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Healthy LIVING

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A Katy Times Publication

FEBRUARY 2018

RAZZACK & ASSOCIATES works to give patients ‘healthiest life they can live’

Table of Contents Razzack & Associates comprehensive sleep & pulmonary care

Fruits & Veggies lower the risk of PAD

Side effects of snoring include higher risk for Alzheimer’s

Safe ways to deal with Sinus Pressure

Potential Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Katy Healthy Living a supplement of the Katy Times. 5319 E 5th St. • Katy, TX 77493 (281) 391-3141 // www.katytimes.com

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Compassionate, Comprehensive Care

RAZZACK & ASSOCIATES WORKS TO GIVE PATIENTS ‘HEALTHIEST LIFE THEY CAN LIVE’

When it comes to comprehensive sleep and pulmonary care, time with patients to answer all questions and put their minds at Katy area residents shouldn’t have to travel to Houston for the ease with their treatment plan. care that they need. “We respect the fact that when people get referred to a With Razzack and Associates, that care is here in Katy. specialist, they are coming for a more detailed explanation of Located at the Houston Methodist West Hospital at 18400 Katy what is going on with them,” Dr. Alikhan said. “We make every Freeway, Suite 630, this practice has all the expertise to take effort to spend extra time with our patients and make them care of new and existing patients, and will feature a Pulmonary understand why they are feeling the way they are feeling. Rehabilitation Program at the Advanced Respiratory Care It is important that Katy area residents develop confidence in Center located in Suite 650 of the hospital. the doctors that are providing care to them. The practice was founded by Dr.Jamal Razzack and now “We want to bring aspects of the Medical Center to this includes Dr. Ahmer Faruki, Dr. Murtuza Ahmed and Dr. Mir community,” Dr. Razzack said. “We have the training and Alikhan. expertise. Everyone here has had Medical Center caliber “The most important message that we have for this community training and knowledge, but we are here in Katy, so you don’t is that if you have symptoms that we can help you with, then we have to drive an hour and a half to get the treatment that you want to provide the most compassionate, comprehensive type of are seeking. care for you,” Dr. Razzack said. “The doctors here care. We are “We are blessed to have a Medical Center here in Houston, but looking to really make a connection with our patients. We want at the end of the day, you don’t need to go to the Medical Center to get people well again and functioning at their best. for 90 percent of the problems that you might have. We have “We want to get someone who may be very limited due to their that as a backstop of resources when we do need their services.” breathing or tiredness and get them to the most productive life Dr. Ahmed said the practice has worked hard to take what that they can live and give them the tools to do that.” is going on in research settings and apply those lessons and Dr. Alikhan, a 1999 graduate of Mayde Creek High School, cutting edge treatments to their practice in Katy. said all of the doctors at the practice make sure they take their “All four of us are involved in administrative and community FEBRUARY 2018

outreach programs to try and improve the level of care and really mimic what is going on in the university setting,” In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Dr. Ahmed said the practice has seen a number of patients dealing with exposure to mold and construction-related dusts. “You can develop both infections and allergic reactions from all the mold that is out there right now,” “We want to get people the proper information and resources to deal with these issues.” The doctors have also been working through Houston Methodist West with the free clinics in the area to deal with patients dealing with issues in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. Dr. Ahmed said the Katy practice has a comprehensive COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) program that is not normally seen with private practices. “We are going to be able to take care of your COPD problem, where we don’t just focus on inhalers but all the aspects that led to this issue,” Ahmed said the focus of the office is to get patients well and on the path to a better life. “Our philosophy is that ultimately, we want you well enough so that you no longer need to see the doctor in the first place,” Dr. Razzack said. “We want you to quit smoking, lose weight, but we can help give you the tools to do that. Everybody knows they are not supposed to smoke, but nobody knows how to quit. Everybody knows they have to lose weight, but nobody knows how to do it. “That is where we come in and talk about medicines, therapies, behavior changes and we put it all together.” The office’s outpatient practice is centered on sleep disorders and pulmonary diseases. “The most common issue that we deal with in sleep disorders is obstructive sleep apnea syndrome,” said Razzack. New additions to the practice include an allergy practice and allergic diseases. “Allergic diseases are closely tied in to pulmonary issues, such as asthma,” Alikhan said. “We had a lot of patients come in with allergic symptoms and we wanted to get into those issues and provide the most comprehensive care that we could for our patients.” With that in mind, allergy testing has been implemented at the practice. One area that this practice differs from others is that it works on comprehensive care for its patients. “Our goal is to provide a turn key service to our patients”. “If a patient comes to see us with a lung disease such as COPD, sleep apnea and allergy issues, what we are trying to do is have a full scale of the spectrum where we can treat

not only their pulmonary disease, but their improve their sleep and take care of their allergic issues, and follow them over time. “We are also starting a pulmonary rehabilitation program as well. That is a comprehensive exercise, nutrition and education program that will further improve breathing for patients with lung diseases. This will be individually tailored to each person to help them achieve their goals.” Dr. Alikhan also deals with pulmonary hypertension, a complex disorder that raises the blood pressure within the lungs and can cause shortness of breath. This requires particular expertise and can be very difficult to manage outside the university setting. “We have the knowledge and experience to take care of these patients and can help navigate the patients through all the rigorous testing when they are referred here, and then can start them on the appropriate medications and treatments,” Faruki said. No matter which doctor a patient sees at Razzack & Associates, the treatment will be the same. “We are constantly learning from each other and learning about the most innovative treatments and therapies,” Dr. Faruki said. “A medical practice is one of those things that you grow with. We learn from each other and we teach each other and we help educate our patients so that their quality of life can improve and they can lead a more healthy and productive life.”

