LEADING MEDICINE FA LL 01
9 Reasons to Visit a Neurologist WIN A $1 AMAZON GIFT CARD See inside for details.
Breast Cancer Surgery
A Treatment Plan Designed
JUST FOR YOU YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INNOVATIONS, NEWS AND TIPS IN THE CLEAR LAKE AREA AND SOUTHEAST HOUSTON
NEWS & EVENTS SURGICAL WEIGHT LOSS SOLUTIONS
If you are considering weight loss surgery, join Dr. Kyle Stephens, bariatric surgeon, to learn about its health benefits and your surgery options. Attend an orientation session — online or in person. For more information and to register, visit houstonmethodist.org/weight-loss-surgery or call 832.667.LOSE (5673).
FREE PREGNANCY E-NEWSLETTERS
Are you pregnant or planning your pregnancy?
SAVE THE DATE!
Then take advantage of our “Pondering Pregnancy” and “Celebrating Your Pregnancy” e-newsletters. They offer valuable information on topics ranging from conception, preparing for a healthy pregnancy, choosing care providers, month-by-month changes inside your body as well as getting ready for your birth experience. Visit houstonmethodist.org/clearlake/ childbirth to subscribe.
Paint the Night Pink Date: Thursday, Oct. 24 Time: 6-8 p.m. Location: The Lawn at Baybrook Mall Join us for an evening dedicated to breast care — from early detection to advanced treatment of breast cancer — presented by Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Clear Lake. At the event: Breast health experts Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments Live music Vendors and giveaways Visit houstonmethodist.org/events for more information and to register for this event.
PATIENT SAFETY GRADE ‘A’ SCHEDULING YOUR APPOINTMENTS ONLINE IS EASY!
Visit houstonmethodist.org/appointments to save time when scheduling your doctor visits, mammograms and other imaging services.
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Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit health care ratings organization, awarded Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital the highest patient safety grade based on performance in preventing medical errors, infections and other harms.
The Benefits of Exercise DURING PREGNANCY
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ou may know that exercise is great for your overall health. But did you know it can help when you’re expecting? Most pregnant women Dr. Patricia can and should engage Choy in moderate-intensity exercise. Aim for 30 minutes or more on most days of the week. “Even if you weren’t active before you conceived, being active during pregnancy has many benefits,” said Dr. Patricia Choy, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist at Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital. Exercise during pregnancy can help in the following ways: Promotes healthy weight gain for you and baby. Eases pregnancy-related discomforts, such as a backache, constipation, leg cramps and swelling. Enhances your overall mood and energy level. Lowers your risk of developing gestational diabetes. Helps you get a good night’s sleep. Increases your endurance for labor and delivery. Speeds your recovery and a return to a healthy weight.
EASY DOES IT
“Drink plenty of water before, during and after exercise. Wear a supportive bra and comfortable clothing. Stop when you get tired, if you feel dizzy or have trouble breathing,” Choy added. Your body will be changing throughout the pregnancy, so choose activities that
promote balance, encourage steady, rhythmic breathing and are easy on the joints, such as: Modified yoga or Pilates Riding a stationary bike Swimming or water workouts Walking
FEEL PREPARED FOR CHILDBIRTH The birth of your child is one of the most significant events in your life. Whether you are thinking of starting a family or you are adding to your family, the Houston Methodist Childbirth Center at Clear Lake welcomes you. Tour our labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum rooms; and learn about the services and amenities available to expectant moms. Childbirth Center Tours When: First and third Sunday of each month Time: 4:30-5:30 p.m. Private tours are available by appointment by calling 281.333.8899.
SAFETY FIRST
“It’s important to speak to your obstetrician-gynecologist or other health care provider before getting started,” Choy said. It’s especially important if you have conditions, such as: Anemia Diabetes Heart or lung disease High blood pressure
Childbirth Center Classes Available
Childbirth classes, and other helpful classes, are offered regularly at Houston Methodist Childbirth Center at Clear Lake. Register at houstonmethodist.org/events or call 281.333.8899. Breastfeeding Prepared childbirth (English)
Sibling
CHECK OUT OUR DIGITAL MAGAZINE AT HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/NEWSROOM/NEWSLETTERS 3
Breast Cancer Surgery
A Treatment Plan Designed Just for You A Dr. Kimberly Carpin
Dr. Esther Dubrovsky
breast cancer diagnosis can stop you in your tracks and leave you wondering: What does this mean for my future? How will my body change? You may be flooded with emotions about the future, and this is completely natural. If surgery is part of your treatment plan, you might worry about what you will look like afterward. Surgery can leave scars, and for those who need to have a significant part of their breast or breasts
removed, it’s normal to have some anxiety about how your appearance may change. The psychological impacts of mastectomy can touch various aspects of your life, from body image and self-confidence to sexuality and intimacy.
