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Your eyes are a reflection of many other aspects of your
STAY ON SCHEDULE WITH YOUR MAMMOGRAM
Normal life has been turned upside down by the pandemic, and we’ve all had to adjust routines and reschedule Dr. Michelle O'Shea events. Perhaps you’ve postponed getting your hair and nails done, going to yoga class or getting coffee with friends. But there’s one self-care activity you don’t want to miss — getting your annual mammogram.
It’s important to continue the focus on combatting COVID-19 without losing sight of the ongoing war against other major health threats. The statistics on COVID-19 are shifting every day, and it’s unclear how we may be affected in the future. At the same time, the statistics on breast cancer haven’t changed: 1 in every 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in her lifetime. Staying on track with breast cancer screenings as recommended by your doctor can help you improve your odds against breast cancer.
EARLY DETECTION MAKES A DIFFERENCE “Getting a mammogram is an important part of good breast health management,” said Dr. Michelle O'Shea, board-certified breast surgeon at Houston Methodist Breast Surgery Partners at Sugar Land.
“Mammograms provide a way to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages when it
Make an Appointment To schedule an appointment with Dr. Michelle O'Shea or another breast surgeon with Houston Methodist Breast Surgery Partners at Sugar Land, visit
houstonmethodist.org/spg
or call 281.494.3000.
is most treatable. Make this screening test part of your health care priorities.”
Starting at age 40 (or younger if you have a family history of breast cancer), you should talk to your doctor about getting an annual mammogram. If you have questions about your breast cancer risk, talk to your primary care doctor or obstetrician-gynecologist.
KEEPING YOU SAFE During the COVID-19 crisis, our imaging and radiology services are available. The safety of our patients and staff is our first priority, and we are taking every precaution to keep everyone safe. We are:
Wearing masks and other personal protective equipment while providing care.
Implementing additional sanitation processes to disinfect all equipment and surfaces.
Screening all patients when scheduling appointments and upon arrival. Curbside check-in and registration.
When you come in for your mammogram at Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land, you’ll be taken care of from start to finish. Plus, you’ll benefit from our high-tech approach to breast cancer screening with 3D mammography. Advanced 3D mammography is one of the most effective tools available in detecting the smallest lumps and abnormalities with accuracy. And if your mammogram does show something abnormal, you have a trusted team at Houston Methodist ready to guide you through your options for treatment and care.
Schedule Your Mammogram
To schedule your mammogram at the Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land, visit houstonmethodist.org/breast-care or call 281.242.PINK (7465). We do not require a doctor's order for your annual screening mammogram. Saturday and evening appointments available.
It’s Important to Keep Moving
DON’T LET AN INJURY KEEP YOU DOWN
One of the most important ways to stay healthy and boost your immunity is through regular exercise. However, joint pain and other orthopedic injuries can keep you from getting your steps, hitting the treadmill or jumping on the bike.
If you’re experiencing acute pain, don’t wait to have it checked out. Depending on your medical history and the kind of injury or pain you are experiencing, there are many ways to work with our orthopedic specialists during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Orthopedic Injury Clinics: Care for patients who suffer acute orthopedic injuries, fractures, broken bones, sprains and painful or swollen joints. See the sidebar for details.
Video visits: Our orthopedic providers can perform an examination virtually and, when needed, order diagnostic studies (X-ray or MRI).
In-clinic appointments: We can still schedule in-clinic appointments for patients. Patients experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not come to the clinic. To ensure the safety of our patients and staff, patients who come to the clinic will be thoroughly screened, including temperature checks.
We Can Help
Not sure what type of care is right for you? Call us at 281.690.4678 for help finding an orthopedic specialist and the right appointment type for you.
SAME-DAY ORTHOPEDIC INJURY CLINICS
Our orthopedic specialists are available to safely see patients. The next time an injury slows you down, come in for quick and convenient same-day care at the Houston Methodist Orthopedic Injury Clinic at Sugar Land. No appointment required. Major insurance plans are accepted.
The clinic provides treatment for: Acute orthopedic injuries Fractures and broken bones Injured tendons Minor dislocations Painful or swollen joints Sports injuries Sprains and strains Torn ligaments
Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Visit houstonmethodist.org/osm-injury-sl or call 281.275.0555 to get started.
