3 Unlocking the secrets behind better sleep GRMEDCENTER.COM In this issue FALL 2024 Standard U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 We are all familiar with the advice to live a healthy and active lifestyle, but what does that really mean? In this issue of Health Currents, we provide some answers and tips. Living an active lifestyle can mean different things for different people, but in general an active lifestyle means getting at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. It doesn’t have to mean training for a marathon or lifting weights at the gym every day. It can be as simple as taking a walk during your lunch break, going for a bike ride with friends on the weekend or playing a sport you enjoy. Moderate exercise gets your heart rate up and makes you sweat a little. This could be anything from a brisk walk to swimming to cycling. The important thing is to find an activity that you enjoy and can stick with on a regular basis. Regular exercise has been shown to improve mental well-being, increase energy levels and help manage weight. Regular exercise also helps to improve heart health while lowering stress levels and the risks of developing chronic illnesses, like diabetes and high blood pressure. But an active lifestyle isn’t just about exercise. It also means making healthy choices in your daily habits and behaviors, such as choosing to eat nutritious meals and avoiding unhealthy substances, like tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption. At GRMC, we have many resources to help keep you living an active lifestyle. Establishing a relationship with a primary care doctor is an important step to monitoring your health. Our Wellness Center has a wide array of fun exercise options, from classes to swimming to sports training. We provide diabetes classes specifically focused on healthy lifestyles, and our new Sleep Center helps diagnose sleeping disorders. Individual and family mental health counseling is provided at the Teddy Buerger Center. And for those times when urgent care, emergency medical care or surgical intervention is needed to keep you on your healthy path, we are here for you as well! How to have a healthy life
Eli Ortiz, MD, is a first-generation Mexican-American born and raised in San Antonio. Most recently, Dr. Ortiz completed his Family Medicine residency at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. With a doctorate in medicine from UT Health San Antonio School of Medicine and a degree in mathematics from the University of Texas at Austin, he is now eager to embark on a new chapter: caring for patients in Seguin. As a primary care physician, Dr. Ortiz views himself as the “quarterback” of a patient’s health, guiding them through their health journey and coordinating care to ensure it aligns with their goals and needs. He emphasizes the importance of having a trusted primary care doctor who can see patients as whole individuals, understand their backgrounds, and help them prevent and manage illnesses. His philosophy is rooted in patient education, and he strives to teach patients about their medical conditions, empowering them to take an active role in their health. This approach helps patients understand the importance of treatments and preventive measures, leading to better health and reduced risk of future illnesses. As a physician who speaks Spanish fluently, Dr. Ortiz brings a unique perspective to his practice. “As a Hispanic physician, I bring a cultural understanding as well as personal experience to my practice, which helps me connect with and better serve my patients,” he says. By incorporating cultural understanding into his practice, Dr. Ortiz enhances the care he provides, making it more relatable and effective for his patients. The most rewarding part of his job is witnessing his patients’ health improve and hearing them express their gratitude. Seeing patients recognize their progress and feel healthier validates his efforts and commitment to their well-being. Reflecting on his passion for family medicine, Dr. Ortiz says: “The most rewarding aspect is witnessing patients’ positive health transformations. When they express feeling healthier, I know I’ve made a meaningful impact.” 2 | GRMC Health Currents Now accepting new patients! Bilingual in English and Spanish 411 S. King St., Seguin, TX 78155 Call to make an appointment: 830.484.4200 Meet our new primary care provider, Eli Ortiz, MD
