LEADING MEDICINE SP RING 016
DON'T FALL FOR THESE WORKS OF FICTION
A RENEWED FOCUS ON WOMEN’S CARE
What’s to Blame for
NECK PAIN? YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INNOVATIONS, NEWS AND TIPS IN SOUTHEAST HOUSTON AND THE BAY AREA
Protect Your Neck Find the root cause of neck and back pain to create a wellness plan When it comes to treating back and neck pain, one size definitely doesn’t fit all. The network of specialists at the Spine Program at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital knows Dr. Matthew this all too well. That’s Higgs why they work together to ensure the best treatment plan to not just alleviate back and neck pain but to also find the source and fix it. Spine program coordinator Thea Lockett is a licensed athletic trainer with a master’s degree in sports medicine. It
is her job to gather unique details about each patient and act as a case manager. Each patient is scheduled to see Dr. Matthew Higgs, spine program director and orthopedic specialist. Higgs develops a tailor-made plan for each patient, and Lockett coordinates with the network, checking on the patient’s progress every step of the way. “We have an entire system of pain management doctors, physical therapists, massage therapists, even orthopedic surgeons and neurologists at our disposal,” said Lockett. “We create a comprehensive wellness plan, and we see it through.” n
Thursday, April 28 Hear from a team of spine specialists and learn about leadingedge imaging, treatment and rehabilitative therapy. Register at houstonmethodist.org/events or call 281.333.8899.
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After age 30, both men and women begin to lose bone density. Loss of bone mass may lead to osteopenia (decreased bone density below the level of osteoporosis), or worse, osteoporosis. Dr. Niloufar Ghadiri, a primary care physician at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital, says osteoporosis cannot be reversed, so making lifestyle changes early is key. “Unfortunately, once spinal fractures occur, the treatment of osteoporosis is less than satisfactory,” explained Ghadiri. “Prevention is the preferred approach.” Prevention begins by seeing a primary care physician who will determine your risk factors and, if necessary, start testing bone density. Modify your diet by increasing calcium and vitamin D rich foods and also by exercising regularly. Most importantly, start now. It’s never too late to prevent further bone loss.
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Free Neck and Back Pain Seminar
BONE UP ON OSTEOPOROSIS PREVENTION
Many Shades of
Symptoms
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Loss of sense of smell and sleep disorders may be an early indicator of neurological disorders The depth of work of a neurologist is mind-boggling. From migraine headaches to movement disorders to Alzheimer’s, a neurologist is Dr. Leanne dedicated to treating Burnett diseases that affect neuromuscular systems. Dr. Leanne Burnett is the medical director for neurological services at Houston Methodist Neurology Associates at St. John and is board certified in neurology. Dr. Akhila Vijayakumar is also a board-certified neurologist with clinical expertise in many areas, including muscle and nerve disorders. When asked about what diseases they treat, Burnett had to laugh. “It would take up the entire article just to list them,” she explained. “What many people don’t realize is that symptoms of different neurologic diseases are sometimes shared, so it can become quite complex.” For example, Burnett has treated several people who share both symptoms of Parkinson’s and dementia or Alzheimer’s. Robin Williams’ widow recently reported that he suffered from dementia with Lewy bodies. He was initially diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease but was also suffering from dementia. There are many forms of Parkinson’s disease. For example, actor Michael J.
Fox has tremor-dominant Parkinson’s. Tremors are involuntary, rhythmic movements of one or more parts of the body. Boxing great Mohammed Ali has pugilistic Parkinson’s syndrome, the result of repeated blows to the head during his career. In the past, Parkinson’s was first recognized by tremors and gait instability. Now some nonmotor symptoms, such as loss of the sense of smell and rapid eye movement behavior disorder — in which one acts out a dream physically — can be an early sign of Parkinson’s, although they are not sufficient to make the diagnosis. Burnett recommends that anyone suffering from movement disorders such as Parkinson’s see a primary care physician for evaluation and possible referral to a neurologist. “Having knowledgeable and specialized care can affect how well you deal with the disease,” she advised. n
Free Movement, Tremors and Parkinson’s Disease Seminar
Wednesday, May 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dr. Leanne Burnett will answer questions and discuss diagnosing and treating Parkinson’s disease and related disorders with today’s most effective diagnostics and therapies. Register at houstonmethodist.org/events or call 281.333.8899.
