LEADING MEDICINE YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INNOVATIONS, NEWS AND TIPS IN FORT BEND AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES
RISK FACTORS What determines your likelihood of developing breast cancer
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Keep Your Joints Healthy
Free Flu Shot/ Toy Drive
FA LL 2014
HEALTH BREAK
FREE JOINT PAIN SEMINAR
Keep Your Joints Healthy
Tuesday, Sept. 23 • 6-7 p.m. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Conference Center
5 steps for protecting your joints
“When we’re young, we take our joints for granted — running and jumping with wild abandon. It’s not until we’re older or face an injury that we realize what our Dr. Mark Maffet joints do for us, and why protecting them matters,” said Dr. Mark Maffet, orthopedic sports medicine specialist with Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. Take these five smart tips to keep your joints healthy:
1
MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT. Every
extra pound you gain puts four times the stress on your knees, but
even a small amount of weight loss will give your knees relief, says the Arthritis Foundation.
2
GET REGULAR AEROBIC EXERCISE,
especially low-impact aerobic activities, such as bike riding, swimming or elliptical machines. “These types of exercise will preserve the joints and the muscles around them,” said Maffet. “I have seen elderly people whose muscles, bones and joints are years younger than their age due to regular exercise.”
3
INCLUDE STRETCHING TO STAY LIMBER. This helps prevent tight
muscles, which exert extra force on joints and limit range of motion.
See Our Joint Expert Today! To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Maffet, call 281.690.4678 or schedule online at houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics.
Tired of chronic joint pain slowing you down? From diagnosis to rehabilitation, learn how our experts and the latest medical advancements can help you get back to the active life you enjoy. For more information or to register, call 281.274.7500 or visit houstonmethodist.org/events.
4
ADD WEIGHT-BEARING EXERCISES
to keep bones strong, Maffet said. These include weight lifting, as well as aerobic activities in which you must support your own weight, like running, skiing, soccer, rock climbing or jumping rope.
5
TAKE CARE OF YOUR JOINTS NOW.
“Prevention starts at a young age,” Maffet said. “Athletes need to remember that their muscles, bones and joints must last their lifetime. If injured, seek treatment as soon as possible.” n
WELCOME OUR NEW PHYSICIANS DR. ADELOLA ASHAYE
DR. JESSEN RAJAN
DR. MICHAEL YAAKOVIAN
Houston Methodist Primary Care Group 281.276.0653
Houston Methodist Primary Care Group 281.276.0653
Houston Methodist Department of Surgery 281.275.0860
houstonmethodist.org/ primarycare
houstonmethodist.org/ primarycare
methodistsugarland docs.com
DR. CARISA LIEW
DR. MARK VANN
DR. TOBY YALTHO
Methodist Sugar Land Neurology Associates 281.494.6387
Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine 281.690.4678
Methodist Sugar Land Neurology Associates 281.494.6387
methodistsugarland docs.com
houstonmethodist.org/ orthopedics
2 LEADING MEDICINE IN FORT BEND AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES
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CONDITIONS WE TREAT THE LOW-DOWN ON
Movement Disorders
PHOTO BY SUPERSTOCK
Learn about essential tremor and other neurological conditions According to Dr. Toby Yaltho, a neurologist with Methodist Sugar Land Neurology Associates, “Movement disorders are neurological conditions that affect Dr. Toby Yaltho the quality and ease of movement. They are widely prevalent, and some are genetic in nature.” Yaltho, who is board certified in both neurology and sleep medicine and fellowship trained in movement disorders and neurophysiology, said, “Movement disorders can involve excessive movement, lack of movement, tremor or problems with coordination and balance.” Movement — even something as simple as picking up a piece of paper — appears to be simple but is actually a complex process. It requires that several different parts of the brain work together with muscles. There are continuous to-and-from communications between the brain, muscles and nerves. These regulate the power, speed, coordination and balance necessary for smooth actions.
A movement disorder results from the alteration of these communications and can sometimes lead to difficulty walking, involuntary movements, tremors or problems with posture and balance.
