Leading Medicine Fall 2020, Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital edition

LEADING MEDICINE FA LL 2020

Testosterone: Levels Change as Men Age Is It COVID-19 or the Flu?

BE VIGILANT ABOUT RESPIRATORY ILLNESS YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INNOVATIONS, NEWS AND TIPS IN EAST HOUSTON/BAYTOWN

IN THIS ISSUE - FALL 2020

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I s It COVID-19 or the Flu? If you start feeling sick, your first thought might be, “Do I have COVID-19?” As we move into fall, there could be a rise in flu cases as well, and we need to be prepared for both.

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S mall Wounds, Big Problems Small or large, wounds take time to heal. Regardless of size, all wounds have the potential to become chronic.

Your overall health may depend on how well you take care of your wounds.

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Sleep Disorders Can Lead to Long-Term Health Troubles You know that you feel better when you awake from a full, restful night’s sleep. However, do you realize that sleep problems, in addition to being a drain on your quality of life, can pose serious health threats?

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T estosterone: Levels Change as Men Age As a hormone that’s responsible for helping maintain a man’s bone density, muscle strength and sex drive, testosterone is important to men’s health. Common questions about this hormone are answered.

B e Vigilant About Respiratory Illness You’ve heard about the dangers of COVID-19, flu and other respiratory illnesses that affect the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. There are steps you can take today to prevent disease and boost your respiratory health.

T ake Steps to Protect Against a Heart Attack Your heart works around the clock, pumping blood throughout your body so you can live your best life. That’s why it’s important to keep this powerful muscle as healthy and strong as possible.

When Overuse of Technology Hurts: Repetitive Stress Injuries Whether we’re texting, gaming or browsing, most of us are interacting with technology constantly. Learn more about different conditions that may result from repetitive stress injuries and how they're treated.

STAY ON SCHEDULE WITH

YOUR MAMMOGRAM

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ormal life has been turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring all of us to adjust routines and reschedule events. But there’s one self-care activity that should not be rescheduled — getting an annual mammogram.

The statistics on breast cancer are alarming: 1 in every 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in her lifetime.

Staying on track with breast cancer screenings as recommended by your doctor can help you improve your odds against the disease.

EARLY DETECTION MAKES A DIFFERENCE

Starting at age 40 (or younger if you have a family history of breast cancer), you should talk to your doctor about getting an annual mammogram. If you have questions about your breast cancer risk, talk to your primary care doctor or obstetrician-gynecologist.

WALK-IN MAMMOGRAMS AVAILABLE

Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Baytown offers same-day, walk-in screening mammograms Monday through Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. A doctor’s order for your mammogram is not required.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the safety of our patients and staff is our first priority, and we are taking every precaution to keep everyone safe. We are:

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Screening all patients when scheduling appointments and upon arrival Wearing masks and other personal protective equipment while providing care Implementing additional sanitation processes to disinfect all equipment and surfaces Reorganizing waiting rooms to ensure social distancing Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Baytown offers 3D mammography, one of the most effective tools available in detecting the smallest lumps and abnormalities with accuracy.

And if your mammogram does show something abnormal, you have a trusted team ready to guide you through your options for treatment and care.

Schedule Your Mammogram

To schedule your mammogram at the Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Baytown, visit houstonmethodist.org/ breast-care or call 346-292-PINK (7465).

IS IT COVID-19 OR THE FLU?

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f you start feeling sick, your first thought might be, “Do I have COVID-19?” As we move into fall, there could be a rise in flu cases as well, and we need to be prepared for both. Knowing what to do if you experience COVID-19 or flu symptoms can help you protect yourself and others.

“It’s important to keep your guard up this fall, Dr. Pooja because we could see both COVID-19 and flu Kulkarni viruses spreading in our community,” said Dr. Pooja Kulkarni, a primary care physician at Houston Methodist Primary Care Group at Baytown. “We need to be vigilant about recognizing symptoms, getting tested and preventing the spread of illness to others.”

SLOW THE SPREAD

COVID-19 and the flu both spread easily from person to person in close contact (less than 6 feet apart). Both viruses are thought to spread mainly by droplets when people cough, sneeze or talk. Both COVID-19 and flu may be spread to others by people who are asymptomatic (having no symptoms) or those who are recently infected and not yet showing symptoms.

