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MAKING SENSE OF COVID-19 AND VOLATILE MARKETS Page 06
ALSO INSIDE 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Coronavirus (COVID-19) pg.08 Top 5 Reasons for Regular Medical Checkups pg.10
YOU CAN KEEP YOUR COUGH AT HOME
with Houston Methodist Virtual Urgent Care
Our providers are available to screen for the coronavirus via video visit. Whether you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or want to avoid spreading or catching germs, our board-certified providers are here for you 24/7. Virtual Urgent Care is available to new and existing patients for your non-emergency, urgent care needs. Get the same trusted care you expect from Houston Methodist — from the comfort of your own home. Virtual Urgent Care is available through the MyMethodist app. Download it today.
houstonmethodist.org/virtual-care
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DEAR DOCTOR DEAR DOCTOR: After a long winter break, I did an intense workout last week and my body still hurts. Am I just sore or did I injure something?
The COVID-19 Issue • Pulled groin – This is fairly common and occurs during squats, sprints, or lunges.
“If you think you are injured, look for signs of redness, bruising, or swelling,” said Gregory. “If you see swelling in DEAR READER: a focused area, it’s a key indicator that your body is trying It’s common for inexperienced exercisers to feel soreness to heal or that something more serious is going on.” after a strenuous workout. However, there is a difference between muscular soreness and pain. Bonnie P. Gregory, Simple treatments for muscle soreness and when you MD, orthopedic surgeon with UT Physicians, shares her should see a doctor expertise on common workout injuries and when you Simple remedies for soreness include using an ice pack, should see a physician. massages, stretching, and most importantly, rest. Muscle “Each person has a different threshold for physical activ- soreness should not last longer than five days. Seek medity, based on factors such as age, health, workout intensity, ical attention if the pain doesn’t subside after a week, the strength, and overall fitness level,” said Gregory. “Staying injured area feels numb, or you are unable to walk or move within your threshold usually results in soreness and gains; your arms or legs. These symptoms could indicate a bigger exceeding your threshold often results in pain and injury.” issue, such as damage to your joints or muscles. The difference between soreness and a pulled muscle Telling the difference can be difficult, if you don’t know what to look out for. With muscle soreness, you won’t feel it until a day to two later. With a pulled muscle however, the pain is usually immediate. “The pain from a pulled muscle is intense, sharp, and localized to where the injury occurred and can also be associated with swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the joints nearby,” said Gregory.
CONTENTS
simply losing your footing.
While you may see your primary care doctor for these types of injuries, a physician who specializes in sports medicine or orthopedic surgery may be your best option. “A physical evaluation and imaging tests can help determine the extent of your injury,” said Gregory. “Once determined, there are a number of treatment solutions including physical therapy, medications, and minimally invasive surgery.” With proper treatment and recovery time, normal activities may be resumed.
FEATURES
06
Making Sense of COVID-19 and Volatile Markets
08
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Coronavirus (COVID-19)
10
Top 5 Reasons for Regular Medical Checkups
MONTHLY DEPARTMENTS
03
Community Profile
Friends of Sienna Branch Library Spring Book Sale
Dear Doctor Sponsored By
UT Physicians at Sienna Village
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Health Matters
Provided by Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital
Where the injury occurred Some injuries are more frequent and problematic than others. While some can be attributed to inactivity and improper stretching, other injuries are due to overuse and strain. Below are some common areas of your body where injuries can occur during a workout or intense physical activity: • Low back strain – This is the most common injury and the result of weak muscles in the back due to prolonged inactivity, sitting, or improper lifting techniques. • Shoulder strain – Shoulder joints have a wide range of motion; repetitive motions such as throwing or swimming can often lead to overuse and rotator cuff injuries. • Wrist strain – Your wrist is a complex joint that offers a high degree of mobility. Too much weight or repetitive motions can place unintended stress and cause injury.
Bonnie P. Gregory, MD, specializes in sports medicine and sees patients at UT Physicians Orthopedics at Ironman Sports Medicine Institute – Sugar Land located at 17520 W. Grand Parkway South, Suite 200, Sugar Land, TX 77479. To schedule an appointment, please call 713-486-1600. UT Physicians is the clinical practice of McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.
ADVERTISING INFORMATION Contact Denise R Williams, Publisher communitynews@entouch.net www.siennaplantationnews.com 281.750.2979
COMMUNITY PROFILE FRIENDS OF SIENNA BRANCH LIBRARY SPRING BOOK SALE
• Knee pain – Also known as runner’s knee, the pain occurs around the kneecap and you may hear a creaking, popping, or grating sound. • Ankle sprain – Twisting an ankle can happen anytime. It can occur while walking, running, or just
Sienna Plantation News is a Community Magazines LLC publication.
