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Take a stroll down your grocery store’s pharmaceutical aisle and you’re sure to see them. Hundreds of bottles of dietary supplements—vitamins, minerals, herbs and amino acids—line the shelves at most grocery stores, convenience stores and even online storefronts, and they’re there for good reason. Americans spent almost $50 billion on dietary supplements in 2021! For those suffering from knee aches and pains, many vitamin brands use ingredients like Glucosamine and claim their supplements improve bone or joint health and can help reduce discomfort. But before you add supplements like vitamins to your own cart for knee pain, it’s important to know if they actually reduce knee pain.

Many people claim dietary supplements can help strengthen bones, joints or muscles. A lack of strength in these parts of the body often contributes to common knee problems you might suffer from. 

According to Dr. Lance Ellis, a board certified orthopedic surgeon at Coryell Health who works with patients suffering from joint pain, the most common knee issues he sees can range from “osteoarthritis to meniscus cartilage injuries to knee sprains and more serious fractures, depending on the patient’s age and the casuse of the issue.”

Based on his experience treating patients, Dr. Ellis knows that joint health vitamins including vitamin D, C and E are popular supplements. The question is, do they actually help with common knee problems? Dr. Ellis explained that they can.

“They’re essential for maintaining strong bones and health joints, and the anti-inflammatory properties of these vitamins can help prevent joint damage,” said Dr. Ellis.

There are a couple of lesser-known vitamins that Dr. Ellis often recommends to patients with joint pain and osteoarthritis: glucosamine and chondroitin. Both supplements have been shown to reduce inflammation, promote cartilage growth and improve joint function, making them a valuable addition to any joint health regimen.

Naturally occurring vitamins help your body promote healthy bones and bone density, but supplements are not the end-all-be-all of staying healthy. If you’re looking to prevent knee problems or manage your pain at home, here’s what Dr. Ellis suggests:

“Maintain a healthy diet and engage in regular exercise to promote overall joint health and a healthy weight. Low-impact exercises such as swimming, yoga and cycling can be particularly beneficial for those looking to protect their knees from injury.” 

While surgery may be necessary in some cases, there are a few at-home remedies that might be effective in helping you manage pain, including exercises that strengthen the muscles around the knee, hot and cold therapy and over-the-counter pain relievers.

What Are Vitamins?

Vitamins are nutrients the human body needs to function healthily. Your body only needs small amounts of vitamins and minerals, and most people obtain all their vitamins from their day-to-day diet if they’re consuming balanced meals. Some people might have vitamin deficiencies or aren’t meeting their body’s needs through their regular diet. For these people,  vitamins provide convenient doses of important nutrients their bodies may be missing.

If you’re taking vitamins or looking to add them to your diet to manage knee pain, Coryell Health physicians can recommend relief beyond supplements. Give us a call at (254) 865-2166 to start on the path to overall health and wellness.

Tim Maynard, MD, retires after more than forty years of serving his patients and the Gatesville community as a family practice doctor.

 

Tim Maynard always knew he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps. Dr. Billy Joe Maynard, practiced in Crane for over forty-five years. So, in 1983, when Coryell Memorial’s Dr. Wendell Lowery, Dr. Bruce Watson, and Dr. Stephen Norris recruited him to join their practice in Gatesville, Dr. Maynard set out down the path toward fulfilling his dream to practice small-town medicine like his father.

 

Born in Crane, Texas, Tim graduated from Crane High School in 1972 and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Tech University. He earned his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Texas Southwestern in 1980. He completed his residency at the John Peter Smith Family Practice Program, followed by additional training at the Jefferson Davis Hospital Obstetrics High-Risk Training Program, which certified him to perform cesarean deliveries (C-sections).

 

During his forty years in Gatesville, Dr. Maynard provided care to old and young alike. He delivered over five hundred babies while helping adults battle chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes. As a small-town physician like his father, he saw patients with different types of illnesses and injuries, even treating fractures and assisting with surgeries.

