LEADING MEDICINE W INT ER 016
WEIGHING THE RISKS HOW EXTRA POUNDS CAN AFFECT NEARLY EVERY PART OF THE BODY
BOOST YOUR BONES
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KEYS TO A HEALTHIER HEART
YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INNOVATIONS, NEWS AND TIPS IN NORTHWEST HOUSTON
NEWS & EVENTS
SEMINARS All seminars take place at: Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital Conference Center First Floor 18220 State Highway 249 Houston, TX 77070
HEART SEMINAR AND RISK ASSESSMENT Learn about heart disease and how to build heart-healthy behaviors at this screening and seminar. The first 200 people to register will receive free cholesterol and blood pressure screenings. Date: Feb. 23 Time: 6 p.m. Presenters: Houston Methodist Willowbrook cardiologists
Our seminars are free. Please register now to reserve your seat. Space is limited. To register, call 281.737.2500. VARICOSE AND SPIDER VEINS SEMINAR Learn about the causes, symptoms, who is at risk, treatments and prevention of varicose and spider veins at this free event. Register online at houstonmethodist.org/ events or call 281.737.2500. Date: Jan. 26 Time: 6 p.m. Presenter: Dr. Richard Lee, vascular surgeon Location: Women’s and Children’s Pavilion Conference Center
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT SEMINAR Attend a free information session to learn your options for achieving your weight loss goal. Enjoy a cooking demonstration and free samples. Date: Jan. 21 Time: 6 p.m.
NOW OPEN! HOUSTON METHODIST CYPRESS EMERGENCY CARE CENTER
In an emergency, where you receive your medical care matters. Whether it is a minor or life-threatening emergency, Houston Methodist Cypress Emergency Care Center provides the quality care you have come to expect — only closer to home. uick, convenient access Q 24/7 Short wait times Board-certified emergency medicine physicians and specially trained staff
are for all ages C Direct admission to Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, if needed On-site imaging and diagnostic technology
Houston Methodist Cypress Emergency Care Center is located at 27560 U.S. 290 Frontage Road (Mueschke exit) in Cypress. Visit houstonmethodist.org/ER to learn more.
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DIGESTIVE HEALTH SEMINAR If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic constipation, hemorrhoids, overweight issues or constant abdominal discomfort, attend this seminar to learn about the latest advances in minimally invasive colon and rectal, gastroenterology and general surgery procedures. Date: March 31 Time: 6 p.m. Presenters: Houston Methodist Willowbrook physician panel Call 281.737.2500 or visit houstonmethodist.org/events for additional dates.
SHOULD YOU START SCREENING SOONER? More than 90 percent of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer are over age 50, which is why the American Cancer Society (ACS) has set that as the age when most people should begin regular screenings for the disease. Some people, though, are at increased risk for developing colorectal cancer and should begin screening earlier. You may want to consider early screening if you have any of the following: A personal history of colorectal cancer, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease A strong family history of colorectal cancer or polyps A known family history of hereditary colorectal cancer Talk to your doctor well before the half-century mark if you have any of these risk factors. He or she may recommend tests such as a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy. When caught in its earliest stages, colorectal cancer can be treated very effectively. What’s more, when polyps that can turn into cancer are found and removed early, colorectal cancer can actually be prevented.
Seeking a Specialist?
MEET OUR TEAM Dr. Khawaja Azimuddin, Dr. Tal Raphaeli and Dr. Terah Isaacson are colon and rectal physicians and members of the medical staff at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. Our team of colon and rectal surgeons specializes in the following: inimally invasive surgery M (laparoscopic and robotic) Cancer of the colon and rectum Diverticulitis Ulcerative colitis Crohn’s disease Colorectal cancer screening Hemorrhoids Fecal incontinence Rectal prolapse Pilonidal disease Constipation Colorectal polyps Anal condyloma and cancer Ischemic and infectious colitis
To find a colon and rectal physician, visit houstonmethodist.org/willowbrook or call 281.737.2500. Dr. Khawaja Azimuddin, FACS, FASCRS
APPLE AND STETHOSCOPE PHOTOS BY THINKSTOCK
INTRODUCING DR. DIEGO MARINES Dr. Diego C. Marines
Dr. Diego C. Marines, a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon, has joined the medical staff at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. He is also a member of the Houston Methodist Specialty Physician Group. Dr. Marines is fellowship trained in colon and rectal surgery, and specializes in treating patients diagnosed with cancer of the colon and rectum using the latest and most advanced laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Dr. Tal Raphaeli, FACS
Dr. Terah Isaacson
CHECK OUT OUR DIGITAL MAGAZINE AT HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/NEWSROOM/NEWSLETTERS 3
Weighing the
T
Risks
he lives of millions of Americans are at risk every day. Why? More than 72 million adults are obese — and obesity is a gateway condition to a host of health problems that affect the heart, joints, internal organs and more. “Obesity affects the entire body, from head to toe,” said Dr. Dara Wang, an internist at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. Dr. Dara Wang Most dangerous is “central obesity” in the midsection. “As we gain belly fat, we increase our insulin resistance,” Wang said. “We increase our risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol. Central obesity is a direct marker for fat depositing in our organs.” Not all obesity is equal: Overweight patients with a normal waist size and blood pressure and cholesterol levels are at far lower risk than those with central fat. People who carry extra weight in their bellies are at higher risk for diabetes, heart disease and stroke. How do you know where you stand? Know these two numbers: your waist size and your body mass index (BMI), a measure of body fat based on height and weight. Talk to your doctor about what your results mean for your health and the screenings you need to make sure you’re not in danger. “You have the power to effect change,” said Wang, who recommends avoiding liquid calories like soda and following a Mediterranean diet heavy in fresh produce, healthy fats such as olive oil, and proteins like fish. Following a low-carbohydrate diet and doing exercise to build lean muscle, like resistance training, will help reduce belly fat. Just how much damage can obesity do? We take a look at the body’s obesity burden.