Thursday, Apr 23, 6:00-8:00 pm; Friday, Apr 24, 12:00 noon-4:00 pm; Saturday, Apr 25, 10:00 am-2:00 pm, Meeting Room. 3
Prices range from $0.25 to $3.00. Numerous items will be available for sale, such as DVDs, CDs, magazines, and a variety of books, including children’s, teens’, mystery, computer, special interest, and romance. The Friends organization is instrumental in funding library programs such as the children’s Summer Reading Club. Proceeds from the book sale and annual membership dues also help to underwrite the costs of special programming and various cultural events at the Sienna Branch Library. Fort Bend County Libraries’ Sienna Branch Library is located at 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd.
SUN, APR 12 V I S I T H O U S T O N S F I R S T. O R G O R T E X T S I E N N A T O 4 1 4 1 1 F O R D E TA I L S
GREGG MATTE, PASTOR MALCOLM MARSHALL, CAMPUS PASTOR NORMAL SUNDAY SCHEDULE 8:30A • 9:45A • 11:15A 4309 SIENNA PARKWAY HOUSTONSFIRST.ORG 4
sienna campus
HEALTH MATTERS Ask
about
sexual
health. It’s important to
speak openly about sexually transmitted diseases, sexual dysfunction and other sensitive topics. The conversations you have with your doctor are private, and your doctor will not share information with anyone unless you say it’s OK. Get referrals to specialists, if needed. Making an
DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK 5 Things You Can Discuss with Your Primary Care Physician
appointment with a specialist can be costly and may involve a long wait. Your PCP can make the process easier by finding the right specialist for you, and in some cases, you may be able to avoid a specialist visit if the condition can be treated by your PCP.
When you’re not feeling well, a primary care physician (PCP) helps you get back on your feet — but that’s not all they can do. Your PCP gets to know you, your family and your health history, and can do a lot more for your health than you may realize. “There’s a lot to gain from building a good relationship with a doctor you trust — and doing so can also help you make the most of your health care visits,” said Johneca R. Broussard, M.D., board-certified family medicine physician with Houston Methodist Primary Care Group in Riverstone. Don’t hesitate to ask your PCP for advice about anything related to your health and wellbeing. Here are some examples:
To schedule an appointment with Johneca R. Broussard, M.D., or another primary care physician with Houston Methodist Primary Care Group, visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/southwest or call 832.416.1678.
Talk about mental health. PCPs are trained to do mental health assessments and provide treatment for depression and anxiety, including prescribing
We focus on you, so you can focus on the more important things...
medications and helping you find a counselor or therapy program. “It’s important to tell your doctor if you’re feeling sad, depressed or overwhelmed by stress
Drs. Sonhui Chung & Alain Tran of Eye Connection would like to invite you and your family to our office to meet Dr. Chung and the staff; you will also receive special savings on eyewear & eyecare products!
or anxiety,” Broussard said. “You can feel better with treatment, and it starts by having a simple conversation with your doctor.” Make a plan to reach a healthy weight. Your PCP
EYE CONNECTION
can help you get started with a nutrition plan or weight
for you and your family
loss program. Keep in mind, your doctor is not there to judge you if you’ve put on a few pounds. The goal is to
Glasses • Contact Lenses • LASIK Co-Management • Pediatrics
offer advice and help you understand your risks. Find support to quit smoking. If you’ve been
Sienna Office 8880 Hwy 6, Suite 200 • Missouri City, TX 77459 Phone: 281.778.2020
unsuccessful quitting before, your PCP can help you with solutions. “Ask your doctor about medications, local
www.youreyeconnection.com
support groups, like Beat the Pack®, and other tools to help you reduce or stop smoking,” Broussard said. 5
Making Sense of COVID-19 and Volatile Markets
What are some steps I can take right now to ensure my finances are in the best possible place? Now is a good time to check-in on your finances, to get a clear picture of where you stand, and how that compares to your goals or expectations. Two important aspects of your check-up should revolve around your emergency fund and asset allocation: • Emergency Fund: Understand how much cash you have on hand in case of
By Dan Keady, TIAA Chief Financial Planning Strategist
emergencies, like healthcare bills or an unexpected pay cut. While our ideal rule of thumb is to have enough savings to cover six months of living expenses, putting aside even a few hundred dollars provides cushion when you need it most.
While the health and wellbeing of family, friends and neighbors remains top of
Keep the cash in a place where it is relatively safe and easy to get to quickly, like a
mind, it’s perfectly normal to think about savings and investments given recent
savings account at a bank.
market fluctuations.
