The Leader • Saturday, May 11, 2019 • Page 1B
Protect yourself from head to toe Houston Methodist Hospital For The Leader Dealing with orthopedic and sports injuries often comes with the territory for football players, marathon runners, gymnasts and other competitive athletes. But you don’t have to be on the field or court to end up with a painful or chronic injury. Everyday types of injuries — from carrying groceries or unloading the dishwasher — happen all the time and can also lead to long-term problems if not treated properly. Back problems, joint disorders and osteoarthritis are among the top reasons for seeing a doctor. “Musculoskeletal issues result in millions of orthopedic visits every year,” said Dr. William Bryan, orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee and hip surgery at Houston Methodist Hospital. Know your limits Bryan says it’s important to listen to your body when it’s telling you to slow down. “Sometimes we try to push through the pain, but you can end up doing more damage if you’re not careful. When you have joint and muscle pain, you can’t always walk off the pain or solve it by taking anti-inflammatory medicines,” he noted. “With age, our ability to heal is not as fast as it used to be and we don’t have as much elasticity in those tendons — like a rubber band that loses its elasticity over time. The best thing you can do is modify your activities or try a new activity that puts less stress on your body, such as biking or swimming,” Bryan added.
Keep moving Additional tips to help you keep moving and stay injury-free: • Warm up before you exercise — walking, squatting, cycling, jumping jacks, arm circles, shoulder rolls or lunges. • Get your heart rate up, such as a brisk walk in a park with friends. • Aim for 30 minutes of exercise
every day — you can break this up into smaller 10-minute bursts of exercise throughout the day. • Build strength with weights a few times a week. • Add balance activities at least once a week — stretching, yoga, tai chi. • Focus on good posture — avoid the “head forward, rounded neck” posture when looking at your phone.
When to get checked Injuries are bound to happen whether you’re competing in sports or just taking a walk around the block. Minor injuries can often be treated at home with rest, ice, compression and elevation. But there are times when it’s important to see a doctor so you can avoid further damage and ensure that you can heal properly. It’s wise to get medical help if you experience the following symptoms after an injury: • Instability (unable to bear weight on your knee or ankle) • Limited range of motion • Numbness or tingling • Persistent joint pain • Significant swelling or tenderness • Weakness or lack of strength while moving a limb or muscle In addition, any impact to the head should be taken seriously, whether it’s from a sports collision or a minor fall at home. “When it comes to head injuries, always seek medical help for signs of concussion, such as any loss of consciousness, confusion or dizziness following a bump on the head,” Bryan said. If you need orthopedic care, Houston Methodist Orthopedic and Sports Medicine experts can evaluate and treat your injury, so you can get back to your active life. Major insurance plans are accepted. Conveniently located in Bellaire, Memorial City and the Texas Medical Center. Visit houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics or call 713.441.9000 to schedule an appointment with the appropriate physician.
Preferred Health DIRECTORY Chiropractic Care
NORTHWEST CHIROPRACTIC 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/Pediatrics Nutrition/ Weight Loss
Ana M. Torres, M.D. , P.A. 713.863.9200 427 W. 20th St. Ste #503 Houston, TX 77008 www.Thetorrescenter.com
Ophthalmology
Hiking a hit among area residents By Betsy Denson
Dora Cantú, M.D.
betsy@theleadernews.com
Mangum Manor’s Rebecca Fiszer used to walk her dog or do yardwork as her primary form of exercise. Then, four years ago, a friend suggested she join a hiking group. Fiszer joined several. Now she’s hooked. Fiszer said it motivates her to meet up with people who like to hike. One such group, Houston Urban Trekkers, does hikes close to her home along the White Oak Bayou trail. “People were so friendly,” she said. “Everybody talks. When you’re walking together, time flies by.” John Czach, a co-founder of Houston Urban Trekkers who also volunteers at the Museum of Natural Science, said he and his wife exercised on equipment at home for many years. But once he was widowed, he wanted to alter his routine. “I didn’t like tread milling in a big empty house (and) a neighbor suggested looking for things on meetup. com,” Czach said. “I found Houston Area Trails (HAT), and after years became an organizer with them.” While HAT does longer hikes in places outside of Houston, Czach said Houston Urban Trekkers concentrates in and around the inner loop. There are walks, hikes and sometimes bike rides in Spotts Park, Memorial Park and elsewhere. Members join and communicate on Meetup. “It’s nice to see a mix of regulars and new people. The mix is always changing a bit and we see people sometimes really hit it off,” Czach said. “But the main result just seems to be the shared experience of the walk itself. It’s mostly friends just keeping up with each other.” Fiszer said she considers herself a shy person but felt comfortable her first time out with a hiking group. Fiszer’s hiking groups have also opened her eyes to the natural spaces the area has to offer. “There is so much I didn’t realize within an hour’s drive,” she said. Another local group, Houston Women Hiking, was started as a closed Facebook group by area resi-
713.864.8652 1740 W. 27th St. Suite 180 Houston, TX 77008 www.opiavisioncenter.com
Obstetrics / Gynecology
DR. STEPHANIE FULTON Stephanie Fulton, M.D. 1740 W. 27 St. Suite 301 Houston, TX 77008 713-880-2727 www.fultonobgyn.com
Major Hospitals Photo by Betsy Denson
Members of Houston Urban Trekkers hike together recently on White Oak Trail.
dent Bridgette Mongeon. “I created it because I love the back trails in Memorial Park,” she said on Facebook. “Not many people know they are back there, and so many women feel unsafe hiking alone. I can hardly believe we have grown to over 350 members. Not everyone comes out for a hike. I have posted hikes and ended up hiking alone, but then at other times we will have a group of 13.” Mongeon said the ability of the hikers ranges from beginners to advanced. “I always try to accommodate other people and their limitations,” she said. “Though we started in Memorial Park, people can post a hike anywhere. The idea is to meet women of the same interests. I have met some incredible women through the group and have felt supported through many life adventures while
we commune with the woods.” The science backs up the benefits of hiking. “Research shows that hiking has a positive impact on combating the symptoms of stress and anxiety,”
Dr. Gregory A. Miller of the American Hiking Society told WebMD. com. “Being in nature is ingrained in our DNA, and we sometimes forget that.”
Dr. Tyler Slagowski 281.749.1861
1900 N. Loop W., Ste. 310 Houston, TX 77018 www.wegotyourbackchiropractic.com
Memorial Hermann Greater Heights 1635 North Loop West Houston, Texas 77008 Tel: 713-867-2000 memorialhermann.org Physician Referral 713.222.CARE
St. Joseph Medical Center in The Heights 1917 Ashland Street Houston, Texas 77008 Tel: 713-757-1000 Physician Referral 713-757-7575