Leading Medicine Summer 2015, Houston Methodist West Hospital edition

lEading MEdicinE Your link to health innovations, news and tips IN west houston/katy

S UM M ER 2015

health tuneup

Make summer the time for a family wellness check

X-Ray, CT, MRI? Your Imaging Cheat Sheet

Quiz: What’s a Real Emergency?

health break

get help

for Pelvic Problems

Quinoa Salad

with Feta Vinaigrette Although not botanically a grain, delicate-tasting quinoa shares health benefits with whole grains, potentially reducing your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Salad Ingredients: 1 c. quinoa 1 c. small grape tomatoes, halved, or 1 medium tomato, diced 2 Tbsp. pitted, sliced ripe olives 1 small red or yellow onion, chopped 1 small green bell pepper, cored, seeded and diced 1 large celery rib, chopped

Vinaigrette Ingredients: 1 ⁄4 c. vegetable broth 41⁄2 tsp. white wine vinegar 11⁄2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 ⁄4 c. reduced-fat feta cheese crumbles 1 ⁄2 tsp. crushed dried oregano 1 ⁄8 tsp. dried crushed basil 1 ⁄4 tsp. salt 1 ⁄8 tsp. pepper

Nutritional information per serving (makes four servings): 250 calories, 9 g total fat, 8 g protein, 32 g carbohydrates, 8 mg cholesterol, 350 mg sodium and 4.5 g dietary fiber.

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Don’t Keep It to Yourself

To learn more about treatments or make an appointment, call 281.717.4003. Or to speak to someone about rehabilitation, call 832.522.8200.

photo by dreamstime

Directions: 1. Using fine mesh sieve, rinse quinoa under cold running water until water runs clear.

2. Place quinoa in small pot with 2 c. water. Bring to boiling.

3. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Cover and set aside 5 minutes.

4. Fluff quinoa with fork. Place in large salad bowl and set aside to cool.

5. Add tomatoes, olives, onion, bell pepper and celery to salad. Toss gently.

6. To make dressing, combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir well. Pour over salad and toss.

Women share many things with each other, but they tend to keep private certain health problems such as pelvic pain or urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control). Mistaken as a normal side effect of aging, these issues may be caused by a larger problem: pelvic floor prolapse. The condition occurs when an organ in the pelvis drops from its normal position in the lower abdomen. Women commonly experience pressure against the vaginal wall, which can cause pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, pain during intercourse, or urinary or fecal incontinence or difficulty.

“Causes for pelvic prolapse in women can include childbirth, obesity and genetics,” explained Dr. Christina Pramudji, women’s urologist at Houston Methodist West Hospital. “Women who experience persistent and ongoing issues should seek the help of a physician for treatment.”

Today, there are more treatments available for pelvic prolapse than ever before. Many patients are helped or cured through rehabilitation, medication, pessaries or surgery. There are even ways to exercise your way to better bladder control and reduced pain. A growing number of medications that affect bladder behavior may be used in conjunction with your treatment plan.

Houston Methodist West offers women and men pelvic floor rehabilitation from a board-certified pelvic floor physical therapist, who customizes a care plan and works closely with your doctor for personalized treatment.

Sometimes surgery is a necessity, however.

“We have numerous advanced options to treat pelvic floor prolapse and incontinence in a minimally invasive manner, with better results than we had with major surgery,” Pramudji said.

away. Symptoms of serious concussions include lasting confusion, seizure, unusual eye movement, unequal pupil sizes, repeated vomiting, balance problems or loss of consciousness for more than a few seconds. Most sprains and strains can wait until your doctor can see you.

Emergency 101 3 Which symptoms should be considered an emergency and which can wait for your doctor?

I

n movies, it’s easy to identify emergencies. They come in the form of horrendous car wrecks, dramatic heart attacks and suspenseful neardrownings. While these scenarios do occur in real life, most situations that require medical care are less black and white.

Do you know what to do in an emergency? Take this quiz to learn which symptoms warrant a trip to a hospital or a Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center—and which can wait for a visit to your primary care doctor.

1

True or false: Unexplained chest pain is always an emergency.

Answer: True. Chest pain is the most common heart attack symptom for both men and women. Unless you’re certain the pressure is heartburn, go to the hospital right away. Other symptoms may include shortness of

breath, lightheadedness, fatigue, anxiety, sweating, nausea or vomiting, or pain in the back, neck, shoulders, arms, teeth or jaw. Women are more likely than men to experience these symptoms in addition to or in the absence of chest pain. Many women report just feeling tired leading up to a heart attack. Be vigilant about seeking care when you feel something is off with your health.

2

Which sports injury requires emergency care?

a. Mild concussion b. Sprained ankle c. Broken bone d. All of the above

Answer: C. Broken bones require immediate emergency treatment.

While serious concussions require immediate attention, mild concussions do not (although a follow-up visit to your doctor is recommended). Serious concussions should be treated right

True or false: It’s OK to drive yourself or a loved one to the hospital during a potential stroke.