• Asset Allocation: Take a fresh look at your portfolio to make sure your asset
It’s important to remember to stay calm and keep your eye on the horizon,
allocation remains in sync with your goals, the time available to achieve them
as this is the nature of long-term investing - you will inevitably face ups and
and your tolerance for risk. If you are just starting out in your career and decades
downs.
away from retirement, continue to put as much as you can into your retirement.
As a 100-year-old financial institution, TIAA has helped our participants
Be conservative about spending - do not overuse on credit cards. And most
through many serious events and periods of market volatility, and today is
importantly, don’t get too rattled if your 401(k) or 403(b) investments decrease
no different. Here are some answers to common questions for managing your
given your time horizon to retirement. If you’re in or nearing retirement, you
finances and retirement plans in response to this environment.
have unique concerns, and increasing the proportion of your portfolio in bonds and certain guaranteed assets may help stabilize your investment income. It’s 6
It’s important to remember to stay calm and keep your eye on the horizon, as this is the nature of long-term investing— you will inevitably face ups and downs.
Should I invest right now?
important to work with your advisor on a strategy to ensure you can weather the turbulence and allow you to have income for many years of retirement.
The answer to this really depends on your risk tolerance and financial portfolio, but keep in mind that attempting to time the market - by moving your money in
I have a significant amount of debt, and don’t know what to do.
and out of investments to try and avoid the lows and capture the performance
Regardless of the market, managing debt is one of many competing financial
highs in the short term - is extremely difficult in a volatile market. Even the
priorities that people navigate. It is important for debt holders to stick with
most experienced investors get tripped up by market timing. Instead, keep
their repayment plan or pay down what they can. If the unexpected happens
your eyes on the horizon, think about the long-term and remember that past
(e.g., unemployment, illness or other events that make it impossible to pay
performance is no guarantee of future results. Rebalance so your portfolio
back your loans) contact your loan servicer immediately. They may be able to
remains in line with your risk tolerance, and stick with your savings plan even
modify your repayment plan based on your income or other factors. Remember
during volatile times - it will pay off in the long run.
to maintain cash balances where possible and continue to save and invest for
How do I get started?
the future.
If you don’t have a financial plan yet, now is a good time to meet with a financial
If I was planning to retire this year, should I consider changing my plans?
professional who can look at your financial situation, speak with you about
While working a few extra years is a great way to build up more of a financial
your goals, and help create a plan to get there. Your TIAA advisor can evaluate
cushion for retirement, a market downturn will not necessarily prohibit you
whether your portfolio is built to weather market storms - or if it needs shoring
from retiring as planned. First, consult with a professional to ensure your
up so it can continue meeting your objectives.
drawdown strategy makes sense based on your portfolio. If you have enough
Any guarantees are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing company.
sources of guaranteed income in your portfolio to cover essential expenses, you may be able to continue with your retirement plans. Social Security is likely one
Rebalancing does not protect against loss or guarantee that an investor’s goals
source, but annuities may be another option that provides guaranteed income
will be met.
and keeps you from having to draw down your investment accounts. 7
10 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) Answers provided by UT Physcians
1. How can I protect myself from COVID -19?
est risk for developing severe symptoms. You can also review the latest from the CDC on high risk information.
There are currently no vaccines available to protect you against human coronavirus infection. You may be able to reduce your risk of infection by doing the
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
following:
4. What are the symptoms of COVID -19?
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
COVID -19 is a respiratory illness that causes the following symptoms:
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, if soap and water are not available.
• Fever
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cough
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Shortness of breath
• Stay home when you are sick.
Symptoms may not appear up until 14 days after exposure.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the
5. How many people have been infected with COVID-19 in the United States?
trash. • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Updated information can be found at: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/geographical-distribution-2019-ncov-cases
2. Who should I call if I think I have COVID -19, or have been exposed to a person with COVID -19?
6. Where did the current coronavirus originate?
Contact your primary care provider.
A new coronavirus was identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China in late
3. Who is at a higher risk for COVID -19?
19. Chinese authorities identified the new coronavirus, which has resulted in
2019. This new coronavirus is called the “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease COVID thousands of cases throughout the world. The exact source of the virus has not
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, individuals who
yet been confirmed; however, it has been linked to large seafood and animal
have chronic conditions or are above the age of 70, are considered at the great-
market in Wuhan, China, suggesting zoonotic origin. 8
ted from high touch surfaces (door, table, chair, etc.). Ordering take-out food or having food delivered are both safer options. 10. How is UT Physicians helping to keep patients safe? Beginning Monday, March 23, all UT Physicians clinics will expand the current modified screening process. Patients, visitors, and employees will take part in a brief survey and temperature reading when arriving for appointments. This will be in effect until further notice. With these new protocols, it is recommended that patients arrive early for appointments. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. However,
7. How are most coronaviruses spread?
this is a rapidly evolving situation with COVID -19 and our utmost priority is the safety of our patient population and our employees.
