Leading Medicine Spring-Summer 2021, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital edition

LEADING MEDICINE SPRI N G/SUM M ER 2021

Cancer: Is it in Your Genes?

When to See a Doctor for

ORTHOPEDIC INJURIES Building Preventive Health Habits

YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INNOVATIONS, NEWS AND TIPS IN FORT BEND AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES

CANCER:

IS IT IN YOUR GENES?

CANCER SURVIVORS DAY Date: Friday, June 4 | Time: 9-11 a.m.

Location: Drive-Thru at Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land In recognition of National Cancer Survivors Day, we are honoring survivors with a drive-thru celebration and special gift at the Houston Methodist Cancer Center. RSVP is required. Visit join.houstonmethodist.org/survivor-sl or call 281.274.7500.

2 LEADING MEDICINE IN FORT BEND AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES

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any of us know people with cancer — especially in our own families — that getting cancer ourselves might only seem like a matter of time. But Dr. Sindhu Nair thankfully, having a family history of cancer does not mean getting cancer is inevitable.

You can take positive steps to lower your risk.

THE FAMILY FACTOR

“Some cancers are caused by an abnormal gene that’s passed down from generation to generation,” said Dr. Sindhu Nair, board-certified hematologist-oncologist with Houston Methodist Oncology Partners at Sugar Land. “But it’s the abnormal gene that’s inherited, not the disease.” In any case, only 5% to 10% of all cancers are referred to as inherited cancers and may include: Some breast and ovarian cancers.

“Mutations occurring in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are common causes of inherited cancers. Women with these mutations are more likely to develop hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome,” Nair shared. “Most breast cancers, however, even among close relatives, are not due to these mutations.”

Some colon cancers. An inherited condition, called familial adenomatous polyposis, causes people to begin developing colon polyps as early as their teens. Left alone, these polyps may become cancerous. Another syndrome called hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer leads to a high risk for colon cancer, especially before age 50, and a greater risk for endometrial cancer in women.

Some childhood cancers. Only a few childhood cancers are inherited.

Retinoblastoma starts in the eye, and Li-Fraumeni syndrome leads to a higher risk for childhood sarcoma, leukemia, brain cancers and other cancers later in life.

YOU PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE Although you can’t change your family history, you can significantly lower your

SHOULD YOU HAVE GENETIC TESTING? Genetic testing is a good idea for some people and can help with treatment options. First, research your family’s cancer history. Enlist other family members and aim to get three generations’ worth of information. For each instance of cancer, note the person’s sex, age when diagnosed, other diseases or medical conditions, diet and exercise habits, age, and cause of death. Ask your doctor about genetic testing, if you have: Several first-degree relatives (parents or siblings) with cancer, especially the same type.

F amily members who developed cancer at a young age.

Close relatives with rare forms of cancer.

A family member known to have a genetic mutation.

For more information or to schedule a genetic counseling appointment, call 281.276.5200.

Schedule an Appointment

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, call 281.201.6669 to make an in-person or virtual appointment with Dr. Sindhu Nair or another oncologist with Houston Methodist Oncology Partners at Sugar Land, or visit houstonmethodist.org/cancer-sl to learn more about our services. chance of getting cancer with certain lifestyle changes. Nair recommends taking the following steps: Avoid tobacco. Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in this country, causing more than 480,000 deaths each year. Another 41,000 deaths each year are attributed to secondhand smoke.

Protect yourself from the sun. Using sunscreen, wearing sun-protective clothing and avoiding a tan, could help to prevent many of the millions of skin cancers diagnosed each year.

Eat right, exercise and watch your weight. The American Cancer Society estimates that 18% of cancer cases and 16% of cancer deaths are related to poor eating habits, drinking too much alcohol, being overweight and not getting enough exercise. Fill your plate with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains; limit foods high in saturated fats; get at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week; and maintain a healthy weight.

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

Know Your Options

Pain Medications for

LABOR AND DELIVERY

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t’s normal to feel some stress and worry building as you go through pregnancy. There are many unknowns as you prepare for the birth of your child. You may wonder: How will my body react to the stress and pain of labor?

How many hours might I be in labor?

Will I have a cesarean section or Dr. Merlyn vaginal delivery?

