Category: Uncategorized

Say Boo to the Flu! Drive Thru Flu Shot Clinic
Coryell Health Medical Clinic, Bldg 1
Saturday, October 31, 2020 ǀ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Our staff will be in costume- ready to get you in and out quickly- with a little fun & treats to go!
Bring insurance card, ID and list of medications and/or allergies.
https://fb.me/e/1Eq32wKFz

Coryell Health is proud to announce that Connie Allen, RN, CNOR Director of Surgery, was recently honored with the national Outstanding Achievement in PeriOperative Nursing Management Award. Connie was selected for the award by the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), the leader in advocating for excellence in perioperative practice and healthcare.

 

Connie began her nursing career in 1974, as a nurse aide for a nursing home in Whitney, TX. Connie continued school while working and completed her registered nurse (RN) licensure. She continued to work in Central Texas, moving into educational and leadership positions.  In 2012 she accepted a position at Coryell Health as a Registered Nurse First Assistant, later moving into the Director of Surgery positon because of her extensive knowledge and training. Surgical service lines she was responsible for adding include orthopedics and orthopedic spine, and vascular, expanding general surgery, podiatry, pain management and ear/nose& throat procedures. Coryell Health also purchased an orthopedic robot and other advanced equipment under her leadership.

Connie was selected for the Outstanding Achievement in PeriOperative Nursing Management Award for her management and implementation of policies and procedures and assistance and coordination of the development of the new surgical suites, an endoscopy room, private pre and post op patient rooms, a pain management suite, and a cath lab. She provides daily leadership for her perioperative team, while focusing on patient safety by following and exceeding state and federal guidelines.

Coryell Health is grateful for Connie and her team!

Group photo left to right: Roger Williams, MD, Anesthesia; Lawrence Elikan, MD, Anesthesia; Connie Allen, RN, CNOR, Surgery Director; Richard Hurley, MD, Pain Management; Stephen Norris, MD, General Surgery; Lance Ellis, DO, Orthopedic Spine Surgery

Award photo left to right: Heather Rambeau, CNO; Connie Allen, RN, CNOR Surgery Director; David Byrom, CEO- Coryell Health

Breast Cancer Awareness Month, recognized across the globe every October, helps to increase attention and support for the awareness, early detection and treatment of this disease. Regular self-checks, breast exams by your provider, and yearly mammograms beginning at age 40, should be part of every woman’s early detection routine.

There is no need to drive out of town for routine diagnostic screenings. Ask your primary care provider to send a referral to Coryell Health Diagnostic Imaging to schedule your mammogram today.

To find out more about breast exams visit https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/clinical-breast-exam.

What better time of year to be excited about wearing a mask than Halloween? Face masks have been a Halloween tradition for years, but Trick or Treaters and party goers need to be sure the mask they wear is effective in stopping the spread of COVID-19.

Additionally, holiday gatherings can contribute to the spread of other infectious, respiratory diseases, such as influenza. Getting an annual flu vaccination is another essential part of protecting you and your family’s health this holiday season. CDC recommends anyone 6 months of age and older get vaccinated by October 31^st.

Say Boo to the Flu

Coryell Health Flu Fighters are hosting Drive Thru Flu Shot Clinic

Medical Clinic, Bldg 1

Saturday, October 31, 2020

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

And remember, the CDC reminds everyone to not host or participate in any in-person festivities if you or anyone in your household:

• Has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and has not met the criteria for when it is safe to be around others
• Has symptoms of COVID-19
• Is waiting for COVID-19 viral test results
• May have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days
• Is at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19

The CDC released a report on deferral or avoidance of care due to the pandemic. It found that 41% of Americans delayed or avoided medical treatment, including 12% who needed emergency care and 32% who needed routine care. Adults who are at highest risk for COVID-19 complications were the most likely to report avoiding care during the pandemic. No matter what kind of care or treatment you need, our doctors and specialists are ready to help. During this time, it’s still important to look after yourself by getting the time-sensitive medical care you need to stay healthy.

At Coryell Health Medical Clinic, we are committed to providing the best care option for your needs, whether that’s a telehealth, car-visit, or in-person visit. Call us today to discuss your personal care plan, (254) 865-2166. Coryell Health Quick Care Walk-In Clinic in Gatesville, TX, is open Monday-Friday 8:00am – 8:00 pm and Saturday from 8:00 am-6pm. Flu shots are given on a walk-in basis Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

There are many questions to consider before pursuing spine surgery. Is surgery necessary to treat the issue or would a non-surgical method be more appropriate? If surgery is required, is it better to have traditional spine surgery or minimally invasive spine surgery? What is minimally invasive spine surgery and how does it differ from traditional spine surgery? Dr. Lance Ellis, orthopedic spine surgeon at Coryell Health, can answer your questions and provide you a range of customized options. Dr. Ellis is accepting new patients and sees patients in Gatesville, Copperas Cove, Comanche, and Waco. At Coryell Health our pain specialists can also diagnose and treatment acute and chronic pain conditions with clinics in multiple locations. The discomfort caused by neck and back pain can disrupt your life and keep you from doing the things you love. Call us today to for an appointment at (254) 865-2166 or visit our website at www.coryellhealth.org.