TYPES OF DISORDERS
The most common movement disorder is essential tremor. It affects one in 20 people over the age of 40, and the prevalence increases with advancing age. The disorder is typically characterized when a tremor or shaking occurs when attempting to perform a task. Often, there is a family history. Parkinson’s disease is the most well-known movement disorder and affects more than 1 million people in the United States. Approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease each year. The incidence increases with age and is more common in people older than 65 years of age. The disease is characterized by rigidity of muscles, tremor and slow movement. Another common condition is dystonia, where involuntary muscle contractions cause abnormal postures
Dr. Toby Yaltho can help alleviate a full range of movement disorders, including: • Ataxia • Dystonia • Essential tremor • Huntington’s disease • Multiple system atrophy • Myoclonus • Parkinson’s disease • Progressive supranuclear palsy • Restless legs syndrome • Tardive dyskinesia • Tourette syndrome • Wilson’s disease For more information about the above-listed movement disorders, go to methodistsugarlanddocs.com and click Neurology. or repetitive movement. Dystonia can affect certain parts of the body (for example, the face, the neck or a limb), multiple parts of the body, or it can be generalized. It is often misdiagnosed, leading to a delay in treatment. Treatment of movement disorders depends on the type of movement disorder, severity and cause. Some disorders respond well to medications and/or botulinum toxin; others may require surgery. n
See One of Our Expert Physicians
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Toby Yaltho, call 281.494.6387.
CHECK OUT OUR DIGITAL MAGAZINE AT HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/PUBLICATIONS 3
Knowledge is power when it comes to these four unchangeable factors in developing breast cancer
4 LEADING MEDICINE IN FORT BEND AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES
Y
ou might think you’re safe from breast cancer if no one in your family has had it. But family history is just one of the factors that determines your risk for the disease. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. “It is important for all women to increase their awareness about their personal risk of breast cancer,” said Dr. Stephen Phillips, breast radiologist and medical director of the Breast Care Center at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Here, we put the spotlight on four of the greatest risk factors for breast cancer.
YOUR DATE OF BIRTH
Unfortunately, the number of candles on your birthday cake affects your risk level most. The majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer are older than 50, and the risk increases as you age. What’s more, two out of every three invasive breast cancers found are in women 55 and up.
YOUR BACKGROUND
Asian, Native American and Hispanic women have lower odds of developing breast cancer and dying from the disease. On the other hand, Caucasian women are more likely to be diagnosed, and
ILLUSTRATION BY TRACI DABERKO
Are You at Higher Risk?
We’re Here to Help
If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, you don’t have to go through treatment feeling alone or uncertain. Our breast care navigator, Maria Socci, is here for you. Call her at any time at 281.276.8989 or email her at msocci@houstonmethodist.org.
African-American women are at greater risk of dying from breast cancer. These are factors that may be important to consider if another risk factor exists.
YOUR FAMILY TREE
If your mother, sister or daughter has had breast cancer, your risk is doubled. But if that’s not the case, you’re not necessarily in the clear. Fewer than 15 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of the disease, which means it’s important to schedule the screenings that are right for you (see “Screening Sense”).
YOUR GENES
Thanks to celebrities like Angelina Jolie, you might know that a woman who has the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations is at higher risk for breast cancer — by 55 percent to 87 percent — and for ovarian cancer, as well. “The goal is to find the mutation in women before they develop cancer,” said Dr. Sandra Templeton, breast surgeon on staff at Houston Methodist
Sugar Land Hospital. “A simple blood or saliva test can tell a woman whether she’s at higher risk.” If your personal and family history warrants it, your physician may recommend genetic testing, which looks for altered BRCA genes and other mutations. The results can help your doctor determine screening recommendations, medications to reduce the risk of a cancer diagnosis, and even preventive surgery. Talk with your physician if you have a personal or family history of the following: • Breast cancer at age 50 or younger • Ovarian cancer at any age • Male breast cancer at any age • Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry and a personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer • Two breast cancers in the same person or on the same side of the family • Triple-negative breast cancer at age 60 or younger • A previously identified BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation in the family n
AGE
SCREENING SENSE
Meet our Breast Care Navigator, Maria Socci, RN What does a breast care navigator do and how can she help you? In a nutshell, Maria will do whatever she can to reduce your stress and provide emotional support and guidance Maria Socci, RN throughout your journey to survivorship — so you can focus on healing. In other words, she’ll be your “care partner” throughout your treatment — holding your hand, providing words of encouragement, taking care of details and answering questions. She’s the person you can turn to when you need assistance, advocacy or just someone to listen. Maria is committed to helping you understand the continuum of care, make appropriate decisions and feel empowered by discussing your exam findings and your different procedure options. She will ensure that you are educated and fully understand each of your options. Maria can also help facilitate your various appointments with the breast care team, as well as coordinate other health appointment needs that may arise during your care.
