Leading Medicine Winter 2024, Houston Methodist Hospital edition

LEADING MEDICINE WINTER 2024

CARING FOR YOU:

Why Your PCP Is Pivotal to Your Health YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INNOVATIONS, NEWS AND TIPS FROM HOUSTON METHODIST

Emergency Care, Virtual Urgent Care or Primary Care:

KNOW WHERE TO GO

We’ve all been there: You wake up feeling off, or you sustain an unexpected injury and the panic sets in. Should you rush to the emergency room (ER), make an appointment with your primary care provider, or access virtual urgent care? The uncertainty can be overwhelming.

EMERGENCY CARE Symptoms that generally signal an emergency include:

Allergic reaction with trouble breathing, swelling or hives Chest pain or squeezing sensation in the chest Broken bones

It’s important to know where to go for care before you’re sick or experiencing an emergency. Knowing this can save you precious time, make sure you get the right care promptly and ultimately make a world of difference when it matters most.

VIRTUAL URGENT CARE See our providers for nonemergency urgent care needs via 24/7 video visits for minor illnesses, such as:

Coughs, cold, flu

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PRIMARY CARE OFFICE VISIT Make an appointment with your primary care provider for the following:

Minor health concerns

Constipation or diarrhea Fevers Heartburn

Head, neck or spine injury

Preventive and routine care

Screenings and vaccinations

Pink or red eyes I ntense pain, including severe headache or abdominal pain Loss of consciousness Major burns or electric shock Pregnancy-related issues, such as severe cramping or bleeding Poisoning or suspected overdose Shortness of breath or

trouble breathing Sudden slurred speech, visual changes, or weakness

on one side of the body

Sinus infections Sore throat or strep throat Urinary tract infection (women only)

Managing chronic health conditions (diabetes, asthma, heart disease, etc.)

Referrals to specialty care

Leading Care Where You Need Us To find emergency care, virtual urgent care or primary care, visit houstonmethodist. org/care-central or call 713.790.3333.

Suicidal thoughts

Uncontrolled bleeding

If you are experiencing a serious or life-threatening medical emergency, call 911.

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KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME FOR A

COLONOSCOPY Don’t let assumptions stop you from preventing or detecting colorectal cancer through a colonoscopy screening. If you think you’re too young, too healthy or too nervous Dr. Maen for the procedure, Abdelrahim think again.

“Cancers of the colon or rectum aren’t exclusively tied to age,” said Dr. Maen Abdelrahim, gastrointestinal oncologist at Houston Methodist Hospital.

“Several factors play into this disease.

And the number of young adults diagnosed is on the rise, so getting a colonoscopy at the right time has potentially life-saving importance.”

How do you know when the time is right? Reflect on risk factors such as family history and symptoms you might notice, and then consider your age.

RISK FACTORS

Several risk factors are tied to colorectal cancer, no matter your age. Here are some to remember: ■ Drinking alcohol in excess ■ Family history of the disease, especially your parent(s) and grandparent(s) ■ Inflammatory bowel disease ■ Obesity ■ Smoking If you’re concerned, talk with your primary care provider about a colonoscopy or other testing. The good news is that a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet helps — your doctor can support you in forming healthy habits that boost overall well-being.

SYMPTOMS

After you’ve thought about risks, pay attention to any physical signs. Let your doctor know if you experience symptoms such as: ■ Blood in stool (red, maroon or black) ■ Changes in bowel habits, including stool shape or texture ■ Unexplained abdominal pain ■ Unintentional weight loss

YOU’RE 45 OR OLDER

Because colorectal polyps (precancerous growths) and cancerous lesions don’t always cause symptoms, age-appropriate screenings are the key to discovering a problem. Having your first colonoscopy at

age 45 establishes a baseline, as your risk naturally increases.

“Anyone 45 and older is considered to have an average risk of colorectal cancer,” explained Abdelrahim. “So, a colonoscopy at this age can help catch a problem early. Even better, during the procedure, a gastroenterologist usually can remove potentially problematic growths and examine lesions for a faster diagnosis and track to treatment.”

A colonoscopy is the gold standard of colorectal cancer screening, whether you’re in your 20s or 80s. Reach out to your doctor to start an important conversation about colon and rectal health if it’s time.

