News

Taking Back Control after a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

It is the moment you feel you have completely lost control. “Dr. Bentley told me I had breast cancer,” says Mavis Jennings of that moment for her at Harrington Breast Center on an October day in 2012. She was called back after a regularly scheduled mammogram looked suspicious. A second mammogram and sonogram revealed a hidden reality for the then 66-year old with no family history of breast cancer. With her husband by her side, Mavis remembers the room filling with familiar faces as the realization began to set in that she had no idea what to do next.

Surviving Breast Cancer and Helping Others at Harrington Breast Center

Preceded by the words, “You have breast cancer,” comes a call requesting to schedule a follow-up appointment after what appears to be an abnormal mammogram. For patients on the other end of the line, it is the moment their heart sinks and fears and worries go into overdrive. “Most every day someone knows I’m a survivor,” says Brenda Graham, RN, recall nurse at the Harrington Breast Center. Brenda is the person on the other end of the line when the patient needs to come back in for a follow-up appointment or biopsy.

Spotlight on Atrial Fibrillation

The Power of One

Trace Brown has worked in Patient Transport for only three months, but he has already made a big difference in the life of one patient.  When he was transporting a patient, he realized that the patient was blind and deaf.  His wife was also deaf.  Trace knows sign language, so he started a conversation with the man’s wife. She shared with Trace how frustrating it has been to communicate her husband’s needs to the staff and the physician.
  

4th of July Safety

Family, friends, food and fireworks – Fourth of July is America’s holiday to celebrate our freedom and patriotism. For many, the traditions remain generation after generation. Backyard barbeques, watching fireworks and spending a long weekend together mark one of summer’s most memorable holidays. This year, keep your family safe with these simple tips:

Safe Swimming

Weight Loss Warrior

Many people who have difficulty controlling their weight say that they have been heavy their entire lives.  April Hernandez does not fit into that mold.  She was fit and active growing up.  She enjoyed activities such as running and hiking, and she was a baton twirler in high school.  So how does someone who is healthy and enjoys being active develop a weight problem?  A combination of factors led to her seemingly impossible uphill battle with weight.

New Research on Benefits of Mediterranean Diet for Blood Pressure

It has been widely reported that following a Mediterranean diet is beneficial for heart health. Now researchers are looking into how it helps lower blood pressure. The British study was recently reported in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, where authors say it is the combination of unsaturated fats and nutrient-rich vegetables. This diet allows for a group of fatty acids to block a particular enzyme, resulting in lower blood pressure.

Be Ready for Summer with Safe Sitter Classes at BSA

The beginning of summer is full of possibilities. For students, it is break from the classroom and open season at the pool, evenings at the ball field and time to dust off the lemonade stand. For parents, it is a break from the usual routine and a chance to enjoy longer days and possibly a few evenings out and about. The pre-teen and early-teen years are often a time children think about venturing into their own business during the summer break to earn extra money through babysitting.

BSA Recognized with Readers' Choice Awards

Amarillo Magazine readers recognized BSA Health System with Readers’ Choice Awards in three categories: Birthing Suites, Lactation Specialists and Ultrasound. “I am incredibly honored and very excited,” shares lactation specialist Tiffany Batemen, IBCLC of the distinction and honor for BSA. “We have become a community resource since the program started 16 years ago.”

Retired Couple Embraces Lifetime of Service as Volunteers at BSA

Bill and Sandra Hanna spend their Tuesday and Thursday mornings at BSA in the surgery waiting area. They are enjoying their retirement years, doing what they enjoyed professionally, although they did not work in health care. “We spent 40 years working with people,” shares Bill. “I worked in law enforcement and my wife retired from the restaurant industry.”