Tag Archives: Health and Wellness

Pearland Medical Center encourages women to ‘Love Their Hearts’

Desserts1Pearland Medical Center (PMC) hosted a “Ladies’ Night Out” Friday (Feb. 5) to bring awareness to American Heart Month. Heart disease is the number one killer of women in America, taking one out of three lives every year.

PMC provided heart-healthy finger foods, including a dark chocolate bar and a chocolate fountain. Mary Yost was on hand to provide relaxing chair massages. A photo booth with red props for “Wear Red for Women” Day, provided by Bradley David Entertainment, added fun to the event.

DoctorSThe speaker of the evening was Dr. Stefano Sdringola-Maranga, M.D., MHA, F.A.C.C., F.S.C.A.I., Professor of Medicine, the Weatherhead Distinguished Chair of Heart Diseases and Associate Director, Weatherhead P.E.T. Center for Preventing and Reversing Atherosclerosis at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston.

Dr. Sdringola spoke about leading a heart-healthy lifestyle to prevent heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.

PMCWomens“This was an important event for us and the community,” said PMC Marketing Director Leisha D’Angelo. “Many women aren’t aware of heart disease being the number one killer in America. We hope that the attendees had fun and learned about keeping their hearts healthy! Dr. Sdringola is just an amazing source of information.”

For more information about American Heart Month, visit WomenHeart.org.

To learn more about PMC, visit PearlandMC.com.

Hope Through Grace Sponsors its 11th Annual 5K Run/Walk-A-Thon

PRESS RELEASE

HTGHope Through Grace, Inc. (HTG) has funded baseline colonoscopies for dozens of asymptomatic uninsured or underinsured individuals a minimum of $1,000+ each plus the expense of pathology services. This represents a significant investment that HTG makes to the community. Many individuals screened had polyps (some pre-cancers) or other colon health problems that, without the colonoscopy funded by HTG, would go undetected. Early detection before turning into cancer is imperative; and Hope Through Grace has been there to provide it for persons who have no other place to turn.

March 19, 2016 marks the 11th year that HTG has hosted its Annual 5K Run/Walk-a-thon. It is one of our most fun events to plan as well as participate! From the very beginning, Hope Through Grace has promoted living healthy lifestyles, and what better way to do that than to get the community moving?

Each year brings out more participants than the last and we are excited to keep growing, spread awareness on the importance of colon cancer screenings and meet more members of our community. Pets, stroller clubs, line dancers, students (high school and post-secondary), senior citizens and others all are welcome. On March 19, 2016, join us to enjoy some fresh air, meet new friends and continue the tradition of helping others.

By registering for our 11th Annual Walk-A-Thon, you will help fund colon cancer awareness initiatives and cancer screenings for those people who need it most. Your support of this fundraising event enables us to prevent the onset of disease by providing financial support to uninsured persons and the underserved community in the Houston Metroplex area.

There are many who do not have health insurance, or the funds to cover colonoscopy screenings. That is where Hope Through Grace steps in! Money raised during this annual event goes towards paying for health education programs and colonoscopies for the members of our community that cannot afford the procedures.

Register at www.hopethroughgrace.org or call: 713-436-1273 for more information.

See you March 19, 2016 at Tom Bass Park III, Pavilion VI (New Pavilion), located at 15108 Cullen Blvd, Houston TX 77047.

SCR Wobble Before You Gobble Event Nov. 21

SCRWobbleBeforeYouGobble

Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/897918323626378/

Vendor Registration

OCTOBER IS NATIONAL SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

BACODABrazoria County Community Coalition of the Bay Area Council on Drugs and Alcohol (BACODA) is raising awareness that October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month. In 2011, President Obama gave a Presidential Proclamation for the first annual National Substance Abuse Prevention Month to bring attention to the devastating impact that substance abuse and addiction has on individuals, families, and communities across our country. This observance has continued since with prevention organizations around the country holding events to promote prevention of substance abuse.

The President’s Drug Control Strategy promotes the expansion of national and community-based programs that reach young people in schools, on college campuses, and in the workplace with tailored information to help them make healthy decisions about their future.  In fact, recent research has concluded that every dollar invested in school-based substance use prevention programs has the potential to save up to $18 in costs related to substance use disorders.