Thomas Is a vaginal birth after C-section an option?

No one can predict how the birth process will unfold or what may be best for pain control. That’s why it helps to review your options in advance and keep an open mind. “Many expecting moms find that their preferences for pain control change in the middle of the process — and that’s OK,” said Dr. Merlyn Thomas, obstetrician-gynecologist with Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

Local anesthetic injection — An injection of anesthetic to the vaginal area is used to numb pain for an episiotomy (an incision to extend the vaginal opening for delivery), or to repair a tear after delivery.

EASING YOUR PAIN

Houston Methodist Childbirth Center at Sugar Land offers medical pain management to make your birth experience as comfortable as possible. Our team of anesthesiologists, certified nurse anesthetists and registered nurses can administer various pain relief options. In addition, our nursing staff is trained in supporting you with natural techniques for controlling and coping with labor pain including birthing balls, aromatherapy and breathing techniques.

“Medical pain management options for childbirth have different benefits and potential side effects, which should be discussed with your doctor,” Thomas said. Some common options for pain management include: Epidural block — Pain medication is given in the lower back (epidural space) to numb pain in the lower body. A catheter (small tube) may be left in place so medication can be used continuously in labor and delivery.

Spinal block — Pain medication is injected into the sac of fluid that surrounds your spinal cord. It is usually a one-time dose and is often used for cesarean section delivery or shortly before vaginal birth when forceps or vacuum extraction is needed for delivery.

Walking epidural — Using a combination of epidural and spinal block, this method may be used to provide pain relief while maintaining muscle strength to potentially stand or even walk during labor.

Narcotics — Narcotic drugs are delivered through an IV catheter or injected into a muscle for pain relief. You may be able to control the IV dosage of pain medicine yourself.

Pudendal block — Shortly before delivery, a local anesthetic is injected into the vaginal wall and a nearby nerve to block pain in the area.

4 LEADING MEDICINE IN FORT BEND AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES

You’re in Good Hands

When you choose the Houston Methodist Childbirth Center at Sugar Land for the birth of your baby, you can trust that we will listen to your needs and offer a range of solutions to help you move through labor — so you can focus on welcoming your little miracle into the world. To learn more about what we have to offer or to schedule an appointment with an obstetrician-gynecologist, visit houstonmethodist.org/childbirth-sl or call 281.205.4514.

Take a Virtual Tour of Our Childbirth Center

Every parent-to-be wants a supportive, caring environment to welcome their new baby into the world — and we want to be that place for you. Visit houstonmethodist.org/childbirth-sl to view a virtual tour of our newly expanded Childbirth Center, a full-service facility providing prenatal, labor, delivery, postpartum and neonatal care.

COVID-19 AND YOUR BRAIN Understanding Neurological Symptoms

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hen the COVID-19 virus attacks the body, it may impact multiple systems of the body, including the brain.

Although COVID-19 Dr. Wamda illness most often begins Ahmed with a fever and cough, you may experience headaches and other neurological problems with the onset of illness. Neurological symptoms of COVID-19 can be mild or severe and may resolve quickly or last for longer periods of time.

“It’s possible for the COVID-19 virus to affect the brain through direct infection or as the result of an inflammatory process in the body,” said Dr. Wamda Ahmed, board-certified neurohospitalist and neurocritical care physician with Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “More research is needed to understand the ways COVID-19 can affect the brain and trigger these symptoms.”

Learn More

If you are experiencing neurological symptoms from COVID-19 and want to schedule an appointment with a specialist with the Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land, visit houstonmethodist.org/neuro-sl to request an appointment online or call 281.274.7979.

MILD TO SEVERE SYMPTOMS

Patients with COVID-19 may experience neurological symptoms including: Loss of sense of taste and smell Headaches Fatigue Confusion Stroke “Loss of sense of taste and smell is the most common neurological symptom of COVID-19, with 80% of patients reporting problems with smell or taste,” Ahmed said.

The olfactory center of the brain controls your sense of smell, and this is an example of how a viral infection can interfere with brain function.

Headaches, fatigue, brain fog and other neurological symptoms may be related to the body’s widespread inflammatory

response to the virus. “Headaches are a well-known and prominent symptom of early COVID-19,” Ahmed said.

