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Cancer Screening Guidelines by Age
Team Up With Your Doctor FOR BETTER HEALTH On Track to Delivering a Healthy Baby Visit houstonmethodist.org/lmn/winter-2022 to read more online.
YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INNOVATIONS, NEWS AND TIPS IN THE CLEAR LAKE AREA AND SOUTHEAST HOUSTON
6 WAYS TO RECOVER AFTER A WORKOUT
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orking out can be amazingly rewarding. But a strenuous workout can take a toll on your body, even if you’re an experienced athlete. So, it’s important that you dedicate some time to a proper recovery period. Here’s what you need to know about recovering after a workout: Stretch it out. Just after exercising, while Dr. Theresa 1 your muscles are still warm and flexible, Phan hold some static stretches to reduce your risk for soreness. Stretching after a workout can also slow your breathing and heart rate, easing you back into a resting state. Drink up. “Sweating during exercise can make you 2 dehydrated, which can lead to muscle cramping, fatigue, headaches and poor performance,” said Dr. Theresa Phan, a board-certified primary care sports medicine specialist at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Clear Lake. “Rehydrate with plenty of water to aid your body with recovery and maintain proper body temperature.” Replenish electrolytes. Electrolytes include substances, 3 such as sodium chloride (salt), magnesium and potassium. When you sweat and lose too many electrolytes, it can lead to muscle cramping, joint pain and more. You can replenish electrolytes after an intense workout with a sports drink and maintain your electrolyte levels by eating a diet filled with electrolyte-rich foods, such as spinach, yogurt, sweet potatoes and salmon. with protein. “Tiny tears form in your muscles 4 Rebuild as you work them,” Phan explained. “While these tears are necessary for your muscles to grow, it still means your muscles need to repair after a workout. You can aid that repair and encourage muscle growth by consuming about 15 to 20 grams of protein just after working out.” That’s about a cup of almonds or a half cup of chicken breast.
Exercise Smarter, Not Harder
To make an appointment with Dr. Phan or another primary care sports medicine physician at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Clear Lake, please call 713.363.9090.
Hurting? Get hot or cold. Cold therapy, such as applying cold packs to an area on the body, can reduce inflammation and is good for injuries, acute pain and muscle spasms. Heat therapy, such as a warm bath or a heated pad, promotes blood flow, helps relax muscles and can reduce chronic pain. Catch some zzz’s. The night of your workout (and every 6 night) you should aim for between seven and nine hours of sleep. “You won’t get the full benefits of your workout if you don’t let your body properly rest and rebuild at night,” Phan said.
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PLAN YOUR WORKOUT SCHEDULE You’ll experience fewer injuries and make greater progress with a workout schedule that emphasizes different muscle groups and intensities on different days. Here’s an example of a schedule you can try, or make your own:
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Active Rest
Cardio
Strength Training
Cardio
Strength Training
Cardio
Active Rest
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Cancer Screening Guidelines by Age
PREVENT AND DETECT CANCER AT EVERY STAGE OF LIFE
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arly detection is a powerful weapon in the fight against cancer. Cancer screening tests can detect cancer before it spreads or causes any symptoms. When cancer Dr. Natasha is found early, the chances Hirani for effective treatment are better. “Cancer screening tests are one of the best tools we have to defend against cancer,” said Dr. Natasha Hirani, a board-certified medical oncologist with the Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Clear Lake.
QUESTIONS TO ASK AT EVERY AGE “Your doctor may recommend starting cancer screenings early if you’re at high risk for certain cancers,” Hirani said. According to Hirani, here are some key questions:
Women ages 21–39
sk your doctor about cervical cancer A testing, including an HPV test and/or Pap test. Know how your breasts feel normally and report any changes to your doctor. Ask your doctor if you have a higher than average risk for breast cancer or colon cancer because of family history, genetic disorders or other factors.
Men ages 21–39
sk your doctor if you have a higher A than average risk for colon cancer because of family history, genetic disorders or other factors.