Although COVID-19 and flu viruses spread in similar ways, COVID-19 may spread more easily than flu among certain populations and age groups. COVID-19 is thought to be more contagious than flu because it might be spread through tiny droplets in the air. It also has been linked to more superspreading events in which a single person can infect many other individuals.

A RANGE OF SYMPTOMS

Some people with COVID-19 or the flu have no symptoms, while others experience mild, moderate, severe, critical or life-threatening ones.

COVID-19: The key symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath. Some people with COVID-19 also report a lack of taste or smell.

Flu: The most common symptoms of flu include fever, chills, muscle aches and fatigue.

“Because the symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu are similar, it’s difficult to know if you’re experiencing COVID-19 or the flu based on symptoms alone,” explained Kulkarni. Getting tested for COVID-19 is an important step in confirming the source of illness and seeking medical treatment, if needed.

WHAT TO DO

Most mild cases of COVID-19 and flu can be managed at home with rest, fluids and fever-reducing medicine. But those who are at risk for complications of COVID-19 should check in with their doctor. Monitor symptoms and seek medical care right away if you’re experiencing severe symptoms, such as: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath Pain or pressure in chest New dizziness or confusion

COMPARING SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 AND FLU People may experience some, all or none of these symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Please note: This is not a complete list of symptoms. Talk to your doctor about concerns you may have about symptoms.

COVID-19

Flu

Incubation period (number of days until symptoms appear)

2-14 days

1-4 days

Onset of symptoms

Gradual

Abrupt

Fever or chills

Common

Common

Cough

Common

Common

Shortness of breath

Common

Sometimes

Tiredness

Common

Common

Muscle pain or body aches

Common

Common

Headache

Common

Common

New loss of taste or smell

Sometimes

Less common

Sore throat

Common

Sometimes

Congestion or runny nose

Common

Sometimes

Vomiting or diarrhea

Less common

Less common

Possible symptoms

Make an Appointment

If you're experiencing flu or COVID-19 symptoms, schedule a virtual video visit with your primary care doctor. Simply call your doctor’s office or use the “Schedule an Appointment” button in MyChart. If you need to find a doctor with Houston Methodist Primary Care Group at Baytown, visit houstonmethodist.org/ find-a-doctor, or call or text 713.394.6724.

Inability to wake or stay awake Bluish lips or face “Although COVID-19 and flu are similar in many ways, the chance of severe and critical infection is higher with COVID-19 than the flu,” Kulkarni said.

CHECK OUT OUR DIGITAL MAGAZINE AT HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/NEWSROOM/NEWSLETTERS HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/BAYTOWN 3

Wound Care

Small Wounds, BIG PROBLEMS

S Dr. Jacobo Nurko

mall or large, wounds take time to heal. Some wounds, like small cuts, can usually heal on their own. More serious wounds, like burns, infections or rashes, may require urgent medical attention.

Your overall health may depend on how well you take care of wounds.

HELP FOR CHRONIC WOUNDS

As a general guideline, chronic wounds are wounds that fail to heal naturally and on their own over three months.

“Some people have issues that cause small wounds to become chronic. Issues that are beyond their control,” said Dr. Jacobo Nurko, vascular surgeon and medical director of the Houston Methodist Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Program at Baytown. “That is the time you need to talk with your doctor to discuss treatment options.”

All wounds have the potential to become chronic, and factors that may contribute to poor wound healing include diabetes, neuropathy, obesity, peripheral vascular disease, infection and immunosuppression. Specialized care can help heal wounds and prevent more complex medical problems. Some technology and techniques used for treating chronic wounds include: Wound dressings – cleansing, covering the wound and ensuring moisture balance Debridement – scraping away tissue to allow growth of new tissue Compression therapy – compression bandage systems Offloading – protective footwear, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs Hyperbaric therapy – delivering more oxygen to the wound by breathing 100% oxygen in a special chamber At the Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Program, a full spectrum of specialized care is used to treat chronic wounds. “With help from your care team, chronic wounds can heal more quickly,” said Nurko. “Don’t wait for wounds to get worse. Consult your doctor quickly to ensure for the best outcome.”

