Sienna Plantation News

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TALKING TURKEY: IT’S PLATTER SEASON pg.08

ALSO INSIDE Too Much Gobble, Gobble? 6 Steps To Better Digestion This Holiday Season pg.10 Safe Food Techniques Every Home Cook Should Know pg.07

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N ov e m b e r 2016 The Thanksgiving Issue

CONTENTS FEATURES

The Sienna Moms are works of fiction. Resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

WELCOME TO WATERS LAKE I remember my delight as a teenager when I discovered my mother’s stash of romance novels hidden between the mattress and box spring of her bed. Golden-haired Fabio and an assortment of damsels with long, flowing hair and bountiful bosoms were emblazoned on the covers. I don’t recall the storylines, but at the time, I devoured every word and longed for my love story to commence.

My reading interests expanded to include literary authors, Joyce Carol Oates and Toni Morrison, so-called chick-lit writers, Jennifer Weiner and Sophie Kinsella, as well as Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson, and lots of other commercial and literary auteurs.

My primary reading interests, however, always go back to romantic women’s fiction. Life is stressful enough.

I don’t want heartache and sadness in my entertainment. I enjoy pure escapist novels with a central love story where a woman always gets her happily-ever-after.

That’s why I’m super excited about my latest discovery, Joanna Candace. She has such a great voice which makes

for an easy and enjoyable read.

The Art of Persistence is a page-turning quick read. The characters seem like neighbors. And, though I’m sure any similarity to Sienna is purely coincidental, the fictional community of Waters Lake feels familiar. It’s a place I could live. Even better, at least for now, The Art of Persistence is part of Kindle Unlimited.

With a Kindle Unlimited subscription at the Amazon.com store, you can access hundreds of thousands of Kindle books, keep up to ten at a time with no due dates. Read them on any Amazon device or free Kindle reading app.

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is fast approaching. Stop and take a moment for yourself.

Download a great book, and lose yourself in the lives and loves of the residents of Waters Lake.

07 08 09 14

Safe Food Techniques Every Home Cook Should Know

Talking Turkey: It’s Platter Season Fall Entertaining Forecast: Cozy, Comfortable And Outdoors Too Much Gobble, Gobble? 6 Steps To Better Digestion This Holiday Season

MONTHLY DEPARTMENTS

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Community Profile

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Dear Doctor Sponsored By

Age-Old Medical Practice Makes A Comeback With Modern Twist UT Physicians at Sienna Village

Sienna Plantation News is a Community Magazines LLC publication.

ADVERTISING INFORMATION Contact Denise R Williams, Publisher communitynews@entouch.net www.siennaplantationnews.com (281) 778-9782

Happy Thanksgiving, Tracy, Sienna Moms

COMMUNITY PROFILE

AGE-OLD MEDICAL PRACTICE MAKES A COMEBACK WITH MODERN TWIST Houston Methodist future risks — was taken care of in a matter of days, Sugar Land Hospital allowing the patient to return to his daily routine is the first in Fort quicker with full mobility.

Bend County to use an innovative biotherapy “The BioBag actually relies on a very old practice that involving fly larvae has been modernized in a unique way,” Desai said. to save a patient’s “The use of larval therapy to debride, or clean, dead infected limb that tissue from infected wounds dates back thousands of otherwise would have years. The BioBag brings it up to date by providing full containment of the fly larvae within a sealed, easy-tobeen amputated. apply dressing.”

Wound care specialist Nicholas Desai, D.P.M., used the BioBag®, a unique BioBags contain larvae of the common green bottle larval therapy, to clean dead tissue from a diabetic fly, secured in a polyester pouch with a porous outer patient’s severely infected foot and quickly prepare layer that allows direct access to the wound. When him for a skin graft, saving him from a below-knee placed on top an infected lesion, the larvae secrete amputation. What would have been an 18- to 24-month enzymes that liquefy dead tissue, which they then ordeal — with multiple staged surgeries and significant consume — effectively cleaning the wound within a day or two. Those enzymes also speed healing by providing 3

antibacterial protection of the area.