Women ages 40–49
Continue with cervical cancer screening tests every three to five years. Ask your doctor about getting an annual breast cancer screening mammogram. If you have a high risk, ask if adding MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is right for you. Discuss getting your first colonoscopy at age 45 if you’re at average risk for colon cancer.
Men ages 40–49
ind out if you’re at high risk for prostate F cancer. If so, consult your doctor about the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening in your 40s. Discuss getting your first colonoscopy at age 45 if you’re at average risk for colon cancer.
Women ages 50–64
Continue with cervical cancer screening tests every three to five years. Continue mammograms every year, or you can discuss with your doctor whether you should get a mammogram every two years. Get a colonoscopy every 10 years or more frequently as recommended by your doctor. If you’re a current or former smoker, discuss whether you’d benefit from a lung cancer screening starting at age 55.
Men ages 50–64
Starting at age 50, all men should talk to their doctor about the pros and cons of prostate cancer testing.
Get a colonoscopy every 10 years or more often, as recommended by your doctor. If you’re a current or former smoker, discuss whether you’d benefit from a lung cancer screening starting at age 55.
Women age 65+
Discuss whether to continue cervical cancer testing with your doctor. Continue with breast cancer screening mammograms every one or two years. Get a colonoscopy every 10 years through age 75, then ask your doctor whether you should continue testing. If you’re a current or former smoker, continue with lung cancer screening every year, if testing is recommended.
Men age 65+
Get a colonoscopy every 10 years through age 75, then ask your doctor whether you should continue testing. If you’re a current or former smoker, continue with lung cancer screening every year, if testing is recommended. Ask your doctor about the pros and cons of prostate cancer testing.
FIRST STOP: YOUR PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER When it comes to discussing cancer prevention and which screenings may be right for you, your primary care doctor is a good place to start. Share your concerns and family health history. Your doctor can help guide you to cancer screening tests appropriate for your age and risk level. Visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/southeast or call 713.394.6724 to schedule an appointment.
Schedule an Appointment
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hirani or another oncologist with Houston Methodist Oncology Partners at Clear Lake visit houstonmethodist.org/cancer-clearlake or call 832.783.1190.
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Team Up With Your Doctor for Better Health W 1 hen it comes to your health, your primary care provider is your quarterback. They have a big-picture view and understanding of your Dr. Lisset Parets-Rodriguez overall health, and they can help you make the right moves to stay healthy. “A good relationship with your primary care provider is essential for your health,” said Dr. Lisset Parets-Rodriguez, a boardcertified family medicine physician with Houston Methodist Primary Care Group. Building a relationship and partnership with your primary care provider can help you tackle health problems and stay healthy through the ups and downs of life.
IT’S A TEAM EFFORT
Here are some ways to make the most of your health visits and build a winning relationship with your provider.
Find a primary care provider. Look for a doctor who is board-certified, speaks your preferred language, and offers convenient appointments in a location near you. Above all, you should choose a doctor you trust who listens and makes you feel comfortable. Schedule an annual exam. It’s important to schedule an annual checkup even when you feel fine healthwise. Annual checkups help you stay on top of your health, making it possible to prevent and detect problems early. “An annual checkup also allows for follow-up and management of chronic conditions, and ensures the recommended screenings are performed in a timely manner,” ParetsRodriguez said. Identify communication barriers. Resources are available if you or a loved one struggles with hearing, understanding or remembering what is said in your health visits. Bringing a loved one along to your appointment may help you better understand the information shared by your doctor while providing emotional support, if needed. Contact the
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doctor’s office to let them know if you need help with communication or would like to have a family member or friend join you for your appointment.
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Put Your Health First
Prioritize your health by making an appointment with a primary care provider. Convenient appointments are available at a location near you. Schedule an appointment with a doctor at Houston Methodist Primary Care Group at Clear Lake by visiting houstonmethodist.org/pcg/southeast or calling 713.394.6724.
