Leading Medicine Fall 2020, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital edition

LEADING MEDICINE FA LL 2020

Prevent the Spread of Illness Give Your Heart a Healthy Workout

BE VIGILANT ABOUT RESPIRATORY ILLNESS YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INNOVATIONS, NEWS AND TIPS IN FORT BEND AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES

Don’t Let Your Guard Down

PREVENT THE SPREAD OF ILLNESS

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old and flu season is here, and with COVID-19 still looming, it’s important to continue taking steps to stay healthy and prevent the spread of illness.

“A cough or sneeze that goes uncovered can easily spray small liquid droplets into the air up to 6 feet in front of you,” said Dr. Pamela M. Ayala, board-certified primary Dr. Pamela M. care physician with Houston Methodist Ayala Primary Care Group in Sugar Land. “Germs can also be transferred from surface to surface every time you touch something new.”

Ayala recommends staying vigilant about preventing the spread of illness with these steps: C over your mouth and nose with a tissue every time you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, use the inside of your elbow to cough into.

W ash your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water aren’t close by, you can clean your hands with an alcoholbased hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, nose or ears.

Stay home and away from others if you feel ill.

W ear a face covering that covers your nose and mouth when out in public and stay 6 feet apart to protect yourself and others.

G et an annual flu shot and other vaccines recommended by your doctor.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces often.

Taking Care of Your Health

DRIVE-THRU COMMUNITY TOY DRIVE AND FLU SHOT CLINIC Date: Saturday, Oct. 10 l Time: 8-11 a.m.

Location: Drive-thru at Houston Methodist Cancer Center 16675 Southwest Fwy., Sugar Land, TX 77479 Bring a new, unwrapped toy in exchange for a free flu shot.

Toys will benefit local children in the Fort Bend area. No stuffed animals or clothing items allowed.

Flu shots are for persons age 18 and older, with no history of Guillain-Barré syndrome or rubber latex allergy, and who are not pregnant. No appointments necessary.

Please make sure to wait in your car at all times and wear a mask.

Visit events.houstonmethodist.org/flushot-sl for more information or call 281.274.7976 with questions.

If you’re experiencing symptoms that could be a cold, flu or COVID-19, and you’re not sure what to do, Houston Methodist Primary Care Group in Sugar Land is here to help. We encourage you to call 832.416.1678 or visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/southwest to schedule your in-person or virtual visit.

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DIABETES Puts Your Health at Risk D

iabetes changes your body’s ability to manage blood sugar, but that’s not all. Having diabetes also puts you at higher risk for having serious complications Dr. Monique Au from illnesses and other health conditions.

“Diabetes affects blood vessels, nerves and organs throughout the body,” said Dr. Monique Au, board-certified primary care physician with Houston Methodist Primary Care Group in Sienna. “It also weakens the immune system, making it harder to fight bacteria and viruses that cause infections and illnesses, such as COVID-19, flu and pneumonia.”

INTERRELATED RISK FACTORS

Many health problems caused by diabetes share the same risk factors, so having one complication can lead to another.

Heart disease and stroke. People who have diabetes often have high blood pressure and high cholesterol, so they are twice as likely to have heart disease or stroke as people who don’t have diabetes.* Vision problems. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetes-related eye disease. It’s caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina, which can lead to blindness, if not caught early.

Kidney disease. The kidneys help filter waste products that become urine. High blood sugar levels and high blood pressure can cause the kidneys to lose their ability to filter waste from the blood effectively.

This puts a lot of stress on the kidneys and can lead to kidney failure.

Nerve damage. When blood glucose levels remain too high, nerves throughout the body can be damaged. This condition, called neuropathy, occurs in about half of people with diabetes.** Neuropathy

often affects the feet. But it can also impact the arms, hands and legs. It causes burning or stabbing pain, numbness and tingling sensations. In addition, neuropathy can affect the heart and blood vessels, bladder, stomach, intestines and genitals. Depending on which organs are affected, neuropathy can lead to urinary tract infections, diarrhea and constipation, vomiting and bloating, and sexual dysfunction.

Skin conditions. People with diabetes are more prone to bacterial and fungal infections of the skin.

