Even when trying your best to cut portions, stop snacking and be more active, some pounds seem impossible to lose — or worse, the scale keeps creeping up! Uncovering the reasons behind your weight gain may help you take control.
“Diet and exercise are important parts of maintaining a healthy weight,” said Dr. Aman Ali, bariatric surgeon at Houston Methodist Center for Weight Loss & Bariatric Surgery at Sugar Land, “but other factors can impact the number on the scale.”
Dr. Aman Ali
Want to get to the bottom of recent weight gain? A visit with your primary care doctor is a good place to start. Your doctor can help you look at the following factors:
Causes for sudden weight gain can include thyroid problems, heart issues or kidney disease. Your doctor can help identify if any of these conditions are present.
Certain medications prescribed for depression, inflammation or other conditions can lead to weight gain. You should always continue medications as directed, but don’t hesitate to ask about alternatives.
Controlling your weight can be an uphill battle as you age. “As we get older, our metabolism decreases and we lose muscle mass,” Ali explained. “Staying physically active and following a healthy diet is especially important.”
For women, the hormonal changes during and after menopause make you more likely to gain weight, particularly around your abdomen. Regular exercise can help reduce belly fat.
Stressful events, such as divorce or starting a new job, may affect your diet or exercise habits. Learn how to manage your stress in a healthy way, such as meditation or going for a walk.
“Adopting healthy habits and controlling what you can are the best ways to manage your weight,” Ali said. “Losing just 10% of excess weight can significantly improve your overall health and reduce your risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.”
“Most importantly, recognize that long-term weight loss doesn’t happen overnight. Instead of focusing on the number on the scale, focus on how you feel when living a healthy lifestyle,” Ali recommended. •
If nine out of 10 people regain lost weight, then how do the 10% of weight loss winners keep it off? Healthy habits. Here are six tips you can incorporate right away.
1. Aim for 30-minutes of physical activity per day. Experts agree walking is a perfect way to start. Start slow and work up your speed and distance over time.
2. Make water your beverage of choice. Aim for eight glasses per day. Eliminate the soda and sugary drinks.
3. Plan meals ahead of time and practice mindful eating. Choose healthy options, eating plenty of veggies, lean protein and whole grains. Limit sugar and processed foods.
4. Track your daily calories to ensure you are in a healthy range. Talk to a medical nutrition therapist to find out your daily calorie goal.
5. Get plenty of sleep. Aim for seven to eight hours per night.
6. Stay in tune with your emotions. Learn to distinguish between hunger and other feelings.
If you’ve been unable to successfully lose weight on your own, let the weight loss specialists at Houston Methodist Center for Weight Loss & Bariatric Surgery at Sugar Land help you get started. Multiple studies have shown that weight loss with bariatric surgery is associated with a longer life.
Visit houstonmethodist.org/weight-management or call 281.903.5346 to schedule your appointment.
Nearly one million Americans are living with multiple sclerosis or MS, an autoimmune disease that damages the nerve fibers in the central nervous system. Over time, it can lead to muscle weakness, loss of balance or vision problems. But thanks to advances in treatment, many people with MS go on to have full, active lives after diagnosis.
MS most commonly appears between the ages of 15 and 60, and it’s twice as likely to affect women as men. Common risk factors include genetics, being of northern European descent, previous autoimmune diseases, and being a smoker.
Dr. Muhammad Taimur MalikWhile the cause of MS is still unknown, we do know that something in the body triggers the immune system to attack the brain and spinal cord. Dr. Muhammad Taimur Malik, board-certified neurologist with Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land, discusses the signs and symptoms of MS along with treatment options.
MS attacks the protective fatty substance that covers nerves in the brain and spinal cord. This damage disrupts communication between the brain and body. Eventually, nerves deteriorate. Symptoms can include:
■ Dizziness or fatigue
■ Loss of bowel and bladder control
■ Numbness or weakness
■ Pain or tingling
■ Partial or complete loss of vision
■ Slurred speech
■ Tremors
■ Unsteady balance, walk and loss of coordination
“MS symptoms depend on which nerves are damaged,” Malik explained, “but they usually follow a trend: new ones develop over a period of days or weeks and then improve. Then they’ll flare up again. This remission period can last a few months or years.”