Chronic conditions, concussions, spine injuries, motor vehicle accidents and workers’ compensation injuries are not treated at the injury clinic. Please call 281.690.4678 to schedule an appointment with the appropriate physician for those conditions.
PRIORITIZE YOUR HEALTH How to Handle Your Health Care Needs During a Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our communities and reshaped how we get health care. While social distancing remains Dr. Asisat Ope important as we move forward, taking care of ongoing health needs should also be a top priority. When you need care, it’s important to take action right away.
Postponing health care visits or treatments may actually hurt your health in the long run. If you delay going to the doctor for small problems like a rash, an infected toenail or urinary tract infection, these issues can become bigger problems and may require urgent attention.
Now is the time to be proactive about identifying health risks and following through on treatment plans. “Keeping up with preventive care, health screenings, vaccinations, medications and treatments, as recommended by your doctor, is
key,” said Dr. Asisat Ope, board-certified primary care physician at Houston Methodist Primary Care Group at Sugar Land. “Neglecting current health issues by delaying screening tests may result in more serious issues down the road.”
If you have a chronic condition, you should work with your doctor to improve your health. “By taking care of existing health conditions now, you will be in a better position to fight off an infection or illness in the future,” Ope said.
PUTTING SAFETY FIRST As we navigate how to interact within the community, we’re learning that COVID-19 may be with us for a long time. While we wait for answers on vaccines and immunity, we’re finding ways to adjust to a new normal and return to our daily activities in a safe manner. This involves wearing masks in public, keeping 6 feet apart from others and staying vigilant about handwashing and wiping down surfaces. Keeping these social distancing practices in place is essential to our efforts to slow the spread of the virus.
Get Answers About Your Health You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Asisat Ope or another primary care doctor by visiting houstonmethodist.org/pcg/ southwest or by calling 713.394.6639.
All Houston Methodist campuses are focused on making your visit as safe as possible, and we are taking extra precautions, such as:
Requiring all patients, visitors and employees to wear a mask.
Elevating our cleaning and housekeeping practices.
Health screenings for patients, visitors and staff.
Isolation measures for COVID-19 patients.
Adhering to a strict visitor policy.
Implementing social distancing in our waiting rooms and elevators. Minimizing waiting in public spaces.
WAYS TO GET CARE At Houston Methodist facilities, we have expanded virtual services and staggered in-person appointments with your safety in mind. Connect with us in the following ways to schedule your next appointment: Doctor appointments – Schedule a virtual video visit or in-person appointment with your primary care doctor or specialist. Simply call your doctor’s office or use the “Schedule an Appointment” button in MyChart. If you need to find a doctor, visit houstonmethodist.org/find-a-doctor or call 281.274.7500. Virtual Urgent Care – Nonemergency urgent care is available 24/7 via video visit. Download the MyMethodist app or visit houstonmethodist.org/ virtual-care to learn more. Same-Day Clinics – Make an appointment at one of our same-day clinics if you’re feeling sick. Schedule by phone at 346.356.3500 or visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/same-day-clinics to find a location. Orthopedic Injury Clinics – Walk-in for evaluation and treatment of your injury. No appointment required. Office-visit pricing. Visit houstonmethodist.org/osm-injury-sl for more information. Emergency Care – Open 24/7 to provide a full spectrum of medical services if you need emergency care. Visit houstonmethodist.org/er to find your nearest Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center or ER. E-visits – Same-day visits for nonemergency urgent care through online messaging. Sign up for MyChart to get started, and then log in to complete an e-visit through MyChart. Visit mychart. houstonmethodist.org to log in or register.
HOUSTON METHODIST INNOVATIONS
FIGHTING COVID-19 When facing a pandemic strain of a novel virus, every second is critical. Since the outbreak started, Houston Methodist’s physicianscientists have been working around the clock on investigating potential therapies for COVID-19.
VACCINE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Houston Methodist researchers are partnering with GeneOne Life Science Inc. to develop an RNA vaccine against COVID-19. Houston Methodist developed an RNA therapeutics research program to design, manufacture and test clinical-grade RNA.