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FOCUS ON PREVENTION If you focus on preventing infection, you can help to keep your wound from becoming chronic.

M aintain a healthy lifestyle. We know that wounds have a higher rate of being chronic if you have certain autoimmune or other health risks. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar as recommended by your doctor, and adhere to your prescription medication to reduce the risk of complications. And as is often medically advised, eat a well-balanced, healthy diet, exercise, and, if a smoker, work on quitting.

K eep up with hygiene. Shower or bathe often, and wash your hands and feet. Elderly people and those with diabetes should check for small cuts, cracks, tenderness, redness or swelling on a daily basis.

S chedule regular doctor appointments.

If you have diabetes, ask your doctor to check for early signs of nerve damage or other issues.

T ake your injuries seriously. If you injure yourself, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor right away. It may require immediate attention. Even if it doesn’t, your doctor can help you create a treatment plan to help reduce the risk of infection.

Offering World-Class Wound Care

For more information on the wound care treatments offered by the Houston Methodist Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Program at Baytown, one of just two programs in the Houston area certified by the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society, visit houstonmethodist.org/baytown or call 281.425.2160 to make an appointment.

TESTOSTERONE: Levels Change as Men Age

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s a hormone that’s responsible for helping maintain a man’s bone density, muscle strength and sex drive, there is no doubt testosterone is important to men’s health. It’s also true that as men age, testosterone naturally declines. However, does that mean all men should be looking to testosterone replacement therapy as they age?

Dr. Bayo Here Dr. Bayo Tojoula, urologist with Tojoula Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital, answers some common questions about testosterone: My body fat has increased. Does that mean my testosterone level is too low?

Physical changes, such as increased body fat, reduced muscle strength, and bulk and decreased bone density, can all be symptoms of low testosterone. However, some increase in body fat is natural as you age. There can also be other causes, including poor diet and lack of exercise. A blood test is the only reliable way to diagnose a low testosterone level. Other symptoms of low testosterone can include: Changes in sexual function Emotional changes Sleep disturbances or insomnia If my testosterone has declined, should I take a testosterone replacement product?

Because testosterone naturally declines as you age, low testosterone is not necessarily a cause for concern. Testosterone replacement products are FDA-approved only for men who are symptomatic, whose testosterone is confirmed by lab testing or whose testosterone levels are low due to medical problems, such as testicle damage. In otherwise healthy men, these products have not been shown to be safe or even beneficial for treating low testosterone levels.

Is Testosterone Therapy for You?

A urologist can help verify whether you may benefit from testosterone replacement therapy. To schedule an appointment at Houston Methodist Baytown, visit houstonmethodist.org/baytown or call 832.556.6046.

Should older men be on testosterone replacement therapy?

Despite the lack of evidence that testosterone replacement products benefit most men, drug companies often use advertising that seems to suggest that all older men benefit.

This is troubling, as some studies have linked taking testosterone with increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The Food and Drug Administration issued a warning that cautions men without medically caused low testosterone about these cardiovascular side effects of replacement therapy. Other possible side effects include: Causing acne or other skin reactions Contributing to sleep apnea Enlarging breasts

Increasing the risk of blood clots Limiting sperm production Stimulating noncancerous growth of the prostate

PUT YOUR MIND AT EASE WITH TESTING

“If you are wondering whether your testosterone levels are a concern, don’t look to an advertisement for an answer. The only true way to determine if testosterone replacement therapy is right for you is with the assistance of a doctor using a blood test,” Tojoula said.

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BE VIGILANT ABOUT RESPIRATORY ILLNESS

Y Dr. Houssam Oueini

ou’ve heard about the dangers of COVID-19, flu and other respiratory illnesses that affect the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. There are steps you can take today to prevent disease and boost your respiratory health in case you do get sick. Taking good care of your lungs can improve your quality of life and protect against respiratory illnesses that can take a toll on your lungs.

RECOGNIZE SERIOUS SYMPTOMS

It’s important to know that anyone can have mild to severe symptoms with either COVID-19 or flu. “More serious complications from respiratory illness are a bigger issue for older adults and anyone who may have underlying health conditions.

Yet, it’s possible to experience severe symptoms at any age,” said Dr. Houssam Oueini, a pulmonologist with Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital.