Infections. Damage to blood vessels and nerves, especially in the feet, can lead to life-threatening infections. In some cases, amputation may be needed to stop the spread of infection. Diabetes can increase risk of flu-related illnesses, such as bronchitis, pneumonia and sinus infections. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss. And infections can raise blood sugar, making it harder to manage diabetes. * Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ** American Diabetes Association

DIABETES EDUCATION LIVE WEBINAR Date: Thursday, Oct. 8 | Time: 6 p.m.

Location: Live Webinar If you think you or a loved one might be at risk for developing diabetes, we encourage you to join us for an online educational live webinar with Christine Fischer, MSN, RN, CDE, inpatient diabetes educator, to discuss: Identifying risks Methods of diagnosis Difference between prediabetes, type 1 and type 2 diabetes Living with diabetes Register online at events.houstonmethodist.org/diabetes-sl or call 281.205.4514.

Discuss Your Risk Factors

If you haven’t already, discuss your risk factors with your health care provider. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Monique Au or another primary care physician with Houston Methodist Primary Care Group, visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/southwest or call 832.416.1678.

CHECK OUT OUR DIGITAL MAGAZINE AT HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/NEWSROOM/NEWSLETTERS 3

PREGNANCY

CRAVINGS: What Do They Mean?

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s many women come to learn, pregnancy isn’t all peaches and cream — sometimes it’s pickles and ice cream! In fact, a majority of U.S. women are estimated to Dr. Rosalyn experience food cravings Miller during pregnancy.

“I have many pregnant women coming in saying that they’re craving foods like watermelon, pizza or even pickles,” said Dr. Elizabeth Mosier, board-certified OB-GYN at Houston Methodist Dr. Elizabeth Obstetrics & Gynecology Mosier Associates at Sugar Land.

“They wonder if the cravings are normal and why they’re happening.”

COMMON CRAVINGS AND AVERSIONS

A recent study on pregnancy blog posts found the following cravings were some of the most common: Carbohydrate-heavy foods, such as pretzels and cereal Cold foods, such as ice pops and slushies Fast food, including takeout Chinese and Mexican food Fruit and vegetables, particularly watermelon and tropical fruits Meats, including steak and chicken Savory or salty high-calorie foods, such as pizza and chips Sweets, like chocolate and ice cream Many expectant mothers who have cravings also have aversions to some foods during their pregnancy, such as: Coffee and tea Eggs Garlic Meat, such as chicken or fish

Milk Onions Spicy foods

WHY DO CRAVINGS AND AVERSIONS HAPPEN?

“The truth is we don’t completely understand why food cravings and aversions happen during pregnancy,” said Dr. Rosalyn Miller, board-certified OB-GYN at Houston Methodist Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates at Sugar Land.

“But there is research coming out that is shedding light on potential causes.” A few promising theories include: Fluctuating hormones may lead to sensory changes, affecting the perception of foods.

Aversions to certain foods may help protect the mother from foodborne illness, while craved foods may help prevent nausea and vomiting.

Cultural expectations of cravings and what is acceptable in pregnancy may lead women to crave and indulge in more foods than otherwise.

Contrary to popular opinion, no scientific evidence supports the theory that foods are craved due to their nutritional value.

WHAT TO DO

For the most part, there’s no need to be worried about pregnancy cravings and aversions. Giving in to the occasional desire won’t have a big impact on your overall health. But if you constantly give in to unhealthy cravings, you could gain more weight than recommended for pregnancy and put your long-term health at risk. And if you reach a point where you’re regularly craving nonfood items or have an aversion to many foods that are part of a nutritious diet, it may be time to make an appointment with a medical professional.

OB-GYN VIRTUAL MEET AND GREET Date: Thursday, Oct. 22 l Time: Noon Meet our OB-GYNs with Houston Methodist Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates from the comfort of your own home where you will learn more about: Philosophy of care Virtual OB visits Birthing plans COVID-19 and pregnancy

Stay on Top of Your Health

Whether you’re thinking of having kids or are almost due for delivery, you should make regular visits to your primary care provider or obstetrician-gynecologist.

They can help make sure you’re on track to have a healthy pregnancy and birth.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Rosalyn Miller or Dr. Elizabeth Mosier with Houston Methodist Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates at Sugar Land, visit houstonmethodist.org/obgyn or call 346.874.2060.

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Symptoms You Should Know

Fighting Back Against Movement Disorders

U Dr. Toby Yaltho

nexplained shakes, tremors or spasms can be upsetting symptoms to experience. They may also be the most visible symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and other lesser-known movement disorders.

