LEADING MEDICINE Your link to health innovations, news and tips IN the Clear Lake Area
SUM M ER 2014
SMART women Take our quiz to learn more about your greatest health risks
We’ve Got Your Back Care Covered
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Summer Safety Tips
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health break Small Changes, Major Benefits To help reduce your risk of heart disease, you can: 1. Start walking at least a half-hour every day, recommends the American Heart Association. 2. Dine like Dimitri and investigate whether the Mediterranean diet is right for you. 3. Sneak in a siesta. A short nap after lunch can decrease heart disease risk by 37 percent, according to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine. Little changes add up but take time. Celebrate the small wins, said Dr. Raj Bhalla.
Heart-Healthy Moves
If you would like help on the road to heart health, talk with one of our Wellness and Nutrition experts. Call 281.333.8806 today.
Eating for YOUR Heart What’s the best diet for heart health? Whenever Dr. Raj Bhalla, a cardiologist and Department of Medicine chair Dr. Raj Bhalla at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital, is asked, he replies, “Moderation, moderation, moderation. There are many diets and lifestyle choices that promote good heart health. The key is finding, and sticking with, one that is balanced and fits within your daily life.” One of the recent popular diets in the media is the Mediterranean diet, which promotes vegetables, legumes, fruits, whole grains and fish. It may help protect you from sudden cardiac death, according to studies such as one by Harvard School of Public Health and Cambridge Health Alliance.
Pasta, Potato and Tuna Salad This dish’s Mediterranean zest is only one of its virtues. Its main ingredient, tuna, is loaded with vitamins and minerals, as well as heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. INGREDIENTS 4 small red new potatoes, quartered 1¹⁄8 tsp salt, divided 4 oz whole-wheat fusilli (corkscrew pasta) or penne, about 1½ c uncooked 8 oz green beans, trimmed and cut into 1½- to 2-inch lengths, about 2 c 1 (7-oz) pouch albacore or light tuna 1 large lemon 3 Tbsp minced scallion, green parts only 2 Tbsp minced Italian parsley ¹⁄³ c reduced-sodium chicken broth 2 tsp olive oil ¼ tsp pepper ¼ c crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese
DIRECTIONS Bring potatoes to a boil and cook 15 to 18 minutes. Meanwhile, fill a pot with water. Add 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil and stir in pasta. Cook for 6 minutes. Add green beans. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes. Drain and set aside. Cut potatoes into cubes. Spoon equal amounts of pasta onto four plates. Spoon potatoes, green beans and tuna over pasta. Using a lemon
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zester, top with strips of lemon peel. In a bowl combine scallion, parsley, chicken broth, oil, ¹⁄8 tsp salt, pepper, 2 Tbsp lemon juice (from the peeled lemon). Spoon over salad. Sprinkle cheese on top.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION Makes 4 (1¾ c) servings; each has: 260 calories; 4 g fat; 22 g protein; 36.5 g carbohydrates; 5.5 g dietary fiber
We’re Here to Help Welcome to the first issue of the new Leading Medicine publication,
brought to you by Houston Methodist St. John Hospital. Three times a year, we’ll provide valuable information to help you make informed health care decisions. You can share our digital version with friends and loved ones through the QR code, or at houstonmethodist.org/publications.
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See One of Our Expert Physicians
We’ve Got Your
Back Learn about two common causes of back pain, and what you can do to heal Back pain is like the common cold — nearly everyone (eight out of 10 of us) will feel it at some point. With such a complicated structure at work Dr. Kim Garges — 24 vertebrae and 23 disks, plus nerves, the spinal column and muscles — it’s no wonder that back pain is so common. Want to put that pain behind you? First, you need to know what may be causing it. Dr. Kim Garges, a boardcertified orthopedic spine specialist at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital, highlights two common causes and what to do to get back in action.
CAUSE: OVERTRAINING
SYMPTOMS: Lower-back pain that
can range from achy to stabbing, accompanied by stiffness and limited range of motion. WHAT’S HAPPENING: You’re probably familiar with this variety of backache — the most common source of back pain. “Tightness or fatigue in the muscles can result from overworking, poor posture or unusual activities for that person,” Garges said. “The muscles are reacting to the changes and protesting by causing pain in the lower back.” WHAT’S NEXT: While you can expect the pain to settle down in a few days, it’s important to maintain some level of activity in the meantime. Mild exercise will speed up your recovery. If the pain
To schedule an appointment with one of our spine specialists, call 713.790.3333 or visit houstonmethodist.org..
doesn’t go away in 48 hours, make an appointment with your doctor, Garges suggests. Once you feel better, work to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles to avoid future strains.