The first patient to receive the larval therapy at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, and in Fort Bend, was treated on a Friday. By Tuesday of the following week, his infection was cleared and he was able to receive a skin graft to cover the top of his foot, preventing the need for amputation. Since then, Desai has used this larval therapy numerous times at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, with 100 percent success.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Nicholas Desai, call 281.240.3338. For more information about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland or call 281.274.7500 for a physician referral. Visit our Facebook page at fb.com/methodistsugarland for the latest news, events and information.

Primary Care

Where you go makes a differenCe

Adelola Ashaye, MD Family Medicine

Nader Ayub, MD Primary Care Sports Medicine

Kerry Laursen, MD Family Medicine

SCHEDULE TODAY!

Jessen Rajan, MD Family Medicine Malayalam & Spanish

Sienna Plantation 8330 Hwy. 6, Suite 110 | Missouri City, TX 77459

Vandana Khera, MD Internal Medicine Hindi & Punjabi

Deepshikha Sharda, DO Family Medicine Hindi

Remilekun Dosumu Agbe-Davies, MD Internal Medicine

Riverstone 18717 S. University Blvd., Suite 105 Sugar Land, TX 77479

Adrianne Scruggs, MD Internal Medicine

Sweetwater 4660 Sweetwater Blvd., Suite 210 Sugar Land, TX 77479

Houston Methodist Primary Care Group is dedicated to providing high quality and compassionate care to the Fort Bend community. Our physicians have extensive training and experience in diagnosing and treating patients with a caring, hands-on, family-oriented approach.

Our practices offer: • Online scheduling • Same day appointments • Convenient locations

• Patient portal for secure communication with your care team

Easily schedule online at houstonmethodist.org/appointments or call 713.394.6638.

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DEAR DOCTOR DEAR DOCTOR: I have been hearing a lot about shingles recently. Do I need the shingles vaccine?

DEAR READER: I recommend that all my patients over the age of 50 be vaccinated for shingles. As one who experienced shingles in the past, I would gladly have accepted the vaccination had one been available to avoid the misery of shingles. The vaccine is 95-97 percent effective, and some patients might need to get it earlier than age 50.

If you had the chicken pox as a child, then your body harbors the virus that may one day turn into shingles, which is a very painful skin condition that can last for weeks or months.

Younger generations who have had the chicken pox vaccination will not need the shingles vaccine since this virus is not present in their bodies.

281-778-5244

Shingles can affect various parts of the body and can even affect the face and damage the eyes.

9212 Sienna Ranch Rd Missouri City, TX 77459

The shingles vaccine may not be covered by your insurance. Talk to your physician about when you should take the shingles shot. And no, shingles is not contagious if you have had the chicken pox virus or vaccine.

WE TREAT DOGS AND CATS

So, do yourself a favor and don’t hesitate, vaccinate.

AND OFFER THE FOLLOWING SERVICES Immunizations and Wellness Care Heartworm and Flea Preventatives In-house Laboratory Onsite Pharmacy Veterinary Diets Digital Xray Dentistry Internal Medicine Surgery Microchipping Cold Laser Therapy

Dr. Thomas Murphy, Assistant Dean, Medical School, UT Health and Chief Medical Officer UT Physician community based clinics. For information or to schedule an appointment with a doctor at UT Physicians Sienna Village call 713-486-1200, UTPhysicians.com.

National Event Winner - Poultry Evaluation Alison Nguyen from the Ridge Point FFA Chapter in Texas

participated in this year’s event.

was the third high individual in the 2016 National FFA Poultry Evaluation Career Development Event (CDE). Led by advisor David Laird, Nguyen was among 154 students from 39 states who

www.siennaplantationanimalhospital.com

FREE NEW PATIENT EXAM!

