LEADING MEDICINE YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INNOVATIONS, NEWS AND TIPS IN FORT BEND AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES
W INT ER 2015
THE HEART TRUTH
A guide to conditions that can prevent your heart from beating strong
Steps for Avoiding Running Injuries
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Free Colorectal Cancer Seminar + Screening Kit 12/11/14 4:05 PM
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Off to a Running Start
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Take these steps to avoid common running injuries fit properly,” Vann said. “Also, wear synthetic socks to help absorb moisture and prevent blisters. If blisters have formed, lubricants and gel pads can ease discomfort.” Injuries to the Achilles tendon, located in the back of the ankle, occur more commonly in middleaged runners. Proper stretching of the tendon and avoiding overuse can ward off injury. Stress fractures may occur from a calcium deficiency, overuse or an uneven running stride. “Sudden sharp pain in the shins is a signal to stop running immediately and seek help from a specialist to avoid a more serious injury,” Vann warned. If pain from a foot or ankle injury doesn’t improve after home treatment and rest, it’s a good idea to see an orthopedic specialist who can determine whether therapy, injections or surgery may be needed to speed healing and prevent future problems. ■
FREE INJURY PREVENTION SEMINAR Date: Thursday, Feb. 12 Time: 6 p.m. Location: Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Conference Center Learn how to prevent injuries when starting an exercise program. Our team of sports medicine specialists at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine will share advice and answer questions. Registration required. Register online at houstonmethodist.org/ events or call 281.274.7500.
For an appointment with Dr. Mark Vann II or another specialist at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, easily schedule online at houstonmethodist.org/ orthopedics or call 281.690.4678.
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PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
See a Foot and Ankle Specialist
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
Another new year is here, and perhaps starting a running routine is on your list of resolutions. “With proper planning, you may prevent running injuries and Dr. Mark Vann II stay focused on your fitness goals,” said Dr. Mark Vann II, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. Before you hit the ground running, Vann recommends getting an annual physical to rule out underlying health issues. It’s also wise to learn about the following common foot and ankle injuries and ways to prevent them. Muscle pulls or tears can be painful, especially if they become inflamed. “It’s important to stretch before and after running to help avoid injury,” Vann said. “Should injury occur, apply ice to the area, take antiinflammatory medicines and rest to help ease the pain.” Ankle sprains can happen when a runner isn’t focused on the route ahead, causing a misstep off a curb or into a hole. Avoid distractions while running, but if a slip leads to injury, ibuprofen can help reduce swelling and pain. Blisters on the feet occur from a combination of friction and moisture. “Always wear supportive shoes that
Get
Screened Colorectal cancer affects one out of 18 Americans
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death for both Dr. Swarna men and women in Balasubramaniam the United States. “Because of screening tests, colorectal cancer can be found early, increasing the survival rate for those diagnosed with the disease,” says Dr. Swarna Dr. Nasrullah Balasubramaniam, Manji a board-certified colorectal surgeon on staff at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Colorectal cancer refers to cancer of the colon or rectum. While the exact cause is unknown, Balasubramaniam cites the following as risk factors that may increase a person’s chance of developing the disease:
Thursday, Mar ch 26 6 p.m. Houston Metho dist Sugar Land H ospital Conference C enter
3Age. The odds of developing colorectal cancer increase after age 50. Over 90 percent of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer are 50 and older. 3Family history. Having close relatives (parents, siblings or children) who have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer increases your risk; therefore, earlier and more frequent screenings may be recommended by your physician. 3Personal history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer. A polyp is a growth that develops on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Some polyps may become cancerous. If you’ve been diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the past, the disease may reoccur. 3Lifestyle. Other risk factors include unhealthy eating, lack of exercise, smoking and bowel disorders such as
Mark Your Calendar
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
FREE Colorectal Can Awareness Se cer minar Screening Kit +
Join Dr. Swarna Balasubramaniam and Dr. Nasrullah Manji at 6 p.m. March 26 to learn more about colorectal cancer — the second-leading cause of cancer deaths — and take home a free screening kit. Registration required. Register at houstonmethodist.org/events or call 281.274.7500.
