Posts Written OnJanuary 2015

Studies show patients in their 90s do well after getting hip surgery Anyone who has ever noticed the spry seniors stepping alongside them at a 5K run, or keeping up with an aerobics class at the gym, knows that aging has changed dramatically in the past few years. We not only live longer; we stay active and energetic well into our golden years. So the news that hip replacement surgery is safe for patients in their 90s is encouraging. Age can be a significant contributing factor in osteoarthritis, when wear and tear on a joint can lead to severe pain…

How to prevent and treat fall allergies Allergies get a lot of attention in the spring, but fall can be just as tough a time for sufferers. Nasal congestion, itchy eyes, runny nose and coughing are often mistaken for a cold, but these symptoms can be caused by an increase in ragweed pollen, which brings on an allergic reaction in 20 percent of Americans. What’s the difference between a cold and allergies? Colds are caused by viruses. Your immune system attacks the virus, which causes symptoms such as congestion and coughing. Colds are contagious and can take several weeks to…

Migraines can affect the whole family’s health Even if you’re the only person in the family who suffers the pain of migraine headaches, everyone else in the household deals with them as well. Accordingto researchers at Montefiore Headache Center in New York, chronic migraines have an affect on: Family relationships Family activities Sexual intimacy A migraine is a throbbing headache that affects one side of your head, and often comes along with nausea and disturbed vision. More than 38 million people in the United States report having migraines. Between 3 million and 7 million are chronic sufferers, dealing with migraines…

Living a healthier life takes time. People often put off lifestyle changes because they don’t have the emotional or physical resources to devote to them. But there are small steps you can take every day to live healthier. Combine your workday & your workout Sitting five or more hours per day can increase your risk of heart failure. A simple solution: stand. Use a pile of books to prop up your computer or purchase a standing desk. If you’re not comfortable standing, swap your chair for an exercise ball. It improves balance and strengthens your abs. Skip the sour cream…

WSH staff raise awareness and raise funds to fight breast cancer Westside Surgical Hospital team participates in the Komen Houston Race for the Cure If anyone on the Westside Surgical Hospital team needed motivation to keep going during the recent Komen Race for the Cure in Houston, all they had to do was take a look at the people walking alongside them. Many were former WSH patients and their families, literally taking steps that celebrated their survival over breast cancer. One was a fellow employee who had just received a breast cancer diagnosis. “That really brought it all home to…

Houston Mayor Annise Parker visits Westside Surgical Hospital Healthcare is getting a lot of attention these days, with many policy makers and politicians being asked to think about the way that people get treatment. With that in mind, Dr. Abdel Fustok extended an invitation to Houston Mayor Annise Parker to visit Westside Surgical Hospital and the physicians who operate there. “WSH is a newcomer to the Houston healthcare system,” Dr. Fustok says. “I thought it was important that the mayor meet with our medical staff­ in order to appreciate their expertise and experience, and to be familiar with an alternative…

Strength training can prevent injury Some people feel intimidated by weight lifting, thinking that it is an activity best left to gym rats and body builders. Those dumbbells and barbells seem guaranteed to lead to injury for the uninitiated. So here’s an irony alert: incorporating weight-bearing exercises into a fitness routine can actually help prevent injuries caused by other physical exertion. Strengthening muscles, bones, ligaments and tendons increases flexibility and improves balance. That has an impact on people of all ages and all levels of activity. A recent study showed that strength training reduced sports injuries and overuse injuries. When…

How to tell if it’s a migraine and how to treat it Whether it’s a throbbing pain in your neck or a dull ache above your eyes, a headache can range from annoying to debilitating. When the pain gets extreme, how do you tell if the headache you have is normal or if it’s something more serious like a migraine? Migraines are extremely painful head-aches thought to be caused by abnormalities in certain areas of the brain. More than 28 million Americans su­er from migraines. Some have chronic migraines, which occur 15 or more days per month. Chronic head-aches (which…

What to do before your colonoscopy and why You’ve probably heard that the preparation for a colonoscopy is more uncomfortable than the procedure itself. And while it’s not the way you would choose to spend the day, the discomfort is really minor. Most important, fulfilling all the prep requirements ensures a more accurate screening. A colonoscopy is prescribed to investigate symptoms of an intestinal problem or to screen for colon cancer. The colon must be clear of fecal debris because the camera can’t see through it to find a polyp or a small cancer. Ask your doctor if you need…

Cholesterol 101 The good, the bad and how to keep it under control Cholesterol is getting a lot of attention these days. Between your doctor and your television, you probably hear a lot about what’s good, what’s bad and what you need to be doing about yours. But what does your cholesterol level really mean for your health? Let’s start with the basics. WHAT IS CHOLESTEROL? Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance produced by the liver and other cells. Your body needs a certain amount to produce hormones, vitamin D and bile acids that help digest fat. Outside of the…