lEading MEdicinE Your link to health innovations, news and tips FROM HOUSTON METHODIst
SUM M ER 2015
health tuneup
Make summer the time for a family wellness check
X-Ray, CT, MRI? Your Imaging Cheat Sheet
Is It an Emergency?
health break
Melanoma:
A Hidden Cancer Melanoma can hide from you. The most aggressive form of skin cancer, it can live in or under your skin, hair and nails, making it difficult to discover. For these reasons, early detection through self or professional examinations is extremely important. People exposed to natural or artificial sunlight for long periods have an increased risk of developing melanoma. Other risk factors include fair skin, numerous moles, a history of sunburns or unusual moles, or a family history of melanoma. Melanoma can come in many shapes and sizes. As you check your skin, remember the ABCDEs of skin cancer. • A is for Asymmetry: Is one half of the mole shaped differently than the other? • B is for Border: Are the edges of the mole irregular, ragged or blurred? • C is for Color: Is the mole more than one color? • D is for Diameter: Is the spot larger than a quarter-inch (the size of a pencil eraser)? • E is for Evolving: Has the mole changed in size, shape or color? If you answered yes to any of these questions, schedule an appointment for further examination.
Be Proactive About Your Skin
2 LEADING MEDICINE FROM HOUSTON METHODIST
Transplants and Counting Doctors at the Houston Methodist J.C. Walter Jr. Transplant Center recently performed the facility’s 5,000th transplant, perpetuating its legacy as the largest transplant center in Texas. The procedure was possible by a donor who saved five lives in one weekend. “This is a landmark for our program and shows the hard work and dedication of the doctors, nurses, coordinators and the entire staff,” said Dr. A. Osama Gaber, director of the center. “It shows excellence, expertise and the power of organ donation.” The long history of organ transplantation at Houston Methodist began with surgical pioneer Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, who in 1963 performed a kidney transplant and, five years later, the first heart transplant in Texas. The transplant center, established in 1985, now performs all organ transplants — including heart, lung, islet/pancreas, kidney, liver and bone marrow — and consistently ranks among the busiest transplant centers in the United States. A record 462 transplants were performed in 2012 alone. The following year saw 396 transplants, 39 of which involved multipleorgan transplants, such as heart/lung or kidney/pancreas. Through many programs and partnerships with other organizations, the center has made great strides in developing new tools, procedures and protocols that lead to saving lives. From performing bloodless transplants to increasing the number of viable donated organs, Houston Methodist doctors demonstrate the difference between practicing medicine and leading it.
Learn More For more information about the Houston Methodist J.C. Walter Jr. Transplant Center, visit houstonmethodist.org/transplant or call 713.441.5451.
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
Remember to include a skin check when meeting with your doctor. Call 713.790.3333 or visit houstonmethodist.org/cancer to learn more about melanoma and other types of skin cancer.
5,000
Imaging IQ Having a diagnostic test done? Here’s what you need to know about common scans. Until doctors themselves are equipped with X-ray vision, there’s a good chance you’ll need to undergo a diagnostic imaging test at one point Dr. Reginald or another. It will Munden help your physician determine the cause of your internal symptoms — whether it’s a worn hip, a suspicious lump or chest pain. With today’s technology, your doctor can get answers about what is going on deep inside your body earlier than ever before. And that’s good news for you. “The real key is early diagnosis,” said Dr. Reginald Munden, chairman of the Department of Radiology at Houston Methodist Hospital. “If you’re treated earlier, you’re likely to have a better recovery.”
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
Which Test is Which?