Crohn’s disease. “Although some risk factors like age and family history cannot be avoided, other factors are within your control,” says Dr. Nasrullah Manji, a board-certified gastroenterologist on staff at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “Choosing to follow a healthy lifestyle may help lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer.” Balasubramaniam warns, “Colorectal cancer usually does not present symptoms in its earliest stages.” But, she adds, as the cancer progresses, the following symptoms may develop: • Irregular bowel habits, including constipation and diarrhea • A constant feeling that you need to have a bowel movement • Rectal bleeding or bloody stools • Anemia (low blood count; found on lab tests) • Frequent stomach pains or cramps If you or a loved one exhibits any of these symptoms, or is at risk for developing the disease, don’t hesitate to consult a physician about being screened for colorectal cancer. Early screenings can save lives. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Swarna Balasubramaniam or Dr. Nasrullah Manji, call our physician referral service at 281.274.7500. ■
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The Heart Truth
A guide to conditions that can prevent your heart from beating strong and nutrients it needs, it struggles to function properly. Worse yet, plaque can break loose and form a clot, causing a heart attack when the blood supply is cut off. The best way to beat coronary artery disease? Never get it in the first place. You can do that by managing risk factors: Reduce high blood pressure or cholesterol levels, quit smoking, lose weight if overweight or obese, and lead an active lifestyle. “The combination of living healthier, knowing your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers and taking medication if you need to is the formula for prevention,” Smith said. Here, we take a closer look at how the heart works and what has the potential to harm it. n
Heart
Basics 1
he pulmonary artery carries T blood out to the lungs, where it is oxygenated.
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The pulmonary veins transport the oxygen-rich blood back to the heart.
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The aorta then distributes this oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.
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Once depleted of oxygen, blood returns to the heart and the process restarts.
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illustration by jude buffum
T
hink of your heart as your body’s delivery system. It pumps out the good stuff — oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood — to every inch of you via a network of arteries. But heart disease throws a wrench into things. “The most common form, coronary heart disease, is the No. 1 cause of death for both men and women in most countries,” said Dr. Toussaint Smith, a board-certified cardiologist with Methodist Sugar Land Cardiology Associates. Coronary artery disease starts with artery damage caused by smoking, high blood pressure or a number of other factors. The damage triggers the buildup of plaque, which narrows the arteries and limits blood flow to the heart. If the heart can’t get the oxygen
AORTIC STENOSIS
When it comes to the arteries, the aorta is the main work horse. This main artery is responsible for carrying most of the blood to the body. In a condition called aortic stenosis, calcium deposits can build up in the aortic valve, causing it to narrow and limit blood flow.
ATRIAL FIBRILLATION
In people with atrial fibrillation, the heart’s upper chambers beat erratically, causing an irregular pulse. When left untreated, it can double the risk of a heart-related death and dramatically increase the chance of having a stroke.
HEART FAILURE
In some cases, the heart struggles to pump enough blood to the body. Heart failure is measured by ejection fraction (EF), the percentage of blood pushed out with each heartbeat. An EF under 40 may indicate heart failure.
CARDIOMYOPATHY
Cardiomyopathy is a disease that causes the heart muscle to become enlarged or stiff. Both blood flow and maintaining a regular heartbeat become tough tasks. The condition can be inherited, or it can surface because of another medical condition, such as high blood pressure. ILLUSTRATION BY JUDE BUFFUM
e art.
Expert Help Available
BENEFICIAL EVENTS & SCREENINGS FREE VEIN SEMINAR Date: Thursday, Jan. 29 Time: 6 p.m. Dr. Ulises Baltazar, board-certified vascular surgeon with Houston Methodist Cardiovascular Surgery Associates, will speak about varicose and spider veins — the causes, symptoms, who is at risk, treatments and preventions. Registration required. FREE HEART HEALTH SCREENINGS Date: Thursday, Feb. 26 Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Learn your 10-year risk for heart disease and receive cholesterol and blood pressure screenings (by appointment only). Screenings are followed by an opportunity to speak to our specialists. Registration required. Where: Seminars are held in Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Conference Center. Register online at houstonmethodist.org/ events or call 281.274.7500.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Toussaint Smith or another cardiologist with Methodist Sugar Land Cardiology Associates, go to houstonmethodist.org/onlinescheduling or call 281.491.6808.
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Whole Healing
Susie’s breast care team: Dr. Sandra Templeton, breast surgeon; Dr. Clive Shkedy, radiation oncologist; and Dr. Bushra Cheema, medical oncologist.
At Houston Methodist Sugar Land, Susie Eisenberg-Argo received more than treatment for breast cancer
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usie Eisenberg-Argo was relieved not to face her battle with breast cancer alone. At each step of her journey, the multidisciplinary team of health care specialists at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital was there to help her get back on the path to health. During a routine well woman exam, Susie’s gynecologist noticed a suspicious lump on her breast and referred her to the Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land for a detailed follow-up. Afterward, board-certified surgeon and breast care specialist Dr. Sandra Templeton confirmed the lump was cancerous and scheduled a lumpectomy, which was followed by a course of radiation therapy. “This was a very scary time for me,” said Susie. “But everyone at Houston Methodist Sugar Land was fabulous. From the surgeon and radiologist to the technicians and oncologist — everyone was lovely.” Dr. Clive Shkedy, a radiation oncologist and the medical director of Houston Methodist Cancer Center
at Sugar Land, played a pivotal role in Susie’s recovery by helping her with her treatment decision and radiation therapy. And Shkedy made sure Susie felt like more than just another patient. “Providing a supportive, nurturing environment and making patients feel at home is very important to their well-being,” Shkedy said. “We don’t focus on the diagnosis of cancer but treat the whole patient — physically, socially and emotionally. We view patients as people who have a cancer — not as cancer patients.” Susie also received help from Houston Methodist Sugar Land’s breast care navigator, Maria Socci, a registered nurse with specialty training in oncology. Socci’s role is to help reduce stress and provide emotional support and guidance so patients can focus on healing. Susie’s journey is, for the most part, over. She still receives regular checkups at Houston Methodist Sugar Land, but she is cancer-free and happy — and extremely thankful for her team of doctors. ■
Book Your Mammogram Today
Don’t delay. Schedule your mammogram at Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land. Visit houstonmethodist.org/online-scheduling or call 281.242.PINK (7465).