“Very ill patients spending long periods in intensive care may develop confusion because the body is under stress, and this affects brain function,” Ahmed added. “In severe cases, patients with the coronavirus may experience life-threatening strokes.”

WHEN SYMPTOMS LINGER

Neurological symptoms may continue after recovering from COVID-19. “Some patients may experience lingering mild headache, fatigue, cognitive impairment and problems with sleep. We’re learning

that COVID-19 impairs the entire body by causing an inflammatory response, and sometimes it takes longer for the inflammation to clear and get back to normal,” Ahmed explained.

If you’re experiencing ongoing symptoms after recovering from COVID-19, Ahmed encourages the basics of taking good care of your body and your health overall with diet, exercise, staying hydrated and getting enough sleep. “This can be very frustrating when you’re trying to get back to work and other responsibilities, but it’s important to allow yourself time to fully recover.”

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When to See a Doctor for

ORTHOPEDIC INJURIES

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hen you have an injury, you may wonder what to do next. Should you just walk it off, hope to get an appointment with a doctor the next day, go to an urgent care clinic the same day or head to an emergency room immediately?

Every year, millions of people, who end up in the emergency room or doctor’s office with Dr. Timothy C. orthopedic injuries, have the same debate.

Sitter Injuries are bound to happen whether you’re competing in sports, exercising, moving furniture or simply stepping down from a curb. “Deciding whether to get medical care after an injury can be a tough call,” said Dr. Timothy C. Sitter, board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land.

WHAT TO DO AFTER AN INJURY

Whether you get hurt at home or while you’re out and about, deciding what to do after an injury can be stressful. You may feel compelled to push through the pain, but continuing to move the injured area could lead to further damage and a longer recovery time.

“Getting injured is usually a sign you’ve pushed too hard and need to rest.” Sitter advises the following after an injury: Rest the injured area to avoid further injury.

Apply ice or compression to reduce swelling.

Elevate the injured area.

Protect your injury by wearing a cast or brace, or using crutches, if needed.

HOW SERIOUS IS IT?

How do you know if you have a minor injury that will heal on its own, or if you need further treatment from a doctor? Minor injuries can often be treated at home, but there are times when you should see a doctor to ensure proper healing.

Your ability to bear weight on the joint is key. “If you’re having trouble bearing weight on your knee or ankle, go to our injury clinic or see a doctor for evaluation and possibly X-rays,” Sitter said. Any injury that triggers swelling in the ankle or knee should also be evaluated. The majority of these injuries don’t need to be evaluated in an emergency room, but should be evaluated in a doctor’s office shortly after the injury occurs.

The question is whether it should be evaluated right away, or if you should wait. Warning signs that you should seek medical help right away for more serious injuries include the following: Any deformity of the limb Inability to bear weight Persistent joint pain Significant swelling with inability to move fingers or toes Swelling of a joint that comes on rapidly Weakness when moving a limb or muscle “If you have any questions or concerns, play it safe and see an orthopedic specialist or sports medicine doctor,” Sitter said.

SAME-DAY ORTHOPEDIC CARE The next time an injury slows you down, come in for quick and convenient same-day care at the Houston Methodist Orthopedic Injury Clinic at Sugar Land. No appointment required. We accept patients ages 5 and up. Major insurance plans are accepted.

The clinic provides treatment for: Acute orthopedic injuries Fractures and broken bones Injured tendons

Minor dislocations Painful or swollen joints Sports injuries

Sprains and strains Torn ligaments

Visit houstonmethodist.org/osm-injury-sl or call 281.275.0555 to get started.

Chronic conditions, concussions, spine injuries, motor vehicle accidents and workers’ compensation injuries are not treated at the injury clinic. Please call 281.201.0396 to schedule an appointment with the appropriate physician for those conditions.

6 LEADING MEDICINE IN FORT BEND AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO HEAL? Some injuries take longer to heal compared to others, and this may depend on the location and severity of the injury, your age, overall health and other factors. In addition to home treatment with R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, elevation), a doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone injections or surgery to repair torn muscles or ligaments. For injuries that don’t heal quickly on their own, physical therapy can be a key part of the recovery process.

The following are a range of recovery times for common orthopedic injuries.

AVERAGE RECOVERY TIMES HAMSTRING STRAIN

a few days

A few days for a mild strain; up to 3 months for a partial or complete muscle tear.

