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DON'T FALL FOR THESE WORKS OF FICTION
Coming Soon!
Our New Hospital VACATIONING ABROAD? HOW TO HAVE A SAFE TRIP
YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INNOVATIONS, NEWS AND TIPS IN NORTH HOUSTON
SNEAK Peek
When Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital opens in 2017, it will be a full-service facility with 187 beds and the latest technology. But you don’t have to wait until then to access our services. Here, we break down what you can expect as our campus develops.
THE SERVICES As a full-service hospital, Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital will be staffed with leading specialists in the following fields: Primary care Cardiology and cardiovascular surgery Gastroenterology Nephrology Neurology and neurosurgery
Obstetrics and gynecology Oncology Orthopedics and sports medicine Surgery, including robotics Urology
MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING 1 Our medical office building opened in March (before the hospital) and will be home to the breast care center, the cancer center, outpatient therapy, wellness services, an outpatient lab and physician offices.
OUR BREAST CARE CENTER IS NOW OPEN This facility is open in Medical Office Building 1 and features the latest technology, including 3-D tomosynthesis mammography, which dramatically improves cancer detection and helps physicians quickly determine the best treatment. If an anomaly is found, a biopsy can be done immediately and patients are navigated to our breast surgical oncologist. Soothing music, art, and heated robes and blankets await each patient before, during and after her appointment. To schedule an appointment, visit houstonmethodist.org/ appointments or call 936.270.3600.
HOUSTON METHODIST ORTHOPEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE Houston Methodist is the official health care provider for the Houston Texans, Houston Astros, Houston Dynamo, Houston Dash, Rice University Athletics and RodeoHouston®. Our specialists are currently accepting patients close to home in The Woodlands and Montgomery County communities,
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so there’s no need to ignore those aches and pains. Dr. David Dice Jr. Dr. Marc Labbé Dr. Eric Price Dr. John Fackler Dr. Kenneth Palmer To schedule an appointment, visit houstonmethodist.org/ orthopedics or call 281.737.0999.
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, according to Dr. John Fackler, an orthopedic surgeon at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital. 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.
SIGN #3: YOU’VE LOST THE WEIGHT, BUT YOU’RE STILL IN PAIN.
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.
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.
SIGN #4: YOU’RE READY TO MAKE A FEW CHANGES.
SIGN #2: YOU’VE TRIED OTHER TREATMENTS BUT NOTHING SEEMS TO HELP.
Dr. John Fackler, an orthopedic surgeon, is one of five specialists at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. This team of Dr. John Fackler specialists serves The Woodlands and Montgomery County communities with a wide range of services, including: General orthopedics and sports medicine Carpal tunnel syndrome treatment Hand and upper extremity surgery J oint replacement S houlder, elbow, wrist, knee and ankle arthroscopy Neck and spine surgery
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
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.
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WE CAN HELP
Now Accepting Patients
To learn more about our specialists, visit houstonmethodist.org/ orthopedics. To schedule an appointment, call 281.737.0999.
CHECK OUT OUR DIGITAL MAGAZINE AT HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/NEWSROOM/NEWSLETTERS 3
Women’s Health
MYTHS Don’t fall for these works of fiction
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here’s a lot of misinformation about women’s health out there, making it difficult to know what’s true. Here, we debunk five common myths.
MYTH #
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NOTHING CAN BE DONE ABOUT URINARY INCONTINENCE.
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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,” said Borchardt. 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, Borchardt explains. But the biggest risk factors for breast cancer are two things you can’t
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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, according to Dr. M. Kathleen Borchardt, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Houston Methodist Hospital. Talk to your doctor about what you can do.
MYTH #
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 #
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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, 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. Borchardt 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 can follow you and work with you to
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.
significantly the year leading up to menopause,” said Borchardt. “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 IU is a good daily goal for vitamin D, Borchardt recommends. n
prevent a major cardiac event such as a heart attack.”
IF YOU’RE DONE HAVING CHILDREN, 4 YOU DON’T NEED AN ANNUAL WELLWOMAN EXAM. MYTH #
FACT: These annual exams are potentially even more important as you get older. “Yearly exams are designed to help catch things early,” said Borchardt. “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 issues, she notes. 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 #
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Schedule an Appointment
We can help you stay healthy. To make an appointment, visit houstonmethodist.org/ womens-services or call 713.790.3333.
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
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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protection against both, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.
REAPPLY, REAPPLY, REAPPLY
Reapplying sunscreen may be the most neglected step in the sun-safety regimen, so don’t just put it on and forget about it. Reapply every two hours while you’re outdoors, and every 45 minutes if you’re swimming.
Let the
SUN SHINE
SEEK SHADE
Seek shade, but do so with caution. While trees and umbrellas provide protection, the sun’s rays can scatter, penetrate and reflect to reach you. So you still need protection (i.e., sunscreen), even when you’re in the shade.
