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DON'T FALL FOR THESE WORKS OF FICTION
4 Signs
It’s Time for Joint Replacement HOW STROKE SAVVY ARE YOU?
YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INNOVATIONS, NEWS AND TIPS IN NORTHWEST HOUSTON
NEWS & EVENTS
SEMINARS All seminars take place at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital 18220 State Hwy. 249 Conference Center, First Floor Houston, TX 77070 Our seminars are free. Please register now to reserve your seat. Space is limited. To register, call 281.737.2500. Back & Neck Pain Seminar Join Dr. HoSun Hwang and a team of world-class specialists for a free seminar to learn about leading-edge technologies to diagnose and treat your back and neck pain. When: April 28 at 6 p.m. Presenter: Dr. HoSun Hwang, orthopedic surgeon and neck and spine specialist Mammograms, Massages & You! Learn about the advances in breast health at this free women’s health event. Get your body moving with a cardio boost, enjoy a massage and learn the five things every woman should know. When: May 25 at 6 p.m.
INTRODUCING Sports Physicals Join Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine specialists to get your sports physical for all school activities. $20, cash only. For more information, call 281.737.0999. When: June 4 or July 30, 8:30–11 a.m. Location: Houston Methodist Willowbrook, Centerfield Building, 13802 Centerfield Drive, Suite 300 Cancer Survivors Day Luncheon & Balloon Release Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Willowbrook welcomes local cancer survivors and a guest as we honor survivors and let hope soar during our annual balloon release. When: June 10 at noon Location: North Pavilion, 4th floor Swadesh Khurana Healing Garden, Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital Father & Son Symposium Enjoy an evening of bonding and sports talk as you get the facts about health issues affecting adolescents. When: June 23 at 6 p.m. Presenters: Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Willowbrook physicians
NOW OPEN! HOUSTON METHODIST SPRING EMERGENCY CARE CENTER In an emergency, where you receive your medical care matters. Whether it is a minor or life-threatening emergency, Houston Methodist Spring Emergency Care Center provides the quality care you have come to expect — only closer to home. You can expect these services: Quick, convenient access 24/7 Short wait times Board-certified emergency medicine physicians and specially trained staff
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Care for all ages Direct admission to Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, if needed On-site imaging and diagnostic technology Houston Methodist Spring Emergency Care Center is located at 5303 FM 2920 and Gosling Road in Spring (see map on back). Visit houstonmethodist.org/ER to learn more.
DR. ASHA MURTHY Dr. Asha Murthy is a board-certified hematologistoncologist. She was fellowship trained in hematology at the Greenebaum Cancer Center Dr. Asha Murthy at University of Maryland School of Medicine. Murthy specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of blood diseases and cancers. She provides patients in Northwest Houston and surrounding areas with specialized care in hematology and oncology. Murthy has an extensive background in internal medicine, cancer research and clinical trials. She has a full range of clinical expertise including the following: Anemia Leukemia Breast Lung Clotting and Lymphoma Myeloma bleeding Prostate disorders Colon Murthy is committed to providing exceptional care to patients through individualized care. She is dedicated to taking time to explain conditions and treatment options and addressing all of her patients’ questions. To schedule an appointment, call 281.737.2500.
Rendering of the Houston Methodist Spring Emergency Care Center
Is It Time? We break down the top four signs it might be time for a joint replacement
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ches and pains are all just a part of getting older, right? Not necessarily. For many adults, joint pain can be a thing of the past thanks to joint replacement surgery. Read on to discover the signs that it’s time to talk to your doctor about upgrading your joints.
SIGN #1: JOINT PAIN HAS STARTED AFFECTING YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE.
When the pain in your knee, hip or shoulder becomes so bad that it limits everyday activities like walking, bending, climbing stairs and getting in and out of a chair, it could be time to seek help. Also, if the pain continues even when you’re resting or sitting down, or wakes you up at night, go ahead and call in the pros.
SIGN #2: YOU’VE TRIED OTHER TREATMENTS BUT NOTHING SEEMS TO HELP.
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
Ibuprofen can only do so much. Same goes for prescription medications, cortisone injections and physical therapy. For some people, these treatments can delay joint replacement, but for others, they just don’t cut it when it comes to relieving the pain of osteoarthritis.
SIGN #3: YOU’VE LOST THE WEIGHT, BUT YOU’RE STILL IN PAIN.
Every extra pound you carry around puts an extra four pounds of pressure on your knees, according to the Arthritis Foundation, so it’s a no-brainer that losing excess weight can help relieve joint pain. But if you find that you’re still suffering, it may be time to consider surgery.
