South Tex S From Spring 2015

south tex s
health news from
spring 2015
health system
Joseph Arevalo, RN,
tends to a patient
at the new stand-alone
ER in Mission.
New Emergency Room
opens in Mission
Pediatric specialists at
Edinburg Children’s Hospital
Compassionate care for kids
Healthcare On-The-Go
Valley Care Clinics’ new
mobile unit hits the road
Compliments of
Fr o m
the
Ceos
As the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission region continues to grow rapidly,
South Texas Health System remains dedicated to expanding its services
to ensure that our full-time and seasonal residents have convenient
access to the high-quality care they need, when they need it.
Two recent examples are the new freestanding ERs now open in Weslaco and Mission. With these
stand-alone ERs equipped to handle medical emergencies day or night, residents of both eastern
and western Hidalgo County and beyond have access to timely, experienced care. Read more
in this issue
4
about how “ER Just Got Easier” on page 4.
Another initiative designed to bring vital healthcare services to our rapidly growing region is Valley
ER Just
Got Easier
Care Clinics’ new mobile clinic. A fully equipped healthcare clinic on wheels, the 38-foot RV —
outfitted with two exam rooms — delivers primary healthcare services to those who may have
New STHS ER
opens at Mission
limited access to healthcare, from children to seniors. You can read more on page 8.
Speaking of children, this issue also features some of the pediatric specialists we’re proud to have
6
with us at Edinburg Children’s Hospital — the first and only hospital in the Rio Grande Valley built
pediatric
specialists
at edinburg
children’s
Hospital
just for kids. These board-certified physicians specialize in providing the kind of compassionate care
and understanding that help children and adolescents to heal emotionally, as well as physically.
Read about them on page 6.
We are honored that you have entrusted us with your care, and we will do everything we can
Compassionate
care for kids
8
to make your experience as comfortable as possible. We are always looking for ways to exceed
patients’ expectations, and we hope you will give us that opportunity while you are at any of our
South Texas Health System facilities.
Healthcare
On-The-Go
Valley Care Clinics
unveils new mobile unit
Jennifer C. Garza
CEO, Edinburg Regional Medical Center/
Edinburg Children’s Hospital
jason chang
CEO, McAllen Heart Hospital
We are South Tex
EDINBURG
CHILDREN’S
HOSPITAL
2
EDINBURG REGIONAL
MEDICAL CENTER
EDINBURG REGIONAL
REHAB CENTER
South Texas Health System Health News
McALLEN HEART
HOSPITAL
McALLEN
MEDICAL CENTER
joe rodriguez
CEO, South Texas Behavioral Health Center
roxanna godinez
CEO, Cornerstone Regional Hospital
s Health System
SOUTH TEXAS
BEHAVIORAL
HEALTH CENTER
CORNERSTONE
REGIONAL HOSPITAL
This hospital is co-owned
with physician investors.
STHS ER
at weslaco
STHS ER
at mission
McAllen Heart Hospital
a beat ahead
in heart care
State of the Heart
Advanced heart support devices
are transforming lives
A
t McAllen Heart Hospital, innovative cardiacassist devices are offering new hope to
patients with heart failure when conventional
medical and surgical therapies have been exhausted.
Known as ventricular assist devices (VADs), these
mechanical devices take over the pumping action
of the heart and can offer lifesaving support, often
performing as a ‘bridge-to-transplant’ until a donor
heart becomes available.
In patients unable to have a heart transplant, VADs
can also be implanted to permanently support a
weakened or failing heart and allow advanced heart
failure patients to live longer and better lives.
“Ten years ago, these procedures were limited to
major academic heart centers,” says Cardiovascular
Surgeon Arie Blitz, MD, a specialist in the
implantation of VADs, who recently joined the staff
of The Heart Clinic and was appointed Director of
Mechanical Circulatory Support at McAllen Heart
Hospital. “Now we’re bringing them to patients right
here in south Texas.”
Lifesaving VAD technology at McAllen Heart
Hospital includes:
• HeartMate II® LVAD. A heart pump called an
LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device) is designed to
help the left side of the heart pump the blood that
the body needs. The device can be used as a bridgeto-transplant, or may be permanently implanted in
patients with advanced heart failure.
Meet Arie Blitz, MD
• Intra-aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) increases
coronary blood flow and oxygen delivery in patients
who have severe heart failure, including those
who have experienced a severe heart attack or
cardiomyopathy (severe heart muscle weakness), as
well as those who are recovering from open-heart
surgery or waiting for a heart transplant.
