CHRISTUS Health

At 70, Lynda Vogel is living proof that it’s never too late to prioritize your health. After suffering a heart attack, she was taken to CHRISTUS Santa Rosa- San Marcos, where she underwent a catheter procedure. She was later referred to our cardiac rehab outpatient program. Over the next 18 weeks, Lynda met her goals and learned how to prioritize her health through the education our program offered. “They taught me a lot and gave me the tools to continue,” Lynda said. “The people there each brought a unique and individual asset to the program. I felt very accomplished.” Today, Lynda is doing much better, continuing her journey with newfound knowledge, and has even lost 15 pounds. “I used to not be able to do anything without being completely winded,” she said. “And now I have a walking routine and barely break a sweat. So much has improved.” Recently, Lynda graduated from our Phase 2 program that followed our outpatient cardiac rehab. She celebrated with friends she made throughout her journey and proudly hung her leaf on our Tree of Life. Looking back, she’s grateful for the second chance at life, thanks to a team of people who truly cared for her. “I felt very taken care of,” she said. “They monitored me, evaluated my mental well-being—it was very inclusive.” Her advice to others is simple: “Have hope because it’s never too late to start making better decisions for your health, no matter your age or physical ability.” Take the time to learn more about signs and symptoms of heart attacks at https://lnkd.in/eWH-avh6

Whether in the ministries or serving at our system office, our Associates' dedication and passion make a difference every day. This week we got to show our appreciation for the work we do together and grateful for the incredible people who make it possible. 👏 We're always looking for compassionate, dedicated individuals to help us continue delivering exceptional care. Check out our current job openings at https://lnkd.in/g5QEdR7A.

Colorectal cancer is the second-deadliest cancer in the U.S., but it can often be detected early through screenings. Dr. Kevin L. Dean, General Surgeon at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas – St. Elizabeth reminds us that "Colorectal cancer starts as a noncancerous polyp and can slowly become invasive," Early detection can save lives, which is why it's crucial to understand the symptoms and take preventive measures. Symptoms to watch for include changes in bowel movements (diarrhea or constipation), abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating and/ or changes in stool color, consistency, or shape. This Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, learn about the different types of colorectal cancers and see if you're at risk for the disease: https://lnkd.in/gdFi57mb.

Loving God, as we welcome the Lenten season with Ash Wednesday, we gather before you as a community of faith. May this lenten journey be an opportunity to grow deeper in our faith, our love and service to you and for others. We ask your mercy throughout this season of repentance and reconciliation so that we may renew our hearts and walk in the full light of your love. https://lnkd.in/gqxtMxK3

Health care providers in #AlexandriaLA, join us March 15th for our Stroke Recognition and Response Symposium. At this event we will addresses the prehospital and hospital management of patients with acute stroke and much more!

Today, we celebrate our incredible residents on #ThankaResidentDay who work tirelessly to provide the best care to our patients. Your dedication, expertise and compassion make a difference in the lives of so many! We are grateful for your commitment to extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. Thank you, residents, for all that you do! To learn more about our residency and fellowship programs, visit https://lnkd.in/gGUF-6Vm

Reagan Thompson and Kalyn Ellison are women with HEART! ❤️ Reagan, a Parkway High School senior, and Kalyn, the valedictorian of Hawkins High School, each took home a $5,000 grand prize in our “Women with Heart” Scholarship contest for their outstanding efforts in raising awareness about women’s heart disease. Reagan collaborated with parents, friends, and teachers to educate others during #HeartMonth, while Kalyn shared her personal heart journey and her grandmother’s battle with heart-related conditions. Huge congratulations to all the finalists for spreading awareness about women’s heart health! 👏♥️🎉

CHRISTUS Health is hosting 2025 CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Advanced Practice Clinician Symposium. Make sure to attend it on March 1.

We’re expanding delivery care options with midwifery services for our southeast Texas region! Briana Scruggs recently experienced the benefits of this expansion when she delivered her baby boy, Kolsen, under the care of our first certified nurse midwife, Ashleigh Clark. “After my first appointment with Mrs. Clark, I knew midwifery was the direction I wanted to go,” Briana said. “She was extremely personable and allowed my body to do what it needed to do to have the baby organically. I felt completely safe and involved through the entire process.” Briana’s experience was even more meaningful when her husband had the opportunity to catch their newborn baby during delivery. “Mrs. Clark offered him some gloves, so he just put them on and caught our baby,” Briana said. “It was such an empowering and intimate experience, feeling like we were bringing the baby into the world together as a team.” Read more about our midwifery care and OB/GYN care at https://lnkd.in/gwNw7ARH.

When flight attendant Kareyn Green needed a heart procedure, she thought her only option was to travel to a big city. That changed when she met Dr. Lisardo Garcia, chief of cardiothoracic surgery. "He had exceptional bedside manners," Kareyn said. "I felt compelled to give him a chance to do my procedure instead of going to the big city." Dr. Garcia performed a minimally invasive mitral valve repair, helping Kareyn avoid serious complications like congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, and atrial fibrillation. "My experience with CHRISTUS was wonderful, down to every nurse, doctor, custodial, dietician... everyone was so kind, so wonderful." Watch Kareyn's story at https://lnkd.in/gNbrVGsc