Local problems require local solutions. To commemorate National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, Brazoria County Community Coalition of the Bay Area Council on Drugs and Alcohol is engaging the community to help prevent youth substance use. The Coalition brings together individuals from various organizations, agencies, businesses, and civic groups along with parents, youth, and concerned citizens to work together on community-based strategies that are evidence-based to prevent substance abuse in Brazoria County.

Current strategies include a comprehensive prescription drug return program to prevent/decrease medicine abuse, a responsible beverage service program aimed at educating alcohol retailers about the laws around selling to minors, and campaigns aimed at changing community norms and increasing the perception of harm around underage drinking, marijuana use, and synthetic marijuana.

Coalition Coordinator, Dannielle Meyer, said, “Bringing attention to substance abuse prevention is of vital importance. Every day, far too many Americans are hurt by alcohol and drug abuse. From diminished achievement in our schools to greater risks on our roads, to the heartache of lives cut tragically short, the consequences of substance abuse are profound. Yet, we also know that they are preventable.

“Preventing drug use before it begins–particularly among young people–is the most cost-effective way to reduce drug use and its consequences. The best approach to reducing the tremendous toll substance abuse exacts from individuals, families and communities is to prevent the damage before it occurs.”

To get involved in the Coalition’s activities, contact Dannielle Meyer at coalitions@bacoda.org or by calling 800-510-3111. Visit www.bacoda.org for more information.

Memorial Hermann and MD Anderson expand program

PRESS RELEASE

Memorial Hermann and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center announced they have expanded operations under their partnership to offer high-quality, specialized breast screening and diagnostic services in Friendswood and Pearland.

MD Anderson Breast Care with Memorial Hermann provides patients in the area with access to MD Anderson’s specialized breast imaging and expertise, and Memorial Hermann’s advanced technologies, access and convenience.

“We share a commitment with MD Anderson to provide high quality cancer care to our community,” said Jim Brown, Sr. Vice President and CEO, ambulatory services at Memorial Hermann. “The convenience and advanced technology of Memorial Hermann’s breast imaging services along with the cancer expertise of MD Anderson is a great health resource for the Bay Area.”

Memorial Hermann imaging offers comprehensive, state-of-the-art screenings and diagnostics, including, but not limited to, biopsies and ultrasounds, as well as 3D and digital mammograms with board-certified and dedicated breast specialists.

“It’s great to collaborate with Memorial Hermann to bring the resources of two outstanding teams to more patients in the Pearland community,” said Jay Parikh, M.D., medical director of the joint program and associate professor of Diagnostic Imaging at MD Anderson. “We know that catching breast cancer early offers patients the best possible options for treatment, and making that early diagnosis – or giving the news that all is clear – starts with confident, quality screening.”

Later this fall, the network will expand to Memorial Hermann locations in Cyfair, Willowbrook, Upper Kirby and Pasadena.

MD Anderson Breast Care with Memorial Hermann-Friendswood is located at 1505 E. Winding Way Drive, Suite 100. MD Anderson Breast Care with Memorial Hermann-Pearland is located at 10905 Memorial Hermann Drive.

To make an appointment for MD Anderson Breast Care with Memorial Hermann visit memorialhermann.org/ScheduleNow or call 877-40-MAMMO.

Free Community Health Fair – Sep 26 in Manvel with Screenings, Consultations and Vaccines

Logo111The fifth annual ‘Life and Soul’ free health fair organized by Love to Share Foundation America, a nonprofit community-based organization, will be held on Sep 26 from 8 am to 12 pm at New Life Plaza (Sai Primary Care), 3945 CR 58, Manvel, TX. The event is completely free, open to all. Except for screening mammograms, no prior registration is required. Honorable Mayor Delores Martin of Manvel, Honorable Mayor Tom Reid of Pearland and State Representative Ed Thompson will kick-off the event at 8 am.

Life and Soul 2015 is supported by Texas Medical Association, UTMB – Project Pink Warrior (Susan Komen Grant), Pearland Medical Center, HEB Plus, Walmart, Internal Medicine Associates of Houston, Tuscany Village, Walgreens,  Alvin Community College, Southeast Cardiovascular Associates, Texas Eye Institute, Genesis Hearing Clinic, Third Coast Terminals, US Imaging, Sleep Center of Kirby, Kroger, Fiesta, Foodarama, Shipley’s Donuts, Dominos, Starbucks, Smoothie King, Cooling Tower & Solutions and Bandy & Associates, Inc.

