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For allergy, asthma, fever, burns, bumps and bruises- don’t delay the care you need. If you have an illness or injury this holiday weekend, our Quick Care Walk-In Clinic has extended hours: Saturday 8-6 pm and weekdays until 8pm. We can also connect you to a practitioner virtually with Coryell Health Telemedicine. Our ER is open 24/7. We have strict safety precautions in place to keep you and your family safe. Call (254) 865-2166 for appointments or questions.

Ted Care, Coryell Health employee, has been busy during healthcare week. Ted has been encouraging others to be safe, while enjoying some of the relaxed guidelines. He visited his friend Mary, but was sure to leave space between them, wear a mask, and wash his paws as soon as he arrived.

It’s the people who we know we talk to the most and are more likely to break that 6-foot rule with,” said Diedra Wuenschel, DO, Medical Director of RehabLiving at The Meadows. “That’s where the virus has a better chance of making that leap.”

The virus which causes COVID-19 infects people of all ages. However, evidence suggests two groups of people are at a higher risk of getting severe COVID-19 disease. These are older people (people over 60 years old); and those with underlying medical conditions (such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer). The risk of severe disease gradually increases with age starting from around 40 years. “It’s important that we all take preventive measures to protect those that may be more vulnerable, and that may be more people than one might think. Patients who have diabetes alone will have more problems, as this is a new virus that none of us have any immunity to,” notes Wuenschel.

“Physical distancing puts space between people, to keep anything airborne at a safe distance—that’s why is critical. It also reduces exposure. When people who are infected with the virus stay away from others, they can’t pass it to anyone else” adds Wuenschel. “This way, fewer people get sick at the same time. Then, doctors and hospitals are better able to keep up with treating those who need care.”

In a continued effort to protect our community from the spread of COVID-19, Coryell Health is inviting all cosmetology salons & cosmetologists, barbers, nail salons/techs, tanning salon staff or anyone else who will be resuming business due to the recent executive order by Gov. Abbot to expand openings of certain businesses to present to Coryell Health Medical Clinic, Building 2 for testing.

As we move through this pandemic, Coryell Health continues to identify potential “hot spots” where Coronavirus could rapidly spread. As we resume activity the chances of an increased outbreak rise.

“We want to help our local cosmetologists/nail techs/tanning salons, etc. who are opening back up to be able to do so with confidence that they are safe. If they present before Wednesday, May 6th at 4:00 pm, we are hoping we will have their results by Friday, but if they can’t make it today, we still want to test them,” said Dr. Jeffrey Bates, Coryell Health Chief Medical Officer.

COVID-19 is a new disease and we are still learning how it spreads, the severity of illness it causes, and to what extent it may spread. “One thing we do know, is one of the best tools we have to fight the virus is testing,” adds Dr. Bates. “With testing, you can identify asymptomatic carriers or individuals who haven’t started experiencing symptoms. When a patient tests positive for COVID-19, we recommend immediate self-isolation, so the risk of infection in others is mitigated. Once we have identified a positive patient, we can begin to tracking their care and following up on how they are doing.”

Patients should present for testing immediately at Coryell Health Medical Clinic, Building 2, anytime Monday- Saturday, between 8:30 am- 4:00 pm. Please bring your insurance card if you have insurance, but you will not be charged a co-pay and if you do not have insurance, you will not be turned away. If you have any questions, please call (254) 865-2166.

Resources:

Respiratory/COVID-19 24/7 Hotline (254) 248-6263

Coronavirus Online Screening Tool https://coryellhealth.org/covid-19-screening

Coryell Health Medical Clinic/ Quick Care Walk-In Clinic/ Telehealth (254) 865-2166

Coryell Health COVID-19 Website https://coryellhealth.org/covid

The Coronavirus pandemic has left us reeling and struggling to keep up with the changes and disruptions in our everyday lives. It will take a concerted effort, by all of us, to remain calm and empathetic to others, considering we are all dealing with continued physical distancing, self-isolation and for some, being quarantined.

