LEADING MEDICINE Your link to health innovations, news and tips IN west houston/katy
SUM M ER 2014
SMART women Take our quiz to learn more about your greatest health risks
Quality Breast Cancer Care in One Place
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Proven Treatments for Migraines
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health break
Getting Rid of That Pain in the Neck Eighty percent of Americans have experienced back or neck pain at some point in their lives. Houston Methodist West Hospital offers access to a multidisciplinary group of specialists, subspecialists and health care professionals who are committed to providing the Dr. Alexander complete solution to a patient’s back West, boardand neck pain. certified “Our dedicated team works neurosurgeon together to develop an individualized treatment program for each patient,” said Dr. Alexander West, Houston Methodist West Department of Neurosurgery chief and director of the Spine Center. “Coupled with state-of-the-art technology, our facility provides unparalleled diagnosis and treatment options to the West Houston area.” Whole-body 3-Tesla MRI scanners and 64-slice CT scanners provide for the highest possible quality imaging and motion correction, while reducing exam times. Fellowship-trained neuroradiologists diagnose spine and neck problems and provide sensitive, compassionate care.
Take Back Pain to the Mat
A 54-year-old grandmother of three felt discomfort in her midsection while picking up her 2-year-old grandson. After a few days in pain, she went to the ER, where she collapsed. She was having a heart attack. Women and men face about the same odds of having a heart attack. Women, however, are more likely to die from one. This may be because the signs are usually different in women than men. “Many women don’t recognize the symptoms of a cardiac event, often believing it’s a gastrointestinal bug, a virus or some other problem,” said Dr. Irfan Iftikhar, Houston Methodist West Department of Cardiology chair. Men usually experience crushing chest pain, making the need for a trip to the ER obvious. Women tend to experience the following symptoms: Abdominal pain Nausea Unexplained fatigue They also are more likely to have heart attacks later in life when other diseases, such as arthritis or diabetes, can disguise symptoms. “Realizing the symptoms are occurring and getting to a hospital with expertise in cardiology is crucial,” Iftikhar said. “As we say, ‘Time is muscle.’ ”
Credentials Matter Houston Methodist West Hospital soon will be recognized for its expertise by the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care, which is a notable achievement for a facility just 2 years old. Find out more at scpcp.org.
PHOTOS BY THINKSTOCK
If you suffer from back pain, grab a mat and start stretching. A recent study in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that yoga stretching improves back function, eases chronic back pain and reduces the need for pain medication. In the study, 101 adults suffering from lower back pain were divided into three groups: One group attended a 75-minute yoga class three times a week and also practiced yoga at home, a second attended aerobic and strength-training classes, and the third received a book on back pain. The yoga group reported being able to better use their backs for daily activities and used less pain medication than the other two groups.
Is It Indigestion or a Heart Attack?
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The No-Scalpel Vasectomy Though statistically vasectomy is the most popular form of permanent birth control, many men fear its side effects. Modern advances in minimally invasive techniques, however, have made having a vasectomy a much simpler endeavor. Doctors at Houston Methodist West Hospital specialize in the “no-scalpel” vasectomy, which requires only a small puncture and can be performed in 20 minutes or less with a local anesthetic. “We know most men are skeptical about undergoing such a delicate
procedure,” said Dr. Wesley Ekeruo, a Houston Methodist West urologist. “This technique is quick, safe, effective, virtually painless, and the chances of any long-term problems are very slim.” There is no incision made by a scalpel, so there is very little bleeding and no need for stitches. The recovery time usually takes two to three days, and patients often return to work the next day. They experience minimal discomfort, and the procedure does not affect the function of their bodies, other than for what it is intended.
Dr. Wesley Ekeruo, a Houston Methodist West urologist
Schedule an Appointment To learn more about this minimally invasive procedure and its quick recovery time, or to set up an appointment, call us at 832.522.5522.
