LEADING MEDICINE SPRI N G/SUM M ER 2017
IS JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY RIGHT FOR YOU? Get Answers to Common Joint Health Questions
ZEROING IN ON BREAST CANCER ZIKA UPDATE What Pregnant Women Need to Know
YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INNOVATIONS, NEWS AND TIPS IN THE WOODLANDS AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY
COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE Join us as we unveil Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital Saturday, June 10, 2017 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Enjoy a tour of the hospital, entertainment and refreshments. Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital 17201 I-45 S. The Woodlands, TX 77385
Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital — Opening July 1 Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital is proud to bring our brand of leading medicine to families that live, work and play in The Woodlands and Montgomery County. We are a hospital in your community, but we are much more than a community hospital. Purpose, passion and pride guide our team as we deliver comprehensive clinical Debra F. Sukin, MHA, PhD care and expertise you expect from CEO, Houston Methodist the Texas Medical Center, right here The Woodlands Hospital in your backyard. Our board-certified physicians, nurses and staff live by our I CARE values — integrity, compassion, accountability, respect and excellence. They are committed to unparalleled safety, quality, service and innovation, providing the incomparable Houston Methodist experience for each and every patient. After all, our patients are our No. 1 priority. We are excited to open our doors in July and appreciate the opportunity to serve Montgomery County and the North Houston region.
H
ouston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital will open on July 1, 2017. As the eighth hospital in the Houston Methodist System, located on the southeast corner of I-45 and Highway 242, the campus will offer The Woodlands and Montgomery County communities a full-service, acute care hospital with many of the same services of the system’s flagship hospital in the Texas Medical Center. The 470,000 square foot hospital will open with 187 beds and is master planned for 400 beds. Services of Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital include: Breast Care Center Neurology & Neurosurgery Cancer Center Orthopedics & Sports Childbirth Center Medicine Emergency Services Plastic and Reconstructive Heart & Vascular Surgery Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Wellness Services Endoscopy Surgical Services
Sincerely, MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING 1
Debra F. Sukin, MHA, PhD
Schedule an Appointment
Visit houstonmethodist.org to schedule an appointment or call 713.790.3333 for a physician referral.
2 LEADING MEDICINE FROM HOUSTON METHODIST THE WOODLANDS HOSPITAL
Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital 17201 I-45 S. The Woodlands, TX 77385 houstonmethodist.org/ thewoodlands
Opening July 1, 2017
ZIKA UPDATE What Pregnant Women Need to Know
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n Nov. 28, 2016, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported the state’s first case of local mosquito-borne Zika virus infection in Brownsville, Texas. While that’s far from the Montgomery County, those who are pregnant might still be feeling apprehensive about the news, given the birth defects linked to the virus. Dr. Andrea “In our area, there’s really no need to panic,” Richter-Werning said Dr. Andrea Richter-Werning, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Pediatrics Chair at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital. “Right now we’re counseling patients more on the travel advisories — not traveling to places like Brownsville and Florida — and writing letters to airlines to get our patients out of their scheduled trips. This also affects significant others, because if they are infected, they could sexually transmit the virus to their loved one who’s pregnant. In fact, the experts are recommending waiting six months after traveling to an affected area before trying to conceive.”
ARE YOU AT RISK?
Anyone who hasn’t had Zika before can be infected; being pregnant doesn’t necessarily make you more susceptible. In addition to mosquito bites and sexual transmission, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it’s likely it can be spread through blood transfusions. Many people who are infected don’t know they are because Zika doesn’t always produce symptoms. Common symptoms include fever, rash and joint pain, among others. Since there’s currently no vaccine for Zika, the best way to prevent it is to follow these tips: Avoid areas where the virus is present. Use EPA-approved insect repellents (such as those containing DEET or picaridin). Wear clothing treated with permethrin that covers your arms and legs. Spend time indoors in spaces protected by window and door screens. Be diligent about removing areas of standing water around your home, where mosquitoes can lay eggs.
