LEADING MEDICINE SPRI N G/SUM M ER 01
Be Alert to Symptoms of Vascular Disease Are You Ignoring Possible Signs of Cancer?
Orthopedic and Sports Injuries
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM HEAD TO TOE
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? 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.
SAVE THE DATES!
Community Baby Shower Friday, Aug. 2 Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital Ladies Night Out: Paint the Night Pink Thursday, Oct. 24 The Lawn at Baybrook Mall Visit houstonmethodist.org/events for more information and to register for these events.
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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VIRTUAL URGENT CARE The next time you get sick, you can skip the waiting room. See our providers via video visit — 24/7, from wherever you are. Virtual Urgent Care is available through the MyMethodist app. Download it today or visit houstonmethodist.org/virtual-care to learn more.
Aching, Painful Legs
Be Alert to Symptoms
OF VASCULAR DISEASE
W
hile most of us are no strangers to soreness in our legs after walking or climbing stairs, for some, experiencing aching legs and pains can be a signal of something more concerning. “Aching in your legs can be a symptom of peripheral artery disease, or PAD,” said Dr. Joseph Naoum, a vascular surgeon with Dr. Joseph Houston Methodist Cardiovascular Surgery Naoum Associates at Clear Lake. “The aches are caused by a reduction of blood flow due to narrowed arteries, which could potentially lead to further progression and a threat to the limb. This can also correlate with an increased risk of heart attack or stroke if left unchecked.” PAD is often caused by fatty deposits building up within artery walls, reducing blood flow. Decreasing your risk factors for this buildup can help lessen the dangers associated with the disease. Risk factors for PAD include the following: A family history of PAD, Increased cholesterol heart disease or stroke Obesity Diabetes Smoking High blood pressure
WATCH FOR SYMPTOMS
“Some of these symptoms are common for people with diabetes or heart disease, so people don’t recognize they may be in danger of PAD,” Naoum said. “While your doctor knows your medical history, you are your own No. 1 champion, so bring it up to your doctor and ask about potential tests and treatment options.” Symptoms include: Calf muscle aching with walking (known as “claudication”) Leg soreness, numbness or weakness The color of your legs changes with walking or activity There are patches on your leg in which hair doesn’t grow Shiny areas on your leg Sores on your toes, feet or legs that won’t heal Also keep in mind that the cause of these symptoms could be in other vessels — such as in varicose veins — and not in the arteries. Varicose veins can also be treated, so make sure you discuss them with your doctor too.
TREATMENTS
Many treatments for PAD coincide with your risk factors. Doctors may work with you on reducing your cholesterol or blood pressure with medicines, or starting an exercise program. Quit smoking as soon as possible. But in some cases, surgery could be necessary:
Schedule an Appointment
For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Naoum, visit houstonmethodist.org/appointments or call 281.523.2363.
Angioplasty/Stenting – A catheter and balloon is inserted to open the affected artery and increase blood flow. A stent is sometimes used as a more permanent way to keep the artery open. Bypass surgery – A surgeon bridges the affected artery with your own vein or an artificial graft to fully bypass the blocked or narrowed area. Thrombolytic therapy – If it is a fresh blood clot blocking an artery, your surgeon may insert a clot-dissolving drug into the artery to help break it up. E ndarterectomy – A procedure in which your vascular surgeon opens and cleans up the blockage. “Some of the causes for PAD are avoidable,” said Naoum. “As always, living a healthy life goes a long way. Don’t smoke. Eat fresh foods instead of processed ones. Keep your blood sugar in control if you have diabetes. Reduce saturated fat intake. All of these habits are good for your overall health.”
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Orthopedic and Sports Injuries
Protect Yourself from HEAD TO TOE D ealing with orthopedic and sports injuries often comes with the territory for football players, marathon runners, gymnasts and other competitive athletes. But you don’t have to be on the field or court to end up with a painful or chronic injury. Everyday types of injuries from carrying groceries or unloading the dishwasher happen all the time and can also lead to longterm problems if not treated properly. Dr. Kenneth Back problems, joint disorders and osteoarthritis are Brooks among the top reasons for seeing a doctor. “Musculoskeletal issues result in millions of orthopedic visits every year,” said Dr. Kenneth Brooks, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee and shoulder surgery at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Clear Lake.
KNOW YOUR LIMITS
Brooks says it’s important to listen to your body when it’s telling you to slow down. “Sometimes we try to push through the pain, but you can end up doing more damage if you’re not careful. When you have joint and muscle pain, you can’t always walk off the pain or solve it by taking antiinflammatory medicines,” he noted. “With age, our ability to heal is not as fast as it used to be and we don’t have as much elasticity in those tendons — like a rubber band that loses its elasticity over time. The best thing you can do is modify your activities or try a new activity that puts less stress on your body, such as biking or swimming,” Brooks added.
