LEADING MEDICINE
LIFESTYLE CHANGES FOR STROKE PREVENTION
Making small daily lifestyle changes, such as adding in a daily walk around your neighborhood, or big lifestyle changes, such as limiting your alcohol intake, will help reduce your stroke risk, which is the leading cause of disabilities in the U.S.
A stroke is an attack on the brain and occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain fails. This causes brain cells to die from the lack of oxygen and nutrients. When brain cells die, you begin to lose brain function, which affects your ability to move, speak, eat and perform other cognitive functions.
KNOW YOUR RISKS
High cholesterol – Individuals with high cholesterol are twice as likely to develop heart disease as those with lower cholesterol levels. Too much cholesterol buildup in the walls of blood vessels can cause blood clots — leading to a stroke. Regular screenings can help detect high cholesterol, which often goes otherwise undetected as it typically presents no symptoms.
High blood pressure – One-third of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, a condition that can have potentially life-threatening consequences. It is the leading cause of stroke and the most significant controllable risk factor.
“Know your numbers and keep them low,” said Dr. Tony Zhang, board-certified neurologist with Houston Methodist Sugar Land Neurology Associates.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) – AFib is one of the most common heart arrhythmias — a heart rhythm disorder. An AFib clot can travel to the brain and cause a stroke and heart failure. People with AFib are five times more likely to have a stroke than those without heart disease.
“Strokes are dangerous and can be deadly,” Zhang said. “But that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about them. There are several ways to control and treat certain risk factors.”
REDUCING YOUR RISKS
While these health risk factors must be taken seriously, effective treatment options exist for all of them. In addition to medical treatment options, changes to your lifestyle can help increase your odds of stroke prevention:
■ Don’t smoke
■ Exercise regularly
■ Limit alcohol consumption
■ Maintain a healthy weight
■ Treat other health conditions
“Up to 80% of strokes are preventable through healthy lifestyle changes,” Zhang said. “Knowing and controlling your risk factors early is key to prevention.” •
Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is a Comprehensive Stroke Center. This designation allows the hospital to receive and treat patients with the most complex strokes. To learn more about your stroke risk and other neurological conditions, visit houstonmethodist.org/spg/neurology/ sugar-land or call 281.201.6052 ?
Talk to a Specialist
Dr. Tony Zhang
STRONG FROM THE INSIDE OUT: Prioritizing Pelvic Health
As women, we experience unique challenges and concerns when it comes to our pelvic health. Our bodies undergo significant changes from postpartum to menopausal years and beyond, impacting the health of our pelvic floor muscles.
The pelvic floor includes muscles, ligaments and connective tissue that support a woman’s pelvic organs, including the uterus, bladder and rectum. These muscles and tissues can weaken due to a variety of factors, such as age, surgery and childbirth, leading to incontinence or problems controlling the bladder and bowels.
One of the most common pelvic health concerns for women is urinary incontinence — or uncontrollable bladder leakage — which can cause embarrassment and discomfort.
While urinary incontinence is very common, it is not something you should accept as normal. There are many treatment options available, ranging from bladder training and pelvic floor muscle exercises to minimally invasive surgical procedures.
TREATMENT OPTIONS POSTPARTUM AND BEYOND
Pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegels, can be an effective treatment option to strengthen muscles after childbirth and beyond. These exercises involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles to improve your strength and tone.
“Performing Kegels and other pelvic floor exercises can strengthen and enhance muscles in the pelvic floor, providing better support to the bladder and urethra, which in turn lowers the likelihood of urinary leakage,” explained Dr. Laura
Martinez, board-certified urologist with Houston Methodist Urology Associates at Sugar Land.
Pelvic floor exercises must be done correctly to be effective, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about the best method and form for you.
Your doctor may also recommend surgical options, such as sling procedures or urethral bulking agents.
A sling procedure involves placing a synthetic or biologic implant through the vagina to provide support to the urethra and bladder neck, preventing urinary leakage. Your doctor can help recommend the best choice of sling based on your needs.
Another option is an injection of urethral bulking agents. This minimally invasive procedure reduces the opening of the urethra to prevent urine leakage.
“These procedures are minimally invasive and entail a brief recovery time,” Martinez said. “Following treatment, many women experience a significant quality of life improvement. Consult with your health care provider to help identify the most suitable option tailored to your specific pelvic health needs.” •
Schedule an Appointment
If you are experiencing pelvic floor issues, don’t let shame or embarrassment keep you from seeing a specialist. Make an appointment with Houston Methodist Urology Associates at Sugar Land. Visit houstonmethodist.org/spg/urology/sugar-land or call 281.746.6611
Dr. Laura Martinez
PRIMARY CARE Beyond the Annual Checkup
Your primary care provider (PCP) is a long-term partner to help in your quest for better health. With regular wellness exams and age-appropriate screenings, your PCP can understand your needs and help catch harmful health issues that don’t have obvious symptoms.