The National FFA Poultry Evaluation CDE is a competitive event that tests the participant’s ability to select top quality poultry and poultry products needed for successful production and marketing. Event participants must complete a written exam on poultry management, evaluate classes of live birds for eggs and meat production, evaluate quality of eggs, and evaluate and identify parts and products.

Limit One Per Household. New Clients Only.

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For the location nearest you, visit memorialhermann.org/schedulenow

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SAFE FOOD TECHNIQUES EVERY HOME COOK SHOULD KNOW

Good hosts want positive experiences around the dishes they prepare for the holidays - great conversation and good memories.

What’s a sure way to mar the feast? Not being consistent in following safe food handling techniques that every home cook should know. Each year, one in six people experiences food poisoning, affecting some 48 million people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Sometimes, the causes of food poisoning are beyond our control, in spite of regulations and best practices by farmers and food companies. While ready-to-eat foods and restaurants are often highlighted in the fight against food poisoning, we often overlook that home cooks are important partners in reducing the risk of foodborne illness,” said Mike Robach, vice president of food safety at Cargill.

“The most common foodborne pathogens, like salmonella and campylobacter, can cause serious illness, particularly in young children, the elderly, pregnant women and other immune-compromised people,” said Shelley Feist, executive director of the Partnership for Food Safety Education. “Consistently practicing good hand hygiene and safe food handling at home is important to protect your family from these microorganisms and the serious illness they can cause.”

Each year, foodborne illnesses lead to 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths, according to the CDC, as they can lead to serious conditions such as sepsis and kidney failure.

Like any skilled chef, you are best prepared to create a memorable feast when you keep these safe food handling practices top-of-mind. They are just as necessary to a great meal as sharp knives, high-quality cookware, fresh ingredients and the right appliances.

Clean Hands And Surfaces Often

Before you begin cooking, start by making sure your work area and tools are clean. Wash all preparation surfaces, including cutting boards, with hot, soapy water. If any tools or containers you will need are dirty, either run the dishwasher cycle or hand-wash the items in a sink of hot, soapy water. Finally, wash your hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds before and after handling food.

Rinse Fresh Fruits And Vegetables Depending on what you are using, some foods will require rinsing. Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running water just before eating or using. Firm-skinned produce like cucumbers and apples should be rubbed under running tap water by hand or with a clean brush. You should also rinse any produce that will be peeled, because microorganisms on the surface can be easily transferred to the flesh with a peeler or knife blade. Blot fresh fruits and vegetables dry with paper towels.

for raw meat and poultry.

And it is worth a reminder - never place cooked food on a plate that previously held raw or undercooked meat or poultry.

Cook To Safe Temperatures Here is a compelling reason to cook food to a safe temperature: Even a professional chef cannot say with precision if a food item is cooked to a safe internal temperature. Food is safely cooked when it reaches a high enough internal temperature to kill the harmful bacteria that cause illness. Get a food thermometer and use it consistently. For a list of safe internal temperatures, visit the Partnership for Food Safety Education website at fightbac.org.

Safe Leftovers

Safely Handle Meat And Poultry

Proper storing of leftovers in a refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below helps reduce the risk of food poisoning.

Keep leftovers in shallow containers so they cool off more quickly. When reheating leftovers, make sure they reach a safe temperature of 165 F degrees as measured with a food thermometer. Consume or freeze refrigerated leftovers within three to four days.

The best home cooks know it’s important to safely handle raw meat and poultry. To start with, do not thaw frozen meat and poultry at room temperature - to do so gives harmful bacteria an ideal environment to multiply and spread.

For more tips to build your skills and expertise in food safety, visit StoryofYourDinner.org. Check out an animated video, as well as fun items such as kid-friendly placemats to download, and a collection of delicious side dish recipes that incorporate home food safety tips.

There is no need to rinse raw meat or poultry, at least, not in the name of food safety. All that will accomplish is potentially spreading bacteria in your sink and beyond. Raw meat and poultry must be cooked to a safe internal temperature.