ANKLE SPRAIN

1-3 weeks

1-3 weeks for a mild sprain; up to several months for a severe sprain.

TENNIS ELBOW

Student Physicals

Date: Saturday, July 31 | Time: 9 a.m. – noon Location: Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land Address: 16811 Southwest Fwy., Sugar Land, TX 77479 Cost: $20* (cash only) Extracurricular preparticipation physicals will be available for all students ages 12-18. Orthopedic, sports medicine and cardiology specialists will be on-site to provide additional clearance as needed. For more information, visit houstonmethodist.org/physicals-sl or call 281.275.0447. * Proceeds generated from the physicals are donated back to the athletic training program for Fort Bend Independent School District.

4-6 weeks

Most people improve in 4-6 weeks.

SHIN SPLINTS

3-6 months

Up to 3-6 months.

ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT (ACL) TEAR

4-6 months

4-6 months for recovery from knee surgery.

ROTATOR CUFF INJURY

4-6 months for recovery from rotator cuff repair surgery.

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Know Before You Go

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR COLONOSCOPY

D Dr. Franz E. Schneider

oes the mere mention of the word “colonoscopy” make you cringe or change the subject quickly in conversation? If you’ve put off getting a colonoscopy because it’s out of your comfort zone, it’s time to change that. The life-saving benefits of this screening test far outweigh any inconvenience or embarrassment associated with it.

A TEST WORTH TAKING

A colonoscopy is a screening test used to visually examine your entire colon and rectum for tissue abnormalities and polyps.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recently updated screening guidelines for colorectal cancer. The ACS is now recommending that adults at average risk for the disease start screening at age 45, instead of age 50. Screening may be necessary to start earlier if you have a family history of colorectal cancer.

HOW TO PREPARE BEFORE

Your colon must be clear of stool and fluids prior to the colonoscopy for the physician to get a clear view of the colon and rectal lining. The prep requires that you are on a liquid diet the entire day before the exam. “While the prep is often considered the worst part of the entire procedure, keep in mind that it improves the accuracy of your colonoscopy,” said Dr. Franz E. Schneider, board-certified gastroenterologist with Houston Methodist Gastroenterology Associates at Sugar Land.

On examination day, you will be asked to fast three to six hours prior to the procedure. Note that if you have diabetes or use blood thinners, including aspirin or other pain relievers, your preparation procedure may vary. Consult with your doctor when scheduling your colonoscopy to see if you will need additional instructions.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING

After check-in, you will be taken to the procedure area where a nurse will prepare you for the colonoscopy. “Since the procedure may cause some discomfort, the anesthesia department will provide intravenous anesthesia, to keep you comfortable during the procedure. Upon completion of the colonoscopy, the patient will wake up without even knowing that the procedure has been performed,” added Schneider.

You will lie on your left side as the doctor inserts the colonoscope into your rectum. A colonoscope is a long, flexible tube with a fiber-optic light and a tiny video camera at its tip.

Air is used to inflate the colon to help provide a better view.

8 LEADING MEDICINE IN FORT BEND AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES

Keep Your Colon Healthy

Are you due for a colonoscopy? To schedule an appointment with Dr. Franz E. Schneider, call 281.801.9303.

WHAT TO KNOW AFTER

Following the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery area where a nurse will continue to check your vital signs. You are not allowed to work or drive for the remainder of the day, and you are encouraged to resume a regular diet unless advised otherwise.

Complications are rare, but see your doctor if you have persistent abdominal pain, bleeding or a fever.

“If no abnormalities are found, your next colonoscopy is usually recommended in 10 years,” explained Schneider. “If polyps were removed — depending on their size and number — a more frequent screening schedule will be followed.”

Unexplained Chest, Back or Abdomen Pain Could Be an Aneurysm

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f the term “aneurysm” is Greek to you, you’re right. It comes from the Greek, meaning “widening.” Medically speaking, an aneurysm refers to a bulge in an artery, a vein or the heart Dr. Tony Lu wall. When such a bulge occurs in the aorta, it is known as an aortic aneurysm.