Over 50 volunteers, including physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, high school students and others work selflessly to make this event a reality!

 The screenings for this year include Body Mass Index, Blood Pressure, Blood Glucose, Lung Function Test, Bone Density, Pulse Oximetry, Carotid Doppler, Vision and Glaucoma screening, Free Otoscopy and Hearing evaluations. Free Mammogram Screenings will be conducted by UTMB.  To schedule a Free Mammogram please call 979-864-8415 and mention Life and Soul 2015. 8-10 hours fasting is required for the blood tests. General practitioners and specialists will be available to provide free consultations.

Free vaccines (flu shots and shingles shot) will also be made available to eligible candidates while supplies last, thanks to the grant awarded by Texas Medical Association’s Be Wise-Immunize program. A Diabetes Workshop will be conducted by internist Dr. Lakshmi Seshadri. Interested persons should call 281.412.6606 to register. Hard Hats for Little Heads initiative of Texas Medical Association will be supporting free helmet giveaways to children and adults to prevent head injury.

Love to Share Foundation America thanks its sponsors, volunteers and the community for their overwhelming support and welcomes the community to take advantage of the free screenings and vaccinations this year as well.

Volunteers at Love to Share Foundation America also work at grass roots levels to lend a helping hand to the under privileged, to empower individuals with  accessible healthcare, education, leadership skills, and clean environment thus enhancing the quality of life and paving the way for sustainable communities.

For more information about Love to Share Foundation, please visit www.lovetosharefoundation.org, email contact@lovetosharefoundation.org, or call 281-402-6585.

Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital Offers Tips to Beat the Heat

MHIt’s not uncommon for the temperature to hit 100 degrees during a typical Texas summer. In fact, the Houston area averages between three and four 100 degree days each year.

Sunday, August 9 marked the seventh time this summer we’ve hit 100 degrees and the fourth consecutive day of triple digit temperatures. Consecutive days of excessive heat can really take a toll on the body.

From 1999 to 2010, 7,415 deaths in the United States, an average of 618 per year, were associated with exposure to excessive heat. Doctors say it’s important to respect the heat and listen to your body’s cues.

“Extreme heat has a cumulative effect on the body meaning daily effects of the heat over time can increase the likelihood an individual will suffer a heat related illness,” says Dr. Nadim Islam, Medical Director, emergency department at Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital. “If you’re hot, if you’re thirsty, you should find a cooler space and rehydrate. Don’t wait for more serious symptoms to develop.”

Two heat related illnesses to look for are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Some warning signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, pale skin, muscle cramps, dizziness, headache and nausea. Treating heat exhaustion can be as simple as resting in a cool place, taking a cool shower or bath and rehydrating with water or an electrolyte rich sports drink.

Heat stroke is a more serious condition that occurs when the body is unable to control its temperature. Heat stroke can develop in minutes and requires immediate medical attention. Some warning signs of heat stroke are a body temperature above 103 degrees, hot and dry skin without any sweat, rapid pulse, throbbing headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion and unconsciousness. Generally speaking any alteration in mental status in the setting of extreme heat should prompt a patient to seek emergency medical attention.

Dr. Islam offers these tips to keep you and your children healthy during the summer heat:

  • Drink plenty of water, don’t wait to get thirsty and avoid caffeine and alcohol.
  • Wear loose, lightweight, light colored clothing. Dark colors absorb the sun’s heat.
  • Keep to air-conditioned spaces.
  • Avoid being outside during the hottest time of the day, typically around 3:00 p.m.
  • If you have to be outside, take frequent breaks and stay hydrated.

CEO highlights Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital

By Stacey Glaesmann

Memorial Hermann SE CEO Kyle Price

Memorial Hermann SE CEO Kyle Price

HOUSTON — Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital’s CEO, Kyle Price, highlighted some of the hospital’s accomplishments and new additions at a media luncheon Monday (July 20) on the campus, located at 11800 Astoria Blvd.

The hospital’s Pearland Convenient Care Center, located at 16100 South Fwy, opened in February 2014. It is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by emergency specialists and also is home to a group of Primary Care physicians that keep extended hours.

Construction is underway on a 64-bed acute care hospital and a 250,000 square foot extension of the Convenient Care Center building. Planned to open in 2016, this medical campus will have a Life Flight helipad, a 17-bed emergency room and a second medical office building.

