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YO U R H E A LT H Y L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E
FA L L 2 0 1 9
Beyond
tradition
How to safely integrate
alternative therapies
with modern medicine
+
Facing the opioid epidemic
Do you know how to protect yourself and
those you love?
Meet your perfect matcha
This green tea is steeped in health benefits
So much to live for
Husband and father Kasey Hester was
determined to beat testicular cancer.
Methodist Dallas was determined
to fight alongside him.
New molecular therapy
destroys pancreatic tumors
CHECK OUT OUR UPCOMING EVENTS ON PAGE 4
FALL
CONTENTS
2019
INSIDE & ONLINE
SHINE (Vol. 9, Issue 3) is published quarterly as a
community service for the friends and patrons of
METHODIST HEALTH SYSTEM, P.O. Box 655999,
Dallas, TX 75265-5999, telephone 214-947-4600,
MethodistHealthSystem.org. To unsubscribe,
please email pr@mhd.com.
James C. Scoggin Jr.
CEO, Methodist Health System
Pamela Stoyanoff, MBA, CPA, FACHE
President and Chief Operating Officer,
Methodist Health System
John Phillips, FACHE
President, Methodist Dallas Medical Center
Beyond tradition
Stacy Covitz, MBA
Assistant Vice President of Strategic
Communications, Methodist Health System
Laura Motta Mena, PhD
Director of Community and Public Relations,
Methodist Dallas Medical Center How to safely integrate alternative
Ryan Owens therapies with modern medicine.
p. 30
Director of Public Relations, Methodist Health
System
Sarah Cohen
Publications Project Manager, Methodist Health
System
The information presented in this magazine
should be viewed for general purposes only and
should not be construed as prescribed medical
advice. Please consult your private physician for
further information or evaluation.
Models may be used in photos and illustrations.
Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing
medicine. The physicians on the Methodist Health
System medical staff, including those specializing
in transplant services, are independent
practitioners who are not employees or agents of
Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Methodist Health
System, or any of its affiliated hospitals.
Methodist Family Health Centers and Medical
Groups are owned and operated by MedHealth/
Methodist Medical Group and are staffed by
independently practicing physicians who are
TO YOUR HEALTH Mike Barker completed the Cowtown Half
employees of MedHealth/Methodist Medical Marathon. Read what inspires his passion
Group. The physicians and staff who provide
services at these sites are not employees or 16 | Heart attacks by the numbers for running.
Whether you’re 20 or 65, heart disease can
agents of Methodist Health System or any of its
affiliated hospitals.
MethodistNOW is a virtual internet platform and, develop in anyone. Do you know your risk? FEATURES
like each of the Methodist Family Health Centers
and Medical Groups, is owned and operated
by MedHealth/Methodist Medical Group and
staffed by independently practicing physicians
who are employees of MedHealth/Methodist
PATIENT STORY 36 | Facing the opioid epidemic
Medical Group. The physicians and staff who Learn how to protect yourself and those you love.
provide services through the MethodistNOW
virtual platform or at the Methodist Family Health 34 | Running on recycled parts
Just seven months after a liver transplant, 41 | Targeting pancreatic tumors
Centers and Medical Groups are not employees or
agents of Methodist Health System or any of its
affiliated hospitals.
A new treatment at Methodist Dallas is using
The Methodist Patient-Centered ACO
(MPCACO) is an independent legal entity and molecular therapy to destroy cancer.
is established for purposes of managing the
health of the communities served by Methodist
Health System by arranging for high-quality
healthcare services while reducing the growth
in healthcare expenditures through enhanced
care coordination. The physician members of
the Methodist Patient-Centered Accountable
So much to live for
Care Organization are independently practicing
practitioners and are not employees or agents of
MPCACO, Methodist Health System, or any of its
affiliated hospitals.
Methodist Rehabilitation Hospital, Methodist When Kasey Hester’s testicular
cancer was declared inoperable,
Hospital for Surgery, and Methodist Southlake
Hospital are independent legal entities separate
from Methodist Health System and its affiliated
hospitals. The physicians and other personnel
providing care at these facilities are either Methodist Dallas took up the
fight for his life.
employed by or independent contractors of
Methodist Rehabilitation Hospital, Methodist
p. 8
Hospital for Surgery, or Methodist Southlake
Hospital and are not employees or agents of
Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Methodist
Health System, or any of its affiliated hospitals.
Developed by StayWell.
2019 © StayWell, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Introducing the new Shine Online!
The healthy living content you love is now available at ShineOnlineHealth.com.
Check it out to read about trending health topics, including tips from wellness
coaches and physicians on the medical staffs at Methodist Health System hospitals.
The site is divided into four parts to make
the stories you want to read easier to find:
LIVE: These tips will help you live
your best life. Travel safety, preventing
illness, and caring for your family all
are covered here.
EAT: Find delicious recipes and
You can now schedule
nutrition advice to spice up your Methodist doctor
healthy eating habits. appointments online!
LEARN: Hear from patients and
The service you’ve been waiting for has finally
physicians on a variety of health topics,
arrived! Online scheduling is now available for
including arthritis, allergies, heart issues,
patients at select Methodist Family Health Centers
digestive problems, mental health,
and Medical Groups. As long as you are an existing
and more.
patient and have set up a MyChart account, this
ENRICH: Learn how to connect with
service is for you.
Methodist Health System and how we’re
Direct scheduling is currently available at the
working to serve you and our community.
following practices:
• Methodist Breckinridge Family Medical Group
» Visit us online today at • Methodist Charlton Family Medicine Center
ShineOnlineHealth.com! • Methodist Charlton Internal Medicine Associates
• Methodist Family Health Center – Cedar Hill East
• Methodist Family Health Center – Cedar Hill West
• Methodist Family Health Center – Charlton
• Methodist Family Health Center – Kessler Park
• Methodist Family Health Center – Murphy
• Methodist Family Health Center – Preston Hollow
Got questions? • Methodist Family Health Center – Waxahachie
Look up the answers in our • Methodist First Aid Family Care
new and improved health library •
•
Methodist Sports Medicine
Methodist Uptown Medical Group.
How well do you know your asthma triggers? How do your drugs interact
with each other? What exactly happens during a cluster headache? More medical practices will be added in the
What are the latest trends on heart health research? coming months.
For the answers to these questions and thousands more, head to
HealthLibrary.MethodistHealthSystem.org. The quizzes, calculators, videos, » Haven’t registered for MyChart yet? Head to
podcasts, and articles will help you research almost any health topic. MethodistHealthSystem.org/MyChart to get started.
Did you catch our latest Facebook Live surgery?
More than 5,500 people have watched the robot-assisted hysterectomy procedure that Methodist
Mansfield Medical Center streamed live via its Facebook page on July 9. Monica Sudbury, a wife, mom,
and schoolteacher, suffered for years with polycystic ovary syndrome, commonly known as PCOS.
