LEADING MEDICINE SUM M ER 2020
In Case of Emergency, Don’t Wait Stay on Schedule With Your Mammogram
PRIORITIZE YOUR HEALTH
How to Handle Your Health Care Needs During a Pandemic
YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INNOVATIONS, NEWS AND TIPS IN THE WOODLANDS AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY
NEWS & ACHIEVEMENTS COMPREHENSIVE STROKE CENTER CERTIFICATION
Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital has recently received certification from DNV GL Healthcare as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, reflecting the highest level of competence for the treatment of serious stroke events. Providing this high level of stroke care requires having the best clinicians and resources, as well as the ability to act efficiently across the organization due to the time-critical nature of stroke events. The certification affirms that the hospital addresses the full spectrum of stroke care from diagnosis and treatment to rehabilitation and education.
ORTHOPAEDIC CENTER OF EXCELLENCE DESIGNATION
Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital is one of only two hospitals in the state of Texas to receive the Orthopaedic Center of Excellence designation from DNV GL Healthcare. The designation affirms the hospital’s excellence in providing diagnostic services, surgical services and therapies related to orthopedic care.
The community can be confident that the hospital continues to focus on the right equipment, personnel and training to provide consistent, high-quality orthopedic care. Achieving this designation validates the effort and investment made to elevate orthopedic services and ensure the health and safety of patients.
NEW BRACHYTHERAPY TREATMENTS FOR GYNECOLOGIC CANCERS
Houston Methodist Cancer Center at The Woodlands continues to invest in the latest technology and treatments in cancer care, including new brachytherapy treatments for gynecologic cancers. HDR brachytherapy is a powerful form of internal radiation therapy that may be used for gynecologic cancers. Houston Methodist was the first in the state to acquire the newest Bravos™ afterloader system for HDR brachytherapy. The new system has smart technology that provides precise positioning that is recordable and reproducible, improving the experience for patients and clinicians.
KEEP YOURSELF IN THE KNOW
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tay connected with Houston Methodist year-round for medical, health and wellness information to help you and your loved ones be healthy. Our e-newsletter and blog cover current health and medical trends as well as timely, accurate and actionable information you can rely on, such as new treatments and upcoming events. Visit houstonmethodist.org/blog to learn more about a wide range of topics, such as heartburn, injury prevention, COVID-19, stress and ways to boost your immune system. By signing up at houstonmethodist.org/subscribe, you will receive information on upcoming events and health tips. Visit houstonmethodist.org/blog-stay-connected to sign up to receive the Houston Methodist On Health blog. Don’t worry. We will not sell your information, and you can opt out at any time.
2 LEADING MEDICINE FROM HOUSTON METHODIST THE WOODLANDS HOSPITAL
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY,
DON’T WAIT
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hroughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic you’ve probably made decisions about which risks to take. Is it worth it to go to the grocery store, or should you order online? Should you wear a face mask when you go for a walk, or not? These are personal decisions and your choices depend upon your own health and other factors. However, there is one choice that should be clear: If you’re experiencing concerning symptoms that require immediate medical attention, don’t let your fear of catching COVID-19 keep you from heading to the emergency room or calling 911.
IT’S SAFE IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM
Our top priority in the ER, whether or not there is a pandemic, is your safety. We’ve taken extra precautions to ensure that all our Houston Methodist Emergency Departments and Emergency Care Centers are safe. Those precautions include: Requiring masks and ensuring social distancing in waiting rooms. If you forget your mask, we can provide one. Increasing levels of cleaning in our facilities. Screening visitors before entering our clinics. Isolating suspected coronavirus patients.
KNOW WHICH SYMPTOMS ARE CONSIDERED AN EMERGENCY
When you are experiencing a medical emergency, time is of the essence. Many conditions or illnesses can worsen if you wait too long to seek treatment. It’s important to recognize the onset of serious or debilitating symptoms that require immediate attention.
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Hospital Emergency Rooms Emergency Care Centers
Emergency symptoms include: Abdominal or stomach pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Bodily trauma, especially to the head or spine. Constant pain or pressure in the chest. Fever of 100.4 F or higher that persists. Severe burns. Severe unrelenting headaches, especially if accompanied by fever or confusion. Stroke symptoms, including face drooping, arm weakness, difficulty talking, dizziness, blurred vision, intense headache and confusion. Sudden shortness of breath or trouble breathing. If you,re experiencing any of these symptoms, seek emergency care as soon as possible. Some serious symptoms, such as chest pain and those associated with stroke, are time sensitive, and you should call 911.