grmedcenter.com | 3 Sleep is essential for health and wellbeing, yet many people don’t get the recommended seven to eight hours per night, leading to a higher risk for diabetes, heart disease, obesity and depression. Prioritizing sleep can protect your health, now and in the future. Struggling with sleep? Common sleep disorders such as insomnia, narcolepsy and sleep apnea can turn peaceful dreams into total nightmares. Our otolaryngologists, Jason Goodwin, MD, and Jennifer Hennessee, MD, diagnose and treat these conditions. One of the first steps our physicians recommend is undergoing a sleep study. Guadalupe Regional Medical Center launched a comprehensive sleep study program in July to help our patients find answers to sleep-related conditions. “If someone’s telling you, a partner, a friend or a family member, gosh, you really snore a lot at night, or if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or anything else like that, you really should be screened for sleep apnea,” says Dr. Hennessee. “There are very easy home sleep studies that can be done that aren’t real cumbersome and are cost-effective.” A better way to treat sleep disorders One of the newest innovations we offer is Inspire therapy, a small device for treating obstructive sleep apnea. It eliminates the need for CPAP machines’ large compressors, tubing and masks. Dr. Hennessee recommends it for patients with moderate to severe sleep apnea who can’t tolerate CPAP. Ideal candidates have a BMI of 36 or lower and a recent sleep study. If you meet all the requirements, a consultation to discuss the procedure would be the next step. “It’s an outpatient procedure, but there are strict guidelines on who’s qualified for it, and there’s a process for when your sleep study needs to be done,” says Dr. Goodwin. “You have to do a separate sleep endoscopy, and then you do the implant. The implant surgery itself is an in-and-out, same-day surgery.” Inspire therapy is a game-changer for individuals suffering from sleep apnea, offering a noninvasive and effective solution to improve sleep quality and overall health. Understanding the benefits of good sleep, common sleeping disorders and treatment options can help you make informed decisions about your sleep health and take proactive steps to improve your quality of life. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Inspire Medical Systems Jason Goodwin, MD Jennifer Hennessee, MD Unlocking better sleep GRMC OFFERS INNOVATIVE TREATMENTS FOR SLEEP DISORDERS
grmedcenter.com | 4 Award-winning orthopedic care When sports injuries occur, urgent and emergency care are available for immediate evaluation and treatment. Should the injury require further medical care, our award-winning team of orthopedic surgeons is here for you. Sprains, strains and fractures sometimes require surgical repair. The most common sports-related surgeries involve the knee and shoulder, and minor surgeries may be performed to repair tendons or ligaments. Oftentimes surgery is not required, but an orthopedist can provide the expertise to guide the recovery phases of the injury. An orthopedist may use splinting or bracing to immobilize the injured body part, and they may coordinate with our excellent team of physical and occupational therapists for an exercise rehabilitation program. Orthopedists also work hand-in-hand with the athlete’s primary care physician, coaches and trainers to ensure a safe and ideal return to an active lifestyle. To learn more about our orthopedic specialists, scan the QR code! Embrace fitness at any age At Guadalupe Regional Wellness Center, fitness isn’t just a journey; it’s a lifestyle for all ages. Our diverse Wellness Center meets individual and family fitness needs with: • Dynamic group fitness classes • Personalized and group training sessions • Youth athletic training at the Parisi Speed School • Therapeutic water aerobics Our state-of-the-art facility features spacious workout areas and cutting-edge equipment, supporting various exercise preferences and intensities. Our expert trainers develop personalized fitness plans to help you achieve your goals, whether you’re enhancing strength, boosting cardio endurance or finding peace through yoga. Explore memberships and facilities at grwellnesscenter.com, and prioritize health and happiness for every generation with us. At Guadalupe Regional Wellness Center, we’re more than just a gym. Unleash your inner athlete Parisi Speed School at Guadalupe Regional Wellness Center trains youth athletes ages 7 to 22 to improve speed, strength and overall performance. Our certified coaches empower young athletes with increased fitness, confidence and performance through positive training experiences that enhance speed, prevent injuries and build character. To see a schedule of the classes offered, please scan the QR code. Urgent care: Find help for a sports injury Sports injuries range from minor sprains to severe fractures. While some can be managed with first aid and rest, others need medical attention. Guadalupe Regional Urgent Care Center provides prompt and effective treatment for urgent injuries. At GRMC Urgent Care, we offer extended hours, reduced wait times and fast access to specialized care like x-rays and labs. Our skilled providers handle musculoskeletal injuries, ensuring timely treatment to prevent complications and promote recovery. Common sports injuries include sprains, strains, fractures, dislocations, concussions, persistent bleeding and tendon injuries, with symptoms like pain, swelling, bruising, limited motion and difficulty bearing weight. Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, including holidays and weekends. See grmcurgentcare.com.