She agreed to let Methodist Mansfield broadcast her surgery in hopes of educating other women
and their families about the medical options available.
Sara Northrop, DO, OB-GYN on the medical staff at Methodist Mansfield, performed Monica’s
procedure with the robotic da Vinci® Surgical System, which involves tiny incisions and enhanced
precision and often results in less pain when compared to a traditional hysterectomy. Monica went
home from the hospital the next day and has been doing great.
» If you missed this fascinating Methodist Live event, head to facebook.com/MethodistMansfield.
M E T H O D I S T H E A LT H SYS T E M .O R G | 3
FALL » WHERE TO FIND US
Methodist Charlton Medical Center,
2019 3500 W. Wheatland Road, Dallas, TX 75237
Methodist Dallas Medical Center,
1441 N. Beckley Ave., Dallas, TX 75203
Methodist Mansfield Medical Center,
2700 E. Broad St., Mansfield, TX 76063
Methodist Richardson Medical Center,
2831 E. President George Bush Highway,
Richardson, TX 75082
Check out some of the happenings at Methodist Health System this season.
METHODIST RICHARDSON THE MAD HATTER TEA PARTY Learn how to live with heart disease and
NICU REUNION diabetes and how these two conditions
» Saturday, Sept. 21, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. interact. These free sessions include a
» Saturday, Sept. 14, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. » Bistro, Methodist Richardson meal, guest speakers, and door prizes.
» Bistro, Methodist Richardson Medical Center » No registration is required, but call
Medical Center Don’t be late for this very important date 214-947-0491 with any questions.
Show us how you’ve grown! All patients of as we celebrate breast cancer fighters
Methodist Richardson’s neonatal intensive and survivors. Enjoy a special day of THE BASICS OF DIABETES
care unit are invited to our reunion. pampering and stay for a spot of tea.
» Second Tuesday of the month
» The fun, food, and games are all free, » The event is free, but please register at (except December), 5:30 to 7 p.m.
but please register so we know you’re MethodistHealthSystem.org/Mad-Hatter.
coming: 469-204-9449.
» Conference Room 4, Methodist
Charlton Medical Center
DRUG TAKE BACK DAY
Join us as we cover the basics of diabetes
FIT FALL FUN COMMUNITY
HEALTH FESTIVAL » Saturday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the importance of diet and lifestyle
in the management of the disease. These
» Parking lot A, Methodist Charlton
» Saturday, Sept. 14, 9 a.m. to noon Medical Center
fun and informative workshops are free
and open to the public.
» Kidd Springs Recreation Center, » Emergency department driveway,
711 W. Canty St., Dallas, TX 75208
Methodist Dallas Medical Center
» Register at MethodistHealthSystem.
org/Events or by calling 214-947-6671.
Methodist Dallas Medical Center and
It’s time to clean out your medicine
Dallas Parks & Recreation are celebrating
cabinet! Bring your outdated or no-
fall with a free event featuring health
longer-needed medications to one of the
DIABETES 101
screenings and family-friendly activities
intended to help boost your health and
above locations to have them disposed of » Third Wednesday of the month,
safely. This helps protect your community 1 to 4 p.m.
wellness. Enjoy free yoga and stretching
and the local environment.
sessions, stroke and fall prevention » Third Saturday of the month,
booths, smartwatch giveaways, and » Learn more at takebackday.dea.gov. 9 a.m. to noon
“Ask the Doc” sessions, as well as a
» J. Randall Canedy Conference Room,
healthy lunch on us!
STRONGER AFTER STROKE Methodist Mansfield Medical Center
» Learn more at facebook.com/
MethodistDallas/events. » Second Tuesday of the month, 1:30 p.m. Come learn the basics of diabetes
self-management through diet and
» Methodist Richardson Outpatient lifestyle at these free, informative classes.
WEIGHT-LOSS SUPPORT FOR Plaza, 1977 N. Collins Road, Richardson,
TX 75080 » Registration is required: MethodistHealth
BARIATRIC SURGERY PATIENTS System.org/Events or 682-242-7132.
Join us for this support group for stroke
Methodist Mansfield
survivors and their caregivers to learn
» First Tuesday of the month, about adjusting to life after stroke. DIABETES EDUCATION CLASS
6 to 7:30 p.m.
» For information, call 469-204-6950. » Last Wednesday of the month,
» J. Randall Canedy Conference Room, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Methodist Mansfield Medical Center
HEART HEALTH AND » Room 204, Hitt Building, Methodist
This free support group meets each month
DIABETES WORKSHOP Dallas Medical Center
to discuss different topics and offer
accountability and encouragement for » Third Thursday of the month, Learn how to keep your diabetes under
those looking to have weight-loss surgery 3 to 5 p.m. control in these free classes led by certified
or those who have had weight-loss surgery. educators. We’ll even treat you to lunch!
» Auditorium, Methodist Charlton
» For information, call 682-242-0462. Medical Center » Registration is required: 214-947-6762.
MARK YOUR
CALENDAR!
4 | SHINE | FALL 2019
Diets debunked
BUSTING THE MYTHS
BEHIND TWO POPULAR
DIETING TRENDS
D
etoxing. Infrared workouts. at Methodist Dallas and Methodist Wellness beware:
Low-carb. No-carb. And in this Richardson Medical Centers, says some Registered dietitians
case, the keto diet and celery of her clients were shocked at their and food scientists
juice. It seems like every week, recent health screenings. say there isn’t
there is a new diet fad trending on “They were excited about the proof that
Instagram. Here, Methodist Health System’s numbers on the scale, but then they drinking celery
wellness team breaks down two of the learned their LDL cholesterol numbers juice is
most popular health claims for you. had shot up,” she says. “While on the any more
keto diet, they’d eaten an unhealthy beneficial
The keto diet amount of saturated fat.” than eating
The pitch: The ketogenic (or keto) Shore points out that a high level the vegetable.
diet depends on two things: a drastic of LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol, puts you In fact, it could
reduction in carbs and a high intake of at risk for heart disease, heart attack, be the opposite.
fat. The goal is to starve your body of and stroke. “Juicing may
carbohydrates, triggering a metabolic “I’m telling my clients to either get remove a lot of the
state called ketosis. Because your off keto or revise it and focus on lean nutritional content from
body can’t use carbs for energy, it proteins, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fruits and vegetables,” says
becomes efficient at burning fat for unsaturated fats,” she says. Michelle Knight, CHWC, lead wellness
energy instead. coach and program coordinator for
Eat a steak and get skinny — sounds Celery juice Methodist Charlton Medical Center.
great, right? And on social media, your The pitch: Loyalists say the latest “It also takes out most of the fiber
friends following keto look amazing! miracle health elixir is fresh celery juice. content, which is important for
Wellness beware: When is the last Thousands of people, including celebrities, digestion and lowering cholesterol.”
time your friends had their cholesterol claim that sipping 20 ounces on an empty While the juice has no research to
checked? Carey Shore, MS, RD, LD, stomach is changing their lives — curing back it up, raw celery does. Knight says
wellness coach and program coordinator inflammation, digestive issues, skin it provides vitamin K, folate, potassium,
conditions, and chronic pain. Juice and other antioxidants. “If you’re looking
stores are selling celery juice for nearly for the best health benefits, trade in the
$10 a bottle! juice for the whole fruit or vegetable.”