Most commonly, human coronaviruses are spread from an infected person to others through:
We encourage everyone to be vigilant and help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses by practicing good hygiene, including:
• By respiratory droplets when coughing and sneezing close personal contact, such as touch or shaking hands
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth,
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, if soap and water are not available.
nose, or eyes before washing your hands
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
8. What are the treatments?
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
There are no specific treatments. Medical care is supportive and to help relieve
• Stay home when you are sick.
symptoms.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
9. When eating carryout, should I be concerned that an individual some-
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
how contaminated my food by sneezing or touching it? If you are experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 or have been exposed to some-
We know that this virus is transmitted through contact droplet. Eating out is
one with the disease, you are asked to call your clinic prior to your appointment.
not recommended at this time because of the risk of COVID -19 being transmit9
Depending on your age and gender, you may need a booster or vaccine to help protect you from preventable illnesses such as the flu and pneumonia. Flu shots are common and recommended every year.
Men and women under age 26 should consider getting the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine. Measles cases have been on the rise and experts are recommending the vaccine and boosters for adults who haven’t had a shot in at least 10 years. Review your prescriptions and medications Your doctor will review your current medications and determine if they are still needed. If you are taking multiple prescriptions, a visit can make sure they don’t interact with each other negatively or have unexpected side effects. “It’s important to review all medications with your healthcare provider. Unneeded
TOP 5 REASONS FOR REGULAR MEDICAL CHECKUPS
medications may be discontinued, and harmful interactions can be averted. Often modifications in lifestyle or dietary changes can reduce the need for medications several common conditions such as high cholesterol or blood pressure, said Whiting.
By Carman H. Whiting, MD
Making a lifestyle change When you decide to make changes in your lifestyle such as quitting smoking
At all times, regular checkups are beneficial for people of all ages. They can
or losing weight, your health care provider should be the first professional to
help identify potential issues before they start. Early detection of illnesses
consult. Based on your goals and a thorough health screening, an expert can
often leads to more treatment options. If you don’t see a doctor regularly, this
recommend different options to help ensure lasting changes. “Recognizing
is a good time to start establishing a baseline with your health care provider.
that change is necessary is an important first step. Other steps you can take to
“The more we know about you, the better we are able to tailor treatments best
reduce health risk are reducing your stress levels, eating balanced meals, and
for you,” says Carman Whiting, MD, family medicine specialist at UT Physicians.
exercising more often,” said Whiting.
Here are my top five reasons why regular medical checkups are important.”
Save money on long-term costs
Get a current assessment on your health
Preventive care and annual screenings are a good investment for your health. If
Everyone is at a different point on their health care journey. Family history,
illnesses and diseases are detected early the available treatment options will be
lifestyle, age, diet, and activity level are all factors that affect your health.
more varied and some diseases may be prevented. Thus, lowering your health
“Depending on your age, health and family history, there are a variety of tests
care costs down the road.
that can be performed to help determine if there are any underlying conditions such as heart disease or diabetes,” said Whiting. Based on your test results, your doctor may recommend changes to your daily routines or food intake.
Carman H. Whiting, MD, sees patients at UT
Update your vaccinations
Physicians Multispecialty – Sienna located at 8810 Highway 6, Suite 100 in Missouri City. UT Physicians
Depending on your age and gender, you may need a booster or vaccine to help
is the clinical practice of McGovern Medical School
protect you from preventable illnesses such as the flu and pneumonia. Flu shots
at The University of Texas Health Science Center at
are common and recommended every year. Pregnant women should get a Tdap
Houston (UTHealth).
(tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis) vaccine to protect their newborn. 10
Expanding our team of leaders in
COLON AND RECTAL SURGERY Houston Methodist Welcomes Dr. Lisa M. Haubert Lisa M. Haubert, MD, joins Ali Mahmood, MD, at Houston Methodist Surgical Associates in Sugar Land. Together, these board-certified colon and rectal surgeons provide patients with highly specialized care, including laparoscopic and minimally invasive procedures, treating conditions such as: • Pelvic floor disorders • Bowel surgery • Pilonidal disease • Cancer surgery • Rectal bleeding • Crohn’s disease • Ulcerative colitis • Diverticulitis • Hemorrhoids
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To schedule, visit houstonmethodist.org/spg or call 281.668.9824.
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Ali Mahmood, MD Colorectal Surgeon
Lisa M. Haubert, MD Colorectal Surgeon
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