Leading Medicine Winter 2017, Houston Methodist Hospital edition

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MORE THAN MEDICINE:

Lifestyle Changes Can Lessen Cardiac Concerns

FROM EVERYDAY ATHLETES TO OLYMPIC

CHAMPIONS

How Simone Biles Discovered Another Winning Team

GET THE FACTS ABOUT STROKE

What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You

YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INNOVATIONS, NEWS AND TIPS FROM HOUSTON METHODIST

MORE THAN MEDICINE: Lifestyle Changes Can Lessen Cardiac Concerns

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s your heart at risk? It might be. One in 4 deaths in the United States are caused by heart disease each year. Heart disease is so dangerous because many chronic conditions that lead to it are stealth foes slowly damaging your heart.

Dr. Alpesh Shah, interventional cardiologist at Houston Methodist Hospital, explained Dr. Alpesh Shah some of the most common cardiac conditions and what you can do to help protect yourself.

3 DANGEROUS CONDITIONS

High cholesterol – Individuals with high cholesterol are twice as likely to develop heart disease as those with lower cholesterol levels.

“When you have too much cholesterol, it builds up in the walls of blood vessels,” Shah explained. “When this build-up occurs in the arteries of the heart, it can gradually compromise blood flow leading to chest pain and, if a clot forms, a heart attack.” Regular screenings can help detect high cholesterol, which often goes otherwise undetected as it typically presents no symptoms.

High blood pressure – One-third of U.S. adults 2 have high blood pressure, a condition that can have potentially life-threatening consequences. “High blood pressure has been called the silent killer,” Shah said.

“High blood pressure affects the entire body, putting you at higher risk for stroke, heart attack and atrial fibrillation and can also put strain on your kidneys, causing damage.”

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) – Atrial fibrillation, 3 or AFib, is one of the most common heart arrhythmias, and a potential risk factor for stroke and heart failure. “In a normal heartbeat, the heart has a natural pacemaker that allows it to contract and relax at a regular beat,” Shah explained. “With AFib, the heart’s upper chambers beat irregularly, out of synch with the lower chambers and with no rest in between beats. This can cause slow or stagnant blood flow in the atria and cause the blood to clot. If a blood clot occurs, it can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.”

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REDUCING YOUR RISKS

While these cardiac conditions must be taken seriously, effective treatment options exist for all of them. In addition to medical treatment, changes to your lifestyle can help increase your odds of healthy recovery.

“Many diseases of the heart are caused or worsened by living a sedentary life with poor eating habits,” Shah said. “Combining effective treatment with lifestyle changes offers the best hope for a healthier life for most people. That’s why the first thing we do for cardiac patients at Houston Methodist Hospital is implement patient education to help develop healthy dietary and exercise habits.”

Know Your Numbers

Do you know your cholesterol and blood pressure numbers? Houston Methodist Hospital physicians are here to keep you healthy. Visit houstonmethodist.org or call 713.790.3599 for a physician referral.

GET THE FACTS ABOUT STROKE What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You

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s with most things in life, a little awareness can go a long way. This is especially true when it comes to your health. While it may not get as much attention as other serious diseases, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and the primary cause of serious long-term disability for Americans. And it’s not just older adults who are at risk.

In fact, about a third of strokes occur in people under the age of 65.* So no matter your age, it’s never too early to learn what Dr. David Chiu you can do to prevent stroke.

STROKE 101

A stroke occurs when blood flow in the brain is interrupted and brain cells die.

There are two main types of stroke: An ischemic stroke results when an artery in the brain becomes blocked by a blood clot.

A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a blood vessel in the brain that bursts.

PREVENTABLE STROKE RISK FACTORS

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High blood pressure increases stroke risk by two to four times. Dr. David Chiu, medical director of the Houston Methodist Eddy Scurlock Stroke Center, explained why it affects the potential for stroke. “The condition weakens and narrows blood vessels in the brain and increases the risk of blood clots.”

What you can do: Maintain a healthy blood pressure by exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet low in sodium and taking blood pressure medication as prescribed.

Obesity increases your risk of stroke. Studies suggest this is due to obesity’s strong association with other conditions that raise your stroke risk, such as heart disease and diabetes.