Dr. Mir Alikhan is a ‘99 graduate of Mayde Creek high school

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Memorial Area Memorial Pulmonary & Sleep Disorder Assoc. Sleep Center* 10837 Katy Freeway Suite 250 Houston, TX 77079

*Our sleep Center is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine

West Houston

Razzack & Associates

Methodist West Professional

Advanced Respiratory Care Center

Building I

Methodist West Professional Building I

18400 Katy Freeway, Suite 630

18400 Katy Freeway, Suite 650

Houston, TX 77094

FRUITS & VEGETABLES MAY LOWER RISK OF PAD Pain in the lower extremities may be indicative of a condition called peripheral artery disease, or PAD. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute says PAD occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to the limbs, head and organs, contributing to atherosclerosis, or a hardening of the arteries. Blocked blood flow and eventual limited oxygen supply to these areas can cause pain and numbness. When severe enough, PAD may lead to tissue death. Discomfort due to PAD usually occurs when a person is walking or exercising, because the muscles are not getting enough blood during these activities to meet their needs, says the American Heart Association. Those with diabetes may confuse pain with neuropathy, and the elderly may think pain from PAD is a normal sign of aging and stiffness. When undiagnosed, PAD can lead to further complications, including increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and coronary artery disease. Even amputation of a limb may be necessary. However, PAD is preventable when taking a few steps to improve diet. According to new research published by the American Heart Association, eating more fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of developing PAD, which affects an estimated 8.5 million

people in the United States alone. Researchers examined dietary data from roughly 3.7 million men and women, with an average age of 65. Approximately 6.3 percent of the subjects had PAD, and 29.2 percent indicated they ate three or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day. The discovery was those who reported eating three or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables had an 18 percent lower risk of PAD than those who reported eating less of these foods. The association between fruit and vegetable consumption and lower PAD risk remained even after accounting for age, gender, race, smoking status, and various cardiovascular risk factors. Saturated fats, trans-fats and sodium can contribute to the formation of plaques that lead to PAD. Replacing these foods with more vegetables and fruits that are naturally lower in saturated fats can help, as can increasing dietary fiber consumption. One way to incorporate these types of foods is to adhere to a Mediterranean diet, which offers high proportions of legumes, fruits, vegetables; moderate amounts of fish and dairy; and limited meat and meat products. Peripheral artery disease can be a warning sign of cardiovascular trouble. Altering oneâ€™s diet may help naturally prevent or treat this condition.

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SIDE EFFECTS OF SNORING INCLUDE

higher risk for Alzheimers

Snoring may seem like a pesky yet minor problem, but it can be much more serious than some people know. Although snoring is a common problem among all ages and genders, the National Sleep Foundation says that men are twice as likely to snore as women, and snoring can worsen with age. The aging process can lead to a relaxation of the throat muscles, resulting in snoring. Furthermore, the NSF says anatomical abnormalities of the nose and throat, illness and other factors may also contribute to snoring. Drinking alcohol, which can have an effect similar to muscle relaxants, in the evening can make snoring worse. While many people may think snoring is a mere nuisance, it actually may be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. Over time, apnea can be associated with high blood pressure and increased risks of heart attack, stroke or death, advises WebMD. Now there is new evidence that those with obstructive sleep apnea may be at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease as well. A new study published in the journal Neurology

found that people with sleep apnea tended to develop memory problems and other signs of cognitive impairment earlier than people without such sleep disorders. Richard Osorio, MD, a research assistant professor of psychiatry at the NYU Center for Brain Health, found that, among 2,000 people studied, those who reported having sleep apnea or snoring tended to develop signs of mild cognitive impairment, including memory lapses and slower speed on cognitive skills, about 12 years earlier on average than those who didn’t report any sleep-related breathing issues. Mild cognitive impairment often precedes dementia related to Alzheimer’s disease. Some researchers believe snoring and sleep apnea may contribute to a buildup of the toxic protein in the brain called beta-amyloid, which is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. If snoring has become problematic, men are urged to visit a doctor or sleep specialist to see which therapies can be instituted to help improve sleep and overall health.

