Take the confusion out of cholesterol Saturday, January 12, 2019 • Page 1B
DIRECTORY Chiropractic Care
Northwest ChiropraCtiC
Houston Methodist Hospital for The Leader Cholesterol can be confusing, especially when you’re trying to make sense of your cholesterol test results. Dr. Ahmed Soliman, a cardiologist with Houston Methodist Hospital, explains what you need to know about cholesterol and why it matters for your health. What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a soft, waxy, fatlike substance that can clog arteries and increase risk for heart disease and heart attack. Cholesterol is produced by the liver and is essential for the body, but it becomes harmful when levels are too high. When should I get a cholesterol test? Everyone should have a cholesterol test at least once after age 21. Based on your age and risk factors, your doctor will determine how frequently you should be tested. Do I need to fast before a cholesterol test? Fasting used to be the norm, but that’s not always the case today. Check with your doctor and follow instructions about fasting before your test. What do my cholesterol numbers mean? Your results from a cholesterol test typically include numbers for total blood cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Even if you’re in the normal range for total blood cholesterol, it’s possible to have high LDL, which puts you at risk for heart disease. Review these numbers with your doctor so you understand what they mean for your health. What can I do to lower my cholesterol? Eat a healthy diet that’s low in saturated fat and high in fiber. Gradually reduce red meat consumption to less than one serving per week. Swap in vegetarian or Mediterranean-inspired meals, including fish, nuts, fruits and vegetables. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week and quit smoking. In some cases, medication is needed to help lower cholesterol levels.
Preferred Health
George G. Junkin, D.C. D.A.C.B.N. Nutritionist 11500 NW Frwy - Suite 201 Houston, Texas 77092 Tel: 713-686-0828 www.drjunkin.com
Internal Medicine
Dr. Jaclyn Harrison Heights Health Tower 1900 North Loop West Suite 580 713-714-5376 www.whiteoakmedicalassociates.com
Internal Medicine/Pediatrics Nutrition/ Weight Loss
A healthy diet that is low in saturated fat and high in fiber is important for lowering cholesterol. Think Mediterranean inspired dishes.
Get Smart About Cholesterol LDL cholesterol is known as the “bad” cholesterol because it is deposited in artery walls and causes plaque buildup. Normal level: Less than 100 mg/dL. HDL cholesterol is called “good” because it helps to remove some cholesterol from your system. Normal level: More than 40 mg/dL. Triglycerides are a type of fat that binds with protein in the bloodstream to form LDL cholesterol. Normal level: Less than 150 mg/dL. Total blood cholesterol is the overall level of cholesterol, including LDL, HDL and triglycerides. Normal level: Less than200 mg/dL. Do You Need a Heart Screening? If you have high cholesterol or other risk factors, visit houstonmethodist.org/heart-scans for more information and to schedule a heart and vascular screening
A FREE HEART SCREENING EVENT Date: Tuesday, Feb. 26 | Time: 5-7 p.m. Location: Paula and Joseph C. “Rusty” Walter III Tower First Floor, Challenger Conference Room 6551 Bertner Ave. Houston, TX 77030 You’ve got big plans. Take steps so that heart disease doesn’t ruin them. Join heart experts from DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center for: • A free heart screening, including cholesterol and blood • pressure readings • One-on-one consultations with a heart specialist • to review results • Heart health tips • Free valet • Refreshments and light bites Reserve your spot at houstonmethodist.org/heart-event to help you understand your 10-year risk for heart disease.
Compassion, community come first for Dr. Harrison By Zarah Parker zarah@theleadernews.com Doctor Jaclyn Harrison with White Oak Medical Associates has just opened her practice in the area with the main goal of serving the community with comprehensive, compassionate care that’s convenient. Dr. Harrison is an adult primary care and internal medicine doctor who decided to open her own practice close to home at the Heights Health Tower at 1900 North Loop West in Suite 580. As a Houston Heights resident, she’s focused on local health. “This is my neighborhood, my stomping grounds, this is where my family is and I want to stay here and keep the medical landscape something that’s good and healthy around here,” said Harrison. This is Dr. Harrison’s first individual practice, but is a goal she’s always had her eye on. She jumped from her training right into hospital work and has been practicing in a hospital setting for six years. Harrison does intend to continue seeing her patients at the hospital, but she is excited to be able to see them on a regular basis as healthy adults. That direct patient care is what she finds extremely rewarding as she’s able to get to know who her patients are. Two of the local hospitals she sees her
Ana M. Torres, M.D. , P.A. 713.863.9200 427 W. 20th St. Ste #503 Houston, TX 77008 www.Thetorrescenter.com
Ophthalmology
Dora Cantú, M.D. 713.864.8652 1740 W. 27th St. Suite 180 Houston, TX 77008 www.opiavisioncenter.com
Obstetrics / Gynecology
Dr. Stephanie Fulton Stephanie Fulton, M.D.
Dr. Jaclyn Harrison Heights Health Tower 1900 North Loop West Suite 580 713-714-5376
1740 W. 27 St. Suite 301 Houston, TX 77008 713-880-2727 www.fultonobgyn.com
Major Hospitals patients at are St. Joseph’s Medical Center in the Heights and Memorial Hermann Greater Heights. “My goals are to keep people healthy, but also when they’re sick to be there for them. We try to make it as convenient as possible for patients,” said Harrison. Patients can schedule online at whiteoakmedicalassociates.com or by phone at 713714-5376. Dr. Harrison also offers virtual visits for her patients. The virtual visits will be available for established patients when there’s not a need for physical exam, or if the patient is out of town and begins to feel ill. It’s an opportunity to give convenient care to those who either need to make frequent
Memorial Hermann Greater Heights
Dr. Jaclyn Harrison
MORE THAN A HOSPITAL
One-Stop Access for All Your Health Care Needs Houston Methodist is more than just a hospital. In the Texas Medical Center, we offer a full spectrum of care — tailored to your unique needs, including: • Specialty physician offices, imaging and labs • Teams of experts using the newest technologies • Six centers of excellence in cancer, cardiology, gastroenterology, neurology, orthopedics and sports medicine, and transplant
To find a doctor, visit houstonmethodist.org/more or call 713.790.3333.
1635 North Loop West Houston, Texas 77008 Tel: 713-867-2000 memorialhermann.org Physician Referral 713.222.CARE