In recognition of Hernia Awareness Month, Dr. Sam Kirkendall, BSA Amarillo Surgical Group General Surgeon is sharing information on hernia symptoms and treatment options. Hernias occur when internal organs or fatty tissue are pushed through a weak spot within a muscle or connective tissue. According to Dr. Kirkendall, there are three common types of hernias:…

Men’s Health Month, celebrated annually in June, is a great reminder for men to practice healthy lifestyle habits. According to BSA Urgent Care Center Physician Assistant, Rob Henry, men can do several things to improve their overall health, including: · Discontinuing smoking, overeating and excessive alcohol consumption · Following any recommended treatment plans for existing chronic conditions…

Strokes not only have many effects on the victim, but they also have many causes. There are five types of stroke: ischemic, hemorrhagic, transient ischemic attack (TIA), cryptogenic and brain stem. Ischemic strokes are the most common type of stroke, accounting for 87 percent of stroke cases. These strokes occur when blood flow to the brain…

Volunteers are a vital part of what goes on at BSA. Their passion and selflessness are inspiring, and the support they provide truly cannot be understated. Ahead of BSA Volunteer Week, we spoke with BSA Volunteer Coordinator, Nicole Bounsing, to get her thoughts on our wonderful network of volunteers. Volunteering is rewarding, but with busy…

On August 17, 2007, Alanna Hepler, LMSW was told her son, Ethan, was diagnosed with severe autistic and nonverbal learning disorders. “My husband and I were devastated and felt so alone with the uncertainty of our son’s future,” Alanna shared. “After his diagnosis, Ethan’s doctor told us we could choose a life of disappointment or…

When Christy Garces’ 10-year-old daughter Sophie experienced pain in her left foot followed by a fever, Christy’s first thought was to head to BSA. As a mother of two daughters with type 1 diabetes, she knew the severity of a seemingly ordinary condition could be amplified. The Garceses are no strangers to BSA. Their family…

This Women’s History Month, we are spotlighting BSA’s clinical education coordinator and resource educator for nursing services, Lisa Touma, RN, MSN. Lisa has been with BSA since 2005. She has always had ambitions to enter the healthcare industry, but her path to get there was unique. “I have always loved taking care of people and…

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,…

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…

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…