» ANOTHER MYTH BUSTED
Don’t fall for the scam that cardio workouts are the way to go when
it comes to losing weight. Read more at ShineOnlineHealth.com.
M E T H O D I S T H E A LT H SYS T E M .O R G | 5
What women need to know
about thyroid disease
D
o you ever feel hot or cold depending on your thyroid condition. recommends that women exercise, eat
when others around you feel Here are a few conditions and their healthfully, and avoid heavy drinking.
fine? Have you noticed most common symptoms:
changes in your weight? Are Q: Can thyroid disease be treated?
you feeling fatigued — or conversely, Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) Dr. VanDyke: Yes. Thyroid function
nervous and jittery? You could be • Weight loss can be measured accurately with lab
among the one in eight women • Rapid heartbeat tests, and thyroid disease can be treated
with a thyroid condition. • Trembling hands with medication and monitoring. But be
Thyroid disease can interfere • Feeling anxious or nervous patient — it can take up to eight weeks
with your metabolism, sex drive, and • Lighter periods. for thyroid levels to stabilize after
menstrual cycle and cause problems starting medication.
during pregnancy. The good news Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
is, it’s treatable. We asked Lindsey • Weight gain Q: Are over-the-counter thyroid
VanDyke, DO, endocrinologist on the • Getting cold easily treatments safe?
medical staff at Methodist Mansfield • Joint or muscle pain Dr. VanDyke: No. An endocrinologist
Medical Center, what women need • Feeling tired can prescribe the best treatment for
to know about thyroid disease. • Heavier periods. your particular problem.
Thyroid problems are so common, and
Q: What is the thyroid? Thyroid cancer they can have a profound effect on vitality
Dr. VanDyke: The thyroid is a butterfly- • Swelling in the neck and quality of life. An endocrinologist can
shaped gland at the base of the neck • Trouble swallowing help you understand what’s going on with
that produces the vital thyroid hormone. • Hoarse voice. your body and address the problems so
It controls metabolism, including heart you can feel better.
rate and the speed at which calories Q: How can I prevent
are burned. thyroid disease?
Dr. VanDyke: Researchers aren’t sure
Q: What are the symptoms what causes thyroid disease, but » SUSPICIOUS OF
of thyroid disease? genetics may play a role. The American YOUR SYMPTOMS?
Dr. VanDyke: Symptoms vary Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
If you’re worried you might
have thyroid issues, consult
Back off on biotin an endocrinologist. Find
Many women take biotin supplements, recommended by dermatologists one on our medical staff at
for hair and nail health. While there’s nothing wrong with biotin, it can MethodistHealthSystem.org/
interfere with thyroid testing. If you’re having your thyroid checked, FindADoctor.
don’t take biotin the week before testing.
6 | SHINE | FALL 2019
‘PUMP ’ K I N It U P !
HOW TO ADD A SEASONAL SPIN TO FAMILY FITNESS
I
f Mother Nature designed a workout medium- and large-sized pumpkins,
for families, there’s no doubt her plus little ones that can fit in the palm
fall routine would involve the most of your hand.
» NEED A DEMO?
glorious gourd — the pumpkin! This “A lot of things you can do with a
time of year, we love pumpkin festivals, typical kettlebell or medicine ball, you Head to ShineOnlineHealth.com
pumpkin pie, and pumpkin spice can do with a pumpkin,” she says. That for a video showing you how to
everything, so why not incorporate makes sense considering the average work seasonal fruits and veggies —
a pumpkin or two into a healthy pumpkin weighs in at 12 to 15 pounds like pumpkins and melons —
celebration of the season? They’re and measures about 14 inches, roughly into your fitness routine.
inexpensive and readily available at the same size as that equipment.
the nearest grocery store or ripe for the Here are a few exercises to try:
picking at the nearest pumpkin patch. • Use your small pumpkins
Exercising with pumpkins has been for bicep curls.
a “growing” (pun intended) trend for the • Do situps while holding a larger “Throw on Halloween-themed music
past 10 years, says Patricia Neus, MPH, pumpkin across your chest. along with these pumpkin workouts,”
CHES, CHW, program coordinator and • Do the pumpkin twist: Sit down with suggests Neus with a smile. “It’s just
wellness coach at Methodist Mansfield your feet on the floor and a pumpkin a fun little spin on doing some
Medical Center. “In wellness, we always in your hands. Then twist at your waist resistance training.”
emphasize using what you have access to work your core. Yes, you and the kids might feel a
to,” she says. “You don’t have to go out • Do squats while holding the pumpkin, little silly at first, but a good chuckle
and buy fancy equipment or join a gym.” touching it to the ground, then lifting it never hurt anyone. After all, laughter
Neus recommends starting with fresh over your head for a total body workout. is the best medicine.
» AN ADDED SAFETY TIP:
Trim down that extra-thick, fibrous
stem to avoid causing injuries.
M E T H O D I S T H E A LT H SYS T E M .O R G | 7
PATIENT STORY
When Kasey Hester was
told his testicular cancer
was inoperable, his wife
and children were his
greatest inspiration.
8 | SHINE | FALL 2019
The
fight of
his life
WITH A WIFE AND FIVE CHILDREN, KASEY HESTER
HAS MANY REASONS TO LIVE — BUT WITHOUT
ONE VERY GOOD FRIEND AND METHODIST
DALLAS, HE WOULD NOT BE HERE TODAY
K
asey Hester and Michael Truitt, MD, have been friends for years. Together,
they have coached a boys’ basketball team, gone on family campouts,
and attended countless sporting events.
So naturally, Dr. Truitt was the first person that Kasey consulted when he
dotted-line.indd 1 thought he had a hernia. Test results, however, revealed something much more serious —
testicular cancer. As a husband and father of five, Kasey had so much to live for — and
he relied on his friend to help him win the fight of his life.
“I knew Kasey as a 220-pound high school football player and later as a 150-pound
cancer patient,” says Dr. Truitt, general surgeon on the medical staff at Methodist Dallas
Medical Center. “I know the type of man he is and the family he had to return to. I couldn’t
look his wife or the kids in the eye unless we did everything we could.”