What you can do: Help your waistline by cutting your calorie intake, limiting foods high in saturated and trans fats and cholesterol, and being physically active.

Smoking puts you at greater risk for stroke — and the more you smoke, the greater the risk.

The chemicals in tobacco smoke damage your cells, thicken your blood and increase the plaque in your arteries, increasing the likelihood of blood clots.

What you can do: Counseling, nicotine patches and medicine can help you quit.

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* Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

TREATING STROKE IN THE NICK OF TIME If you or a loved one suffer from a stroke, every minute counts.

Getting immediate treatment at the right facility is essential. The Eddy Scurlock Stroke Center at Houston Methodist Neurological Institute was one of the first DNV-certified Comprehensive Stroke Centers in the nation. The center offers stroke sufferers the most advanced treatments available, including Comprehensive treatment for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke 24/7 neurocritical care, to provide immediate stroke intervention and care Award-winning stroke outreach program, providing education on stroke recognition and prevention Monthly support group meetings for stroke survivors, families and caregivers The Eddy Scurlock Stroke Center is also a recipient of the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association’s “Get With The Guidelines® – Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Award Plus for 2016.” This award recognizes that we provide treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines developed with the latest scientific evidence.

Be Stroke Smart

For more information about Houston Methodist Eddy Scurlock Stroke Center, visit houstonmethodist.org/ eddy-scurlock-stroke-center/ or call 832.667.5867.

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FROM EVERYDAY ATHLETES

TO OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS How Simone Biles Discovered Another Winning Team

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hether you’re shooting hoops in the neighborhood with friends or training for a marathon, physical activity provides many benefits, both short and long-term. But as Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Biles discovered, pushing your body can also occasionally mean dealing with injuries. Getting the right care can help you get back into the game faster and more safely.

Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine offers unparalleled care thanks to a diverse team of doctors and health care professionals that works together to ensure you are able to safely participate in the activities you enjoy. Our all-star team includes P rimary care sports medicine doctors who combine orthopedic knowledge with holistic primary care and specialize in the treatment of concussions

oot and ankle specialists who F expertly treat ankle sprains and other injuries O rthopedic surgeons who perform advanced surgeries to relieve pain and increase mobility H and and wrist specialists who provide relief for arthritis and nerve injuries P hysical and occupational therapists who create customized rehabilitation plans specially tailored for each patient Our team is trusted as the official health care provider for the Houston Texans, Houston Astros, Houston Dynamo, Houston Dash, Rice University Athletics, RodeoHouston® and Houston Ballet, among others.

Just as we help those elite athletes, our physicians ensure that every patient receives the same standard of excellent care, so they can cross their own finish line, whatever it may be.

CARING FOR AN OLYMPIAN

Taking Care of Houston’s Best By studying elite athletes and helping them stay at the top of their game, we’re improving the quality of care for all athletes. To schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, call 713.441.9000.

Among the most recognizable athletes whom Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine has treated is 19-year-old Olympic gymnast Simone Biles. As a world-class competitor, Biles is no stranger to the ailments that can accompany rigorous training.

Shortly before she was to compete in the 2013 World Gymnastics Championships, Biles “landed short,” damaging the neck of the talus, one of the bones in the ankle. As a result, she sought care from her primary care sports

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medicine physician, Dr. Scott Rand, who has been Biles’ doctor since 2012.

With World Championships looming, Rand knew that a surgical option was out of the question for Biles.

Instead, Rand was able to administer ultrasound-guided injections to reduce inflammation and provide her with pain relief. With her pain in check, Biles went on to win an individual all-around gold medal that year.

PREPARING BILES FOR GOLD

After the competition, Rand enlisted the help of Houston Methodist foot

PREVENTING COMMON SPORTS INJURIES You don’t have to be an elite athlete like Simone Biles to suffer an injury.

According to Dr. David Lintner, chief of sports medicine at Houston Methodist, who is also Dr. David Lintner head team physician for the Houston Astros and team orthopedist for the Houston Texans, playing a sport or getting in shape is a worthwhile fitness goal — as long as inadequate stretching, poor training habits, outdated gear or accidents don’t trip you up on the way to good health. “Sprains, strains and stress fractures are all common,” he said. “They’re also, in many cases, preventable.” Lintner offers these tips for avoiding common sports related injuries.

