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exclamation points! Associate Publisher, KAY GARRETT

Happy Fall Y’all!

It’s been difficult to imagine that our new virtual reality will continue through the Fall. I thrive when I’m busy and have always been busy attending fun community activities from sports events to Fall markets, to dinner with friends. I was really hoping we would all be back out and about enjoying all things we are used to, but COVID continues to be present. So, I’m trying to embrace slow. Some days I’m better at it than others. One thing I have enjoyed is more family time. We have spent more time together cooking, listening to music, puzzling, playing games, and most Kay Garrett spent some time with her family recently, we spent a wonderful weekend at walking along the beach in Galveston: Matt, the beach together. Family time is the best Lindsey and Canon and Jim Garrett. Kiehl, Carley, Kay, Reid time!

In our cover story, Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land highlights the importance of cancer screenings, and Dr. Sindhu Nair introduces us to some basic guidelines for the most common forms of cancer screenings. Doctors at Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land stress that it’s important to guard your health and continue with cancer screening tests as recommended by your doctor. Read about these guidelines and the hospital’s safety procedures in response to COVID on page 6.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and our Focus on the Cure section has some informative articles to help educate you and your loved ones about awareness, detection and treatment options available in our community.

Looking to buy, sell, build or update your home? Check out our Home is Where the Heart is section on page 10. Here you will find some great ideas and resources to help you get started.

Enjoying the Fall season in Fort Bend County has always been full of galas, festivals and the big one – The Fort Bend County Fair. However, this year the landscape will look quite different with most non-profits transitioning to virtual events and festivals cancelled including The Fort Bend County Fair. Stay well my friends! Hopefully soon we will all be back out and about in Brazos again!

The Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land doctors: Jorge Darcourt, MD; Patrick E. Prath, M.D; Sindhu Nair, MD and Kirtan Nautiyal, M.D. Absolutely yours, Kay Garrett

O he Cover :

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Vol. 8 No. 4 September/October 2020

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Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land 16675 Southwest Fwy. | Sugar Land, TX 77479

Don’t Let COVID-19 Fear Postpone Your Cancer Screening The hospital is safe, and coming in for a screening can save your life.

Cancer has not stopped during the COVID-19 pandemic. But what has come to a stop – almost completely – is regular cancer screening. One study, from the electronic medical records system Epic, found that screening mammograms across the U.S. dropped 94 percent in March when concerns over the spread of COVID-19 intensified.

Another study by the IQVIA Institute in April found similar results: since February, colonoscopies were down 90 percent; Pap smears, down 83 percent; PSA testing, used to detect prostate cancer, down 60 percent; and CT scans for lung cancer, down 39 percent. “These are very significant numbers because they represent a delay in finding and treating the most common and deadly forms of cancer,” said Jorge Darcourt, M.D., board-certified hematologist-oncologist at Houston Methodist Oncology Partners at Sugar

Jorge Darcourt, MD Land. “One of our most powerful tools

Hematologistin the fight against cancer is early Oncologist detection. We know from experience

that the earlier we can identify the presence of a cancerous lesion or tumor, the better success we have in isolating it and treating it. It’s time for patients to resume critical screening that can save lives.”

The Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land offers the full range of oncology services – from diagnosis through treatment – at one location. Houston Methodist Sugar Land is Fort Bend County’s only hospital with American College of Surgeons-Commission on Cancer accreditation. The accreditation demonstrates the hospital’s commitment to providing the best cancer care through a vast array of high quality, specialized services – screening, diagnostics, genetic testing, advanced technology, clinical trials and patient support.

Since February, many people have put off annual screenings, such as mammograms due to fear of going to the hospital, or uncertainty about changes in appointment processes. But Houston Methodist Sugar Land has developed key safety protocols that protect patients throughout their screening. Since March, the Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land has performed more than 2,800 mammograms, ensuring the safety of every patient even during the pandemic.

“Getting a mammogram or other test today is no different than it was before, except that we have additional layers of protection and safety,” said Michelle O’Shea, M.D., boardcertified breast surgeon at Houston Methodist Breast Surgery Partners at Sugar Land. “There is no reason for patients to worry. If you missed your annual mammogram during the first part of the year, you can feel safe coming in now. The staff continues to put patient safety first, which now includes extra precautions and safety measures.”