Cardiovascular Surgeon
Arie Blitz, MD, came to The
Heart Clinic and McAllen
Heart Hospital from the
University of Cincinnati and
UC Health, where he was Chief
of Cardiac Surgery. Prior to
that, he was Director of Heart
Transplantation and Mechanical
Circulatory Support at
University Hospital in Cleveland,
Ohio. He produces videos to
train other surgeons and take
the mystery out of cardiac
procedures for heart patients.
• Impella® heart pump. This tiny device, about the
width of a straw, is implanted just below the heart
to support heart function and blood flow in patients
with weakened or failing hearts. With the support of
the Impella pump, even the most seriously ill patients
can receive lifesaving procedures that
would otherwise be too risky.
• Extra Corporeal Membrane
Oxygenation (ECMO) is a
“This level of heart care
requires an investment in
technology and staff,” he
says. “Because McAllen
Heart Hospital has made a
commitment to meeting the
needs of time-critical heart
patients, we are elevating
the standards for heart care
throughout south Texas.”
technique of providing both
cardiac and respiratory support
to patients whose heart and lungs
are so severely diseased or damaged
that they can no longer serve
their function.
“Never before have we had so
many options to treat cardiovascular
disease,” says Dr. Blitz. “Now, more
patients with severe heart failure can
have a second chance and have it
delivered close to home.” ■
Follow Dr. Blitz on Twitter
@ArieBlitzMD.
Impella® heart pump
McAllen Heart Hospital is the only specialty cardiac
hospital in the Rio Grande Valley dedicated solely to
treating heart-related disease. Learn more about our
services at www.mcallenhearthospital.com.
www.southtexashealthsystem.com
3
Stand-Alone ER Opens in Mission:
O
ne of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the nation, the
McAllen-Edinburg-Mission population has increased by nearly 67 percent
since 2001, according to U.S. Census data.
“Western Hidalgo County grew so rapidly, it became medically underserved,”
says Jason Chang, CEO of McAllen Heart Hospital and an STHS ER project
manager. “Now, with a new, stand-alone ER equipped to handle medical
emergencies day or night, local and seasonal residents have another way to
access timely, experienced care — in their own neighborhood.”
in South Texas
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4
South Texas Health System Health News
According to the American Hospital Association, 44 percent of hospital care
begins in an emergency department, and more than half of ER visits occur outside
of normal business hours when doctor’s offices are closed. Emergency room visits
are expected to increase over the next three years, according to the American
College of Emergency Physicians.
With explosive regional population growth and a projected increase in emergency
room patients, freestanding emergency facilities such as the STHS ERs are opening
across the nation. The STHS ER at Mission opened for business on March 2. This is
the second stand-alone ER operated by South Texas Health System to open in 2015.
The first opened in Weslaco on January 5. ➤
Expanding high-quality care for a growing region
The facility is staffed
with the same medical
personnel and equipped
with the same diagnostic
technology available
in South Texas Health
System’s hospital-based
emergency rooms.
We stabilize and treat life-threatening emergency
medical conditions, including:
• Chest pain
•Stroke
• Respiratory distress
• Broken bones
• Minor lacerations
• Flu and other ailments
The STHS ER at Mission features:
• 14 private treatment rooms
• Emergency room trained physicians and nurses
• Advanced diagnostic imaging
• 24-hour lab services
• Cardiopulmonary monitoring
• Respiratory treatments
• Intravenous medications and fluids
• Ambulance bay
• Direct admission to a hospital bed, not to
another hospital ER
• On-site pharmacy coming soon!
Minor emergency? Request an appointment
with
Should you need to be admitted to the hospital, our
staff can make arrangements for you. Because we
are affiliated with South Texas Health System, we can
assist you in a direct admission by ambulance to a
private room at the hospital of your choice: Edinburg
Children’s Hospital, Edinburg Regional Medical
Center, McAllen Heart Hospital, McAllen Medical
Center or South Texas Behavioral Health Center.
The stand-alone ERs at Weslaco and Mission are
staffed to treat all types of major emergencies;
however, when you need care for a minor illness
or injury, ER Reserve lets you request a time in any
South Texas Health System Emergency Room.
Use a computer, laptop, tablet or smart phone to
go to www.southtexashealthsystem.com:
• See wait times in any one of our 6 emergency rooms
• Click ‘ER Reserve’ to request an appointment for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. You can request an appointment up to 12 hours in advance
• Wait in the comfort of your home until it’s time to go
“The STHS ERs at Weslaco and Mission are
proactive ways to streamline care and ease
congestion in hospital-based emergency rooms,
serve new populations and make medical care more
convenient,” Chang says. ■
“Between all South Texas Health System facilities,
we treat about 100,000 ER patients each year —
more than any other hospital system in the area.”