BREAST SELF-EXAM: Check yourself to become familiar with your breast tissue. Report changes to your doctor immediately.
CLINICAL BREAST EXAM: Your health care provider examines the breasts, collarbone and underarm area for lumps.
MAMMOGRAM: This X-ray exam looks for early signs of breast cancer.
20–39
Monthly (optional)
Every three years
Only for those at high risk
40+
Monthly (optional)
Annually
Annually*
To schedule your mammogram, visit houstonmethodist.org/online-scheduling. *Please talk to your doctor to determine what age you should begin receiving an annual mammogram.
HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/SUGARLAND 5
Flu or False? Tips to help you stay healthy this season
W
ith flu season around the corner, it’s time to see your primary care physician about getting vaccinated. “The best way to flex your health muscles against influenza is to be vaccinated,” said Dr. Adelola Ashaye, primary care physician with Houston Methodist Primary Care Group. “And it’s especially important for certain groups of people, like pregnant women; those with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or lung, heart or kidney disease; people age 50 and older; residents of nursing homes and other long-term facilities; and caregivers of those in a highrisk group.” Take the appropriate precautions to protect yourself from the flu. And test your influenza intelligence:
Saturday, Nov. 8 8 a.m. — noon Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Conference Center Bring a new, unwrapped toy or clothing item in exchange for a free flu shot.* Toys and clothing will benefit local children in the Fort Bend area. The flu vaccine is formulated to provide protection against three different flu viruses — H1N1, H3N2 and influenza B. No appointments necessary. Call 281.275.0751 for more information.
TRUE OR FALSE? I can spread the flu even if I don’t have symptoms. True. “Healthy adults can pass the influenza virus to someone else one day before symptoms begin and can infect others up to five days after getting sick,” Ashaye said. “Practice good prevention such as frequent hand-washing, coughing or sneezing into your elbow, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth.” Ashaye also recommends staying home from work or school if you feel sick, and limiting contact with others to keep from infecting them.
the shot is offered through January and beyond, since flu season typically peaks in February.
TRUE OR FALSE? December is too late to get a flu shot. False. A seasonal flu shot is the most important preventive step you can take. While the CDC recommends getting one as soon as the vaccine is available,
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Adelola Ashaye or another physician at Houston Methodist Primary Care Group, go online to houstonmethodist.org/primarycare, or call 281.276.0653. n
*Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital will be distributing a limited supply of the influenza vaccine to persons with no history of egg and/or latex allergy and who are 18 years or older. If you are pregnant, please visit your obstetrician or primary care physician to have your vaccine administered.
6 LEADING MEDICINE IN FORT BEND AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
TRUE OR FALSE? The flu vaccine can make me sick with the flu. False. The vaccine cannot cause the flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu vaccine does not carry a live virus, so it’s impossible for it to make you sick. Since it takes about 14 days after
receiving the shot for antibodies to develop in the body that protect against the influenza virus infection, it’s best to get vaccinated as soon as you can each year. While a small number of patients may have side effects (which are often mild and short-lived), the flu vaccine does not cause the flu.
Free Flu Shot and Toy Drive
Have You Got
Rhythm? Here’s what it really means when your heart skips a beat Your heart flutters. You feel light on your feet, as if you’re floating on air. Your pulse is as high as the sky and your head is in the clouds. Are you in love, or are Dr. Sohail Jalal you in trouble? Heart arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, are common, although their causes can be hard to pinpoint. They are initiated by electrical signals that fire too fast, too slow or irregularly. A number of factors affect arrhythmias, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and stress, according to the American Heart Association. Some types of arrhythmias
can be life-threatening, others harmless. Determining whether your heartbeatgone-bonkers is something serious or simply a case of lovesickness could save your life. “The first step is to be evaluated for the presence of a structural heart disease that is causing the irregularities,” said Dr. Sohail Jalal, clinical cardiac electrophysiologist on staff at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “It is imperative to get checked out to see if the structure, heart valves and pumping function of your heart are normal.” In many cases, electrophysiology studies may be warranted. These test the electrical activity of your heart to find from what part of the heart an arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat) is
originating. The results can help you and your cardiologist decide whether you need medication, a pacemaker, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, cardiac ablation or surgery. n
Expert Help
If you or a loved one is experiencing consistent irregular heartbeats, call 281.274.7500 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sohail Jalal or another electrophysiologist.