For anyone whose life is touched by one of these conditions, it can be hard to understand what’s going on with the body and why.

MOVEMENT DISORDERS

Movement disorders are neurologic conditions, meaning that they affect your brain and nervous system. Movement disorders may cause an increase in involuntary movement, slowed or decreased movement. “Movement disorders are a very broad category of conditions that can affect the whole body, one side of the body or just a particular muscle-set,” explained Dr. Toby Yaltho, boardcertified neurologist at Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land.

The most well-known movement disorder is Parkinson’s disease, which causes cells in the brain to slowly die off, disrupting the levels of dopamine, a brain chemical necessary for normal movement. Other types of movement disorders include: Ataxia Tourette syndrome Dystonia Tremor Huntington’s disease Essential tremor Every movement disorder affects the body differently and each person’s experience is unique. “Treatments are tailored to each individual’s diagnosis, but may include medication, physical therapy, exercise and in some cases, surgery,” Yaltho said.

DIAGNOSING PARKINSON’S DISEASE

When it comes to Parkinson’s disease, early symptoms are subtle and easy to dismiss. They can include fatigue, depression, speech changes, writing changes, an inability to blink, smile or swing your arms when walking, constipation and a loss of sense of smell.

Sometimes, family and friends are the first to notice changes, such as an absence of facial expression or unsteadiness.

Often, tremors on one or both sides of the body prompt patients to seek help. Parkinson’s is recognized by four symptoms: Loss of balance and coordination Slowness of movement Stiffness of the limbs and torso that leads to a stooped posture Tremors affecting the hands, limbs, jaw and face

Schedule an Appointment

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Toby Yaltho or another specialist at the Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center, visit houstonmethodist.org/neuro-sl or call 281.205.4662.

TREATING PARKINSON’S DISEASE

“There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s, but medications and lifestyle changes can help to lessen symptoms and slow progression of the disease,” Yaltho said.

In cases when symptoms do not or no longer respond to drug therapy, surgery, called deep brain stimulation (DBS), may be used. During the procedure, electrodes are implanted into the brain that connect to a pulse generator. The device sends electrical pulses to the brain to help relieve tremors and other symptoms.

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BE VIGILANT ABOUT RESPIRATORY ILLNESS

Y Dr. Raziuddin Ahmed

ou’ve heard about the dangers of COVID-19, flu and other respiratory illnesses that affect the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. There are steps you can take today to prevent disease and boost your respiratory health in case you do get sick. Taking good care of your lungs can improve your quality of life and protect against respiratory illnesses that can take a toll on your lungs.

RECOGNIZE SERIOUS SYMPTOMS

It’s important to know that anyone can have mild to severe symptoms with either COVID-19 or flu. “Older adults and people who have underlying health conditions are definitely at higher risk for getting serious complications from respiratory illness.

However, everyone should be aware that severe symptoms are possible at any age,” said Dr. Raziuddin Ahmed, board-certified pulmonologist with Houston Methodist Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine Specialists at Sugar Land.

Monitor your symptoms if you’re not feeling well: Mild respiratory symptoms include having a low-grade fever, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, mild cough and mild body aches. What to do: Get tested for COVID-19.

Stay home and isolate yourself from others to avoid spreading illness, even if you test negative for COVID-19.

Moderate respiratory symptoms include fever over 100.4 F, persistent cough, temporary shortness of breath

and feeling like you need to stay in bed. What to do: Get tested for COVID-19 and contact your doctor about worsening symptoms.

Severe respiratory symptoms include difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing, pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, trouble staying awake and bluish lips or face. What to do: Seek emergency medical care for severe respiratory symptoms.

Mild cases of respiratory illness can often be managed with rest, fluids and fever-reducing medicines at home. However, don’t wait to see a doctor if you’re in a high-risk group and experiencing worsening symptoms. Mild or moderate symptoms can quickly become severe for older adults and those who have heart disease, diabetes, cancer or chronic respiratory problems.

MANAGE YOUR HEALTH CONDITIONS

If you have chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it’s important to manage the condition closely with your doctor. Keeping up with your regular checkups is essential in controlling symptoms and protecting your health. Continue taking medications as directed and contact your doctor with any questions or concerns about managing your condition.

“To help patients feel more comfortable and reduce exposure, we’re offering telehealth visits and video visits,” said Ahmed.