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Women’s Health
MYTHS Don’t fall for these works of fiction
T
here’s a lot of misinformation about women’s health out there, making it difficult to know what’s true. Here, we debunk five common myths.
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NOTHING CAN BE DONE ABOUT URINARY INCONTINENCE.
FACT: While the condition is common, you don’t have to live with it.
Urinary incontinence, which is the involuntary leakage of urine, has a number of treatment options, including behavior techniques and both nonsurgical and surgical procedures. Some also believe that urinary incontinence can occur only after a vaginal delivery. Whether you gave birth through a vaginal delivery or a cesarean section, you might experience incontinence afterward, explains Dr. Sri Gottimukkala, an obstetriciangynecologist at Houston Methodist Ob/Gyn Associates at St. John. Talk to your doctor about what you can do.
MYTH #
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MOST BREAST CANCER IS HEREDITARY.
FACT: Only 5 to 10 percent of breast cancers are hereditary.
“It’s certainly useful to recognize if breast cancer runs in your family,” Gottimukkala said. “If a woman does have an affected gene for breast cancer, she has a 40 to 80 percent chance of having breast cancer in her lifetime.” Whether you have a genetic risk or not, you have control over factors such as exercising, limiting alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, breastfeeding and limiting use of combined hormone replacement therapy after menopause, Gottimukkala explains.
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MYTH #
But the biggest risk factors for breast cancer are two things you can’t do anything about: being a woman and getting older. So make sure you talk to your doctor about your situation and the best age to begin screening mammograms. MYTH #
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WOMEN DON’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT HEART DISEASE.
FACT: Heart disease is the leading killer of women.
It’s especially important for women to know the signs of a heart attack because they are more likely to have more subtle symptoms, such as jaw pain, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and fatigue. Plus, you need to understand your personal risk for heart disease and have your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels checked regularly. Gottimukkala also recommends that as women get older, they consider seeing an internist or a primary care provider in addition to their obstetrician-gynecologist. “Medicine is becoming more specialized and, because of this, gone are the days when one doctor can manage all of your different needs,” she said. “Make sure you’re getting the specialized care you need. If you have cardiac risk factors, you want to make sure you have a doctor who can follow you and work with you
UNDERSTANDING GYNECOLOGIC CANCERS You’ve heard it time and time again: Listen to your body. That’s because it’s true. Symptoms, such as abnormal bleeding or pain, are trying to tell you something. They could signal something harmless and easy to treat, but they can also be signs of cancer. Our chart highlights a few women’s cancers and the symptoms to watch for.
to prevent a major cardiac event such as a heart attack.”
IF YOU’RE DONE HAVING CHILDREN, 4 YOU DON’T NEED AN ANNUAL WELLWOMAN EXAM. MYTH #
FACT: These annual exams are potentially even more important as you get older.
“Yearly exams are designed to help catch things early,” Gottimukkala said. “As a woman ages, her risk for female cancers [breast, uterine, ovarian, cervical and vaginal] also increases. We do the exam to check for signs and symptoms.” Menstrual irregularities, which are important to review with your doctor yearly, can signal other health issues. And don’t confuse the well-woman exam with a Pap test. While a Pap test might not be necessary every year, the well-woman exam remains important. MYTH #
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CALCIUM ALONE WILL KEEP YOUR BONES STRONG.
FACT: Calcium is important, yes, but vitamin D and lifestyle choices are also essential. “Women reach their peak bone mass by their 30s, and bone mass drops significantly the year leading up to
Symptoms
Cervical Cancer
menopause,” Gottimukkala said. “So it’s important not to wait until after menopause to worry about your bone health.” Doing regular weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, hiking and weight training, as well as not smoking, are key to having strong bones. So is making sure you’re getting enough calcium and vitamin D. Premenopausal women need 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily, and postmenopausal women, 1,200 milligrams — preferably through diet. And 800 IU is a good daily goal for vitamin D, Gottimukkala says. n
Schedule Your WellWoman Exam
Dr. Sri Gottimukkala is accepting new patients and welcomes your visit. To schedule an appointment, call 832.783.2330.
