds up in your blood, setting the stage for a heart attack. Blood sugar. Elevated sugar (glucose) in your blood can lead to prediabetes (a diabetes precursor) and full-blown diabetes, which can damage the body from head to toe. Body mass index (BMI). Along with your waist circumference, your BMI helps doctors gauge if your weight puts you at risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, sleep apnea and other conditions. Quiet damage If you don’t feel sick, why should you know these numbers? “You don’t have to have symptoms to have these conditions,” Dr. Alammar says. To stay on top of these vital figures, see your primary care provider for annual wellness exams, Dr. Alammar says. Regular checkups allow your doctor to track these health indicators. Your doctor can make sure you get the blood tests and health screenings you need. Be in charge of your numbers If your numbers aren’t where they should be, says To stay on top of these vital figures, see your primary care provider for annual wellness exams.
Fall 2023 5 BLOOD SUGAR Target: A fasting blood sugar of less than 100 mg/dL. BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) Target: 18.5 to 24.9. BLOOD PRESSURE Target: Systolic less than 120 mm Hg and diastolic less than 80 mm Hg. Why it matters: High blood pressure raises the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. What it is: The force of blood pushing against your blood vessel walls. Why it matters: The higher your BMI, the greater your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, breathing problems and certain cancers. What it is: A measure of body fat based on your height and weight. Why it matters: Diabetes occurs—or is poorly managed— when blood sugar levels are too high. What it is: The amount of glucose in your blood. CHOLESTEROL Target: Talk with your doctor about what’s optimal for you. It depends on your overall risk factors. Why it matters: Unhealthy cholesterol levels raise your risk of heart attack and stroke. What it is: A waxy substance produced in the liver and released into the blood. Better health by the numbers Knowing key numbers—and working to keep them in a healthy range—can add up to better health. Here’s a look at target numbers for most adults. Talk with your doctor about what’s right for you. Schedule an appointment Visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/Alammar. Dr. Alammar, “Lifestyle changes can make a big difference.” Strategies may include adopting a hearthealthy diet low in saturated and trans fats and sodium, engaging in brisk walking or other moderate aerobic exercise, and not smoking. Some people may also need medications or referrals to a dietitian, diabetes educator or weight-control specialist. With your doctor’s help, you can boost your chances of living better longer.
6 TexasHealthMansfield.org If you’re struggling with a bladder control problem, you’re likely familiar with how the condition can get between you and the activities you enjoy. Urinary incontinence causes urine to leak accidentally, such as when you cough, laugh or sneeze (stress incontinence). Or it can be a sudden urge that causes you to leak before you reach a toilet (overactive bladder). “While it’s common, it’s not normal to have incontinence,” says Obstetrician-Gynecologist Christiaan Webb, M.D. “It should always be evaluated, especially if you’re worried about going out with your friends or you’re worried you can’t sit through a movie at the theater or laugh without leaking.” Another struggle for many women? Pelvic organ prolapse. This is when organs in your pelvis drop out of their normal place. Signs and symptoms may include pelvic pressure or fullness, painful sex, or a bulge of tissue or organs near the vagina. One cause of both incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse can be weakened pelvic floor muscles—for instance, after childbirth or surgery. The good news? Pelvic floor disorders (also called urogynecology conditions) like these are treatable. Solutions Dr. Webb helps women find solutions to these problems. That starts with a careful evaluation and possibly diagnostic tests to help pinpoint the problem and rule out issues like urinary tract infections. The treatment for a pelvic floor disorder depends on the problem, its severity and other factors. For urinary incontinence. Along with lifestyle changes, treatment options may include: ● Bladder training. You urinate on a set schedule to gradually help you control your bladder. ● Special exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles. ● Medications for urge incontinence. ● Injections of a bulking agent to thicken the urethra and help control leakage. ● A surgical sling procedure to treat stress incontinence. For pelvic organ prolapse. If nonsurgical options don’t help, your doctor may recommend surgery. One option Dr. Webb performs is robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy to put the prolapsing pelvic organs back into their place. There is no need to feel embarrassed to talk about your symptoms. Experts are here to help you feel like yourself again. “Sometimes it’s as simple as a nonsurgical correction, and your life changes completely,” Dr. Webb says. Help for urogynecology issues Regain control Visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/Webb to schedule an appointment.
Fall 2023 7 Running together for a cure and more Community partnerships, like the 5K race, are always a win Texas Health Mansfield is proud to have partnered with the Mansfield community to run or walk for a cure on October 7. Our team is blessed to have seen a great turnout for this event. We joined with local businesses and nonprofits to present the Run for a Cure 5K, which benefited the cancer charities Careity Foundation and LiveStrong at the YMCA. “It’s always an honor to partner with our community for such a great cause,” says Kenneth Rose, President and CEO of Texas Health Mansfield. “It’s one more way that we, as servants to the community, further our mission of extending the healing ministry of Christ beyond our hospital walls.” After all, the most effective teamwork happens when each of us works together for a common goal, like beating cancer. And while the Run for a Cure 5K supported people affected by breast cancer, it provided opportunities to get out there and be active. It shows our commitment to helping our community achieve whole health for the mind, body and spirit. Prioritize your health Our primary care providers will see you now We have just what the doctor ordered: exceptional primary care close to home. Many providers to meet your needs Many different specialists— including family physicians, internal medicine doctors and pediatricians—offer primary care. Whether you choose a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant, a primary care provider (PCP) can help you maintain your best health possible now and in the future. We offer you: Preventive care. You don’t want health issues to sneak up on you. That’s why getting checkups and screenings is important, even if you feel fine and are in good health. Your PCP will monitor for hidden health problems, advise healthy choices and help you get the health screenings you need to stay well. Illness care. You can go to your PCP when you have a cough, sore throat or other minor illness that needs to be checked out. Your PCP can also help you manage various chronic conditions. Make an appointment To find your own primary care provider at Texas Health Mansfield, visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/ Providers and type “primary care” in the search box.
Nonprofit Org U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 2300 Lone Star Road Mansfield, TX 76063-8744 Gain peace of mind Early detection is the best protection. Scan the QR code or visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/Mammo to schedule a mammogram today. Apple-cinnamon muffins Makes 12 servings. Total time: 45 minutes Ingredients 2 cups white whole-wheat flour 1½ teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon salt ¾ cup packed, light brown sugar ¾ cup buttermilk 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 2 teaspoons vanilla extract ½ cup unsalted butter, melted 2 cups Honeycrisp apples, peeled and finely chopped 2 tablespoons white sugar Directions Step 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners and coat with cooking spray. Step 2. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl. Whisk brown sugar, buttermilk, eggs and vanilla in a separate, medium bowl until smooth. Pour buttermilk mixture into flour mixture and fold until combined. Stir in butter until well incorporated, then fold in apples. Step 3. Scoop 1⁄3 cup batter into each muffin cup, then sprinkle evenly with white sugar. Bake for 20 minutes, or until muffins are puffed and a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool for 20 minutes, and enjoy! Nutrition information Serving size: 1 muffin. Amount per serving: 220 calories, 9g total fat, 33g carbohydrates, 4g protein. M
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