Monitor your symptoms if you’re not feeling well: Mild respiratory symptoms include having a low-grade fever, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, mild cough and mild body aches. What to do: Get tested for COVID-19.

Stay home and isolate yourself from others to avoid spreading illness, even if you test negative for COVID-19.

Moderate respiratory symptoms include fever over 100.4 F, persistent cough, temporary shortness of breath and feeling like you need to stay in bed. What to do: Get

tested for COVID-19 and contact your doctor about worsening symptoms.

Severe respiratory symptoms include difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing, pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, trouble staying awake and bluish lips or face. What to do: Seek emergency medical care for severe respiratory symptoms.

Mild cases of respiratory illness can often be managed with rest, fluids and fever-reducing medicines at home. However, don’t wait to see a doctor if you’re in a high-risk group and experiencing worsening symptoms. Mild or moderate symptoms can quickly become severe for older adults and those who have heart disease, diabetes, cancer or chronic respiratory problems.

MANAGE YOUR HEALTH CONDITIONS

If you have chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it’s important to manage the condition closely with your doctor. Keeping up with your regular checkups is essential in controlling symptoms and protecting your health. Continue taking medications as directed and contact your doctor with any questions or concerns about managing your condition.

“There are things we are doing to reduce exposure risk for patients, including telehealth appointments and video visits,” said Oueini. Ask your doctor for recommendations before going in for appointments and consider having medications sent directly to your home so you don’t have to make extra trips to the pharmacy.

LUNG CANCER SCREENING A respiratory condition that often goes undetected until it spreads is lung cancer. That’s why staying on track with lung cancer screening is important. If you’re a current or former smoker, ask your doctor about lung cancer screening.

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Who Should Get Tested?

Testing may be recommended if you meet the following criteria: Age 55-77 years No current signs or symptoms of lung cancer Tobacco smoking history of at least 30 pack-years (calculated

by multiplying the number of packs smoked per day by the number of years smoked) Current smoker or former smoker, who has quit within the last 15 years Have not had a chest CT scan in the last year

Protect Your Lung Health

A written order is required for all lung cancer screening procedures. Request an order or schedule an appointment by calling 281.420.8809.

Visit houstonmethodist.org/lung-screening for more information.

PROTECT YOUR LUNGS EVERY DAY

Oueini recommends taking these steps to keep your lungs healthy:

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Get regular exercise. Being physically active can increase lung capacity and improve lung function. Exercising makes your heart and lungs work harder, which increases oxygen and improves circulation around the lungs. Any form of exercise that involves taking deep breaths can help improve your lung capacity.

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Quit smoking and vaping. Smoking irritates the airways and impairs lung function. Vaping releases chemicals that also cause long-term damage to the lungs. Smoking and vaping can lead to lung cancer and COPD, and worsen complications due to COVID-19 or other serious respiratory infections. It’s never too late to quit, and the benefits of quitting kick in right away.

Talk to your doctor about getting support to quit smoking.

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Minimize exposure to allergens. Allergens can trigger respiratory problems and other issues. Keep allergies in check and improve indoor air quality with these tips:

Avoid mold spores Control dust mites Keep surfaces in home clean and uncluttered Minimize pet dander Prevent pollen from getting inside by keeping windows and doors closed Ventilate when using products with strong chemical odors

STAY HEALTHY

“The best thing everyone can do to help protect each other is to follow recommended respiratory practices,” said Oueini. Stay vigilant with these tips to prevent the spread of illness: Stay home from work or school if you feel sick Practice social distancing Get a flu shot Wear a cloth mask in public Wash hands often Wipe down frequently touched surfaces

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SLEEP DISORDERS Can Lead to Long-Term Health Troubles

Y Dr. Skantha Manjunath

ou know that you feel better when you awake from a full, restful night’s sleep.

However, do you realize that sleep problems, in addition to being a drain on your quality of life, can pose serious

health threats?

Blood pressure usually falls during sleep, but interrupted sleep can lead to high blood pressure, according to the National Sleep Foundation. “Sleep disorders are linked to a greater risk of heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeat and heart failure,” said Dr. Skantha Manjunath, a board-certified pulmonologist and sleep disorders specialist at Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital.