BALLOONING UNDER PRESSURE

“The major artery in the chest and abdomen, the aorta extends trunk-like from the heart, delivering oxygen-rich blood to smaller arteries throughout the body,” said Dr. Tony Lu, board-certified vascular surgeon with Houston Methodist Cardiovascular Surgery Associates at Sugar Land. “But sometimes a weak spot develops along its wall.” As blood flows through, the weakened area balloons out.

Sometimes this ballooning occurs in the thoracic aorta (the chest), and other times, in the abdominal aorta.

Eventually, this ballooned area may rupture under the force of flowing blood.

If not repaired immediately, a ruptured aneurysm can cause death.

REASONS FOR WEAKENING

“High blood pressure and damage from a heart attack are the major causes of a thoracic aneurysm,” said Lu. “Atherosclerosis, or narrowing of the arteries, often is responsible for an abdominal aneurysm.” But an aortic aneurysm can also be caused by an inherited or congenital disorder, a traumatic injury and, in rare cases, untreated syphilis.

Although aneurysms are most common in middle-aged or older people, the condition can strike at any age.

EARLY DETECTION AND TREATMENT

In its early stages, an aneurysm has no symptoms. In many cases, the bulges are discovered unexpectedly during a routine physical exam. An X-ray, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or a CT (computed tomography) scan can detect an aneurysm and pinpoint its location.

“If the aneurysm is small and causes no symptoms, a physician may simply monitor its growth,” said Lu. “However, the larger it grows, the more likely it is to burst.”

If an aneurysm causes pain, is larger than 5.5 centimeters or is growing rapidly, surgery to replace the diseased vessel is the treatment of choice.

Endovascular repair, a minimally invasive procedure in which a graft is threaded through a large artery in the leg to the site of the aneurysm, may also be an option for select candidates.

ON THE ALERT Call your doctor if you experience these symptoms: Pain in the chest, back and/or abdomen may be signs of an aortic aneurysm. The pain may be sudden and sharp.

Back pain, diminished appetite, weight loss, a feeling of fullness after eating a small meal, nausea, vomiting and a pulsating mass in the abdomen may be signs of an abdominal aneurysm.

Schedule an Appointment

To make an appointment with Dr. Tony Lu or another vascular surgeon with Houston Methodist Cardiovascular Surgery Associates at Sugar Land, call 713.352.1820.

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BUILDING PREVENTIVE HEALTH HABITS

R Dr. Naureen Ahmeduddin

ight now, health is on everyone’s mind, which makes it a great time to build useful preventive health habits. Under normal circumstances, it can be easy to ignore preventive health. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has raised awareness about practices that can help you stay healthy long after the risk of the coronavirus has decreased.

KEEP UP THE GOOD BEHAVIOR!

“While we now have safe and effective vaccines to protect against coronavirus disease, it will take time and patience to immunize enough people for the pandemic to end,” said Dr. Naureen Ahmeduddin, board-certified family medicine doctor with Houston Methodist Primary Care Group at Brooks Street. “Continuing to practice Dr. Gilberto preventive health measures remains vital.”

Sustache The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlined simple and effective ways to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. These good hygiene habits can also help protect you from many contagious diseases, like influenza and common colds, while also aiding in keeping others healthy.

Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer if you don’t have soap and water available.

Wear a mask when out in public.

Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes and nose.

Sneeze and cough into your elbow, or a tissue. Throw away used tissues right away.

Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects often.

Stay home if you are sick and stay away from others.

MAKE PREVENTION A PRIORITY

As we return to daily routines, there are even more ways to take control of your own health. “Daily lifestyle choices are the most potent preventive medicine,” said Dr. Gilberto Sustache, board-certified family medicine doctor with Houston Methodist Primary Care Group at Brooks Street. “Research has shown that individuals following healthy habits — eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, not drinking too much alcohol and not smoking — live more than a decade longer than those who don’t.

It’s never too late to build healthy lifestyle habits that not only help you live better, but also longer.”

10 LEADING MEDICINE IN FORT BEND AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES

Try to include all or some of these healthy habits in your lifestyle: Exercise. Research shows that walking for 30 minutes a day can significantly improve your health. Start slowly and build up your endurance.

Add resistance training twice a week to strengthen muscles.

Examples: Lift 1-pound weights or household objects, like soup cans, to get started. Take an online Pilates class. Even daily activities like carrying groceries or climbing stairs can help you stay strong.

