Leading Medicine Winter 2021, Houston Methodist Hospital edition

LEADING MEDICINE W INT ER 2021

Get Help for Back and Neck Pain

STAY ON TOP OF YOUR HEALTH Start the New Year off Right: Reach Your Weight Loss Goals

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

Houston Methodist Primary Care Group & New Location Now Open Specialty Physician Group at Southside Place

Providing Primary and Specialty Care at Southside Place Houston Methodist Hospital delivers quality

– Gastroenterology – Neurology – Rheumatology

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care and specialty doctors who work together to help keep you and your loved ones healthy. From annual checkups and immunizations SPECIALTIES to the most advanced treatments for chronic diseases and conditions, offer patients of allGroup ages the convenience of high-quality care close • we Primary Care to home.

–Specialties Familyinclude: medicine Primary care Gastroenterology – Family Internal medicine medicine Neurology Internal medicine • Specialty Physician GroupRheumatology Endocrinology the coronavirus outbreak, you can be confident that we are –During Endocrinology taking every necessary precaution to keep you safe during your visit.

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primary and specialty care, and onsite ouston Methodist Hospital delivers quality primary diagnostic services foron-site clinicdiagnostic patients, offering and specialty care, and services for clinic patients, offering trulycoordinated comprehensive, coordinated truly comprehensive, care — care all — all conveniently located under one roof. conveniently located under one roof.

Houston Methodist in Southside Place features a team of primary

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

4191 Bellaire Blvd., Suite 250 MONDAY – 77025 FRIDAY, 8 A.M. – 5 P.M. Houston, TX,

4191 Bellaire Blvd., Suite 250 Located near the Texas Medical Center, featuring Houston, TX, 77025 free parking and easy access to Interstate 610.

346.356.7000 To schedule an appointment, call 346.356.7000. houstonmethodist.org/pcg/southside-place

GET HELP FOR BACK AND NECK PAIN

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f you suffer from back and neck pain, you have options when it comes to treatment.

The spine and nerve specialists at Houston Methodist are experts in treating back and neck pain — from everyday discomfort to complex conditions and injuries.

In addition, during the coronavirus outbreak, you can be confident that we are taking every Dr. Sean Barber 092020 necessary precaution to keep you safe during your visit.

“If you suffer from back or neck pain, an evaluation and treatment can help prevent some problems from becoming debilitating conditions that are more difficult to treat,” said Dr. Sean Barber, spinal neurosurgeon at Houston Methodist. “We will work with you to discover the source of the pain and recommend a therapeutic plan that’s unique Dr. Darrell to your circumstances.”

Hanson

COORDINATING YOUR CARE

“Identifying the best management plan for each specific spine issue is key,” said Dr. Darrell Hanson, orthopedic and spinal surgeon with Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. “We then coordinate your care through the range of services your condition Dr. Paul Holman may need.”

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Located near the Texas Medical Center, featuring free parking and easy access to Interstate 610.

Spine services at Houston Methodist feature:

A team of board-certified specialists Advanced treatments ranging from nonsurgical options to minimally invasive surgery A dedicated clinical navigator to assist with scheduling appointments Expedited appointments (within two business days) “We spend time analyzing the underlying cause of your pain and then create a personalized treatment plan designed to solve the issue and improve your quality of life,” said Dr. Paul Holman, a board-certified neurosurgeon and director of spinal neurosurgery at Houston Methodist. “Depending on imaging test results, we may recommend a surgical or less-invasive treatment option.”

See a Specialist Early

It’s important to see a doctor when back or neck pain interferes with your daily life. Our spine experts at Houston Methodist can help you return to enjoying your everyday activities with less pain.

Visit houstonmethodist.org/spine or call 713.790.3333 for more information or to find a doctor and schedule an appointment.

Coronary Artery Disease: CAN IT BE REVERSED?

T Dr. Kevin Lisman

Dr. Kershaw Patel

here’s no doubt about it: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is serious business. Left untreated, the condition can lead to heart disease, heart failure and heart attack. The good news is, you can take steps right now to prevent CAD and protect your heart, even if you’re at risk for heart disease or you’ve already been diagnosed with CAD.

HOW ARTERIES BECOME DISEASED

When coronary arteries are healthy, their linings are clean, smooth and slick. The artery walls are flexible, and they expand easily to let more blood flow through during times of increased physical or mental stress. Over time, plaque buildup causes cell damage that reduces the vessels’ diameter and makes them stiff.

