First Aid 101: What You Need to Know

When disaster strikes, you are the help until help arrives. Having a first aid kit available and knowing how to use it helps protect you and your loved ones in the event of an emergency.

First Aid Kit Checklist

It’s best practice to have a first aid kit handy at home and in the car. You never know when you, your loved ones or a pedestrian might need care on the go.

Consider your family members and consult your family medicine physician when customizing your first aid kit to meet your family’s unique healthcare needs.

Example 1: Equip your kits with antihistamine medicine and an epinephrine injector if someone has a severe allergy.

Example 2: Include a juice box, glucose tablets and an emergency glucagon injection kit if someone in your household lives with diabetes.

Download and print your first aid kit checklist here.

 

Put Your Kit to Use

A first aid kit is only as effective as the person using it. Here’s how to put your first aid kit to use in treating several common injuries:


Keep Your Kit Updated

Make sure to use and replace any supplies in your first aid kit before they expire. Set a reminder to update the supplies in your kit every six months and/or as the healthcare needs of your family change.

If you or your loved ones experience a serious emergency, call 911. For minor injuries that a first aid kit can’t fix, contact Coryell Health family medicine for personalized healthcare. Our family medicine physicians build meaningful relationships with patients, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming experience. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (254) 865-2166 today.

Coryell Health to host a FREE Lunch & Learn: Medicare 101

An Open Enrollment Educational Seminar – The ABCs of Medicare Basics

Coryell Health will host a Medicare 101 Lunch & Learn at the Gatesville Civic Center on October 3, 2023 from 11:30am – 1:00pm. Join us for the free seminar where seniors citizens and caregivers will have an opportunity to speak with both Medicare and benefits counselors and have questions answered by Central Texas area experts.

Event Key Takeaways:

  • The difference between Original Medicare, Medicare Supplements, and Medicare Advantage plans.
  • An Explanation of the four parts of Medicare (A-D).
  • What does Medicare cost?
  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of Medicare Advantage Plans?

 

Advantage Plan Health insurers are flooding the potential Medicare Advantage market again this fall with enticing offers of plans with no monthly price tag. Sounds good—but be wary. Choosing between the two requires careful consideration of your finances and health needs. Advantage plans can carry hidden risks, especially for people with significant health issues.

“Some people in Medicare Advantage end up paying unexpectedly high costs when they become ill or find their network lacks the providers they need,” says David Byrom, CEO of Coryell Health. “Our seniors deserve access to timely, affordable care in their home communities. Making an informed choice about your health insurance coverage depends on having all the information. We encourage our Medicare-eligible residents to ask questions before selecting a Medicare Advantage plan.”

Register to attend at www.coryellhealth.org/medicare101 or call (254) 248-6380.

Coryell Health Welcomes New ENT Doctor

Coryell Health is thrilled to welcome Dr. Bradford Holland, MD, to our Gatesville and Waco clinics. Dr. Holland is an otolaryngologist—head & neck surgeon (or ear, nose, and throat doctor) with over 20 years of experience and many accolades.

Background

A Colorado native, Dr. Holland graduated with honors from the University of Colorado on one of 50 Boettcher Scholarships awarded each year. During his undergraduate career, he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and double majored in biochemistry and molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. 

After graduating summa cum laude from the University of Colorado, Dr. Holland attended medical school at UT Southwestern. He served as class vice president and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

While completing his Bowman Gray School of Medicine internship and residency at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, he was awarded the Outstanding Resident Teaching Award for his various research papers.

Dr. Holland is board certified by the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery and achieved Fellow status in the American College of Surgeons. He’s also served as the president of the Texas Association of Otolaryngology, the Speaker of the House of the Texas Medical Association and a member of Texas Medicine’s editorial board.

When he’s not treating patients, Dr. Holland enjoys spending time with his wife and children, hunting, winter sports, fishing, politics and photography. As a cancer survivor himself, Dr. Holland has volunteered with the Central Texas American Cancer Society and served as a chair of its medical advisory board. He’s also a music enthusiast and has served as the president of the Waco Symphony Association. 

Services

Dr. Holland treats patients of all ages, from infants to adults. He consistently receives 4.6 to 5-star ratings across review platforms, with patients describing him as friendly, caring and professional.

If you’re experiencing pain or any of these ENT issues, please call (254) 865-2166 to inquire about scheduling an appointment. At Coryell Health, we’re dedicated to serving your ENT needs by providing quality care close to home.

