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Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, podiatrists have seen some of the sickest patients of their careers—but these patients are not suffering from COVID. Instead, concerned about exposure to the virus, these patients have avoided regular appointments for preventive care or injuries, and as a result, they have severe diabetic foot wounds, infections, and in some cases even gangrene. Podiatrists are performing more amputations and often treating patients at risk of sepsis, a life-threatening systemic infection. Raising awareness of this impact of avoiding care is a goal across the nation during National Diabetes Month. Coryell Health Advanced Wound & Podiatry Center works to raise awareness, educate, and help individuals find resources during Diabetes Month.

Patients with diabetes are at high risk from COVID-19 and should take precautions such as wearing a mask, limiting opportunities for exposure, and maintaining social distance. But APMA member podiatrists strongly encourage all patients, and especially those with diabetes, to keep up with their medical appointments.

Medical facilities are following strict protocols to protect health-care providers and patients, including requiring masks and social distance in waiting rooms and implementing disinfection procedures between patients. If you are concerned, ask your podiatrist’s office about how they will keep you safe and about the possibility of telehealth appointments.

Here are more steps to maintain control over your diabetes during the pandemic:

• Stay Active. Get proper nutrition and exercise. Consider physical activity a prescription to be taken daily!
• Stay Alert. Track your daily blood sugar levels and your A1C. Perform daily foot exams (a caregiver or family member can help) to look for any changes to your feet, including color, temperature, and even minor injuries such as scratches and scrapes. Protect your feet with shoes even around the house to avoid injuries.
• Stay in Contact. Keep up with all appointments with your diabetes care team and reach out to your podiatrist immediately if you notice a wound, injury, or other changes to your feet.

Regular care to maintain your foot health and overall health is essential, particularly in light of the pandemic. Don’t neglect your regular care out of fear of COVID-19. Keep your appointment, and keep your feet! If you have any concerns about your feet, please call our Podiatry and Wound Center at (254) 248-6204.

#DiabetesAwarenessMonth #Diabetes #CoryellHealth

Rural communities are wonderful places to live and work- we know this!  National Rural Health Day brings to light the beautiful and challenging landscape, requiring unique approaches to healthcare. National Rural Health Day celebrates the providers, healthcare professionals, essential workers and community leaders who keep the spirit of small-town America alive in the best way possible.

Thank you for all you do to keep your rural community healthy and strong! #CentralTexasStrong #PowerofRural #TeamCoryellHealth #NRHD

Coryell Health is excited to announce the opening of a new clinic in downtown Moody, TX.  The clinic, located at 404 Ave E, is the 4th location owned and operated by Coryell Health, a non-profit community health organization committed to quality rural health care.  This marks the continued growth and commitment to improving access to extraordinary patient care.

“The opening of the all new Moody clinic is a great milestone for the community and Coryell Health,” said David Byrom, CEO. “Our primary goal has been to provide each and every patient with the highest level of quality care, and to make that excellent care available to all the communities we serve. This clinic allows us to provide further patient access to communities in rural Texas and we’re grateful for the opportunity, and the outpouring of community support for Dr. Liebing and our clinic team.”

“I am thrilled to be part of the team providing primary and specialty care in Moody. We have family medicine available five days a week as well as visiting Orthopedics, Ortho Spine, Pain Management and Podiatry,” said Dr. Steve Liebing, MD, Family Medicine, Coryell Health Medical Director- Moody. “I look forward to gaining the trust of patients in Moody and keeping them healthy and active for years to come.”

To learn more about Coryell Health services, please call (254) 865-2166 or visit coryellhealth.org/.
Patients can call the Moody location directly for appointments at (254) 853-9603.

Roger Miller, Coryell County Judge, appointed and swore in Dr. Diedra Wuenschel, Coryell Health Medical Clinic Director, as Coryell County Health Authority Friday.

“It is a privilege to serve Coryell County,” Wuenschel said. “As a doctor and a member of the community, I personally have a vested interest, with a firsthand view of the happenings in the community, including the hospital, clinics, local retail locations, as well as I have children in the school system. I am available to work with the County to help ensure we are living in a safe community.”

“A County Health Authority is a physician, appointed by the Commissioners Court for a two-year term, who administers state and local laws relating to public health within a local government’s jurisdiction,” explained Miller. “Since the beginning of the pandemic, the county has collaborated with our local health system’s leadership, as well as with the local school system in an effort to protect, educate, identify cases of coronavirus in our area, and ensure we have the plans and resources the community needs as the current COVID-19 pandemic continues to progress.”

Dr. Diedra Wuenschel, board certified family practice physician, joined the Coryell Health in 2011. Dr. Wuenschel is the Coryell Health Medical Director for RehabLiving, the Medical Director of the Coryell Health Medical Clinic of Gatesville and Mills County, as well as elected Chief of Staff.

VIDEO: Dr. Wuenschel discusses how the medical field has changed to adapt to COVID-19 , including car visits, employee, patient, and nursing home resident testing, and collaboration with County and local school leadership, and more:

 

Dr. Wuenschel was drawn to rural medicine so families didn’t have to travel far for medical care. “When you treat patients in small communities you get to know them and their families, often caring for multiple generations,” said Dr. Wuenschel. “You can make a difference to not only individual patients, but to the community as a whole. There is a continuity of care and a kind of gratification that’s very hard to find in any other kind of practice.”

When she is not treating patients in Gatesville and Mills County clinic locations, Dr. Wuenschel enjoys singing, helping at the family owned restaurant, and spending time with her husband and children on their farm.

Health Authorities (HA) serve as a critical part of the state’s public health system. Health and Safety Code establishes and defines a Health Authority in Texas as a physician appointed under the provisions of Chapter 121, to administer state and local laws relating to public health within an appointing body’s jurisdiction. Health Authorities are considered an officer of the state when performing duties to implement and enforce laws that protect the public’s health.

https://dshs.state.tx.us/rls/lha/Department-of-State-Health-Services-Appointed-Health-Authority.aspx

It’s National Diabetes Awareness Month. Did you know that having diabetes can put some people at greater risk for developing foot problems? Managed improperly, diabetes can cause nerve damage, skin issues, blood flow problems and more. Dr. Gary Cramer, DPM, a board-certified podiatric surgeon and wound care specialist, can create a customize care plan and advise you on good foot care practices to keep your feet healthy if you’re living with diabetes. #DiabetesAwarenessMonth #diabetes #CoryellHealth

National First Responders Day in October recognizes the heroic men and women who run towards danger and take immediate action when disaster strikes. Over the years, Coryell Health has seen first-hand the men and women who act quickly when an emergency is at hand. Our paramedics, EMTs, dispatchers, police, firefighters, doctors, and nurses always deserve our gratitude and respect, but there are also many other unsung heroes working behind the scenes- answering calls, cleaning, making repairs- all vital in keeping us safe and healthy. We are grateful to you all and we support you, today and every day. #ThankYouFirstResponder #CentralTexasStrong

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.