Ask your doctor for recommendations before going in for appointments and consider having medications sent directly to your home so you don’t have to make extra trips to the pharmacy.

LUNG CANCER SCREENING A respiratory condition that often goes undetected until it spreads is lung cancer. That’s why staying on track with lung cancer screening is important. If you’re a current or former smoker, ask your doctor about lung cancer screening.

Who Should Get Tested?

Testing may be recommended if you meet the following criteria: Age 55-77 years No current signs or symptoms of lung cancer Tobacco smoking history of at least 30 pack-years (calculated

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by multiplying the number of packs smoked per day by the number of years smoked) Current smoker or former smoker, who has quit within the last 15 years Have not had a chest CT scan in the last year

Make an Appointment

A written order is required for all lung cancer screening procedures.

Visit houstonmethodist.org/lung-screening to fill out an interest form or call 281.672.8585 for more information. If you qualify, we can help you determine insurance coverage or payment options, and schedule an appointment at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

PROTECT YOUR LUNGS EVERY DAY

Ahmed recommends taking these steps to keep your lungs healthy:

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Get regular exercise. Being physically active can increase lung capacity and improve lung function. Exercising makes your heart and lungs work harder, which increases oxygen and improves circulation around the lungs. Any form of exercise that involves taking deep breaths can help improve your lung capacity.

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Quit smoking and vaping. Smoking irritates the airways and impairs lung function. Vaping releases chemicals that also cause long-term damage to the lungs. Smoking and vaping can lead to lung cancer and COPD, and worsen complications due to COVID-19 or other serious respiratory infections. It’s never too late to quit, and the benefits of quitting kick in right away.

Talk to your doctor about getting support to quit smoking.

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Minimize exposure to allergens. Allergens can trigger respiratory problems and other issues. Keep allergies in check and improve indoor air quality with these tips:

Avoid mold spores Control dust mites Keep surfaces in home clean and uncluttered Minimize pet dander Prevent pollen from getting inside by keeping windows and doors closed Ventilate when using products with strong chemical odors

STAY HEALTHY

“Everyone has a part to play in helping to protect each other by following recommended respiratory etiquette,” said Ahmed. Stay vigilant with these tips to prevent the spread of illness: Stay home from work or school if you feel sick Practice social distancing Get a flu shot Wear a cloth mask in public Wash hands often Wipe down frequently touched surfaces

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Give Your Heart a

HEALTHY WORKOUT 15

HEART-HEALTHY EXERCISE IDEAS

Get creative with your exercise routine and try new activities to keep the momentum going. Here are some ideas for incorporating heart-healthy exercise into your life: Bicycling Boxing Dancing Gardening Hiking Jogging Pilates Skiing Strength training — weights or resistance band Swimming or aqua jogging Tai chi Tennis Walking Yoga Zumba

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good workout should target all your major muscles: legs, abs, upper body and heart. Heart? That’s right, your heart is a muscle that benefits greatly from regular exercise. Getting 30 minutes of exercise at least five days a week can protect your heart and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Dr. Rasi Wickramsinghe

WAYS EXERCISE HELPS YOUR HEART

Cardiologists are specially trained to test for and diagnose heart disease — but they can only do so much to improve heart health. That’s where you come in. “I partner with patients to help them improve heart health,” said Dr. Rasi Wickramsinghe, board-certified cardiologist with Houston Methodist Cardiology Associates in Sugar Land. “I can help patients understand the function and health of their heart, and in some cases recommend medicine or procedures. But when it comes to a treatment plan, exercise is one thing only you, the patient, can do to improve your heart and overall health,” Wickramsinghe added.

Here are some of the ways that exercise improves heart health: A stronger heart: When you add strength training into your exercise plan, you build important muscles that help with blood circulation. When your blood is circulating properly, it reduces the strain on your heart. Aerobic exercise strengthens the muscle of the heart itself, and helps it work more efficiently.

Lower blood pressure: With just moderate exercise, you can lower your blood pressure — a leading factor in heart disease.

Weight loss: Weight loss is about more than just looking good.

Being overweight is a known risk for heart disease, so keeping your weight down keeps your heart healthier.

Lower LDL “bad” cholesterol: Having high amounts of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is a major risk factor for heart disease, so reducing it through exercise is a big win. Exercise also boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels — the “good” cholesterol.