Most of the people — about 70 percent — who follow this pattern reach a point of steady progression. In some cases, the disease progresses steadily from the start.
If you’re concerned about M S symptoms and treatment, the movement disorder neurologists at Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land can help.
Visit houstonmethodist.org/neuro-sl for more information or call 281.205.4662 to schedule an appointment.
“ To diagnose MS, we look at three things,” Malik said. “You must have damage in at least two separate areas of the central nervous system. We have to find evidence that the damage occurred at least a month apart, and other diagnoses have to be ruled out.”
To confirm an MS diagnosis, doctors use blood tests, a spinal tap and an MRI. The blood tests can rule out other diseases with similar symptoms. The spinal tap can show abnormalities in white blood cells or antibodies. MRIs can show if MS lesions are present on the brain or spinal cord. Other specialized tests are used to see if electrical signals in the brain are responding to stimuli are slower than they should be.
While there’s no cure for MS, symptoms can be managed. Medications can help slow the progression, physical therapy can help strengthen muscles and corticosteroids can reduce nerve inflammation.
“Every person with MS is unique — as is their treatment plan,” Malik said. “What works for one person may not work for another. That’s why it’s important to look at the symptoms and design a plan that works for the individual.” Taking steps to manage your health and lifestyle can help improve your long-term outcome. •
Just like your bi-annual teeth cleaning or annual physical, a yearly visit to the gynecologist is an easy, but important, way to stay on top of your health.
Although most women ages 20 to 39 receive a clean bill of health, there are conditions that can lead to infertility or be lifethreatening if left untreated. “Keeping your annual doctor appointments can help catch problems early when they’re often most treatable,” said Dr. Michelle Shan Jiang, an obstetrician-gynecologist with Houston Methodist Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates at Sugar Land.
Here are some things you can do to ensure a successful wellwoman appointment and more accurate test results:
■ Check timing. The ideal time to schedule your annual exam is 10 to 14 days after the first day of menstruation. “During this phase of your cycle, your breasts won’t be as tender or lumpy as they might be other days. Your cervix is more open, allowing your doctor to take a good sample,” Jiang said.
■ Remove roadblocks. A few factors can interfere with your Pap test results. It’s best to avoid intercourse, douching, vaginal medications, lubricants or spermicides for two days before your appointment.
■ Write it down. Jot down any concerns or questions ahead of time and take it with you to your appointment.
First, you’ll be weighed and may be asked for a urine sample. Your doctor may feel your throat and listen to your heart and lungs. Then they will move on to the basic tests that make up the annual gynecologic visit:
■ Pelvic exam. Your doctor will check in and around the vagina for any abnormal discharge, sores, bumps or skin changes.
Two of the most common causes of infertility can be detected and treated early by your obstetriciangynecologist, often restoring the ability to conceive.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection that starts in the cervix and may spread to other organs. PID may cause infertility and may even be lifethreatening. Symptoms include:
■ Lower abdominal pain or tenderness
■ Heavy vaginal discharge with a strong odor
■ Irregular or heavy menstrual periods
■ Pain during intercourse
■ Frequent, painful urination
■ Fatigue, back pain, diarrhea or vomiting
Endometriosis causes endometrial tissue to grow outside the uterus, implanting itself on organs, such as the fallopian tubes and the intestines. Symptoms include:
■ Painful, heavy or irregular periods
■ Chronic pelvic pain or abdominal tenderness
■ Painful intercourse
■ Inability to conceive
■ Lower back pain
■ Pap test. Also called a Pap smear, this test detects early signs of cervical cancer by identifying cell changes on the cervix. Your doctor will take a small sample of your cervical cells and will send them to a lab for testing.
■ Infection or STD screening. During a Pap test, your doctor may also look for signs of infection, including sexually transmitted diseases. This may also include an HPV screening, a condition that can lead to genital warts or cervical cancer.
