Leading Medicine Spring-Summer 2023, Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital edition

LEADING MEDICINE

Know Where to Go: ER, Virtual Care or Primary Care Visit

JOINT PAIN: Your Body’s Signals to Consider Surgery

Habits to Boost Your Brain

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Emergency Care, Virtual Urgent Care or Primary Care: Know Where to Go

Find the right place at the right time for care.

Joint Replacement: Getting You Back to an Active Lifestyle

Learn how to get back to living life to the fullest.

Food for Thought: Brain Health

Discover the habits for developing and maintaining good brain health.

Getting Your Mammogram Matters

Choose the right location with the leading experts in breast care.

NEWS & EVENTS

WEIGHT LOSS SEMINAR WITH VICTORIA CHANG, MD

Date: June 14, 2023

Location: Online

Register here: houstonmethodist.org/willowbrook-bariatric

WOMEN’S HEALTH AND WELLNESS EVENT

Date: September 2023

Location: In-person

Register here: join.houstonmethodist.org/womensevent-wb

BRAIN HEALTH VIRTUAL SEMINAR

Date: October 2023

Location: Online

Register here: join.houstonmethodist.org/neuro-wb

DIGESTIVE HEALTH EVENT

Date: October 2023

Location: Online

Register here: join.houstonmethodist.org/digestivehealthevent-wb

Event Information

We host a variety of virtual and in-person events on cancer prevention, back and neck pain, joint health and more. For a comprehensive list of events at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, visit houstonmethodist.org/events or call 281.737.2500

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Emergency Care, Virtual Urgent Care or Primary Care: KNOW WHERE TO GO

Emergency Care, Urgent Care or Primary Care: KNOW WHERE TO GO

When you’re in pain or feeling very ill, where should you go for medical care? Choosing the right place at the right time can help you get the care you need.

Symptoms that generally signal an emergency include:

Allergic reaction with trouble breathing, swelling or hives

Chest pain or squeezing sensation in the chest

Broken bones

Head, neck or spine injury

Intense pain, including severe headache or abdominal pain

Loss of consciousness

Major burns or electric shock

Pregnancy-related issues, such as severe cramping or bleeding

Poisoning or suspected overdose

Shortness of breath or trouble breathing

Sudden slurred speech, visual changes, or weakness on one side of the body

Suicidal thoughts

Uncontrolled bleeding

Make an appointment with a virtual urgent care doctor for minor illnesses, such as:

Coughs, cold or flu

Constipation or diarrhea

Fevers

Heartburn

Pink or red eyes

Sinus infections

Sore throat or strep throat

Urinary tract infection (women only)

Find Care Near You

Make an appointment with your primary care doctor for the following:

Minor health concerns

Preventive and routine care

Screenings and vaccinations

Managing health conditions (diabetes, asthma, heart disease, etc.)

Referrals to specialty care

Emergency Care: Visit houstonmethodist.org/er to fin emergency care near you. If you are experiencing a serious or life-threatening medical emergency, please call 911.

Convenient Care from Home: Access nonemergency urgent care 24/7 via video visit. Download the MyMethodist app or visit houstonmethodist.org/virtual-care to learn more.

Stay Healthy: To find a primary care provider, visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/northwest or call 713.394.6724. You can schedule an appointment at any one of our conveniently located Primary Care Group clinics across Northwest Houston.

JOINT REPLACEMENT: GettingYou Back to an Active Lifestyle

Severe joint pain can keep you from enjoying life to the fullest. But thanks to advances in less invasive replacement surgery, you can get back to an active lifestyle with less downtime than you might think.

“I use a minimally invasive approach where the joint capsule and all the small tendons and muscles surrounding the hip are preserved,” explained Dr. Daniel Le, an orthopedic surgeon who focuses on hip and knee replacement at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Willowbrook. “Ths leads to more stability and better range of motion.”

Joints are the parts of the body where two bones meet, enabling movement and stability. If a joint is damaged, it can cause signifiant pain and limited mobility that can negatively impact quality of life. Hip and knee replacements are the most commonly performed joint replacements, but replacement surgery can be performed on other joints as well, such as the ankle, wrist, shoulder and elbow.

