LEADING MEDICINE YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INNOVATIONS, NEWS AND TIPS IN WEST HOUSTON/KATY
RISK FACTORS What determines your likelihood of developing breast cancer
WIN A FITBIT FLEXâ„¢ SEE INSIDE FOR DETAILS.
What a Woman Needs (Healthwise)
Husband, Wife Team Up Against Cancer
FA LL 2014
HEALTH BREAK
EXPERT GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY CLOSE TO HOME
WHAT A WOMAN NEEDS
The phrase “a woman’s work is never done” is often true. Many find it impossible to find a moment alone for anything — let alone for their health care. Still, the fact remains: There’s no better way to maintain good health and detect illness early than by practicing preventive care and scheduling the following screenings.
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MAMMOGRAM. Women age 40 and older should get a mammogram every one to two years. Your doctor may recommend a different schedule depending on your medical history. Schedule the exam the week following your period. Do not use deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms on the day of your mammogram.
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DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOUR HEART. Heart disease remains the No. 1 killer of women in the United States. There is no specific test for heart disease, but getting your blood pressure, cholesterol levels and weight checked regularly can help your doctor gauge your risk for cardiovascular disease.
Take Care of Your Health
For a physician referral, call 832.522.5522.
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DID YOU KNOW? Ovarian cancer is the 11th MOST COMMON CANCER among women. It’s the FIFTH-LEADING CAUSE OF CANCER DEATHS among women because it often is not detected early.
PHOTO BY LINDSEY MILES/HOUSTON METHODIST
PAP TEST. The Pap test is effective at preventing cervical cancer. Schedule this exam at least every three years, one to two weeks after your period. Also, refrain from sexual intercourse 24 hours before, and do not douche three days prior.
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BONE DENSITY SCREENING. This measures how many grams of bone mineral — including calcium — exist in a segment of bone. Screenings should begin at age 60 for women at risk for osteoporotic fractures. Bone density tests generally require no preparation on your part.
Houston Methodist West’s women’s services is expanding to include gynecologic oncology, which treats cancers of women’s reproductive organs, such as ovarian and cervical cancer. This brings the resources and proficiency of Houston Methodist’s renowned cancer program to the west Houston and Katy areas. “We will provide a wide range of treatment options incorporating traditional as well as leading edge therapies and procedures,” said Dr. Joshua Kilgore, who is heading up the program. Kilgore brings with him the most advanced techniques in minimally invasive surgery. He completed his fellowship at the University of Dr. Joshua North Carolina, Kilgore one of the most prestigious programs in the country.
Get Your Shot
DO YOU KNOW THE FLU?
To have yourself or your family vaccinated, schedule an appointment with a family medicine physician at 832.522.5522.
’Tis the season for the flu, which can result in serious complications and leads to more than 200,000 hospitalizations each year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Test your influenza intelligence with our quiz: TRUE OR FALSE? December is too late to get a flu shot. False. Flu season runs until the end of March each year. A seasonal flu shot is the most important preventive step you can take. Some people refrain from getting a flu shot because they believe it will actually give them the flu. This is not true. The flu vaccine does not carry a live virus, so it’s impossible for it to make you sick. The best defense against the yearly flu strain is a flu shot, which is usually offered throughout the flu season.
TRUE OR FALSE? I will need a second vaccine this year to protect myself from the H1N1 virus. False. Each year, the regular flu vaccine protects you from the three strains researchers predict to be most prevalent, so you only need one flu shot per year. Keep in mind that it takes about 14 days after receiving the shot for antibodies to develop in the body that protect against influenza virus infection, so it’s best to get vaccinated as soon as you can each year. It’s especially important for people age 65 and older.
TRUE OR FALSE? I can spread the flu even if I don’t have symptoms. True. You potentially can share the sickness up to a day before you have symptoms. Practice good prevention such as frequent hand-washing, coughing or sneezing into your elbow, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe
CHILI PHOTO BY ISTOCKPHOTO; TISSUE BY THINKSTOCK
INGREDIENTS: 1 Tbsp vegetable oil cooking spray 1 lb ground turkey 2 cans (10 oz) of low-sodium tomato soup 2 cans (15 oz) of kidney beans, drained 1 can (15 oz) of black beans, drained 1 small onion, chopped ½ green pepper, chopped 2 Tbsp chili powder ½ tsp cumin 1 tsp red pepper flakes ½ tsp black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS:
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Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the turkey until evenly browned, then drain. Lightly coat cooking spray inside the slow cooker. Add cooked turkey and all other ingredients. Stir and cover. Set slow cooker to high and simmer for 4 hours. Let cool, add low-fat cheese (if desired), then transport the chili to a party!