Research suggests caring about others is one of the best ways to fight feelings of isolation and gain self-worth. That’s right! Caring about others can help you feel better. The benefits of giving care and support to others for the support giver are often overlooked.

Fear can evoke anxiety and stress for people of all ages and health statuses. “We’re all under some chronic stress right now,” says Dr. Diedra Wuenschel, DO, Coryell Health Clinic Medical Director. “So while you may be keeping your physical distance from others to prevent the spread of the virus, it doesn’t mean you need to be emotionally distant.” A simple phone call or email checking in on friends can go a long way for you both.

It can be easy to become frustrated at the different ways others are handling the crisis. Try to remember everyone copes differently. People may also feel overwhelmed by conflicting information from news sources and social media. Always try to imagine yourself in someone else’s shoes. “While you cannot control how others behave, you can control your own actions and do your part to gently encourage others to wear masks, keep up the physical distancing and only share information from creditable news sources,” recommends Dr. Wuenschel.  “Ask for help if you need it, especially if you feel sick or need medical treatment. The only way to get through this is together, everyone doing their part for oneself and others.”

Being empathetic towards our family, friends and neighbors will not only open your mind to what others are experiencing, but it can also provide social connectedness that can help combat feelings of isolation.

To speak with a mental health professional for help dealing with stress and other emotions, please call the toll-free COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line at 833-986-1919. Help can also be found at https://www.mentalhealth.gov/ and https://hhs.texas.gov/services/mental-health-substance-use.

Coryell Health has implemented the use of a remote monitoring system for patients that have been diagnosed or are suspected of having COVID-19. The remote monitoring program, SafetyNet, sends data back to medical providers through a digital sensor that attaches to the patient’s wrist. This new technology allows the patient to stay out of the hospital, while keeping their physician informed of their condition. By tracking vital information like blood oxygen level, breathing rates, and heartbeat, we can closely monitor patients 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week while they are recovering at home.

 

As one of the first healthcare systems in the state to launch the remote monitoring program, Dr. Jeffery Bates, MD, Coryell Health Chief Medical Officer stated, “The world around us is constantly changing, and we are having to find new ways to provide care to our patients and overcome hurdles created by the Coronavirus Pandemic. Coryell Health is proud to be one of the first to invest in technology that focuses on monitoring our patient’s safety from the comfort of their home while allowing them to maintain their freedom of movement.”

“We have heard stories of patients in other areas dying at home after taking a sudden turn without anyone there to call 911. We hope this technology will help us keep our patients out of that worst case scenario,” notes Paul Rambeau RRT-NPS, Coryell Health Cardiopulmonary Director. “If we see certain vitals move into dangerous territory, we can intervene and change the course of patient care, including calling 911 for them, if necessary.”

“In an effort to prevent the spread of the COVID virus, Masimo SafetyNet allows us to monitor our patients in the comfort of their own home.  Our Cardiopulmonary Team, however, is very excited about expanding this service line into our community beyond the current COVID crisis. Moving forward, this technology can be implemented in managing chronic illnesses that typically require frequent provider visits,” adds Rambeau.

If you or someone you know could benefit from the use of in-home monitoring, please call us at (254) 865-2166. Find out more about SafetyNet technology at https://www.mymasimo.com/.

Coryell Health is here and ready to continue caring for our patients, including follow-up appts., medication refills, acute and chronic conditions and resuming non-emergent surgeries. This includes diagnostic imaging and lab. Patients have the option of seeing a practitioner in person or through a telemedicine visit. Well exams that include immunizations will continue to take place. Please call our office to schedule an in-person or telemedicine appointment at (254) 865-2166. Our campus has put in place stringent measures to keep you safe from COVID-19. As far as we are aware, we currently do not have any hospital patients, staff members or residents sick with COVID-19. Stay safe and remember we are in this together!

#WhereYouAlwaysFeelAtHome #CentralTexasStrong

We have been closely monitoring the dynamic shifts of the COVID-19 pandemic in our community and have been working to prepare a thoughtful and measured approach to re-introduce non-COVID patient care services at Coryell Health. As far as we know, we do not currently have any staff, residents or hospital patients infected with COVID-19. We attribute this in part to the steadfast commitment of our staff in caring and serving our community.