The impossible made possible
After Kasey’s cancer diagnosis in June 2018, doctors recommended that the Fort
Worth resident start chemotherapy and radiation to shrink the baseball-size tumor,
but Kasey wanted a less aggressive treatment. He traveled to an alternative medicine
center in Mexico. While there, his condition worsened rapidly and his kidneys failed.
He was rushed to the nearest U.S. hospital, in San Diego. There, surgeons deemed
his care futile and his tumor inoperable. They recommended hospice. Kasey and
his wife, Darla, contacted Dr. Truitt for advice.
“I don’t want to be made comfortable,” Kasey told him. “If I’m going to die, I want
to die fighting.”
continued on the next page >>
M E T H O D I S T H E A LT H SYS T E M .O R G | 9
Watch more patient stories like Kasey Hester’s
THE FIGHT OF HIS LIFE at ShineOnlineHealth.com.
continued from the previous page
Dr. Truitt arranged to have Kasey
flown to Methodist Dallas. The surgery
would be difficult, but Dr. Truitt knew that
the tumor would be highly curable if the
team was able to get him stable enough Over three months,
to tolerate chemotherapy. Kasey Hester almost
died several times from
complications related
Overcoming obstacle after obstacle to his cancer battle.
By the time Kasey arrived at Methodist His wife, Darla, was by his
side every step of the way.
Dallas, his tumor had grown to the size
of a basketball and had perforated
his intestines.
“Almost everything inside his abdomen
was tumor,” Dr. Truitt says. “We removed
part of the tumor, found the perforation,
and rerouted the plumbing around it.”
Kasey’s recovery was still uncertain. In
Dr. Truitt’s words, “We didn’t hit a home
run, but we put a ball in play.” And there
were still several innings to go. In fact,
Kasey would come close to death several
times over the next three months before
he began to get better.
Following surgery, he spent 10 days
recovering in the intensive care unit
(ICU), then four days into chemotherapy,
he stopped breathing. Caregivers placed
him on breathing and feeding tubes,
but Kasey developed pneumonia and
his lungs continued to fail. joined in the fight, as well. People from greatest motivation for getting well,”
With Kasey in and out of consciousness around the world were following his story he says.
and his lungs too weak to tolerate more and sending good thoughts and prayers Many people were essential to Kasey’s
chemo, hospice once again seemed the his way. recovery, including oncologists, nurses,
only option. In a last-ditch effort, the Over the next several weeks, Kasey and respiratory and physical therapists
medical team tried omitting a particular improved, graduating out of the ICU. He at Methodist Dallas.
drug associated with lung problems. finished his last round of chemotherapy “Every single person there took such
That change in treatment helped as an outpatient and returned to work excellent care of me,” Kasey says. “I am
Kasey recover from the pneumonia, but in January 2019. especially grateful to three heroes,
the victory was short-lived. He had yet “There were a lot of dark days, but without whom I wouldn’t be here: God,
another incident when he stopped everyone at Methodist Dallas went out of my wife, and Dr. Truitt.”
breathing. This time he was placed on their way to make me feel comfortable The power of Kasey’s story isn’t lost
a breathing machine. Ordinarily, this and loved,” he says. on Dr. Truitt. “To me, it’s about faith and
would prevent further chemotherapy, people coming together,” he says. “He
but Kasey’s doctors continued, knowing A true team effort needed a place that would invest in him,
his will to fight. Today, there isn’t a trace of cancer in when others would not, and give him a
On a Prayer Warriors for Kasey Kasey’s body. “I am incredibly blessed to chance to live. Methodist Dallas was that
Facebook page, more than 5,000 others be alive and back with my family, my place for him.”
» LEARN MORE
Learn more about the advanced surgical services available at Methodist Dallas at
MethodistHealthSystem.org/Dallas-Surgery.
10 | S H I N E | F A L L 2 0 1 9WELLNESS
Meet your perfect matcha
M
atcha madness is everywhere. “You should consume no more than about half a teaspoon of matcha powder
In addition to being widely daily,” Shore says. “That includes from all sources that you drink or eat. And
available as a beverage, the go for the highest-quality matcha. You want to make sure it’s bright green —
nutrient-packed green tea is the greener the better. Matcha that’s darkened may be older, and its benefits
popping up in lattes, muffins, cookies, even weaken over time.”
ice cream. What’s the hype behind this
Kermit-colored powder? Ready to go froth?
Matcha powder is widely available in stores and online. Add half a teaspoon
Meet your matcha of matcha powder per cup of hot (nearly boiling) water. Using a matcha whisk
Matcha isn’t just any green tea. It’s grown in or electric frother, blend until it becomes frothy. Then enjoy!
the shade, which concentrates chlorophyll
content and gives it a bright green color.
After harvesting, the leaves are steamed
and then ground into a powder.
Unlike the traditional tea bag you steep
in hot water and discard, you consume the
powdered leaves in your mug of matcha.
So that cup contains about 30 milligrams
of caffeine, more than brewed teas. By
comparison, an 8-ounce cup of coffee packs
about 95 milligrams. Matcha can give you
the jolt without the jitters.
It’s also a rich source of the amino acid
L-theanine, linked to mood enhancement,
and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which
has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and
anticarcinogenic properties.
“Diets rich in antioxidants may offer
protective effects from chronic diseases and
help reduce risk factors such as high blood
pressure, elevated cholesterol, and excess
body weight,” says Carey Shore, MS, RD, LD,
wellness coach and program coordinator at
Methodist Dallas and Methodist Richardson
Medical Centers.
Not too matcha, though
One gram of premium-grade matcha
powder is the recommended daily dose —
with good reason. Overconsumption
can trigger side effects of excess caffeine
(headache, insomnia, heartburn, diarrhea)
and, in extreme cases, cause liver damage
from lead toxicity.
A ConsumerLab.com study found that
lead from the environment stays in brewed
tea leaves, which are filtered by tea bags.
Depending on the source, matcha may
deliver as much as 30 times more lead
than a cup of brewed tea.
M E T H O D I S T H E A L T H S Y S T E M . O R G | 11Passing
the sniff test
WHAT YOUR SENSE OF SMELL SAYS ABOUT
YOUR RISK FOR ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
I
f your nose stops working, it could be time Typical signs of dementia include:
to visit the doctor. A failing sense of smell • Forgetfulness that interferes with daily life
can be an early sign of Alzheimer’s • Decreased ability to follow plans or
disease in older adults, according to a solve problems
Mayo Clinic study. • Difficulty with familiar tasks
For 3½ years, researchers followed more • Confusion about time or place, such
than 1,600 adults in their 70s and 80s, regularly as not knowing the season.
checking their ability to identify common
scents, such as banana, cinnamon, paint Have a nose for prevention
thinner, and smoke. Participants with the worst Regardless of sense of smell, there are
sense of smell were twice as likely to begin things that you can do to head off
having mild memory problems over the course Alzheimer’s disease, such as eating a
of the study. Those who had memory troubles healthy diet. Dr. Finch advises this plan:
right from the start and posted low olfactory • Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables
scores were five times as likely to develop every day.