Common reasons joint pain develops include:

1. Arthritis

2. Overweight or obese

3. Past injury

Without treatment, joint pain gets worse over time. Having surgery can seem daunting, but the results can be life changing. Advancements in technology and techniques have made joint replacement procedures much safer and more effective, with quicker recovery times.

WHY SURGERY COULD BE YOUR NEXT STEP

“If chronic joint pain is interfering with your quality of life and nonsurgical treatments have not provided adequate relief, joint surgery may be a viable option,” Le said. “Surgery can alleviate pain, improve function, and allow you to return to your normal activities, helping you to live life to the fullest again.”

Essentially, joint replacement is more like joint resurfacing. When a joint becomes worn out, the nerve endings in the bones become exposed, causing pain. The surgeon places a new surface on the end of the bones, like a cap that is designed to cover up and protect the nerve endings.

However, it is important to have realistic expectations about living with the updated joint. Le explained, “Your knee won’t be what it was when you were younger, but it will have more function with less pain.”

Th ere are several reasons to consider joint replacement surgery, including:

1. Long-lasting results. In many cases, people can enjoy improved joint function and relief for upwards of 20 years. Over 80% of patients who have undergone surgery are very happy with their knee replacement and would do it again.

2. Minima l recovery time. Advances in surgical techniques have led to the development of less invasive joint surgery options that offer quicker recovery times and reduced risk of complications compared to traditional surgery.

3. Increased activity. New technology and approaches make joint replacement outcomes feel more natural. Most patients who have joint replacement surgery can get back to lowimpact activities, such as swimming or walking, within four to six weeks.

Houston Methodist developed a Rapid Recovery Program to streamline healing after joint replacement surgery. Patients who are relatively healthy and have good family support are eligible to go home on the same day as the surgery. With telemedicine connectivity, patients can attend follow-up visits with their care team from the comfort of home.

For inpatient procedures, many patients are up and walking within hours after surgery. Whether you recover in the hospital or at home, your care team is dedicated to your success.

“ The key to success in joint replacement is a combination of factors, including surgical technique, implant selection, and postoperative care,” Le said. “ The patient’s commitment to their recovery and taking an active role in their care is critical.”

The sooner you talk to an orthopedic specialist about your persistent joint pain, the quicker you’ll be back to enjoying life to the fullest. •

SIGN S IT ’S TIME TO CONSIDER SURGERY:

■ Difficulty performing daily activities due to pain

■ Limited range of motion

■ Swelling in the joint

■ Pain while resting or sleeping

■ Persistent or worsening pain

■ Medications are no longer effective

Start Li ving Life to the Fullest Again, With Less Pain

Talk with a doctor to learn more about whether getting a joint replacement is right for you. To schedule an evaluation with an orthopedic specialist at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Willowbrook, visit houstonmethodist.org/jointpain or call 281.737.0999

Brain Health Food for Thought:

Our brains act as the command center for all aspects of our daily life. It is the most complex organ in our system. The brain enables our thoughts, memories, movements, emotions, intelligence and behaviors. Just like other organs in our bodies, our brains should be taken care of.

WHY IS BRAIN HEALTH IMPORTANT?

Keeping our brains healthy is critical to our overall well-being and quality of life, especially as we age. Boosting your brain health can reduce your risk of developing memory-loss-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

“ There are two key aspects to brain health — your mental and behavioral brain health, and neurocognitive brain health,” said Dr. Amna Ramzan, a neurologist at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. “One impacts how we feel, think and act. The other

impacts our ability to complete normal daily activities, such as eating, bathing and functioning within a community.”

HABITS TO BOOST THE BRAIN

Healthy diet: An important pillar of developing good brain health is what you put into your body. You should eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, quality proteins, healthy fats and whole grains. “Studies have shown that people who have adopted the Mediterranean diet are less likely to get Alzheimer’s disease,” Ramzan said. “Consider eating more plant-based foods, whole grains, fish and healthy fats, such as olive oil and avocado.” Healthy exercise: Research suggests that physically active people are less likely to experience a decline in their mental function and have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

You should exercise 30-60 minutes several times a week, doing activities that increase your heart rate.

“Mental exercise is just as important as physical,” Ramzan said. “Play games, read, learn a new skill, meditate — all

of these activities will improve your memory, attention, brain speed, people skills, intelligence and navigation.”