The Link Between Obesity and Chronic Pain

Could Diet and Exercise Be The Solution?

What’s an everyday activity that brings you joy? Is it playing with your kids? Walking your dog? Having a dance party while loading the laundry? When suffering from chronic pain, these ordinary moments can seem impossible to enjoy.

Solutions to Chronic Pain

Chronic pain isn’t necessarily curable, but physical therapy and massages may help reduce it. However, the best ways to decrease chronic pain are following a healthy diet and regularly exercising.

Exercise improves your body’s muscular and skeletal health and releases your body’s pain-fighting molecules. It also improves your mental health, boosting your mood and releasing endorphins. Several ways to lose weight and treat back pain include:

 

1. Exercising consistently

Regular physical activity may reduce chronic pain by building muscle strength and by decreasing fatigue, pain sensitivity and inflammation. Going for a walk or taking the stairs each day are a few ways to add a bit of exercise to your schedule.

2. Eating smaller portions

The saying “you are what you eat” applies to chronic pain. Chronic pain is partially linked to inflammation. Reducing portions and eating foods rich in polyphenols like whole fruits, dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, legumes and whole grains may help reduce inflammation.

3. Maintaining proper posture

It may be more relaxing to slouch, but when you practice proper posture, your bones and joints stay in alignment and help relieve chronic pain. Sitting up straight reduces stress on the spinal joints’ ligaments and allows your muscles to work more efficiently.

4. Trying water therapy

When the body is submerged to the chest, about 80% of the body’s weight is afloat. This allows a patient to retrain muscles and joints in a soothing setting where the body can heal faster and exercise more easily. Warm water also works directly on the skin as a pain reliever while exercising.

5. Setting an earlier bedtime

Getting adequate rest on a regular basis helps the body function to the best of its ability. Sleep reduces levels of stress, and sleep decreases levels of stress. Try getting at least seven hours of sleep each night and set a consistent bedtime to help ease chronic pain.

What Is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain lasts three months or longer and may not improve with typical medical treatment. Although it’s most commonly felt in the back, hips, knees or feet, it can be experienced in any part of the body.

About 50 million U.S. adults reportedly experience chronic pain every year. They often describe having “good days and bad days.” One day, they may feel fine and the next, their pain may flare up again unexpectedly. Chronic pain lowers your capacity to work, participate in social activities and maintain interpersonal relationships. It also negatively impacts your mental health and may increase feelings of isolation, frustration and anxiety.

 

Dr. Austin Horrocks, DO

What Causes Chronic Pain?

According to Dr. Austin Horrocks, DO, common causes of chronic pain include poor eating habits and a lack of exercise. “Processed food and foods high in sugar can directly trigger or worsen inflammation that may already be present,” Dr. Horrocks says. “By eliminating or significantly decreasing these foods in your diet, you can decrease the level of inflammation in your body.

How Obesity Affects Chronic Pain

Due to obesity’s ability to increase mechanical stress on your body, obesity is associated with an increased risk of chronic lower back pain. By nature, body fat is pro-inflammatory, and an unhealthy diet may cause even more inflammation. Obesity also increases fatigue and suppresses normal hormone levels.

Extra weight adds strain to the back’s muscles and ligaments. As a result, the spine may tilt to compensate for the extra weight. Excess stomach weight typically pulls the pelvis forward, which increases lumbar lordosis and may lead to aggravated lower back pain, herniated discs or osteoarthritis.

 

 

 

 

If you or a loved one are experiencing chronic pain, Coryell Health’s team of physicians can help you manage or lessen the symptoms. We help patients lose weight every single day through our Ideal Protein program, bariatric surgery and other services. Consulting a doctor to establish weight loss goals is a great place to start. Call (254) 865-2166 today to schedule an appointment!

Can Vitamins Help Minimize Your Knee Pain?

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.

Pillar of Gatesville Medical Community Retires After Four Decades of Service

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.

Color The Shivaree Fun Run/Walk

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

Spilling the Tea on Sports Drinks and Sodas: What Parents Need To Know

As the temperatures in Central Texas heat up, many of us find ourselves reaching for a cool drink to stay hydrated. When is it appropriate to grab a sports or electrolyte drink, and when is it best to go with water? Eric Chudej, MD, and Rhonda Mangum, FNP, help us understand what the best drinks are for hydration.