BETTER CARE FOR BREAST CANCER It isn’t merely technology and training that set Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land apart. It’s the team approach employed by the physicians and staff, who work together to ensure that every patient receives the best possible care and treatment in a comforting, compassionate manner. Here are just a few examples of what makes the center unique. Patients can undergo a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound on the same day. The center boasts a multidisciplinary breast care team that creates personalized treatment plans for newly diagnosed patients. The center is also available to people seeking a second opinion after being diagnosed with breast cancer at another facility. The nurse navigation program is designed to ensure that you get the personalized care and support you need, from diagnosis through recovery.
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Dr.Susie’s Azul Jaffer next to a breast care hyperbaric chamber. team: Dr. Sandra
Advanced Therapy
Templeton, breast surgeon; Dr. Clive Shkedy, radiation oncologist and Dr. Bushra Cheema, medical oncologist.
Wound care specialists save limbs and improve the lives of patients
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etting a simple scratch, bump or cut isn’t a big deal for most of us. However, an estimated 6 million Americans suffer from chronic or hard-to-heal wounds, many of them the result of diabetes, a lack of mobility, infection, venous leg and pressure wounds, burns and trauma wounds — any of which can have a devastating impact on a person’s life. Many of the roughly 1 million Americans with diabetes who develop foot ulcers and receive standard care will still eventually require amputation.
Discover and Recover
At the Houston Methodist Wound Care Program at Sugar Land, expertise and technology work in tandem to help patients heal from chronic ulcers and other wounds. “Many times, patients with chronic wounds or ulcers are told that there are really no advanced treatment options, and in severe cases, that the only solution is amputation,” said Dr. Nicholas Desai, a board-certified podiatrist. “But at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, we successfully treat even the most difficult cases. We save limbs and lives, and it’s important for both physicians and patients to know that there is a facility close to home that is making a real difference.” The Wound Care Program uses a multidisciplinary team of physicians in five specialties and certified wound care nurses — all backed by proven
treatment technologies — to provide comprehensive care. “Our team approach ensures that the proper specialists are seeing each patient at the proper time and that we are collaborating with one another to develop treatment plans that work,” said Dr. Azul Jaffer, medical director of the Wound Care Program. “And we have access to the latest technologies and treatment options that often aren’t available at other clinics. For example, we are now doing autografts — where a patient’s own skin is used to cover a wound — on an outpatient basis, which saves time and is much less invasive for patients than traditional skin grafts.” The medical team uses the following leading-edge technologies and treatments to help speed healing and save limbs: • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy • Bioengineered skin substitutes • Revascularization • Compression therapy
Schedule Your Appointment
To make an appointment with one of our specialists, call 281.275.0770. Potential patients do not need a referral to come to the Houston Methodist Wound Care Program at Sugar Land.
“The good news is that patients don’t have to live with a chronic or slow-healing wound, no matter what the underlying condition is,” added Dr. Michael Yaakovian, a boardcertified surgeon. “If your doctor says there is no hope, come see our medical team to find out if we can offer a pathway to healing.” n
A Team Approach Specialists at the Houston Methodist Wound Care Program in Sugar Land: Dr. Salman Aly, internal medicine Dr. Sarfraz Aly, infectious disease Dr. John Butler, infectious disease Dr. Nicholas Desai, podiatry Dr. Azul Jaffer, plastic surgery
r. Manjulatha Nukala, internal medicine D Dr. Timothy Oppermann, general surgery Dr. Ravi Somayazula, plastic surgery Dr. Jason Willis, podiatry Dr. Michael Yaakovian, general surgery
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Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital 16655 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, Texas 77479-2329 houstonmethodist.org/sugarland
281.274.7500
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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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For more information about Houston Methodist or for a physician referral, please visit houstonmethodist.org or call 281.274.7500.
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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 online, visit houstonmethodist.org/ primarycare or call 713.394.MPCG (6724).
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