CAUSE: HERNIATED DISK
SYMPTOMS: Sharp leg or hip pain,
or both, usually relegated to one side of the body. It may include back pain and numbness. WHAT’S HAPPENING: Think of the intervertebral disks in your spine as jelly-filled shock absorbers that sit between each of your vertebrae. A herniated disk occurs when the intervertebral disk’s gooey center pushes against the hard outer ring that houses it, putting pressure on nearby nerves, which may lead to a variety of symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, burning and muscle weakness. So what makes the disk bulge in the first place? Certain movements, including lifting, bending, twisting or pulling. WHAT’S NEXT: Avoid strenuous activity and talk to your doctor about what medication might help. While most people respond well to this treatment and can return to normal activities, some may need steroid injections or surgery.
HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/STJOHN
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Smart
Women If you’re like most women, you’re in charge of your family’s health. Women make 80 percent of health care decisions for their families. But how much do you know about your own health? As an internist (think personal physician CEO) with Houston Methodist Primary Care Group at St. John Hospital, and a woman, Dr. M. Carmen Visus knows all too well how often women put their families’ health above their own. Take this test to see whether what you don’t know might be hurting you.
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Women and men don’t always experience the same heart attack symptoms. Name a symptom more common in women.
ANSWER: During a heart attack, women are more
likely to have shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, and back and jaw pain. When it comes to heart trouble, it’s not just a man’s world. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women. WHAT YOU CAN DO: The first step is to manage your risk factors, Visus said. That’s especially important if you are diabetic, hypertensive or have high cholesterol levels. Make heart-healthy lifestyle choices: Exercise, follow a low-fat, high-fiber diet and, of course, refrain from smoking. “Do not put off your own health care,” Visus said. “Women are famous for putting everyone else ahead of themselves.”
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Think FAST — and spell out this acronym that identifies the sudden signs of stroke.
Answer: FAST stands for face
drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty and time to call 911. What you can do: With women accounting for 60 percent of stroke deaths, adopt heart-healthy strategies to reduce your risk. This year, the American Stroke Association issued its first guidelines for preventing stroke in women. The guidelines address stroke risk factors unique to women, such as migraines and use of birth control pills.
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Rank in order the top cancer killers of women — breast, lung, colorectal.
Answer: Lung, breast, colorectal. Lung
cancer kills more women than breast and colorectal cancers combined. What you can do: If you smoke, quit. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently recommended annual lung cancer screening for smokers ages 55 to 80 who averaged a pack of cigarettes daily for 30 years or those who quit within the past 15 years. Many insurance companies cover lung cancer screening; the Houston Methodist Lung Cancer Screening Program offers low-cost scans for qualified patients without coverage.
True or false: With the advent of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, I only need a Pap test to check for cervical cancer every five years.
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Answer: True, if you’re between 30 and
Answer: Houston Methodist, like
65. Women in this age group should have Pap and HPV tests every five years (or Pap test alone every three years). Women ages 21 to 29 should have a Pap test every three years. Women up to age 26 should also consider getting the HPV vaccine. Those 65 and older who have a history of regular screening and normal results can stop Pap tests. What you can do: Discuss your options with your doctor. Women who have weakened immune systems or who have had a past abnormal result may need a Pap test more often. HPV is often undiagnosed, so to decrease your risk of contracting the virus, limit your number of sexual partners and always use condoms.
Choose the correct answer: A woman should have a mammogram annually/every other year beginning at age 40/50. the American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology, recommends that women begin annual mammograms at age 40. One in six cases of breast cancer occurs in women in their 40s. In addition to mammography, Houston Methodist St. John’s Breast Imaging Center of Excellence offers breast MRI to clarify mammogram results and improve diagnosis. What you can do: Mammograms and annual clinical exams are critical for the early detection of breast cancer. However, Visus said, “the absolute best tool to prevent this, or any, condition is a woman’s personal commitment to make her health a top priority.”