Alzheimer’s disease. • Consume legumes, such as peas, beans,
and lentils, three times a week.
Nothing to sniff at • Stick to whole-grain bread.
“There is a strong correlation between the loss • Include foods high in omega-3 fatty acids
of smell and the transition from mild cognitive — such as salmon, mackerel, sardines,
impairment to Alzheimer’s dementia,” notes walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and
Michael Finch, MD, internal medicine physician cod liver oil.
on the medical staff at Methodist Charlton • Limit sugars, carbohydrates, and saturated
Medical Center. “If the loss comes on suddenly, fats, which are abundant in red meat,
lasts longer than a cold, or is accompanied by whole-milk products, fried foods, bacon
symptoms of Alzheimer’s, you should see and other processed meats, pizza,
your doctor.” and baked goods.
» FINDING HELP
If you or a loved one is showing signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease,
find a physician to help at MethodistHealthSystem.org/FindADoctor
or by calling 214-444-7303.
12 | S H I N E | F A L L 2 0 1 9WE’RE HERE FOR YOUR
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION
Methodist Health System complies with applicable federal
civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of
race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Methodist
Health System does not exclude people or treat them
COLD AND FLU NEEDS
differently because of race, color, national origin, age,
disability, or sex.
Methodist Health System:
THIS SEASON.
Provides free aids and services to people with disabilities
to communicate effectively with us, such as:
o Qualified sign language interpreters
o Written information in certain other formats if available.
Provides free language services to people whose
primary language is not English, such as:
o Qualified interpreters via a contracted service provider
o Information written in other languages.
If you need these services, please ask your nurse, the
house supervisor, or other hospital personnel for
assistance.
Alternatively, you may call the hospital’s operator directly
for assistance at the following numbers.
Methodist Charlton Medical Center • 214-947-7777
Methodist Dallas Medical Center • 214-947-8181
Methodist Mansfield Medical Center • 682-242-2000
Methodist Richardson Medical Center • 469-204-1000
If you believe that Methodist Health System has failed to
provide these services or discriminated in another way on
the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or
sex, please discuss this with your care team, or you can file
a grievance (complaint) with:
Methodist Health System’s Discrimination Grievances
Coordinator via phone messaging at 214-947-5119 or
email at discriminationcomplaints@mhd.com.
You can also file a civil rights complaint with the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil
Rights, electronically through the Office for Civil Rights
Complaint Portal, available at https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/
portal/lobby.jsf, or by mail or phone at:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Ave., SW
Room 509F, HHH Building
Washington, DC 20201
800-368-1019, 800-537-7697 (TDD)
Complaint forms are available at
http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/office/file/index.html.
NOTICE OF PROGRAM ACCESSIBILITY
ATTENTION: If you speak English, language assistance
services, including TTY, are available to you free of charge:
Methodist Charlton Medical Center • 214-947-7777
Methodist Dallas Medical Center • 214-947-8181
Methodist Mansfield Medical Center • 682-242-2000
Methodist Richardson Medical Center • 469-204-1000
Español (Spanish)
ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición
servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística.
Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ
ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn.
繁體中文 (Chinese)
注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語
言援助服務。請致電。
Français (French)
ATTENTION : Si vous parlez français, des services d'aide
linguistique vous sont proposés gratuitement.
������������������ (Arabic)
فإن خدمات المساعدة اللغوية، إذا كنت تتحدث اذكر اللغة:ملحوظة
: اتصل برقم )رقم ھاتف الصم والبكم.تتوافر لك بالمجان
( ا ُردُوUrdu)
تو آپ کو زبان کی مدد کی خدمات، اگر آپ اردو بولتے ہيں:خبردار
مفت ميں دستياب ہيں ۔ کال کريں
ພາສາລາວ (Lao)
ໂປດຊາບ: ຖ ້ າວ
່ າທ ົ ້ າພາສາ ລາວ, ການບ
່ ານເວ ໍ ິ ລການ
ຊ
່ ວຍເຫ ື ຼ ອດ
້ ານພາສາ, ໂດຍບ ໍ່ ເສ
ັ ຽຄ
່ າ, ແມ
່ ນມ
ີ ພ ້ ອມໃຫ້
ທ່ ານ. ໂທຣ
Русский (Russian)
ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы говорите на русском языке, то
вам доступны бесплатные услуги перевода. Звоните
�( �������رFarsi)
تسھيالت زبانی بصورت، اگر به زبان فارسی گفتگو می کنيد:توجه
. با تماس بگيريد.رايگان برای شما فراھم می باشد
Deutsch (German)
ACHTUNG: Wenn Sie Deutsch sprechen, stehen Ihnen
kostenlos sprachliche Hilfsdienstleistungen zur Verfügung.
한국어 (Korean)
주의: 한국어를 사용하시는 경우, 언어 지원
서비스를 무료로 이용하실 수 있습니다. 번으로
전화해 주십시오.
Tagalog (Tagalog – Filipino)
PAUNAWA: Kung nagsasalita ka ng Tagalog, maaari kang
gumamit ng mga serbisyo ng tulong sa wika nang walang
bayad.
Learn more about how you can protect िहंदी (Hindi)
ध्यान द�: यिद आप िहंदी बोलते ह� तो आपके िलए मुफ्त म�
yourself and your loved ones this cold and flu season. भाषा सहायता सेवाएं उपलब्ध ह�। पर कॉल कर� ।
�ુજરાતી (Gujarati)
Call 214-947-0033 or visit MethodistHealthSystem.org/FamilyHealth. �ુચના: જો તમે �ુજરાતી બોલતા હો, તો િન:�ુ�ક
ભાષા સહાય સેવાઓ તમારા માટ� ��લ�� છે . ફોન
Schedule your appointment today. કરો
日本語 (Japanese)
注意事項：日本語を話される場合、無料の言語
支援をご利用いただけます。まで、お電話にて
ご連絡ください。
Methodist Family Health Centers and Medical Groups are owned and operated by MedHealth/Methodist Medical Group and are staffed by independently
practicing physicians who are employees of MedHealth/Methodist Medical Group. The physicians and staff who provide services at these sites are not employees
or agents of Methodist Health System or any of its affiliated hospitals.6 tips to
sleep well
away from home
W 2 5
hether you’re on the road Drown out sound Close the drapes
for business or pleasure, People sleep best in a cool, dark, quiet Keep ambient light to a minimum
travel offers a break environment. A white noise machine or by closing the drapes or blinds, or use
from your usual routine. set of earplugs can mask the noise of a sleep mask to keep it dark.