A NEW BIRTHING CENTER IS BORN Our new Childbirth Center provides a warm and comfortable space, as well as a wide variety of amenities for both mother and baby, including: C hildbirth and breastfeeding education classes that help women transition from pregnancy to motherhood with ease P ersonalized and compassionate care with the opportunity to experience labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum in the same room A n atmosphere that combines the comforts of home with upscale amenities, encouraging mother-baby bonding “We strive every day to provide an atmosphere that’s focused on family first,” Richter-Werning said. “I think we’ve achieved that.”
Tour the Childbirth Center
During the second trimester of your pregnancy we recommend you sign up for childbirth classes and a tour of the Childbirth Center. Register online at houstonmethodist.org/ events or by calling 713.790.3333.
CHECK OUT OUR DIGITAL MAGAZINE AT HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/PUBLICATIONS 3
IS JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY RIGHT FOR YOU? Dr. John Fackler
Get Answers to Common Joint Health Questions
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ur joints are pretty impressive. They can hold weight, help us move and link the bones in the body. But over time — or even through trauma — joints can wear down and become damaged. If that happens, it can cause joint stiffness, swelling or even pain. In these cases, it’s important to know your options. That’s why we’ve enlisted the help of Dr. John Fackler, orthopedic surgeon at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at The Woodlands, who specializes in joint procedures. Here, he answers questions about joint health and leading-edge techniques in joint replacement surgery.
THE BASICS
Q
How do joints become damaged?
A: Joints can wear down in a variety of ways, but the most common way is through osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs due to genetic predisposition,
typically passed down on the maternal side. Many people with osteoarthritis are active even though increased activity can make the problem worse.
in and out of a chair or car, or it limits your activity, it’s time to see a doctor.
Q
Q
hat are a few ways W people keep joints healthy as they age?
A: There’s a lot of interest around this, especially as it relates to diet and nutrition. But there isn’t great proof that dietary or nutrition changes make a definitive impact on joint health. And while joint injuries should be avoided, no one goes out intending to cause damage to one area or another. Still, excessive weight can put undue pressure on joints, so it’s important to maintain an ideal weight as you age.
Q
What are some warning signs that tell people they should see a doctor?
A: As we age, we feel achy and sore after activity. That’s natural. When you feel like your knee is swollen, have trouble getting
JOINT REPLACEMENT TALK
hat makes someone W a good candidate for a joint replacement?
A: It’s preferable if a patient is 55 years old or older since the lifespan of a replacement is around 20 to 25 years. Also, it helps when a person is a healthy weight, with minimal medical problems, is a nonsmoker and comes in with a positive attitude about the recovery process.
Q
What is a new joint made of?
A: Metal, plastic or both, depending on the replacement. In a knee replacement, for example, the femoral (femur or thigh bone) and tibial (tibia or shinbone) components are made of metal. A plastic bearing surface is snapped into the tibial base plate.
RAPID RECOVERY PROGRAM Over the last few years, we’ve transformed our joint replacement recovery process to get otherwise healthy people back to their lives sooner by reducing their hospital stay. While not for everyone, the Rapid Recovery Program is for those joint replacement candidates who are at an ideal weight, are nonsmokers and aren’t managing other medical conditions. The Rapid Recovery Program involves: using intravenous sedation during joint replacement surgery, instead of traditional general anesthesia, with
4 LEADING MEDICINE FROM HOUSTON METHODIST THE WOODLANDS HOSPITAL
the intention you will wake up more alert and with less nausea. being up and walking with a nurse up to three times the same day as surgery. beginning physical therapy almost immediately, which can help speed healing. While all recoveries take time, this program can help get you home more quickly, so you can continue healing where you’re most comfortable.
Q
Can someone be too old for a joint replacement?
A: This is determined on a case-by-case basis. While surgery becomes riskier as we age, there isn’t an age limit on joint replacement. To decide whether or not to perform a joint replacement, we’ll ask you about your medical history, risk factors and how active you are.
Q
What are the alternatives to joint replacement?
A: If you have early arthritis, the focus should be on maintaining an ideal weight with exercises that safely stretch and strengthen your joints. People can also add anti-inflammatory medicine like ibuprofen and naproxen if necessary. In more advanced cases, a doctor may recommend injections that mimic joint fluid or provide pain relief for six to 12 months.