Healthy sleep: Getting rest is a critical part of good brain health. Sleep keeps you sharp, focused and able to make thoughtful decisions. Experts also believe that sleep boosts your overall memory. For most adults, healthy sleep consists of six to eight hours per night.

Healthy surroundings: Your environment plays a signifiant role in good brain health. It encompasses the people, places and things you surround yourself with that can either enhance or diminish your health. Be mindful of your surroundings and how they impact your mental health. Staying socially engaged is shown to reduce stress and depression, which are symptoms that can contribute to memory loss.

“Implementing these pillars of healthy habits is good for developing your brain, and also can bring down your risk for many other health conditions,” said Ramzan. •

Keep Your Brain in Shape

The specialists at Houston Methodist Neuroscience Center at Willowbrook can help you assess your risk factors for certain brain and memory conditions. Visit houstonmethodist.org/ neuro-wb or call 281.737.1167 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Amna Ramzan

GettingYour Mammogram Matter

As a woman, getting an annual mammogram, starting at 40, is one of the smartest things you can do to stay healthy and may even add years to your life. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat.

“ The most effective tool to detect breast cancer before lumps can be felt or cancer symptoms appear is high-quality digital screening mammography,” according to Dr. Ainel Sewell, a diagnostic radiology specialist at the Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Willowbrook. “Women have more treatment options when breast cancer is caught early. It also increases the possibility of a favorable outcome.”

for doctors to detect breast cancer early. Contrast-enhanced mammograms use a special dye to help highlight irregular blood flw, which could indicate cancerous cells. Ths technology is especially helpful in diagnosing tumors in dense breast tissue, where traditional imaging is not as effective.

It is also important to make sure your mammogram is read by a specially trained breast radiologist, an expert in diagnosing tumors. If necessary, the radiologist can help you fid better treatment options.

TIPS FOR FINDING A LOCATION

Detection With Your ANNUAL

In the U.S., 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer. The good news? In the past 25 years, advancements in early detection mammography have helped increase survival rates by almost 60%. The result — more than 300,000 lives have been saved.

GO TO EXPERTS WITH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

MAMMOGRAM

Detection With Your ANNUAL MAMMOGRAM

“When looking for a location to get a mammogram, choose a breast care center that offers the latest, most advanced technology,” said Sewell. “Those technologies include 3D mammograms, contrast-enhanced mammograms, molecular breast imaging and MRIs.”

3D mammography offers more detailed images, making it easier

Breast Screenings

Stay Ahead of Breast Cancer

Breast Screenings Home

First, choose a location connected to a leading hospital, the key to getting the best technology and expertise. If you need any follow-up testing, choosing this type of location will save you time and effort.

Next, fid a location close to work or home, preferably one that offers online scheduling. The easier it is to get a mammogram, the more likely you will schedule one regularly.

Also, comfort matters. Privacy, compassionate staff nd even comfortable robes are important and go a long way to making your experience a positive one.

Staying ahead of breast cancer means understanding the need to spot the disease before signs or symptoms appear. Finding a location that offers the expertise, technology and scheduling options you need is a smart decision for your long-range health. •

Breast Care Locations in Northwest Houston

Methodist Breast Care Centers in Northwest specialists review your mammogram history and time — detecting changes earlier. That’s why mammogram starting at age 40 — or earlier, if you history — is so important.

Centers offer:

Care Centers in Northwest review your mammogram history detecting changes earlier. mammogram starting at age 40 — history — is so important. technology imaging radiologists insurance plans priority. We are taking you safe.

mammogram technology

breast imaging radiologists most major insurance plans

*Towne Lake and Tomball have screening mammograms only.

Dr. Ainel Sewell

If you prefer to not receive future communication from Houston Methodist, please email optout@houstonmethodist.org or call 713.790.3333

Early Detection Starts With Your ANNUAL MAMMOGRAM

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Breast Screenings Close to Home

At Houston Methodist Breast Care Centers in Northwest Houston, our specialists review your mammogram history and track results over time — detecting changes earlier. That’s why getting your mammogram starting at age 40 — or earlier, if you have a family history — is so important. Our Breast Care Centers offer:

• The latest 3D mammogram technology

• Board-certified breast imaging radiologists

• Acceptance of most major insurance plans