Unfortunately, that break can also wreak a hotel or unfamiliar home.
havoc on even the soundest sleeper’s
shut-eye.
Here Stephen Mueller, MD, 3 Stay on schedule
On vacation, you may be tempted
6 Skip the nightcap
Yes, you’re on vacation, but that tropical
drink can disrupt your sleep. “Alcohol may
pulmonologist on the medical staff at to sleep in later than usual — or burn the make you feel sleepy, but it also makes
the Methodist Charlton Medical Center midnight oil and go to bed much later you more likely to wake up during the
Sleep Diagnostic Center, explains how than you normally do. “Altering your night,” Dr. Mueller says. An hour or two
you can get better sleep — even away bedtime or wake-up time can make before bedtime, swap alcohol for decaf
from the comfort and familiarity of it more difficult to get quality sleep,” iced tea or sparkling water.
your own bedroom. Dr. Mueller says. “The closer you stick
to your usual sleep cycle, the more » TIP NO. 7
1 Mimic home
Do you have a favorite pillow? It may
likely you are to sleep well.”
If these sleep tips aren’t helping
be worth the suitcase space to bring it
along. The feel and smell of it can help
you sleep. “Also, stick with your normal
4 Limit screen time
The light from your smartphone,
tablet, or even the television can trick
whether you’re at home or on the road,
talk to your doctor. You might benefit
from a sleep study to see what could
before-bed routine,” Dr. Mueller says. “If your brain into thinking it’s still daylight. be interrupting your sleep. Learn more
you usually have a warm shower before “I recommend that people turn off their at MethodistHealthSystem.org/
bed, do the same while traveling to signal devices an hour before bed to encourage Charlton-Sleep or by calling
to your body that it’s time for rest.” restful slumber,” Dr. Mueller says. 214-947-0575.
14 | S H I N E | F A L L 2 0 1 9Tiny but mighty
THE NEW CARDIOMEMS™ IMPLANT IS DRASTICALLY IMPROVING
HEART FAILURE MANAGEMENT
A
n unassuming little wireless device about the size Committed to helping hearts
of a dime is saving countless lives. CardioMEMS is a complement to treating patients with
The CardioMEMS™ HF System measures
dotted-line.indd 1
medication — something that’s closely managed at
pulmonary artery blood pressure in real time. the Heart Failure Clinic.
This allows clinicians to treat heart failure patients long before “The Heart Failure Clinic is specialized for patients who
they have visible symptoms — or worse, before they head need close monitoring,” Dr. Posligua says. “We also have more
to the hospital. expertise in heart failure management. When patients are
“Statistically, with every heart failure–related hospital very sick, we follow them closely until they become stable
admission, the patient simply gets worse and never quite and understand their drug regimen.”
bounces back,” explains William Posligua, MD, director of the Whether patients have had heart failure for years or are
Methodist Charlton Medical Center Heart Failure Clinic and new to the condition, CardioMEMS can help them manage
interventional cardiologist on the hospital medical staff. it going forward.
“Life expectancy decreases dramatically.” Patients admitted to the hospital as a result of their
Available through the Heart Failure Clinic, the CardioMEMS heart failure should visit the Heart Failure Clinic within
device is implanted into the pulmonary artery, which connects a week of being discharged from the hospital to begin
the heart to the lungs. It then wirelessly uploads blood pressure treatment and talk about the most effective options
data from inside the patient’s heart and sends those daily going forward, Dr. Posligua says.
statistics directly to the Methodist Charlton team so they can “The sooner we see those patients, the longer they’ll be
monitor patients in between their regular clinic visits. successful in managing their heart failure,” he says.
“This is great for the patients who are more sensitive,”
says nurse practitioner Riya Thenayan, APRN, FNP-C,
who works alongside Dr. Posligua at the Heart Failure Clinic.
“It allows us to tune up the dosages on their prescription » IS CARDIOMEMS RIGHT FOR YOU?
medications in real time and cuts down on hospital readmissions.”
According to a clinical trial, patients using the CardioMEMS If you have heart failure, talk with the pros at
system had a 57 percent reduction in mortality and a 43 percent the Heart Failure Clinic about how CardioMEMS
reduction in heart failure hospitalizations compared with patients can help manage your condition more effectively.
receiving typical heart failure management with medication alone. For a referral, call 214-444-7303.
M E T H O D I S T H E A L T H S Y S T E M . O R G | 15CARDIAC CARE
HEART ATTACKS
Anyone, at any age, can develop heart disease. In fact, it’s the leading cause of death among Americans. The term heart
disease refers to several kinds of conditions, the most daunting of which is the heart attack.
“A heart attack occurs when one of the three arteries that supply blood to the heart becomes blocked with a blood clot,”
says Jay Wright, DO, interventional cardiologist on the medical staff at Methodist Dallas Medical Center. “This usually occurs
in an artery that is partially blocked by a process called atherosclerosis, the gradual buildup of plaque in the artery. This plaque
can rupture, causing a blood clot to form and closing the artery completely.”
It’s important to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack and get to the hospital as soon as possible to minimize damage
to the heart muscle. It’s also important to better understand what increases your risk for a heart attack. Check out the statistics
and heart-healthy tips below to help prevent and respond to this deadly condition.
1 5
heart attacks is
silent, with no
symptoms
BUT TYPICALLY, RED FLAGS INCLUDE ONE OR MORE OF THESE SYMPTOMS:
1. Chest pain, tightness, or pressure
2. Persistent or recurring pain in the
shoulders, arms, upper back, neck, CALL 911 RIGHT AWAY IF YOU OR SOMEONE
jaw, or upper stomach ELSE EXPERIENCES THESE SYMPTOMS.
3. Shortness of breath Getting help immediately is crucial:
4. Lightheadedness About 47 percent of sudden cardiac deaths
5. Cold sweats happen outside a hospital.
6. Nausea.
8 ways to help prevent heart attacks:
Control blood
Limit Don’t Reduce Manage Be physically Eat a Maintain a pressure and
alcohol use smoke stress diabetes active every day healthy diet healthy weight cholesterol
16 | S H I N E | F A L L 2 0 1 9BY THE NUMBERS
Who’s at risk for a heart attack?
Someone in the U.S. has a heart
attack every 40 seconds.
735,000
Nearly half will have at least
1 of these 3 risk factors:
1. High blood
pressure
2. High
cholesterol
Americans experience a
3. Smoking. heart attack every year.
+ Diabetes and a strong family history of heart
disease also put you at a higher risk.
» HOW’S YOUR HEART?
Take our Heart Health Risk Assessment to learn more about
your potential risks at MethodistHealthSystem.org/Heart.