Each imaging technology provides different information about the body. An X-ray is best for viewing bones for fractures and the lungs and chest for pneumonia. Mammography is a form of low-dose X-ray to examine breasts for cancer. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is ideal for imaging the brain, spinal column, muscles and joints. Ultrasound is ideal for imaging children and well-known for providing an early glimpse of a baby in utero. It is also excellent for viewing abdominal organs and vascular structures in “real time.”
finding a facility Positron emission tomography (PET) is important for detecting cancer and monitoring cancer treatment. Computed tomography (CT) is excellent for evaluating all of the body. With the latest CT technology, images can be performed rapidly, which is especially important in situations of trauma, chest pain and other emergencies. Faster CT imaging also results in better quality images, as motion does not degrade them. Image processing technology uses sophisticated computers to create 3-D images using data from all of these technologies (MRI, CT, PET, X-ray). “We can create a virtual image of your body that helps with detection, diagnosis and treatment planning of many diseases,” Munden said. n
A diagnostic image is only a picture without a radiologist to interpret it. That’s why it’s important to choose an imaging facility like those at Houston Methodist, which are staffed by board-certified radiologists with fellowship training in subspecialties such as breast imaging and neuroradiology. And not all images offer the same level of clarity. Houston Methodist’s nine imaging centers — including seven hospital centers and two standalone centers — partner with the world’s leading imaging companies to bring the latest technology available to patients. A clear image, read accurately by an experienced radiologist, can lead to the diagnosis and treatment you need to ensure your health.
Schedule Your Scan Online
Houston Methodist makes booking your imaging appointment easy with online scheduling. Visit houstonmethodist.org/online-scheduling to schedule an appointment.
check out our digital magazine at houstonmethodist.org/publications 3
Your Family’s
Summer Health Tuneup 4 LEADING MEDICINE FROM HOUSTON METHODIST
Think beyond the paper and pencils and make back-toschool season the time for a family health check
D
ust off your daily planner: Back-to-school time means getting back to a routine, busy schedules and long to-do lists. But the season also offers a fresh start, making it a great time to take stock of your family’s health and ensure that everyone is up to date on exams, screenings and health goals. Not sure where to begin? We’ve got you covered.
For Her
Moms usually put the needs of everyone else before their own. Be sure these screenings are on your to-do list.
PAP TEST
Why it matters: A Pap test, which looks for cancer in the cervix, can save your life. If detected early, cervical cancer is highly treatable. When to get it: After age 21, get a Pap test every three years. Once you hit 30, you can be tested once every five years. Talk to your doctor about getting an HPV test at the same time.
MAMMOGRAM
Why it matters: These X-ray images are your first line of defense against breast cancer. Screening mammograms lead to early detection, which reduces the number of deaths from breast cancer. As screening rates have risen, the death rate has gone down — 34 percent since 1990. When to get it: Schedule an annual mammogram starting at age 40. If you have a family history of breast cancer, your doctor may recommend you begin screenings earlier.
For Him
Men are known for avoiding doctor’s appointments. Not this year! Here’s what you need to know about the screening for the most common cancer in men.
PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING
photo by getty/Ariel Skelley
Why it matters: One in seven men will
be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime. Risk factors include being age 65 or older or having a family history of prostate cancer, abnormal prostate cells or certain genome changes. Depending on your risk, your doctor may recommend a digital rectal exam or a blood test to measure the amount of the substance prostate-specific antigen, which can indicate prostate cancer. When to get it: Houston Methodist recommends that men over 50 should discuss the PSA blood test with their doctors. African-American men and those with a family history of prostate
Heads up on Concussions Injuries, including concussions, are part of sports at every level. But to prevent long-term damage, it’s important to understand the signs of a concussion — including confusion, amnesia, headaches, dizziness, nausea, or difficulty with balance or coordination — and what to do next. If you think your child has suffered a concussion, make sure he or she sits out the rest of the game and sees a doctor right away. If your son or daughter is an athlete, it’s a good idea to have a cognitive test on file as a benchmark for potential injuries down the road. Houston Methodist Concussion Center offers ImPACT Baseline Testing, a Web-based exam used to test cognitive ability. The results provide a basis for comparison in the event that your athlete suffers an injury, requiring a postinjury test. Visit houstonmethodist.org/ impactbaseline to learn more.
cancer should talk with their physicians about starting screenings at age 45.