The STHS ERs at
Mission and Weslaco
aren’t just for
emergencies.
Did you know the
facilities also offer
outpatient services?
• Digital X-ray
• Computed Tomography (CT)
• Ultrasound and Vascular
• Digital mammography
• Bone density
•Laboratory tests
•Onsite pharmacy coming soon!
Hours:
• Digital X-ray and CT scanning: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.,
seven days per week*
• Ultrasound and vascular: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
• Digital mammography:
9:00 a.m. through 5:30 p.m.,
Monday through Friday
Call 956-388-2190 to schedule, or just walk in during the hours listed above.
* If your insurance requires authorization,
you may need to wait for approval before we can complete the scan.
Jason Chang
CEO, McAllen Heart Hospital
ER Reserve is not a guarantee that you will be seen at your selected time. We will make every effort to honor your request. ER Reserve should be used only if you
decide your care can wait until the time you select. Do not wait if your symptoms or conditions worsen or if you need immediate care since delays may complicate
your condition. If you are unsure of your condition or if your condition worsens, then please go to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1. The STHS ERs accept
most types of insurance. Some insurance plans may not cover an ER visit if it is deemed urgent care or may apply a different copay. Please check your covered
benefits with your insurance provider for details. ER Wait Time is an average provided for informational purposes only.
www.southtexashealthsystem.com
5
Randy Williamson, MD
Specialty: Pediatric Neurology
Medical School: University of Mississippi
Residency: General Pediatrics,
University of Mississippi
Fellowship: Pediatric Neurology,
Vanderbilt University (Chief Resident)
Fellowship: Pediatric Epilepsy,
Vanderbilt University (Chief Fellow)
What makes these
pediatric
specialists
special?
There’s nothing more heartwrenching for a
parent than dealing with a sick child. When
it’s your child, Edinburg Children’s Hospital
offers quality pediatric care in more than 15
subspecialties — delivered by specialists
who also know the importance
of tending to each child’s
emotional, social and
developmental needs.
Edinburg Children’s Hospital
is the first and only hospital
in the Rio Grande Valley
built just for kids.
When parents meet
their child’s pediatric
specialists, they find
comfort in knowing
that caring for and
about children is
all they do, 24/7.
“I always tell my patients, ‘don’t let your fear stop you from
being a kid’. There is help — all you have to do is ask.”
-Randy Williamson, MD
Expertise: Epilepsy and other seizure disorders • Migraines
Developmental delays • Tics and movement disorders • Concussion
One of my patients, who has epilepsy, spent most of his freshman year
in high school worried about having a seizure in front of his classmates.
Even though his teachers and friends knew about his condition — and
he knew that he’d be OK if he did have a seizure — he was always
afraid he’d embarrass himself or scare his friends.
About 30 to 50 percent of kids with epilepsy experience this kind of
anxiety. So it’s critical to include education and if needed, behavioral
therapy as part of treatment. We treat many patients at South Texas
Behavioral Health Center, where they participate in peer therapy with
other kids.
Today, we have medications that can successfully control seizures
without side effects, which we didn’t have ten years ago. Getting this
boy’s seizures under control was not only good for his physical health,
but made a huge difference in his self-esteem and relationships with
his friends, and it’s had a positive effect on his entire family, as well.
Edinburg Children’s Hospital is the only freestanding children’s hospital in
the Rio Grande Valley and home to the Valley’s only dedicated pediatric
emergency department. Pediatric subspecialties include:
6
South Texas Health System Health News
Jose David Gamez, MD
Scott Alan Berkman, MD
Specialty: Pediatric Endocrinology
Medical School: National University
of Colombia
Residency: Winthrop University
Hospital, New York
Fellowship: Pediatric Endocrinology,
Winthrop University Hospital
Specialty: Pediatric Urology
Medical School: University of Texas
at Dallas Southwestern
Residency: Baylor College of Medicine
“Just knowing that I can have a positive impact on
a child’s life is my greatest reward.”
-Jose David Gamez, MD
Expertise: Growth problems • Diabetes • Early or delayed puberty
Underactive or overactive thyroid gland • Ovarian and
testicular dysfunction
I love working and joking with kids because of the good energy and
feedback that I get from them. Their emotions are crystal clear — if
they are upset you know it, and if they are happy they are not faking it!