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SAFE WAYS TO DEAL WITH

Sinus Pressure

Sinuses are bony, hollow, air-filled cavities inside the face and skull. They are located in the low-center of the forehead, behind the eyes and in bones behind the nose. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center says the sinuses lighten the skull and produce a mucus that moisturizes the inside of the nose. Unfortunately, when colds or the flu strike, sinuses may become one of the first spots affected by these illnesses. When the sinuses are working properly, mucus will drain into the nasal passages or out the back of the throat. Most of this drainage goes unnoticed. However, the American Sinus Institute says that factors such as allergies, illness, weather changes, dehydration, and dry air can make the sinus mucus thicker and drainage more difficult. This is when problems like infection, stuffiness or throat irritation may occur. In order to combat sinus congestion and drainage concerns, people may try certain strategies that include flushing the sinuses and thinning the mucus. It is imperative to use safe flushing methods to keep the sinuses healthy. Neti pots are among the more popular methods to flushing sinuses. These small teapot-like devices with elongated snouts have become a fixture in many medicine cabinets. Because they are drug-free alternatives, they can be handy for those worried about antihistamines making them drowsy or reacting with other drugs. Neti pots and other nasal irrigation systems use saline to moisten and clear out nasal passages to promote drainage of sinus cavities. However, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, using these devices improperly can increase oneâ€™s risk of infection. CBS News says that neti pots have even been linked to the deadly Naegleria fowleri, which is otherwise known as the â€˜brain-eatingâ€™ amoeba. The key to preventing infection is to only use previously boiled, sterile or distilled water to irrigate. Tap water is not adequately filtered, says the FDA, and may contain low levels of organisms that can stay alive in nasal passages and potentially cause serious infections. Those who are concerned about nasal irrigation safety may be wise to skip neti pots and use pre-packaged, sterile saline solutions that are bottled for the purpose of alleviating congestion. However, when prepared water is used in a clean neti pot or other device, these methods can be perfectly safe. Sinuses can get clogged for many reasons. To free up breathing, people are urged to consult their physicians to learn more about how to safely irrigate their nasal passages.

FEBRUARY 2018

KATY HEALTHY LIVING

POTENTIAL SYMPTOMS OF

prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a formidable foe that kills tens of thousands of men every year. According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the third leading cause of death in American men, behind only lung cancer and colorectal cancer. The World Cancer Research Fund International notes that age-adjusted incidence rates of prostate cancer have increased dramatically, citing the increased availability of screening for prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, for helping to find prostate cancer in men who otherwise might never know they were sick. In fact, the Prostate Cancer Foundation notes that there usually aren’t any early warning signs for prostate cancer, which only highlights the importance of routine screenings. Tumors resulting from prostate cancer may not push against anything to cause pain, even as they are growing. So men who do not receive routine prostate cancer screenings may live for years with the disease without knowing it. Such screenings can be a great ally in the fight against prostate cancer, but men also can remain on the lookout for potential signs of the disease. The PCF notes that, in rare cases, prostate cancer can produce the following symptoms, which men should immediately bring to the attention of their physicians. ISSUES WITH URINATION Urinary issues do not necessarily mean a man has cancer. But such issues should never be ignored, and any that arise should be brought to the attention of a physician immediately. Men might mistake a growing need to urinate frequently as a simple side effect of aging and accept it without telling their doctors. But a need to urinate frequently, especially at night, might be a symptom of prostate cancer. Some men may experience difficulty starting or holding back urination, but those who are experiencing difficulty starting or holding back urination should contact their physicians upon the appearance of these difficulties.

interrupted flow of urination. Such issues may be symptomatic of other conditions, so men should not immediately assume they have cancer. ERECTION AND EJACULATION DIFFICULTIES Men might be embarrassed to report certain symptoms to their physicians. But in such situations, it’s important to remember that reporting any difficulties can be the first step toward healing, while avoiding such discussions can have long-lasting and potentially fatal consequences. Some men experience difficulty in having an erection, and that difficulty may or may not be a byproduct of prostate cancer. Men may also notice a decrease in ejaculate or begin experiencing painful ejaculations. While these symptoms are not always a result of prostate cancer, they should be reported to a physician who can then take measures to confirm or rule out the presence of cancer. Additional symptoms The PCF notes that conditions such as prostatitis and benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH, are common, benign diseases that can cause symptoms similar to prostate cancer. But men should still report symptoms such as blood in their urine or semen, pressure or pain in their rectum and/or pain or stiffness in their lower back, hips, pelvis, or thighs to their physicians the moment they begin to feel such symptoms. Men concerned about prostate cancer or interested in learning more about screenings can visit www.pcf.org for more information. The World Cancer Research Fund International notes that age-adjusted incidence rates of prostate cancer have increased dramatically, citing the increased availability of screening for prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, for helping to find prostate cancer in men who otherwise might never know they were sick. In fact, the Prostate Cancer Foundation notes that there usually aren’t any early warning signs for prostate cancer, which only highlights the importance of routine screenings.

Men with prostate cancer may experience weak, dribbling or

FEBRUARY 2018