There are three safe ways to defrost food: in the refrigerator, submerged in cold water, and in the microwave. Food thawed in cold water or in the microwave should be cooked immediately.

Keep raw meat and poultry separate from other foods, and use one cutting board for fresh produce and a separate one 7

TALKING TURKEY: IT’S PLATTER SEASON

Turkey platters are a sentimental favorite, even with the family dog.

What’s your idea of the perfect Thanksgiving meal? A big family buffet, or perhaps an intimate evening with a few close friends? Thanksgiving brings us together from near and far for all sorts of fun-filled traditions that are uniquely our own. And while those traditions may vary somewhat as families grow and our lives change over time, there’s one constant at the heart of Thanksgiving entertaining - the beloved turkey platter.

English manufacturer received so much demand for this particular motif that the company turned the proud Tom Turkey-adorned plate into its own pattern.

The Great Platter Hunt Designers say you don’t have to buy entire set of turkey-themed dinnerware to find the perfect platter. Replacements’ Julie Robbins notes you can find platters that blend well with any pattern, from the very old to the very new.

“Turkey platters really are the Christmas tree of Thanksgiving,” says Keith Winkler, product marketing manager at dinnerware giant Replacements, Ltd. “When you talk about Thanksgiving, I think most Americans picture that iconic Norman Rockwell “Turkey platters aren’t necessarily bird-themed; you’ll find them in designs ranging painting with the mother serving the perfect turkey on a huge platter. Even though from florals to even scenic vistas,” Robbins says. “Think who is going to be at your that image has been reinterpreted in so many ways as times have changed, the platter table, what you’re serving and find a platter that speaks to you. If you’re serving turkey, has always remained the centerpiece of the gathering, even for those who by-pass the it doesn’t matter whether you’re carving your bird in the kitchen or on the table, just bird to serve another main course for their Thanksgiving meal.” make sure it’s large enough to accommodate your guests. So many people make the Winkler notes there’s also a strong sentimental attachment to this seasonal favorite. mistake of trying to put a large turkey on a 12-inch platter and quite frankly, that is Turkey platters often become heirloom pieces, handed down in many families, making just too small and it’s not going to work. This is a special piece, not an everyday platter.” the platter even more special.

Turkey Dinnerware History 101 The history behind Turkey patterns and ultimately the iconic platter is literally as old as the holiday itself.

When Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving official back in 1863, English potters seized the opportunity to target the growing American market by producing turkey-themed dinner plates and platters. These ingenious designers generally took an existing design and replaced the center with a turkey motif to create those first Thanksgiving patterns. Manufacturers such as Spode, Mason’s and Wood & Sons used their colorful transferware patterns to start a new holiday tradition, which became an instant hit.

In fact, Replacements’ most popular Thanksgiving pattern, His Majesty by Johnson Brothers, started as an accent plate in the company’s Friendly Village pattern. The

Robbins adds she’s seen people do wonderful things with a small turkey, such as placing vegetables around the bird to fill out the larger platter and complete the look.

Turkey platters aren’t only fun, many are also functional. Lenox and several other manufacturers produce turkey-shaped platters and other autumn themed serving pieces in alternative metal serveware. This is a special alloy that when heated or chilled maintains temperature to keep foods warm or cold.

Gobble Up This Season’s Table Top Trends Many dinnerware companies are producing Thanksgiving or turkey-themed accent plates and platters to mix and match with everyday dinnerware in colors and motifs to fit all tastes and lifestyles, from the very traditional to a more modern aesthetic. And if Tom Turkey isn’t the right design element for your table, Robbins says you can still create a seasonal feel, minus the bird.

“You can use fall leaf or even woodland patterns to create a classic Thanksgiving table 8

The beloved turkey platter remains the centerpiece at Thanksgiving gatherings.

without going with a turkey motif. Even beautiful classic fruit patterns give your table that cornucopia or horn of plenty flair.”