M E T H O D I S T H E A L T H S Y S T E M . O R G | 17Next-level
trauma care
AFTER COMPLETING A RIGOROUS REVIEW
PROCESS WITH FLYING COLORS, METHODIST
MANSFIELD EARNED A LEVEL III ADVANCED
TRAUMA FACILITY DESIGNATION
R
ne.indd 1 5/2/16 4:52 P
esidents of Mansfield and the High-quality patient care In fact, Methodist Mansfield
surrounding areas now have a Trauma Center Medical Director Gary K. patients are already reaping the
trauma center recognized by Alexander, MD, FACS, CPE, says before rewards of the trauma center’s Level
the Texas Department of State achieving the Level III mark, the hospital III status. As Dr. Alexander explains,
Health Services in their community. emergency department (ED) was seeing many geriatric patients are admitted
Methodist Mansfield Medical Center’s “an incredible number of injured patients.” to the hospital after falls. With its
new classification as a Level III Advanced At times, they had to be transferred expanded trauma resources, the
Trauma Facility means it has the to other hospitals, making it difficult hospital has been able to implement
necessary equipment, dedicated to consistently track their outcomes. a G60 program, which expedites the
resources, and specially trained trauma “We wanted to organize, better treat, diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic
team to care for critically injured patients. and track the care and outcomes for our injuries in older adults.
Traumatic injuries are severe and trauma patients,” Dr. Alexander says. “We’ve been able to get these
sudden and require immediate care. They “We’ll be able to see how well we are patients through surgery and on to
often result from serious falls, car crashes, doing and, more important, we can rehab within 48 hours, and we’ve
and violence. Examples are broken bones, make changes that improve quality started community outreach to
concussions, and gunshot wounds. of care and patient satisfaction.” prevent falls,” he says.
18 | S H I N E | F A L L 2 0 1 9OUR GOAL IS TO GET
PATIENTS NEEDING
TRAUMA CARE TO
DEFINITIVE TREATMENT
AS QUICKLY AS
POSSIBLE. HAVING A
TRAUMA CENTER
WITHIN OUR CITY LIMITS
ACCOMPLISHES THAT
GOAL FOR MANY WHO
WOULD OTHERWISE
BE SENT TO TRAUMA
CENTERS 20 TO
30 MINUTES AWAY.
— MICHAEL ROSS, MANSFIELD
FIRE-RESCUE CHIEF
A lifesaving difference a Level III Advanced Trauma Facility we don’t have a hospital and certainly
When it comes to expediting emergency nearby allows first responders and not a trauma hospital,” Swafford says.
response for injured patients, Mansfield resources to stay closer to their “We have a population of nearly
Fire-Rescue Chief Michael Ross says response areas. “This makes us 200,000 people. It’s important we
having a Level III facility in the community more readily available for the next serve their medical needs as best we
will make a difference. emergency incident,” he says. can, and Methodist Mansfield makes
“Our goal is to get patients needing Jim Swafford, Grand Prairie that possible.”
trauma care to definitive treatment City Council member, is also on Ultimately, Dr. Alexander says he
as quickly as possible,” Ross says. the Methodist Health System believes the Methodist Mansfield Level III
“Having a trauma center within our Board of Directors and Methodist trauma program will make a difference
city limits accomplishes that goal Mansfield Advisory Board. He in the communities it serves.
for many who would otherwise says Methodist Mansfield’s Level III “We are extremely proud of what we
be sent to trauma centers 20 to trauma status gives peace of mind have accomplished,” he says. “We feel
30 minutes away.” to local residents. that we set out with the goal to be an
Dale McCaskill, Midlothian Fire “Grand Prairie has some emergency excellent trauma center, and we have
Department chief, adds that having centers and an urgent care center, but stuck to our principles.”
M E T H O D I S T H E A L T H S Y S T E M . O R G | 19PATIENT STORY
READY TO
AFTER A CRASH AND BURN,
METHODIST MANSFIELD
HELPS JEFF WILLOUGHBY
RETURN TO MOTOCROSS
20 | S H I N E | F A L L 2 0 1 9RIDE
J
eff Willoughby started riding
a dirt bike at age 5. Speeding
around a track and getting
airborne doesn’t faze the
to the hospital,” he says. “Ten minutes
later, when I got home, the shock was
starting to wear off and the pain was
setting in. I realized I was really hurt.”
the outer third of the collarbone
near where it attaches to the
shoulder blade.
“Distal fractures are complicated,”
45-year-old father, who lives in explains John R. Harris, MD,
Venus, Texas, and works as a Rapid, high-quality care orthopedic surgeon on the Methodist
project manager for a commercial Mary drove Jeff to Methodist Mansfield medical staff. “When
construction company. Mansfield Medical Center, where determining the type of plate to use
In his 40 years of motocross, he he was immediately admitted to to repair the fracture, you need to
had been relatively lucky in the injury the emergency department. Ketan consider the patient’s age, his activity
department, suffering only a few Trivedi, MD, FACEP, was the treating level, and how strong it needs to
broken ribs. But his luck ran out emergency physician from the be to prevent future injury.”
on Nov. 10, 2018, during some Methodist Mansfield medical staff Knowing the daredevil would
recreational riding at the TexPlex on duty that day. want to get back to his adventurous
Park in Midlothian. “We did imaging and labs and lifestyle, Dr. Harris chose to use a
“I hit a jump at about 20 mph, determined he didn’t have bleeding titanium plate and 10 screws to repair
and the bike bucked me into the air in his stomach, but he did have Jeff’s fracture. The surgery took
when the foot pegs got stuck in the multiple rib fractures and a broken about one hour, and Jeff had to
dirt from the rutted face of a jump,” clavicle,” Dr. Trivedi says. “As a wear a shoulder sling for six weeks.
Jeff recalls. “I landed on my head Level III Advanced Trauma Facility, “I was back to work in a week
in soft sand with the bike crashing we’re able to facilitate timely and and a half,” Jeff says. “The trauma
down on top of my shoulder.” coordinated care for patients like treatment at Methodist Mansfield
Fortunately, Jeff was wearing a Jeff. We have quick access to was great.”
helmet. Spectators rushed to his side trauma surgeons, should they Today, Jeff, Mary, and their
to help, but he was able to crawl to be needed.” 5-year-old daughter, Avery, are
the side of the arena on his own, catch Fortunately, Jeff didn’t require enjoying the active lifestyle they
his breath, and load his bike on his emergency surgery, but he would had prior to Jeff’s injury. They took
truck. He then called his wife, Mary. need outpatient surgery to repair a family snow-skiing vacation to
“I told her I needed her to take me his clavicle. Colorado in the spring and regularly
go for family bike rides — though
Back on the bike not the motocross kind.