Coryell Health Medical Clinic is excited to welcome a well respected and seasoned Cardiologist to Coryell County. Dr. Abdul Keylani, MD comes from the Ft Worth area where he was Chief of Cardiology and where he trained recent cardiology graduates and maintained a large practice. He takes care of all aspects of cardiac patient care, from diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease, interventional stent placements, peripheral vascular disease and valve replacements with the TAVR procedure.
Dr. Keylani will be working in partnership with Waco Heart and Vascular to provide a full range of cardiology coverage and care to Gatesville and the surrounding area. They will focus on expanding access to quality cardiac care resources at home with the goal of keeping the patients in their local environment instead of having to travel back and forth to Waco and Temple for advanced cardiac care. Dr. Keylani will also oversee the opening of the first cath lab in Coryell County; a $2 million investment in our “big city medicine with a small town feel”.
“Expanding our existing cardiology program at Coryell Health is critical to maintaining access and choice in our community,” said David Byrom, CEO. “We are adding not just Dr. Keylani, but a whole team of physicians that have vast experience in the Central Texas region creating solutions to making cardiac care more convenient, efficient and focused on the long-term wellness of our patients without unnecessary travel.”
Coryell Health Cardiopulmonary offers comprehensive cardiac care services including nuclear stress tests, echocardiogram, TEE ultrasound, heart monitors, cardiac and pulmonary rehab, peripheral vascular evaluations and treatments (carotids, aorta, and extremities).

Dr. Keylani is accepting new patients immediately and is available to continue to care for patients already active in Coryell Health cardiopulmonary care.
To make an appointment or find out more, please call (254) 865-2166.

As the country continues to curb COVID-19, keeping space between yourself and others can help save lives—especially among those with respiratory problems or diabetes. However, as the new school year starts, both children and parents are learning to change their daily activities to fit the social distancing guidelines. If the return of class and homework has you looking for strategies to create structure while staying home, here are several effective and engaging ways to help kids adapt.

How Parents Can Create Structure While Home With Kids

1. Create a Routine

While most activities will be taking place at home, your family should still follow a routine that promotes balance. For instance, when school finishes for the day, you should limit the time your kids spend in front of screens. Instead, encourage engaging activities, such as reading, painting, or cooking.

Also, sticking to regular wake and sleep patterns helps children develop a balanced circadian rhythm. This ensures that they get enough rest each night to support their immune health, energy levels, and development.

2. Tackle Home Projects

When boredom strikes, think about ways you and your kids can make your home a better place to live—such as by starting a garden, painting the walls, organizing the playroom, or raking the lawn.

Pursuing these activities together will help your children feel more accomplished and develop a greater appreciation for the home. It will also reinforce lessons on teamwork, which kids may be missing when they aren’t in the classroom with their peers.

3. Prioritize Physical Activity

By staying active, your child will strengthen their heart and muscles. Regular fitness will also help them relieve stress, as well as prevent obesity and diabetes.

Ideally, children should get about an hour of activity each day. To make the experience more engaging, introduce your child to a mix of fun indoor and outdoor activities. For example, you could go on family hikes, create an obstacle course, or start learning yoga.

4. Practice Patience

If your child gets frustrated or expresses negativity, you should be patient and gently encourage them toward positive thoughts. Whenever tense moments happen, encourage your family to take a break, practice rhythmic breathing, and channel energy into productive activities. These steps can help reduce stress and make adapting to being home easier.

 

Keeping your family healthy and happy isn’t a task you have to take on your own. Our team at Coryell Health in Gatesville, TX, offers compassionate and accessible medical services to tend to physical and mental wellness for adults and children. We provide immunizations and routine checkups to ensure everyone in your home is healthy. We also offer specialized medical services to help manage diabetes and other chronic conditions. Visit our health center online to learn more about our services. Call us at (254) 865-2166 to schedule an appointment.

Steve Liebing, DO, family medicine physician, joined Coryell Health August 2020. Dr. Liebing, originally from Pasco, Washington, graduated from Brigham Young University – Idaho with a bachelor of science degree in exercise science. He continued his medical education at the A.T. Still University- Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his training with Waco Family Medicine Residency Program, where he served as Chief Resident.

Dr. Liebing grew up on a farm and has a special interest in rural and underserved medicine, as well as behavioral health.

When not practicing medicine, Dr. Liebing enjoys spending time with his wife and children, woodworking, hunting, fishing, and cooking.