SURGERY SPECIFICS
Q
How does joint replacement surgery improve someone’s health? A: The main goal is to reduce pain so you can perform the natural activities of living. Surgery won’t turn a sedentary person into a world-class athlete, but you can become much more physically functional and stable when your joints no longer hurt.
Q
hat should people W know about the recovery process?
A: You’ll typically be on your feet soon after surgery with physical therapy to follow for as long as necessary. Pain can also be an obstacle when someone leaves the hospital, so it’s important to stay ahead of it with the medication we prescribe.
Q
Are there any permanent restrictions after surgery?
A: You can pursue what you want, but most people don’t return to heavy sports activities like running or basketball. However, things like walking, elliptical training, swimming, bicycling, tennis and skiing can be fine.
Take the First Step
Learn more about joint health and surgery by visiting houstonmethodist.org/ orthopedics or call 936.321.8000 to find a doctor in your area.
HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/THEWOODLANDS 5
ZEROING IN ON
Breast Cancer One Woman’s Cancer Story
D
onna McDermott hadn’t planned on attending a neighborhood lunch-andlearn hosted by Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital, but it turned out to be a life-changing decision. It was there that Dr. Loren Rourke, regional director of the breast program at Houston Methodist, introduced the group of ladies to the benefits of Dr. Loren 3-D mammograms. The technology impressed Rourke McDermott and she made an appointment for a 3-D mammogram at Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at The Woodlands.
AN EARLY DIAGNOSIS
When McDermott reviewed her mammogram with radiologist Dr. Magda Ghobashy, she recognized similarities to what she had seen in the presentation: signs of suspicious growth that may not have been visible on a 2-D mammogram. A biopsy revealed an invasive carcinoma. Thanks to McDermott’s choice to have a 3-D mammogram read by a radiologist who specializes in breast imaging, she had improved chances of survival and more treatment options.
OPTIMUM CHOICES
The recommended surgical treatment options for McDermott’s diagnosis included a lumpectomy. With surgical advancements in breast cancer, Rourke said, “We are now able to treat the cancer effectively without compromising the cosmetic outcome.” When Rourke and McDermott discussed her surgical choices, Dr. S. Benjamin Albright, who specializes in cancer-related plastic surgery, was called in to round out McDermott’s care team. McDermott was able to have a combined lumpectomy and breast reduction to remove the breast cancer successfully and give her the breast reduction she always wanted.
to 30 days before surgery. McDermott recalled, “It was similar to a biopsy but less intrusive. I was in and out in no time, and I didn’t even know it was there.” During the operation, the surgeon scans the breast using the system’s hand piece, which emits light to deflect the location of the reflector. According to Rourke, SAVI SCOUT offers more precise localization than conventional methods. From diagnosis through surgery, McDermott had a positive experience. “I felt well attended to,” she said. “It was a quiet, relaxing atmosphere, and Dr. Rourke was kind and supportive.” McDermott has recovered from surgery, completed radiation and has an excellent prognosis. “Sometimes, I even forget I had breast cancer,” she shared. A positive outcome indeed.
IMPROVED SURGICAL CARE
Rourke went over the surgery with McDermott and told her she would be using another advanced technology in her treatment: SAVI SCOUT®. For years, breast cancer surgeons used a guidewire, inserted on the day of surgery and anchored at the cancer site, to help locate and remove growths. The wire awkwardly hung out of the breast, creating an uncomfortable experience for patients. SAVI SCOUT features a micro-impulse radar to detect a tiny reflector that’s inserted at the cancer site up
6 LEADING MEDICINE FROM HOUSTON METHODIST THE WOODLANDS HOSPITAL
Schedule Your Mammogram
Scheduling a mammogram is quick and easy. Visit houstonmethodist.org/appointments or call 936.270.3600.
MORE THAN MEDICINE: Lifestyle Changes Can Lessen Cardiac Concerns
I
s your heart at risk? It might be. Approximately 1 in 4 deaths in the United States is caused by heart disease each year. One of the reasons heart disease is so dangerous Dr. Don is because many chronic Sarmiento conditions are “stealth foes.” They slowly damage blood vessels such as in your heart while causing few vague symptoms or none at all. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about them. Dr. Don Sarmiento, a family medicine physician at Houston Methodist Primary Care Group in Conroe, explained some of the conditions linked with cardiac disease and what can be done to help reduce risk.