We’re Here to Help
Health Screenings at Every Age Great health is built on a foundation of smart choices. One wise choice is to take advantage of health screenings that can identify problems at their earliest, most treatable stages, said Dr. M. Carmen Visus. Here’s a decadeby-decade look. 20s: Your whole life is ahead of you. Start it right. At age 20, begin cholesterol and blood pressure testing. At age 21, start Pap tests. 30s: Between careers, kids and relationships, 30-somethings are used to juggling. Add one more task to your to-do list: thyroid-stimulating hormone screening beginning at age 35. 40s: Parenting teenagers and experiencing hormonal changes make life wildly interesting. Don’t forget to begin mammography at age 40 and blood glucose testing at age 45. 50s: By midlife, you’ve learned to master your fears. Hit colonoscopy head-on starting at age 50. 60s: Bone up on your golden years with a bone density scan at age 65 and annual vision screening starting at 65.
To schedule an appointment or if you’re not sure what type of doctor you need, call our Physician Referral and Health Information Line at 713.790.3333.
houstonmethodist.org/stjohn
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Timeline of a
Stroke Know the signs of stroke and the importance of getting treatment right away Driving home from dinner, you glance over at your husband and you know something isn’t right. His right arm appears limp. His speech is slurred. And his mouth is drooping. What’s happening? If you said he might be having a stroke, you’re right. Here’s what you need to know about the U.S.’s leading cause of disability and fourth most frequent cause of death.
The First Minute
During a stroke, a blood vessel responsible for taking oxygen and nutrients to the brain is affected. Either the stroke is hemorrhagic, which happens when a blood vessel bursts, or the stroke is ischemic, which is caused by a clotted blood vessel in the brain. “The more common type is called an ischemic stroke,” said April Simmons, RN, and CCCC Stroke Program coordinator at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital. “It’s the brain’s version of a heart attack. While the portion of the brain affected is supported by blood supply from back
channels, every minute that goes by, 2 million brain cells die.” That’s why experts say that “time lost is brain lost.” It’s also why it’s important to get help right away. Remember: When blood flow to the brain stops, the symptoms come on suddenly. Common signs, Simmons said, follow the memory guide FAST: F Facial drooping A Arm weakness S Speech difficulty T Time If any of the signs are present, call 911.
The First Hour
For people who have had an ischemic stroke, a drug called tPA can be given to bust the clot. “The first hour after the onset of symptoms is known as the ‘golden hour’, ” said Dr. Mohammad Siddiqi, Houston Methodist St. John ER medical director. “That’s when the drug has shown the most benefit — helping to restore blood flow and prevent further cognitive and physical problems.” Remember: It might be tempting to
drive your loved one to the hospital, but calling 911 is a better option. “Stroke treatment begins with emergency medical responders communicating with ER physicians and staff. An emergency room with a Stroke Alert team can shave valuable minutes that help improve outcomes,” Siddiqi said.
The First Three Hours
If you think someone is having a stroke, don’t wait to see whether the symptoms go away on their own. “Treatment at 60 minutes is better than treatment at 120 minutes is better than treatment at 160 minutes,” Siddiqi said.
Call 911
It cannot be overemphasized: If you see any of the FAST signs of stroke (see main text), call 911. Do not drive yourself or your loved one to the emergency room. Call 911 instead.
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Build a Safer Summer Take these steps to keep you and your family healthy and injury-free
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ummertime is filled with outdoor activities, home improvement projects and fun in the sun — and, unfortunately, related injuries. Here’s how to keep your loved ones and yourself safe this season.
DIY Disasters
More than 330,000 emergency room visits a year are because of injuries involving home workshop equipment, reports the Home Safety Council. Here are ways to protect yourself: • Use approved safety glasses for eyes. • When using workshop equipment, make sure all clothing fits closely and remove all jewelry. • Follow manufacturer guidelines on hazardous substances. • Declare working areas kid-free zones. Pets too!
Hard to Stomach
Picnic time is, sadly, food poisoning time as well. The bacteria that make us sick to our stomachs grow faster at higher temps. Heed these tips: • Keep raw meat separate from readyto-eat foods. If raw meat comes into
contact with prepared foods, you could be in for trouble. • Cook meats thoroughly. Don’t be fooled by grilled foods that get nicely charred on the outside but stay pink and undercooked within. And don’t precook the meat, as partial cooking allows bacteria to multiply, and heating up the food won’t kill the bacteria. • Keep foods cold. Perishable foods, luncheon meats, salads and spreads need to be kept on ice or in wellinsulated coolers.
