lEaDinG MEDiCinE Your link to health innovations, news and tips IN EAST HOUSTON/BAYTOWN
SUM M ER 2015
health tuneup
Make summer the time for a family wellness check
X-Ray, CT, MRI? Your Imaging Cheat Sheet
Your Joints at Every Age
healthy Eats
Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital Mission and Vision
Scrambled Egg Burritos
Mission: To provide high-quality, cost-effective health care that delivers the best value to the people we serve in a spiritual environment of caring in association with internationally recognized teaching and research.
Whether for a tasty breakfast to kick off your day or a satisfying meal for after work, these burritos deliver protein, complex carbohydrates and loads of vitamins and minerals. They’re sure to win fans for their taste — and for how easy they are to make. Ingredients 4 9-inch whole-wheat flour tortillas
14-ounce can chopped green chiles
4 large eggs
1
⁄8 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1
Freshly ground pepper to taste 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
⁄2 cup grated cheddar or pepper jack cheese
2 cups salsa ⁄4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1
Directions Preheat oven to 350 F. Wrap tortillas in foil and heat in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes. Blend eggs, salt and pepper in a medium bowl with a fork. Heat oil in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add chiles and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add eggs and cook, stirring slowly with a wooden spoon or heat-proof rubber spatula, until soft, fluffy curds form, 11⁄2 to 21⁄2 minutes. Nutritional To serve, divide eggs evenly among information the tortillas. Sprinkle each with about Makes 4 servings. Each serving 2 tablespoons cheese and roll up. Serve contains: 328 calories, 5 g fat, with salsa and sour cream. 35 g carbohydrate, 18 g protein.
in this issue SUMMER 2015
3 4
our Family’s Summer Y Health Tuneup Think beyond the paper and pencils and make back-to-school season the time for a family health check Joint Approach A Osteoarthritis isn’t inevitable. At every age and stage of life, you can fight back.
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on’t Get Burned D This summer, remember this refresher on sunscreen he Best Start for Baby T A partnership with Texas Children’s Hospital allows Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital to offer specialized care close to home
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ddiction Answers A What you need to know about addiction to prescription medications, illicit drugs and alcohol
I CARE Values: Integrity: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do. Compassion: We embrace the whole person and respond to emotional, ethical and spiritual concerns as well as physical needs. Accountability: We hold ourselves accountable for our actions. Respect: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity and value. Excellence: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.
photos by thinkstock
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I maging IQ Having a diagnostic test done? Here’s what you need to know about common scans.
Vision: To be a leader in delivering safe, patient friendly, best-in-class care and service. To be a trusted, first and lifelong choice for consumers who are seeking health care services and physicians who are seeking a health care partner. To be an employer of choice that attracts and houses the best and brightest talent and nurtures employee loyalty.
Imaging IQ Having a diagnostic test done? Here’s what you need to know about common scans.
U
ntil 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 or another. It will 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. Oliver C. Hunter, a radiologist at Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital. “If you’re treated earlier, you’re likely to have a better recovery.”
Which Test is Which?
photo by thinkstock
Each imaging technology provides a different view of the body. An X-ray is best for viewing bones for fractures, teeth for cavities and the chest for pneumonia. Mammography is a form of low-dose X-ray to examine breasts for cancer. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is ideal when it comes to soft tissue, such as determining what might be going on inside a sore knee, hamstring, shoulder, or other joint or muscle. It
also provides clear pictures of the spine and brain. Ultrasound is best known for getting an early glimpse of a baby in utero, but it also can help assess internal organs for damage. Positron emission tomography (PET) is often used to check for cancer and monitor its spread. For years, computed tomography (CT) has been used to evaluate internal trauma and to detect cancer, but a newer version of the technology can identify plaque buildup in the arteries in the heart. The 64-slice CT creates a 3-D image by overlaying 64 X-rays on top of one another. “It creates a 3-D picture within seconds,” Hunter said. n
Schedule Your Scan
Did your doctor order a diagnostic test? To schedule, visit houstonmethodist.org/online-scheduling for a CT scan, DEXA scan, mammogram, MRI, MRI 3T, ultrasound or an X-ray appointment. You can also call 281.428.2273 to schedule.
finding a facility 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.