WHEN TO GET CHECKED
Injuries are bound to happen whether you’re competing in sports or just taking a walk around the block. Minor injuries can often be treated at home with rest, ice, compression and elevation. But there are times when it’s important to see a doctor so you can avoid further damage and ensure that you can heal properly. It’s wise to get medical help if you experience the following symptoms after an injury: Instability (unable to bear weight on your knee or ankle) Limited range of motion Numbness or tingling Persistent joint pain Significant swelling or tenderness Weakness or lack of strength while moving a limb or muscle In addition, any impact to the head should be taken seriously, whether it’s from a sports collision or a minor fall at home. “When it comes to head injuries, always seek medical help for signs of concussion, such as any loss of consciousness, confusion or dizziness following a bump on the head,” Brooks said.
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ORTHOPEDIC INJURY CLINIC
Twisted ankle? Sprained knee? Bad shoulder? You don’t need an appointment to see a specialist — just go to the Houston Methodist Orthopedic Injury Clinic in Nassau Bay, across from NASA Johnson Space Center. For immediate orthopedic care, count on our experts to evaluate and treat your injury, so you can get back to your active life. Major insurance plans are accepted. The injury clinic provides treatment for: Acute orthopedic injuries Fractures and broken bones Injured tendons Minor dislocations Sports injuries Sprains and strains Torn ligaments Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Conveniently located at 2020 Nasa Pkwy., Suite 230, Nassau Bay, TX 77058. Visit houstonmethodist.org/ orthopedics/clearlake or call 832.225.4206 Chronic conditions, spine injuries, motor vehicle accidents and workers’ compensation injuries are not treated at the injury clinic. Please call 713.363.9090 to schedule an appointment with the appropriate physician for those conditions.
HEAD AND NECK
INJURY PREVENTION TIPS
Concussion Whiplash
Scott Matocha, a physical therapist at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Clear Lake, shared the following injury prevention tips.
Injury prevention: Stay fit and maintain good posture for a strong neck and upper back. Wear headgear for contact sports or safety equipment for your activity.
BACK Herniated disk Repetitive strain Injury prevention: Protect your back from injuries by strengthening your core muscles (the muscles that wrap around your entire torso) by doing exercises, such as planks and/or abdominal bracing exercises.
SHOULDER Rotator cuff injury Shoulder instability Injury prevention: Lift properly by picking up objects in front of you and as close to your body as possible.
ARM AND ELBOW
HIP AND LEG
Bursitis Golfer’s elbow Tennis elbow
Hamstring strain Hip flexor strain Shin splints
Injury prevention: Mix up your routine by doing a variety of arm movements to avoid repetitive injuries. Learning the proper mechanics for throwing and swinging is key to avoiding upper extremity injuries.
Injury prevention: Take care of your muscles and joints by warming up and stretching before exercise.
KNEE ACL injuries Jumper’s knee (patellar tendonitis) Osteoarthritis of the knee Injury prevention: Lose weight or maintain a healthy weight to take pressure off the knee and reduce wear and tear over time. Staying active helps protect the knee because you’re building muscles in the hips, quads and thighs to support the knee.
WRIST AND HAND FOOT AND ANKLE Ankle sprains Tendonitis Turf toe Injury prevention: Wear good shoes with solid support to absorb impact and prevent ankle injuries. Balance activities can help with stability — it can be as simple as standing on one leg.
Carpal tunnel syndrome Jammed fingers Skier’s thumb Wrist sprains Injury prevention: Take breaks from activity to rest the hands and wrists. If you spend a lot of time at a desk, set a timer throughout the day for every half hour to remind you to stretch and move.
KEEP MOVING Matocha shared some additional tips to help you keep moving and stay injury-free: Warm up before you exercise — walking, squatting, cycling, jumping jacks, arm circles, shoulder rolls or lunges. Get your heart rate up with a fun activity, such as a brisk walk in a park with friends.
A im for 30 minutes of exercise every day — you can break this up into smaller 10-minute bursts of exercise throughout the day. B uild strength with weights a few times a week. A dd balance activities at least once a week — stretching, yoga, tai chi. F ocus on good posture — avoid the “head forward, rounded neck” posture when looking at your phone.