■ Clinical breast exam. Your doctor will examine your breasts to feel for any lumps and look for skin changes, nipple discharge or other abnormalities. “Depending on your age and health history, your doctor may recommend a mammogram,” Jiang added.
If you’re trying to conceive, take steps to prepare for a healthy pregnancy. Ask your doctor about maintaining a healthy weight, taking a daily folic acid supplement, avoiding alcohol and nonprescription drugs, stopping smoking and reducing stress.
•
Dr. Michelle Shan JiangYou likely know some of the common risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. But some of the additional risks to your heart are hidden and unexpected. One example of this is a viral or bacterial infection that causes an inflammatory response in the body.
However, the risks go up with serious infections or when a person has underlying health issues or existing heart and vascular conditions. A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 1 in 8 adults hospitalized with flu experienced a sudden, serious heart complication.
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association linked infections, such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections, to an increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke within the following three months. “Severe cases of COVID-19 and the flu can also harm the heart and circulatory system,” noted Dr. Donnell K. Bowen, boardcertified cardiothoracic surgeon with Houston Methodist Cardiovascular Surgery Associates at Sugar Land. “The infections increase the risk that fatty plaque built up in the blood vessels will rupture, leading to heart attack or stroke.”
Dr. Donnell K. Bowen
R esearchers discovered that many people who have died of COVID-19 had formed blood clots throughout their bodies, including in their smallest blood vessels. This unusual clotting can cause multiple complications, including heart attack and stroke.
“Infections generally trigger an inflammatory reaction in the body,” explained Bowen. “Inflammation is the body’s way of signaling the immune system to send infection-fighting cells to the site.” The body activates white blood cell production to help fight the infection, a process that increases the stickiness of platelets. This can lead to the formation of blood clots that could block blood flow to the heart or brain, increasing the risk for a heart attack or stroke.
E xperiencing a mild respiratory illness or other infection likely doesn’t pose a significant risk to your heart health.
Keep your family healthy and do your part to prevent the spread of illness by getting recommended vaccines, staying home when you’re sick, washing hands frequently, practicing social distancing and wearing a cloth mask in public.
“Getting a flu shot is more important than ever this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Bowen. “It’s especially important for people with certain underlying health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease and diabetes. People with these conditions are at higher risk of developing serious complications from flu. Many of these conditions also increase the risk for poor outcomes from COVID-19.”
You can reduce the risks of a serious infection by being proactive about your health care. If you’re concerned about a urinary tract infection, skin infection, respiratory illness or other type of infection, pay attention to your health and monitor your symptoms. Watch for worsening symptoms and contact your doctor with questions. Bacterial infections may need treatment with an antibiotic, and viral infections may need treatment with an antiviral medication. •
Hearing the news that you or a family member have cancer can take your breath away. Your thoughts and emotions start to race. Deciding what to do next feels impossible.
Finding the right provider and treatment plan is a highly personal decision for you and your family. Many people feel an urgency to get started with treatment right away. However, experts say it’s a good idea to take a couple days to understand your diagnosis before making any decisions. But where do you start?
On ce you know the type of cancer you have and the stage, you can begin your search for a care team. Referrals from your primary care physician, family or friends are often good places to begin. For many people, online research is helpful.
Dr. Sindhu Nair, board-certified hematologist-oncologist at Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at Sugar Land, offers advice for people just starting on their cancer journey. Here are just a few things to look for when selecting a cancer team.
When it comes to medical care, we all want to be treated like an individual, not a condition or disease. In cancer care, this is especially important. A patient-centric, holistic approach to cancer treatment looks at the whole person, not just their diagnosis.“At Houston Methodist, treatment planning includes your type of cancer and medical history, but also takes into account everything that’s important to you, such as your family, job or hobbies,” Nair said.
Effective cancer treatment takes a team of experts working together, including hematologist-oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, nurses and many other specialists. “It’s extremely beneficial to have all of these specialists and resources available at one location,” Nair said. “It creates a comprehensive approach that ensures every treatment detail is considered.”