Get the go-ahead from your doctor. Schedule a physical to make sure you’re in good health before starting a new sport.

Wear the right gear. Make sure you have the proper protective equipment, clothing and well-fitting shoes designed for the sport you are doing. Protective eye wear is important for impact sports.

Helmets are a must for bicyclists.

Prepare your body. Gradually build up to full participation.

Simone Biles pictured with Dr. Travis Hanson (l) and Dr. Scott Rand (r).

and ankle specialist Dr. Travis Hanson to remove the bone spur. For an elite gymnast like Biles, the surgery had to be as minimally invasive as possible to minimize scar tissue and achieve better range of motion.

After surgery and rehabilitation at Houston Methodist Willowbrook, Biles went on to make the cut to become one of the “Final Five” on the U.S. women’s gymnastics team at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, competing in and earning gold medals in the team and individual all-around, vault and floor exercise

as well as earning a bronze medal for balance beam.

“As athletes, we’re always going to have aches and pains, but when your teammates cheer you on, you don’t think about it,” Biles said recently. “The Houston Methodist team really helped me as well. They kept me focused on my goals and I trusted them — they really care and are an amazing team to work with. I had complete confidence in them and just didn’t worry about the injury.”

Play by the rules. Know and follow the basic rules of the sport to avoid accidents.

Warm up and stretch. Warming up gradually increases the heart rate and can prevent muscle strain and joint injury.

Stay hydrated. Don’t forget to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water before, during and after your activity.

Tune in to your body. Be aware of any aches or pains you’re experiencing.

Avoid playing when you’re too tired or in pain.

Strengthen your muscles.

Resistance training using weights can make you stronger and less prone to injury.

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Should You Be Concerned About Your

Seek Expert Help

For more information, visit houstonmethodist.org/ underwood-center or for a physician referral, call 713.790.3599.

DIGESTIVE TROUBLES?

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any people experience abdominal pain or bouts of diarrhea from time to time. It may be related to something you ate or a passing illness that you recover from quickly. But how can you tell when it may be a symptom of something more serious, such as an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?

Dr. Bincy P. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are Abraham the two most common types of IBD. These two conditions affect about 1 out of 200 people in the United States and strike men and women equally. They tend to run in families and are marked by an abnormal response by the body’s immune system. “If you have IBD, your immune system may mistake food or bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract as possibly foreign substances, which can cause harm to your gastrointestinal system and cause the symptoms of IBD,” said Dr. Bincy P. Abraham, director of the Fondren Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program at Houston Methodist Underwood Center for Digestive Disorders.

WATCH FOR THESE SYMPTOMS

If you experience any of the following symptoms, and they don’t respond to over-the-counter treatments or clear up within a short time, see your doctor.

Abdominal cramps and pain Blood in your stool — either bright red blood in the toilet bowl or darker blood mixed with your stool Constipation Persistent diarrhea

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Sense of incomplete evacuation (emptying) following a bowel movement Urgent need to move bowels Additional general symptoms of IBD can include Fatigue Fever Loss of appetite Loss of normal menstrual cycle Night sweats Unintentional weight loss Symptoms of IBD may be mild or severe, and may come and go, sometimes clearing up for months or even years at a time.

LEADING-EDGE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

At Houston Methodist Lynda K. and David M. Underwood Center for Digestive Disorders, we offer comprehensive, leading-edge diagnostics and treatments for IBD as well as innovative research that expands the care of patients with IBD. Our experts use sophisticated, state-of-the-art imaging and technology to evaluate the gastrointestinal tract, accurately diagnose disorders and develop the best treatment options for each patient — from simple lifestyle changes to advanced surgeries. We provide a wide range of tests and services to treat the entire digestive tract, including conditions of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, biliary tract, gall bladder, liver and pancreas. We have decades of experience treating and researching digestive disorders, which affect millions of people nationwide.

WIN BY LOSING How to Tip the Scale in Your Favor

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here are hundreds of fad diets, cleanses, boot camps and other gimmicks that promise quick and easy weight loss. And if you’re like most people struggling to lose weight, you’ve probably tried at least one of them. Maybe you’ve even shed some pounds only to gain them back when you returned to “normal” eating.

