Whole Texas Health Mansfield, your partner for better health Summer 2026 Back-to-school prep Steps to start the school year right Beat the heat Warm-weather pregnancy tips from a women’s health expert Don’t miss your chance to win an Amazon gift card!
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. 2026 © Texas Health Resources. 2026 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Follow us on: On the cover: House Supervisor Michelle Isabelle; ICU Charge Nurse Tetchie Runez; Interventional Cardiologist Apurva Patel, MD, MPH, FACC, FSCAI; PACU Nurse Thao Tran; and Cath Lab Supervisor Duncan Otieno 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 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 Hospital Mansfield team members and their immediate family members are not eligible to win. Have a healthy, happy summer Summer brings opportunities to spend time with family and friends, enjoy favorite activities, and make lasting memories. Whether you’re traveling, preparing for a new school year or simply enjoying longer days, it’s also a good time to focus on your health and well-being. In this issue of Whole Health, you’ll find practical tips and resources to help you and your family stay healthy throughout the season. From navigating pregnancy in the Texas heat to choosing a primary care provider, preparing children for a successful return to school and supporting overall wellness, we hope these articles provide useful information you can put into practice. At Texas Health Hospital Mansfield, we are honored to serve this community and support your health through every stage of life. Whether you need a wellness visit, a health screening, maternity services, rehabilitation care or treatment when illness or injury occurs, our team is here to provide compassionate, high-quality care close to home. Thank you for trusting us with your care. I hope you enjoy this issue and find encouragement to make the most of a safe, healthy and enjoyable summer. Sincerely, Eulanie Lashley President and CEO We are honored to serve this community and support your health through every stage of life.
Summer 2026 3 From bicycle rides to playground adventures, summer’s carefree days offer plenty of active family fun. But you need to stay hydrated and take other precautions. Heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion and heatstroke, happen when extreme heat overwhelms the body’s ability to cool itself. “Sweating helps us keep cool,” says Garrick Smitherman, FNP-C. “When you’re dehydrated, you don’t have enough water to sweat out, and you’re going to get overheated.” For a strong start, begin hydrating prior to activity. “That way, you’re not starting from behind once you get into the heat,” Garrick says. Keep sipping, even if you don’t feel thirsty. When you’re active, aim to replenish lost fluids every 15 to 20 minutes. (Remember: Infants under six months should only have breast milk or formula.) Make water tasty and fun! “To help increase hydration, try infusing water with different fruits or with mint,” suggests Saba Suhail, DO, a family medicine physician. “And snack on fruits and veggies like watermelon and celery that have a high water content.” Drink in frequent intervals instead of drinking a lot of water at once. Beat the heat. Avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day—typically 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Keep babies under six months out of direct sunlight. “Give your family plenty of rest and recovery time in between activities,” Dr. Suhail says. In extreme heat, opt for indoor exercise, such as walking in a shopping mall. Dress for the heat. “A common mistake is skipping light-colored clothing,” Garrick says. “Light-colored materials help prevent overheating.” Garrick recommends moisture-wicking, loosefitting clothing for further heat protection. Warning signs to watch for Early signs of a heat-related illness include profuse sweating, headache, nausea and vomiting. Later stages include dizziness, confusion, flushed skin and a body temperature above 104 degrees. If you notice these signs, move the person out of the heat and cool them down immediately. Stay cool and hydrated Tips for active families Connect to expert care To learn more about these providers or make an appointment, visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/ Smitherman or TexasHealthMansfield.org/Suhail.
4 TexasHealthMansfield.org Who’s your partner in primary care? Choosing a PCP is an essential part of living well If you don’t have a primary care provider (PCP), you’re missing out on a key partner in your family’s wellness journey. “Primary care and family doctors are the cornerstones of your health,” says John Hood, DO. PCPs play many important roles. For instance, they: Help prevent problems or catch them early through regular checkups and timely screenings. This includes heart disease risk factors—like high cholesterol— and hypertension and diabetes, which are easier to treat when found early. Summer is a good time to schedule an annual wellness visit, including any back-toschool checkups or sports physicals, with your PCP. Help you manage a chronic disease. A PCP can guide your care through routine visits and treatments that may include medications and healthy living recommendations. “I recommend a lot of lifestyle modifications, such as different dietary changes and exercise,” says Katherine Pederson, DO. “That’s one of the roles of the PCP.” Coordinate your care. Your PCP can refer you to other specialists, as needed, and coordinate care with your other healthcare providers. This helps ensure safer, more effective care. Prioritize whole-person health for you. Your PCP can create a plan to help you stay as healthy as possible over time. “Good health is all about keeping the body in balance—physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually,” Dr. Hood says. “When you keep those things in balance, your body’s in balance, and your quality of life can be immense.” Care for generations of your family. “I love watching my kids in my practice grow up,” says Dr. Pederson. “The teenagers come in and say, ‘I’m finally taller than you, Dr. P!’” Questions to ask when choosing a PCP include: Does this provider and office fit my personality? What are their office hours? How easy is it to get an appointment? If they’re unavailable, who covers for them? Find the right provider for you Visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/ Providers to learn more about our PCPs or schedule an appointment with Dr. Hood or Dr. Pederson.