The hospital’s focus on safety includes constant deep cleaning and the use of CDC-approved disinfectants –including UV lighting sanitizers – along with the following new safety processes:

• A new in-car check-in process, as well as reconfigured waiting rooms and check-in lines to support social distancing.

• Mandatory masking and social distancing guidelines for all physicians, employees, patients and visitors.

• Screening all patients to ensure those suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 are scheduled for a later date.

• Daily screening and frequent testing of employees as recommended by the CDC.

• Mandatory personal protective equipment rules for all staff and physicians.

• Additional sanitation processes to disinfect all equipment and surfaces.

Screening guidelines are based on years of data and are designed to ensure that patients are checked regularly for the most common forms of cancer.

“Following the guidelines is an important step in protecting your health,” said Sindhu Nair, M.D., boardcertified hematologist-oncologist at Houston Methodist Oncology Partners at Sugar Land. “It’s important to know

Sindhu Nair, MD HematologistOncologist your or risk factors, underlying such as family history health conditions, and I recommend that patients talk with their primary care physician about cancer screening as part of their annual check-up. In some cases, it may be beneficial to follow a more frequent screening schedule than is recommended.”

Here are some basic guidelines for the most common forms of cancer screening:

Breast Cancer: Women ages 20-39 should have a clinical breast exam every three years. At the age of 40, women should have both a clinical breast exam and a mammogram annually. High-risk women should utilize additional screening methods at their doctor’s discretion.

“Here at Houston Methodist Sugar Land, we have the latest and most sophisticated imaging technology available, including 3D screening and diagnostic mammography; breast MRI and ultrasound; and biopsies, all read by specialized breast radiologists,” said O’Shea. “That gives us a significant advantage in diagnosing tumors at the very earliest stages, which means that women have the best chance for complete recovery – all at one location close to home.”

To schedule your screening mammogram, visit houstonmethodist.org/imaging or call 281.542.3492.

Cervical Cancer: Women ages 21-29 should have a pelvic exam annually, and a Pap test every three years. Women ages 30-65 should have a pelvic exam annually and a Pap test every three to five years, along with an HPV screen every five years. Women over the age of 65 should have pelvic exams and Pap tests at their doctor’s discretion. To schedule an appointment with Houston Methodist Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates at Sugar Land, call 281.882.3130, or visit houstonmethodist.org/spg to find a doctor near you.

Colon/Rectal Cancer: Men and women younger than age 45 should talk with their doctor about when to begin screening and screening frequency.

“Your doctor will want to know about high risk factors, such as family or personal history of polyps, colorectal or uterine cancers, or a personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease,” said Kirtan Nautiyal, boardcertified hematologist-oncologist at Houston Methodist Oncology Partners at Sugar Land. Men and women age 45-75 without specific risk factors should be screened regularly per their doctor’s recommendation. “An annual fecal blood test is the minimum screening I would

Kirtan Nautiyal, M.D recommend,” said Nautiyal. “That

Hematologistshould be combined with regular

Oncologist colonoscopies as indicated.”

To schedule an appointment with a primary care doctor, visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/southwest or call 281.930.6639. For a referral to a gastroenterologist, call 281.205.4514.

Lung Cancer: Regular lung cancer screening for asymptomatic patients is relatively new, but it is making a significant difference in doctors’ abilities to successfully treat the disease. Men and women between the ages of 55- 77 who have a 30-pack year history of smoking – defined as one pack a day for 30 years or two packs a day for 15 years – and those who currently smoke or who have smoked within the past 15 years should be screened using low-dose CT scans. To find out if you qualify for a lung cancer screening, visit houstonmethodist.org/lung-screening or call 281.672.8585.

Prostate Cancer: In general, men who have more than one first-degree relative (father, brother or son with prostate cancer at an early age) should begin screening at age 40. Beginning at age 45, men with one first-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age, and AfricanAmerican men, should begin screening. All men 50 and above should be screened regularly.

“Men who are 40 and above should talk with their physician about the need for regular prostate cancer screening,” said Patrick E. Prath, M.D., hematologist-oncologist at Houston Methodist Oncology Partners at Sugar Land. “As with colon cancer, family history plays a big role in your individual risk, and your doctor can help you decide on the right approach. An annual digital rectal exam, along with a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, can identify most prostate cancers early. If you need additional testing, we can provide the full range of diagnostic imaging needed to pinpoint your cancer and determine the best course of action.”

