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A Closer Look at Movement Disorders
Strength in Numbers:
LOSING WEIGHT TOGETHER Tips to Avoid 5 Common Joint Injuries YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INNOVATIONS, NEWS AND TIPS IN THE CLEAR LAKE AREA AND SOUTHEAST HOUSTON
NEWS & EVENTS
SURGICAL WEIGHT-LOSS SOLUTIONS
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20 5:30-7 P.M.
If you are considering weight-loss surgery, join Dr. Kyle Stephens, bariatric surgeon, to learn about the health benefits and other information about your surgery options. Attend an orientation session — either online or in person. For more information and to register, visit houstonmethodist.org/weight-loss-surgery or call 832.667.LOSE (5673).
JOINT PAIN SOLUTIONS
If you suffer from joint pain and have struggled to find relief, then plan to attend this informative event. Hear from our joint replacement team of experts and learn more about: Latest technology and techniques Presurgical education programs Innovative pain control methods Physical therapy and Rapid Recovery Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital 18300 Houston Methodist Dr. Main Lobby Nassau Bay, TX 77058 Register online at houstonmethodist.org/events or call 281.333.8899.
SCHEDULING YOUR APPOINTMENTS ONLINE IS EASY!
Save time when you visit houstonmethodist.org/ appointments to schedule your doctor visits, emergency room reservations, mammograms and other imaging services.
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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.
5 FLU FACTS
YOU SHOULD KNOW
A Dr. Anika Bell-Gray
re you worried about getting the flu? Flu typically peaks between December and February so don’t delay. Learn the facts about flu and how you can avoid getting sick.
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FACT
Flu affects millions of people every year. Most people recover from the illness in less than two weeks. However, the flu can lead to more serious conditions, such as pneumonia. Flu-related illnesses result in hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and tens of thousands of deaths every year.*
FACT
FACT
FACT
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A flu vaccine cannot cause the flu. The vaccine is made from inactivated, noninfectious viruses or no viruses at all. “People who develop soreness, achiness or low grade fever after the vaccine probably do not
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A vaccination is not a guarantee against the flu. “Take additional steps to protect yourself, such as avoiding people who have the flu, washing your hands often and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to support your immune system,” Bell-Gray said. “It is important to eat right, exercise, get enough sleep and manage stress.”
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends flu vaccination begin soon after the vaccine becomes available and, if possible, by the end of October. Immunity lasts through the flu season for most people. However, it’s not too late to be vaccinated, even in January or later, since flu viruses are still circulating.
FACT
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“Everyone ages 6 months and older should get a flu shot this flu season and every year, unless contraindicated,” said Dr. Anika Bell-Gray, a family medicine doctor with Houston Methodist Primary Care Group at Clear Lake. Vaccinations are especially important for people at high risk for flu-related complications, including: ** Those with chronic conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and liver disease Children younger than age 5, especially those younger than age 2 Adults ages 65 and older Nursing home and other long-term care residents Pregnant women and women up to two weeks after delivery
have the flu, rather they most likely have minor effects from the vaccine,” Bell-Gray said. “If they have more than these minor effects, it may be that their illness was coming on prior to the vaccine.”
* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ** People with severe allergies to chicken eggs, as well as certain other individuals, should talk to their doctors before getting vaccinated.
ONLINE SCHEDULING AVAILABLE Visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/ southeast to choose your doctor, schedule an appointment online or to find additional locations. CLEAR LAKE 14903 El Camino Real Houston, TX 77062 713.363.7640 FRIENDSWOOD 107 Woodlawn Dr., Suite 101 Friendswood, TX 77546 832.783.1079 LEAGUE CITY 2220 E. League City Pkwy., Suite 200 League City, TX 77573 281.523.3130 NASSAU BAY 2060 Space Park Dr., Suite 302 Nassau Bay, TX 77058 281.333.9747
Get a Flu Shot
Take steps to protect yourself and your family from the flu. Get vaccinated. Houston Methodist Primary Care Group at Clear Lake makes getting a flu shot quick and easy. Call 713.441.7265 or visit houstonmethodist.org/primarycare for information. CHECK OUT OUR DIGITAL MAGAZINE AT HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/NEWSROOM/NEWSLETTERS 3
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS:
Losing Weight Together
M
aybe it feels like you’ve tried everything to lose weight. But have you unleashed the power of your family and social network? Research Dr. Kyle suggests that couples have Stephens a higher likelihood of losing weight when they team up to adopt healthy behaviors. More research is needed to understand the power of community and its effects on weight loss, but it’s clear that friends and family have a strong influence in this area. “When people decide to make a committed step to change their lives, it definitely has ripple effects on their relationships,” said Dr. Kyle Stephens, bariatric surgeon at Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital. Whether you’re planning to lose weight, considering weightloss surgery or needing a new outlook on weight loss, partnering can improve your odds of reaching your goals. Weight loss with a partner provides motivation, support and even a little healthy competition.