Certain health conditions can be affected by cancer treatment, such as arthritis, neuropathy (nerve damage or dysfunction), diabetes or some cardiac conditions. For example, a patient who is on blood thinners may be unable to have cancer surgery. “Choosing a cancer team that’s part of a comprehensive health
system allows your doctors to easily include a cardiologist or other specialists in treatment planning when needed,” Nair explained.
Your cancer team may include additional services to address other needs that arise during treatment. Look for a provider that offers these support services to complement your cancer care:
■ Nurse navigators
■ Physical, occupational or speech therapy
■ Registered dietitians
■ Financial navigators and social work
■ Acupuncture or massage therapy
■ Fertility preservation
■ Genetic counseling
People with the same kind of cancer may respond differently to the same treatment. That’s because every cancer has its own unique genetic fingerprint, which influences how it grows and spreads. “We use tissue typing, molecular therapy and other advanced technology to ensure every treatment plan is highly customized for the patient and their specific type of cancer,” Nair explained.
If surgery is part of your treatment plan, look for a surgeon and hospital that offer minimally invasive surgical techniques to reduce complications and speed recovery. Image-guided therapy uses 3D (or higher) imaging that allows surgeons to plan the best surgical approach in virtual reality before or during surgery.
There are many different treatment options for people with cancer, including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and advanced surgical procedures. “When it comes to making treatment decisions, many people want to explore options outside of traditional care, such as clinical trials,” Nair said. “This is especially true for people who have rare or aggressive types of cancer.”
Clinical trials are an important part of advancing cancer care. “They allow researchers to develop new approaches to treating cancer, which means more options for patients,” Nair noted. Houston Methodist is the only health system offering FDA-approved clinical trials at multiple locations across the Greater Houston area.
Most importantly, experts say you should trust your cancer team and feel like an equal partner in all the decisions about your care. And don’t hesitate to get a second opinion, especially if you are contemplating which treatment path to take. •
Dr. Sindhu NairTalk to one of our to learn more about our approach to To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sindhu Nair or another hematologist-oncologist with Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at Sugar Land, visit houstonmethodist.org/cancer-sl or call 281.201.6669
Every day your natural immune system defends your body against the attacks of foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses and toxins. When your system is weakened, your body has a harder time fighting infection.
“Your immune system is a network of blood cells, chemicals and organs that work together,” said Dr. Max Quintana, boardcertified family medicine physician with Houston Methodist Primary Care Group at Rosenberg. “To ward off disease, you need that system to function at peak condition.”
Here’s a great game plan to keep your immune system in fighting shape.
1 E at a nutritious diet. A well-balanced diet gives your body the nutrients it needs to fight disease. Focus your diet on lean protein, whole grains, healthy fats and lots of fruits and vegetables.
2. E ngage in regular exercise. Exercise helps your body fight disease by eliminating excess fat, reducing stress and
improving cholesterol levels. Just a brisk 30-minute walk, five times a week will give your immune system a boost.
3. Get enough rest. Not getting enough good sleep takes a toll on your body and increases your risk of high blood pressure and diabetes.
4. Reduce stress. Chronic stress is a health buster. Try meditation, yoga or tai chi to quiet your mind.
5. Avoid smoking and vaping. “These habits make it harder for you to fight infection,” Quintana said, “as well as inflicting damage to your entire body.” Illnesses last longer and are more serious if you smoke.
6. Drin k alcohol moderately (if at all). Excessive drinking puts you at greater risk for liver and pancreas disease as well as cancer. If you drink, keep it to no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women.
7. L imit exposure to chemicals. Outside sources, such as cigarette smoke and pollution, produce free radicals that can invade and weaken your immune system.
8. G et immunized. Quintana said vaccinations can’t compensate for a weakened immune system. “But it can help reduce your chances of contracting diseases like the flu, pneumonia and COVID-19,” Quintana added. Check with your doctor about any immunizations you need.
9. Take your vitamins. Food is always the best source for supplying your body with disease-fighting nutrients, but a daily multivitamin can be a smart backup.
