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Hernias continue to represent one of the most prevalent medical conditions in the United States, affecting an estimated five million Americans living with the condition. Hernia repair is one of the most frequently performed surgeries nationwide. A hernia occurs when tissue or an organ pushes past muscle and pops out, creating a bulge. Hernias usually happen in the abdominal area or groin. The bulge can appear when a person’s body is in certain positions or when they’re doing certain physical activities ... ... Read More

By: Dana Pillans, MSN, APRN, AGACNP-BC AI has changed the way people obtain information and make decisions in their daily lives, including their health. It is also being utilized by hospitals and providers to facilitate a better patient experience and improve patient care. For example, it is now being used to help expedite provider charting in the electronic medical record (EMR), which has the potential to give time back to providers, which gives them more time to talk with patients. At the same time, p... ... Read More

by Dana Pillans, MSN, APRN, AGACNP-BC Most people have their blood drawn at some point. Understanding why you need this is important, though. Getting your lab work at least yearly is an important part of maintaining your health at an optimal level. In some cases, when you carry certain diagnoses, laboratory studies may be needed more frequently—every six months or even quarterly. Blood work isn’t just necessary when you have an acute issue; it helps you and your provider understand your baseline health ... ... Read More

National Doctors' Day is an annual day of recognition established by the American Medical Association to “honor the dedication, skill and unwavering commitment of physicians in providing high-quality health care to individuals and communities worldwide.” Navarro Regional Hospital enthusiastically celebrates Doctors' Day and the men and women who choose to practice here to make for a healthier, safer community. “Physicians have a vital role to play in our communities; we all rely on their skills, educati... ... Read More

Total Impact Reached Nearly $124 Million At more than 162,000 patient encounters last year, Navarro Regional Hospital delivered on its commitment to provide quality healthcare for the community. The health system’s 2025 Community Benefit Report shows care extended well beyond the hospital and clinics, contributing nearly $124 million to the region through charity/uncompensated care provided, capital dollars reinvested in services and facilities, employee payroll, charitable projects and payment of more ... ... Read More

By: Dana Pillans, MSN, APRN, AGACNP-BC A common comment that I hear from patients after taking their blood pressure is, “Well, that’s good for me.” A patient’s blood pressure might be 157/92, and they tell me, “That’s good for me.” No. It’s not. According to the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, normal blood pressure is less than 120/80. Readings consistently above 130/80 are considered elevated or high. A blood pressure of 157/92 is not “borderline.” It is high. High bl... ... Read More

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in the U.S. and the statistics on the rates by age have surprised the medical community. Between 2012 and 2021, more colorectal cancer cases have been identified in adults under 50 each year while the rates for adults 50 and older have been going down over the same period. The American Cancer Society estimates about 107,320 new cases of colon cancer and 46,950 new cases of rectal cancer will be found in 2025. General surgeon C. Okechi Ot... ... Read More

New Year, New Knee? When it comes to knee replacement surgery, one important difference is how the new knee is secured to your bone. According to Medical Associates of Navarro County orthopedic surgeon Christopher Blair, D.O., patients may be candidates for either cemented or cementless knee replacement—both proven, safe options. Cemented Knee Replacement This traditional approach uses a special medical cement to secure the implant to the bone. It provides immediate stability and has been successfully u... ... Read More

Navarro Regional Hospital recently expanded pulmonary and critical care services for patients in Navarro County and the surrounding region as part of a new affiliation with a national multispecialty telemedicine group. Through this collaboration, the hospital’s on-site respiratory therapists, nurses and physicians now have 24/7 access to board-certified pulmonary and critical care specialists for real-time consultation, ensuring that even the most seriously ill patients can receive advanced care close t... ... Read More

Shorter ER wait times help patients get the care they need, faster When health emergencies happen, patients and their family members often turn to the emergency department for prompt medical attention. With thousands of patient encounters in the ER annually, Navarro Regional not only delivers medically necessary, life-saving patient care, it prioritizes short wait times, with a goal to connect every patient with a medical professional for timely assessment and treatment. ER wait times can be an indicato... ... Read More