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THE BEST WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM
5
COMMON CANCERS
Why Catching Some ZZZs Should Be a Priority Two Simple Tests Can Improve Your Odds of Detecting Cervical Cancer
YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INNOVATIONS, NEWS AND TIPS FROM HOUSTON METHODIST
HEALTH BREAK
MYCHART:
CONNECTED AND CONVENIENT
New tool makes it easier to manage your medical information Reviewing test results, accessing health records and paying medical bills shouldn’t be a pain. With Houston Methodist MyChart, you can securely access health information from the convenience of your computer, tablet or smartphone. MyChart also gives you the ability to set permissions for sharing medical information, ensuring that only your health care team and those you designate will have permission to see your records.
MAKING THE GRADE
New online reviews help you find the right physician
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Find clinical discharge summaries with prescription and follow-up notes.
ACCESS TEST RESULTS SOONER
No more waiting for a call or letter. Access results and your doctor’s comments when they’re available.
PAY YOUR HOUSTON METHODIST BILLS SECURELY
Review your medical bills and make secure payments online. To sign up for MyChart, visit houstonmethodist.org/mychart and select “Sign Up Now.”
Get the MyChart App
MyChart is also available on the App Store and on Google Play. Search “MyChart” and download today!
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Review sites like Yelp can help you find the perfect coffee shop. But what about the right health care provider? Houston Methodist Hospital now offers physician ratings and reviews online. Patients can rate their doctors on a scale of 1 to 5 stars, with 5 being the best. The new system makes it easier for you to learn about physicians, read reviews from other patients and book appointments online. The ratings and reviews are pulled from a certified patient satisfaction survey from Houston Methodist Specialty Physician Group and Houston Methodist Primary Care Group. As one of only a few hospitals in the country to post physician reviews, Houston Methodist makes finding the best physician for you easier. Ratings and reviews are included alongside physicians’ names, contact information, specialties and office locations. To find the right physician for your health care needs, visit houstonmethodist.org/find-a-doctor.
REVIEW YOUR VISIT SUMMARY
RUNNING ON EMPTY You already know lack of sleep can make you a morning grump — but did you know it could seriously harm your health? Read on to find out why catching some ZZZs should be a priority. YOUR BRAIN
Trying to keep your memory sharp for years to come? Try getting plenty of sleep. Researchers found that brain events called sharp Dr. Aparajitha wave ripples, which Verma happen mostly during our deepest sleep, are responsible for consolidating memory. In addition to forgetfulness, lack of sleep can also contribute to depression. “Insomnia and depression feed on each other: Sleep loss can worsen symptoms of depression, and depression can make it tougher to fall asleep,” said Dr. Aparajitha Verma, a neurologist and sleep specialist at Houston Methodist Hospital.
YOUR HEART
YOUR SKIN
We’re all familiar with the puffy eyes and sallow skin that come after pulling an all-nighter. While these symptoms dissipate after a good night’s rest, chronic sleep loss can actually lead to lackluster skin and fine lines, giving new meaning to the term “beauty sleep.” “When you don’t get enough sleep, your body releases cortisol, also known as the stress hormone,” said Verma. “In excess, cortisol can cause the elasticity in your skin to break down.”
YOUR WAISTLINE
If you’re waking up in the wee hours just to get in an extra hour of exercise, you may be fighting an uphill battle. Lack of sleep appears to be related to an increase in hunger and appetite, and possibly to obesity. Studies have shown that people who sleep less than six hours a day were almost 30 percent more likely to become obese than those who slept seven to nine hours. And being exhausted all day doesn’t just make you hungry; it makes you crave high-fat, high-carbohydrate foods — the ones that make it even easier to pack on the pounds. n
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If you’re skimping on sleep, you could be raising your risk for heart disease.
“People who don’t sleep enough are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease — regardless of age, weight, smoking and exercise habits,” said Verma. It’s not completely understood why less sleep is so harmful to heart health, but one study found that people who slept less than six hours per night were twice as likely to have a stroke or heart attack than their better-rested counterparts.