Not sure where to start? Find a list of Replacements’ most popular fall and Thanksgiving patterns on the company’s website, replacements.com.

outside,” says Keith Winkler, marketing manager for There’s really no need to go heavy on the decorations dinnerware giant Replacements, Ltd. “Think about for fall outdoor entertaining. Bright leaves, pumpkins, it - the temperatures are cooling down following our seasonal berries and other naturals create the perrecord breaking summer heat. You can have more fect autumn décor. Experts say you don’t need a floral people at outdoor gatherings than you can generally centerpiece if you have nature all around you. Instead, fit in your home. Plus, there’s more flexibility because use candles to light up your evenings. you can easily have one or more set ups, whether that “It’s time to upgrade from the Mason jar look by means setting up tables for dinner or having canapés mixing glassware and candles,” says Robbins. “Lightand finger foods around a fire pit.” ing can truly set the mood for your gathering, which is why I’m big on creating an eclectic grouping down the middle of my table by mixing glass and metal candlesticks with hurricanes, clear decanters and other pieces I can use to hold candles. If you don’t think you have enough pieces, old tumblers make great votive cups, while you can also turn wine glasses and goblets upside down and place candles on the inverted base.

This is beautiful for daytime entertaining, and when lit, creates a simple, warm feeling on those nights when you’re just starting to feel a nip in the air.”

Mix candles with your glassware to create cozy fall centerpiece

FALL ENTERTAINING FORECAST: COZY, COMFORTABLE AND OUTDOORS

Fall is a great season for ditching the paper and plastic and taking your dinnerware outdoors. Tableware industry experts say there are many positives to introducing your “good stuff” to Mother Nature. It won’t blow away like paper plates, and it’s far more environmentally friendly than Styrofoam.

Mix it up

Add seasonal color by pairing favorite fall patterns with vintage American glass

Whether an afternoon tailgating before the big game or a fun-filled evening under the dazzling autumn stars, the forecast for this season’s entertaining is trending toward cozy, comfortable and outdoors.

“I think the big lifestyle shift right now is toward eating out less and entertaining more at home, and autumn is the perfect season for taking your get-togethers

Looking for more fall inspiration? Robbins and team suggest checking out Replacements’ website at www. replacements.com.

DON’T PUT OFF UNTIL TOMORROW WHAT YOU CAN DO TODAY, IMMEDIATE APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE AT KELSEYSEYBOLD –SIENNA PLANTATION CLINIC

While serving finger foods on small plates is extremely popular and encourages your guests to mingle, there’s The fall season is upon us, which means we might a definite return toward the comfort and connection finally get some relief from the summer’s heat. It also of a sit down meal. To set the perfect fall table, design- means cold and flu season is here. Getting a same-day ers encourage mixing and matching patterns to reflect appointment to see a doctor during this peak season can be difficult. But at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic our primary your distinctive style. care physicians have appointments available today.

“I generally start with a pattern that sets the tone for the evening, one that reflects what I’m feeling for this Our Family Medicine, Internal Medicine and Pediparticular gathering,” says Replacements’ designer atrics physicians, we have ample availability at Julie Robbins. “Whether that’s a cute salad plate Kelsey-Seybold Clinic – Fort Bend Medical and Diagthat’s going to sit atop the dinner plate, or a fun color I nostic Center, 11555 University Blvd. Sugar Land, TX want as my main design element or theme. I then add 77478 and Sienna Plantation, 7010 Highway 6 Missouri pieces that either draw out that feeling or ground the City, TX 77459. place setting to give me the ambiance I want for my Along with regularly scheduled hours, Fort Bend Medentire table.” ical and Diagnostic Center has extended pediatric Robbins says that may mean pairing a current fall hours Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sienna favorite, such as a dinner plate in Woodland by Spode, Plantation has extended pediatric hours Monday and with vintage American amber glass from the 1940s. Wednesday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

She also mixes different pieces. For example, adding You can schedule primary care appointments online a hued glass accent salad plate creates another layer through AppointmentsNow or call Kelsey-Seybold’s of dimension, while a bright goblet can infuse a much 24/7 contact center at 713-442-0000 to schedule prineeded pop of seasonal color. mary or specialty appointments.