COVID-19 will be part of our operating environment for the foreseeable future. Understanding this reality, we need to adapt so that we can function effectively in a world that is COVID-safe, as opposed to COVID-free. Therefore, we are actively adapting our systems and protocols to ensure that you, as well as our physicians and those we care for, are safe in that reality.

Maintaining Precautions

We have taken numerous actions to provide the safest possible environment for our employees, residents and patients in response to COVID-19. Our response plan has included multiple precautions, and it continues to evolve as the pandemic unfolds. These precautions, which remain in place throughout our organization to preserve a safe environment, include:

• Limited entrances/access into our hospitals and clinics
• Screening of our patients, physicians, and staff
• Visitor restrictions
• Management of supplies and PPE to appropriately protect our caregivers, residents and patients
• COVID testing all surgical patients prior to the day of their procedures
• Continued vehicle site testing of patients suspected of having Coronavirus
• Following all social distancing recommendations

We also continue to stress effective preventive measures such as good hand hygiene, frequent cleaning of all surfaces, and a mask for all employees and patients at all times.

Visitors

Visitor restrictions will remain in place for the time being to protect our employees, patients and resident population. Visitors will not be permitted in the facility unless they are the parent or guardian of a minor child, the caregiver or guardian of an incapacitated adult, or when death is imminent.

As we resume services, we will regularly evaluate our best practices to assess when and if procedural adjustments are necessary. Our willingness to adapt is a direct reflection of our commitment to providing the highest-caliber care. We value the confidence our community has in us, and we hold ourselves accountable to reinforcing that confidence in the days ahead.

– Coryell Health Administration

The latest news and how Coryell Health continues to evolves through this pandemic can be found at https://coryellhealth.org/press-releases/about-us/news/press-releases.

That’s right! During this time of social distancing, we are still encouraged to go outdoors and exercise. Earth Day isn’t the only reason we should tie up our tennis shoes. Feelings of stress and depression may be all too familiar to us all these days, but according to the CDC– regular exercise can help you and your family cope with anxiety and stress. There are a lot of other health benefits to walking regularly as well.

Some suggestions to build walking into your daily routine include:

• Take the stairs instead of elevators (for at least part of the way).
• Walk to and from work
• Walk or bike (don’t drive) to run errands
• Walk the dog (or your neighbor’s dog)
• Make it fun for everyone- check out these websites for engaging children in walking activities. Playdough on a tree? Absolutely!
  • https://www.howweelearn.com/earth-day-nature-walk-ideas-kids/
  • https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/Getting-Children-Outside.aspx

Walking for 30 minutes a day

To get the health benefits, try to walk for at least 30 minutes as briskly as you can on most days of the week. ‘Brisk’ means that you can still talk but not sing, and you may be puffing slightly. Moderate activities such as walking pose little health risk, but if you have a medical condition, check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program of physical activity.  Regular brisk walking can help you:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes
• Strengthen your bones and muscles
• Improve your mood
• Improve your balance and coordination

Building physical activity into your life

If it’s too difficult to walk for 30 minutes at one time, do regular small bouts (10 minutes) three times per day and gradually build up to longer sessions. However, if your goal is to lose weight, you will need to do physical activity for longer than 30 minutes each day. Physical activity built into a daily lifestyle plan is also one of the most effective ways to assist with weight loss and keep weight off once it’s lost.

So on this Earth Day, in the spirit of keeping things simple and meaningful, step outside.  Help you and your family stay healthy while exploring and discovering your next walking path.