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
FOUR TYPES OF DISORDERS AND HOW TO GET YOUR RHYTHM BACK DISORDER
HEARTBEAT
HEALTH RISK
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs)
Skipping or fluttering
Low
Most PVCs are harmless, but if these irregular beats are common, see an electrophysiologist to determine whether there is also an accompanying structural heart problem.
Atrial Fibrillation
Racing, uncomfortable and irregular
Medium — can lead to stroke
Testing should be done to further evaluate for cause and assess risk for stroke. Drugs will likely be prescribed, and many patients will need to undergo cardioversion — an electric shock to restore the heart’s normal rhythm.
Bradycardia
Unnaturally slow (falling below 60 beats per minute)
Medium
Patients with prolonged or repeated symptoms should get tested to evaluate whether an electronic pacemaker should be implanted under the skin to speed up the heart rhythm.
Ventricular Tachycardia
Dangerously rapid
High — patients can experience sudden cardiac arrest
Seek medical attention immediately. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator is the MOST effective way to correct the rhythm and prevent fibrillation. No amount or type of drug is nearly as effective.
HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/SUGARLAND 7
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Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital 16655 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, Texas 77479-2329 houstonmethodist.org/sugarland
LEADING MEDICINE IN GREATER HOUSTON 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. 8 HOSPITALS EMERGENCY CARE CENTERS IMAGING CENTERS
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1 HOUSTON METHODIST HOSPITAL (Texas Medical Center) 6565 Fannin St. Houston, Texas
HOUSTON METHODIST WEST HOSPITAL (I-10 at Barker Cypress) 18500 Katy Frwy. Houston, Texas
2 HOUSTON METHODIST SAN JACINTO HOSPITAL (Garth Rd. exit off I-10) 4401 Garth Rd. Baytown, Texas
7 HOUSTON METHODIST WILLOWBROOK HOSPITAL (Hwy. 249 and FM 1960) 18220 State Hwy. 249 Houston, Texas
HOUSTON METHODIST ST. CATHERINE HOSPITAL (Katy - West Houston) 701 S. Fry Rd. Katy, Texas
8 HOUSTON METHODIST THE WOODLANDS HOSPITAL 17201 Interstate 45 South The Woodlands, Texas COMING 2015
4 HOUSTON METHODIST ST. JOHN HOSPITAL (Clear Lake Area) 18300 St. John Dr. Nassau Bay, Texas
6 3
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5 HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL (U.S. 59 and Sweetwater) 16655 Southwest Frwy. Sugar Land, Texas
Emergency Care Centers 713.441.ER24 (3724)
HOUSTON METHODIST KIRBY EMERGENCY CARE CENTER 2615 Southwest Fwy., Suite 140 Houston, Texas 10 HOUSTON METHODIST PEARLAND EMERGENCY CARE CENTER 11525 Broadway St. Pearland, Texas
11 HOUSTON METHODIST SIENNA PLANTATION EMERGENCY CARE CENTER 8200 Hwy. 6 Missouri City, Texas NOW OPEN! 12 HOUSTON METHODIST VOSS EMERGENCY CARE CENTER 1635 S. Voss Rd. Houston, Texas
Methodist Imaging Centers
HOUSTON METHODIST BREAST IMAGING CENTER 2615 Southwest Frwy., Suite 104 Houston, Texas 713.441.7765 1 HOUSTON METHODIST IMAGING CENTER 83333 Katy Frwy. Houston, Texas 713.797.XRAY (9729)
For more information about Houston Methodist or for a physician referral, please call 281.274.7500 or visit houstonmethodist.org.
SCHEDULE YOUR SCREENING MAMMOGRAM APPOINTMENT ONLINE
THE SIMPLEST WAY TO BOOK YOUR NEXT SCREENING MAMMOGRAM To schedule your appointment, go to houstonmethodist.org/online-scheduling. To subscribe to Leading Medicine, please call 281.274.7976 or visit houstonmethodist.org/subscribe. If you prefer not to receive future communication from Houston Methodist, please call 281.274.7500 or email optout@houstonmethodist.org.
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