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How extra pounds can affect nearly every part of the body
NUMBERS CAN LIE Even if your body mass index (BMI) number falls within the healthy range, that may not mean you’re in the clear — or that you have license to eat junk food at will. It’s possible to be unhealthy even if the scale says otherwise. Some people call it “skinny fat.” It’s the idea that you can look perfectly healthy while being at risk for chronic conditions because of diet, lack of exercise and genetics. “High blood pressure and high cholesterol are called silent killers for a reason,” said Dr. Dara Wang, an internist at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. “Everyone, no matter your size or weight, needs an annual visit with their doctor.”
THE DANGER ZONE Women
WAIST > 35 in. BMI > 25
Men
WAIST > 40 in. BMI > 25
HOW EXTRA POUNDS AFFECT THE ENTIRE BODY Throat
Brain
As BMI increases, so does the risk of stroke. Obesity can be tied to depression and anxiety.
Lungs
Sleep apnea, which can be due to an airway narrowed by neck fat, causes you to stop breathing multiple times during the night.
The possibility of developing asthma increases.
Heart
The long list of risks includes heart disease, heart attack, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart failure.
Esophagus
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophageal cancer are sometimes linked to carrying extra weight.
Pancreas
Your body can lose the ability to properly use insulin, leading to diabetes.
Liver
Fatty liver disease and cirrhosis are risks.
Back
Being heavier means having a higher chance of back pain.
Gallbladder
You are at increased risk of gallstones and an enlarged gallbladder.
Reproductive Organs
Kidneys
ILLUSTRATION BY TRACI DEBARKO
Diabetes and high blood pressure due to obesity can lead to kidney disease and kidney failure.
Women can face abnormal periods and infertility. Men may struggle with erectile dysfunction.
Colon
Obesity has been linked to colon cancer.
Knees
Extra weight can wear down the joints, leading to osteoarthritis.
FREE SURGICAL WEIGHT LOSS SEMINAR
Learn if bariatric surgery is right for you. Speak to our surgeons and learn the benefits of choosing Houston Methodist Willowbrook Weight Loss Solutions. To register for a seminar, visit us online at houstonmethodist.org/events or call 281.737.2500.
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MEET THE TEAM
Boost Your Bones The benefits of working out go bone deep While exercise can help you look good on the outside, on the inside it’s serving another essential purpose: strengthening your bones. As you age, Dr. M. Nameer your bone density Sidiquee decreases. Weightbearing and moderate- to high-impact exercises such as running, walking, dancing and weight training put stress on your bones, which helps them become stronger. The experts at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Willowbrook are committed to the
health of all athletes and individuals pursuing a healthy active lifestyle. “Seniors need to bear in mind bone density and natural loss of muscle mass,” said Dr. M. Nameer Sidiquee, a primary care sports medicine physician with Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Willowbrook. “You need a weight-bearing component like lifting weight over your head or walking.” Exercises that improve your balance are also key to avoiding falls — and fractures. “When you introduce instability into your workouts, it can help you learn to handle the curveballs you get in real life, such as stepping off of a curb,” Sidiquee said. n
Our team of leaders in orthopedics and sports medicine can help you get back to living the kind of life you love. Dr. Plinio Caldera General orthopedics Dr. Travis Hanson Foot and ankle specialist Dr. HoSun Hwang Hand and upper extremity specialist Dr. Daniel Le Joint replacement Dr. J. Bruce Moseley Orthopedic sports medicine Dr. Scott Rand Primary care sports medicine Dr. Christian Schupp Primary care sports medicine Dr. John Seaberg Orthopedic sports medicine Dr. Gregory M. Seelhoefer Primary care sports medicine Dr. M. Nameer Sidiquee Primary care sports medicine
OUR NEWEST MEMBER r. Alan Rosen D Hand and upper extremity specialist
Get Help Staying Active To schedule an appointment with our physicians at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Willowbrook, call 281.737.0999.