We’re Here to Help Welcome to the first issue of the new Leading Medicine publication,
brought to you by Houston Methodist West Hospital. Three times a year, we’ll provide valuable information to help you make informed health care decisions. You can share our digital version with friends and loved ones through the QR code, or at houstonmethodist.org/publications.
Pasta, Potato and Tuna Salad This dish’s Mediterranean zest is only one of its virtues. Its main ingredient, tuna, is loaded with vitamins and minerals, as well as heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. INGREDIENTS
PHOTOS BY THINKSTOCK
4 small red new potatoes, quartered 1¹⁄8 tsp salt, divided 4 oz whole-wheat fusilli (corkscrew pasta) or penne, about 1½ c uncooked 8 oz green beans, trimmed and cut into 1½- to 2-inch lengths, about 2 c 1 (7-oz) pouch albacore or light tuna 1 large lemon 3 Tbsp minced scallion, green parts only 2 Tbsp minced Italian parsley ¹⁄³ c reduced-sodium chicken broth 2 tsp olive oil ¼ tsp pepper ¼ c crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese
DIRECTIONS Bring potatoes to a boil and cook 15 to 18 minutes. Meanwhile, fill a pot with water. Add 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil and stir in pasta. Cook for 6 minutes. Add green beans. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes. Drain and set aside. Cut potatoes into cubes. Spoon equal amounts of pasta onto four plates. Spoon potatoes, green beans and tuna over pasta. Using a lemon zester, top with strips of lemon peel.
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In a bowl combine scallion, parsley, chicken broth, oil, ¹⁄8 tsp salt, pepper, 2 Tbsp lemon juice (from the peeled lemon). Spoon over salad. Sprinkle cheese on top.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION Makes 4 (1¾ c) servings; each has: 260 calories; 4 g fat; 22 g protein; 36.5 g carbohydrates; 5.5 g dietary fiber
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Smart
Women
If you’re like most women, you’re in charge of your family’s health. Women make 80 percent of health care decisions for their families. But how much do you know about your own health? Take this quiz to see if what you don’t know might be hurting you.
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Women and men don’t always experience the same heart attack symptoms. Name a symptom more common in women. ANSWER: During a heart attack, women are more likely to have shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, and back and jaw pain. When it comes to ticker trouble, it’s not just a man’s world. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women. WHAT YOU CAN DO: “The first step is to manage your risk factors,” said Dr. Irfan Iftikhar, a cardiologist at Houston Methodist West Hospital. That’s especially important if you are diabetic, hypertensive or have high cholesterol levels. Make heart-healthy lifestyle choices: Exercise, follow a low-fat, high-fiber diet and, of course, refrain from smoking. “Do not put off your own health care,” said Iftikhar. “Women are famous for putting everyone else ahead of themselves.”
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Think FAST — and spell out this acronym that identifies the sudden signs of stroke.
Answer: FAST stands for face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty and time to call 911. What you can do: With women accounting for 60 percent of stroke deaths, adopt heart-healthy strategies to reduce your risk. This year, the American Stroke Association issued its first guidelines for preventing stroke in women. The guidelines address stroke risk factors unique to women, such as preeclampsia and use of birth control pills.
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True or false: With the advent of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, I only need a Pap test to check for cervical cancer every five years.
Answer: True, if you’re between 30 and 65. Women in this age group should have Pap and HPV tests every five years (or Pap test alone every three years). Women ages 21 to 29 should have a Pap test every three years; those 65 and older who have a history of regular screening and normal results can stop Pap tests. What you can do: Dr. Kristin Schmidt, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Houston Methodist West, said, “To decrease your risk of contracting the virus, limit your number of sexual partners and always use condoms. Maintain a healthy diet, exercise, take a multivitamin and limit your consumption of alcohol. Anything to improve your immune system will be beneficial to your overall health.”
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Rank in order the top cancer killers of women — breast, lung, colorectal.