Insufficient sleep also impairs the body’s ability to use insulin, which can lead to diabetes. In addition, it can affect the amount of a hormone linked to obesity that’s secreted, increasing the chance for weight gain.

Finally, daytime drowsiness increases the risk for accidents at work and on the road.

TAKE THIS SIMPLE TEST: ARE YOU DROWSY DURING THE DAY? Health care providers may use the Epworth Sleepiness Scale to help detect sleep disorders. This test assigns a score to your level of daytime sleepiness. Use the following scale to choose the most appropriate number for your chance of dozing in each situation.

0 = no chance 1 = slight chance

2 = moderate chance 3 = high chance

SITUATION

CHANCE OF DOZING

Sitting and reading Watching TV Sitting inactive in a public place Being a passenger in a car for an hour or more Lying down in the afternoon Sitting and talking to someone Sitting quietly after lunch (no alcohol) Stopped for a few minutes in traffic while driving TOTAL (ADD THE SCORES) If your score is 10 or higher, you may benefit from seeing a sleep specialist.

Get the Sleep You Need

If you or a loved one suspects you may have a sleep disorder, make an appointment with a sleep specialist at Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital by visiting houstonmethodist.org/baytown or calling 281.428.4510.

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Take Steps to Protect

AGAINST A HEART ATTACK

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our heart works around the clock, pumping blood throughout your body so you can live your best life.

That’s why it’s important to keep this powerful muscle as healthy and strong as possible.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S.* Coronary artery disease (CAD), also Dr. Zohair Raza known as coronary heart disease, is the most common type of heart disease. Atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque (a substance made of cholesterol and fatty deposits), is the main source of CAD. It causes the coronary arteries to narrow or become blocked.

You might not have any symptoms of CAD until you experience a heart attack. A heart attack happens when an area of plaque breaks away and a blood clot forms, blocking a coronary artery and stopping blood flow to the heart. (See “Heart Attack Warning Signs.”)

IS YOUR HEART AT RISK?

“While some causes of heart disease are hereditary, many are due to poor health choices,” said Dr. Zohair Raza, cardiologist with Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital. “It is important to make changes — even small ones — to help your heart stay as healthy as possible.”

CAD causes you can’t control: Age. Getting older increases your risk for CAD. F amily history. You’re at greater risk for coronary heart disease if you have a parent with a history of heart disease.

G ender. Men are at greater risk for CAD, and so are women who have gone through menopause.

You can control the following CAD causes with healthy lifestyle changes.

D iabetes. Keep blood glucose and A1C levels under control.

Eventually, high glucose levels damage blood vessels and the nerves that regulate the heart.

H igh blood pressure. Limit your sodium intake to no more than 2,300 milligrams or one teaspoon of salt a day. Some common sources of salt include bread, pizza, soup and cold cuts.

H igh blood cholesterol. Avoid fried foods, fast food, bacon, hot dogs, cakes and cookies, which contain unhealthy fats and added sugar.

O verweight or obesity. Start by losing a small amount, just 3% to 5% of your current weight, to improve your heart health.

HEART ATTACK WARNING SIGNS Someone in the U.S. has a heart attack about every 37 seconds.* Warning signs of a heart attack include: Chest pain, pressure or discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes and spreads to the shoulders, neck or arms.

Shortness of breath — with or without chest pain.

Breaking out in a cold sweat, lightheadedness, fainting or nausea.

Women are more likely than men to experience symptoms of shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, call 911 and seek emergency care immediately.

Schedule a Checkup

To schedule an appointment with a cardiology specialist with the DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center at Baytown, visit houstonmethodist.org/baytown or call 281.837.7587.

P hysical inactivity. Aim for at least 150 minutes of physical activity every week to help you lose weight, reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels and ease stress.

S moking. Try nicotine gums and patches, hypnosis or smoking-cessation classes to quit smoking.

S tress. Reduce your stress levels to improve your health.

Meditation, yoga, massage and deep breathing techniques may help.

U nhealthy diet. Choose a healthy eating plan like the DASH diet, which focuses on eating more fruits and veggies, whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean protein. * Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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When Overuse of Technology Hurts

REPETITIVE STRESS INJURIES

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hether we’re texting, typing, gaming or browsing, most of us are interacting with technology constantly.