“Eventually, the arteries may become increasingly narrower or blocked.

This may lead to the gradual onset of symptoms, such as chest pain and shortness of breath, or to a sudden heart attack,” said Dr. Kershaw Patel, a preventive cardiologist at Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center.

Protect Your Heart

Don’t delay getting care. Visit houstonmethodist.org/heart or call 713.790.3333 to find a doctor today. interventional cardiologist with Houston Methodist Hospital. He suggested the following lifestyle changes to protect your heart: Cut back on fat, saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet. Avoid trans fat and fried foods.

Avoid refined carbohydrates, sugary foods and sweetened beverages.

Eat a healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruits, whole grains and lean protein.

Add more physical activity to your day.

Control your weight.

Keep diabetes under control.

Drink alcoholic beverages in moderation only (up to one drink per day for women and two drinks for men).

If you smoke, get support to quit.

CHECK YOUR HEART HEALTH

A few simple tests can check for early signs of heart disease. Your doctor may check your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, body mass and ask about family history of heart disease and other lifestyle factors that may put you at risk for heart disease.

“A cardiovascular risk calculator is another great tool we can use to assess the 10-year risk of disease,” Lisman said.

“Advanced imaging techniques allow us to see inside the heart’s blood vessels and evaluate your risk for CAD,” Patel added.

A calcium score is a type of heart scan that provides important information about the heart’s blood vessels.

HOW TO KEEP ARTERIES HEALTHY

It’s never too late to make healthy changes, and it’s possible to slow the progression of CAD and sometimes even reverse it. “Research suggests that cholesterollowering medications may slow the narrowing of the blood vessels and even reduce the amount of plaque in the heart’s blood vessels,” Patel said.

“Data shows that it’s possible to turn this around and prevent the progression of CAD,” said Dr. Kevin Lisman, an

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STAY ON TOP OF

YOUR HEALTH 7 Ways to Improve Your Health

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anaging your health should always be a top priority, even when there’s a lot going on in life. This is especially true during a pandemic when it’s Dr. Shayna important to do what Upchurch you can to stay healthy and safe. Focusing on preventive care can help you be prepared, and protect yourself and others.

Dr. Shayna Upchurch, a family medicine doctor with Houston Methodist Primary Care Group, says the goal of preventive care is to provide guidance for optimal health and well-being. “Taking good care of yourself can help prevent health problems so you can live a healthy life,” Upchurch said.

AN ANNUAL 1SCHEDULE CHECKUP

You may be reluctant to go in for a checkup when you’re feeling fine

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healthwise. But, being proactive about your health can prevent bigger, more expensive health problems down the road — and it can even save your life.

Essential tip: Managing your health is easier when you build a relationship with a primary care provider who knows you and your health history.

Did you know: Virtual visits allow you to see your doctor from the comfort of home via phone or computer.

2 KEEP UP WITH HEALTH TESTS Your doctor may recommend a cholesterol test, blood pressure screening, blood glucose test, mammogram, colonoscopy, prostate screening or other health tests. These tests can identify potential health problems so they can be prevented, treated or managed.

Essential tip: Ask your doctor about recommended screening tests for you based on your age, health history and other factors.

Did you know: Screening tests increase the chances of detecting certain cancers early, which provides more treatment options because they can be addressed sooner.

3 GET A FLU SHOT

Vaccines provide protection for you and others against infectious diseases, such as flu, measles and pneumonia, which can be particularly dangerous for older adults and those with underlying health conditions. “Protect yourself and be proactive about getting your flu vaccine and other vaccines recommended by your doctor,” Upchurch added.

Essential tip: Contact your primary care office to schedule flu shots and other vaccines for yourself and your family.

Did you know: It’s not too late to get a flu shot if you haven’t already. Although it’s best to get your flu shot as soon as it’s available in the fall, getting a flu shot later still provides protection for the rest of flu season into April and May.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR Staying on top of your health during these challenging times starts with having a quality primary care doctor.

Here’s what to consider when determining the best one for you: B oard certification. Is the doctor board certified? This means he or she has proven expertise and can provide the highest quality care possible.

OVID-19 safety measures.

C Does the primary care doctor’s office have safety measures in place, such as enforcing social distancing and implementing disinfectant protocols for the staff?

Convenience and accessibility.

How accessible is the doctor?