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Your Family’s
Summer Health Tuneup 4 LEADING MEDICINE IN east houston/baytown
Think beyond the paper and pencils and make backto-school 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.
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.
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.
photo by getty/Ariel Skelley
PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING
Why it matters: One in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime. Risk factors include being age 65 or older and 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
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.
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H
Approach Osteoarthritis isn’t inevitable. At every age and stage of life, you can fight back.
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20s and 30s:
Protect Your Joints
“Exercise regularly and lift weights to strengthen muscles that support joints,” said Pyle, who also recommends maintaining a healthy weight and getting enough calcium, magnesium and vitamin D in your diet to support bone and joint health. Though most people are robust at this age, Pyle noted that those who are overweight or have experienced a severe injury within the past 10 years may begin to develop early signs of osteoarthritis, including joint pain and stiffness.
photos by thinkstock
A Joint
ips, knees and shoulders are the stuff of mobility and independence, and keeping them in tiptop condition is important. Neglecting their health could lead to osteoarthritis — a progressive, degenerative disease in which joint cartilage breaks down, which affects more than 27 million Americans. Though the condition may seem inevitable as we age, we can do a lot to help prevent it — especially when it comes to hips, shoulders and knees. Dr. James Pyle, a board-certified orthopedic physician at Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital, shares a by-the-decades plan for keeping joints strong for the long haul.
A Faster, Better Recovery from Joint Replacement
40s and 50s:
Keep a Healthy Weight
The toll of earlier injuries or joint damage related to excess weight starts to mount. You may notice creaking or popping in your knees when climbing stairs, stiffness for a few minutes after waking, or a dull ache in your hips after exercise. Weight loss, physical therapy or anti-inflammatory medications may alleviate these mild symptoms. “Every extra pound puts greater pressure on your knees and can further exacerbate osteoarthritis symptoms,” Pyle said. “This is the time to do all you can to help your joints last as long as possible, so eat right, stay active and do what it takes to maintain a healthy weight.”
60s, 70s and Beyond:
Stay Active
As you age, the chances are greater that you’ll develop osteoarthritis in your hips, knees or shoulders, Pyle said. “Genetics, past injuries, excess weight and physical inactivity all play a role in its development and severity.”
Severe symptoms, like constant pain and very limited mobility, are common, but anti-inflammatory medication, weight loss, physical therapy and exercise can help. “Even in late age, losing weight can help decrease joint pain in the knees and hips, while regular stretching and strengthening can help lubricate hip, knee and shoulder joints and increase flexibility,” Pyle said. Unfortunately, some people will reach a point where the pain is unbearable. “In the most severe cases, osteoarthritis can make it hard to walk, lift or reach, or even be self-sufficient,” he said. “In these cases, joint replacement can provide pain relief, improve range of motion and mobility, and restore independence. Joint replacement is a good option to have down the road in a worst-case scenario, but the opportunity to decrease your chances of needing one is in your hands today.” n
If you’ve been suffering with joint pain, stiffness and limited mobility but have been on the fence about joint replacement surgery, here’s some good news: Today’s patients are recovering faster and experiencing better long-term results than ever before, said Dr. Mark Franklin, an orthopedic surgeon at Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital. Minimally invasive surgical techniques using smaller incisions and more precise instruments offer huge benefits to patients, such as: Less blood loss Shorter hospital stays (patients may go home as early as the next day compared with three to five days for traditional surgical methods) An earlier return to normal activities The majority of surgeons today are using bone ingrowth technology, a porous material on the prosthesis that the bone naturally grows into over time. “It shows promise as a longer-lasting, more natural method for achieving joint stability and supporting patient activity,” Franklin added.