10. L augh. Laughter reduces stress hormones and relaxes the part of your nervous system that regulates heart rate, blood pressure, digestion and other functions. Spending time with friends or watching a funny movie offsets stress that can weaken your immune system. Laughter really is the best medicine.
•
Dr. Max QuintanaJoint replacements are some of the most common orthopedic surgeries performed today. More people are getting these procedures than ever before: studies estimate that around 7 million people are living with knee and hip replacements, allowing them to remain mobile and healthy even into advanced age or with arthritis.
“Joint replacement has many benefits — from pain relief to increased mobility — but it’s important to know that it isn’t necessarily the best solution for everyone,” explained Dr. Carl Hicks, board-certified orthopedic surgeon with Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land. “There are many factors to consider when it comes to joint replacement surgery.”
“Joints deteriorate for several reasons,” Hicks said. “Injuries, autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, and general wear and tear that happens with age can all cause pain and reduce motion.”
During the surgery, the worn-out part of the joint is replaced with a prosthesis made of plastic, metal or a combination of materials. Partial or total joint replacement is performed on hips, knees or shoulders.
“After joint replacement, many people experience a better quality of life, pain relief and reduced swelling or stiffness. Their range of motion also tends to increase,” Hicks explained. “But people should always be aware that every surgery comes with risks.”
So how do you know that joint replacement makes sense for you? The severity of your condition will probably be a large factor in making the decision to have a joint replaced. Painful, aching joints can limit your range of motion, including the ability to walk or climb stairs, and drastically reduce your quality of life.
Talking to your doctor can help you decide when the time is right. In addition to your pain and lost mobility, your doctor will consider the following factors:
■ Age: Prosthetic joints have a shelf life of about 20 years. A joint replacement for a younger patient today makes repeat or additional surgeries later in life more likely.
■ General health: Some diseases like high blood pressure or heart and lung disease increase surgery risks. Osteoporosis and bone or joint deformities can affect the success of joint replacement surgeries, too.
■ Surgery alternatives: Depending on the cause of pain, medications or physical therapy might be less invasive, effective treatments. Sometimes support braces are recommended.
■ Weight: Obesity can prolong recovery and affect the durability of the prosthesis used for joint replacement.
If years of joint pain are keeping you from enjoying the activities you love, the board-certified orthopedic specialists at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land can help. Our expert team offers comprehensive, personalized care and the full range of treatment and surgical options. Visit houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics-sl or call 281.201.0409 to schedule an evaluation with an orthopedic specialist.
Before you decide on joint replacement, it’s important to consider recovery time. “Everyone’s recovery time is different after joint replacement. Several factors can affect recovery, including age, activity level before surgery, and overall health along with the type of procedure you received,” Hicks explained.
No matter the joint replaced, you can expect several weeks of physical therapy to help you make a full recovery. Ask your surgeon when you can expect to get back to your day-to-day activities. • thodist.org/orth
Whether it’s because of an illness or cheering at a concert or sporting event, losing your voice is never fun. But did you know the temporary loss of your voice can lead to very serious problems with your vocal cords?
Your voice box (larynx) is located in the front of your neck and is home to your vocal cords. The larynx isn’t just important for speaking. It also impacts your ability to swallow and breathe. “If something happens to your larynx, it won’t just be a nuisance. It can greatly impact your quality of life,” said Dr. Brian Wang, board-certified otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist) with Houston Methodist ENT Specialists at Sugar Land.
Over time, frequent overuse or abuse of your voice can lead to longterm problems. “Repeatedly overusing your voice can lead to serious issues and, in some cases, permanent damage,” Wang said.
S ome of the most common vocal cord disorders include:
■ Dysphonia. Dysphonia or voice disorder/hoarseness, can occur because of abnormal movement with or without swelling/inflammation of the vocal cords.
■ Cancerous lesions. Often associated with smoking or chewing tobacco, lesions can develop in the larynx that require surgical removal or radiation treatment.