Answer: Lung, breast, colorectal. Lung cancer kills more women than breast and colorectal cancers combined. What you can do: If you smoke, quit, said Dr. Janet Macheledt, an oncologist with Houston Methodist West. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently recommended annual lung cancer screening for smokers ages 55 to 80 who averaged a pack of cigarettes daily for 30 years and those who quit within the past 15 years. Many insurance companies cover lung cancer screening; the Houston Methodist Lung Cancer Screening Program offers low-cost scans for qualified patients without coverage.
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Choose the correct answer: A woman should have a mammogram annually/every other year beginning at age 40/50. Answer: Houston Methodist, like the American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology, recommends that women begin annual mammograms at age 40. One in six cases of breast cancer occurs in 40-something women. In addition to mammography, Methodist Breast Imaging Center offers breast MRI to clarify mammogram results and improve diagnosis. What you can do: To detect breast cancer early, schedule an annual clinical breast exam and perform monthly breast self-exams about a week after the end of your period, said Dr. Ann Bertles, an obstetrician-gynecologist.
We’re Here to Help
To schedule an appointment with one of our physicians, or if you’re not sure what type of doctor you need, call our Physician Referral and Health Information Line at 832.522.5522.
Health Screenings at Every Age Great health is built on a foundation of smart choices. One of them is to take advantage of the health screenings that can identify problems at their earliest, most treatable stages, said Dr. Robert Vanzant, a family medicine physician at Houston Methodist West. Here’s a decade-by-decade look. 20s: Your whole life is ahead of you. Start it right. At age 20, begin cholesterol and blood pressure testing. At age 21, start Pap tests. 30s: Between careers, kids and relationships, 30-somethings are used to juggling. Add one more task to your to-do list: thyroid-stimulating hormone screening beginning at age 35. 40s: Parenting teenagers and experiencing hormonal changes make life wildly interesting. Don’t forget to begin mammography at age 40 and blood glucose testing at age 45. 50s: By midlife, you’ve learned to master your fears. Hit colonoscopy head-on starting at age 50. 60s: Bone up on your golden years with a bone density scan at age 65 and annual vision screening starting at 65.
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A Single Place to Call ‘Home’ A team approach to breast cancer care benefits patients
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reast cancer survivor Tanya Thompson’s “liberty bell” is found at Houston Methodist West Hospital. It was there that, after three months, Thompson rang a wall-mounted bell that signals the end of cancer treatment for patients. “It was an emotional day for me, and I choked up realizing how blessed I am,” Thompson said. She credits her speedy recovery in part to having treatment services at one convenient location. A recent hospital study showed that having this kind of “medical home” is important in choosing a medical team.
QUALITY CANCER CARE
“We use the latest diagnostic and treatment tools — all under one roof,” said Breast Care Center Director Kim Collins. “Add world-class doctors and medical professionals and you have, arguably, the best care in West Houston and Katy.” Houston Methodist West offers all-digital screening, breast ultrasound and breast MRI. If cancer is diagnosed, surgery may be scheduled within a day or two. Surgeons experienced in the latest techniques for preserving the breast perform the procedure. The newest radiation therapy methods and improved chemotherapy options are available. Patients have an array of choices for reconstructive surgery, including the latest microsurgical techniques.
ALL SERVICES IN ONE PLACE
Ladies: Schedule Your Mammogram Studies have shown that digital mammograms can be better at detecting problems earlier. Schedule yours today by calling 832.522.1234.
Heidi Teichgraeber, a Houston-area professional, said she chose her Houston Methodist West treatment team for its individualized approach and its sharp focus on reconstruction. That’s part of having treatment all in one place. “Our patients must feel satisfied and safe in their care,” said Dr. Warren A. Ellsworth IV, a surgeon at Houston Methodist’s Institute for Reconstructive Surgery. “We strive to provide each patient what they need to feel whole again.”