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Are You Ignoring Possible
A
suspicious lump. A small sore that refuses to heal. A new mole or one that looks different than it used to. These could be possible signs of cancer Dr. Jitesh Joshi that you don’t want to ignore. However, living in fear or constantly worrying or wondering, “Is this cancer?” is not good for your health either. If you have a concern, get it checked out. Doing so can put your fears to rest or tackle the problem head-on. According to Dr. Jitesh Joshi, a hematologist-oncologist at the Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Clear Lake, treating cancer works best when it’s found early and less likely to have spread to other areas. “Since cancer is such a large group of diseases, it can cause almost any sign or symptom,” he explained. “Sometimes, cancer is a silent disease with no symptoms in the early stages. That’s why getting recommended cancer screening tests is so important.”
WATCH FOR SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
DEFINING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS IN HEALTH CARE A sign is a signal that can be seen by someone else — family, friend, doctor, etc. For example, fever or weight loss are possible signs of cancer. A symptom is a signal that’s felt or noticed by the person who has it but not easily seen by anyone else. Symptoms could be weakness, aching or feeling short of breath.
6 LEADING MEDICINE IN CLEAR LAKE AND SOUTHEAST HOUSTON
General signs and symptoms of cancer include unexplained weight loss, fever, fatigue and pain. “Keep in mind there may be other causes for each of these not related to cancer, and it’s important to see a health professional to identify the problem,” Joshi said. He shared some common signs and symptoms that may be linked with cancer, including: Change in bowel habits or bladder function: Diarrhea, long-term constipation or a change in the diameter or thickness of the stool can be a symptom of colon cancer. Having to pass urine more or less often than usual, or pain when doing so, might be caused by bladder or prostate cancer.
SIGNS OF CANCER? Unusual bleeding: Coughing up blood might be a sign of lung cancer, and blood in the stool can be a sign of colon cancer. Cervical or endometrial (lining of the uterus) cancer can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding. Blood in the urine can be related to bladder or kidney cancer. Indigestion or trouble swallowing: Cancers of the esophagus, stomach or pharynx can cause problems with swallowing or digestion. Lump or thickening in an area of the body: A lump or thickening in the breast, testicle, lymph nodes or the soft tissues of the body could possibly be an early or late sign of cancer. And, if one is found, it should be reported to your doctor. Sores that don’t heal: Typically, the first sign of skin cancer is a sore that doesn’t heal properly. Recent change in a wart or mole, or any new skin development: A wart, mole or freckle that changes color or size should be shown to your doctor right away. These all may be signs of melanoma, which can be treated successfully if found early.
PHYSICAL EXAMS AND HEALTH SCREENINGS Don’t ignore changes in your health or delay important screenings. If you’re concerned about an unusual sign or symptom, make an appointment with your doctor.
Schedule an Appointment
For more information about Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Clear Lake or to make an appointment, visit houstonmethodist.org/ cancer-clearlake or call 832.783.1190.
HOUSTON METHODIST CANCER CENTER AT CLEAR LAKE WELCOMES DR. TWISHA VERMA, RADIATION ONCOLOGIST
Dr. Twisha Verma
Dr. Twisha Verma is a member of our highly respected team of doctors who deliver individualized, compassionate care through an integrated, team approach that addresses each patient’s unique needs. Visit houstonmethodist.org/ cancer-clearlake to learn more.
CELEBRATE LIFE AND HONOR SURVIVORS OF CANCER Date: Friday, May 31 | Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Location: Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital, West Building Address: 2035 Space Park Dr., Nassau Bay, TX 77058 Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Clear Lake welcomes local cancer survivors and a guest to join us for a luncheon celebration as we honor those living with a history of cancer. An RSVP is required. Please register online at houstonmethodist.org/events or call 281.333.8899.
HIS AND HERS CANCER SCREENINGS Your doctor may recommend cancer screening tests for you based on your age and health history. The following checklists are a general guide, and your doctor may suggest you have these tests done at the time that’s right for you.
SCREENING TESTS FOR MEN S kin cancer screening — talk to your doctor, especially if you have a family history of cancer C olon cancer screening — starting at age 45 P rostate cancer screening — talk to your doctor at age 50 L ung cancer screening — for current or former smokers ages 55 to 77, who meet criteria*
SCREENING TESTS FOR WOMEN S kin cancer screening — talk to your doctor, especially if you have a family history of cancer P ap tests and pelvic exams — starting at age 21 M ammogram — talk to your doctor at age 40 C olon cancer screening — starting at age 45 L ung cancer screening — for current or former smokers ages 55 to 77, who meet criteria* Source: American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer * Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
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The expertise to
KEEP YOU MOVING
At Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we know your body is made to move. Our specialists use the latest technology, perform minimally invasive procedures and develop customized treatment plans, including physical therapy. Whether you’re getting back in shape or back to work, we can help get you back on your feet — and keep you moving. houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics 20 convenient locations
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