March 14 Section B

The Leader • Saturday, March 14, 2020 • Page 1B

Hospitals to screen, limit visitors amidst COVID-19 concerns

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Memorial Hermann Health System is among several Houston-area hospitals that have changed their visitor policies in an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the upper-respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus strain, the hospital announced Monday morning.

Beginning at 7 a.m. Tuesday, March 10, Memorial Hermann started screening all patients and visitors at designated entry points, including the emergency centers, before allowing them to enter 23 of its facilities around the Houston area.

The hospital system also is limiting the number of daily visitors per patient -- two adults per per day or one adult per day for patients who are in isolation.

The area locations impacted are Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital at 1635 N. Loop W. and Memorial Hermann Convenient Care Center in Greater Heights at

1431 Studemont St. Harris Health System, which includes the Northwest Health Center at 1100 W. 34th Street, also is screening visitors upon entry at all of its facilities. All patients are allowed only one accompanying person on any clinical visit.

HCA Houston Healthcare, Houston Methodist Hospital, MD Anderson Cancer Center and Texas Children’s Hospital also have implemented policies to limit and screen visitors as the region copes with cases of coronavirus.

Memorial Hermann announced last Saturday that 11 of its healthcare workers are quarantining themselves after coming in contact with someone who later tested positive for COVID-19. According to a report by Houston Public Media, three of those healthcare workers have showed mild symptoms of the disease, which according to health officials are fever, cough and shortness of breath.

Earlier this week, Memorial Her-

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NORTHWEST CHIROPRACTIC George G. Junkin, D.C. Photo from Facebook Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital is one of the area healthcare facilities that has modified its visitor policies in an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the upper-respiratory disease caused by the new strain of coronavirus.

mann also said all of its volunteers and non-essential staff over 60 years old had been sent home until further notice.

As of press time Wednesday, a total of 14 people in the Houston

area had tested positive for the new coronavirus -- two in Houston, five in unincorporated Harris County, six in Fort Bend County and one in

By Betsy Denson Elizabeth Hill Arredondo, a licensed professional counselor-supervisor with 19 years of experience who also is the director of Houston Family Counseling, said she had been hearing from parents who were unsure what to tell their children about COVID-19, the upper respiratory disease caused by the new strain of coronavirus.

Arredondo also heard from

kids who were getting misinformation from friends or who had misunderstandings about the virus.

“I thought that adults might be avoiding talking about it for fear of worrying their children,” she said. “I wanted to give them a framework to talk about it and to assuage their fears.”

Here is some of the information that Arredondo is sharing with clients and friends to strike a balance between frightening kids and

Elizabeth Hill Arredondo says there are many things parents can do to assure and educate their children about COVID-19.

over-insulating them from an emerging crisis. Since first appearing in China in December, the disease has infected more than 118,000 people worldwide, including nearly 700 in the United States, according to the World Health Organization, which on Wednesday declared the outbreak a pandemic.

Acknowledge and normalize feelings: If your kids sound, act, or look worried, let them know that this is a normal feeling. Explain to

Dr. Jaclyn Harrison

them that many people are worried about things that are new or unknown. Pretending there’s nothing to worry about, when in fact there is, can be confusing for kids, and also can do damage to their developing abilities to “trust their guts.”

Ask and answer questions: Ask your children what they know about the novel coronavirus and what they’d like to know. Probing See Talk P. 3B

Hidden factors that may contribute to weight gain Houston Methodist Hospital for The Leader You’ve tried everything from dieting and calorie counting to exercise boot camp and weight loss apps — but the numbers on the scale just won’t budge.

Could there be something else sabotaging your efforts to lose or maintain weight?

Let’s uncover some factors that could be holding you back. Although you have the power to change a few of these factors, some are beyond your control. Either way, finding out why weight loss is challenging can be helpful, especially when coming up with a plan or deciding when to seek help for weight loss.

LACK OF SLEEP Your health suffers when you’re sleep deprived, and lack of sleep can affect your chances of losing weight, too. Research has shown that sleep deprivation can lead to increased cravings for high-carb foods and junk food. When you’re overtired, you may be more likely to reach for highcalorie beverages or a sugar fix for quick energy. You may also lack the energy and initiative to make healthy food choices. √ Take control: Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep at night so you can function at your best during the day.

YO-YO DIETING Yo-yo dieting (a cycle of losing weight and gaining it back) can take a toll on your health and make it harder to lose weight.

You may lose weight rapidly on a fad diet, but you’re not just losing body fat. You lose lean muscle as well, which in turn decreases your metabolism. The problem with yo-yo dieting is that it’s not sustainable. √ Take control: Modify your diet in a way that’s sustainable for the long term.

You want to find solutions for managing your weight that will work for the rest of your life, not just dropping pounds for a special event or a few months.