 

Dr. Maynard’s tireless approach to patient care led him to leadership roles throughout his career. He served as Chief of Staff and has been a board member of Coryell Health since 1987. “During his time on the Coryell Health Board of Directors he provided direction from his role as a physician,” said Coryell Health Board President Ronnie Sullins. “He provided invaluable guidance as we have built Coryell into what it is today.”

 

Dr. Maynard retires as a Board Certified Family Practice physician. “Dr. Maynard’s contributions to Gatesville, his patients, and Coryell Health are too numerous to count,” said David Byrom, Coryell Health CEO. “Dr. Maynard is a compassionate person, dedicated to his faith, family, profession, and patients,” said Byrom. “He has always served his community tirelessly. Very much a team player; his knowledge and wisdom have contributed greatly to Coryell’s growth. He truly treated the whole patient, and that is the legacy he leaves.”

 

Sullins reflects on Dr. Maynard’s career and his relationship with the family doctor, “Tim has been a great friend to me and has been my physician since he began his practice in Gatesville. He delivered my two oldest children at Coryell Memorial Hospital and oversaw the health of our family of five for many years. He will be sorely missed.” Dr. Maynard was known for being committed to each patient- giving the individual his full attention. Dr. Maynard has been a wonderful part of our healthcare system, and he never took that responsibility lightly, adds Sullins.

 

Dr. Maynard’s family and plans for the future…

Tim met his wife, B.J., in Plano, Texas. They reconnected in Midland, Texas, at a movie theater by chance, and the rest is history. While he was often busy caring for patients, he made time for his wife and two boys, Casey and Cody, coaching baseball while the boys were young and attending church. He served many years as a deacon and later an elder in the East Main church of Christ. Dr. Maynard and B.J.’s sons married- Casey to Jenna and Cody to Crystal- blessing them with six grandchildren. He plans to enjoy retirement with his wife and grandkids, spending time having fun, playing sports, and especially fishing.

Join us on Saturday, June 3, 2023, for the annual Color the Shivaree Fun Run/Walk, hosted by Coryell Health!

Run/walk through Gatesville and get covered in color as you go. All entrants who register on or before May 14th will get an official Color the Shivaree shirt to show off all the color. Color the Shivaree is fun for the whole family-  the course is a comfortable 1.5 miles- children of all ages are welcome.

Race starts at 8:00am at the Gatesville Chamber of Commerce Deport in the upper left hand corner to the side of Vintage Boutique.

Find out more at https://runsignup.com/Race/Info/TX/Gatesville/ColorTheShivaree2021

National Women’s Check-Up Day was earlier this month. Have you scheduled your routine appointments yet for 2023? Dr. Frank C. Hinds is a gynecologist seeing patients at Coryell Health Medical Clinic- Gatesville. He specializes in treating women’s health issues like irregular menstruation, common reproductive health concerns for women, administers medications and specializes in minimally invasive gynecological surgery. He has over 15 years of experience caring for his patients. Dr. Hinds is accepting new patients and offering low-wait times for appointments. Find out more here: https://coryellhealth.org/frank-c-hinds.

Don’t miss your annual wellness exam with your primary care provider by calling (254) 865-2166. 

Put Your Best Foot Forward With These Tips From a Specialist

You’re probably no stranger to foot pain. Whether you’re on your feet all day for work or have suffered from a foot injury, heel pain is common, and most people will experience it temporarily throughout their lives. Some heel pain, however, is more than just momentary discomfort from long hours on your feet. About two million people in the U.S. suffer from plantar fasciitis, a condition that stems from inflammation in the heel. Here’s what you need to know about plantar fasciitis during Foot Health Awareness Month. 

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that involves the inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs through the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. Some of the most common symptoms include stabbing pain. Typically, those who suffer from plantar fasciitis notice a decrease in pain the more they move, but symptoms might return after standing for long periods of time. Board certified podiatric surgery specialist Dr. James Townson has more than 10 years of experience treating patients who suffer from foot pain.

“The pain is usually most severe when standing after sitting for a long period of time, especially in the morning,” explains Dr. Townson. “This is referred to as post-static dyskinesia.”

