"Neighbors Helping Neighbors" - the official podcast of Ward Memorial Hospital

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women, but early detection and healthy lifestyle habits can make a significant difference. Joe Vela, Radiology Director at Ward Memorial Hospital, discusses calcium scoring, echocardiograms, key warning signs of heart disease, and how preventive screenings can help patients take control of their heart health before symptoms appear....

In this episode of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Dr. Subhash Nagalla, board certified general surgeon at Ward Memorial Hospital, discusses colon cancer prevention, screening guidelines, and what patients can expect from a colonoscopy. Learn why screening is so important and how high-quality care is available right here in Monahans and surrounding community.

In this January episode of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, we welcome Ana Collazo, LPC-S, a Licensed Professional Counselor now joining Ward Memorial’s rural health clinics full time.

Ana brings years of experience serving West Texas communities and specializes in helping individuals navigate stress, trauma, life transitions, mood disorders, and more. As mental health needs continue to grow in rural...

In this episode, Tobea Ross, MS, RD from Ward Memorial Hospital, explains how you can enjoy delicious meals without compromising your health. Explore ways to enhance flavor using healthy fats and spices while sticking to a diabetic-friendly diet. Is there a balance between moderation and flavor? Tune in to discover practical meal-planning tips and innovative cooking techniques that make diabetes m...

Ward Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce the addition of Manka Kwayu, PMHNP-BC, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, to the medical staff at Sandhills Family Clinic. This addition reflects the hospital’s ongoing commitment to addressing the growing need for mental health services in the Monahans community and surrounding areas. With more than a decade of nursing exp...

In this episode of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, we explore how physical therapy is helping patients in Ward County move better, heal faster, and live stronger lives. We’re joined by leaders from the Monahans Physical Therapy team at Ward Memorial Hospital to talk about the wide range of services they offer—from traditional rehab to innovative aquatic therapy with underwater treadmills. Whether you...

In this episode of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, we sit down with Joy Arnold, the lead of Ward Memorial’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program. Learn how this critical service helps patients recover from heart events, rebuild strength, and lower their risk of future complications. Joy shares insights about the personalized exercise, education, and lifestyle support involved—and why having this care avail...

Meet Your Family Healthcare Needs in Monahans. Explore the benefits of family medicine in rural settings with our guest, Krista Powell. From prenatal care to pediatrics and geriatrics, this episode highlights the rewarding journey of a family nurse practitioner dedicated to treating patients of all ages, ensuring comprehensive care for the whole family.

In this episode of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, we sit down with Ward Memorial Hospital’s general surgeon, Dr. S. Sami Daye, to explore the vital role general surgery plays in Ward County. From diagnosing abdominal pain to performing laparoscopic procedures and life-saving screenings, Dr. Daye brings deep experience and compassion to every patient he treats. Dr. Daye shares what it’s like behind t...

In this debut episode of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Ward Memorial Hospital CEO Leticia Rodriguez shares the inspiration behind the podcast and celebrates the dedication of healthcare workers during Hospital Week. She also reflects on leadership, community connection, and what lies ahead for the hospital’s future.