Dr. Vadim There’s a reason diets promising “fast and Sherman easy” don’t work. It’s because permanent weight loss takes time, effort and a commitment to a healthier lifestyle.

While losing weight may not be easy, with the right plan and support, you can make the changes you want to see in your life.

The weight management services offered at Houston Methodist Hospital can help.

START YOUR JOURNEY

At every step of the way, Houston Methodist Hospital can provide you with the resources you need to lose the weight.

We offer a number of services.

Start-up behavioral assessments StepLITE, a moderate weight-loss program Medical weight management, medically monitored diet program Surgical weight loss options Diabetes education Medical nutrition consultations Houston Methodist Weight Management Centers, located at most of our hospitals, give you access to medical professionals who can help you safely lose weight with an individualized program — whether it’s through surgical or nonsurgical means.

MAKE SMALL CHANGES Beginning to lose weight doesn’t have to mean daily trips to the gym and a strict calorie allotment. Sometimes what you need is to simply create healthy, sustainable changes in your daily life. Here are a few easy changes you can make today: Eat slowly. It may seem silly, but eating your meals more slowly and without distraction (such as watching TV) can help you eat less. This gives your body a chance to send your brain signals that you’re full and you’ll pick up on those signals when you’re not distracted.

Emphasize protein and fiber. Feeling peckish?

Reaching for protein or fiber-filled foods, like chicken or apples, can help you feel satisfied for longer than with other foods.

Size matters. Trick yourself into easy portion control by using smaller plates, bowls and silverware, making it appear as though you’re eating more than you actually are.

SURGICAL OPTIONS

Weight loss surgery isn’t right for everyone, but learning about it and talking with your doctor can help determine if it’s right for you. Houston Methodist offers several weight loss surgery options to patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 and higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions. Types of bariatric surgeries we offer include the gastric sleeve, LAP-BAND® and roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures.

“Weight-loss surgery is a powerful tool,” Dr. Vadim Sherman said. “However, surgery simply changes the normal digestive process. Patients still need to lead a healthy life to succeed. We can help them do that. Houston Methodist Hospital holds the highest level of certification from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program.”

Are you ready to commit to making significant changes?

By working to lose weight now, you can improve your quality of life tomorrow.

You’re Worth It

Sign up for a free orientation session at houstonmethodist.org/weight-management to learn about how our weight-loss services can help or call 832.667.LOSE (5673).

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WHAT IF ONE DOCTOR COULD CONNECT YOU WITH THE EXPERTISE OF MANY?

HOSPITALS EMERGENCY CARE CENTERS SPECIALTY HOSPITALS IMAGING CENTERS COMPREHENSIVE CARE CENTER

Just around the corner Houston Methodist has locations throughout the Greater Houston area to best serve you near your home or workplace. Our locations include hospitals, emergency care and imaging centers.

HOSPITALS 1. Houston Methodist Hospital 2. Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital 3. Houston Methodist St. John Hospital 4. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital 5. Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital Opening July 2017 6. Houston Methodist West Hospital 7. Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital

SPECIALTY HOSPITAL 8. Houston Methodist St. Catherine Hospital

IMAGING CENTERS 5. Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at The Woodlands

At Houston Methodist, your primary care doctor collaborates with world-renowned specialists every day, bringing you wideranging medical expertise, personalized for you, with convenient locations and same-day appointments you can schedule online. Your health, your way — that’s how the highest ranked hospital in Texas puts you first.

Accepting most major insurance plans.

Choose your doctor or schedule online at houstonmethodist.org/primarycare or call 713.394.6638.

EMERGENCY CARE CENTERS 713.441.ER24 (3724) 9. Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center at Kirby 10. Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center at Voss 11. Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center in Cinco Ranch 12. Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center in Cypress 13. Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center in Pearland 14. Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center in Sienna Plantation 15. Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center in Spring

9. Houston Methodist Breast Care Center

COMPREHENSIVE CARE CENTER

16. Houston Methodist Imaging Center

17. Houston Methodist Comprehensive Care Center at Pearland

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