BALANCING GYM TIME WITH MEAL PLANNING TIME Have you been toiling away at the gym without losing any weight? If this sounds all too familiar, it may make sense to spend more time and energy on meal planning. Exercise is good for your overall health and longevity, but it’s only a small component of weight loss. The majority of weight loss comes from making dietary changes and consuming fewer calories than you can burn in a day. √ Take control: By spending 30 minutes preparing a healthy meal, you can avoid consuming an extra 700-800 calories compared to eating fast food or takeout.

Internal Medicine

See Concerns P. 3B

Parenting during a pandemic: How to talk to kids about coronavirus betsy@theleadernews.com

D.A.C.B.N. Nutritionist 11500 NW Frwy - Suite 201 Houston, Texas 77092 Tel: 713-686-0828 www.drjunkin.com

Heights Health Tower 1900 North Loop West Suite 580 713-714-5376 www.whiteoakmedicalassociates.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

Memorial Hermann Greater Heights

There are several factors that contribute to weight gain, including diet.

When you combine a healthy diet with exercise, it’s a win-win!

AGING Controlling your weight can be an uphill battle as you age. Even if you’re exercising and eating right, the pounds can still creep up. In addition, you may lose muscle mass with age, and the problem is compounded if you’re less active. It all adds up to a recipe for weight gain. √ Take control: Cut back on portion sizes of higher calorie foods and increase portion sizes of lower calorie foods like non-starchy vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, green beans and okra, etc.

Try to exercise for 30 minutes every day — going for a walk is a great way to start.

MEDICATIONS Did you know that weight gain is a side effect of certain medications? Some medications taken for depression, inflammation, thyroid disorder or other conditions can make it difficult to maintain or lose weight. These medications may cause you to feel hungrier, burn calories slower or retain extra fluids. It’s important to continue taking your medications as directed by your doctor, but don’t hesitate to ask about alternatives. √ Take control: Talk to your doctor if you have questions about how your medications may be affecting your weight.

GENETIC INFLUENCES Genes can influence appetite, metabolism, body-fat distribution and more, but genetic influences don’t tell the whole story. Environmental factors including eating habits formed in childhood, family and social connections, ways you cope with stress and other psychological factors can have an even greater impact on your weight.

Contributed photo

√ Take control: Even if you’ve been overweight for most of your life and struggle to lose weight, you can fight back. It starts with making the decision to get help for losing weight.

1635 North Loop West Houston, Texas 77008 Tel: 713-867-2000 memorialhermann.org Physician Referral 713.222.CARE

FREDRICK’S AUTO REPAIR PA

Start winning the battle to lose weight If you feel like the deck is stacked against you to lose weight, talk to a health care professional who can help with medical weight management or bariatric surgery. With the right help, you can change your life for the better.

The Houston Methodist Weight Management Center offers the following weight loss services and programs: > StepLITE is a program for anyone who wants to lose a few pounds and needs help getting started. The program includes a diet plan and weekly check-in and group sessions with licensed professionals. > Medical Weight Management is a three-phase weight loss plan that begins with a medically supervised, very lowcalorie diet program and progresses to a personalized meal plan to help you maintain weight loss. > Bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, can help you achieve significant weight loss and improve weight-related health problems.

Weight Loss Seminars

To learn more about your weight loss options, register for an upcoming weight loss information session at houstonmethodist.org/weight-loss-surgery or call 832.667.LOSE (5673).

MORE THAN A HOSPITAL

One-Stop Access for All Your Health Care Needs Houston Methodist in the Texas Medical Center is more than just a hospital.

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.

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Page 2B • Saturday, March 14, 2020 • The Leader

Micronutrients play major role in maintaining thyroid health

By Shana Tatum

salmon, sardines, mushrooms and fortified dairy products.

Food sensitivities can be present in people with hypothyroidism, particularly with Hashimoto’s and Graves’ disease. Food allergies initiate the Immunoglobulin E (IgE) immune response that is associated with immediate reactions such as throat swelling, skin

sstatum@wellness-collaborative.com

We are continuing our look at nutrition as we walk our way through the body. Earlier this year we started with nutrition for brain health. Last month was oral health. Today we bring it down to the throat area and are now focused on thyroid health.

The thyroid is an integral part of the endocrine system and is known as a regulator of energy, body temperature, cholesterol and blood calcium levels. It affects every cell and tissue in the body.

In the U.S., more than 20 million people have some form of thyroid dysregulation.

Women are up to eight times more likely to have thyroid disease compared to men. Low levels of thyroid are known as hypothyroidism and causes symptoms of extreme fatigue, depression and weight gain.

Others have hyperthyroidism with high thyroid hormones and may cause symptoms of irritability, weight loss and insomnia. Some suffer with the thyroid autoimmune condition Hashimoto’s disease and others with Graves’ disease.