REMDESIVIR CLINICAL TRIAL Houston Methodist was the fifth clinical trial site in the U.S. to offer the antiviral drug Remdesivir as an investigational therapy for COVID-19 patients. Investigators say the goal is to hold off the deadly inflammatory cascade that leads to respiratory failure and the need to be intubated and put on a ventilator. Early results of the trial are promising, with patients responding to the antiviral drug.
PLASMA INFUSION THERAPY Houston Methodist was the first academic medical center in the nation to transfuse donated plasma from a recovered COVID-19 patient into a critically ill patient. Like a blood donation, physicians use plasma from patients who have recovered from COVID-19, in the hope that their blood plasma contains antibodies to fight the virus. The donor's plasma is then infused into ill COVID-19 patients, who are not yet immune to the virus. One of the major advantages of this treatment approach is that it can be used right now, while vaccines and antiviral drugs can take from months to years to develop.
DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE TOOLS Houston Methodist and its partners have worked on prototyping and developing a variety of clinical devices to address immediate needs brought about by COVID-19. Houston Methodist created a plexiglass box in-house to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 for doctors and hospital staff. The container uses plexiglass barriers and a vacuum device to filter the air before releasing it back into the room. Houston Methodist’s new Engineering Medicine Program (EnMed), a collaboration with Texas A&M University College of Medicine, acquired and tested a helmet made from a lightweight, transparent plastic aerosol box, which is used to keep patients off ventilators and stabilize them in the ICU. In addition, EnMed faculty used 3D printing technology to produce 3D printable spacers, which are in high demand for treating COVID-19 patients. The spacers are needed to safely administer bronchodilator drugs through inhalers instead of using nebulizers, which release a mist into the air.
Q&A: Navigating PREGNANCY During COVID-19
When you’re expecting a baby, you have a million questions on your mind. In addition to all the usual concerns during pregnancy, you’re also thinking about how to reduce the risk of COVID-19. Learning how to protect yourself and your baby can help you be calm Dr. Elizabeth Mosier and confident as you navigate pregnancy and childbirth. Dr. Elizabeth Mosier, board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist at Houston Methodist Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates at Sugar Land, understands the stress new mothers are going through. She answered some common questions about preparing for a healthy and safe birth experience. Q: What can I do to protect against COVID-19 during pregnancy? A: You can prevent illness by avoiding people who are sick and limiting social contact with others, especially in large groups. Avoid public spaces and protect yourself and others by keeping a safe distance. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily and continue to be extra vigilant about handwashing. Q: Should I continue with prenatal care visits? A: It’s important to stay on track with your prenatal visits. Some of your prenatal care visits may be done virtually, which allows you to see your doctor while staying at home. In-person visits are needed for ultrasounds, fetal testing and blood work. Q: Is it safe to give birth in a hospital? A: The Houston Methodist Childbirth Center at Sugar Land has protections in place to provide a safe and secure birth experience. There’s an essential visitor policy that allows maternity, postpartum and NICU patients to have one healthy partner or parent visitor. All patients and essential visitors are screened for elevated temperatures and other symptoms before entering the hospital and are required to wear a mask. All staff members use safe social distancing best practices and wear protective gear when interacting with you and your baby. Mothers and babies stay together in the same room, and your baby’s routine care will be provided in the same room. Q: Why choose a hospital birth over a home birth or other setting? A: Having your baby in a hospital gives you peace of mind knowing that if complications arise, you and your baby are in good hands with physicians and nurses trained to handle complex cases. In a hospital setting, you’ll have the support you need during a critical time for you and your baby. Q: Should I consider breastfeeding? A: Breast milk protects against many illnesses and provides all the nutrition most infants need. If you’re worried about breastfeeding after being sick with COVID-19, talk to your doctor. In early studies, COVID-19 has not been detected in breast milk, but researchers are still learning more. Q: What should I do if I’m having trouble breastfeeding? A: If you choose to breastfeed your baby, you’ll have breastfeeding support from a lactation consultant if you need help getting started. After you go home, a lactation nurse can consult with you over the phone or on video conference to address any challenges with feeding your baby.