Get Started Jump-start your weight loss by attending a free surgical weight-loss information session at Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital. We can answer your questions about surgical weight-loss programs and help you get started. Visit houstonmethodist.org/ weight-management or call 832.667.LOSE (5673) to register.
1 MOTIVATION
“Motivation is often tied to experiences with our loved ones,” said Stephens. “We want to be there for the big moments in life, and we want to go places and enjoy time together.” Whatever your motivation to lose weight, you can put more power behind it when your loved ones know what you’re fighting for. Picture this: A busy mom wants to lose weight so she can set a healthier example for her kids. The changes she makes with nutrition and exercise have an impact on her whole family. Try it: Keep a visual reminder, such as a family photo, vacation destination on a map, etc., in a special place so you can stay committed when you need it.
2 A STRONG SUPPORT SYSTEM
“When you embark on this journey together with family members, you have a built-in support system,” Stephens said. “For anyone considering weight-loss surgery, it’s a big decision and a lifelong commitment that affects everyone in the family. Having a great support system can amplify the benefits of surgical weight loss.” Picture this: A husband struggling to lose weight on his own decides to explore weight-loss surgery. He signs up for an informational session. Try it: A spouse can provide mental and emotional support by attending the orientation session, going to appointments and committing to a mutually changed lifestyle after surgery.
3 EAT BETTER TOGETHER
Changing the way you eat starts with meal planning, grocery shopping and a commitment to cooking meals at home. “Food is central to our day-to-day life and family interactions, so it’s vital to involve
4 LEADING MEDICINE IN CLEAR LAKE AND SOUTHEAST HOUSTON
others in your life when making significant dietary changes,” Stephens said. Picture this: A mother and daughter both had weight-loss surgery about six months apart. Planning meals and cooking together helped them adjust to their new diet plan. Try it: Attend a healthy cooking class with friends or family members.
4 TEAM UP FOR EXERCISE
Being active together and exercising regularly is key to success with weight loss. “Having someone else to hold you accountable might be exactly what you need to show up and challenge yourself more than you would when working out alone,” Stephens added. Picture this: Two friends who played football in high school gained a lot of weight in their 20s and 30s. After one friend started a new exercise program, the other friend joined, too and both lost weight. Try it: Transform couch time into something more active. Meet at the gym to watch your favorite TV shows while walking on a treadmill, or throw a football around before watching the game on TV.
5 TRACK YOUR PROGRESS
Keeping track of total pounds and inches lost as a group can be highly motivating. “Also seeing health numbers improve and high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar go down is our top priority,” Stephens said. “It’s really about achieving a better quality of life and a better state of health.” Picture this: Co-workers start a weightloss challenge to lose 500 pounds total among the group. Try it: Talk to your doctor about your target numbers and attend support groups, nutrition or fitness classes, or start a friendly competition among friends.
APPLE OR PEAR SHAPE? What it means for your health
A HEALTHY 6 MAINTAIN LIFESTYLE
“Losing weight and keeping it off requires working through a different relationship with food,” Stephens said. “Having someone on your side can help you get back on track after slip-ups or setbacks.” Picture this: Three sisters join forces to plan healthy food alternatives for a family gathering. Try it: Keep the lines of communication open with family and friends so they understand what you’re doing to change old habits and why it matters to you.
You might be focused on trimming your tummy or slimming your thighs to feel good and fit in your favorite clothes. But it’s not all about looks. Where you carry extra fat can make a big difference for your health, too. With an apple shape, excess fat is stored around your abdomen. This type of fat (called visceral fat) lies beneath your muscles and surrounds your abdominal organs. It has been shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other metabolic diseases. Having a pear shape and carrying more weight around the hips doesn’t increase those health risks. What can you do about it? Genetics, hormones and age all play a part in how your body stores fat. These factors are beyond your control, but you can combat belly fat with diet and exercise. Try adding more moderate-intensity exercise to your day, watching portion sizes, limiting sugar, refined carbohydrates and avoiding trans and saturated fats.
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Tips to Avoid 5 Common Joint Injuries
A
thletes aren’t the only people at risk of torn ligaments and twisted ankles. Everyday activities, such as gardening and housecleaning, can cause strains, sprains and other injuries. Beware of these five common injuries and take steps to prevent them:
Dr. Juan Serrato
1. KNEE INJURIES
“To avoid ligament and tendon injuries, meniscus tears, bursitis and patellar injuries, choose shoes that fit and are appropriate for your activity,” said Dr. Juan Serrato, orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Clear Lake. Use protective gear, such as cushions for gardening or knee braces for hiking. And be smart about the impact of your activity. If walking hurts, try swimming, which has less impact on joints.