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NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION Makes eight servings. Each serving contains 245 calories, 8.6 g total fat, 42 mg cholesterol.
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Knowledge is power when it comes to these four unchangeable factors in developing breast cancer
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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 determine your risk for the disease. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. “It is up to all women to increase their awareness about personal risk of breast cancer,” said Dr. Janet Macheledt, medical oncologist and hematologist and medical director of Houston Methodist West Hospital Infusion Center. Here, we put the spotlight on four of the greatest risk factors for breast cancer.
YOUR DATE OF BIRTH
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. Caucasian women are more likely to be diagnosed, and AfricanAmerican women are at greater risk of dying from breast cancer. These factors may be important to consider if another risk factor exists.
ILLUSTRATION BY TRACI DABERKO
Are You at Higher Risk?
You’re Invited to a Special Event
Join us Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Houston Methodist West Hospital for Positively Pink. Learn about breast care and wellness, speak with health care providers dedicated to women’s health, and support women who have or may face a breast cancer diagnosis. Enjoy all of this along with food, music, shopping and other family fun activities on our beautiful campus. For more information, call 832.522.5522.
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 with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations is at higher risk for breast cancer — by 55 to 87 percent — and for ovarian cancer, as well. “By identifying these uncommon but potentially dangerous mutations early, we can structure personalized screening programs and offer prevention strategies to help reduce the chance of suffering from this disease,” Macheledt said.
Your physician may recommend genetic testing to look for altered BRCA genes and other mutations. The results can help your doctor recommend screenings, medications to reduce risk of cancer diagnosis, and even preventive surgery. Talk with your physician if you have a personal or family history of: • 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 Schedule your mammogram online at houstonmethodist.org/ online-scheduling. n
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SCREENING SENSE
‘I won’t be beat by breast cancer’ Connie Paras remembers little after first hearing the word “cancer.” The 75-year-old grandmother of four had helped her husband and daughter battle cancer diagnoses. Still, her own was quite a shock. “You think you’re going to die,” Paras recalled after learning she had ductal carcinoma in situ, the most common type of noninvasive breast cancer. Her doctor was encouraging: the malignancy in her right breast hadn’t spread. This March, a surgeon removed Paras’ cancer and recommended she consider radiation to help prevent a recurrence. She was referred to Dr. Kathleen Shadle, a leading radiation oncologist at Houston Methodist West Hospital near Paras’ Katy home. Shadle prescribed radiation, and Paras visited the Methodist West radiation clinic for 30 treatments. “From the front desk to the technicians, I felt they truly cared about me. That compassion matters when battling a lifethreatening disease.” The treatment was effective and doctors expect Paras to fully recover. “Thanks to God and the marvelous team at Houston Methodist, I have a lot of living left to do.”
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.
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Surgeons Drs. Rachel and Warren Ellsworth
Husband, Wife Team Up
Against Cancer
Husband and wife join forces to help patients battle the effects of colorectal cancer
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he war against cancer is ongoing, and as in most situations, it takes a team to effectively combat the problem. At Houston Methodist West, we are armed with a special team ready and able to face colorectal cancer. Colorectal surgeon Dr. Rachel Ellsworth and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Warren Ellsworth are not only partners in the medical field, but also partners in life as husband and wife. Patients with a new diagnosis of colon or rectal cancer visit Dr. Rachel Ellsworth first. She reviews the results of diagnostic tests to determine the extent of the cancer. She then counsels the patient on the stage of the cancer and the surgical options for treatment. When cancer surgery is necessary, she may have to remove a piece of intestine or, on rare occasion, an
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associated organ. That is where Dr. Warren Ellsworth steps in.
TEAM APPROACH
“Our multidisciplinary approach addresses not only the removal of cancer, but also the quality of life after surgery,” said Dr. Warren Ellsworth. “When cancer surgery alters the body’s form or function, our goal, in essence, is to re-create what was taken.” As a plastic surgeon, Ellsworth uses leading-edge reconstructive techniques. His microsurgical abilities also allow him to restore not only blood flow, but sensation that might otherwise be lost.