Summer 2026 5 Summertime tips for moms-to-be Stay cool, safe and comfortable When you’re pregnant in the summer, staying cool isn’t always easy. But being mindful of the heat and prepared for travel can help you stay safe and comfortable. Ask your provider for individualized advice, and try these helpful tips from Nicole Bajwa, CNM, WHNP. Stay cool During warm summer months, your body works harder to cool both you and your baby. As a result, you may be more likely to experience heat exhaustion or heatstroke. When temperatures soar, take action: Spend time in a cooler space. “Try to stay in an air-conditioned environment during the peak heat hours, roughly between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.,” Nicole says. Avoid direct sunlight. Seek shade outdoors whenever possible. Nicole also recommends light-colored, loose-fitting clothing made of breathable or moisture-wicking fabrics. Cool down, if you overheat. “Take a cool shower, or use a cool towel from the refrigerator or freezer,” Nicole says. “Or briefly sit in a parked, air-conditioned car.” Know the warning signs of heat illness, such as headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness or confusion. Get medical help immediately if any appear. Stay hydrated. Give your body the extra fluids it needs to support your growing baby and you. Not sure if you’re drinking enough? Check your urine’s color. “If it’s a darker yellow, you need to increase your fluid intake,” Nicole says. Ease swelling. Summer heat relaxes blood vessels, which may make pregnancy swelling worse, Nicole says. Try elevating your legs. See your doctor right away if you develop severe swelling of your hands, face or legs. Exercise when it’s cooler. Nicole suggests exercising early in the morning or in an airconditioned gym or mall. Choose low-impact activities like walking, swimming or prenatal yoga. Take breaks on road trips Prolonged sitting can raise the risk of blood clots, which is already somewhat higher for pregnant women. When traveling, stop frequently to stretch and move around. Bring water along to help you stay hydrated on the road. “Have your ice water on hand all the time,” Nicole says. Stay healthy in every season Explore maternity and women’s services at TexasHealthMansfield.org/Women. Compassionate care for your growing family Schedule an appointment with Nicole Bajwa.
6 TexasHealthMansfield.org Building balance and confidence 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. Boost your water and fiber intake beforehand with fruits, veggies and a supplement, if needed. Continue hydrating well 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 safe, 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! Discover more digestive health services Visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/DigestiveCare. Balance check Can you stand on one foot unsupported for 10 seconds? If not, it may signal reduced balance. Visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/Therapy to learn more about PT. Good balance is a foundational skill we need each day, says Zach McFarlin, PT, DPT, OCS, Manager of Therapy Services at Texas Health Hospital Mansfield. “It allows us to walk safely, react to changes in our environment and stay independent as we age,” he says. Over time, balance can decline and raise our risk of falling due to factors like decreased strength and reaction time, changes in vision and vestibular function, and shifts in the body’s awareness of its position in space. Luckily, you can maintain and improve your balance at any age with regular balance exercises— like this one: Practice standing on one leg for 10 to 20 seconds. Hold on to a chair or counter for safety. Physical therapy (PT) can help improve your balance and reduce your fall risk. A personalized therapy program can also build your confidence. “We want to improve your confidence, too, so that you can get back to doing those things you enjoy,” Zach says.
Summer 2026 7 Get ready for a healthy, happy school year Back-to-school time is around the corner. If you haven’t already done so, scheduling a wellness visit or a sports physical this summer is a good way to help your kids start the school year strong. Well-child checkups and sports physicals help children stay healthy and ready to learn. Wellchild checkups allow providers to evaluate a child’s physical, mental and social well-being. They can check a child’s growth and development; talk about nutrition, exercise and sleep; catch them up on vaccines; and see what’s on their minds. “These visits allow us to catch problems early, before they become bigger issues,” says Jaeeun Go, MD, a primary care and sports medicine physician. “If kids have any questions or concerns, we can answer them.” A sports physical can be part of an annual well-child exam. Sports physicals help determine whether kids can safely participate in school sports by reviewing personal and family health histories for potential red flags, like heart issues. Try to schedule sports physicals about six to eight weeks before the sports season starts. This is recent enough to still be relevant to a child’s health, and it allows time for follow-up care, Dr. Go says. Support for students and families Each year, Texas Health Hospital Mansfield collaborates with schools and community organizations to support families. This includes events like the Back-to-School Bash with Mansfield Independent School District each August. Besides having representatives at such events to connect families with health information and resources, the hospital also contributes financially to help provide backpacks and school supplies. Texas Health Mansfield hosts free on-site physicals for students each May, with team members continuing to volunteer at community events throughout the summer and into early August to help ensure all students have access to required physicals before the start of the school year. Participating in these ways supports Texas Health Mansfield’s broader mission to serve the community beyond the hospital’s walls, says Lindsey Trook, Director of Community Engagement. “If we can help families in our community start the school year prepared and confident, then that’s exactly what we’re here to do,” she says. “If we can help families in our community start the school year prepared and confident, then that’s exactly what we’re here to do.” —Lindsey Trook Checkups for your child For an appointment with Dr. Go, visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/Go.
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. Nonprofit Org U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 2300 Lone Star Road Mansfield, TX 76063-8744 M HONORED TO EARN THE NATION’S HIGHEST QUALITY RATINGS. TexasHealthMansfield.org • 2300 Lone Star Road, Mansfield When a hospital consistently delivers exceptional care, people notice. Patients. Families. Even the experts. That’s why more people are choosing Texas Health Hospital Mansfield for care that feels personal—and performs at the highest level. We’re proud to earn CMS’ highest 5-star rating, an “A” Leapfrog Safety Grade three years running and a 4.6-star Google patient experience rating. But more than the recognition, we’re honored to care for the people who make this community home. Your healthcare journey starts here.
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