For Both of You
In addition to scheduling regular checkups to test your cholesterol, blood pressure and other aspects of your health, don’t forget to schedule a colonoscopy starting at 50.
COLONOSCOPY
Why it matters: Like the majority of screenings, the goal of a colonoscopy is finding cancer early, when it is most treatable. A colonoscopy is the best way to look for (and remove) polyps, small growths that can become cancerous. When to get it: Most men and women should start getting screened at 50, and then once every decade after that. Those at high risk may require earlier or more frequent screenings.
For the Kids
Good health is a lifelong project. Instill healthy habits in your kids by scheduling these appointments.
SPORTS PHYSICAL
Why it matters: If your teens will be joining a team (or two or three) this school year, they’ll need a doctor’s approval to participate. A Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine physician can address sportsspecific issues, like proper nutrition and hydration, injury prevention, training and good form. When to get it: Although school district rules vary, one physical at the end of summer will typically cover your child for the school year.
IMMUNIZATIONS
Why they matter: Vaccines are a powerful tool for keeping your kids — and the kids around you — healthy. By the time they hit school age, most children have had the majority of their immunizations, but there are a few to keep tabs on as they reach their teens.
When to get them:
• Annually: flu shot • Age 11: meningococcal conjugate vaccine • Age 16: booster shot n
Complete Your Health Checklist
Houston Methodist is here to keep you and your family healthy. Visit houstonmethodist.org or call 713.790.3333 to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians.
houstonmethodist.org 5
Emergency
101
I
6 LEADING MEDICINE FROM HOUSTON METHODIST
1
True or false: Unexplained chest pain is always an emergency.
Answer: True. Chest pain is the most common heart attack symptom for both men and women. Unless you’re certain the pressure is heartburn, go to the hospital right away. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, lightheadedness, fatigue, anxiety, sweating, nausea or vomiting, or pain in the back, neck, shoulders, arms, teeth or jaw.
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
n movies, it’s easy to identify emergencies. They come in the form of horrendous car wrecks, dramatic heart attacks and suspenseful neardrownings. While these scenarios do occur in real life, most situations that require medical care are less black and white. When is it worth it to head to the emergency room? Going to the ER involves a higher out-of-pocket deductible than a doctor visit does. But in a life-threatening emergency, an emergency room (either hospital-based or freestanding) is your best option. Emergency rooms are always open and have access to specialized care not available elsewhere. Take this quiz to learn which symptoms warrant a trip to the emergency department or a Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center — and which can wait for a visit to your primary care physician.
Which symptoms should be considered an emergency and which can wait for your doctor?
a. Mild concussion b. Sprained ankle c. Compound fracture d. All of the above
Answer: C. Compound fracture. While serious concussions require immediate attention, mild concussions do not (although a follow-up visit to your doctor is recommended). Serious concussions should be treated right away. Symptoms of serious concussions include lasting confusion, seizure, unusual eye movement, unequal pupil sizes, repeated vomiting, balance problems or loss of consciousness for more than a few seconds. Most sprains and strains can wait until your doctor can see you. While a broken bone can be treated at an urgent care facility, compound fractures — in which the bone protrudes through the skin — require immediate treatment at an emergency department.
3
True or false: A fever of 100 degrees or more warrants emergency treatment. Answer: False. For otherwise healthy adults, elevated body temperature isn’t considered a fever until the temperature reaches 100.4 degrees. Go to the emergency department for a fever of 104 degrees or higher, if you’re undergoing chemotherapy, or if you also have trouble breathing, changes in behavior or neck stiffness. Fevers in
4
True or false: It’s OK to drive yourself or a loved one to the hospital during a potential stroke. Answer: False. If you think you or someone you know is having a stroke, call 911. You may think driving to the hospital will be faster than waiting for an ambulance, but it’s not. Every minute counts when a stroke occurs, and when you call 911, medical care begins as soon as first responders arrive. On the way to the hospital, they perform vital tasks and alert the hospital to ensure that a stroke team is ready to treat you.