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THE
BEST WAYS
to protect yourself from
5 I
COMMON CANCERS
t seems every time you check your email there’s another story or news alert about some household item or behavior that causes cancer. It can be hard to know where to start when it comes to protecting yourself. But the worst thing you can do is not start at all. To help separate the signal from the noise, we’ve compiled the most important steps you should take to reduce your risk for developing the five most common types of cancer.
BREAST CANCER
PROTECTION STRATEGY
OTHER IMPORTANT STEPS TO TAKE
You can help reduce your risk of breast cancer by making lifestyle changes that improve your overall wellness — that means maintaining a healthy weight with diet and exercise. Body weight has been found to play a role in several types of cancer, including breast cancer. In fact, the World Cancer Research Fund estimates one in five cancer deaths is related to excess body weight.
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PROTECTION STRATEGY
Eat a heart-healthy diet Although researchers don’t yet understand why, diet seems to play an important role in prostate cancer. Some experts have estimated that eating a healthy diet could reduce the risk of prostate cancer by up to 30 to 50 percent, according to AARP. OTHER IMPORTANT STEPS TO TAKE
“There is some evidence that too much calcium may play a role in prostate cancer,” said Dr. Alvin Goh of Houston Methodist Urology Associates. The Prostate Cancer Foundation recommends not taking any supplements that include calcium and aiming to ingest less than 1,500 milligrams per day. Prostate cancer screenings are also important. Screenings include a rectal examination and a lab test called prostate specific antigen, or PSA. Men with an average risk for prostate cancer should talk to their doctor at age 50 about screenings. Men with increased risk should have this conversation earlier.
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Get your mammogram Screening is important for detection of breast cancer. “Mammograms can detect most breast cancers before symptoms
occur,” said Dr. Tejal Patel of Houston Methodist Hospital. She recommends a yearly mammogram starting at age 40 for women at average risk. For those who are at higher risk because of a family history of breast cancer or from a personal history of other types of breast disease, screening may include additional or more frequent testing.
PROSTATE CANCER
LUNG CANCER
PROTECTION STRATEGY
Don’t smoke Almost everyone has heard a story of someone who has had lung cancer and never smoked. But the reality is, 90 percent of lung cancers can be attributed to smoking, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Smokers and former smokers are 15 to 30 times more likely to develop lung cancer than nonsmokers. “But it’s really never too late to cut your risk,” said Dr. Eric Bernicker of Houston Methodist Hospital. “Talk to your doctor about effective ways to quit.” Screening for lung cancer with low-dose CT scan is recommended by the American Cancer Society for those age 55 to 74 who have smoked for at least 30 pack-years, currently smoke or who have quit in the last 15 years, and are in relatively good health. OTHER IMPORTANT STEPS TO TAKE
Not smoking isn’t always enough. When possible, avoid secondhand smoke, which leads to nearly 3,000 lung cancer-related deaths per year, according to the National Cancer Institute.
COLON CANCER
PROTECTION STRATEGY
Get your colonoscopy Most colorectal cancers start out as polyps — small growths — inside the colon. During a colonoscopy, a screening test for colon cancer, doctors can actually remove polyps before they turn cancerous. Today’s five-year colon cancer survival rate is 90 percent, and that’s largely because of early detection. If you’re 50 or older, talk to your doctor about getting screened.