■ Dysphagia. Difficulty swallowing, which can have several causes. Sometimes the larynx may not close tightly or the throat may not effectively move food to the esophagus. This often affects stroke patients or people undergoing radiation for head and neck cancers.
■ Laryngitis. Inflamed or swollen vocal cords, which are often caused by overuse, infections, inhaled irritants or acid reflux.
■ Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD). LPRD is a disorder where stomach contents and acids back up into the esophagus or throat. Because the larynx, pharynx and lungs are more sensitive to stomach acids, smaller amounts can result in damage to the vocal cords.
■ Vocal cord nodules. These small, benign inflammatory lesions develop on the vocal cords of people whose jobs require significant vocal demands, such as teachers or professional singers.
■ Vocal cord paralysis. Some types of surgery, like thyroid, thoracic and vascular surgeries, can cause nerve damage that affect the vocal cords. Viral infections and prolonged placement of breathing tubes can impact the motion of vocal cords, too.
■ Vocal cord polyps. Lesions are often caused by powerful, persistent coughing. Smokers are at a high risk of developing polyps.
Voice and speech can also be affected by a variety of neurologic disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis and dystonia.
“Depending on your symptoms and how long they last, you may need diagnostic testing to uncover the source of your symptoms and identify the right treatment,” Wang said. You should visit your health care provider if any of the following is true:
■ Your voice hasn’t returned to normal within two to four weeks after an illness or cold.
■ Complete voice loss that lasts more than a few days.
■ Changes in your voice that last longer than one month.
■ You have issues swallowing.
■ You have difficulty breathing.
The following procedures are often used to help diagnose larynx disorders and determine the best treatment:
■ Laryngoscopy: This procedure is performed by inserting a thin telescope through your nose or mouth to examine the larynx and throat.
■ Biopsies: Examinations of tissue removed from the throat or vocal cords.
■ Imaging studies: Pictures of the inside of the larynx.
Based on the results of your exam and tests, treatments can vary. Sometimes letting the voice rest is all that’s needed. At other times, medications, surgery or other interventions may be required. These can include speech therapy.
Most forms of speech therapy for vocal cord disorders focus on relaxed-throat breathing and lower-abdominal breathing strategies that help manage episodes of difficult breathing. In addition, your speech therapist may introduce vocal exercises that can reduce your throat strain. This will improve speaking and reduce throat irritation. They’ll also help find the right pitch and volume for strong, healthy speech. •
Dr. Brian WangPrevent vocal cord disorders and preserve your voice by following these steps:
• Drink plenty of water every day Water helps keep your vocal folds lubricated so that they may vibrate fully.
• Avoid excessive yelling or screaming. Use a microphone if you need to speak loudly.
• If you’re hoarse, try not to overuse your voice. Hoarseness is a sign of too much stress on the vocal cords.
• Stop smoking. If you need help with quitting, talk to your doctor about getting help.
• If you’re a singer or public speaker, vocal therapy can help improve how you use your voice.
• Practice good breathing techniques when singing or talking.
• Avoid cradling the phone when you’re talking.
• Avoid foods that cause acid reflux, which can cause damage to the larynx.
If you’ve experienced hoarseness or other symptoms for longer than four weeks, visit an ENT specialist at Houston Methodist Sugar Land. Our experienced team of board-certified experts offer personalized care and advanced treatment options. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Brian Wang or another specialist with Houston Methodist ENT Specialists at Sugar Land, visit houstonmethodist.org/ear-nose-throat or call 346.245.5329
At Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land, our specialists review your mammogram history and track results over time — detecting changes earlier. That’s why getting your mammogram starting at age 40 — or earlier, if you have a family history — is so important.
Our Breast Care Center offers: The latest 3D mammogram technology Board-certified breast imaging radiologists Acceptance of most major insurance plans health and safety are our priority. We are taking every necessary precaution to keep you safe.
Scan the QR code, visit houstonmethodist.org/breast-care or call 281.242.PINK (7465) to schedule your mammogram today.
We do not require a doctor’s order for your annual screening mammogram.