2 DANGEROUS CONDITIONS High cholesterol – Individuals with high cholesterol are twice as likely to develop heart disease as those with lower cholesterol levels. “When you have too much cholesterol, it increases the chances of plaque buildup in the walls of blood vessels,” Sarmiento explained. “When this occurs in the arteries of the heart, it can lead to a heart attack.” This kind of buildup can also have the chance to develop in the brain,
1
eyes, kidneys or even the arms and legs. Regular screenings can help detect high cholesterol, which often goes otherwise undetected as it typically presents no symptoms. High blood pressure – About one-third of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, a condition that can have potentially life-threatening consequences. “High blood pressure has been called the silent killer,” Sarmiento said. “High blood pressure affects the entire body, putting you at higher risk for stroke, heart attack and atrial fibrillation attack and can also put strain on your kidneys, causing damage.”
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REDUCING YOUR RISKS
While these cardiac conditions must be taken seriously, effective treatment options exist for both of them. In addition to medical treatment options, changes to your lifestyle can help increase your odds of healthy recovery. “Many diseases of the heart are caused or worsened by living a sedentary life with poor eating habits,” Sarmiento said. “Combining effective treatment with lifestyle changes offers the best hope for a healthier life for most people. That’s why we try to implement patient education to help develop healthy dietary and exercise habits.”
Schedule an Appointment
Before starting a new exercise program, make an appointment to see a primary care doctor. Schedule online at houstonmethodist.org/appointments or call 713.394.6776.
KEEP YOUR HEART HEALTHY The American Heart Association (AHA) identifies seven action steps that can help you lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. aintain a healthy weight. Carrying M extra weight is hard on the body and increases the risk of health problems such as heart disease and stroke. at well. A healthy diet consists E of lean meats, low-fat dairy products, a variety of fruits and vegetables and whole grains. ove your body. The AHA M recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five days a week. onitor blood pressure. High blood M pressure can damage arteries and vital organs and is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. ower blood sugar. High blood L sugar can lead to diabetes, which may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. uit smoking. After only one Q year of quitting smoking, the risk of coronary heart disease is reduced by 50 percent. anage cholesterol. High LDL M cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease. * Source: American Heart Association, www.heart.org.
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EXPERT JOINT REPLACEMENT ACCELERATES YOUR RECOVERY. At Houston Methodist, our Rapid Recovery program for joint replacement gets you back to your active lifestyle — faster. Personalized to your specific needs, this comprehensive approach: • Utilizes the latest pain control methods before, during and after surgery • Starts rehabilitation sooner to accelerate recovery HOSPITALS EMERGENCY CARE CENTERS SPECIALTY HOSPITALS IMAGING CENTERS COMPREHENSIVE CARE CENTER
Just around the corner
• Gets you home quickly, often in one day To find a joint doctor in your area, call 713.790.3333 or visit houstonmethodist.org/rapidrecovery to learn more.
Houston Methodist has locations throughout the Greater Houston area to best serve you near your home or workplace. Our locations include hospitals, emergency care and imaging centers.
HOSPITALS 1. Houston Methodist Hospital 2. Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital 3. Houston Methodist St. John Hospital 4. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital 5. Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital Opening July 1, 2017 . Houston Methodist West Hospital 7. Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital
SPECIALTY HOSPITAL 8. Houston Methodist St. Catherine Hospital
IMAGING CENTERS 5. Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at The Woodlands
EMERGENCY CARE CENTERS 713.441.ER24 (3724) . Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center at Kirby 10. Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center at Voss 11. Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center in Cinco Ranch 12. Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center in Cypress 13. Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center in Pearland 14. Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center in Sienna Plantation 15. Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center in Spring
. Houston Methodist Breast Care Center
COMPREHENSIVE CARE CENTER
1. Houston Methodist Imaging Center
17. Houston Methodist Comprehensive Care Center at Pearland
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