Five days after injuring himself, Jeff “Today, I’m good,” Jeff says. “When
had a procedure to repair a distal I’m on my bike, I don’t even notice
clavicle fracture. This is a break in my shoulder.”
» SCHEDULE YOUR ED VISIT ONLINE
If you or a loved one experiences a life-threatening emergency,
call 911. For more minor injuries and illnesses, make an
appointment with the Methodist Mansfield ED at QuickER.org.
M E T H O D I S T H E A L T H S Y S T E M . O R G | 21PATIENT STORY
A LIGHT AT THE END OF
WHEN LAJAUNE HOOD BEGAN EXPERIENCING SEVERE
INTESTINAL BLEEDING, SHE TURNED TO METHODIST CHARLTON
FOR A RARE ENDOSCOPIC PROCEDURE
I
t was a harrowing series of health offers a specialized endoscopic procedure
problems for Lajaune Hood. called double balloon enteroscopy (DBE),
“I couldn’t believe that all of this which is proven to effectively diagnose and
was happening to me,” she says. treat bowel conditions like the one Lajaune had.
“I had always been healthy and never “The double balloon enteroscopy allows
taken so much as a baby aspirin on a us to get 10 or 12 feet into the small intestine,”
regular basis.” says Randal Macurak, MD, gastroenterologist
In just a four-month span, she had a on the medical staff of Methodist Charlton,
heart attack, had her gallbladder removed, who performed the procedure on Lajaune.
started kidney dialysis, and had fluid “In some cases, we can examine and treat
drained from her lungs. the entire small bowel with it. Typical
When she thought things couldn’t intestinal endoscopic procedures don’t allow
get worse, doctors discovered intestinal us to access as much of the small bowel.”
bleeding. This is a common yet serious Here’s how DBE works: The physician
side effect for people, like Lajaune, threads an endoscope — a long tube
who take blood thinners for heart with a light and camera on the end —
conditions. But the care it takes down the throat and through the digestive
to cure it isn’t common. tract. Two balloons on the tube inflate and
deflate to help push the tube farther into
A look inside the small intestine, giving the physician
Doctors in Bedford weren’t able to treat improved visualization. Through the tube, small
the persistent bleeding, so Lajaune turned instruments are passed to remove polyps,
to Methodist Charlton Medical Center. It’s mark future surgical sites, perform biopsies,
one of a few hospitals in North Texas that or in Lajaune’s case, cauterize bleeding areas.
22 | S H I N E | F A L L 2 0 1 9A go-to place for digestive care
“Methodist Charlton gets some of the
Lajaune Hood thought the toughest cases from all over Texas
worst of her medical problems
and surrounding states,” Dr. Macurak
was a heart attack. When it
was discovered that she had says. “They come from everywhere —
intestinal bleeding, the staff Little Rock, Shreveport, Waco. Their
at Methodist Charlton knew
hospitals do what they can, and when
just what to do.
they can’t do any more, they often
send them to Methodist Charlton.”
It took four procedures to stop
Lajaune’s persistent bleeding — a result of
the anticoagulants she must take for her
heart condition. “She was big-time sick —
definitely one of our tougher cases,”
Dr. Macurak says.
He cauterized seven different sites of
bleeding over the span of the multiple
procedures. He also used DBE to assist
with closing a large surgical site.
A persistent patient
From the time Lajaune entered the
hospital with her heart attack, it was
four more months before she could return
home. She believes that the prolonged
stress of caring for her husband, who was
recovering from a stroke, was a factor in
her heart attack and the complications
that followed.
“I was told that surviving just one of the
things that went wrong for me was pretty
amazing, but to have all of that happen
in a short period of time and survive was
quite another,” Lajaune says. “It’s quite a
testament to the care I received from the
nurses and doctors and the army of friends
and family who stepped in to help me.”
» ADVANCED
DIGESTIVE CARE
If you have concerns about your
digestive health, let a physician on the
Methodist Charlton medical staff help.
Go to MethodistHealthSystem.org/
FindADoctor.
M E T H O D I S T H E A L T H S Y S T E M . O R G | 23PATIENT STORY
Paddling to a h
HOW DRAGON BOAT RACING BECAME KATHY
BOCKMAN’S PASSION AFTER BREAST CANCER
“
P
addles up!” are 57-year-old for every person, trying to make meaning
Kathy Bockman’s new favorite out of the experience she went through.
words. They replace two words We talked about the healthy ways to
that used to dominate her life: go through it.”
breast cancer.
After her diagnosis and treatment, she Chasing her happiness
ne.indd 1 struggled to find something that would Even with the love and support of her 5/2/16 4:52 P
bring happiness back into her life. Now husband, Joe, and two adult sons, as well
almost every warm Saturday, you will find as the distraction of her full-time job as
the Garland woman on the water with an assistant vice president of accounting
other survivors bonding over the most with AT&T, Kathy found herself struggling
unlikely of activities — dragon boat racing. mentally and emotionally.
“Dragon boat racing with this group “During my journey, I was in a very sad
of women quite literally saved me,” and angry place, and I didn’t know why,” Kathy Bockman conquered breast
Kathy says. she says. “After I completed six months cancer. Now she’s found new,
fun challenges, like dragon boat
of chemo, I tried a couple of different racing, to help her live her best
A whirlwind cancer diagnosis support groups, both in the community life after cancer.
“When I was diagnosed with breast and at the hospital, but they just weren’t
cancer in fall 2015, it was a whirlwind for me.”
of tests, treatment option decisions, Shortly after completing chemo, she
surgeries, radiation, and then six months attended a cancer retreat where there
of chemotherapy,” Kathy says. “It was was a table set up, all decorated in pink,
just such a shock. I had already had my showcasing the dragon boat team Dallas
annual mammogram earlier in the year, United PINK. Curiosity pushed her to
so when I felt the lump that fall, I didn’t go talk to the women at the table. She
think it could possibly be cancer.” learned that every one of them was a
After her diagnosis of a very breast cancer survivor just like her.
aggressive form of breast cancer On a whim, Kathy signed up.
(triple negative), Kathy was referred
to Jenevieve Hughes, MD, FACS, An eye-opening experience
breast surgeon on the medical staff at Dragon boats are essentially extra-long
Methodist Richardson Medical Center, canoes with a dragon head and tail. They
to have the lump and several sentinel hold 20 paddlers; a steerer at the back;
nodes removed. and a drummer, or caller, at the front.
“Kathy came in ready to conquer Festivals and races take place all over
cancer,” Dr. Hughes says. “I encouraged the U.S., including two major ones right
her to give some thought about how the here in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
first year after treatment would look for “The women I met at the first practice
her. The survivorship journey is different were welcoming, fun, and energetic,”
24 | S H I N E | F A L L 2 0 1 9You can also read