Dr. Liebing is accepting new patients at Coryell Health Medical Clinic, Building 2. To book an appointment call (254) 865-2166 or to find out more about Dr. Liebing, please visit https://coryellhealth.org/physicians/steven-liebing-do/.

The latest surge in COVID-19 cases in our community has presented the challenge of meeting increased demand for COVID-19 convalescent plasma, an experimental treatment for seriously ill COVID-19 patients.  Daily orders from our area hospitals for convalescent plasma exceed available inventory.

As a blood drive coordinator we appreciate the direct connection you have with both blood donors and the community.  We have all come to know friends, family members or co-workers who have been diagnosed and recovered from COVID-19.

Your help is needed to recruit recovered COVID-19 patients to share their immunity and become convalescent plasma donors.  Please share this informational sheet within your organization.  It is a simple process to register to donate, and the community’s need is great.  To learn more about how to help provide plasma for treating COVID-19, visit here.

A couch is a cozy spot for kids to spend their time. However, if your little one is lounging too often, they may not be getting enough exercise. Routine fitness is necessary to help growing children avoid numerous health risks—such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Specifically, children should get at least one hour of physical activity a day. If you want to help your child become more active, here are a few strategies.

5 Tips to Jump-Start Your Child’s Physical Activity

1. Get Involved

Set a reliable example for your children by participating in exercises on your own, as well as with them. Some easy family activities include playing catch in the park, walking the dog, going for bike rides, or taking a hike in nature. These are fun ways to introduce fitness to your child without making it seem like a workout. A fun and easy way to have active fun together is to prop up the iPad or other device and follow along with kids yoga videos, like this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZpkRAcgws4.

2. Make It Fun

If your child has a short attention span or doesn’t like standard sports, look for ways to mix-up their activities and make them more exciting. One way is to make fitness a game—such as by creating an outdoor scavenger hunt.

Many fun toys can also keep kids moving—such as chalk to play hopscotch, bouncy balls for tossing, and jump ropes to see how long they can go without stopping.

 

3. Stay Positive

Negative language won’t motivate your kids and can add extra stress to the situation. Instead, focus on positive encouragement that shows your little one the importance of exercise. For example, you can compliment them on their performance and say how proud you are of their efforts. Stuck inside? Try headstands, jumping rope, build a furniture obstacle course, and have wheelbarrow, crab or bear-walk races. Even older kids will want to get in on the fun!

4. Limit Screen Time

Reducing the time your child spends looking at digital screens gives them less incentive to lounge around the house. Consult with their pediatrician to see how much screen time is appropriate for their age. Then, try to keep televisions, smartphones, and tablets away until your child exercises for the day.

5. Set a Schedule

Between parents’ full-time jobs and kids’ hectic school schedules, it can be challenging to find time for health and wellness activities. However, by incorporating exercise into the schedule, you can make the activity as important as other daily essentials—such as eating breakfast, brushing teeth, or doing homework.

If you’re worried about your child’s fitness level, talk to one of our caring physicians at Coryell Health. We offer primary and specialty care for patients of all ages throughout Gatesville, TX.  For more details on our services for the entire family, visit us online. Call (254) 865-2166 to schedule an appointment.

As an organization, we continue to grow, have new positions open, and new faces to welcome to Coryell. With these changes in mind, we wanted to share glimpse of some of our nursing leadership team. These nurses from across our campus not only manage their own nursing teams, but they are not afraid to roll up their sleeves and give assistance to patients or fellow staff members. Leading by example while working side by side with their amazing nurse teams they continue to be on the front lines during COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you to all our Coryell Health nurses and care teams. Because of you, we live in a happier, healthier world.

#TeamCoryellHealth

Whether your child is entering preschool, kindergarten or heading off to high school, the beginning of the school year is a good time to schedule your child’s annual physical.

“For a lot of families, the yearly physical is the only time they come into our office because their children are generally healthy otherwise,” said Diedra Wuenschel, DO, Coryell Health Medical Clinic Director and Chief of Medical Staff. “However, a back-to-school visit is very important. We include a head-to-toe physical exam, review a patient’s health history, and discuss any concerns about diet, exercise, sleep or school performance.”

The exam begins with checking a patient’s vital signs, height and weight, progress on the growth chart, and hearing and vision tests. Practitioners will also discuss immunization schedules with parents. If vaccines are warranted, they are administered after the exam.

“A sports physical can count as the yearly physical,” she said. “We check all the muscle groups and make sure the kids are fit to play sports, and we sign any necessary sports clearance forms,” adds Dr. Wuenschel.

Regardless of the age of the child, preventative care is essential to getting a healthy start to the school year and beyond.

“We encourage all parents to make that yearly well child appointment as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics,” Dr. Wuenschel said. “Even if your children are currently healthy, it’s important to maintain their health. A regular checkup at the start of the school year is an excellent start.”

To schedule an appointment or find out more, please call Coryell Health Medical Clinic at (254) 865-2166.