Burn Basics
Treatment depends on the kind of burn you have.
First-degree burns are red and painful, usually healing in three to six days. Soak the burn in cool water and apply aloe vera cream or an antibiotic ointment. Next, cover with a dry gauze bandage and take an over-the-counter pain reliever, if necessary. Second-degree burns are thicker, have blisters and usually heal in two to three weeks. Soak the burn in cool water for 15 minutes and cover with wet cloths for a few minutes daily. Apply an antibiotic cream, cover with a dry, nonstick dressing and check with your doctor’s office to ensure you’re up to date on tetanus shots. Third-degrees burns cause damage to all layers of the skin and require that you go to the ER immediately. Although the skin looks white or charred, these burns may cause little pain because the nerves in the skin are damaged.
Know Where to Go
While we hope you never need us, you can trust Houston Methodist St. John Hospital for your emergency care needs. Our experienced emergency team with board-certified physicians averages 11 years of ER experience each. We’re at 18300 St. John Drive, Nassau Bay, TX, 77058.
houstonmethodist.org/stjohn
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Houston Methodist St. John Hospital 18300 St. John Drive Houston, Texas 77058-6302 houstonmethodist.org/stjohn
713.790.3333
LEADING MEDICINE IN GREATER HOUSTON Just around the corner Houston Methodist has locations throughout Greater Houston to best serve you near your home or workplace. Our locations include hospitals, and emergency care and imaging centers.
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HOSPITALS EMERGENCY CARE CENTERS IMAGING CENTERS
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For more information about Houston Methodist or for a physician referral, please call 713.790.3333 or visit houstonmethodist.org.
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1 HOUSTON METHODIST HOSPITAL (Texas Medical Center) 6565 Fannin St. Houston, Texas 77030
6 HOUSTON METHODIST WEST HOSPITAL (I-10 at Barker Cypress) 18500 Katy Frwy. Houston, Texas 77094
2 HOUSTON METHODIST SAN JACINTO HOSPITAL (Garth Rd. exit off I-10) 4401 Garth Rd. Baytown, Texas 77521
7 HOUSTON METHODIST WILLOWBROOK HOSPITAL (Hwy. 249 and FM 1960) 18220 State Hwy. 249 Houston, Texas 77070
3 HOUSTON METHODIST ST. CATHERINE HOSPITAL (Katy - West Houston) 701 S. Fry Rd. Katy, Texas 77450
Emergency Care Centers 713.441.ER24 (3724)
4 HOUSTON METHODIST ST. JOHN HOSPITAL (Clear Lake Area) 18300 St. John Dr. Nassau Bay, Texas 77058
8 HOUSTON METHODIST EMERGENCY CARE CENTER – KIRBY 2615 Southwest Frwy., Suite 140 Houston, Texas 77090
5 HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL (U.S. 59 and Sweetwater) 16655 Southwest Frwy. Sugar Land, Texas 77479
9 HOUSTON METHODIST EMERGENCY CARE CENTER – PEARLAND 11525 Broadway St. Pearland, Texas 77584
10 HOUSTON METHODIST EMERGENCY CARE CENTER – SIENNA PLANTATION 8200 Highway 6 Missouri City, Texas 77454 Opening July 15 11 HOUSTON METHODIST EMERGENCY CARE CENTER – VOSS 1635 S. Voss Rd. Houston, Texas 77057
Methodist Imaging Centers 8 HOUSTON METHODIST BREAST IMAGING CENTER 2615 Southwest Frwy., Suite 104 Houston, Texas 77090 713.441.7765 12 HOUSTON METHODIST IMAGING CENTER 83333 Katy Frwy. Houston, Texas 77024 713.797.XRAY (9729)
Easy Online Appointment Scheduling
Choose your service and location, and filter the results to match your needs. Book online — instantly. Schedule an appointment for a CT scan, DEXA bone density scan, mammogram, MRI, ultrasound or X-ray. houstonmethodist.org/online-scheduling-st-john
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