2. TWISTED ANKLES
A sprained ankle is one of the most common injuries. People may suffer from a twisted ankle as a result of stepping on an uneven surface or playing sports. To protect your ankles, warm up before activities, pay attention to where you’re walking and be careful when walking in heels.
3. SHOULDER INJURIES
Any activity that involves repetitive, overhead motions, such as washing windows, can cause a shoulder injury. Sports like swimming can also leave you with problems, such as shoulder instability or dislocation or a rotator cuff injury. To prevent problems, try these exercises: W all pushups: Stand facing a wall with your hands on the wall, feet shoulder-width apart. Do a slow pushup. Hold for a count of five. Repeat five times. S houlder press-ups: Sit in a chair with armrests, feet on the floor. Use your arms to slowly rise up and off the chair. Hold for a count of five. Repeat five times.
4. WRIST INJURIES
Wrist injuries can throw a wrench in your daily activities. Two common problems include: Sprains can often result from a fall or sudden twisting motion. They occur when ligaments connecting to bones are stretched or torn.
6 LEADING MEDICINE IN CLEAR LAKE AND SOUTHEAST HOUSTON
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive motion disorder. “Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when tendons in the carpal tunnel, a narrow channel that runs through the wrist, swell and press on the nerves. It’s often caused by repetitive motion, such as knitting, golfing or typing,” Serrato said. To protect your wrists, be careful when walking on slippery or uneven surfaces. Limit time you spend on activities involving the wrist or take frequent breaks.
5. TENNIS ELBOW
Most people who get tennis elbow — inflammation of the tendons surrounding the elbow — don’t play tennis. You can get it from repetitive motion like raking or painting. Guard against tennis elbow with exercises that strengthen the forearm and wrist. Warm up before activity and take regular breaks from your computer, sewing machine or gardening.
Joint Care Close By
To schedule an appointment with a joint specialist at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Clear Lake, call 713.363.9090.
A CLOSER LOOK AT
MOVEMENT DISORDERS
A
re your reflexes not as quick as they used to be? Or have unexpected tremors caught you by surprise? Such events may be due to a movement disorder. Dr. Leanne “Movement disorders Burnett can be frightening,” said Dr. Leanne Burnett, neurologist and Medical Director of Neurological Services at Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital. “You might notice a slow loss of muscle control or experience a stroke and suddenly be unable to speak clearly. Fortunately, treatments have advanced greatly, helping maximize the quality of life for patients with movement disorders.” Learn about a few movement disorders, including their symptoms and treatments:
Ataxia causes the cells in the cerebellum — the part of the brain that controls coordinated movement — to become abnormal or damaged. Symptoms: Initial symptoms include poor limb coordination and slurred or slow speech. Over time, symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, loss of facial control, shaking, balance difficulties and vision and hearing problems. Dystonia includes a range of disorders that cause involuntary movements and extended muscle contractions. Symptoms: Muscle spasms usually begin in one area, such as the leg, neck or arm. They may only occur during specific movements and worsen with anxiety, fatigue or stress. Over time, dystonia may become severe and interfere with daily tasks. Essential tremor is a disorder with rhythmic shaking that generally begins in late adulthood. It’s the most common movement disorder. Symptoms: Tremors begin gradually, usually in one or both hands, but can extend to the head and voice. Voluntary movement can trigger tremors or exaggerate them. The condition generally worsens over time. Parkinson’s disease affects the nerve cells in the brain responsible for producing dopamine. When these cells die, the nervous system becomes affected and movement is impaired. Symptoms: Common symptoms include trembling of the arms, legs and face; stiffness; slow movement;
SHOULD YOU SEE A NEUROLOGIST? 10 Symptoms of Neurological Problems
A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the nervous system affecting the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may want to talk to your doctor or see a neurologist: 1. Chronic pain 2. Dizziness 3. Headaches 4. Memory problems 5. Movement problems 6. Muscle weakness 7. Numbness and tingling 8. Seizures 9. Sleep problems 10. Vision problems
impaired balance; depression; urinary problems; low blood pressure; and speech difficulties.
TREATMENT
Most movement disorders have no known cure, but there are treatments that can minimize symptoms. For example, physical therapy can help patients with ataxia strengthen their muscles to improve limb coordination. Medication can help reduce spasms caused by dystonia. Lifestyle changes may help with essential tremor. And deep brain stimulation can reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Schedule an Appointment
If you have a family history of movement disorders or believe you are experiencing symptoms, neurologists at Houston Methodist Neurology Associates at Clear Lake can help. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 832.783.1999.
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