Whether it’s using Dr. Jennifer technology or doing Wagner any other repetitive movements day after day, these actions can cause repetitive stress injuries. Learn what these injuries feel like and how they’re treated.

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

What it is: “Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the nerve at the front of the wrist becomes squeezed,” said Dr. Jennifer Wagner, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in surgeries of the hands and upper extremities with Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Baytown. “Symptoms usually develop slowly, with numbness and tingling in the fingers. The thumb and the index and middle fingers are the most commonly affected.” In some cases, the hands may become weak, making it difficult to hold small objects or perform tasks.

Who is at risk: Women are three times more likely than men to develop the condition. People with an injury in the area, diabetes, hyperpituitarism, hypothyroidism or rheumatoid arthritis are also at higher risk. Symptoms can worsen with frequent phone use and video gaming.

How it’s treated: Your doctor may recommend taking frequent breaks from activities that cause flare-ups and wearing a splint at night. Over-thecounter pain medications can help with

pain and swelling and corticosteroids may be prescribed to relieve pressure. “If nonsurgical treatment fails to alleviate symptoms, surgery for carpal tunnel release may be performed,” Wagner said.

CUBITAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

What it is: When the nerve in the elbow’s “funny bone” area has repeated or prolonged pressure put on it, cubital tunnel syndrome can occur. It can feel like pain, tingling or numbness on the outer edge of your arm, including your ring and pinkie fingers.

Who is at risk: Cubital tunnel syndrome is more likely to develop if your elbow is injured or if it’s bent more than 90 degrees for extended periods. You’re more likely to bend your elbow for too long if you sit with your arms on an armrest or hold your phone for long periods of time.

How it’s treated: Avoid putting pressure on the back of the elbow and keeping the elbow flexed for long periods. Wearing an elbow splint at night can help prevent your elbow from bending. Over-the-counter pain medications can aid swelling. For severe cases with muscle damage, surgery may be recommended.

TRIGGER FINGER (OR THUMB)

What it is: Trigger finger is when a tendon in a finger becomes constricted. It can cause pain and a popping sensation when the finger is bent or straightened. In some cases, the finger can become stuck in a bent or curled position.

Who is at risk: People with diabetes, gout, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis are at greater risk for trigger finger. Jobs or hobbies that require repetitive motions with strong grasping or forceful finger use are also more likely to develop the

condition. In some cases, excessive phone use and texting can also contribute to trigger finger.

How it’s treated: Avoid or limit activities that aggravate symptoms. Over-thecounter pain medication may help with inflammation, and cortisone injections can help restore mobility in the majority of cases. Severe cases may require a surgical procedure to help the tendon move.

ERGONOMIC HOME OFFICE HACKS Work to prevent repetitive stress injuries with these tips: Rest your fingers and hands. From time to time, alternate the fingers you use for your phone and switch the hand that controls your mouse.

Take a break from typing. Use voice-to-text software or replace some emails with phone calls.

Stretch your fingers.

Open and close your hands throughout the day to stay nimble.

Wear fingerless gloves.

If your hands run cold, gloves can keep them warm and flexible.

Get Treatment for Your Repetitive Stress Injury The sooner your injury is assessed, the sooner you can get back to the activities you love. Make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist with Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Baytown for a diagnosis and treatment. To get started, visit houstonmethodist.org/baytown or call 281.427.7400.

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LEADING MEDICINE IN GREATER HOUSTON

Getting your annual mammogram is still important.

Houston Methodist can see you safely.

Getting your annual mammogram is one of the most important steps you can take to stay healthy. That’s why our Breast Care Center is taking every necessary precaution during the coronavirus pandemic to keep you and our staff members safe.

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GAR

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During the coronavirus pandemic, we are:

Screening all patients, ensuring only those without COVID-19 symptoms are seen in the office.

Wearing masks and other personal protective equipment while providing patient care.

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D.

W. BAKER RD.

281.428.2273

HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/BAYTOWN

Implementing additional sanitation processes to disinfect all equipment and surfaces.

HOUSTON METHODIST BREAST CARE CENTER AT BAYTOWN 146

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Redesigning waiting rooms and check-in procedures to ensure social distancing.

Visit houstonmethodist.org/breast-care or call 346.292.PINK (7465) to schedule your mammogram today.

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