News

Should you consider a heart scan after having COVID-19?

As a result of new information regarding the relationship between the cardiovascular system and COVID-19, there’s been a lot of chatter around this question: Should you consider a heart scan after recovering? The appropriate answer varies depending on the individual and the severity of their bout with the virus.

If you had a mild case, or you were asymptomatic, experts do not believe it’s necessary to get a heart scan before resuming activity.

Skin Burn Awareness

More than one million burn injuries occur every year in the United States.

“Burns are complex, and at times, are serious injuries which take a knowledgeable provider to assess,” BSA Advanced Wound Care Center Medical Director, Cuatro Holland, DO said. “Numerous complications can occur if left untreated. If there are any concerns, professional help should be sought immediately.”

First-Time Mom Delivers Early at BSA While Suffering from COVID-19

Clara Perez, 23, was 34-weeks pregnant when she began experiencing severe COVID-19 symptoms.

"I was having a lot of muscle pain and throwing up,” Perez said. “I wasn't able to keep anything down, not even water. I was also running a fever and had lost my taste and smell.”

Due to the severity of her symptoms and her concern for her unborn child’s safety, Perez went to the BSA Emergency Room. Once at BSA, she was given an IV and staff began monitoring both her and her baby’s vital signs.

Nurse Practitioner Becomes COVID-19 Patient

In early April of 2020, Nurse Practitioner Stan Leffew contracted COVID-19 and was admitted to BSA hospital. Needing to be intubated, Leffew required the care of his former colleagues in the BSA Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

BSA EMS Helping to Test for COVID-19 in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities

As more cases of COVID-19 are being confirmed in the Texas Panhandle, the BSA Emergency Medical Services (EMS) department is doing their part to help one of our area’s at-risk populations. BSA EMS has been assigned by the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force to administer COVID-19 tests to residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The BSA EMS team is helping administer the tests in response to an executive order issued by Governor Greg Abbott.

BSA Nationally Recognized with an ‘A’ for Patient Safety by Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade

Amarillo, TX, (April 30, 2020) – BSA Health System is the only hospital in the Texas Panhandle to be awarded an ‘A’ for patient safety from The Leapfrog Group’s Spring 2020 Hospital Safety Grade. This is the second consecutive time that BSA has received this national distinction, which recognizes achievements in protecting patients from harm and providing safer healthcare.

Using Technology to Connect with Loved Ones

With hospitals and health officials still strongly recommending wearing a mask and social distancing, fighting the coronavirus can be lonely and isolating— but it doesn’t have to be.

How to Avoid Heartburn

Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach (esophagus). It can feel like a burning pain in the chest that may worsen when bent over or lying down. Getting heartburn is common and the symptoms can usually be managed on your own, however, there are some instances when heartburn could be more serious.

The Effects of Sleep Deprivation

Getting better sleep helps you lead a better life. To achieve optimal health, prioritize your sleep schedule.

“Sleep is the single most effective thing we can do to reset our brain and body each day,” explained BSA Sleep Disorders Center Manager, Jeannie Pruitt.

When you don’t get enough quality sleep, problems can arise. Poor sleep habits can be detrimental to our overall health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claims that insufficient sleep is a public health epidemic.

Wrapped in Love - How One BSA Employee Gives Back

Vickie Burns, a long-standing employee at BSA, spends her time off crocheting to give back to her co-workers. A self-taught crocheter, Burns, started crocheting blankets with the intention of giving one to her co-worker who was welcoming a new baby at BSA.

Her idea of making blankets to help fellow BSA employees celebrate happy occasions started last Autumn.

“The idea came from years of volunteering in our community and deciding to make a difference right here at BSA,” says Burns.