From left: Dr. Warren Ellsworth, Linda Gonzales and Mallory Dwyer
‘MY GRANDMA HAS BREAST CANCER’ When first-grader Mallory Dwyer found out about her adored grandmother’s breast cancer, she knew she had to do something to help other kids facing similar situations. So, she wrote a book. Mallory’s grandma was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer after an annual mammogram and subsequent diagnostic testing. She underwent a mastectomy and breast reconstruction at Houston Methodist West. Mallory wrote about the experience with her grandma every night, eventually creating a book that was entered in — and won — a Houston PBS contest. My Grandma Has Breast Cancer describes the cancer, how it’s treated, and all the emotions a granddaughter may experience — accompanied with appropriate artwork. The best part? The happy ending. Her grandma is cancer-free.
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A Migraine Miracle
Diana Reese went from having 25 migraines a month to enjoying a ‘normal’ life
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magine the joy of taking your first family vacation in years, free of the worries associated with a chronic condition. Diana Reese, who suffers from chronic migraines, did just that when she took a trip to Florida with her sons, thanks to the care she now receives from neurologist Dr. Mohammad Al Baeer. Before seeing Al Baeer, Reese typically experienced up to 25 migraines a month, along with as many as five trips to the emergency room. “I have had three natural childbirths and donated a kidney to my stepfather, but nothing compares to the unbearable pain of my headaches,” she said. “The pain could be so debilitating, I would find myself in a local emergency center arguing with well-intentioned providers against narcotic treatment to ease the pain.” She knew from experience that the pain-medicine treatment would result in rebound headaches that were more severe than the initial headache.
New Treatment Options
Al Baeer, who received specialized training at the Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, is committed to developing a personalized treatment plan for each patient based upon a thorough evaluation of symptoms,
treatment medications and, if needed, neurological testing. “There is no cure for migraines, but we are fortunate to have preventive treatment options so that we can address their frequency and move beyond just pain reduction,” he said.
A Refreshing Recovery
Every three months, Reese visits Al Baeer for re-evaluation and medication administration. Her last ER visit was six months ago at the Houston Methodist West Emergency Department, where specific protocols for her treatment were on file per Al Baeer’s request. Today, Reese is driving again, back at work as a Realtor and enjoying the kind of normal family life she hasn’t had in years. “I’m living a miracle,” she said. “I hope sharing my experience will bring hope to others who live in fear of their next migraine headache pain. It’s no way to live.”
Diana Reese and Dr. Mohammad Al Baeer during her last office visit in December 2013
Women are three times as likely to suffer from migraines as men.
37 million Number of people who suffer from migraines in the United States, which is 12 percent of the population.
1 in 4 households in the United States has a migraine sufferer. Sources: Migraine Research Foundation, National Headache Foundation, American Migraine Foundation
Find a Doctor
Do you suffer from chronic headaches or migraines? Let us help you. Call us at 832.522.5522.
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LEADING MEDICINE IN GREATER HOUSTON Just around the corner Houston Methodist has locations throughout Greater Houston 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 call 713.790.3333 or visit houstonmethodist.org.
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6 HOUSTON METHODIST WEST HOSPITAL (I-10 at Barker Cypress) 18500 Katy Frwy. Houston, Texas 77094
2 HOUSTON METHODIST SAN JACINTO HOSPITAL (Garth Rd. exit off I-10) 4401 Garth Rd. Baytown, Texas 77521
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Emergency Care Centers 713.441.ER24 (3724)
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9 HOUSTON METHODIST EMERGENCY CARE CENTER – PEARLAND 11525 Broadway St. Pearland, Texas 77584
10 HOUSTON METHODIST EMERGENCY CARE CENTER – SIENNA PLANTATION 8200 Hwy. 6 Missouri City, Texas 77454 Opening July 15 11 HOUSTON METHODIST EMERGENCY CARE CENTER – VOSS 1635 S. Voss Rd. Houston, Texas 77057
Methodist Imaging Centers 8 HOUSTON METHODIST BREAST IMAGING CENTER 2615 Southwest Frwy., Suite 104 Houston, Texas 77090 713.441.7765 12 HOUSTON METHODIST IMAGING CENTER 83333 Katy Frwy. Houston, Texas 77024 713.797.XRAY (9729)
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