“Continuing care with the same primary care provider is beneficial because I already know your medical history and can provide the best treatment advice,” said Dr. Prathibha Thomas, board-certified family medicine doctor with Houston Methodist Primary Care Group in Sienna.
To help manage your overall health and well-being, your doctor is your best resource. Ask about a new health fad, immunizations, hurts, pains and even your worries. Your doctor is here to listen.
FOR QUESTIONS & IMMUNIZATIONS
When it comes to the latest diet trend or learning about immunizations, instead of asking Google for advice, start with your doctor. After all, he or she understands your health history and can guide you based on clinical evidence.
“There is a lot of misinformation online regarding medication side effects, fad diet plans and advertised supplements. I am here to advise and help you understand the latest clinical guidelines to make sure you are doing no harm to your health,” Thomas said.
Everyone should get an annual flu shot, as well as a tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) or tetanus diphtheria (Td) booster every 10 years. Your doctor may also recommend vaccines depending on your age, health history, or if you have international travel plans.
Dr. Prathibha Thomas
TO FIND A LURKING HEALTH ISSUE
Some health issues are easy to identify — acid reflux, asthma, urinary tract infections.
Unfortunately, some chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure, prediabetes and high cholesterol, can lurk quietly in the background. Having an annual wellness exam with your primary care doctor can help uncover these conditions.
Depending on your age and family health history, your PCP may recommend other health and wellness exams, such as prostate cancer screening for men or colorectal cancer screening and lung cancer screening.
“If a cancer screening comes back positive, then it’s my job to quickly coordinate with a specialist who manages that condition,” Thomas explained.
Navigating the health care system alone can be overwhelming. Your PCP can make it easier by briefing specialists such as cardiologists, neurologists or endocrinologists on your health challenges.
Afterward, your PCP can help with a continued care plan. “I review the specialist’s findings to have a better understanding of your condition and treatment plan,” Thomas added. “Then I help navigate you through strategies and timely interventions.”
TO STAY MENTALLY WELL
Your PCP can also be an important resource to evaluate your mental health. Health changes that can cause isolation from your daily activities and possibly lead to anxiety and depression include:
■ Cancer
■ Childbirth
■ Diabetes
■ Heart attack
■ High blood pressure
■ Stroke
“In primary care, we screen and treat not only the primary condition, but also address treatment needed for your mental health,” Thomas added. “Sometimes you are started on medications or therapy. If need be, your PCP can help find a psychiatrist or a therapist to continue the treatment plan.”
FOR OVERALL HEALTH NEEDS
Whether it’s an acute illness such as a bad cold or you’re just not feeling right, get comprehensive care from an established relationship with your PCP. “Preventive care goes beyond the wellness exam — I am here to support you throughout your life,” Thomas noted. •
Find a Primary Care Provider
Houston Methodist Primary Care Group has more than 45 practices across the Greater Houston area. To find a doctor near you, visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/southwest or call 713.441.7965
SEE YOUR DOCTOR VIRTUALLY
Life can get busy, and making time for a doctor’s visit doesn’t always fit into your day. That’s where virtual visits come in — a perfect option for your health and lifestyle. Whether from your bed, couch, kitchen or hotel, your doctor can see you.
Follow-up care and many common health issues can be addressed via video visits, such as:
To get quick access to care, visit houstonmethodist. org/pcg/southwest and schedule a virtual appointment with one of our primary care providers.
HIGH TIME TO LEARN ABOUT Low Back Pain
Do you ever wonder why you’re experiencing lower back pain? The lower back, or lumbar spine, supports the weight of your upper body and is involved in everyday movements of your hips, pelvis and lower extremities — such as bending, twisting and coordinating muscles.
“Because of its important role in movement, the lumbar spine is prone to overuse. The bones, ligaments, muscles and disks are often under strain,” said Dr. Alexander Molinari, orthopedic spine surgeon with Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land. “Injury and deterioration over time can affect the lumbar spine and cause lower back pain.”
LOWER BACK PAIN CAUSES
A lower back strain can result from an acute injury — such as lifting something too heavy or playing sports — or develop over time due to repetitive movements or poor posture. Treatment can involve anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxers, at-home therapy and rest until the pain subsides.
“Healing from a lower back injury can take a few days or a few months. If your pain continues or gets worse, however, there may be other factors at play,” Molinari explained.
The source of chronic lower back pain usually involves issues with the lumbar disks, nerves or joints.
A herniated disk can be acute or chronic and occurs when the inner gel of one of the five disks in your lumbar spine slips or squishes beyond the outer rind and presses on surrounding nerves, which then causes your pain.
Facet joint damage happens over time when the joint cartilage connecting the five lower back vertebrae breaks down from compressive force and stress. Poor posture or repeated overuse can result in inflammation, stiffness and muscle spasms.