Price proudly announced that Memorial Hermann Hospital System’s first Urgent Care Center was recently opened in Friendswood at 1505 East Winding Way, Suite 112. This center is a walk-in clinic for non-life-threatening situations and is open from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. daily.

As for Memorial Hermann Southeast, it is home to several award-winning programs and specialties.

The Heart and Vascular Program is an Accredited Chest Pain Center by the Society of Cardiovascular Centers. The national average for “door-to-balloon” is 90-minutes. Memorial Hermann Southeast regularly meets or exceeds that average.

“Door-to-balloon” refers to the time it takes for a heart patient to walk in the door, be evaluated, get prepped for surgery and receive a balloon catheter to clear blockages in the heart muscle.

The Oncology Department recently received an Outstanding Achievement Award from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. They have a dedicated Oncology Nurse Navigator to help patients figure out the often-confusing process of cancer treatment. They also have a dedicated breast radiologist for mammograms and oncology patients.

The Orthopedics Department is the designated healthcare provider for Pearland and Pasadena ISD athletics, as well as the Lutheran South Academy and Bay Area Christian School athletic programs.

The Department made national news in 2013 when 16 year-old Jordan Greer collapsed on the Bay Area Christian School football field after feeling dizzy. James “Bubba” Wilson, an outreach athletic trainer with Memorial Hermann assessed Greer immediately and noticed the signs of stroke.

Greer was transported to Memorial Hermann Southeast, where a group of neurologists tested, diagnosed and treated him successfully.

Strokes occur in only about four to six children for every 100,000, according to the hospital, and if Wilson had not noticed the signs when he did, Greer may not have survived.

The hospital is designated as a Level II Stroke Facility and has neurological care available 24/7.

Price said that the hospital is also home to the only two hyperbaric chambers in the community, making their Wound Care Treatment Program the most advanced in the area.

For more information about the services available at Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital, visit http://www.memorialhermann.org/locations/southeast/.

Knapp Activity Center Offering Mammograms for Senior Women

11745684_10155817520390313_5737697446338978252_nMobile Mammograms will be given at the Knapp Activity Center on Wednesday, July 29 for senior women!

Pre-registration is required.

Please stop by the Knapp Activity Center (2424 South Park Avenue Pearland, TX 77581) to complete a registration form and schedule a time.

Call 281.412.8930 or 281.485.9875 for more information.

CONSUMER ALERT: H-E-B issues voluntary recall

PRESS RELEASE

H-E-B hamburger and hotdog buns and Hill Country Fare hotdog buns recalled for quality issues. All product on the shelf as of Friday June 26th is not included.

H-E-B, committed to the quality of its products, is issuing a voluntary recall for H-E-B brand hamburger and hotdog buns and Hill Country Fare hotdog buns due to the possible presence of foreign material that might impact the quality of the product. A terry cloth glove used for handling hot pans could have broken up in the dough, resulting in a potential choking hazard.

No incidents have been reported.

Product on the shelf as of Friday June 26 is not included in this recall.

The voluntary recall impacts the following products [Description, UPC, Best Before Date, Tie Color]:

Hamburger Buns:

  • H-E-B 4.5 %100 Wheat 4122083056 7/2/15-7/4/15 Org/Grn/Blue
  • H-E-B TX Plain 4122074226 7/3/15-7/4/15 Green/Blue
  • H-E-B TX Seeded 4122021761 7/3/15-7/4/15 Green/Blue
  • H-E-B 4.5 Plain 4122023498 7/3/15-7/4/15 Green/Blue
  • H-E-B 4.5 Seeded 412210127 7/3/15-7/4/15 Green/Blue
  • H-E-B 4.5 Whole Wheat 4122019164 7/3/15-7/4/15 Green/Blue

Hot dog Buns:

  • H-E-B Wheat Coney 4122019165 7/3/15-7/4/15 Green/Blue
  • HCF Coney (8 ct) 4122060201 7/3/15-7/4/15 Green/Blue
  • HCF Coney (16 ct) 4122041461 7/3/15-7/4/15 Green/Blue
  • H-E-B Coney (8 ct) 4122083910 7/3/15-7/4/15 Green/Blue

Customers who purchased the product can return the product to the store for a full refund. Customers with any questions or concerns may contact H-E-B Customer Service at 1-855-432-4438.