With children, every growth stage brings different challenges. I think
the most important thing is being flexible and having the ability to deal
with whatever happens next. You may go into one exam room to see a
new baby and need to use humor to calm his anxious parents. The next
patient may be a teenager who is worried about being teased by his
friends because he is shorter than most, and needs emotional support
to see the whole picture.
Nothing makes me happier than following up with a child who is
experiencing positive results from the changes they’ve made — whether
it’s an eight-year-old with diabetes who knows which foods help to keep
her blood sugar levels in check, or a teen who is learning to accept his
developmental delays by emphasizing his skills and strengths.
“Pediatric urology allowed me to experience the wonderful
world of caring for children . . . their untainted expressions of
love and life are inspiring.”
-Scott Alan Berkman, MD
Expertise: Urinary tract infections • Bedwetting and voiding disorders
Constipation • Urinary tract obstruction • Genital abnormalities
I began my medical training with an open mind regarding a medical
discipline. As I was exposed to all of the different specialties, I
gravitated toward urology, because urologists could treat their patients
with both medical and surgical options.
Treating children with compassion gives them a sense of comfort.
Meeting them in times of trouble and then seeing them smiling and
happy once they feel better — it’s all I need to feel excited about my
work every day.
I also treat babies born with spinal cord abnormalities such as spina
bifida. When they grow to school age, their self-esteem can be greatly
affected. I am grateful to be able to perform reconstructive procedures
to help these children have the productive and happy lives they deserve.
I never get tired of working with kids. I feel fortunate to be in a position
that allows me to help make their lives better.
Cardiology • Cardiothoracic Surgery • Critical Care • Emergency Medicine • Endocrinology • Gastroenterology
Hematology/Oncology • Infectious Disease • Nephrology • Neurology • Otolaryngology • Pulmonary • Radiology • Surgery • Urology
To learn more, visit www.edinburgchildrenshospital.com.
www.southtexashealthsystem.com
7
Healthcare on wheels:
Valley Care Clinics brings medical care to those who need it most.
M
any Rio Grande Valley families face
barriers to getting the medical care
they need, whether the issue is financial
hardship, lack of transportation, insurance
coverage, or even physical disabilities, as is
the case with the growing number of elderly
residents in the region.
The Valley Care Clinics On-The-Go unit
addresses these concerns by traveling to
schools, senior communities, colonias,
government agencies and retail centers
throughout the area, providing treatment for
minor illnesses and injuries, as well as preventive
care and health education on board a new,
fully-equipped healthcare clinic on wheels.
“We help anyone who may have limited
access to healthcare — from children to senior
citizens,” says Chris Sizemore, Physician Practice
Market Manager for Valley Care Clinics Network,
who led the development of the mobile care
unit. “We offer high-quality, confidential medical
care to people in locations that lack access to
healthcare.” The unit will also help serve large
numbers of retirement-age visitors who descend
on the area in the winter months.
Information and
Appointments
855-VCC-APPT
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
(Extended hours to
be announced)
See a video
about the mobile
On-The-Go clinic
at www.valleycareclinics.com/
mobile
8
South Texas Health System Health News
Early treatment can prevent later problems
The mobile medical unit is staffed by a physician,
nurse practitioner and medical assistant
dedicated to ensuring that all area residents have
access to essential and affordable medical care.
Screenings for body-mass index (BMI), blood
pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels
can give an early warning of impending health
problems or help manage an existing condition,
such as diabetes. Other medical services,
such as asthma treatments, smoking and
diet counseling, vaccinations, and pregnancy
counseling are also available.
While for some, seeing a provider on the mobile
unit may be the sole source of primary and
preventive care they receive, for others, the
Valley Care Clinics On-The-Go unit can provide
vital chronic disease management services on a
regular basis. ■
“By reaching out to those who cannot
access the healthcare they need, we
can treat and educate people earlier,
before a medical condition becomes
more serious.” – Chris Sizemore
An on-board electronic medical record system
makes record keeping simple and seamless
as well. Electronic records are shared between
Valley Care Clinics and South Texas Health
System facilities if hospitalization is required.
Most insurance is accepted, including Medicaid
and Medicare.
With over 100 physician providers, Valley Care
Clinics coordinates referrals to specialists for
patients within this multi-specialty group. The
mobile clinic serves as the patient’s link to this
broader network.
Marilyn
S
Vice Pre alvia, VCC M
a
Physicia sident, Univers nager; Doug
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Chris S
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, VCC’s
Know your
numbers!
It could save your life.