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WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR COLONOSCOPY SCREENING Here’s what you might expect from this easy exam: • You will empty your bowels at home with help from a preparation solution before the procedure, giving your gastroenterologist a clear view.

• Sedation will make you comfortable. No major anesthesia is needed.

• The procedure is typically only 20-40 minutes with no hospital stay required.

• You’ll likely go about your daily routine after just a few hours of rest.

• Most people need a colonoscopy every 10 years.

Schedule an Appointment If it’s time to talk to your doctor about colorectal concerns, or you need to find a provider, visit houstonmethodist.org/colonoscopy or call 713.441.3372.

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ESTABLISH CARE WITH AN ADVANCED PRACTICE PROVIDER Did you know your primary care office has multiple experts on the team? You may decide to choose an advanced practice provider (APP) as your PCP. An APP is a licensed nurse practitioner or physician assistant who is trained to provide the same type of care as a PCP, and who can also be your partner in optimizing your health. Just like a PCP, an APP can help you with: ■ Chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease ■ Physicals ■ Prescriptions ■ Referrals to specialists ■ X-rays and tests In addition, an APP’s appointment schedule may have more openings so that you can get in sooner. To schedule an appointment with a provider near you, visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/central.

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CARING FOR YOU: Why Primary Care Matters You’re unique. Your health care should be, too.

That’s why choosing a primary care provider (PCP) — either a physician or advanced practice provider (APP) — matters when it comes to building your best overall health.

“We build a relationship with you and know your health history to give you personalized Ngoc H. Nguyen and continuous care,” explained Ngoc H. Nguyen, an advanced practice provider at Houston Methodist Primary Care Group in Bellaire.

Your PCP can help you manage: ■ Allergies and asthma ■ Diabetes ■ High blood pressure ■ High cholesterol ■ Men’s and women’s health ■ Physicals and health screenings ■ Thyroid concerns Below are a few of the many reasons why it’s important to visit a PCP.

PREVENT AND TREAT ILLNESS

Your primary care team focuses on disease prevention — they aim to help you stay healthy. Getting an annual physical helps you stay on top of routine screenings, immunizations and general well-being year after year.

When illness happens, your primary care provider can help with that, too.

“If you come down with an illness, such as the flu,” Nguyen explained, “I understand your health needs and history, so I can help diagnose your illness and prescribe any necessary medication.”

TACKLE HEALTH GOALS

With an established PCP relationship, you have a long-term partner to help you work through obstacles in your quest for better health. Whether you want to quit smoking, lose weight or break the family cycle of diabetes or heart disease, your PCP can help you achieve your goal.

“I like to start with lifestyle changes,” Nguyen said. “Little changes such as adding an evening walk to your daily routine can lead you onto a healthier path.”

If you need a little more help beyond lifestyle changes, your PCP may recommend tests or screenings to create a long-term health plan.

CONNECT YOU WITH SPECIALISTS

Navigating the health care system alone can be overwhelming, especially when you are managing a chronic condition. Your PCP can make it easier by briefing specialists such as cardiologists, neurologists or endocrinologists on your health challenges.

“Knowing your health history and goals helps for better provider-to-provider communication with specialists who may be involved in your care,” Nguyen noted. “That supports an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan that’s right for you.”

Your specialist will help you manage your condition, but when you need to see the doctor for a screening or illness, your PCP is the best option. Together, they are your health care team.

PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR ALL YOUR HEALTH NEEDS

When you find a PCP who understands your medical history and beliefs, you’ll form a provider-patient relationship that leads to more individualized and better care.

“We make sure you’re comprehensively cared for,” Nguyen said. “Your health care is built on a team of doctors who are all supporting your personal health goals.”

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Find a Primary Care Provider Who Is Right for You Houston Methodist Primary Care Group has more than 45 practices across the Greater Houston area. To find a provider near you, visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/central or call 713.441.7965.

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WHAT ARE

EYE FLOATERS? Dr. Garvin H. Davis

Eye floaters can appear as specks, circles, threads or cobwebs of different shapes and sizes. What they mean — and how soon you need to see an ophthalmologist — can vary. Dr. Garvin H. Davis, a vitreoretinal surgeon with Houston Methodist, describes the types of eye floaters you may see in your lifetime.