GETTING STARTED

If it’s been a while since you’ve been active, talk to your doctor about an activity plan that is right for you. “When it comes to long-term heart health, it’s important to look for sustainable options so you can maintain your positive results,” Wickramsinghe said. Here are some tips for starting off in a way that positions you for success over time.

Set reasonable expectations. Start gradually, with perhaps a short walk around the neighborhood or in the mall and then slowly increase the distance or intensity.

Make it fun. If you find walking to be boring, then try an activity you enjoy, like swimming or dancing. You are much more likely to stick to an exercise plan when you enjoy what you are doing.

Recruit a friend. Having an exercise companion or partner helps make it more fun and holds you accountable when you commit to meet up and exercise.

Track your success. Changes in health can be incremental.

Keep a log of your activities so you can look back to see how far you’ve come. Noticeable progress can help motivate you to continue on a healthy path.

Always consult your doctor before you begin an exercise program. Remember, an active life is good for your heart!

KNOW YOUR NUMBERS FOR HEART HEALTH As you make changes to your lifestyle and diet, you can track the benefits to your heart by understanding and knowing your numbers: your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index (BMI).

“Sharing important health metrics, or measurements, with patients helps them better understand how their actions directly impact their health,” said Dr. Rasi Wickramsinghe.

If your numbers are high, work with your doctor to find strategies that can help bring them into a healthy range. Losing weight, getting more exercise, eating right and taking prescription medication can improve your numbers — and may help you feel better, too.

Blood pressure Goal: Less than 120/80 mmHg Blood pressure is the force of blood against the arteries when the heart beats and rests.

Total cholesterol Goal: Less than 200 mg/dL Cholesterol is a type of waxy fat (lipid) that’s found in your blood.

Blood sugar Goal: Fasting glucose less than 100 mg/dL The amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood is a marker for diabetes. High blood sugar can damage the arteries over time and increase the risk of heart disease.

Body mass index Goal: Body mass index (BMI) of 18.6 to 24.9 BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight for men, women and children.

Source: American Heart Association

Take Control

If you want to improve the state of your heart health, call 281.491.6808 for a consultation with Dr. Rasi Wickramsinghe or another cardiologist with Houston Methodist Cardiology Associates in Sugar Land, or visit houstonmethodist.org/appointments to schedule online.

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SINUSITIS AGAIN?

Recognize and Relieve It

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ammering facial pain and pressure.

Fatigue. Fever and chills. Nasal obstruction, discolored nasal drainage, diminished sense of smell. Coughing.

Do you recognize these symptoms? All are a sign that you could be suffering from sinusitis.

“Sinusitis occurs when your sinus membrane lining becomes inflamed, making tissues swell Dr. Brian Wang and preventing mucus from draining properly through your small sinus channels,” said Dr. Brian Wang, otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist) with Houston Methodist ENT Specialists at Sugar Land.

“Acute sinusitis is often marked by a thick, green or yellow nasal discharge and can last up to four weeks or more,” said Wang. “It typically responds well to antibiotics and decongestants. Its big brother, chronic sinusitis, is defined as at least three months of sinusitis symptoms.”

See your doctor if you have persistent or frequent sinusitis symptoms. They may suggest a thorough exam by an ear, nose and throat specialist, especially if you have chronic sinusitis. You may also need diagnostic tests, such as a nasal endoscopy, mucous culture, X-rays, allergy testing or a CT scan of the sinuses.

TREATMENT OF SINUSITIS

Your doctor will probably recommend one of these routes.

S elf-care. If your sinusitis isn’t persistent, you may be able to keep an occasional bout in check. Warm, moist air from a vaporizer or steam from a pan of boiled water (removed from the stove) can help ease sinus congestion. Use a humidifier only if the filter is kept clean, so you’re not recirculating bacteria into the air. Warm compresses can also help.

While saline nose drops/sprays moisturize and are safe for continuous use, do not use nonprescription, medicated decongestant nasal sprays for extended periods of time. They can cause a “rebound” effect, making your condition worse.

If you smoke, it’s important to refrain when sinusitis flares up.

Reduce alcohol consumption and drink extra fluids (especially soup or tea) to loosen impacted mucus. Aspirin, ibuprofen or mucolytics may also help, but check with your doctor first.