McAllen Heart Hospital wants
you to know about your heart risk.
Take our Cardiac Score CT Screening for $99
Cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, stroke and high
blood pressure, is the number one killer of women and men in the
United States and a leading cause of disability.*
Knowing if coronary calcium is present in your arteries could help
identify whether you are at risk for heart problems.
Cardiac Score CT Screening available at McAllen Heart Hospital
can indicate if calcium or plaque is present in your arteries. Calcium
deposits can appear years before heart disease symptoms, such as
chest pain and shortness of breath.
Fast • Easy • Convenient
What can I expect?
Avoid caffeine and smoking for four hours before the test.
Otherwise, you don’t need any special preparation to have a CT
Calcium Score. The CT screening is painless, fast and easy.
Individuals will dress in a patient gown from the waist up, lay on
their backs with some electrodes on their chest, and the CT will
move slowly through the scanner. Holding your breath for a few
seconds is all that is needed while the images are recorded.
Make sure you take a copy of this ad to get a free safety light armband when you arrive for your screening at MHH.
Physician orders are not required. Patient must provide the name of their primary care physician upon registration, so results can be sent to
their office. Radiologist interpretation fee is included in the $99.
Appointments required.
Call 956-388-2190
Report to Day Registration
in the main hospital lobby on
the day of your screening.
For more information, visit us online at
www.mcallenhearthospital.com/cardiaccare
*Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1900 South “D” Street, McAllen, TX 78503
956-994-2000
A
s a hospital volunteer, Jack
Kanwar, 85, uses a lot of the skills
he learned during his fast-paced
career in international business. Social
and interpersonal skills are valuable in
his role at the information desk and Joel
Pena, System Director of Volunteers at
South Texas Health System, often calls
on Jack to assist with planning and
negotiation. “Volunteers like Jack offer
talent of a huge magnitude,” says Pena.
Putting experience back to work
get to
know
Jagdish “Jack” Kanwar
Volunteer, Edinburg Regional
Medical Center
I was taught
to help people.
10
South Texas Health System Health News
Jack was born in Pakistan, and moved
to India when the two countries were
partitioned in 1947. His professional
path began in banking, where he worked
for 14 years, while going to school at
night to study accounting, business and
economics. After traveling to England
and Canada, Jack landed a job with a
Canadian company, and was transferred
to Des Moines, Iowa, as an export credit
manager. From there, he took a job at
Pioneer International Seed Company,
in McAllen, Texas, and worked as
Comptroller. For this job, he traveled
all over the world, working with local
farmers, helping them start
new businesses.
When the company wanted Jack to
move to the Ivory Coast in Africa, he
decided it was time to retire, but he didn’t
necessarily want to stop working.
A friend suggested he try volunteering
at South Texas Health System, so Jack
signed up. He works two days a week at
the information desk and will occasionally
escort patients if there is an emergency.
“Volunteering gets me out of the house,”
says Jack. “I like talking to people and
helping whenever I can.”
Volunteering runs in the family
Jack’s granddaughters have followed
in their grandfather’s footsteps and
have both volunteered in the gift shop
at Edinburg Regional Medical Center.
Amrita, 22, volunteered until she entered
the University of Texas; Meeta, 20, still
comes in several times a week. Jack gives
his parents the credit for instilling an
ethic of “helping people that need help.”
He’s pleased it has rubbed off on his
granddaughters.
Like his previous career – which involved
traveling the world and interacting with
people from all walks of life – Jack’s
volunteer activities are similarly rewarding.
“You meet people from all over the
world,” he says. “I meet winter Texans
from as far away as Germany
and Holland.”
Jack adds that talking with a wide variety of
people confirms his basic philosophy. “I’ve
learned that people everywhere in the
world are the same,” he says. “The kind
of clothing we wear may be different, but
we all need four things – food, clothing,
shelter and medical care.” ■
To learn more about volunteering at Edinburg Regional Medical Center,
Edinburg Children’s Hospital, McAllen Medical Center and McAllen Heart
Hospital, apply online at www.southtexashealthsystem.com/volunteers.
Balloon sinuplasty:
A breakthrough in sinus relief —
without major surgery.
Often referred to as “angioplasty for the nose,”
balloon sinuplasty, a less invasive procedure
for the treatment of chronic sinusitis, is now
available at Cornerstone Regional Hospital.
Eugene S. Mackie, MD
ENT – Otolaryngologist
Cornerstone Regional Hospital
A few years
ago, millions
of people
who suffered
with chronic
sinus pain and
pressure from
blocked sinuses
had few options
for long-term
relief, other than
major surgery.