What Are Sports Drinks? 

Sports drinks are popular, sugary drinks that contain ingredients that claim to aid the body’s efforts at replenishing hydration. Sports drinks contain sugar as carbohydrates, like glucose, high-fructose corn syrup and sucrose. These sugars are meant to help the body hydrate and give the drinks their sweet flavor. Sports drinks also contain a small amount of sodium and electrolytes. “While it is used to improve taste, sodium also aids in fluid retention and absorption,” adds Nurse Mangum. Electrolytes help the body absorb water—a dehydrated body often lacks necessary electrolytes which can inhibit nerve and muscle function.

Sports drinks should encourage voluntary fluid consumption, stimulate rapid fluid absorption, supply carbohydrates for improved performance, augment physiological response, and speed rehydration. They should also be isotonic, meaning they’re in balance with the body’s fluids.

Our bodies respond very quickly to the ingestion of fluids. A person may stop drinking due to the disappearance of thirst, before rehydration takes place. This is why sports drinks can offer benefits that plain water alone cannot. Sports drinks have the appropriate balance of energy and electrolytes that will encourage rehydration to happen quickly, and are less likely to be discarded prematurely.

Sports drinks were designed for those performing intense physical activity. In fact, the original sports drink, Gatorade, was developed to help replenish carbohydrates and electrolytes in high-intensity athletes at the University of Florida in 1965. Over the years, doctors have often recommended Gatorade for people who are suffering from mild dehydration due to diarrhea or the flu to help replenish the body of important lost elements.

Is It Smart To Consume Sports Drinks?

Studies show sports drinks can help adult athletes hydrate, but there is a lack of evidence supporting the same results in children. For children who are exercising or playing sports, providing sports drinks like Gatorade could be helpful in replenishing fluid and electrolytes, but there’s no concrete evidence that proves these drinks are helpful. Dr. Chudej says that “Sports drinks may encourage children to drink more liquid because of their sweet flavor and bright colors—in that way, sports beverages may help children hydrate more than standard water when exercising,” adding, “For children and adults simply spending time outdoors without exerting much energy, electrolytes aren’t necessary, so you can stick to water instead of Gatorade.”

How Does Soda Play In?

It’s important to note that other popular sugary drinks, like sodas, are not recommended for hydration. “While kids may be more likely to drink soda than water, studies show that sodas actually worsen dehydration,” adds Nurse Mangum.

Let’s Not Water Down the Facts: Why is H2O So Important?

Proper hydration can help improve sleep quality, brain functions and boost your energy and mood. Besides being the best way to hydrate, water has other positive effects on the body. Water has no calories, so it can also help manage body weight and reduce intake of calories and sugar. In contrast, there are 138 calories in a single can of Coke and 80 calories in one 12-ounce bottle of Gatorade.

According to Dr. Chudej, “Fluids should be consumed with most exercise, especially if it is strenuous/fatiguing. Generally intake is adequate if thirst is quenched. Non-caffeinated sports drinks are “safe” but could be considered “unhealthy” if the calorie content is excessive. Usually, this will not be an issue with regular exercise as calorie intake and expenditure will be balanced out.”

Nurse Magnum said it well: “We should consider our activity level when we determine which drinks we should consume to replace our fluids. If we are exerting ourselves by exercising or doing yard work, electrolyte replacement drinks are a good option. However, if we are not exerting ourselves we really only need water for replacement.”

What about other drinks, such as soda? According to Nurse Mangum, “Soda does not replenish fluids. It can actually cause more dehydration. Caffeine is a natural diuretic which means it makes more urine, causing more dehydration. Increased sugar intake also causes the cells to make more urine, causing dehydration. Artificial sweeteners affect our hydration level negatively.”

Signs of Dehydration

Symptoms of dehydration in adults and children include:

  • Feeling thirsty
  • Dark yellow, strong-smelling urine
  • Urinating less often than usual
  • Feeling dizzy, lightheaded and/or tired
  • Dry mouth and tongue and cracked lips

1 National Library of Medicine

2 Healthline

The Bottom Line

“Save your money and drink water,” said Dr. Chudej. Water should be the primary hydration source for children and adults. Sports drinks should only be used during times of high intensity and prolonged athletic events or if it is the only way to get your child to consume enough fluids.