Families are taking varying tacks to keep in contact with their loved ones, especially for individuals who live in long-term care or are in rehabilitation. RehabLiving at The Meadows and The Oaks are also helping to facilitate contact between residents and loved ones. Some options for keeping in touch, include the following:

• Phone calls. Phone calls are still an easy option to be able to talk to your loved one. Just hearing someone’s voice can be enough to lift both your spirits.
• Window visits. Families who are able to visit their loved one’s window can use that to have in-person visits. You can hold up signs and blow kisses. Talking on a cell phone or typing messages on it and holding them up to the closed window is a way to have a conversation.
• Facetime and Skype. Many nursing homes are facilitating video calls with families using platforms like Facetime or Skype. Coryell Health has purchased additional iPads so staff members can help residents from RehabLiving and The Oaks make contact with friends and family.
• Cards and letters. Sending cards and letters to your loved ones is another way to show them that you are thinking of them. Residents love to receive cards from anyone, it doesn’t have to be family members. Include photos or art work will help brighten the days of residents and bring back many fond memories.

In this unprecedented time, families need to get creative to stay in touch with their loved ones. Adjusting to the changes can be overwhelming, but as long as everyone keeps an open mind and uses the possible resources, everyone can feel loved and connected.

To schedule call with a loved one at RehabLiving call between 9am-5pm: (254) 404-2500

To mail a letter to RehabLiving: Coryell Health RehabLiving
Attn: (insert loved one’s name or label “any resident”)
110 Chicktown Rd., Gatesville, TX 76528
To schedule call with a loved one at Assisted or Independent Living at the Oaks call: (254) 216-1608
To mail a letter to AL/IL at the Oaks: Coryell Health The Oaks
Attn: (insert loved one’s name or label “any resident”)
1507 West Main St., Gatesville, TX 76528

No “quick” trips to the office or school, no shopping, no visiting friends and even family. If you must come out of your room, wear a mask. You can still live with your family during self-quarantine, but a room must be designated for your exclusive use. A bathroom should be, too, if possible. And don’t share towels. Every surface you cough on or touch could become contaminated with the virus. You should have no visitors, and keep three to six feet away from others.

Do’s

-All household residents living with you QUARANTINE at this time.
Including spouse, children and anyone living at the home
-Cancel or reschedule appointments
-Use telehealth for medical appointments, when possible
-If you must be around other people — in your home, or in a car, because you’re on your way to see a doctor (only after you have called) — you should wear a mask, and everyone else should, too.
-Make arrangements for prescriptions, meals and other necessities to be dropped off outside your door
-If you or anyone in your household experiences respiratory distress, call 911

Don’ts

-Do not go to work, even for a little while
-Do not take a child to daycare/private sitter
-Do not go through drive thru windows for food or prescriptions
-Do not go to grocery stores
-Do not get together with others that have been quarantined
-Do not come back to the medical clinic or ER, call 911 to expedite your care

You are not alone, millions of other Americans have also been asked to stay home in an effort to stem the disease’s spread. Coryell Health medical staff will continue to check on, by phone and follow the symptoms of, all patients suspected of having the virus.

Self-quarantine essentially means that people believed to be exposed to the virus should stay at home in isolation for the virus’ 14-day incubation period. Scientists say one reason it’s so difficult to control the spread of the coronavirus is that many infected people only show mild symptoms — or no symptoms at all. Health officials, including Coryell Health, are using this measure as a precaution — even when in many cases, you haven’t officially contracted the virus. Understandably, 14 days in self-quarantine can be unpleasant, but a necessary step to protect yourself, those you love and your community.

Family members and other occupants should monitor the patient’s symptoms and call us, if they see a turn for the worse.

Resources:
Respiratory/COVID-19 24/7 Hotline (254) 248-6263 ǀ
Coryell Health Clinic Telehealth (254) 865-2166
Coronavirus Online Screening Tool https://coryellhealth.org/covid-19-screening

It is an action that has been taught to us since early childhood- getting together and smiling for a photo. It can be easy to forget- even for people who are taking social distancing seriously and working to keep others at arm’s length or further! It has been ingrained in us to wrap our arms around each other and “squeeze in”, but while we are in this pandemic, please don’t.

Still take photos, but try to keep a decent amount of distance, ideally 6 ft. according to the CDC, between you and others. Documenting this event is important and social media has been extremely useful in helping people feel connected during this time of isolation.

Precautions and recommendations are rapidly changing, so please be kind to each other and remind our friends and neighbors how much we care about them, even if you have to do it from a little further away.