Normally, the
sinuses produce mucus and drain it through
small openings into the nasal passages. But with
chronic sinusitis, swelling in both the nose and
sinuses blocks that drainage.
“Traditional sinus surgery seeks to clear
blocked sinuses by removing bone and tissue
to enlarge the sinus opening,” says Eugene S.
Mackie, MD, an ear, nose and throat specialist
(otolaryngologist) at Cornerstone Regional
Hospital. “Recovery from this surgery is often
associated with pain and scarring.”
Cornerstone Regional Hospital is a
boutique hospital offering an experienced
surgical team and a personalized, intimate
experience for patients. Head to toe,
we’ve got you covered.
Benefits of balloon sinuplasty
With balloon sinuplasty, ENT doctors open
inflamed sinuses in the same way that heart
surgeons open up blocked arteries during balloon
angioplasty. The procedure is less invasive than
traditional sinus surgery, and effective at relieving
symptoms of chronic sinusitis.
An endoscopic procedure performed under
general anesthesia in an outpatient setting,
balloon sinuplasty does not require incisions
and cutting or the removal of bone and tissue.
“There is generally less pain, risk of infection,
blood loss, bruising and swelling,” says Dr.
Mackie, who performs the procedure. “Many
patients are able to return to their normal
activities in less time than they would from
traditional ‘open’ sinus surgery.”
How balloon sinuplasty works
Under general anesthesia, a physician inserts
a guide wire catheter equipped with a tiny
balloon through the nostril in order to gain
access to the blocked sinus passageway. Once
inside, the balloon is inflated, gently opening
and widening the sinus passageway. The balloon
is then deflated and withdrawn, leaving the sinus
passageway open and restoring normal sinus
drainage and function. ■
Learn more about treatment of ear, nose and throat disorders
at www.cornerstoneregional.com.
956-618-4444
www.cornerstoneregional.com
Cornerstone Regional Hospital is co-owned with physician investors.
www.southtexashealthsystem.com
11
Luis Reyes, MD,
FACS, FASMBS
Ernesto Garza, Jr.
MD, FACS
Board-Certified
Bariatric Surgeon
Board-Certified
Bariatric Surgeon
FREE Weight-Loss Surgery Seminars
experience COUNTS
in Weight-Loss Surgery
Thursdays at
Tuesdays at
Tuesday or Thursday at
McAllen Heart Hospital
1900 South “D” Street
McAllen, TX 78503
Courtyard Marriott
3955 North Expressway
Brownsville, TX 78520
Rio Viejo
512 East Main Street
Rio Grande City, TX 78582
June 16
August 25
October 27
December 15
Thursday, May 14
Tuesday, September 29
May 21
June 25
July 23
August 20
September 24
October 22
November 19
December 10
All seminars begin at 6 p.m. Let experienced surgeons Dr. Reyes and
Dr. Garza answer questions you have about your weight-loss surgery options.
To learn more or to reserve your place at the seminar, call
Paula Kilgore, RN, CBN at 956-994-2734 or 956-664-1616
Designated as a
Center for Bariatric Surgery
A Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual
Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the
Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
www.mcallenhearthospital.com/weightloss
Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if bariatric surgery is right for you.
Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of South Texas Health System. The hospitals shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.
ASK THE
Doctor
Neurosurgery:
The brain is just the beginning
Jaime Gasco, MD
Neurosurgeon,
Valley Care Clinics
Q
The biomechanics of the spine are closely related to the nerves and the brain, and is why neurosurgeons
treat spinal problems. As technology and surgery evolve, it’s important to discuss spine-related problems
with a specialist who can offer many kinds of treatment, including nonsurgical approaches. “An experienced
neurosurgeon will choose the right treatment, customized to a person’s condition, severity and age,” says
Jaime Gasco, MD, a neurosurgeon with Valley Care Clinics. Here, Dr. Gasco answers a few common questions:
How do you decide when a patient should
have back surgery?
A: We use a number of factors to determine the need
Q
for surgery. Basically, we look for a correlation between
the patient’s symptoms, physical exam, imaging results
and any other studies we might order, such as nerve
conduction tests. We identify the objective of surgery and
keep it as the basis for every decision we make.
Q
strains, normal changes brought on by aging and pain
related to posture, and is rarely helped by surgery. If you
experience “simple” back pain, start with a visit to
your primary care provider. He or she will order
preliminary studies to assess the problem and
check for any neurological symptoms. If your
back pain does not respond to treatment
such as physical therapy and pain
medication, you will be referred to a
specialist, who can determine the
next steps to take.