Be Prepared
Have more questions? Call 281.274.7500 to learn more about childbirth education classes, including online classes, for expecting parents. Visit houstonmethodist.org/childbirth-sl to virtually tour our Childbirth Center at Sugar Land.
Make an Appointment
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth Mosier or another obstetriciangynecologist with Houston Methodist Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates at Sugar Land, visit houstonmethodist.org/obgyn or call 346.874.2060.
WHAT IS YOUR BODY Trying to Tell You?
Your body sends messages about what’s going on with your health every day. By listening to your body, you can learn more about the state of your health. “There are a lot of health problems that can be treated better when caught early,” said Dr. Margaret Umah, board-certified primary Dr. Margaret Umah care physician at Houston Methodist Primary Care Group at Sugar Land. “Big problems usually start small, so it’s worth paying attention to your body.”
Uncover clues about your health by taking a look at the following: 1. Your tongue should be pink and covered with small nodules. If you’re noticing changes in appearance or pain in your tongue, it could be a sign of a bigger issue. 2. Your sweat is essential for keeping your body cool. But there are times when sweating is a sign of something more serious.
Sweating excessively may be a symptom of a condition called hyperhidrosis. People with hyperhidrosis may sweat so much that it soaks through their clothes or drips off their hands.
Being unable to produce sweat means the body can’t cool itself (due to heat stroke, diabetes, a genetic disorder or something else), and immediate medical help is needed.
Heavy sweating that comes on suddenly could be a symptom of a heart attack, or it could be linked to metabolic issues, cancers, menopause and stress disorders. 3. Your urine’s color can tell you about the general state of your health and your level of hydration.
Clear or transparent yellow urine indicates that you’re well-hydrated.
Dark yellow or amber urine usually means that you should drink more water.
Pink to reddish urine may be due to blood in your urine, and could be related to urinary tract infections, prostate problems, kidney disease or something else.
Dark-brown urine can indicate a liver disorder.
Cloudy or milky urine can be a result of inflammation in the prostate or vagina, kidney stones, diabetes or a urinary tract infection. 4. Your nails can provide clues to your overall health. Nails that turn yellow or red could indicate nail fungus or even skin cancer. Clubbing of the nails, which is severe curving, can be a sign of lung disease or heart disease. Dimpling, splitting or indentation of the nails could point to psoriasis or an inflammatory skin disorder. 5. Your eyes are a reflection of many other aspects of your health. During an eye exam, your doctor checks for clues in the eyes that may point to conditions elsewhere in the body. Inflammation, damage or swelling within the eye may be a warning sign of diabetes, high blood pressure or inflammatory conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
“Sometimes it’s hard to know what’s normal and what’s not,” Umah said. “A doctor can help answer your questions, check out your symptoms and refer you to a specialist, if needed.”
How You Can Connect
Preventive care is more important than ever. This is especially true for vaccines that may have been put on pause and should now be pursued. Check with your primary care provider for scheduling necessary vaccines for you or members of your family, or for scheduling other primary care appointments.
Here are some options: An in-person visit with your primary care provider A virtual visit with your primary care provider A MyChart video virtual visit
Learn more by visiting houstonmethodist.org/pcg/ southwest or by calling 713.394.6639. New and existing patients can also text this number to schedule an appointment.
FIND A PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN NEAR YOU
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713.394.6639 houstonmethodist.org/pcg/southwest
Early Detection Is Key Your Cancer SCREENING CHECKLIST
Early detection is a powerful weapon in the fight against cancer. Cancers may develop slowly or rapidly, and sometimes without any noticeable symptoms. When it is found early, the chance is better for effective treatment. That’s why it’s important to stay up to date with cancer screening tests.
This article provides general information and screening guidelines for the following cancers: cervical, colon and rectal, oral, and skin. Your doctor may suggest you have these tests done at a time that’s right for you.
CERVICAL CANCER
High-risk factors include:
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Human papillomavirus (HPV) Immune deficiency Multiple sex partners Sexual activity before age 18 Smoking
Pelvic Exam – Checks the vaginal and cervical walls for abnormalities. A sample of cells may be taken from the cervix surface for a Pap test or lab culture. The uterus and ovaries are examined for enlargement or other abnormalities.
