From the Editor | August & September 2024
It’s often in times of crisis that the true nature of a community is shown. Central Texans showed their true nature — one of compassion and commitment to their fellow neighbors — following the May 22 tornadoes that ripped through the Temple and Belton communities.
The tornadoes struck swiftly and mercilessly, leaving a path of destruction in their wake. Amid the chaos, countless acts of kindness, bravery and solidarity have been the cornerstone of the recovery efforts. Together, people are rebuilding not just their homes and business, but their sense of community and hope for the future. On page 70, Bobbie Jo Young highlights just a mere fraction of those people who stepped up for this community and assisted their friends, neighbors and perfect strangers in their time of need.
The focus of this issue is our heroes in health care. On the cover, featured here, is Dr. Christopher Chiles, chief of the division of cardiology at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple. The hospital was recently named among the top 50 cardiovascular hospitals in the United States by Premier’s PINC AI™. Find out what sets their cardiovascular program apart, and how they build meaningful relationships with their patients.
Meet Baylor Scott & White’s Central Texas Regional President Greg Haralson, a board member of the Texas Hospital Association, who brings with him more than 20 years of experience. Read his story and what he hopes to achieve in his new role here.
AdventHealth Central Texas also received honors this year, with the Killeen hospital listed in Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals. Read all about the Sue Mayborn Women’s Center here.
If you’re looking for alternative health options, Ashai Health in Salado probably has you covered. It has a vast list of alternative and science-based health services such as cryotherapy, IV nutritional therapy, NormaTec air compression, red-light therapy, and personalized fitness programs, to name just a few. Read about the benefits of alternative health here.
Careers in health care remain at the top of the most in-demand careers in the United States. Central Texas has people covered, no matter if they’re still in high school, college bound or maybe even seeking a change of careers. After all, they say it’s never too late to learn something new! Read all about the various health care career options offered at the local high schools and colleges here.
If you’ve ever considered cosmetic surgery, you need to read this article. Two military spouses share their own personal stories and explain how cosmetic surgery was the best thing for them.
Here, read about one local woman’s eye-opening health scare after finding out she had 95% blockage in her largest artery. Her message: Listen to your body.
We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we did creating it. It’s always a great thing to highlight wonderful people in the community, doing inspirational things as they work tirelessly to improve the health and well-being of others.
Brandy Cruz
Tex Appeal editor
