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Factors That Could Sabotage
YOUR WEIGHT LOSS
Choosing a Primary Care Doctor Time for a Joint Replacement? YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INNOVATIONS, NEWS AND TIPS IN THE CLEAR LAKE AREA AND SOUTHEAST HOUSTON
NEWS & EVENTS
Visit houstonmethodist.org/events for more information and to register for these events.
SAVE THE DATES! FREE HEART SCREENING
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 19 | Time: 5-7 p.m. Location: Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital, Main Lobby Learn your risk of heart disease with a preventive heart screening. You’ll receive free cholesterol and blood pressure readings, and learn your 10-year risk for heart disease. Primary care physicians and cardiologists will be here and can discuss your results.
JOINT REPLACEMENT SEMINAR
Date: Thursday, March 19 | Time: 6-7:30 p.m. Location: West Building Conference Room
ALZHEIMER’S/DEMENTIA SUPPORT GROUP Date: Every other month | Time: Noon – 1 p.m. Location: Gloria Dei Lutheran Church UPCOMING DATES Tuesday, Jan. 14 Tuesday, March 10 Tuesday, May 12 Patients, caregivers, family members and friends welcome. Goals: P rovide support and resources to caregivers and patients. O ffer education and information about various types of dementia and associated symptoms. P rovide a platform for others to share similar experiences and challenges. A lleviate a sense of loneliness and renew hope as participants listen to how others have coped in similar situations. Contact Cindy Zapata at 832.783.1809 or cpzapata@houstonmethodist.org to RSVP. Please note that email is not a secure means to communicate confidential or health-related information, including Social Security number, date of birth, financial information, etc.
Join J. Sawyer Croley, MD, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in joint replacement surgery, and a certified physical therapist as they discuss: Advanced surgical techniques Pain management Physical therapy Rapid recovery
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 health care providers M onth-by-month changes inside your body Getting ready for your birth experience Visit houstonmethodist.org/clearlake/childbirth to subscribe.
Scheduling Your Appointments Online Is Easy!
Save time when you visit houstonmethodist.org/appointments to schedule your doctor visits, mammograms and other imaging services.
2 LEADING MEDICINE IN CLEAR LAKE AND SOUTHEAST HOUSTON
Time for a joint replacement?
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SIGNS YOU NEED A HIP OR KNEE REPLACEMENT
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oint discomfort can put a damper on your day-to-day activities. Basic movements, such as walking up a flight of stairs or sitting in a low chair, can become Dr. J. Sawyer obstacles. Plus, you Croley may feel discouraged when you’re unable to participate in your favorite sports or hobbies. Hip or knee replacement surgery can offer pain relief, better mobility and an improved quality of life — but is it right for you?
WEAR AND TEAR ON JOINTS
“The natural cushioning in your joints can wear out over time or due to injuries, and the experience can be excruciating,” said Dr. J. Sawyer Croley, orthopedic surgeon with Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Clear Lake. “With joint replacement surgery, an orthopedic surgeon removes the damaged joint surfaces and replaces them with an artificial joint made of plastic or metal parts.” Here are 10 signs that it might be time to consider joint replacement surgery:
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You have frequent or intense joint pain with activity. You have difficulty walking, sitting down or standing up. ou suffer pain while at rest (day Y or night), or pain that interferes with sleep. You have inflammation, stiffness and swelling in the joint. Your symptoms have been long-lasting or progressively getting worse. ests show that osteoarthritis is T causing wear-and-tear damage to your joints.
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ou’ve tried rest and medications Y to reduce inflammation, and it hasn’t worked.
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Steroid injections and medications no longer provide adequate pain relief.
You’re suffering side effects from pain medications. Joint pain is taking a toll on you physically and mentally.
OTHER FACTORS TO CONSIDER
If pain is interfering with your daily life and your symptoms haven’t responded to conservative treatments, surgery may be recommended as a next step. “Your age, the condition of your joints and other health factors are also taken into consideration when evaluating you as a candidate for joint replacement surgery,” Croley said. Having a hip or knee replacement can change your life, but it’s not something you want to rush into. The timing is important, because planning for joint replacement surgery requires thinking about how your recovery may affect your ability to work or perform tasks at home. To achieve your best recovery, you’ll need to follow through on your doctor’s instructions and do daily exercises as part of a rehabilitation program.
Learn More
Thinking about joint replacement surgery? An orthopedic specialist at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Clear Lake can review minimally invasive options and discuss the potential risks and benefits of joint replacement surgery. Call 713.363.9090 for an appointment.