5 | GRMC Health Currents Mark your calendar for the Pistols & Petticoats event, celebrating the 33rd anniversary of Guadalupe Regional Hospice Services. In recognition of Hospice Awareness Month in November, this event honors GRMC’s dedication to providing comprehensive end-of-life care since 1990. Attendees can expect Western-themed entertainment, upscale cuisine, a signature cocktail, raffle, and both live and silent auctions. Saturday, Oct. 26, 6:30 p.m. Seguin Events Complex, Seguin Coliseum For more information or to become a sponsor, please scan the QR code! Mark your calendar and bring a friend! You’re invited to our annual Mammos & Mimosas event, a special day dedicated to breast cancer prevention and education. Join us for an uplifting and informative experience. Highlights of the day • Free-flowing mimosas • Fun giveaways • Local vendors showcasing fashions, jewelry and gift items for women • Tours of our state-of-the-art Women’s Imaging Center • Breast cancer education and resources • The opportunity to schedule your annual breast cancer screening • A custom Mammos & Mimosas tote for the first 100 guests Save the date for these upcoming events! Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to enjoy a day of pampering, retail therapy and learning—all while supporting an important cause. Whether you’re here for the mimosas, the education or the camaraderie, there’s something for everyone. Let’s raise our glasses and awareness together! Saturday, Sept. 28, 10 a.m. to noon GRMC Central Entrance Lobby Scan the QR code for details!
HEALTH CURRENTS is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of GUADALUPE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER, 1215 E. Court St., Seguin, TX 78155, 800.506.6394 or 830.379.2411. Website: grmedcenter.com. Robert G. Haynes, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer Kody Gann, CPA, Chief Financial Officer Daphne Blake, RN, MSN, Chief Nursing Officer Sheri Williams, RN, MSN, Chief Operating Officer Fay Bennett, VP of Employee Services Lauren Carter, VP of Physician Services Steve Lara, CEO of Guadalupe Regional Medical Group Elaine Bennett, CEO of Guadalupe Regional Medical Foundation Deana Henk, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer, Guadalupe Health Network Rhonda Unruh, MHA, RN, VP of Quality James Lee, MD, GRMC Governing Board Chairman Michelle Rumbaut, GRMC Project Administrator Health Currents Editor: Chelsea Maldonado, MBA, Director of Marketing Carmela Fadal, GRMC Business Development Analyst Information in HEALTH CURRENTS 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 and illustrations. 2024 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Don’t forget your financial health! We strive to remain on track with our physical and mental well-being, but how often do we consider the health of our personal finances? Financial health is a crucial aspect of overall wellness that is often overlooked. While it’s important to prioritize physical and mental health, it’s equally important to take into account your financial situation when planning for the future. Three financial habits to set you up for success Set financial goals. Setting clear and achievable goals is the first step in financial health. Whether you are saving for a major purchase, paying off debt or building a retirement fund, a specific goal helps you stay focused and motivated. Budget responsibly. Creating and sticking to a budget is fundamental to setting yourself up for success. By tracking income and expenses, you can gain a clear understanding of your financial situation and identify areas in need of improvement. Save for emergencies. Regularly setting aside a portion of income for an emergency fund can act as a safety net during challenging times. A separate account helps to prevent you from draining your funds when unexpected expenses occur. Just as we take care of our bodies and minds, we must also nurture our financial goals to ensure a secure future. When you are financially healthy, it enables you to contribute to causes and organizations you are passionate about. Whether it’s contributing to a charity, funding a passion project or helping those in need, having a solid financial foundation empowers us to make a positive impact. For more information on how to give back to your community hospital, please call us at 830.401.7209 or visit our website at grmedfoundation.org. Helping you live life to the fullest As the CEO of GRMC for several decades, I’ve personally experienced our healthcare system multiple times. At the top of my recommendations for maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle is to join the GRMC Wellness Center, complete with top-notch exercise equipment, certified trainers and structured team workouts at the Performance Center. A wide range of members, ages 16 to 90, regularly enjoy yoga, tai chi, aquatic classes, cycling, weight training and the camaraderie of other community members who are similarly motivated to remain active and strong. When the unexpected has happened for me, I rest assured that we have the finest physicians, technicians and healthcare team at the ready. From my own experience and that of my family’s, I can attest that the primary care, cardiology, orthopedic, obstetrics and other specialty care available right here in Seguin is among the best in the nation. We are here for you, and we want to help you and your family enjoy your healthiest life. Elaine Bennett, CEO of GRMF Robert Haynes, CEO of GRMC
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