TYPES OF EYE FLOATERS

• The occasional translucent floater or one or two small dark

floaters you see occasionally are very common. This floater can appear when looking at something bright or light-colored, such as the afternoon sky, white walls or reflective surfaces.

• As we grow older, the vitreous humor, or gel-like fluid in the

In most people, the body gets used to the floater and the brain starts to ignore it. “But for others, the floaters continue to get in their way and affect their work or daily living, and that’s when I recommend treatment,” Davis said.

Retinal tears or detachments, which lead to those peppery eye floaters, need to be addressed soon after you notice them to help protect your vision. “You should see an ophthalmologist urgently.

Because if there’s a retinal tear or detachment, in general, we want to repair that quickly,” Davis noted.

If you live long enough, it’s almost certain that you’ll experience eye floaters, but you can benefit from yearly eye exams to keep an eye on how your vision changes.

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CAUSES FOR EYE FLOATERS

eye between the lens and the retina, changes from its gel-like consistency and starts to liquefy. Then, people can start to notice another type of floater in their vision ­— a posterior vitreous detachment.

“Usually, in the fifth or sixth decade of life, the vitreous gel liquifies and separates from the back of the eye,” Davis said.

“Patients describe it very differently: sometimes like a cobweb, or cloudy vision, like a little cloud that moves around. It will often happen suddenly, usually associated with flashes of light.”

• As the vitreous separates, it can break blood vessels and cause

bleeding in the eye. And because the vitreous is firmly attached to the retina at points, its separation can cause a retinal tear that can lead to retinal detachment.

“Usually, patients will describe two characteristics when they see these floaters,” Davis said. “They say it looks like sprinkled pepper or black spots in their vision, and it doesn’t go away. It’s not often subtle.”

TREATMENT FOR EYE FLOATERS

No treatment is needed for those occasional floaters that people of all ages experience after looking at something bright. That’s because these floaters usually move out of your vision on their own.

6 LEADING MEDICINE FROM HOUSTON METHODIST

Time to See an Expert

DON’T FREEZE UP: Tips to

Ease Winter Joint Pain Winter has a way of slowing things down. But don’t let Jack Frost tempt you into slowing your pace during blustery months.

“With cold weather often comes less activity,” explained Dr. Timothy Brown, an orthopedic surgeon at Houston Methodist Hospital. “Less activity can lead to inflammation causing joint pain and stiffness, especially as the body ages.”

Dr. Timothy That pain and stiffness can snowball — no pun Brown intended — into a larger problem when winter weather makes it difficult to stay active. Here are helpful tips to stop your joints from freezing up during cold snaps.

KEEP MOVING

It might be tempting to trade walking shoes for a warm blanket when it’s time to exercise, but remember, a great way to keep your joints healthy is to keep them flexing.

“Being still during cold temperatures gives our joints a chance to ache,” said Brown. “And it’s normal to lose interest in exercising when we hurt, so a cycle begins that’s hard to break and may worsen. The best thing to do to fend off that stiffness and pain is to keep moving through the cold months.”

INDOOR EXERCISE IDEAS

When cold weather makes it difficult to enjoy being outside, consider ways to keep moving inside. Here are some indoor ideas if you don’t already have a personalized exercise plan in place: ■ Pedal a stationary bike ■ Take the stairs

■ Try yoga, Tai Chi or other stretching movements ■ Walk on a treadmill, indoor track or even at a mall Be sure to talk with your primary care physican before starting a new exercise routine so you can build a wintertime program that’s best for your overall joint and muscle health.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

If you’ve done your best to stay active during the winter but can’t seem to ease your joint pain and stiffness, it’s probably time to speak with your doctor.

Your doctor can help get to the root of your joint pain and guide you to the best next steps, including an orthopedic or sports medicine specialist if need be. Or, if you’re constantly battling joint pain in knees or hips no matter the season, it could be time to explore joint replacement. Speaking with your doctor is the first step to getting back to a pain-free life.

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Find a Joint Specialist.

Find Relief.

Ready to learn about orthopedic joint replacement or have discomfort from a flawed replacement? The experts at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine are here to help — visit houstonmethodist.org/ jointpain or call 713.441.9000.

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