home or by your primary care physician. Unless you have a severe sunburn that blisters, aloe and aspirin to control fever are your best bet. For bug bites and poison ivy, try over-the-counter anti-itch ointment unless you have allergies. Heatstroke can lead to brain damage, kidney failure and even death. Seek emergency care if, after being outside in the heat, you develop a fever of 104 degrees or higher or have any of the following symptoms: confusion, irritability, slurred speech, rapid breathing, fast heart rate, nausea or vomiting, flushed skin or headache. n
Emergencies Can’t Wait. Neither Should You.
5
Which summertime affliction should prompt a visit to the emergency department?
Houston Methodist Emergency Care Centers are conveniently located throughout the greater Houston area. To find the location closest to you, visit houstonmethodist.org/ER or call 713.441.ER24 (3724).
a. Sunburn b. Bug bites c. Poison ivy d. Heatstroke e. None of the above
Answer: D. Heatstroke. Most summertime ailments can be treated at
Emergency Room or Primary Care? Chest pain
Stroke
Flu
Ankle sprain
Acid reflux
ER
2
Which sports injury requires emergency care?
babies younger than 3 months and the elderly should also be treated sooner than later.
PRIMARY CARE
Women are more likely than men to experience these symptoms in addition to or in the absence of chest pain. Many women report just feeling tired leading up to a heart attack. Be vigilant about seeking care when you feel something is off with your health.
houstonmethodist.org 7
Nonprofit Org US Postage
PAID
Columbus WI Permit 62
Houston Methodist Hospital 6565 Fannin St. Houston, Texas 77030-2707 houstonmethodist.org
713.790.3333
leading MediCine in greater houston
houstonmethodist.org
hospitals
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.
7 15 14
5. houston Methodist west hospital
2. houston Methodist San Jacinto hospital
6. houston Methodist willowbrook hospital
3. houston Methodist St. John hospital
7. houston Methodist the woodlands hospital Opening in 2017
4. houston Methodist Sugar land hospital
speCialtY hospital
HOSPITALS
. houston Methodist St. catherine hospital
SPECIALTY HOSPITALS EMERGENCY CARE CENTERS
6
1. houston Methodist hospital
IMAGING CENTERS
eMergenCY Care Centers 713.441.ER24 (3724)
. houston Methodist kirby Emergency care center 10. houston Methodist pearland Emergency care center
5 8
2
16 12
13
11. houston Methodist Sienna plantation Emergency care center 12. houston Methodist voss Emergency care center
9 1
13. houston Methodist cinco Ranch Emergency care center NOW OPEN! 14. houston Methodist cypress Emergency care center Opening in Fall 2015 15. houston Methodist Spring Emergency care center Opening in 2016
iMaging Centers . houston Methodist breast imaging center
4
10 11
3
16. houston Methodist imaging center
For more information about Houston Methodist or for a physician referral, please visit houstonmethodist.org or call 713.790.3333.
Learn more about our complimentary concierge services for out-of-town patients at houstonmethodist.org/usa or 877.790.DOCS (3627). facebook.com/houstonmethodist
twitter.com/methodisthosp
youtube.com/methodisthospitalhou
plus.google.com/+houstonmethodist
STAY CONNECTED withSTAY Houston Methodist year-round CONNECTED
withup,Houston Methodist By signing you will receive informationyear-round on upcoming events, health tips and newsletters. Don’t worry. We will not sell your information and you can opt out at any time. By signing up, you will receive health tips, newsletters and information on upcoming events. Don’t worry, we will not sell your information, and you can opt out at any time. houstonmethodist.org/subscribe
houstonmethodist.org/subscribe
facebook.com/houstonmethodist
twitter.com/methodisthosp
youtube.com/methodisthospitalhou
plus.google.com/+houstonmethodist