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HIDDEN FACTORS THAT MAY CONTRIBUTE TO
WEIGHT GAIN Y
ou’ve tried everything from dieting and calorie counting to exercise boot camp and weight loss apps — but the numbers on the scale just won’t budge. Could Dr. Kyle there be something else Stephens sabotaging your efforts to lose or maintain weight? Let’s uncover some factors that could be holding you back. Although you have the power to change a few of these factors, some are beyond your control. Either way, finding out why weight loss is challenging can be helpful, especially when coming up with a plan or deciding when to seek help for weight loss.
LACK OF SLEEP
Your health suffers when you’re sleep deprived, and lack of sleep can affect your chances of losing weight, too. Research has shown that sleep deprivation can lead to increased cravings for high-carb foods and junk food. When you’re overtired, you may be more likely to reach for high-calorie beverages or a sugar fix for quick energy. You may also lack the energy and initiative to make healthy food choices. “After a day on the job or caring for your family, you may lack the initiative to plan and prepare a nutritious meal or to get some exercise. Unfortunately, decisions made when you’re hungry or tired can disrupt your attempts to lose weight,” said Dr. Kyle Stephens, bariatric and general surgeon at Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital. √ Take control: Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep at night so you can function at your best during the day.
4 LEADING MEDICINE IN CLEAR LAKE AND SOUTHEAST HOUSTON
YO-YO DIETING
Yo-yo dieting (a cycle of losing weight and gaining it back) can take a toll on your health and make it harder to lose weight. You may lose weight rapidly on a fad diet, but you’re not just losing body fat. You lose lean muscle as well, which in turn decreases your metabolism. The problem with yo-yo dieting is that it’s not sustainable. “When you diet, your metabolism drops as your body tries to maintain its body fat percentage. Once you go off the diet and begin eating like you did previously any weight regained is primarily fat,” Stephens explained. √ Take control: Modify your diet in a way that’s sustainable for the long term. You want to find solutions for managing your weight that will work for the rest of your life, not just dropping pounds for a special event or a few months.
BALANCING GYM TIME WITH MEAL PLANNING TIME
Have you been toiling away at the gym without losing any weight? If this sounds all too familiar, it may make sense to spend more time and energy on meal planning. “What types of food you eat and how much are key to sustainable weight loss,” Stephens explained. Exercise is good for your overall health and longevity, but it’s only a small component of weight loss. The majority of weight loss comes from making dietary changes and consuming fewer calories than you can burn in a day. √ Take control: By spending 30 minutes preparing a healthy meal, you can avoid consuming an extra 700-800 calories compared to eating fast food or takeout. When you combine a healthy diet with exercise, it’s a win-win!
√ Take control: Cut back on portion sizes of higher calorie foods and increase portion sizes of lower calorie foods like nonstarchy vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, green beans and okra, etc. Try to exercise for 30 minutes every day — going for a walk is a great way to start.
MEDICATIONS
Did you know that weight gain is a side effect of certain medications? Some medications taken for depression, inflammation, thyroid disorder or other conditions can make it difficult to maintain or lose weight. These medications may cause you to feel hungrier, burn calories slower or retain extra fluids. It’s important to continue taking your medications as directed by your doctor, but don’t hesitate to ask about alternatives. √ Take control: Talk to your doctor if you have questions about how your medications may be affecting your weight.
GENETIC INFLUENCES
Genes can influence appetite, metabolism, body-fat distribution and more, but genetic influences don’t tell the whole story. Environmental factors including eating habits formed in childhood, family and social connections, ways you cope with stress and other psychological factors can have an even greater impact on your weight. √ Take control: Even if you’ve been overweight for most of your life and struggle to lose weight, you can fight back. It starts with making the decision to get help for losing weight.
START WINNING THE BATTLE TO LOSE WEIGHT If you feel like the deck is stacked against you to lose weight, talk to a health care professional who can help with medical weight management or bariatric surgery. With the right help, you can change your life for the better. The Houston Methodist Weight Management Center at Clear Lake offers the following weight loss services and programs: S tepLITE is a program for anyone who wants to lose a few pounds and needs help getting started. The program includes a diet plan and weekly check-in and group sessions with licensed professionals. M edical Weight Management is a three-phase weight loss plan that begins with a medically supervised, very low-calorie diet program and progresses to a personalized meal plan to help you maintain weight loss. B ariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, can help you achieve significant weight loss and improve weight-related health problems. Visit houstonmethodist.org/ weight-management or call 832.667.LOSE (5673) to learn more.
AGING
Controlling your weight can be an uphill battle as you age. Even if you’re exercising and eating right, the pounds can still creep up. “As a person becomes older, metabolism decreases. The body burns fewer and fewer calories,” Stephens said. In addition, you may lose muscle mass with age, and the problem is compounded if you’re less active. It all adds up to a recipe for weight gain.