MEET DR. DANIEL LE Dr. Daniel Le specializes in joint care and joint reconstruction procedures focusing on the hip and knee. He is a fellowshipDr. Daniel Le trained surgeon in routine primary joint replacements, complex revisions, periprosthetic fractures, infections, computer navigation, minimally invasive joint replacement techniques and alternative approaches.
SIGN #4: YOU’RE READY TO MAKE A FEW CHANGES. To get the most out of joint replacement, you’ll need to put in some postoperative work. Physical therapy, maintaining a healthy weight and getting daily exercise will help keep your new joint working well for years to come. n
Take the Next Step
To schedule an appointment with Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, call 281.737.0999.
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Women’s Health
MYTHS Don’t fall for these works of fiction
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MYTH #
1
NOTHING CAN BE DONE ABOUT URINARY INCONTINENCE.
FACT: While the condition is common, you don’t have to live with it.
Urinary incontinence, which is the involuntary leakage of urine, has a number of treatment options, including behavior techniques and both nonsurgical and surgical procedures. Some also believe that urinary incontinence can occur only after a vaginal delivery. Whether you gave birth through a vaginal delivery or a cesarean section, you might experience incontinence afterward. Talk to your doctor about what you can do.
MYTH #
2
MOST BREAST CANCER IS HEREDITARY.
FACT: Only 5 to 10 percent of breast cancers are hereditary.
Even so, it’s certainly useful to recognize if breast cancer runs in your family. After all, if a woman does have an affected gene for breast cancer, she has a 40 to 80 percent chance of having breast cancer in her lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. Whether you have a genetic risk or not, you have control over factors such as exercising, limiting alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, breastfeeding, and limiting use of combined hormone replacement therapy after menopause, explains Romero. But the biggest risk factors for breast cancer are two things you can’t
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There’s a lot of misinformation about women’s health out there, making Dr. Julia Romero it difficult to know what’s true. Here, with the help of Dr. Julia Romero, an obstetriciangynecologist at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, we debunk five common myths that it’s time to retire.
do anything about: being a woman and getting older. So make sure you talk to your doctor about your situation and the best age to begin screening mammograms. MYTH #
3
WOMEN DON’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT HEART DISEASE.
FACT: Heart disease is the leading killer of women.
It’s especially important for women to know the signs of a heart attack because they are more likely to have more subtle symptoms, such as jaw pain (instead of the classic chest pain), increased shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, or extreme fatigue. Plus, you need to understand your personal risk for heart disease and have your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels checked regularly. Romero also recommends that as women get older, they consider seeing an internist or a primary care provider in addition to their obstetrician-gynecologist. “Medicine is becoming more specialized, and because of this, gone are the days when one doctor can manage all of your different needs,” she said. “Make sure you’re getting the specialized care you need. If you have cardiac risk factors, you want to make sure you have a doctor who
UNDERSTANDING GYNECOLOGIC CANCERS You’ve heard it time and time again: Listen to your body. That’s because it’s true. Symptoms, such as abnormal bleeding or pain, are trying to tell you something. They could signal something harmless and easy to treat, but they can also be signs of cancer. Our chart highlights a few women’s cancers and the symptoms to watch for.
can follow you and work with you to prevent a major cardiac event such as a heart attack.”
IF YOU’RE DONE MYTH HAVING CHILDREN, # 4 YOU DON’T NEED AN ANNUAL WELLWOMAN EXAM.
FACT: These annual exams are potentially even more important as you get older.
“Yearly exams are designed to help catch things early,” said Romero. “As a woman ages, her risk for female cancers (breast, uterine, ovarian, cervical and vaginal) also increases. We do the exam to check for signs and symptoms.” Menstrual irregularities, which are important to review with your doctor yearly, can signal other health issues. And don’t confuse the well-woman exam with a Pap test. While a Pap test might not be necessary every year, the well-woman exam remains important.
MYTH #
5
CALCIUM ALONE WILL KEEP YOUR BONES STRONG.
FACT: Calcium is important, yes, but vitamin D and lifestyle choices are also essential. “Women reach their peak bone mass by their 30s, and bone mass drops significantly the year leading up to menopause,” said Romero. “So it’s important not to wait until after menopause to worry about your bone health.” Doing regular weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, jogging, hiking and weight training, and not smoking are key to having strong bones. So is making sure you’re getting enough calcium and vitamin D. Premenopausal women need 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily, and postmenopausal women, 1,200 milligrams — preferably through diet. And 800 international units is a good daily goal for vitamin D, Romero recommends. n
We’ll Help Keep You Healthy
To schedule an appointment with a Houston Methodist Willowbrook obstetrician-gynecologist, call 281.737.2500.