In those conditions, the body attacks its own thyroid tissue.

As with many other conditions, eating a diet free from processed and refined foods is important. Intake of nonstarchy vegetables, low glycemic fruits, healthy fats rich in omega 3 fatty acids and leaner animal meats provide optimal sources of nutrients. Choose foods high in fiber and consume adequate fluids for body composition and activity level.

Those with thyroid conditions need to pay close attention to the specific vitamins and minerals that are key to thyroid hormone regulation and conversion.

Thiamin or B1, if deficient, can contribute to fatigue in people with hypothyroidism.

This vitamin is key for energy production. It works to convert carbohydrates to energy in the body. In addition, it helps improve release of stomach acid in order to prop-

Tatum

erly digest protein.

Good dietary sources of thiamin are beef liver, eggs, pork, nuts and seeds. A diet high in coffee and tea contain enzymes that inhibit use of thiamin, so be sure to balance your intake.

Selenium is an essential trace mineral that is needed for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory power. Of all the tissues measured in the body, the thyroid has the highest amount of selenium. When the diet has adequate selenium, it is protective of the thyroid, enabling adequate production. When selenium is deficient, it causes a decrease in the conversion to T3 (the active form of thyroid hormone), providing necessary energy and optimal metabolism. If Hashimoto’s disease is expressing, selenium may help to reduce auto-antibodies against the thyroid.

Good dietary sources of selenium are Brazil nuts, oysters, tuna, mushrooms, sunflower seeds and most meats such as beef, turkey, pork and lamb.

Vitamin D is both a fatsoluble vitamin and a steroid hormone. Two of its biggest roles are as anti-inflammatory and immune regulating functions. We get it both through the sun and dietary sources. It has been supposed that malabsorption in the intestines may be at play in people with low thyroid and that these patients may not activate Vitamin D properly. It has also been shown to lower autoantibodies in thyroid autoimmune conditions.

Good dietary sources of Vitamin D are cod liver oil, wild

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Women’s Health Directory Directory of Local Female Health Service Professionals Dr. Stephanie Fulton Dr. Fulton is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her practice consists of obstetrics, gynecology, and cosmetic procedures such as laser hair removal.

She is a graduate of the University of Texas and completed residency at St. Vincent’s Medical Center where she was a Chief Resident.

Dr. Fulton volunteers as part of the health team ministry of her church.

1740 W. 27 St. Suite 301 • Houston, TX 77008 713-880-2727 www.fultonobgyn.com

Dr. Attiya S. Khan Dr. Khan focuses on the prevention of heart disease through early diagnosis and provides the latest interventional techniques to treat coronary and peripheral vascular diseases.

She is one of the few female interventional cardiologists in Houston available to perform emergency angioplasties and stents for patients who are experiencing a heart attack.

1631 North Loop West, Ste. 220 • Houston TX 77008 713-365-0786 www.nwcardiology.net

Dr. Becky J. Fredrickson Board Certified Ophthalmologist.

Dr. Fredrickson has been practicing ophthalmology for over 12 years. She routinely sees patients for diabetes, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and ocular infections. She specializes in surgical procedures including cataract, eyelid lifts, eyelid cysts, Botox and Juvederm, and pterygia.

1415 N. Loop, Ste 400 • 427 W. 20th St. Ste 100 Houston, TX 77008 713-668-6828 • www.houstoneye.com

Dr. Jaclyn Harrison, M.D. Board Certified Internal Medicine Dr. Jaclyn Harrison, a board certified internal medicine physician, has opened a new primary care/internal medicine practice, White Oak Medical Associates in the Heights.

She believes patients deserve their doctor’s focused attention, personalized care, and is devoted to compassionate, effective treatment for her patients.

1900 North Loop W, Suite 580 • Houston, TX 77018 713-714-5376 Whiteoakmedicalassociates.com

The Leader • Saturday, March 14, 2020 • Page 3B

Talk, from P. 1B this way will help you avoid overloading a child with more information than they need, or missing out on opportunities to correct misconceptions.

Just the facts, please: Choose your media sources carefully. Monitor reliable sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization and other government agencies, and stay away from anything that sounds sensational. If you are watching things that fuel your own anxiety, it will be hard to model calm for your kids.

Assure safety: Let children know that kids and younger adults are at very low risk of serious complications from COVID-19. Also, remind them of all the helpers involved – the government agencies, healthcare workers and researchers, especially.

Adopt a stance of curiosity: This is actually a great time for some age-appropriate

education. For the elementary crowd, you can learn together about viruses. You can talk about the history and importance of vaccines and how they are developed.

Combat xenophobia and racism: This is an excellent opportunity to instill in your child respect for and inquisitiveness about others. Explain to your children that the virus is not specific to one country or group, and teach them about how to stand up for people who are different than they are – and stand against racism.