Know Where to Go
We’re doing everything we can to keep the greater Houston area safe and healthy. Visit houstonmethodist.org/er to find emergency care near you. If you are experiencing a serious or life-threatening medical emergency, please call 911.
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PRIORITIZE YOUR HEALTH How to Handle Your Health Care Needs During a Pandemic
T Dr. Rhesa Sanni-Thomas
he COVID-19 pandemic has changed our communities and reshaped how we get health care. While social distancing remains 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 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. “When your doctor recommends preventive care, health screenings, vaccinations, medications and treatments, it's key to
stay current with the recommendations,” said Dr. Rhesa Sanni-Thomas, a primary care doctor at Houston Methodist Primary Care Group in The Woodlands. “Neglecting to have screening tests or follow treatment plans may result in more serious issues later on.” If you have a chronic condition, you should work with your doctor to improve your health. “You have the best chance of fighting off future illnesses or infections by managing any existing health conditions now,” said Dr. Zummera Bhatti, an internal medicine specialist, also with Houston Methodist Primary Care Group.
PUTTING SAFETY FIRST Dr. Zummera Bhatti
4 LEADING MEDICINE FROM HOUSTON METHODIST THE WOODLANDS HOSPITAL
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.
HOUSTON METHODIST 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 essential visitor policy. Implementing social distancing in our waiting rooms and elevators. Minimizing waiting in public spaces. Offering remote check in for several offices.
WAYS TO GET CARE
At Houston Methodist facilities, we’re expanding virtual services and staggering 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/finda-doctor or call 936.270.3333. 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 713.394.6724 or visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/same-day-clinics to find a location. Orthopedic Injury Clinics – Schedule a same-day appointment at your nearest orthopedic injury clinic. Visit houstonmethodist.org/osm-injury-tw for clinic locations. 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.
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.
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STAY ON SCHEDULE WITH
YOUR MAMMOGRAM
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ormal life has been turned upside down by the pandemic, and we’ve all had to adjust routines and reschedule events. Perhaps you’ve Dr. Magda postponed getting your Ghobashy 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
“Mammograms are an important tool for tracking your breast health over the years,” said Dr. Magda Ghobashy, breast radiologist and medical director of Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at The Woodlands. “By scheduling and getting regular mammograms, we have the best chance of detecting breast cancer in its early stages when it's most treatable.” 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. Redesigning waiting rooms to ensure social distancing. When you come in for your mammogram at any Houston Methodist Breast Care Center, 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 The Woodlands ready to guide you through your options for treatment and care.
Schedule Your Mammogram
To schedule your mammogram at Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at The Woodlands, visit houstonmethodist.org/breast-care or call 936.270.3600.
6 LEADING MEDICINE FROM HOUSTON METHODIST THE WOODLANDS HOSPITAL
It’s Important to Keep Moving
DON’T LET AN
INJURY KEEP YOU DOWN
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ne 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. “Don't ignore acute pain you may be feeling. Make an appointment to be examined,” said Dr. Marc Labbé Dr. Marc Labbé, an orthopedic surgeon with Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at The Woodlands. “Delaying care may cause your injury to worsen. It may also keep you from participating in activities you enjoy.” Depending on your medical history and the kind of injury or pain you are experiencing, there are many ways to work with our orthopedic departments during the COVID-19 pandemic. O rthopedic Injury Clinics: Care for patients who suffer acute orthopedic injuries, fractures, broken bones, sprains and painful or swollen joints. See the sidebar for details. V ideo visits: Our orthopedic providers can perform an examination virtually and, when needed, order diagnostic studies (X-ray or MRI). I n-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. H ome deliveries: To provide additional safety and convenience, patients can receive crutches, braces and boots delivered directly to their homes.
We Can Help
Not sure what type of care you need? Call us at 936.321.8000 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. We recommend that all new and established patients call to schedule a same-day appointment at their nearest Houston Methodist Orthopedic Injury Clinic. 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 Visit houstonmethodist.org/osm-injury-tw or call 936.321.8000 to get started. Chronic conditions, spine injuries, motor vehicle accidents and workers’ compensation injuries are not treated at the injury clinic. Please call 936.321.8000 to schedule an appointment with the appropriate physician for those conditions.
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KEEP YOU MOVING without joint pain
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
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During the COVID-19 crisis, Houston Methodist has implemented additional safety precautions to ensure that we provide safe and effective care to our patients.
Schedule an appointment: houstonmethodist.org/jointpain 936.321.8000
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