MORE OPTIONS, BETTER RESULTS Women undergoing breast surgery have more options with far better results than in the past. “With new technology and advanced surgical techniques, we’re able to achieve better results and help patients look and feel better after breast cancer surgery,” said Dr. Kimberly Carpin, a plastic surgeon with Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital. “Women are often surprised to learn they have a number of options for breast cancer surgery. Having choices can be both empowering and overwhelming at the same time — and we’re here to guide you through it all,” said Dr. Esther Dubrovsky, a breast surgeon with Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital.
CONSERVING THE BREAST
Radar and radioactive seeds are used to pinpoint abnormal tissue and preserve healthy breast tissue. “Using wireless localization
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techniques, such as radar, magnets or radioactive seeds, allows us to locate and remove breast cancers with greater precision,” Dubrovsky said. For most breast cancers detected early on a mammogram, survival with a breast conserving surgery is the same as mastectomy. Hidden Scar™ surgery involves making an incision in a discreet location under the breast fold or around the areola, resulting in a scar that is hidden by the skin fold of the breast. “This approach can be combined with nipple-sparing surgery to preserve the nipple, areola and surrounding tissue, allowing for a naturallooking breast after reconstruction,” Dubrovsky said.
BREAST RECONSTRUCTION
Women who opt for a mastectomy have a range of options available for breast reconstructive surgery with implants, natural tissue or a combination of both. “We want you to feel confident in your choices so you know what to expect from surgery and how you’ll look and feel after,” Carpin said. Surgical options include: Implant-based reconstruction involves rebuilding the breast using saline or silicone implants. “You may choose to have implant reconstruction at the same time as mastectomy, in a staged approach or after mastectomy and other treatments are done,” Carpin said. Autologous or flap reconstruction uses tissue from another area of the body to reconstruct the breast making it appear and feel natural. This procedure involves moving tissue, often from the abdomen, to the chest and reattaching the arteries and veins in the area. “With microsurgical techniques, we can preserve the muscles of the abdomen while transferring skin and fat to be used for breast reconstruction,” Carpin explained.
LUMPECTOMY VS. MASTECTOMY WITH RECONSTRUCTION What’s the difference?
Lumpectomy Surgery to remove the tumor while leaving healthy breast tissue surrounding it.
Total mastectomy Surgery to remove the entire breast, including the skin, nipple and areola.
Nipple-sparing mastectomy Surgery to remove the breast while leaving the skin, nipple and areola in place. Why consider it: When breast cancer is detected early and the tumor is small. Benefits: Conserving your natural breast; faster recovery times.
Why consider it: If you’re choosing breast reconstructive surgery immediately following the mastectomy. Benefits: Preserving your breast skin and nipple; potential to regain sensation in the nipple when combined with flap surgery.
CHOOSING WHAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU When weighing your options, your doctor can help you make an informed decision based on facts, not fears. Together, you can review the factors that will impact your choices: P hysical characteristics — age, your overall health, breast size, breast density, the size and location of your breast cancer and the amount of tissue available for reconstruction. P ersonal preferences — aesthetic goals, such as how you want your breasts to look and feel, symmetry and breast reduction options.
Flap reconstruction Surgery to reconstruct your breast after mastectomy using abdominal tissue through a tummy tuck incision.
Why consider it: May be best for treating invasive breast cancers. Benefits: Breast reconstructive surgery may be performed at the same time or a later date.
Double (bilateral) mastectomy Surgery to remove both breasts.
Why consider it: An option for women choosing preventive mastectomy to reduce risk if they have a BRCA gene mutation. Benefits: Achieving a symmetrical appearance with options for breast reconstructive surgery.