Light up your evenings 9

EXCEPTIONAL CARE for YOU and YOUR FAMILY is right around the corner.

Our new Sienna Plantation Clinic is now open and welcoming new patients! With Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and OB/GYN medical specialties – along with an onsite Kelsey Pharmacy, X-ray and laboratory services – the care you need is all under one roof.

For SAME-DAY and NEXT-DAY appointments For same-day and next-day primary care appointments, call our 24/7 Contact Center at 713-442-0000 or schedule online with AppointmentsNOW at kelsey-Seybold.com/NOW.

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| kelsey-seybold.com/sienna | 9/21/16 10:36 AM

LEARN HOW TO RECYCLE OLD BOOKS FOR CREATIVE HOLIDAY DÉCOR

Christmas trees and ornaments. Children under the age

The program is free and open to the public. Seating is

of 15 should be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

limited, however, and reservations are required. To reg-

Materials are provided courtesy of the Friends of the Sienna Branch Library. Proceeds from the Friends of the Library book sales and annual membership dues help to underwrite the costs of special programming and vari-

ister online at the library’s website (www.fortbend.lib. tx.us), click on “Calendar,” select “Sienna Branch,” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library at 281-238-2952, or by visiting the library.

ous cultural events at the library.

Make History

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GALVESTON’S WORLD FAMOUS VICTORIAN HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OFFICIAL SPONSORS

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Bend County Libraries’ Sienna Branch Library, located on at 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd in Missouri City.

In this fun, festive DIY craft workshop, library staff

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EYE CONNECTION for you and your family Glasses • Contact Lenses • LASIK Co-Management • Pediatrics

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FINDING UNCOMMON SOLUTIONS FOR ONE OF THE MOST COMMON CANCERS. At Houston Methodist Sugar Land, we take an aggressive approach to fighting breast cancer. From accelerating high-potential research to creating unique treatments based on a tumor’s genetics, we offer more innovative options to fight breast cancer at every stage.

Our breast cancer specialists are here to help with • Mammography, using the most advanced imaging technology • Specialized programs for high-risk patients and aggressive forms of breast cancer • Surgery and the latest options for breast reconstruction • Support services including patient navigators and spiritual care • Clinical trials and innovative research focused on prevention and survivorship To schedule your mammogram, call 281.242.PINK(7465).

Visit houstonmethodist.org/fightbreastcancer to learn more about our breast cancer services, or call our breast care navigator at 281.276.8989.

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TOO MUCH GOBBLE, GOBBLE? 6 STEPS TO BETTER DIGESTION THIS HOLIDAY SEASON • Promote gut health. If your digestive tract is already in good shape, it will be better equipped to handle occasional holiday overindulgence. Taking a probiotic supplement, like Family Flora Daily Balance, can support the growth of good gut bacteria that aid in digestion. Family Flora’s Dual-Action formula helps populate the gut with healthy bacteria and also provides prebiotics, the “food” that helps probiotic bacteria thrive and multiply inside the body. The probiotic + non-GMO prebiotic blend helps promote improved digestion, support gut flora renewal and colon health, and maintain healthier gastrointestinal function. The neutral-tasting powder can be mixed into any cold food or beverage. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Visit www.familyflora.com to learn more.

• Reduce portion sizes. Do you give yourself license to overindulge during the holidays, figuring you’ll pay for it later when you step on the scale? Large portions can also make you pay for them right away when you feel indigestion or reflux after finishing a big meal. Reducing portion sizes can help ease holiday strain on your stomach and digestive tract. One easy trick for controlling portion sizes - serve yourself on a dessert-size dish, rather than a large dinner plate. Smaller portions will look like more on a smaller plate.