NONINVASIVE TECHNOLOGY HELPS FIGHT AGAINST PROSTATE CANCER Houston Methodist Hospital has added high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to its arsenal of technology that it already uses for the treatment of localized prostate cancer. HIFU procedures are extremely well tolerated for most men, with minimal downtime, side effects or complications. “HIFU will allow us to help more men and to refine our treatment options for each patient. This technology will have a strong role in the management of recurrent cancer in men who have failed radiation, but also as a primary therapy in men with newly diagnosed early disease,” said Dr. Brian J. Miles, a urologist at Houston Methodist Hospital and professor of urology at Weill Cornell Medical College and Baylor College of Medicine. According to Dr. David Mobley, a Houston Methodist Hospital urologist and an associate professor of clinical urology at Weill Cornell Medical College, HIFU has demonstrated a very high rate of cure of prostate cancer when appropriate patients are carefully chosen for this therapy. “Many of my patients are pleased that this therapy is now available in the United States and will soon be up and running at Houston Methodist. This is a breakthrough event for men with prostate cancer,” said Mobley. Houston Methodist Hospital is the first location in Texas to install the Ablatherm® Robotic HIFU device for the ablation of prostate tissue.
and avoid smoking,” said Dr. Eric Haas, a colorectal surgeon at Houston Methodist Hospital.
SKIN CANCER
PROTECTION STRATEGY
Be sun safe Sun damage is the No. 1 cause of skin cancer, with about 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers being attributed to ultraviolet radiation exposure, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Avoid the sun during peak hours of the day (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.) and wear protective
clothing, said Dr. H. Alex Preti of Houston Methodist Hospital. Longsleeve shirts, long pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses can help block the sun and lower your exposure. And don’t forget to apply sunscreen every day. Daily use of SPF 30 or higher can reduce the risk of developing melanoma by as much as 50 percent. OTHER IMPORTANT STEPS TO TAKE
Check your skin monthly for new or changing moles and have your doctor perform a skin check annually. “And of course, stay away from tanning beds,” said Preti. n
OTHER IMPORTANT STEPS TO TAKE
Talk to your doctor about starting a low-dose aspirin regimen, which has been found to reduce the risk of colon cancer by up to 40 percent, according to the American Cancer Society. “Lifestyle changes can help lower your risk. Limit red and processed meats. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Limit your alcohol consumption
Leading Care for Prostate Cancer
Houston Methodist urologists are leaders in minimally invasive and robot-assisted surgery for prostate cancer. Our physician-researchers also lead more than two dozen clinical trials focused on prostate cancer. To learn more or find a urologist, visit houstonmethodist.org/prostate-cancer or call 713.790.3599.
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Two Tests, Better Protection HPV VACCINES FOR PRETEENS
A new study from Houston Methodist Hospital could help change the way women are tested for cervical cancer. Researchers at Houston Methodist Dr. M. Kathleen Hospital found that Borchardt combining two tests can help dramatically improve the chance of diagnosing cervical cancer. The study looks back at more than 1,600 cases in which women had a Pap smear or human papillomavirus (HPV) test. Each test alone missed about 9 percent of cancer or lesion cases. When the tests were run together, missed cases dropped to only 1 percent. In the past, obstetrician-gynecologists have debated which test is more effective as a primary screening tool. But new research has strengthened the argument for cotesting. “Finding the disease as a precancer can mean more treatment options and improved survival rates,” said
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States. An estimated 20 million Americans are affected, with about 1 million newly diagnosed cases each year. It’s a problem because HPV can lead to certain types of cancers, including cervical cancer — the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women. Fortunately, young people can be protected from most types of HPV by getting vaccinated before they become sexually active. Some health insurance providers recommend that children ages 11 and 12 receive the three shots needed to develop immunity.
Dr. M. Kathleen Borchardt, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Houston Methodist Hospital. Nearly 13,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer this year, according to estimates from the American Cancer Society. Finding the disease as a precancer means more treatment options and improved survival rates. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that women between ages 21 and 65 get the Pap test as a screening for cervical cancer. Women 30 and older should get HPV testing as well, according to the CDC, along with an annual well-woman exam. n
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Be Proactive
Houston Methodist Hospital is here to keep you healthy. Visit houstonmethodist.org/womens-services or call 713.790.3599 to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians.