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis stems from the thin ligament called the plantar fascia, which runs along the bottom of the foot. This ligament is designed to absorb pressure from walking, running or other types of movement. When too much pressure is applied to the ligament, it can become torn or injured—this injury might lead to inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis and subsequent heel pain. 

“I most often see plantar fasciitis after an injury or a long day in an improper shoe,” says Dr. Townson. “The ligament gets overstretched and pulls from the heel bone slightly. That night, while you are sleeping, the ligament is trying to heal, but as soon as you step down the following morning you re-pull the ligament because it didn’t heal fully. This is the repetitive cycle that results in the condition.”

Remedies for Plantar Fasciitis

Dr. Towson suggests these at-home remedies for heel pain that stems from plantar fasciitis: 

• Change your shoes frequently and wear supportive shoes, not flip-flops
• Orthotics and supportive shoe inserts (Dr. Townson recommends avoiding the “Good Feet” brand
• Stretching
• Icing and anti-inflammatory medication

For those with consistent, uncomfortable pain that won’t subside, Dr. Townson recommends you head into the office for an appointment.

“For patients who come to see me, I’ll examine their feet fully to evaluate the mechanics that are causing the pain,” Dr. Townson explains. “Radiographs will be obtained to ensure there is no other problem occurring that is mimicking plantar fasciitis. Then I’ll develop a treatment plan that works for the patient and is effective for the pain. Sometimes a steroid injection is needed.”

Are you tired of constant foot pain and discomfort disrupting your day? Dr. Townson and the rest of the podiatric team at Coryell Health can help. Schedule an appointment today by calling (254) 865-2166.

Coryell Health has begun its rollout of the OracleCerner electronic health record (EHR) to drive efficiencies across the healthcare system. Integrating a new EHR will streamline access for healthcare providers and provide the community with a better patient care experience.

“This new technology will help solve ongoing challenges in healthcare by utilizing more reliable, intuitive, and useful tools to reduce complexity and help improve the caregiver and patient experience. This state-of-the-art technology will allow us to continue to offer the community a higher quality of care,” said David Byrom, CEO.

“After more than nine months of planning and training, Coryell Health will launch the first phase of the OracleCerner EHR implementation in the hospital, clinics and outpatient departments on March 28^th. The second phase of implementation will include our senior living programs on June 27^th.” said Mecca Starkey, Coryell Health Information Administrator and Cerner Implementation Project Manager.  “Instead of two separate systems, we will have one integrated EHR platform, providing seamless care of patients and residents within one clinical and financial record. The OracleCerner EHR will improve efficiencies with clinical documentation, medical information, registration, scheduling and billing.

Here’s a breakdown of just a few of the highlights:

–              It will improve patient safety by having an integrated system – all patient information in one place.

–              Medication reconciliation will be achieved in one system as patients move through service areas.

–              Surveillance tools are in place for high-risk protocols, such as sepsis.

–              One source for clinical and hospital financial data

My Coryell Patient Portal – a new patient-friendly portal- will able available soon. My Coryell portal will allow patients to securely message providers, request appointments, view and settle financial balances, and access their health history.

“Once the implementation of Oracle Cerner EHR is complete, all of our service lines, including our senior living, will utilize the integrated system,” said Heather Rambeau, Chief Nursing Officer for Coryell Health. “This upgrade will allow for an enhanced continuity of care while improving the patient experience through simpler coordination of treatment, more easily accessible medical records, and a streamlined patient billing process.”

Once the new electronic health record system goes live, clinic and hospital staff will provide registration information to patients for the new My Coryell Patient Portal so they can access pertinent health information. If medical records are needed during this transition, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Coryell Health Information Management at (254) 248-6274.

“Please be patient as we transition to our new OracleCerner EHR,” Starkey adds. “Our goal is to always provide exceptional customer service, and we believe the patient experience at Coryell will improve with the new EHR.”

We are proud to recognize Lesa Rodriguez FNP-C for demonstrating clinical excellence and exceptional healing outcomes.