Answer: False. If you think you or someone you know is having a stroke, call 911. You may think driving to the hospital will be faster than waiting for an ambulance, but it’s not. Every minute counts when a stroke occurs, and when you call 911, medical care begins as soon as first responders arrive. On the way to the hospital, they perform vital tasks and alert the hospital to ensure a stroke team is ready to treat you. n

Now Open!

Houston Methodist Cinco Ranch Emergency Care Center (at 26000 FM 1093 in Katy) is a fullservice emergency department that is open 24/7/365. If a hospital stay is required, patients are transferred to Houston Methodist West. Call 832.522.6070 for information.

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Your Family’s

Summer Health Tuneup 4 LEADING MEDICINE IN WEST HOUSTON/KATY

Think beyond the paper and pencils and make backto-school season the time for a family health check.

D

ust off your daily planner: Back-to-school time means getting back to a routine, busy schedules and long to-do lists. But the season also offers a fresh start, making it a great time to take stock of your family’s health and ensure everyone is up to date on exams, screenings and health goals. Not sure where to begin? We’ve got you covered.

For Her

Moms usually put the needs of everyone else before their own. Be sure these screenings are on your to-do list.

PAP TEST

Why it matters: A Pap test, which looks for cancer in the cervix, can save your life. If detected early, cervical cancer is highly treatable.

When to get it: After age 21, get a Pap test every three years. Once you hit 30, you can be tested once every five years.

Talk to your doctor about getting an HPV test at the same time.

Heads up on Concussions Injuries, including concussions, are part of sports at every level. But to prevent long-term damage, it’s important to understand the signs of a concussion — including confusion, amnesia, headaches, dizziness, nausea, or difficulty with balance or coordination — and what to do next. If you think your child has suffered a concussion, make sure he or she sits out the rest of the game. For serious concussions, get immediate emergency treatment. For a mild concussion, follow up with your child’s doctor.

It’s a good idea for athletes to have a cognitive test on file as a benchmark for potential injuries down the road. Houston Methodist Concussion Center offers ImPACT Baseline Testing, a Web-based exam used to test cognitive ability. The results provide a basis for comparison in the event your athlete suffers an injury, requiring a postinjury test. Visit houstonmethodist.org/impactbaseline to learn more.

MAMMOGRAM

Why it matters: These X-ray images are your first line of defense against breast cancer. Screening mammograms lead to early detection, which reduces the number of deaths from breast cancer. As screening rates have risen, the death rate has gone down — 34 percent since 1990.

When to get it: Schedule an annual mammogram starting at age 40. If you have a family history of breast cancer, your doctor may recommend you begin screenings earlier.

For Him

Men are known for avoiding doctor’s appointments. Not this year! Here’s what you need to know about the screening for the most common cancer in men.

PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING

photo by getty/Ariel Skelley

Why it matters: One in seven men will

be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime. Risk factors include being 65 or older and having a family history of prostate cancer, abnormal prostate cells or certain genome changes. Depending on your risk, your doctor may recommend a digital rectal exam or a blood test to measure the amount of the substance prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which can indicate prostate cancer.

When to get it: Houston Methodist recommends that men over 50 discuss the PSA blood test with their doctors.

African-American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer

should talk with their doctors about starting screenings at age 45.

For Both of You

In addition to scheduling regular checkups to test your cholesterol, blood pressure and other aspects of your health, don’t forget to schedule a colonoscopy starting at 50.

COLONOSCOPY

Why it matters: Like the majority of screenings, the goal of a colonoscopy is finding cancer early, when it is most treatable. A colonoscopy is the best way to look for (and remove) polyps, small growths that can become cancerous.

When to get it: Most men and women should start getting screened at 50, and then once every decade after that.

Those at high risk may require earlier or more frequent screenings.

For the Kids

Good health is a lifelong project.

Instill healthy habits in your kids by scheduling these appointments.

SPORTS PHYSICAL

Why it matters: If your teens will be joining a team (or two or three) this school year, they’ll need a doctor’s approval to participate. A Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine doctor can address sportsspecific issues, like proper nutrition and hydration, injury prevention, training and good form.

When to get it: Although school district rules vary, one physical at the end of summer will typically cover your child for the school year.

IMMUNIZATIONS

Why they matter: Vaccines are a powerful tool for keeping your kids — and the kids around you — healthy.

By the time they hit school age, most children have had the majority of their immunizations, but there are a few to keep tabs on as they reach their teens.

When to get them:

• Annually: flu shot • Age 11: meningococcal conjugate vaccine • Age 16: booster shot n

Complete Your Health Checklist

Houston Methodist is here to keep you and your family healthy. Visit houstonmethodist.org/west or call 832.522.5522 to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.

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A Joint

Approach

Osteoarthritis isn’t inevitable. At every age and stage, you can fight back.

Schedule an Appointment

To learn more about leading edge, personalized joint care from diagnosis through rehabilitation at Houston Methodist West, visit houstonmethodist.org/ west or call 832.522.BONE (2663).