• Limit variety. Whether a buffet or a sit-down dinner, holiday meals often feature multiple dishes that just look so good you want to try them all. Mixing too many different foods, however, can lead to stomach upset. Trying everything - even if it’s just a bite or two - can rack up the calories, fat and sugar. Instead, choose just a few favorites to have at each meal. If you have a spoon of green bean casserole with your Thanksgiving turkey, pass on the yams and plan to have them with tomorrow’s leftovers.

Cheer and goodwill aren’t the only things Americans share during the holiday season. We also swap germs, overindulge in seasonal foods and spirits, and stew in stress - all of which can lead to digestive woes.

You know you’ll have to work hard at self-control if you don’t want the numbers on the scale to climb by the end of the holiday season. But you can also take steps to minimize stomach upset, indigestion, bloating, reflux and general intestinal distress during the holidays.

• Keep exercising. Along with all the other benefits exercise brings, it can also promote digestive health. In addition to its positive physical effects, exercise can also help relieve holiday stress - a contributor to holiday stomach upset. Whether it’s an hour at the gym or 30 minutes on a yoga mat in your living room, it’s important to maintain an exercise regimen throughout the holidays.

So Good Yet So Bad Holiday foods taste good because they’re often rich, and high in fat and sugar - qualities that cause not only weight gain but also digestive discomfort. During this hectic time of year, most of us eat more - especially at celebrations.

Giving up holiday treats and favorite dishes would be like going through the season without a single cornucopia or twinkling decoration. Rather than suffering digestive distress through indulgence, or choosing to deprive yourself entirely, start with a plan for how you’ll deal with holiday digestive upset, then take action.

The holidays are meant to be a time of enjoyment, and that includes eating foods you just don’t have around at other times of the year. With some proactive steps, you can help ensure your holidays stay bright and your stomach stays healthy throughout the season.

Steps To Feel Better • Stay hydrated. The hectic pace of the holidays may make you forget to drink enough water. What’s more, overindulging in holiday libations like cocktails, wine, champagne and beer can actually dehydrate your body. Non-alcoholic sugary beverages like mulled cider, hot chocolate and pumpkin-flavored coffees can also throw off your body’s balance. Remember to drink plenty of water every day throughout the holidays.

• Prioritize food choices. Sure, that slice of pumpkin pie looks great on the plate and tastes yummy going down, but will it be worth the heartburn and bloating you’ll experience later? Raw veggies are a healthful and fiber-filled alternative to fatty hors d’oeuvres, but be aware that raw vegetables can also cause bloating and gas. Pay attention to the foods that trigger discomfort and decide how important they really are. You may be able to substitute something else that’s just as satisfying but less upsetting to your stomach.

Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital Donation Will Feed Thousands of Fort Bend County Children.

Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital recently donated $5,000 to Lunches of Love, a non-profit organization that provides free sack lunches to children in need in Fort Bend County. The donation will help to provide more than six-thousand lunches to children in need throughout Fort Bend County.

Memorial Hermann Sugar Land is located at 17500 W. Grand Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77479.

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N O I AT T AN L P A N N SIE

BRINGING NEW POSSIBILITIES TO

SIENNA PLANTATION Providing the full spectrum of care.

Now you can access a network of comprehensive care at Memorial Hermann Convenient Care Center in Sienna Plantation.

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Primary Care Lab Services

With primary care, a 24-hour ER, lab services, advanced imaging – including ultrasound, digital mammography, X-ray and CT scan – and more, we’re revolutionizing the concept of accessible care. It’s convenience without compromise.

Located at the southwest corner of Highway 6 and Sienna Parkway.

Appointments available ER 24 hours Primary Care 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Mon - Fri 713.222.CARE • memorialhermann.org Sienna Plantation Village 8780 Highway 6, Suite B Missouri City, TX 77459

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When you choose UT Physicians, you are selecting a

team 900 physicians strong — ready to exceed your expectations. UT Physicians offers advanced technologies with a personalized touch at our flagship location in the Texas Medical Center and a growing number of sites throughout the greater Houston area.

The faculty of The University of Texas Medical School at Houston

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