Ovarian Cancer
Uterine Cancer
Vaginal Cancer
Vaginal bleeding or discharge that isn’t normal for you Pelvic pain Back pain Bloating A change in bathroom habits (increased frequency or urgency with urination or constipation or diarrhea)
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Family MATTERS Women’s services upgrades at every level to serve women and families
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advanced treatments and cutting-edge technology — all within a comfortable, compassionate environment. The women’s services team at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital understands this. They are meeting the needs of women and their families with a multimillion-dollar expansion, which includes the addition of a medical director and four specialty physicians,
a partnership with Texas Children’s Hospital and enhanced facilities, to bring world-class health care to the Bay Area and Southeast Houston. At the forefront of patient care is a team of outstanding obstetricians and gynecologists at Houston Methodist Ob/Gyn Associates at St. John, who offer comprehensive care for women of all ages. Dr. Fernando Ocon serves as
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Dr. Fernando Ocon
Whether preparing for the birth of a child or a necessary gynecologic surgery, it’s important for every woman to trust her team of health care professionals to deliver superior medical care and have access to
CHECKLIST FOR EXPECTANT PARENTS medical director of women’s services. His team of specialists includes Drs. Michael Magliolo, Francoise Vandaele, Asia Mohsin and Sri Gottimukkala. “The depth of talent in the doctors we have selected to serve our patients is quite comprehensive. They cover every phase of women’s health,” Ocon said. “We have seasoned veterans and fresh new talent, all ready to provide the best care possible for women in the Bay Area.” For the safety and convenience of moms and their babies, Houston Methodist St. John Hospital’s newly renovated labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum patient rooms keep them in one room during their stay, provided the mothers have a normal,
healthy delivery. Additionally, the facility features two dedicated cesarean section operating rooms. In the event a newborn needs specialized care, the level II neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is staffed by nationally recognized Texas Children’s Hospital neonatologists. Level II designation means that the hospital is equipped to provide more specialized treatment for premature and sick infants. “We have upgraded every level of our women’s services capabilities to deliver the expertise and treatment options people have come to expect from Houston Methodist — only closer to home,” said Dan Newman, CEO. n
Pack your bags at least a month before your expected delivery with the following items.
(Below, from left) Dr. Michael Magliolo, Dr. Francois Vandaele, Dr. Sri Gottimukkala and Dr. Asia Mohsin have joined the staff at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital.
FOR BABY ❏ Car seat ❏ Receiving blankets and mittens ❏ Clothes for departure (make sure baby’s attire is appropriate for the weather) ❏ Baby book
FOR MOM ❏ Nightgowns, nursing bras, robe and slippers ❏ Toiletries and cosmetics ❏ Lamaze-recommended items ❏ Cellphone and charger FOR DAD ❏ Electronics and chargers ❏ Change of clothes ❏ Camera (photos can be taken in the birthing suites, but videos can only be filmed in the nursery and postpartum units) ❏ Toiletries ❏ Snacks ❏ List of family and friends to call or text when baby arrives
Wellness at Every Stage of Your Life
Our board-certified obstetrician-gynecologists provide personalized, compassionate, high-quality care during all phases of women’s lives. To schedule with one of our physicians, call 832.783.2330.
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Houston Methodist St. John Hospital 18300 St. John Drive Houston, Texas 77058-6302 houstonmethodist.org/stjohn
281.333.8899
LEADING MEDICINE IN GREATER HOUSTON
HOSPITALS
Just around the corner
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1. Houston Methodist Hospital
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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2. Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital 3. Houston Methodist St. John Hospital . Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital
6. Houston Methodist West Hospital 7. Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital
SPECIALTY HOSPITAL
HOSPITALS
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5. Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital Opening in 2017
8. Houston Methodist St. Catherine Hospital
SPECIALTY HOSPITALS EMERGENCY CARE CENTERS IMAGING CENTERS
EMERGENCY CARE CENTERS 713.441.ER24 (3724)
. Houston Methodist Kirby Emergency Care Center
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10. Houston Methodist Pearland Emergency Care Center 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! 1. Houston Methodist Cypress Emergency Care Center NOW OPEN! 15. Houston Methodist Spring Emergency Care Center NOW OPEN!
IMAGING CENTERS 5. Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at The Woodlands
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Taking care of the entire family. With locations throughout Greater Houston, Houston Methodist Primary Care Group is dedicated to providing care for the entire family and proud to ensure efficient access to specialty and hospital services whenever the need arises. To schedule an appointment, visit houstonmethodist.org or call 719.790.3333.
. Houston Methodist Breast Care Center 16. Houston Methodist Imaging Center
For more information about Houston Methodist or for a physician referral, please visit houstonmethodist.org or call 281.333.8899.
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