Practice or adopt healthy limits on technology: Children and teens need daily limits on tech time. This is especially important when they risk having important questions answered with misinformation or could have fears fueled. You can get the facts when your kids aren’t around and filter what’s relevant to them.

Keep kids connected: It’s important that children not

feel alone, and teens keep in touch on their phones. Work to strike a balance that allows for important contact with friends while keeping kids grounded in reality. You might encourage playdates with healthy friends and family.

Plan for child care: If schools do close, and you have to work, where will your children go? Talk with healthy, trusted neighbors and school friends about possible kid swaps. Chances are that they are worried, too, and that everyone would be happy to have options that feel safe and familiar to their children.

Encourage self-efficacy: Children will feel empowered if they know what they can do to prevent getting sick or spreading disease. Go over hand-washing techniques and etiquette for sneezing and coughing. You can also come up with some new and creative greeting alternatives to hugs, kisses or handshakes.

Let kids help you prepare: Are you stocking your pantry or freezer? Tell your children it is in case lots of people are sick, and it’s smarter not to go to the store, and then let them help you plan meals they will enjoy. If it’s looking like schools might close, have kids help you make a list of things they can do at home.

Keep to routines: As much as you can, keep both yourself and your kids in your normal routines. Even in the event that schools close and activities are cancelled, you can stick to bed times, eating habits and family rituals. The same goes for family rules. Now is not the time to bend them. Structure makes kids feel safe, so it can create a sense of normalcy to hear you say, “No shoes in the house,” or, “Food stays in the kitchen, please.”

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Micronutrients, from P. 2B rash or difficulty breathing.

Food sensitivities are generally delayed and can be any of the other reactions with the immune system from the IgA, IgG, IgM branches. Reducing the inflammatory response is key. Removing the most common triggers such as soy, peanuts, eggs, gluten, corn, nightshades, dairy, nuts and seeds for a limited time may prove helpful in determining any food sensitivities. Enlisting the help of a health professional can be beneficial as removing so many foods can be overwhelming and the need to balance nutrient density remains important.

If treated for thyroid dysregulation, a few things for which to remind: Calciumrich foods will interfere with supplemented thyroid hormone, levothyroxine. Be sure to eat your yogurt, milk or take the calcium supplement four hours away from your medication.

If taking thyroid medication, avoid taking an iodine supplement. Much comes from iodized salt, but it is also found in milk, fish, seaweed

and meat. It is difficult to determine amounts of iodine in food because the iodine in soil varies. If you are concerned about your intake, speak to your healthcare provider for direction.

Soy has also been shown to interfere with thyroid hormone metabolism. In addition, the mineral iron may interfere with the medications for thyroid disease. Like calcium, take iron-rich foods or supplements away from medication, not within two hours. Foods high in iron include meat, eggs, shrimp, spinach, sweet potatoes, tofu, kidney beans and enriched bread products.

As you will hear me repeat, a diet based on whole foods will suit any body type. Make half your plate non-starchy vegetables. If enjoying animal meat, consider it 25 percent of your plate and use seed like grains, starches or fruit rich in nutrient density to fill your remaining plate.

If thyroid disease is part of your daily life, consider bringing these nutrients onto your plate to help manage your thyroid.

Plant Featured Plants

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Concerns from P. 1B Montgomery County -- according to local health officials. Twelve of the patients are between 60 and 70 years old and recently traveled on the same cruise ship in Egypt.

According to the World Health Organization, which on Wednesday declared the outbreak a pandemic, more than 118,000 people around the world have contracted the disease, with the initial outbreak in China in December, and nearly 700 cases have been confirmed in the United States. COVID-19 has led to more than 4,200 deaths globally, with confirmed cases having been identified in 114 countries.

Memorial Hermann said its screening process will be brief and include a temperature check and questionnaire. People cleared through the screening process will receive a color-coded wristband that must be worn throughout their hospital visit. Visitors who are sick or do not pass the screening will not be permitted to enter any of the hospital facilities.

Visitors of patients in isolation will be required to wear personal protective equipment and will not be allowed to visit common areas within the facility.

The hospital’s visitor policy also applies to vendors and contractors.

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Plant Information

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10:00 - 2:00 Plant Sale (Or until sold out)

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T: (713) 895-8021 • E: Grownear1@nnmd.org • www.nnmd.org

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Page 4B • Saturday, March 14, 2020 • The Leader

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EVERYTHING YOU NEED. RIGHT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. Taking care of you and your family is what we do best. For primary care, 24-hour ER, physical therapy, lab and 24-hour imaging services, visit a Memorial Hermann Convenient Care Center near you. It’s convenience without compromise – all from one of Houston’s most trusted health systems.

To schedule an appointment, visit memorialhermann.org/ccc or call 713.222.CARE.

Advancing health. Personalizing care.