At The Northwest Texas Healthcare System Blog you'll find information you can use to improve your overall health and well-being, and stories about our amazing patients and Healthcare Heroes serving our community.

Which Colorectal Cancer Test Is Right for You?

February 24, 2023

Various colorectal cancer screening options can make diagnosis and early detection easier for you.

The ABCs of Joint Replacement Surgery

February 24, 2023

Joint replacement surgery sounds so invasive, but what does it really entail? Here's the breakdown.

What Your Heart Is Telling You

January 25, 2023

Not all heart events are the same. Knowing what makes them different can be the key to surviving them.

The Surprising Connection Between Mind and Heart

January 24, 2023

Stress and anxiety could be negatively affecting your heart health AND heart disease can cause stress and anxiety. Here’s how to break the cycle.

Hospital Emergency Room or Urgent Care?

December 21, 2022

Where to go for minor, non-life-threatening concerns, like the flu, cuts and ear infections.

The Keys to Successful New Year’s Resolutions

December 21, 2022

The time to build healthy habits is here. Don’t think too hard, we’ve come up with a list of resolutions worth keeping.

RSV: What YOU Need to Know

December 19, 2022

This holiday season, when families gather and the risk of spread is high, be aware of common RSV symptoms, treatments and preventive actions.

Are You Struggling With Your Weight-Loss Journey?

December 2, 2022

If your goal is to lose weight, but nothing seems to be working, bariatric surgery can get you where you want to be.

Stay Safe This Flu Season

November 20, 2022

Don't miss any of the holiday cheer, avoid the flu this year.

Try These Steps To Defuse Holiday Stress

November 19, 2022

Put self-care at the top of your to-do list. Identify when stress is affecting you and how you can manage it.

What You Should Know About Anxiety

November 14, 2022

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting nearly one in five American adults each year.

5 Ways Quitting Smoking Can Improve Your Life

November 1, 2022

Sometimes the big health reasons to quit smoking are not enough. These small perks might be the push you need to make the commitment.

Prediabetes Is Common, Often Unrecognized, and Dangerous

October 31, 2022

It’s more common than you might expect. Learn how to avoid it turning into diabetes.

Know the Risk Factors to Avoid Falls

October 13, 2022

Falls are not only painful but can lead to ongoing complications and difficulties. Learn what you need to know to prevent them from happening to you.

Your Breast Cancer Screening Questions Answered

October 2, 2022

Is getting a mammogram at the top of your to-do list? If not, schedule it now. It may save your life!

Depression and Aging: Know the Facts

September 30, 2022

Depression is the most prevalent mental health problem among older adults and can lead to a decline in physical, mental and social functioning.

Leg Pain While Walking Is a Common Complaint

September 23, 2022

Do you have leg pain while walking? It could be Peripheral Artery Disease. Learn what you need to know.

The To-Do Item Men Shouldn't Forget

August 31, 2022

Prostate cancer affects 1 in 8 American men in their lifetime, and testing is important in identifying and treating it. 

The 10-Minute Test That Could Save Your Life

August 29, 2022

When it comes to maintaining heart health, early detection and prevention are key. This simple test can uncover a dangerous condition.

Protect Yourself While Enjoying the Summer Sun

June 10, 2022

Want to protect yourself from skin cancer while enjoying the summer sun? Checkout these timely tips to indulge in the sun safely.

Summer Safety Essentials

June 10, 2022

Paying attention to the most common types of injury can help keep you and your family safe while getting the most out of the warm months ahead.

9 Essential Screenings for Men

May 10, 2022

June is Men’s Health Awareness Month! Regular check-ups and screenings can help men stay healthy by indicating preventive health needs and catching issues before they become more serious.

How COVID-19 Has Impacted Mental Health

May 10, 2022

COVID-19 has taken a heavy toll on mental health. If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, here are ways to identify issues and get help.

Recognition for our Remarkable Nurses

April 22, 2022

Nurses are on the frontline of most every healthcare interaction. We celebrate nurses everywhere during National Nurses Week, May 6-12.

5 Ways to Lessen Seasonal Allergies

April 22, 2022

Whether your allergy symptoms are frustrating or debilitating, there are steps you can take to enjoy rather than dread spring.

When You Need Care, Make the Smart Choice

March 25, 2022

Learn when to visit the emergency room versus urgent care.

How to Take Control of Your Neurological Health

March 25, 2022

Knowing what’s happening in your head could save your life.

Is Diabetes Putting You at Risk for Chronic Wounds?

February 15, 2022

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, talk to your doctor about ways to address and prevent chronic wounds associated with the disease, such as diabetic foot care. 

Joint Replacement – Is It for You?

February 15, 2022

If you suffer from chronic joint pain and medications are no longer working, you may be a candidate for joint replacement.

Could You Have Atrial Fibrillation?

January 12, 2022

What to know about this sometimes silent condition.

Heart Attack Symptoms – What’s Different for Men and Women

January 12, 2022

Knowing the signs and symptoms can save your life!

Could You Have Seasonal Depression?

December 16, 2021

Winter blahs and holiday stress have you down? Read more for helpful strategies to lighten your mood.

How to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

December 16, 2021

Want a fresh start for 2022? Create realistic, reasonable goals to set yourself up for success.

‘Tis the Season to Be Jolly, Safe and Healthy!

December 2, 2021

Follow these tips to enjoy the holidays safely and in good health.

Therapy That Helps Restore Quality of Life

October 7, 2021

Pelvic floor therapy can lessen pain, UTIs and leakage.

Help Prevent Suicide

September 17, 2021

Know the signs that someone might be at risk, and how to help.

Tips to Tackle Seasonal Affective Disorder

January 18, 2021

That “down” feeling many people experience during wintertime is known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. Here’s what you can do to combat the seasonal blues.

How to Break Free from Addictive Behaviors

January 16, 2021

The start of a new year represents a clean slate for many, including people putting themselves on the path to sobriety.

Health Briefs: A Quick Look at Hospital Happenings

December 9, 2020

Medical Nutrition Therapy is a new service that helps connect good nutrition with treating disease. Plus, learn why cardiac screenings are so important for student athletes.

Northwest Urgent Care Opens in Southwest Amarillo

November 10, 2020

When you or someone you love needs care, you shouldn’t have to wait to see a medical professional. That’s where the newly opened Northwest Urgent Care comes in.

'I'm Alive Because of ECMO'

August 10, 2020

This 23-year-old mom’s heart stopped in the operating room after a life-threatening car crash. Advanced heart-lung technology, known as ECMO, played a vital role in keeping her alive.

Getting Bodies Back in Motion

July 13, 2020

This sleek and sophisticated space is redefining physical therapy and sports medicine. Discover what makes Northwest Sports and Ortho so special.

Staff Celebrates Discharge of First COVID-19 Patient

May 18, 2020

Hospital workers lined the hallways on April 15 to celebrate the discharge of their first recovered COVID‑19 patient, Ralph Albracht.

Citizens Unite in Prayer for Healthcare Workers

May 11, 2020

Cars and emergency vehicles filled the hospital’s parking lot to show support for the healthcare workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thank You for Supporting Our Healthcare Teams

April 28, 2020

We've received an outpouring of community support since the COVID-19 outbreak began. Here's a list of the organizations that have supported the cause.

What Services Do Northwest’s Neighborhood EDs Offer?

April 17, 2020

Medical Director Frederick D. Poage, DO, explains what makes Northwest Emergency on Georgia and Northwest Emergency at Town Square special.