6 TexasHealthMansfield.org Bringing holiday cheer Toy drive exemplifies community partnerships Texas Health Hospital Mansfield’s promise to the community extends far beyond the walls of the facility. “We believe it’s very important to be actively involved in the community, putting boots on the ground to serve,” says Lindsey Trook, Community Relations Manager. “We’re here to make a difference in the lives of others.” This spirit of service shines bright through the hospital’s annual support of Toys for Tots, a program dedicated to helping disadvantaged families provide a joyful Christmas for their children. This past holiday season, team members donated more than 100 toys to the Mansfield Toys for Tots Program and contributed $7,500 to the organization to help provide toys for local, older children. Texas Health Mansfield also adopted 25 Mansfield Independent School District families and provided them with Christmas gifts during the first week of December. Supporting the community Partnering with Toys for Tots is only one of the many ways Texas Health Mansfield serves the community. For example, in 2024, the hospital: ● Continued a tradition of quarterly, weeklong volunteer projects at local nonprofits ● Collected over 6,000 servings of cereal for families in need ● Provided blood pressure checks and resources to underserved populations ● Donated $15,000 to Feed the Kids for Summer “We're dedicated to fostering a healthy community," Lindsey says. "It's ingrained in the culture here at Texas Health Mansfield. We live by our mission, vision and values both within the hospital and in the community.” Decoding your symptoms Is it a cold or the flu? Feeling under the weather can leave you uncertain, but is it a cold or the flu? While both share symptoms like cough and congestion, distinguishing between them is important for effective treatment. Asking these key questions could help clarify which illness you have: QHow fast did symptoms appear? Colds are usually milder and have a gradual onset. By comparison, the flu can strike suddenly, leaving you feeling as if you’ve been “hit by a Mack truck,” according to Bobby Brite, FNP-BC. QAre you experiencing fever and body aches? “Generally, you have some type of fever in the first couple of days with the flu,” Bobby says. “Along with that usually comes body aches and an overall sense of not feeling well.” QDoes your stomach hurt? According to Bobby, stomachaches and sometimes diarrhea are more prevalent with the flu. QIs there nasal discharge? While both conditions can cause congestion, Bobby says runny noses are more characteristic of colds. Feeling sick? Visit TexasHealth Mansfield.org/Brite to make an appointment. Photo by Stephen Adkins
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