Flexibility training or stretching increases range of motion.

Examples: Yoga, passive stretching (using a wall to hold a pose), and active stretching (holding a position that engages a set of muscles while relaxing the opposing muscles).

Balance training improves stability and can help to prevent falls. Examples: Try standing on one foot or walking heelto-toe in a straight line.

Eat a balanced diet. Healthy eating supports your heart health, boosts the immune system and provides extra energy to cope with the stresses of everyday life. Include lots of colorful fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and lean protein in your diet, and drink plenty of water. Limit saturated fats and trans fats, and processed foods with added sugar and sodium. Add foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, mackerel and sardines as well as nuts and seeds several times a week.

“Taking ownership of your health by making healthy food choices and developing regular exercise habits are two of the most important behaviors you can adopt for heart health and overall wellness,” said Ahmeduddin.

Get enough sleep. In addition to just feeling tired, sleeping less than seven hours per night on a regular basis can lead to diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and stroke. Practicing good sleep habits can increase energy and wellness.

Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.

Avoid large meals before bed.

Keep your room cool and limit noise and light.

Avoid smoking and alcohol use. Not only does smoking contribute to heart and lung disease, but it also ages your skin, hair and nails. If you’re trying to quit, remember, it may take several tries before you’re successful.

Talk to your doctor about support and medications to help you quit for good.

FIND A PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN NEAR YOU Limit alcohol use to reduce your chance of falls, gastrointestinal illness and certain types of cancer. If you enjoy alcohol, talk to your doctor about what amount is right for you.

LONG MEADOW FARMS 7790 W. GRAND PKWY. S.

Control stress and maintain a positive attitude.

“Relationships are important for nurturing emotional health and easing stress or loneliness. Spend time with your friends and family members — or even a pet — as often as you can. If you visit in person, practice social distancing and wear a mask, if appropriate,” said Sustache. “If you’re unable to spend time in person, a call or video chat can help you stay connected.”

A daily routine can also help control stress and mood. Structure can help you stay on track with new healthy habits and ensure you make time for fun. Schedule time for activities or hobbies you like, such as gardening, meditation, reading, enjoying music, hiking or cooking.

RICHMOND

Remember to reward yourself when you make healthy lifestyle changes. You can sign up for a virtual class at your local gym, get a new book or some new workout gear.

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SWEETWATER 4660 SWEETWATER BLVD. ET

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CREATING NEW HABITS TAKES TIME

BROOKS STREET 1201 BROOKS STREET SUGAR LAND

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Get regular physicals, keep up with immunizations and health screenings, including the COVID-19 vaccination. An ongoing relationship with a primary care provider can help you develop healthier habits and identify health issues earlier. Older adults might benefit from vaccinations for pneumonia and shingles — and everyone ages six months and older should get an annual flu shot. Your doctor can recommend a vaccination schedule.

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RIVERSTONE 18717 S. UNIVERSITY BLVD. UNIVE RS

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SIENNA PLANTATION 8330 HWY. 6 MISSOURI CITY

713.394.6639

houstonmethodist.org/pcg/southwest

Make an Appointment

We’re safely seeing patients in-person and virtually to talk about prevention strategies to help you achieve long-term health. Visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/southwest or call 713.394.6639 to schedule an appointment with a primary care doctor in Fort Bend County.

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WE STAND BEHIND THE VACCINE Here’s why our experts support the COVID-19 vaccine:

TESTED

TRUSTED

EFFECTIVE

There has been thorough testing and rigorous external review. Previous research and new technology allowed the vaccine to be developed faster, yet still follow the standard FDA process for emergency review before approval.

Most side effects are minimal, like other vaccines — including sore arms, muscle aches and fever. These flu-like symptoms indicate that the vaccine is doing its job — helping your body develop immunity to the virus. Other side effects are rare.

Current evidence indicates the vaccine is safe and up to 95% effective. COVID-19 can be fatal or debilitating. The risks of experiencing serious symptoms or being hospitalized from the disease are far greater than the risks associated with getting the vaccine.

We encourage you to get the first vaccine available to you.

Visit houstonmethodist.org/texas-vaccine-hub to sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine now. #ProtectedTogether

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