Rx help. Acute bacterial sinusitis is generally treated with antibiotics for 10 to 14 days to fight the bacterial infection and clear up the symptoms. Your doctor may also prescribe an oral or topical decongestant.

Surgical solutions. If you suffer from persistent sinus pain, nasal drainage or other chronic symptoms and antibiotics/ medical therapies aren’t helping, you may be a candidate for

10 LEADING MEDICINE IN FORT BEND AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES

Make an Appointment

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Brian Wang with Houston Methodist ENT Specialists at Sugar Land, visit houstonmethodist.org/spg or call 346.874.2425.

a minimally invasive procedure or surgery to open the sinuses to allow them to drain better and reduce future occurrences.

For some candidates, a procedure such as balloon sinuplasty, can be safely performed in the office under light sedation.

For more severe cases, functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) may be recommended and is most often performed in the operating room with general anesthesia. The surgeon inserts an endoscope through the nose and uses instruments in the sinuses to dilate, drain and clean them, removing any obstructive growths, such as a polyp or cyst. The surgeon will also look for structural abnormalities. By enlarging the natural openings of the sinuses, the surgery can often restore the normal flow of mucus. Afterward, you should be able to resume normal activities within a few days depending on the extent of your procedure; full recovery can take up to two to four weeks.

Raising Healthy Daughters

When Should Teens Start SEEING A GYNECOLOGIST?

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hile many people believe that a woman should start seeing a gynecologist when she becomes sexually active, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggests that the visits should start between the ages of 13 and 15.

Dr. Utsavi Shah

WHY SO YOUNG?

The reason to start at this age is simple: the purpose of a gynecologist is to help women lead healthy lives, and the beginning visits are all about keeping a healthy body.

“Encouraging teens to develop a relationship with a gynecologist early on can help them understand and prepare for changes.

Having a sense of empowerment of their body can help them make good decisions and give them confidence to ask questions they may be too uncomfortable to ask their parents,” said Dr. Utsavi Shah, board-certified OB-GYN at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

FINDING THE RIGHT PROVIDER

Have a conversation with your daughter about what’s important to her in choosing a health care provider. Does she prefer seeing a male or female doctor? Would she like to see a doctor who already sees other women in your family? “If you decide to go with a family doctor, ensure that your daughter knows the doctor won’t reveal information about her visit unless she says it’s OK,” Shah said.

PREPARING FOR THE FIRST VISIT

Talk to your daughter about what she can expect. Have her prepare any questions she may have ahead of time. She may not have a pelvic exam during the first visit. However, explain it to her anyway so she knows what may happen. “The doctor will likely perform a physical exam, record her weight and blood pressure, and check her breasts for irregularities. Ask her to write down when her last period started and ended, and whether it was heavy or light,” Shah explained.

GET THE FACTS ON STDs There are about 20 million new sexually transmitted disease (STD) infections every year, and almost half of them are among young people ages 15 to 24, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Untreated STDs can lead to serious health problems which can affect reproductive health issues and increase the risk for certain types of cancer. It’s important to understand the risks of STDs, how they are spread and how to protect yourself. Parents should discuss the dangers of unprotected sex with their teens and encourage them to raise any questions with a health care provider.

IMPORTANT ISSUES TO DISCUSS

During the appointment, the doctor may cover a range of topics related to growing up and protecting her health, such as: Acne Menstrual period cramps Alcohol, drugs and and related issues smoking Sex and sexuality Birth control Sexually transmitted Emotional health diseases (STDs)

Schedule an Appointment

Connect with an OB-GYN who can help your daughter navigate the important physical and emotional changes ahead. Visit houstonmethodist.org/appointments for more information or call 281.274.7500 to find a doctor in your area.

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Getting your annual mammogram is still important.

Houston Methodist can see you safely.

Wearing masks and other personal protective equipment while providing patient care.

Implementing additional sanitation processes to disinfect all equipment and surfaces.

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Screening all patients, ensuring only those without COVID-19 symptoms are seen in the office.

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HOUSTON METHODIST BREAST CARE CENTER AT SUGAR LAND

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Getting your annual mammogram is one of the most important steps you can take to stay healthy. That’s why our Breast Care Center is taking every necessary precaution during the coronavirus pandemic to keep you and our staff members safe.

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Redesigning waiting rooms and check-in procedures to ensure social distancing.

Visit houstonmethodist.org/breast-care or call 281.274.7170 to schedule your mammogram today.

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