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Study shows cotesting helps catch more cervical cancer
Sprains vs. Strains
What you should know about these two common sports injuries When starting a new fitness program or sport, it’s good to know about two common injuries — sprains and strains. These injuries are preventable, but if Dr. Vijay Jotwani injury does occur, it’s good to know how to treat the mild versions of these injuries yourself and when it’s time to see a doctor. “If you experience severe or prolonged pain, numbness, swelling, limited range of motion or cannot put weight on the injured area, it might be time to see a doctor,” said Dr. Vijay Jotwani, a Houston Methodist primary care sports medicine physician. “A treatment plan would likely include physical therapy to improve range of motion and strength, and surgical intervention may be needed for severe cases.”
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SPRAINS
Sprains result from overstretching or tearing of the ligaments. Ligaments are bands of connective tissue that connect the bones of the skeletal system at the joints. Sprains range in seriousness from mild to moderate to severe. A mild sprain is when the ligament is overstretched and has minor damage to its fibers. In moderate sprains, the ligament is partially torn and the joint is painful and loose. Finally, severe sprains occur when the ligament is completely torn and the joint no longer works. SPRAIN SYMPTOMS: Tenderness, pain, bruising, inflammation, joint or limb immobility, joint looseness and joint instability may indicate you have a sprain.
STRAINS
Though sounding similar to “sprains,” strains are different from sprains in that they result from injury to the muscles or tendons, or both. The tendons are the cords that connect the muscle to the bone. With a strain, the tendon and/ or muscle is overstretched or overly contracted to the point of injury. Areas of the body commonly affected by strains include the back, the foot, or the back of the leg. Strains can be mild to severe. STRAIN SYMPTOMS: If you experience tenderness, pain, muscle spasms or uncharacteristic weakness, you may have a strain.
PREVENTION
PROPER TRAINING: Make sure you receive advice from an experienced coach or licensed athletic trainer who can assist you with the proper technique. The right equipment: Wear all recommended equipment or uniforms that allow for proper range of motion and support, including shoes suited to the activity and to your foot shape. HYDRATION: Drink water before and throughout your workout to prevent dehydration and to aid in recovery. WARM UP: With mindful, steady breaths, walk or jog to get the heart pumping and the blood moving. This will loosen up your muscles, tendons, joints and ligaments. STRETCHING: Breathe in before the stretch and let out a controlled exhale as you move into a stretch. Hold stretches for 10–20 seconds. Don’t stretch until it hurts, and never bounce into stretched muscles. EASE IN: If you’re not used to a regular fitness routine, add exercises or activities in stages.
COOL-DOWN: Wind down from the intensity of your workout by walking or slowing the movements of the activity, and continue until your heart rate goes down and your skin feels cooler. REST DAYS: Schedule days when you rest your body to allow time for recovery.
RICE
For most mild sprains or strains, you can treat the symptoms at home by following the RICE method. REST: The minute you experience symptoms, it’s time to sit out the remainder of the game or activity. Rest the injured area as long as symptoms occur. ICE: In 20-minute sessions, place an ice pack on the injured area to reduce swelling. Wrap the ice pack in a towel to protect your skin. COMPRESSION: Use an elastic bandage wrap around the injured area to prevent swelling. ELEVATION: While resting, reduce blood flow to the injured area by elevating the injured limb or joint above the level of the heart. n
SPORTS INJURY CLINICS Every Saturday, Houston Methodist opens its convenient sports injury clinics for student-athletes. We offer the same level of care that we provide to Houston’s professional sports teams and performing artists. Student-athletes can be evaluated by a doctor and have X-rays or other imaging as needed. For more information and to find a clinic near you, visit houstonmethodist.org/athlete or call 713.790.3599. HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG 7
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LEADING MEDICINE IN GREATER HOUSTON Just around the corner Houston Methodist has locations throughout the Greater Houston area to best serve you near your home or workplace. Our locations include hospitals, and emergency care and imaging centers.
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