RECOMMENDED SCREENING GUIDELINES
Ages 21-29
Ages 30-65
Pelvic exam annually Pap test every three years
Pelvic exam annually Pap test every three to five years, HPV every five years
Ages 66+
Pelvic exam at doctor discretion Pap test at doctor discretion, if history of abnormal results
Sources: National Cancer Institute, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
COLON AND RECTAL CANCER
High-risk factors include:
African American men and women Family or personal history of polyps, colorectal or uterine cancers Individuals age 50 and older Obesity Personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease Smoking
Colonoscopy– Examines the inside of the colon and rectum for bleeding, polyps or cancer using a colonoscope (lighted camera tube). A biopsy of an abnormality can be collected for testing.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy – Examines the inside of the rectum and part of the lower colon (sigmoid colon) for bleeding, polyps or cancer using a colonoscope. A biopsy of an abnormality can be collected for testing.
Fecal blood tests – Colorectal cancer tests look for blood in samples of a patient’s stool.
IMPORTANT: See your doctor, no matter your age, if you develop symptoms, such as abdominal pain, anemia, bowel habit changes, rectal bleeding and/or unintentional weight loss.
RECOMMENDED SCREENING GUIDELINES
Younger than age 45
For those with high risk factors, talk with your doctor about when to begin screening and screening frequency. Colorectal cancer rates are rising among younger adults.
Ages 45-75
For those without specific risk factors, routine screening is generally recommended beginning at age 45
Older than age 75
Screening decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor Note: Individuals with a family history of colon cancer should begin screening 10 years before the youngest relative was diagnosed with colon cancer.
Sources: U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer, National Cancer Institute
ORAL CANCER
High-risk factors include:
Chewing tobacco Drinking alcohol Smoking
Oral Exam – usually performed during a regular dental visit, to identify mouth abnormalities.
RECOMMENDED SCREENING GUIDELINES
Ages 18+
Oral exam annually
Source: Oral Cancer Foundation
SKIN CANCER The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and American Cancer Society (ACS) no longer recommend regular skin examinations unless you have a history of skin cancer.
Risk factors include:
Fair skin, particularly those with red or blonde hair
Family or personal history of melanoma
Unprotected or excessive UV light exposure (sunlight/ tanning booths)
Signs and symptoms include:
A change in a skin spot, mole or growth, such as size, color, darkening or bleeding
Increased sensation, itchiness, tenderness or pain
New spots or growths that change and grow
RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES To lower your skin cancer risk, follow the ACS motto: SLIP! SLOP! SLAP!® AND WRAP!
Slip on a shirt.
Slop on sunscreen.
Slap on a hat.
Cover up with protective clothing.
Use a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30+ at least 30 minutes before exposure and every 2 hours during outdoor activities.
Cover your head and neck with a wide-brimmed hat.
Wrap on sunglasses.
Use eyewear with 100% UVA and UVB absorption.
Sources: American Cancer Society, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
KEEPING YOU SAFE AND HEALTHY
It's important to guard your health and continue with cancer screening tests recommended by your doctor. We're taking extra precautions to protect you and others when you enter our facilities for a screening test or appointment.
Schedule an Appointment
To find a doctor near you, visit
houstonmethodist.org/pcg/southwest
or call 713.394.6639.
Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital 16655 Southwest Fwy. Sugar Land, TX 77479-2329 houstonmethodist.org/sugarland
If you prefer to not receive future communication from Houston Methodist, please email optout@houstonmethodist.org or call 281.274.7500.
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KEEP YOU MOVING without joint pain
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281.205.4514 HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/SUGARLAND
Live life without joint pain.
At Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we know that joint pain affects every part of your life. With treatment plans customized for you, our specialists offer a full range of advanced nonsurgical and surgical techniques. Our expert joint care includes:
Innovative pain control methods
Physical therapy to improve mobility and range of motion
The latest technology, including minimally invasive surgical techniques that help reduce recovery time
During the COVID-19 crisis, Houston Methodist has implemented additional safety precautions to ensure that we provide safe and effective care to our patients.
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