To speak to a rehabilitation specialist, please call 832.522.8200.

60s, 70s and Beyond:

Dr. Christopher K. Smith

Hips, knees and shoulders — they’re the stuff of mobility and independence, and keeping them in tiptop condition is important. Neglecting their health could lead to osteoarthritis, a progressive, degenerative disease in which joint cartilage breaks down and which affects more than 27 million Americans today. Though the condition may seem inevitable as we age, we can do a lot to help prevent it.

Dr. Christopher K. Smith, an orthopedic surgeon with Houston Methodist West Hospital, shares a by-the-decades plan for keeping joints strong for the long haul.

20s and 30s:

Protect Your Joints

6 LEADING MEDICINE IN WEST HOUSTON/KATY

Keep a Healthy Weight

The toll of earlier injuries or joint damage related to excess weight over time starts to mount.

You may notice creaking or popping in your knees when climbing stairs, stiffness for a few minutes after waking, or a dull ache in your hips after exercise.

Weight loss, physical therapy or antiinflammatory medications may alleviate these mild symptoms.

“Every extra pound puts four pounds of pressure on your knees and can further exacerbate osteoarthritis symptoms,” Smith said. “This is the time to do all you can to help your joints last as long as possible, so eat right, stay active, and do what it takes to maintain a healthy weight.”

As you age, the chances are greater that you’ll develop osteoarthritis in your hips, knees or shoulders, Smith said.

“Genetics, past injuries, excess weight and physical inactivity all play a role in its development and severity.”

Severe symptoms, like constant pain and very limited mobility, aren’t uncommon, but anti-inflammatory medication, weight loss, physical therapy and exercise can help. “Even in late age, losing weight can help decrease joint pain in the knees and hips, while regular stretching and strengthening can help lubricate hip, knee and shoulder joints and increase flexibility,” Smith said.

Unfortunately, some people will reach a point where the pain is unbearable.

“In the most severe cases, osteoarthritis can make it hard to walk, lift or reach, or even be self-sufficient,” he said. “In these cases, joint replacement can provide pain relief, improve range of motion and mobility, and restore independence. Joint replacement is a good option to have down the road in a worst-case scenario, but the opportunity to decrease your chances of needing one is in your hands today.” n

photos by thinkstock

“Exercise regularly and lift weights to strengthen muscles that support joints,” Smith said. He also recommends maintaining a healthy weight and getting enough calcium, magnesium and vitamin D in your diet to support bone and joint health.

Though most people are robust at this age, Smith noted that those who are overweight or have experienced a severe injury within the past 10 years may begin to develop early signs of osteoarthritis, including joint pain and stiffness.

40s and 50s:

Stay Active

Imaging IQ Having a diagnostic test done? Here’s what you need to know about common scans.

Until doctors themselves are equipped with X-ray vision, there’s a good chance you’ll need to undergo a diagnostic imaging test at one point or another. It will help your doctor determine the cause of your internal symptoms — whether it’s a worn hip, a suspicious lump or chest pain. With today’s technology, your doctor can get answers about what is going on deep inside your body earlier than ever before. And that’s good news for you.

The key is early diagnosis. If you are treated earlier, you’re likely to have a better recovery.

Which Test is Which?

photo by photoshot

Each imaging technology provides a different view of the body.

An X-ray is best for viewing bones for fractures, teeth for cavities and the chest for pneumonia. Mammography is a form of low-dose X-ray to examine breasts for signs of cancer.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is ideal when it comes to soft tissue, such

as determining what might be going on inside a sore knee, hamstring, shoulder, or other joint or muscle. It also provides clear pictures of the spine and brain.

Ultrasound is best known for getting an early glimpse of a baby in utero, but it also can help assess internal organs for damage.

Positron emission tomography (PET) is often used to check for cancer and monitor its spread.

For years, computed tomography (CT) has been used to evaluate internal trauma and to detect cancer, but a newer version of the technology can identify plaque buildup in the arteries in the heart. The 64-slice CT creates a 3-D image within seconds by overlaying 64 X-rays on top of one another. n

Schedule Your Scan

Did your doctor order a diagnostic test? To schedule, visit houstonmethodist.org/online-scheduling for a CT scan, DEXA scan (bone density), mammogram, MRI, MRI 3T, ultrasound or X-ray appointment. You can also call 832.522.1234.

finding a facility A diagnostic image is only a picture without a radiologist to interpret it. That’s why it’s important to choose an imaging facility like those at Houston Methodist, which are staffed by board-certified radiologists with fellowship training in subspecialties such as breast imaging and neuroradiology.

And not all images offer the same level of clarity. Houston Methodist’s nine imaging centers — including seven hospital centers and two standalone centers — partner with the world’s leading imaging companies to bring the latest technology available to patients.

A clear image, read accurately by an experienced radiologist, can lead to the diagnosis and treatment you need to ensure your health.

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