WORKING (OUT) AT WORK
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Use a firmly inflated fitness ball instead of a chair, which will improve
6 LEADING MEDICINE IN NORTHWEST HOUSTON
your core muscles. Or find a chair that incorporates a fitness ball by searching online for “balance ball chair.”
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Park as far away from the office’s front door as possible.
Stand up while you talk on the phone or eat lunch, since standing burns more calories than sitting.
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Walk and talk. Conduct meetings as you walk around the office with co-workers.
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Bring exercise equipment to work, such as resistance bands or small hand weights. Use them for a few minutes between meetings or during breaks.
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
Unless you’re literally chained to your desk, there are plenty of ways to stay active at the office. Short bursts of exercise can be as beneficial as a full workout when you do them throughout the day, every day. Follow these five simple tips to work more activity into your workday.
SAVE YOUR OWN LIFE
A HEALTHIER HEART Three ways to keep your ticker in tiptop shape
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
In most cases, a heart attack doesn’t just happen. Instead, it’s often the result of coronary artery disease — the buildup of plaque inside your arteries. Dr. Valentina Things like smoking, Ugolini high blood pressure and bad eating habits can trigger this buildup, narrowing the arteries and limiting blood flow to the heart. If the heart can’t get the oxygen and nutrients it needs, it can result in a heart attack. “Coronary heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death for both men and women,” said Dr. Valentina Ugolini, associate chief quality and patient safety officer at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. But there’s hope. While you can’t
change your age, gender or family history — three determining factors in your risk for heart disease — you can change these three lifestyle factors.
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EAT RIGHT
Consuming saturated fat adds low-density lipoprotein, also known as LDL or “bad” cholesterol, to your blood vessels. Instead, fill up on high-fiber foods, such as oats and beans, which can help keep cholesterol from being absorbed. And limit alcohol intake, which increases fat levels in the blood.
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EXERCISE
Regular aerobic exercise helps reduce bad cholesterol and even stimulates production of high-density lipoprotein, also called HDL or “good” cholesterol.
3
STOP SMOKING
As a smoker, your risk for heart disease increases two to four times. n
Find a Local Doctor
Visit houstonmethodist.org/willowbrook or call 281.737.2500 to find a physician near you.
We’ve all heard unsavory details about colonoscopies and the bathroom time required in preparation. It’s no wonder the No. 1 reason for skipping colon cancer screenings is fear of embarrassment during the procedure. But a couple of uncomfortable days could save your life. As the third most common cancer in American men and women, colorectal cancer will cause about 50,000 deaths this year. Yet fewer than half of Americans 50 or older undergo recommended screenings. A colonoscopy will never be pleasant, but knowing what to expect can make it more bearable. Here, we address three common questions.
Q
Does a colonoscopy hurt? Most patients experience little discomfort during the 30-minute procedure, during which a doctor uses a narrow, flexible, lighted instrument to examine the rectum and colon for abnormal growths. Patients are typically sedated and often don’t remember the experience.
Q
How do I prepare? Patients are required to empty their colons, which means no solid foods the day before a colonoscopy. The evening before, you will have to drink a substance to clean out the colon.
Q
What happens if they find something? Doctors typically remove small polyps found during the test to prevent them from becoming cancerous. If doctors find a large polyp, tumor or other abnormality, they will remove it and take a biopsy.
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Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital 18220 State Highway 249 Houston, Texas 77070-4349 houstonmethodist.org/willowbrook
713.790.3333
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HOSPITALS
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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2. Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital
6. Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital
3. Houston Methodist St. John Hospital
7. Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital Opening in 2017
SPECIALTY HOSPITAL 8. Houston Methodist St. Catherine Hospital
SPECIALTY HOSPITALS EMERGENCY CARE CENTERS
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. Houston Methodist West Hospital
4. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital
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1. Houston Methodist Hospital
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EMERGENCY CARE CENTERS 713.441.ER24 (3724)
9. Houston Methodist Kirby Emergency Care Center 10. Houston Methodist Pearland Emergency Care Center
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11. Houston Methodist Sienna Plantation Emergency Care Center 12. Houston Methodist Voss Emergency Care Center
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13. Houston Methodist Cinco Ranch Emergency Care Center NOW OPEN! 14. Houston Methodist Cypress Emergency Care Center NOW OPEN! 1. Houston Methodist Spring Emergency Care Center Opening April 2016
IMAGING CENTERS 7. Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at The Woodlands Opening March 2016
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Staying healthy begins with knowing your risk. Protect yourself from heart disease with a preventive heart screening. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, with it being the culprit behind one in four deaths. Join us for a free heart seminar and screening event to learn your 10-year risk for heart disease. For more information or to register for the heart seminar and/or screening, visit houstonmethodist.org/events or call 713.790.3333.
9. Houston Methodist Breast Care Center 16. Houston Methodist Imaging Center
For more information about Houston Methodist or for a physician referral, please visit houstonmethodist.org or call 713.790.3333.
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