L ogistical factors — timing of surgery, additional cancer treatments, having a support system and returning to work. Recovery time is an important factor if you need to get back to your life faster and have fewer restrictions. In those cases, breast conserving surgery may be a good option, especially for older women and those whose health can make recovery difficult. Breast cancer surgery and reconstructive surgery can be performed at the same time or separately. Your treatment plan can be designed so you can keep living your life.
Why consider it: It offers the most natural reconstruction possible, with hidden scars, and the possibility of returned sensation. Benefits: This type of breast reconstruction involves hidden scars, the most natural result, and a lifelong lasting outcome.
Take Control of Your Treatment
Rely on our expertise to help you personalize your breast cancer treatment to fit your life. Visit houstonmethodist.org/ breast-cancer or call 346.292.2000 to learn more.
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Reasons to Visit A NEUROLOGIST
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eurologists are specialists who treat diseases of the brain and spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles. Some neurological conditions include epilepsy, stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer dementia. In addition, neurologists treat chronic headaches, pain Dr. Akhila and more. Vijayakumar Here are nine reasons you may want to schedule an appointment with a neurologist:
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CHANGES IN SPEECH OR SWALLOWING. These signs can occur suddenly from a stroke or slowly as part of a chronic neurologic disorder.
HEADACHES. It’s common to experience headaches, but when a headache includes sensitivity to light, vomiting or changes in vision, it could be a sign of something more serious. “Someone with chronic or severe headaches would benefit from seeing a specialist who treats patients with different types of headaches and can offer proven treatment options,” said Dr. Akhila Vijayakumar, board-certified neurologist with Houston Methodist Neurology Associates at Clear Lake.
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GAIT DIFFICULTIES. Gait difficulty is a common problem in the elderly. Your neurologist can determine if there is an underlying neurologic process.
LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS EPISODES. Prolonged loss of consciousness, especially if recurrent and associated with abnormal movements, should be evaluated for possibility of seizure. DIZZINESS. Feeling light-headed occasionally is normal. Feeling dizzy on a repeat basis is not. If you feel like things around you are spinning or you have difficulty keeping your balance, it’s time to see a neurologist. “Dizziness can be a common complaint for a stroke patient or a person with an inner ear problem,” Vijayakumar said.
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NUMBNESS OR TINGLING. A sensation of numbness or tingling from being in a position that cuts off your blood circulation is a common experience. If numbness continues, only occurs on one side of the body or comes on suddenly, it could be a sign of a stroke. If it is slow in onset and or long standing, it could be related to nerve root impingement in the neck or lower back.
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MOVEMENT PROBLEMS. Difficulty walking, shuffling your feet, tremors and unintentional jerks, can all be signs of a nervous system problem. If these movement problems interrupt your daily life, you may want to see a neurologist. WEAKNESS OR LOSS OF GRIP. Pain or weakness in the hands can lead to loss of grip, which can be a symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome. This happens when the median nerve in the forearm and hand is pressured at the wrist. Neurologic evaluation will help confirm the diagnosis and direct appropriate treatment.
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MEMORY PROBLEMS OR CONFUSION. Everyone forgets things from time to time, and some memory loss can be a normal part of aging. However, extreme problems with memory, especially affecting your day-to-day function could be a sign of a neuro degenerative process, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
TREATMENT OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS The neurologists at Houston Methodist Neurology Associates at Clear Lake assess neurologic function for back and neck pain; numbness; arm and leg weakness; and also treat patients with a variety of neurological disorders, including: Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias Epilepsy and seizure disorders Migraine and headache disorders Neuropathy and nerve disorders Parkinson’s disease, movement disorders and tremors Stroke
Learn More
To learn about neurological disorders treated at Houston Methodist Neurology Associates at Clear Lake, visit houstonmethodist.org/clearlake-neuro for more information or call 832.783.1999.
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The expertise to
KEEP YOU MOVING At Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Clear Lake, we know every movement matters. Our specialists offer: • The latest imaging and technology • Advanced nonsurgical treatments • Minimally invasive procedures
• Customized treatment plans • State-of-the-art physical and occupational therapy
Whether you’re suffering from simple aches and pains or dealing with a complex injury, we can get you back on your feet — and keep you moving.
Clear Lake Nassau Bay League City
Schedule an appointment: houstonmethodist.org/sportsmed | 713.363.9090
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