Access to virtual visits, text-toschedule, online scheduling and

multiple locations across the Greater Houston area make a difference when you see your doctor on a regular basis.

We’re Here for You

Our physicians are safely seeing patients in-person and virtually with safety measures in place to protect patients from COVID-19.

Stay connected with your health by subscribing to our e-newsletter. Visit houstonmethodist.org/blog-stay-connected to sign up to receive the Houston Methodist On Health e-newsletter.

MEDICATIONS 4 TAKE AS DIRECTED

Following your doctor’s instructions for taking medications is an essential step in managing diabetes, heart disease, asthma and other conditions. Unfortunately, up to one-half of all prescribed medications are not taken as prescribed, according to a study in the American Journal of Accountable Care. “Don’t take risks with your medications — stay safe by following your doctor’s instructions and asking for help if needed,” Upchurch said.

Essential tip: Have an honest conversation with your doctor or pharmacist to address any questions or concerns about your medications.

Did you know: Talk to your doctor if you’re having side effects or other concerns about your medications, including costs. Your doctor may decide to make adjustments to the dosing or prescribe a different medication that works better for you.

Did you know: In a poll by the American Psychiatric Association, 68% of Americans reported feeling anxious about the possibility of family or loved ones getting COVID-19. If you feel overwhelmed or unable to function, talk to your doctor.

6 MAKE HEALTHY CHANGES

If you need some motivation and support for making changes, such as losing weight or quitting smoking, talk to your primary care provider first. He or she can provide guidance to help you get started and support with tools or medications to help you be successful.

Essential tip: Your chances of success go up when you have medical support for quitting smoking or losing weight.

Did you know: If you’re overweight or obese, losing 5% of your body weight can have some big benefits for your health, including lower cholesterol, lower

blood pressure, reduced inflammation, reduced cancer risk and improved diabetes management.

7 DON’T DELAY HEALTH CARE

You may be inclined to “wait it out” and delay getting medical care when something is wrong. However, it’s important to seek medical care when you have concerns about your health. When in doubt, get it checked out.

Essential tip: Don’t hesitate to call 911 for emergency medical help.

For nonurgent health issues, make an appointment with your primary care doctor and write down some questions and notes about your symptoms.

Did you know: Worrying about the costs of health care shouldn’t be a barrier to your health. Detecting a health issue early can help avoid bigger problems later on, saving you money and improving your life in the long run.

5 TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH

Millions of people are affected by mental health issues, including anxiety, depression and mood disorders. Talking about what’s going on and getting help with therapy or medications can help you start feeling better.

Essential tip: Your primary care doctor can assist with mental health concerns, including screening for depression.

Make an Appointment

Schedule an appointment with a Houston Methodist primary care doctor by visiting houstonmethodist.org/pcg or calling 713.394.6724.

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Should You See a

GASTROENTEROLOGIST?

U Dr. Kerri Glassner

npleasant gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are bound to happen from time to time, and usually there’s no cause for alarm. However, when symptoms, such as diarrhea, constipation, gas and abdominal pain make it hard to function in everyday life, it’s time to find out if something more is going on.

IDENTIFY GUT PROBLEMS

If you’re struggling with unexplained symptoms, your doctor may recommend seeing a gastroenterologist, a specialist who treats diseases affecting the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas and gallbladder.

GI disorders can be classified into two main groups: Functional GI disorders occur when the GI tract isn’t functioning as it should. “The GI tract looks normal and diagnostic tests show normal results, but there may be a problem with movement in the GI tract or abnormality of sensation, meaning the nerves don’t respond normally and end up causing pain,” said Dr. Kerri Glassner, a gastroenterologist with Houston Methodist Hospital. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic constipation are examples of functional disorders. Treatments may include lifestyle changes, medicines and other therapies to keep the digestive system in balance.

Structural GI disorders happen when there’s a structural problem in the bowel that needs to be repaired or healed. “There may be an abnormality found on imaging, endoscopy or lab results that points to problems such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, colon cancer or celiac disease,” Glassner said. Improving bowel habits can help with symptoms, but surgery or medications may be needed in some cases.

Gastrointestinal issues can be difficult to diagnose and treat, so it’s important to listen to your body and talk about your symptoms with a doctor. If you experience the following symptoms for more than a week or two, it may be time to see your doctor or a gastroenterologist: Abdominal pain or bloating Changes in bowel habits or stools Diarrhea Difficulty controlling bowel movement urges Excessive gas or belching Heartburn Loss of appetite Rectal bleeding Unexplained weight loss Vomiting

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Abdominal pain can mean any number of things — from constipation to more serious conditions like appendicitis or diverticulitis. Call your doctor right away when abdominal pain is severe, getting worse or recurring, or accompanied by dizziness, high fever or shortness of breath.