Joint Solutions
To learn more about leading-edge, personalized joint care from diagnosis through rehabilitation at Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital, or to schedule an appointment for a joint replacement consultation with Dr. James Pyle or Dr. Mark Franklin, call 281.427.7400.
houstonmethodist.org/sanjacinto 7
Test Your
Skin Smarts
Don’t Get
Burned
This summer, remember this refresher on sunscreen
D
id you know that one severe sunburn in childhood doubles your chances of getting melanoma, a dangerous type of skin cancer, as an adult? Getting five or more sunburns at any age can double your risk for skin cancer in general, according to Dr. Conner Chan, a board-certified dermatologist at Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or greater. This means you have 30 times more protection than you would without the sunscreen. “Be sure to use an ounce of the stuff for your entire body — equal to a shot glass
— and consider SPF 30 or 45 for extra protection,” Chan said. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before you go into the sun so your skin can absorb it. Then reapply every two hours, and after exercising or going in the water (even if the sunscreen is waterproof or water-resistant). Avoid peak burning hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wear a brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses, Chan said. If you get sunburned, get out of the sun and drink fluids to prevent dehydration. Soak in a cool bath to relieve pain, or take acetaminophen to ease a headache, fever or chills. Lightly moisturize skin if you begin to peel, and don’t go out in the sun until you’re healed. n
Schedule a Skin Check
8 LEADING MEDICINE IN east houston/baytown
True or False 1. Skin cancer is the second most common form of cancer in the United States. 2. A change in the size or color of a mole could be a sign of cancer. 3. Early detection is of little use in preventing skin cancer. Answers 1. False. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., accounting for more than half of all cancers in the country. More than 1 million cases are diagnosed each year, and an estimated 10,000 people die. 2. True. When checking your moles and birthmarks, remember your ABCDs: Watch out for asymmetry, irregular border, differing color and growing diameter. 3. False. If melanoma, the most deadly of all skin cancers, is caught before it spreads, the five-year survival rate is 99 percent.
photo by thinkstock
Detection is the key to higher survival rates in skin cancer cases. If you would like to schedule a skin consultation with Dr. Conner Chan, a board-certified dermatologist at Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital, call 281.428.2273.
Your skin is your body’s largest organ — which means you have a lot of surface area susceptible to the sun’s harmful rays, a major contributor to skin cancer. Before you head outside, test your skin cancer knowledge with this quick quiz.
The Best Start for Baby A partnership with Texas Children’s Hospital allows Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital to offer superior care close to home
photo by thinkstock
W
hen a woman learns that she is pregnant, she spends the next nine months making decisions for herself and her growing family. One of the most important choices is where to deliver the baby. Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital makes that decision easier for patients in the Baytown area by offering high-quality, family-centered care throughout pregnancy and the childbirth experience. By partnering with Texas Children’s Hospital, the hospital is designated as a level 2 neonatal intensive care unit. All newborns, regardless of whether they are in intensive care, are seen by a group of top-notch neonatologists from Texas Children’s Hospital who also work at Houston Methodist San Jacinto. Neonatologists, who have undergone additional training with high-risk babies, conduct all newborn physician
services for the babies born at the hospital. Even better, they perform exams at mom’s bedside because the hospital keeps babies and mothers together during their hospital stay. “We really like that the baby and mother room together so we get a chance to encounter them both during our exams,” said Dr. Tommy Leonard, a neonatologist at Texas Children’s Hospital. “It’s been a really great experience to provide services in the Baytown area so families are able to feel secure in the medical treatment they will receive and still have their babies close to home.” In addition to neonatologists, all nurses in the maternal child unit at Houston Methodist San Jacinto are trained in mother-baby care. Two nurses are assigned to each patient room. While one nurse focuses on mom and the other focuses on baby,
both are part of a collaborative team that supports new families. The hospital also has a “kangaroo team” consisting of highly skilled neonatal nurses from Texas Children’s Hospital. The kangaroo team can quickly transport newborns to Texas Children’s Hospital if they are in need of more critical care. “While the percentage of babies transferred out is less than 1 percent, the kangaroo team provides swift and experienced care to babies in need,” said Leonard. When babies are transferred to Texas Children’s Hospital and mom is still recovering at Houston Methodist San Jacinto, digital webcams are set up so that interaction between mother and child can continue from a distance. n
Baby on the Way?