A spinal compression fracture occurs when a vertebra in your lumbar spine essentially collapses in on itself. Often due to disk herniations or trauma, it results in sudden pain and limited spinal mobility with a common sign of a loss of height.
Lumbar spinal stenosis happens when the spinal canal in your lower back narrows, placing pressure on nearby nerve roots. Causes may include bone spurs, ligament thickening and degeneration, or herniation of disks or joints.
Spondylolisthesis is when a lumbar vertebra slips forward, over the top of the vertebrae below, placing compressive force on the disk that separates the two vertebrae. If the lumbar disk flattens from this force, it can lead to nerve compression and sciatica.
According to Molinari, osteoarthritis and degenerative disk disease are very common causes of lower back pain, but speaking to a doctor will help determine the root cause of your pain.
WHEN TO SEE A SPECIALIST
“You should see a specialist if your lower back pain doesn’t resolve from at-home care,” Molinari said. “Your doctor will be able to help you find a diagnosis and provide treatment that helps you get back to the activities you love most.” •
We Have Your Back
Whether it is everyday discomfort or severe pain from a complex condition or injury, the experienced team at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land will help you find relief. To schedule an appointment, visit houstonmethodist. org/orthopedics/sugar-land or call 281.201.0396
Dr. Alexander Molinari
6 SIGNS You Should See a Gastroenterologist
Dr. Altaib
Al Yassin
If you have unexplained or frequent digestive issues, such as abdominal discomfort or changes to your bowel habits, someone’s probably told you to see a gastroenterologist. A gastroenterologist, sometimes referred to as a GI doctor, specializes in conditions of the digestive tract, which includes:
■ Bile ducts
■ Gall bladder
■ Gastrointestinal tract
■ Liver
■ Pancreas
“Some patients wonder if their symptoms mean they should see a specialist,” said Dr. Altaib Al Yassin, gastroenterologist with Houston Methodist Gastroenterology Associates at Sugar Land. “There are several reasons why you might want to schedule a visit.”
1. ONGOING DIARRHEA
If your stool is liquid more often than it is solid, it’s time to see a gastroenterologist. “There are a few digestive disorders that can cause chronic diarrhea, most commonly irritable bowel syndrome. Or, it could be something much more serious, such as inflammatory bowel disease,” Al Yassin noted. “Luckily, treatments are available that can help.”
2. CONSTIPATION
Fewer than three bowel movements a week could mean constipation — especially if they’re very small, very hard or difficult to pass. “A specialist can help you decide whether lifestyle changes, medications or both can help you be more regular,” Al Yassin said.
3.
FREQUENT HEARTBURN
If you have heartburn more than a couple of times a week it may be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). “Untreated, GERD can cause permanent damage that can lead to trouble swallowing and painful ulcers. It can even increase your risk of developing cancer,” Al Yassin explained.
4.
SUDDEN ABDOMINAL PAIN
Peptic ulcer disease can lead to burning pain after eating and can cause swelling and scarring. Gallstones and pancreatitis can cause consistent severe pain. “Pain that is severe and lasts for hours or comes on suddenly is usually more than a bellyache,” Al Yassin noted.
5. BLOOD IN THE STOOL
Blood could indicate hemorrhoids. Or it could be something more serious, like colorectal cancer. “Don’t assume blood in your stool is a sign of hemorrhoids,” Al Yassin explained, “especially if it’s accompanied by changes in your daily habits or the color and consistency of your stool.”
6.
YOU'RE OVER THE AGE 45
If you’re over age 45 or your family has a history of colorectal cancer, it’s time for a colonoscopy. While the idea of a camera on a long flexible tube searching your colon for polyps or signs of cancer doesn’t sound appealing, it could save your life. “When we find cancer early the chances of survival go way up,” Al Yassin said.
If you’ve noticed any of these six signs, it’s time to consider scheduling an appointment with a GI doctor. “If your condition is chronic, he or she will also discuss how best to manage your condition over time. Your doctor may also talk to you about additional testing if your symptoms don’t improve,” Al Yassin said. •
We’re Here to Help
Our doctors focus on helping you find relief from gastrointestinal symptoms. To schedule an appointment with a GI doctor at Houston Methodist Gastroenterology Associates at Sugar Land, visit houstonmethodist. org/spg/gastroenterology/sugar-land or call 281.801.9303
HOUSTON METHODIST
LEADING CARE
Convenient, easy-to-access locations for primary, specialty and emergency care in Sugar Land
We offer a full spectrum of care, including:
• Primary care physicians for you and your family, providing personal care and service
• Specialists with innovative treatments and customized programs for all conditions, including cutting-edge orthopedic, cancer and neurological care
• Collaborative teams of experts using the newest technologies and latest research
To find care near you, visit houstonmethodist.org/care-sugarland or call 713.790.3333.