To schedule an appointment with a primary care doctor, visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/southwest or call 281.930.6639. To schedule an appointment with Houston Methodist Urology Associates at Sugar Land, call 281.746.6611.

Don’t Delay: Schedule Your Screening Today

Doctors at Houston Methodist Sugar Land say that it’s important to guard your health and continue with cancer screening tests as recommended by your doctor.

“We are open and available for cancer screening and treatment,” said O’Shea. “While it’s important to take precautions against COVID-19, it’s also critical that you protect yourself against cancer by keeping up with regular screenings.”

Meet Our New Doctors

Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land is pleased to welcome two new physicians to its medical staff.

Hematology-Oncology

Patrick E. Prath, MD, fellowshiptrained hematologist-oncologist, recently joined the doctors and staff of Houston Methodist Oncology Partners at Sugar Land.

Their integrated, team approach addresses each patient’s unique needs, delivering individualized therapies, innovative research and clinical trials, all backed

Patrick E. Prath, M.D HematologistOncologist by the advanced technology of Houston Methodist Sugar Land. They are dedicated to providing comprehensive, world-class cancer care, close to home.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Prath, call 281.201.6669.

Breast Surgery

Dr. Michelle O’Shea, boardcertified breast surgeon with over 20 years of experience, specializes in the treatment of both benign and malignant breast diseases.

The physicians at Houston Methodist Breast Surgery Partners in Sugar Land are dedicated to using the most innovative surgical techniques to create a fully individualized treatment plan for Michelle O’Shea, M.D. each patient. They bring a strong Breast Surgeon background in the diagnosis and treatment of breast diseases as well as a compassionate approach to patient care. To schedule an appointment

with Dr. O’Shea, call 281.724.4276.

Seabourne Creek Nature Park Now Home to 14 More Whistler Ducks

Seabourne Creek Nature Park, located at 3831 Hwy 36 South, is now home to 14 more Black-Bellied Whistler Ducks. The ducks were brought to the park by the Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition (TWRC) after spending 75 days in the homebased rehabilitation facilities of Rosenberg-area residents Jennifer Bellanger and Teya Miller.

TWRC cares for both native and non-native Texas wildlife found in and around the Houston area, with a specialty in small mammals, migratory songbirds, small raptors and reptiles. Their goal is to rehabilitate with the intent to release back into the wild.

“We were honored to have Seabourne Creek Nature Park selected by TWRC to be the new home of these Black-Bellied Whistler Ducks,” said Parks Director Darren McCarthy. “The park is a perfect location for these ducks. It is over 209 acres of parkland, and to date, we have sited over 212 bird species. That, along with our many piers and pavilions, make it the perfect location for bird and duck watching.”

According to TWRC Board Member and wildlife rehabilita

Photo by Brian Bellanger, TWRC.

tor Roslyn Even, the center has plans to release even more rehabbed animals at the park. “Our next release should be in about 3-4 weeks, and the whistler population should increase at the park to the point where the community will be able to enjoy seeing the whistlers more frequently. We also have plans to release other species, such as Mallard Ducks in the future.” For more information about the City’s Parks and Recreation, call 832-595-3520 or visit rosenbergtx.gov/parks-and-rec.

2020 Fort Bend County Fair Cancelled

Rodeo action, live music and BBQ cookoff fun will not be part of the 2020 Fort Bend County Fair experience. Due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fort Bend County Fair Board of Directors announced the cancelation of the 2020 Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo; this is the first cancellation of the entire Fair since World War II.

Currently, the board and staff are working with community partners to have a livestock show and auction, and 14 young ladies will continue their journey to be crowned 2020 Fort Bend County Fair Queen.

Details are being finalized, and an altered schedule will be released soon. As of August, 339 livestock exhibitors intend to show during the fair’s altered run. Steers, Pen of Two Commercial Heifers, Halter Heifers, Goats, Lambs, Swine, Turkeys, Pen of Broilers, Roasters, Bucket Calf, Scramble Heifer and Rabbits are expected to be shown. “It is our intent that grand champions will be named, scholarships will be awarded and a fair queen will be crowned,” said Fair President Sean Gutierrez. For the latest information, visit fortbendcountyfair.com.