Community-based Testing Center to help meet area demand for COVID-19 PCR Tests

On Monday, November 2, Norwood Hospital will reopen its outpatient COVID-19 Testing Center, providing appointment-only COVID-19 PCR Testing for the community at large.

The number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise locally.  And with Halloween just around the corner, many families are struggling with how to celebrate the holiday while still staying safe.

“Although many traditional Halloween activities can be high risk for spreading the virus, there are still several safer alternative ways to still participate in Halloween," said Dr. Rohith Saravanan, Chief Medical Officer at Scenic Mountain Medical Center.

For many people, the holiday season is anything but happy. Instead, it can be a time filled with grief, loneliness, and stress. This year, those feelings of depression may be more prevalent due to the coronavirus pandemic.

With the lack of family gatherings, events or even eating out at a restaurant, it is easy to feel very isolated. That coupled with loss of loved ones or a job due to coronavirus may drive people to unhealthy or harmful behaviors.

BY GABRIELLE RANSLEY, SLP, ON BEHALF OF RHKG STROKE UNIT, RW8 – KARIN GRECH HOSPITAL

Odessa Regional Medical Center, a member of Steward Health Care family, is pleased to welcome Bonnie Carter, M.D., F.A.A.F.P. Dr. Carter is board certified in Family Medicine and has a special clinical interest in general pediatric wellness.

Dr. Carter joins Steward Medical Group on November 1st and will see patients at the Complete Care North clinic, located at 980 87th St. Suite D in Odessa. Appointments may be scheduled by calling the practice at 432-366-0770.

Due to the anticipated winter weather conditions the following clinic locations will be closed on Tuesday, October 27th.

• Complete Care Eastridge
• Complete Care Midland
• Complete Care North
• Complete Care West Loop
• Complete Care Vascular
• Naidu Clinic
• Complete Care Cardiology
  • Dr. Raja Naidu, MD
  • Dr. Shanti Neerukonda, MD
  • Dr. Peter Wells, MD
• SMG Orthopedics
• Regional Perinatal Clinics - Odessa & Midland

Due to the anticipated winter weather conditions, all Scenic Mountain Medical Group clinic locations will be closed on Tuesday, October 27th. Please see the following locations affected:

St. Joseph Medical Center announced today that it is a recipient of Healthgrades 2020 Labor and Delivery Excellence Award™ for the third year in a row. This distinction places St. Joseph Medical Center in the top 10% of all hospitals evaluated and recognizes the exceptional care of mothers during and after labor and delivery, according to Healthgrades, the leading resource that connects consumers, physicians, and health systems. St. Joseph Women's Center was also a Healthgrades Five-Star recipient for Vaginal Delivery for sixth year in a row.

Stacey Wells, MD, who recently joined the Medical Associates of Houston, saw firsthand the effects of a poor diet when her grandfather suffered a significant stroke during her first year in medical school. He was on a fat-based diet and, as a result, developed high blood pressure, had high cholesterol, and was diagnosed with Type II diabetes. This chronic condition affects how your body metabolizes sugar.