Surgical Weight Loss Solutions
If you are considering weight loss surgery, join Dr. Kyle Stephens, bariatric surgeon, to learn about the health benefits and other information about various surgery options. Orientation sessions are available — either online or in person. For more information and to register, visit houstonmethodist.org/weight-loss-surgery or call 832.667.LOSE (5673).
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TIPS FOR CHOOSING A
PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR
Get a Flu Shot
One reason for seeing a primary care doctor is to make sure your vaccinations are up to date based on your age, risk factors and overall health status. For example, if you haven’t yet gotten an annual flu shot, it’s not too late. Houston Methodist Primary Care Group makes getting a flu shot quick and easy. Visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/southeast for information or call 713.441.7265 to schedule an appointment at a location near you.
6 LEADING MEDICINE IN CLEAR LAKE AND SOUTHEAST HOUSTON
O Dr. Donald D. Brown Jr.
ne of the easiest — and most important — steps you can take for optimal health is to choose a primary care physician (PCP). The prospect of finding a new doctor with whom you can build a trusting relationship may seem overwhelming, but the following tips can help you find the right doctor for you.
WHERE TO BEGIN YOUR SEARCH
There are several ways to find and learn more about the local doctors who practice near where you live or work. “The most likely choices for a primary care physician are an internist, a family physician, an obstetrician-gynecologist or a pediatrician,” said Dr. Donald D. Brown Jr., an internist with Houston Methodist Primary Care Group in League City. Most hospital and insurance Dr. Tracey websites provide a search feature to help you Lindeman find specific types of providers near you, including primary care physicians. In addition, doctors who are members of the American Medical Association (AMA) are listed at doctorfinder.ama-assn.org. “Personal recommendations from family members, friends and co-workers are often helpful,” said Dr. Tracey Lindeman, another Bay Area internist with Houston Methodist Primary Care Group in Nassau Bay. “Ask people you know and trust about their doctors.”
HEALTH TOPICS TO DISCUSS DURING YOUR FIRST VISIT
After narrowing your list to one or two physicians, make an appointment to talk to those doctors about your health questions and concerns. “Regular checkups and communicating openly with your doctor are just as important as eating right, exercising and watching your weight,” said Lindeman. Here are some topics she recommends discussing with your new primary care physician: 1. Recommended preventive exams and health screenings for you. 2. Help with evaluating and setting realistic goals for lifestyle changes that can make a difference in your overall health.
START ONE OF THE HEALTHIEST RELATIONSHIPS OF YOUR LIFE Don’t forget that part of your mission is to find a doctor you trust and feel comfortable with for the long term. Talking with your doctor about any health concerns you have can be a powerful tool when it comes to catching health problems early and preventing disease over your lifetime. The initial research will take time and effort. But when you consider what’s at stake — your health — the payoff is clear.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
“In addition to the doctor’s credentials and specialties, the logistics of your selected doctor’s office are important to making and keeping appointments,” said Brown. “Flexible office hours and convenient locations help make getting care easier.” Here are some questions to consider: 1. Is the doctor board certified? 2. Does the doctor have any subspecialties? 3. Is the location convenient for you and your family? 4. How much time is allowed in the doctor’s schedule for each appointment? A new patient’s first visit should be at least half an hour and 10 minutes for other visits. 5. What are the practice’s office hours? You’ll want to be sure those hours work with your schedule. 6. Does the practice accept your health insurance? 7. How far in advance do you have to book a routine office visit? 8. How long do you have to wait in the waiting room when you have an appointment? 9. If you’re sick, can you be seen the same day? 10. Does the doctor take time to answer your questions? 11. If you need to talk to the doctor, does he or she return your phone call in a timely manner? 12. If you have to be admitted to the hospital, what hospital does the doctor have privileges at?
LOCATIONS IN SOUTHEAST HOUSTON CLEAR LAKE 14903 El Camino Real Houston, TX 77062 713.363.7640
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WE’ VE MADE ACCESSING US EASIER THAN EVER We know a busy lifestyle can make it challenging to find time to get health care. In addition to scheduling an appointment online or by calling one of our agents, we offer a variety of ways to get care from us, including:
Same-Day Primary Care
Urgent Care
We offer same-day sick visits for conditions like the flu, sinus infections, pink eye and more.
We’ve partnered with Next Level Urgent Care for urgent care services after hours and on weekends.
Virtual Urgent Care
Imaging Appointments
See our providers for non-emergency, urgent care needs via video visit — 24/7, even on holidays.
Schedule an imaging appointment online, including a mammogram, at a time and location convenient for you.
Orthopedic Injury Clinics Same-day orthopedic care for fractures and broken bones, injured tendons, dislocations, sports injuries and more.
Emergency Care Our Emergency Care Centers and emergency rooms are open to all patients 24/7/365.
Visit houstonmethodist.org/care-options for all the ways you can get care with us.
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