A: The field is constantly evolving, and the trend is
moving now toward more minimally invasive techniques.
Interlaminar devices, such as implants that reopen the
space around the spinal canal to address stenosis, and
artificial discs, which replace those that have become
damaged, are available. There are alternatives for
fusion surgery that are less aggressive, with retractors
and screws that enable similar results with less muscle
dissection. The key is careful patient selection for all
treatments and devices.
What should you do about back pain that’s
“simple” or nonspecific?
A: Nonspecific back pain can include muscle and joint
Are there new treatments available for
age-related spinal problems?
Q
What is one recent surgical advance and
why is it considered better?
A: For very specific types of disorders of the lower back,
such as lumbar degenerative disc disease, scoliosis and
some recurring disc herniation, Extreme Lateral Interbody
Fusion (XLIF) is producing good outcomes for patients.
In this procedure, the surgeon accesses the area and
performs the operation from the side (lateral), rather than
from the front (anterior) or back (posterior). Compared to
traditional spinal fusion surgery, XLIF has shown to offer
less blood loss, fewer days in the hospital and a return to
normal activity in weeks rather than months.* ■
With convenient hours and easy-to-reach locations,
Valley Care Clinics can provide the care you and your family need.
To make an appointment, call 855-VCC-APPT (855-822-2778).
*Individual results may vary.
www.southtexashealthsystem.com
13
When does anxiety
become an anxiety disorder?
A
ll of us feel anxious when we’re in a stressful situation. But for those who worry excessively
about everyday things such as work, social relationships or financial matters, anxiety can
become a disabling disorder that interferes with the ability to function and relax.
We all experience anxiety from time to time. In fact, anxiety is a normal feeling that helps us to cope with stress or
fear. Today, the demands of our fast-paced lives may cause anxiety to occur more frequently. So it can be hard to
tell the difference between normal anxiety and a condition called Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
Ricardo Irizarry, md, MMM
Medical Director of
Adolescent Unit, South Texas
Behavioral Health Center
What is GAD?
If it’s excessive anxiety
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized
by persistent, excessive and unrealistic worry about
everyday situations. People with GAD often worry
excessively about their health, children, money,
work issues or relationships with family and friends,
and continually anticipate disaster.
If you’re struggling with “nervios” or overwhelming
anxiety, don’t hesitate to seek help. First, know
you’re not alone. About 40 million adults in
America have an anxiety disorder.* Second, anxiety
disorders can be treatable by seeing a behavioral
health professional. “GAD is often accompanied
by other problems, such as depression, substance
abuse or other anxiety disorders,” says Dr. Irizarry.
“For treatment to succeed, it’s important to get
help for all the problems you’re dealing with,
including underlying medical conditions.”
“Even seemingly small responsibilities, like paying
the bills, make people suffering with GAD feel
anxious,” says Ricardo Irizarry, MD. “GAD is usually
diagnosed when a person worries excessively about a
variety of everyday problems for at least six months.”
In the Hispanic culture, the name given to
these symptoms is called “nervios.” Nervios is
characterized by excessive worry that inhibits
someone’s ability to function. This anxiety occurs
in sporadic attacks that can be perceived as heart
attacks or dizzy spells. In that case, they’re called
“ataque de nervios” or “desmayo,” respectively.
These experiences are attached to particular
physical symptoms, and frequently, this leads
Hispanic patients to seek care in an ER rather than
at a behavioral health facility.
If you or someone you love has anxiety, it’s
important to know whether it’s a disorder. Some
signs that anxiety is more than just an isolated
incident include:
• Worrying that disrupts your job, activities
or social life
• Worrying that is uncontrollable and upsetting
• Worrying about many things and expecting
the worst
• Worrying almost every day for at least six months
Therapy for generalized anxiety disorder
Behavioral therapies, with or without medication
to control symptoms, have proved highly effective
against anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
is one type of therapy that is particularly helpful
in the treatment of GAD. Cognitive behavioral
therapy examines distortions in our ways of looking
at the world and ourselves. Relaxation techniques
and biofeedback to control muscle tension can
also be helpful.
“Here at South Texas Behavioral Health Center, we
strive to provide a culturally competent service,”
says Dr. Irizarry. “We understand how anxiety
impacts our dominantly Hispanic population and
provide treatments that are both effective and
tailored to the needs of the individual.” ■
If you think you may have an anxiety disorder,
call South Texas Behavioral Health Center.
Our Assessment & Referral team is available
day or night to answer your questions.