If you have any questions about hydration during exercise, please make sure to consult your Coryell Health primary care provider

Dr. Hinds Blogette for National Women’s Check-Up Day

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. 

Coryell Health Welcomes New Doctor to Waco Clinic

Dr. Eric Chudej, family medicine physician, is from the greater Waco area, and grew up in West, TX. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor of science in biology. From there, Dr. Chudej continued his medical education at Texas Tech University HSC spending two years in Lubbock and then two years in El Paso. After receiving his medical degree, he completed residency training at Waco Family Health Center.

Dr. Chudej comes to Coryell Health with a wide range of experience treating a variety of patients, from infants to seniors. Often providing care for entire families, Dr. Chudej has seen some patients since they were infants, finding it rewarding to watch them grow into healthy and happy teens.

Dr. Chudej treats minor illnesses and injuries, along with more complex conditions. He enjoys educating patients on wellness, nutrition, exercise, and weight management. Dr. Chudej has a special interest in helping patients with chronic medical conditions regain control of their health and improve their overall well-being.

When not helping patients, Dr. Chudej stays busy with his wife and children participating in league sports, swimming, and fishing.

Common services include:

  • Regular physical exams and annual wellness checks
  • Prescribing medications such as antibiotics to treat illnesses or birth control
  • Treating minor illnesses and injuries like the seasonal flu or sinus infections, skin conditions and sleep issues
  • Managing chronic conditions
  • Screenings for common health problems

Contact Us

Main (254) 248-6401  fax Fax (254) 248-6255

Appointments & Insurance

Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. To schedule an appointment, please call (254) 248-6401. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.

Accepting self-pay and most major insurance including: Medicare │ Medicaid │Tricare │BSW Health Plan│BCBS │United Healthcare

 

Bio: coryellhealth.org/physicians/eric-chudej-md/

Are lumps the only symptom of breast cancer?

Are lumps the only symptom of breast cancer? The short answer is no. Make sure you’re familiar with some of the other common, less talked-about signs of breast cancer that might alert you to the disease earlier, enabling faster treatment and a higher likelihood of treatment success. Keep your eyes out for a change in breast or nipple shape, new dimples in the skin on your chest, or new pain or redness of the skin. Coryell’s mammography services offer the latest technology and the most in-depth screenings to help you have peace of mind. Plus, when you schedule your appointment, we can get you in just days later. (254) 248-6238

Fidget Toys: Do They Actually Help Minimize Distraction?

For students and adults who have trouble focusing, the fidget spinner promised increased rates of attention and a higher likelihood of staying on task. But do fidget toys, like fidget spinners, actually provide any benefits for users? 

What Is A Fidget Toy

The objects reached the height of their popularity in 2017, but the idea for “fidget toys” has existed much longer. The toys largely gained traction due to their popularity on social media, becoming staples inside and outside the classroom setting. The most recognizable fidget toy, the fidget spinner, is usually flat, with two to three “legs” that rotate around the center of the object, but fidget toys take on many shapes and sizes. Fidget toys are promoted to help those who have trouble focusing, want to relieve nervous energy or anxiety, and retailers specifically advertise these toys to parents of children who have ADHD and autism.

Why Are Fidget Toys Popular?

Around 6 million U.S. children are diagnosed with ADHD. ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, manifests in symptoms that include the inability to focus, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Some small-scale studies have shown a correlation between higher levels of movement or fidgeting and increased rates of attention in children with ADHD. Studies like this have led to the rapid acceptance of fidget spinners, especially among parents of children with ADHD or other attention disorders, as a method of minimizing distraction. 

Do Fidget Toys Help Users Focus?

It’s important to note there is a lack of peer-reviewed evidence proving the legitimacy of fidget spinners and other toys—before we can prove fidget spinners are effective, more studies need to be conducted. The studies that have been done have produced mixed results. Some studies have shown immediate helpfulness, followed by an attention drop-off in children using fidget toys in a classroom setting.

It’s important to note that, though once popular in classrooms across the country, fidget spinners have been banned by many schools, from the elementary to high school levels. Teachers, administrators and parents claim these toys cause further distraction among students and actually prevent children from focusing on class work instead of encouraging it. 

While there’s not a wealth of proven, tested information on the validity of fidget toys, it may be worth trying one out for yourself or your child at home. Talk to your Coryell Health family medicine physician for more information about fidget toys, or reach out to them today to learn more about studied, verified tools or medications to increase rates of attention in children and adults.