DRESS FOR THE OCCASION
Enjoy your season in the sun and still play it safe
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s children, summertime meant endless outdoor fun and too many cannonballs to count. Fast-forward to adulthood, where a thinning ozone layer and a higher incidence of skin cancer have made us wary of enjoying sunlight. But while cancer is a serious concern, you don’t have to become a summer shut-in. Use these tips to help you safely enjoy your season in the sun.
AVOID 10 TO 4
The sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so try to schedule outdoor activities around those times.
SLATHER ON THE SUNSCREEN
Liberally apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before going outside. Because the sun emits two types of harmful rays — UVA and UVB — your sunscreen should provide “broad-spectrum”
UV rays can penetrate light, loosely woven fabrics, so choose darker, tightly woven options to protect your skin. Test your clothing by holding it up to the sun. If you can see through it, that means UV rays can get through. And don’t forget to wear a wide-brimmed hat, too.
PLAY MOVIE STAR
Forget paparazzi cameras; you have a better reason to shield your eyes. Prolonged sun exposure can damage your incredibly sensitive eye area and increase your risk of developing eye diseases. Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. n
SUN PROTECTION BY THE NUMBERS Maximum number of hours that should pass before reapplying sunscreen. Minimum SPF protection recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, regardless of skin type.
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24 30 100
Number of hours it takes for the true extent of a sunburn to reveal itself.
Number of minutes that should pass between applying sunscreen and heading outdoors. Percentage of skin cancer cases that are curable if detected early.
365
Number of days of the year you should wear sunscreen.
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1 2 15
Number of fluid ounces of sunscreen that should be applied before venturing outdoors.
Have a
Safe Trip! Vacationing abroad? Don’t forget to pack good health
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You’re finally leaving for that long-awaited vacation, but there’s a nagging little voice in the back of your mind. What if you forgot something? Dr. Shilpa Vaidya Passport? Check. Hotel reservations? Check. Underwear? Check. Your immunizations, medicines and first-aid kit? Uh-oh. Too often, these important items are overlooked by excited travelers venturing to exotic places that are home to virus strains different from what our bodies are used to. But being prepared is important to enjoying your trip. After all, getting sick overseas can be more than miserable — it can be scary. You’re in an unfamiliar place and perhaps don’t speak the language. Fortunately, Houston Methodist Hospital has a travel health program for overseas travelers. Travel Health Services offers pre-travel health planning, vaccinations and travel
health maintenance, especially for those with chronic health concerns. “It’s important to visit a travel health clinic to learn valuable information about your destination and ensure you receive the proper vaccinations for the specific area you’re visiting,” said Dr. Shilpa Vaidya, internal medicine at Houston Methodist Primary Care Group.
GET CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF
In a pre-travel consultation through Houston Methodist Travel Health Services, your physician will check you for any conditions that could make travel more difficult and provide you with a bound report on your intended destination. This report includes recommendations for appropriate vaccinations; precautions to take before the trip; items to pack; how to pack your medications; and local and regional political concerns. By checking in with Houston Methodist Hospital Travel Health Services, you can check off one more item to bring with you on vacation: good health. n
Call Before You Go
To make an appointment, call 281.737.2611 or visit houstonmethodist.org/primarycare.
TRAVELER’S CHECKLIST Before you leave for your next overseas vacation, check off the items on the list below to prepare for a safe and healthy trip: ❏ Schedule an appointment with your physician about two months before your departure date. ❏ Get the necessary immunizations for your destination. ❏ Verify whether your health insurance covers you abroad. ❏ Obtain a letter from your physician regarding your health history, medications, allergies and immunization records. ❏ Have an ample supply of medication in original, labeled containers. Do not use pill cases or an unlabeled container. ❏ Carry along the generic names of your medications — pharmaceutical companies overseas may use different brand names from those used in the United States. ❏ If you wear glasses, take an extra pair with you. ❏ Pack your extra glasses and medication in carry-on luggage in case checked baggage is lost. ❏ Consider wearing a “medical alert” bracelet if you have allergies or reactions to medications, insect bites, certain foods or other unique medical problems. ❏ Pack a traveler’s first-aid kit for on-the-road emergencies.
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Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital 17201 Interstate 45 South, The Woodlands, TX 77385 houstonmethodist.org
713.790.3333
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HOSPITALS
Just around the corner
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1. Houston Methodist Hospital
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 3. Houston Methodist St. John Hospital 4. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital
6. Houston Methodist West Hospital 7. Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital
SPECIALTY HOSPITAL
HOSPITALS
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5. Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital Opening in 2017
8. Houston Methodist St. Catherine Hospital
SPECIALTY HOSPITALS EMERGENCY CARE CENTERS IMAGING CENTERS
EMERGENCY CARE CENTERS 713.441.ER24 (3724)
. Houston Methodist Kirby Emergency Care Center
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10. Houston Methodist Pearland Emergency Care Center 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! 15. Houston Methodist Spring Emergency Care Center NOW OPEN!
IMAGING CENTERS 5. Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at The Woodlands
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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.
. 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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