24/7 Admissions line: 888-977-1400
*National Institutes of Health; National Institute of Mental Health
14
South Texas Health System Health News
c
ring for the community
laco
STHS ER opens in Wes
Jason Chang, CEO of McAllen Heart Hospital and
an STHS ER project manager, cut the ribbon to open
the new STHS ER at Weslaco at the grand opening
celebration and health fair on January 24. Over 300
attendees enjoyed free health screenings and tours of the
new facility and the Valley Care Clinics On-The-Go unit.
you better
e
v
r
e
s
o
t
A new ER
STHS ER at Mission hosted a special preview of the new ER
on February 21. Guests, including members of the Greater
Mission Chamber of Commerce, received free health
screenings and toured the ER, radiology and laboratory areas.
Putting t
heir hear
ts into it
South Texas Health System staff, volunteers and their families
joined more than 200 members of the community at the
inaugural Go Red for Heart Health 5K Fun Run and Walk
held on Valentine’s Day at McAllen Heart Hospital and The
Heart Clinic. Participants enjoyed a pre-event heart party
and health fair, food, screenings, educational displays, photo
opportunities and raffles. Over $2,000 was raised at the event
to benefit the American Heart Association.
Keeping the community heal
thy
Husbaldo Salazar, President of the Edinburg
Children’s Hospital Foundation, gets his blood
glucose checked at the STHS ER at Mission
health fair on February 21.
www.southtexashealthsystem.com
15
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
Paid
Permit No. 322
pontiac, il
c/o Marketing Department
1400 W. Trenton Road
Edinburg, TX 78539
Hey Muchachas ...
It’s Time to Celebrate
Cinco Mammo
de
May 4–9
What?
South Texas Health System Plans
Breast Cancer Awareness Week
Cinco Mammo
de
Reduced price screening mammogram
$
60
pon
couline
on
Pre-registration is encouraged.
Pre-register at any South Texas Health System facility by
calling 956-388-2190 or visit: www.CincoDeMammo.com.
Cinco De Mammo is a special South Texas Health System event that
encourages women to schedule their annual screening mammography.
Mammograms are the best early detection method for breast cancer.
A celebration of your good health with virgin margaritas,
fiesta-themed food and Mexican décor.
If an annual Mammography Screening is not covered by your insurance plan, then please bring the online coupon
with you to receive our special discounted rate available through May 10, 2015. If an annual mammography screening
is covered by your insurance plan, bring your physician referral and we will bill your insurance accordingly.
Health News from south texas health system
Sylvia Hatton, Ph.D.
Chairman, South Texas Health
System Board of Governors
Doug A. Matney
Group Vice President,
South Texas Health System
Jennifer C. Garza
Chief Executive Officer,
Edinburg Regional Medical Center
and Edinburg Children’s Hospital
Jason Chang
Chief Executive Officer,
McAllen Heart Hospital
When?
Mark your calendars now!
Monday, May 4
through Friday, May 8
8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Extended hours to accommodate
working women.
Saturday, May 9
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where?
McAllen Medical Center
301 W. Expressway 83, McAllen, TX 78503
Edinburg Regional Medical Center
1102 W. Trenton Road, Edinburg, TX 78539
STHS ER at Weslaco
330 W. Expressway 83, Weslaco, TX 78599
STHS ER at Mission
900 E. Expressway 83, Mission, TX 78572
www.southtexashealthsystem.com
Get social with us
Health News Physician Advisory Board
Joe Rodriguez
Chief Executive Officer,
South Texas Behavioral Health Center
Roxanna Godinez
Chief Executive Officer,
Cornerstone Regional Hospital
Yuri Bermudez, MD
Family Practice, Chief of Medical Staff
Luis Padula, MD
Cardiologist
Suresh Ratnam, MD
Oncologist, Vice Chief of Staff
Rolando Yarritu, MD
Family Practice
Maria Camacho, MD
Pediatric Intensivist
Raul Marquez, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon
Cesar Matos, MD
Psychiatrist
Information in Health News comes from a wide range of
medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about
specific content that may affect your health, please contact
your healthcare provider. Models may be used in photos or
illustrations. Any opinions expressed by an author whose
article appears in this publication are solely the opinions of
the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of South
Texas Health System or Universal Health Services, Inc.
Physicians mentioned in this publication are independent
practitioners who are not employees or agents of South
Texas Health System. The hospital shall not be liable for
actions or treatments provided by physicians. Cornerstone
Regional Hospital is co-owned with physician investors.
©2015. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
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