Lesa Rodriguez is originally from Belton, Texas. She attended Temple College and obtained her Associates in Nursing in 2013. In 2015, she graduated from Texas Tech University with Summa Cum Laude honors. She enjoyed working the Medical Surgical Unit and decided to further her education getting her Masters in Nursing from the University of Texas-Arlington in 2019. Lesa has a particular interest in wound care and helping patients. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, camping, spin class, and reading a good book if the time permits.

To refer a patient or schedule an appointment, call: (254) 248-6204.

To learn more about Coryell Health Advanced Wound Center treatment options, including Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, visit: coryellhealth.org/wound-center.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved — and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommend — that all individuals ages 12 and older receive one updated, “bivalent” booster dose, specifically engineered to fight both the original version of SARS-CoV-2 and the most prevalent Omicron strain of the virus.

The CDC recommends the reformulated Moderna COVID-19 vaccine booster for people ages 18 and older, and the updated Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster for individuals ages 12 and older.

The new bivalent booster replaces the former, monovalent booster dose for those 12 and older. Currently, there are no changes to the COVID-19 vaccine schedule for children ages 6 months to 11 years.

Both vaccines have been authorized for administration at least two months after a patient completes primary COVID-19 vaccinations or receives a previous booster.

Coryell County Medical Authority, Dr. Diedra Wuenschel, wants patients to know, as flu season quickly is approaching, patients safely can receive both the flu vaccine and the new COVID-19 booster during the same appointment. “The bivalent boosters are worth getting. They keep people out of hospitals, save lives and combat the pandemic,” said Wuenschel, who is also Coryell Health Medical Clinic Director and Chief of Staff.  “Luckily, a major new variant hasn’t arisen, but the virus is still evolving. Reigning in the virus with new boosters every few months is not a long-term strategy, but it is all we have now, until a next-generation vaccine is developed that can fight all or most variants and provide long-lasting protection.”

This may be the last free shot; it is the final one Congress has funded. Wuenschel strongly recommends taking advantage of this opportunity.

Find Out When You Can Get Your Booster

Coryell Health Medical Clinic- Gatesville, Bldg. 2, is providing the Bivalent vaccine for walk-in and appointment scheduled patients. Monday- Friday, 8:30am-11:30am – 1:30pm- 4:30pm. Doses for 5-11 year-olds are in route. Follow Coryell Health’s Facebook page for the latest COVID-19 updates.

For more information about the recent booster, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html and/or https://dshs.texas.gov/covidvaccine/.

 

The fall 2022 flu season may hit early and hard this year, so it’s best to get your flu vaccine as soon as possible.

Dr. Diedra Wuenschel, Coryell Health Medical Clinic Director and Coryell County Health Authority, is urging people to get their flu vaccines relatively early this fall.

“Every year, we try to guess when the flu is going to hit and when we should get our vaccines. Some people wait to get their flu shot until right before Thanksgiving in case they’ll be traveling over the holidays,” said Wuenschel.

Her advice: “Don’t wait. Get your flu shot as soon as it’s available.”

Learn more about the newest COVID-19 booster shots

Patients can receive their COVID-19 booster during the same visit as flu vaccine- in the opposite arm.

Wuenschel reminds people that it takes about two weeks after you get your flu shot for the vaccine to fully go into effect.

Getting your flu shot relatively early this year — in September or October — is the best way to brace yourself for what could be an early, virulent flu season.

“The flu vaccine will protect you for four to six months. If you’re a little off on your timing, that’s fine. It’s best to be early this year. If you get your shot too late, it just means you’re more at risk of getting the flu,” adds Wuenschel.

Coryell Health Medical Clinic- Gatesville, Goldthwaite, Moody, Waco and Temple are providing flu shots for walk-in patients. Monday- Friday, 8:30am-11:30am – 1:30pm- 4:30pm.

Coryell accepts most major insurance. Health plans usually cover a set of preventive services like shots and screening tests at no cost to the patient. Uninsured self-pay $35.

https://www.dshs.texas.gov/flu/finder.aspx