EXPERTS IN THEIR FIELDS
Having recently completed training as a colorectal fellow at the Colon and Rectal Clinic of Houston, Dr. Rachel Ellsworth is one of only a few women in her field in Houston, bringing with her not only surgical expertise, but an added layer of understanding when treating women with complex, sensitive problems. She is certified by the American Board of Surgery. Dr. Warren Ellsworth has trained at some of the world’s leading medical institutions. He is board certified, a diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. n
Make an Appointment
To schedule an appointment with Drs. Rachel or Warren Ellsworth, please call 832.522.5522.
Meet
‘Ms. Unstoppable’ A local nursing assistant heals fast after a joint replacement When you meet Brenda Deschner, “unstoppable” comes to mind. A certified nursing assistant and a mom of a teenage daughter, Deschner is a bundle Dr. Christopher of energy with a quick K. Smith wit and sparkling personality. Needless to say, the little matter of her joints starting to give out wasn’t going to slow her down — at least not for long. Deschner first visited Houston Methodist West orthopedic surgeon Dr. Christopher K. Smith for bone spurs in her left shoulder. Over the years, she has been back for an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) replacement in her left knee, a partial knee replacement in her right knee, and a hip replacement. Thanks to Smith’s expertise, and a bit of determination on Deschner’s part, her recovery times were short with minimal pain. “I told Dr. Smith I would literally fall apart if it weren’t for him!” said Deschner.
and home support after leaving the hospital. This is an important part of the recovery process.” When asked why this was happening to her, she said, “Dr. Smith told me that it is like buying tires. Some people get 5,000 miles out them, while others get 50,000 out of them. It is just the way they are made and how much use they get. That was a good way to explain it basically has to do with genetics. My mom has joint problems, too.”
QUICK RECOVERY
Deschner credits Smith and the staff at Houston Methodist West for her speedy recovery times. “After my hip replacement, they had me sitting up on the side of my bed the first day,” she said. “I was up and walking with one crutch within two weeks. My friends at church were amazed. Also, Dr. Smith is so understanding and patient — and believe me, I gave him some challenges!” n
Brenda Deschner
TENDER CARE
“We use the most advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive methods, to ensure our patients have the best results possible,” Smith said. “We also work closely with patient care coordinators to educate them about rehabilitation, physical therapy
We Can Help
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher K. Smith, call 832.522.BONE (2663).
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The Methodist Hospital 6565 Fannin St. Houston, Texas 77030-2707 houstonmethodist.org/west
713.790.3333
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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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
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
3 HOUSTON METHODIST ST. CATHERINE HOSPITAL (Katy - West Houston) 701 S. Fry Rd. Katy, Texas
HOUSTON METHODIST THE WOODLANDS HOSPITAL 17201 Interstate 45 South The Woodlands, Texas COMING 2015
HOUSTON METHODIST ST. JOHN HOSPITAL (Clear Lake Area) 18300 St. John Dr. Nassau Bay, Texas
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HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG
HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL (U.S. 59 and Sweetwater) 16655 Southwest Frwy. Sugar Land, Texas
Emergency Care Centers 713.441.ER24 (3724)
9 HOUSTON METHODIST KIRBY EMERGENCY CARE CENTER 2615 Southwest Fwy., Suite 140 Houston, Texas HOUSTON METHODIST PEARLAND EMERGENCY CARE CENTER 11525 Broadway St. Pearland, Texas
HOUSTON METHODIST SIENNA PLANTATION EMERGENCY CARE CENTER 8200 Hwy. 6 Missouri City, Texas NOW OPEN! HOUSTON METHODIST VOSS EMERGENCY CARE CENTER 1635 S. Voss Rd. Houston, Texas
Methodist Imaging Centers
9 HOUSTON METHODIST BREAST IMAGING CENTER 2615 Southwest Frwy., Suite 104 Houston, Texas 713.441.7765 3 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 713.790.3333 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 713.790.3333 or visit houstonmethodist.org/subscribe. If you prefer not to receive future communication from Houston Methodist, please call 713.790.3333 or email optout@houstonmethodist.org.
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