A CHECKLIST FOR YOUR NEXT CHECKUP
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Share your health history. Managing your health is easier when you build a relationship with a primary care provider who knows you and your health history. Your doctor may recommend health screening tests based on your age, personal or family health history, and other factors. For example, if you have a family history of heart disease, stroke, diabetes or cancer, your doctor may emphasize ways to prevent disease and recommend screening tests to help detect disease early. Be open and honest. There’s no reason to hold back information because you’re worried or embarrassed. Your primary care provider is there to support you in improving your health, not to pass judgment on your decisions. “The doctor-patient relationship is ironclad in its confidentiality, with many ethical, professional and legal standards that protect it,” Parets-Rodriguez said. Having open and honest conversations
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about your health helps your doctor better serve your health care needs. Talk about mental health. Your primary care doctor can help with mental health concerns, including screening and treatment for depression and anxiety. Your doctor can also connect you with referrals to therapy, counseling or specialized care. Ask about vaccines. Your primary doctor can be a great resource to help you understand which vaccines are recommended for you and when to get them. It’s important to have these conversations with your doctor so you can make informed decisions based on the latest medical guidance. Set goals for your health. If you want to lose weight, quit smoking or make other healthy changes, your doctor can help you get started. Your chances of success improve when you have medical support for making big changes to your health.
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Going to the doctor for a yearly checkup is an important part of your health routine. Here’s a checklist to help you prepare for your next visit: Ask about screenings or vaccinations. When scheduling your appointment, find out whether you’re due for any shots or tests. Knowing in advance helps so that you’re mentally and physically prepared — especially if there are any special instructions to follow, such as fasting before a cholesterol test. Review your family medical history. Your doctor may ask about any new diseases or conditions that have occurred in your close relatives since your last visit. If needed, write down notes about your family health history to share with your doctor. Write down a list of questions. When you’re in the doctor’s office, it can be hard to remember everything. Having a list of questions prepared ahead of time can help you make sure you get answers to all your questions. Bring a list of medications. Your doctor’s office will ask about the current medications you’re taking, including all prescription and over-thecounter medications, as well as herbs, vitamins and other dietary supplements.
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IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME:
HOW TO TAKE CONTROL
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s your digestive system so “temperamental” that it makes you afraid to travel? Or perhaps frequent bloating, cramps and unpredictable bowel movements always force you to stay close to a restroom. If these are familiar scenes in your life, you may have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). “IBS is a common intestinal disorder that Dr. Valentine causes abdominal cramps, diarrhea, gas, bloating Millien and constipation,” explained Dr. Valentine Millien, a gastroenterologist with Houston Methodist Gastroenterology Associates at Clear Lake. “With treatment, you can manage IBS symptoms and get back to the activities you enjoy. Unfortunately, many people with IBS don’t seek treatment because they’re embarrassed about their symptoms.”
THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM
Experts believe IBS occurs when the delicate interplay among the nerves, hormones and electrical activity that link the bowel and the brain is disrupted. “There’s a powerful connection between the brain and stomach — think about the butterflies you feel before making a speech or the bellyache that might come on during a heated argument. With IBS, pain sensors in the colon are more sensitive than normal, causing them to respond strongly to stimuli that don’t affect most people,” said Millien.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
See your physician as soon as symptoms appear. Your physician will know which treatment course is best for you. And since the signs of IBS may mimic those of a serious disease, it’s important to rule out any underlying disorder. Write down the foods that seem to bring on symptoms. Once you identify the foods that trigger symptoms, scale back your intake. Common culprits are dairy products, caffeine, beans, cabbage, fat and alcohol. Remember that many of the nutrients you need may be in the foods you are avoiding, so be sure to make healthy substitutions. “Keep a record of your findings and bring those notes to your next doctor visit,” Millien added. Adjust your eating habits. Since large meals often cause cramping and diarrhea, try eating a few small meals throughout the day instead of three large courses. Also limit spicy foods. Control tension levels. “Because of the brain-bowel connection, high stress levels can trigger IBS symptoms. To unwind, go for a daily walk, talk with a friend, dust off an old hobby or listen to music,” Millien said. See your doctor for treatment. Although antidiarrheals and laxatives may ease symptoms, they are not a long-term solution. Instead, your doctor may prescribe antispasmodics for relief. In severe cases, antidepressant medication may help soothe distress.