“Noticing any blood in the stool in any amount, whether it’s bright red or tarry black stool, should be evaluated by a GI doctor,” Glassner added.

TRACK YOUR SYMPTOMS

Keeping a journal of your digestive episodes can help you gather insight about trends and patterns with your GI symptoms. Record the time of day and frequency of symptoms, such as frequent or loose bowel movements, constipation, cramps or heartburn. Also note any food or other triggers that might be related.

A gastroenterologist will review your symptoms, ask about your health history and perform a complete exam. “Depending on your symptoms, we may order blood tests, X-rays, GI endoscopy or colonoscopy,” Dr. Glassner said. If needed, GI motility tests may be recommended to evaluate for problems with gastric emptying.

We’re Here to Help Our gastroenterologists are focused on helping you find relief from GI symptoms. Call 713.441.9770 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

START THE NEW YEAR OFF RIGHT Reach Your Weight Loss Goals

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fter the holidays, people everywhere resolve to lose weight, but it’s hard to stick with your goals as the weeks go by. If you’ve had setbacks when Dr. Vadim trying to lose weight Sherman before, it’s time for a fresh approach this year. Your best chance for long-term success is to develop a sensible weight loss plan built on a foundation of healthy habits.

Dr. Vadim Sherman, medical director of bariatric surgery at Houston Methodist Hospital, shared the following tips for staying on track with your weight loss resolution for the new year.

Make a commitment to your health.

Start the new year by looking at your priorities and making the decision to invest time and energy toward improving your health. When you’re feeling stressed or ready to give up, remind yourself of all the reasons why you want to lose weight and be healthy.

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Add more exercise to your day. Physical activity can burn calories, curb your appetite and give you an emotional boost, which is important when you’re trying to lose weight. Try to exercise for 30 minutes every day — going for a walk is a great way to start. Consult your physician before beginning any new exercise regimen.

Check up on your eating habits.

Consider tracking your eating patterns to get a sense of portion sizes and identify high-calorie foods in your diet.

Find ways to swap in low-fat alternatives, high-fiber foods and lean protein to help you feel full longer. “Focus on making diet changes that are achievable in the short term and sustainable for the long run,” Sherman said.

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Explore weight loss programs.

Ask your doctor about safe and effective ways to achieve a healthy weight for you. “If losing weight on your own with exercise and dieting hasn’t worked, you may want to consider medical weight management or weight loss surgery,” Sherman said. Your doctor can provide guidance to help you make a plan to lose weight.

Join a support group for weight loss. While eating right and exercising can help move the numbers on the scale, it’s your mindset and attitude that will help you be successful in the long run. Sharing your successes and setbacks with others can help you stay motivated to reach your goals.

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START YOUR WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY Losing weight is a major life change. The following weight loss programs are designed to help you along the way: StepLITE is a weight loss program that includes a diet plan and weekly check-in and group sessions with licensed professionals.

Medical Weight Management is a weight loss plan that begins with a medically supervised, very low-calorie diet program and progresses to a personalized meal plan to help you maintain weight loss.

Weight Loss Surgery can help you achieve significant weight loss and improve obesity-related health problems.

Our surgeons and weight loss specialists are here to help you decide if weight loss surgery is right for you.

Virtual orientations are available for all our weight loss programs.

Visit houstonmethodist.org/weight-management to get started or call 832.667.LOSE (5673) to learn more.

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SEEING A PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR Is Still Important

For everything from annual checkups to managing chronic conditions, taking care of your health should always be a priority.

Houston Methodist primary care doctors are still available to provide personalized care for you and your family — safely.

We offer a variety of convenient ways to get care from us, from same-day sick visits to extended hours at select locations.

And, you can be confident that we are taking every necessary precaution to keep you safe during your visit, including: Screening all patients and seeing COVID-19 patients virtually only — allowing us to treat everyone safely

Ensuring social distancing in waiting rooms

Wearing masks while providing care

Offering video visits with your doctor

Enhanced cleaning of equipment and surfaces

Adding evening and Saturday hours to space out appointments

houstonmethodist.org/pcg Call or text: 713.394.6724

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