Symptoms
Cervical Cancer
Ovarian Cancer
Uterine Cancer
Vaginal Cancer
Vaginal bleeding or discharge that isn’t normal for you Pelvic pain Back pain Bloating A change in bathroom habits (increased frequency or urgency with urination or constipation or diarrhea)
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How
STROKE SAVVYAre You? Stroke symptoms aren’t always easy to spot. Take this quiz to find out how much you know about stroke symptoms — and learn how to save a life. QUESTIONS stroke, also called a “brain attack,” happens when A a blood clot forms in an artery or a blood vessel carrying blood to the brain (ischemic stroke), or there is bleeding within the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). In the case of an ischemic stroke, which is more common, a powerful drug injected into the patient can dissolve the clot, often saving the person’s life, explains Barbara Quandt, RN, MSN, NE-BC, nursing director and stroke program coordinator at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. How quickly should the drug be administered from the time symptoms first appear? A) Within three hours B) Within eight hours C) Within 24 hours D) Within two days ou can remember how to spot a stroke with the Y acronym FAST, which also denotes the speed with which you should get to a hospital once symptoms begin. FAST stands for: A) Face, Arms, Speed, Touch B) Fast, Action, Symptoms, Talk C) Feet, Arms, Stomach, Toes D) Face, Arms, Speech, Time rue or false? Stroke symptoms often appear over T several hours, even days.
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ANSWERS ) The drug should be administered within A three hours to have the best chance of dissolving the clot. That’s why getting help as soon as symptoms first appear is critical. ) FAST stands for face, arms, speech and D time. To help spot symptoms of a stroke, look at the person’s face. Is one side drooping? Ask the person to hold his arms level in front of him and watch to see if one arm drops below the other. Ask the person to say a simple sentence — does it sound garbled and confused? If you notice any of these symptoms, then it’s time to call 911. alse. “In a stroke, symptoms appear F suddenly,” said Quandt. A less-common sign of a stroke can be a sudden-onset headache, often one that patients describe as the worst headache they’ve ever had. It may be accompanied by out-of-the-blue nausea and dizziness. This can indicate a hemorrhagic stroke. Any stroke symptoms should be treated as a medical emergency. n
INTRODUCING
DR. KASEY GILDERSLEEVE Dr. Kasey Gildersleeve, general neurologist, has joined Houston Methodist Neurological Institute with a primary appointment at the Willowbrook location. Gildersleeve is the medical director of the Houston Methodist Willowbrook Dr. Kasey Hospital Stroke Center. Gildersleeve Fellowship trained in vascular neurology, Gildersleeve has clinical interests that include treating patients with neurologic conditions, specifically those with vascular disorders. “My approach to patient care is founded upon three tenets: care, compassion and commitment. It is truly an honor and a privilege to be entrusted with caring for the sick, and to form a bond with them and their families during a time of concern, uncertainty and fear. Having had a grandmother endure a stroke and its complications, I am personally invested in minimizing and hopefully eliminating the effects of neurologic disorders.” For referrals or appointments, visit houstonmethodist.org/willowbrook or call 281.737.2500.
STROKE SMARTS Stroke may be the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, but that doesn’t mean you can’t fight back. Up to 80 percent of strokes are preventable. Lower your risk by making these simple lifestyle changes today.
KICK THE STICKS
Smoking doubles the risk of stroke. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and don’t give up if you aren’t successful the first time. Do It Today: Talk to your doctor about nicotine patches, prescription medication, counseling and other programs that may be available.
SKIP THE DRIVE-THRU
Those high-calorie, high-convenience foods can lead to extra pounds, which can make you more likely to have high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes, all of which can increase your risk for stroke. Do It Today: On busy days, let your slow cooker do the work for you. Put in boneless skinless chicken breasts, a couple cans of low-sodium black beans and a jar of low-sodium salsa. Cook on low for six to eight hours, and serve with whole-wheat tortillas.
TAKE A HIKE
Or just a brisk walk! According to the National Stroke Association, a recent study showed that people who exercise five or more times per week have a reduced stroke risk. Do It Today: Break 30 minutes of exercise into three doable 10-minute walking sessions.
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
NIX THE NIGHTCAP
Overindulging in alcohol can increase blood pressure and the risk of stroke, so if you do drink, do it in moderation: no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women. Do It Today: Substitute your usual evening drink with a cup of calming herbal tea.
Community Stroke Awareness Festival
Join us at this free family event from 10 a.m. to noon May 14 to learn about the signs of stroke and how to reduce your risk. For more information, call 281.737.2500.
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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, visit houstonmethodist.org or call 713.790.3333.
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