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COULD YOU HAVE IBS? In the absence of a test for IBS, doctors usually diagnose the condition by ruling out other conditions, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Symptoms that suggest IBS include: A bdominal pain and cramping B loating and gas C hanges in the appearance or frequency of bowel movements M ucus in the stool S training, urgency or a sensation of incomplete evacuation during bowel movements A colon X-ray or colonoscopy may also be useful in helping a doctor diagnose IBS.
We’re Here to Help
Our doctors are focused on helping you find relief from gastrointestinal symptoms. Call 281.523.3320 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Millien at Houston Methodist Gastroenterology Associates at Clear Lake.
On Track to Delivering a Healthy Baby 3 F or many expectant mothers, the final trimester leading up to delivery is the most challenging part of the pregnancy. During this time, your body changes shape Dr. Amit Bansal to accommodate your fast-growing baby. You may continue to gain weight and feel increasingly uncomfortable; your feet may swell; backache or soreness may intensify; and you may feel exhausted during the day and have difficulty sleeping at night. As much as possible, try to rest and continue to take good care of yourself as your due date approaches.
FOCUS ON YOU
When you’re busy with all the details — choosing a crib, decorating the baby’s room, attending baby showers, installing a car seat — it’s easy to forget about your health. Ask for help from your partner, family and friends so you can avoid getting overly tired and stressed. Do your best to continue eating well and getting some light exercise, with your health care provider’s permission. Continue your prenatal visits as scheduled. “The prenatal care you receive is very important in the final weeks of pregnancy,” said Dr. Amit Bansal, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist at Houston Methodist Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates at Clear Lake. “It is common to have prenatal visits every week starting at 36 weeks.” Your health care provider will continue checking the baby’s heart rate and watching your health closely. He or she may check your cervix to watch for dilation or softening in preparation for birth. Know your options for labor and delivery. Your health care provider can walk through your options for pain management and different scenarios for delivery, including the possibility of cesarean section for high-risk situations. If you haven’t already, you and your partner may want to take a childbirth preparation class to learn more about what to expect during labor and delivery.
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Write down your preferences. Your birth experience will most likely turn out differently than you expect, but it can still be helpful to write down a birth plan. Your plan may include preferences for pain management, expectations for bonding with your baby immediately after delivery and plans for breastfeeding or bottle feeding. When in doubt, call your health care provider. “It may not be easy to identify when true labor starts because many women experience early contractions (called BraxtonHicks contractions or false labor),” said Bansal. “Call your doctor or clinic if you experience contractions that persist or grow stronger.” If you suspect your baby is moving less than normal (less than 10 movements within two hours), or if you experience vaginal bleeding, call your health care provider right away to rule out any serious problems.
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CARE YOU CAN TRUST
No one can predict how your birth experience will unfold. That’s why it’s important to surround yourself with support so you feel confident and ready for anything. At Houston Methodist Childbirth Center at Clear Lake, our health professionals are here to help you be well prepared.
Looking to Start Your Family?
Mother and baby receive personalized care in a comfortable setting with state-of-the-art technology, expert physicians and highly trained staff. Our team has the expertise to care for you and your family every step of the way. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Bansal or another obstetrician with Houston Methodist Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates at Clear Lake, call 832.783.2330. Visit houstonmethodist.org/childbirth-clearlake to learn more.
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Feeling sick?
GET CARE NOW
Houston Methodist offers safe, quick access to high-quality care — so you can feel better now. Sniffles got you down? Whether you’re suffering from the flu, a cold, a skin rash or even pink eye, we are here for you with a variety of ways to get care quickly, including:
VIRTUAL URGENT CARE 24/7 on-demand video visits through the MyMethodist app
SAME DAY CLINICS Same-day sick visits for many common health conditions
PRIMARY CARE GROUP Quick access to primary care doctors for existing patients
And, with enhanced safety measures in place at all our locations, you can rest assured your safety is our priority. houstonmethodist.org/care-options
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