For more information on having a baby at Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital, please call 832.556.6543.
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Addiction Answers
What you need to know about addiction to prescription medications, illicit drugs and alcohol
Y
ou know that prescription medications, illicit drugs and alcohol can be addicting. But do you understand how to prevent addiction — or what it feels like? Here, we explain.
Prescription Drugs
Prescription pain relievers can be effective, but many people are understandably afraid of becoming addicted. Follow this advice for safe prescription drug use: Use as directed. People shouldn’t be fearful, but they need to follow their physician’s recommendations precisely. This also means not sharing your medicines with others. Short-term, limited use is effective and safe. These are very useful drugs for acute injury or illness and should only be taken for a limited time, when severe pain really limits function. If it’s not working, say so. Don’t double up on pills. Let your physician know so he or she can manage the dosing. Physical dependence happens fast. Prescription medications aren’t typically
recommended for longterm pain sufferers because physical dependence can occur within a few weeks of use. If you do find yourself having a difficult time getting off meds, be clear and candid with your doctor and ask for help.
illicit substances and alcohol
Recognizing the signs of addiction to illicit drugs or alcohol can better help you address the problem. Watch for these signs of addiction: • You feel sick if you don’t take drugs or drink alcohol. • You need more drinks or drugs to get “high” now than in the past. • Drinking or drugs have caused health problems. • Drinking or drugs take up a lot of your time. • You’ve tried to quit, but can’t. • You avoid friends and family. Talk to your doctor if you think you are addicted. Treatment can make you feel healthy and in control again. n
New Vision™ is the leading hospital-based withdrawal management and medical stabilization service nationwide. Call 281.420.7375 to learn more about the program.
10 LEADING MEDICINE IN east houston/baytown
Withdrawal If you or someone you know is experiencing alcohol or drug addiction, there is help. Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital now offers inpatient medical stabilization and withdrawal management through its New Vision™ service. New Vision™ assists the body to safely withdraw from drugs or alcohol in a medical setting, under the supervision of a physician and nurses. Once withdrawal occurs, the New Vision™ staff assists the patient with support services to be used after the patient is discharged.
photo by thinkstock
Help Is Available
A Safe
THE RIGHT DOCTOR IS RIGHT HERE
HOUSTON METHODIST PRIMARY CARE GROUP
SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE!
Houston Methodist Primary Care Group provides patient-centered, compassionate care to the Baytown community. Our board-certified health care providers enjoy getting to know their patients and listen attentively to develop personalized health plans. They are experts at guiding patients through the process of treating and preventing a wide spectrum of health issues.
Kimberlie Gonzalez, MD G. Storm Walmsley, MD Family Medicine Family Medicine
Wei-Ming Tuan, MD Internal Medicine
8608 N. Hwy 146 , Suite 600 | Baytown, TX 77523 Extended Hours available
Rebecca Dees, PA-C Family Medicine
Gregory Terry, MD Family Medicine
Trudy Istre, MS, RN, FNP-C Family Medicine
2610 N. Alexander Dr., Suite 201 | Baytown, TX 77520
Houston Methodist Primary Care Group is proudly supported by the leading technology and expertise of Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital and its medical professionals and staff. We look forward to taking care of you and your family. We are available to see you today!
Schedule online: houstonmethodist.org/primarycare or call 713.394.MPCG (6724)
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 scan, fluoroscopy, mammogram, MRI, MRI 3T, ultrasound or X-ray. houstonmethodist.org/online-scheduling
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San Jacinto Methodist Hospital 4401 Garth Rd. Baytown, Texas 77521-2122 houstonmethodist.org/sanjacinto
713.790.3333
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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.
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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
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8. houston Methodist St. Catherine hospital
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IMAGING CENTERS
eMergencY care centers 713.441.ER24 (3724)
9. houston Methodist Kirby Emergency Care Center 10. houston Methodist pearland Emergency Care Center
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11. houston Methodist Sienna plantation Emergency Care Center 12. houston Methodist Voss Emergency Care Center
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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 9. houston Methodist Breast imaging Center
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