November 2009

OSTEOPOROSIS DETECTION (BONE DENSITY SCREENING)

In response to the preventable, debilitating disease osteoporosis, Houstonian Medical Associates is now offering dual energy x-ray absorptiometry(DXA) as an important preventive medicine screening test to diagnose osteoporosis, predict fracture risk, and monitor response to therapy. Candidates for Bone Density testing include:

All women over the age of 65
Women with one risk factor i.e., history or previous fracture, family history of fractures, use of corticosteroids, alcohol intake greater than two servings daily, tobacco habit, rheumatoid arthritis, endocrine/renal/connective tissue disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain predisposing medications
All men over the age of 70
Men over the age of 60 with one or more of the following risk factors: BMI is less than 20%, weight loss of more than 10%, physically inactive, previous osteoporotic fractures not resulting from significant trauma, prolonged use of corticosteroids, low calcium diets, androgen deprivation therapy, and previous spinal cord injuries.

CARDIAC PERFUSION TEST

Houstonian Medical Associates is now offering by appointment a physiologic way to determine if there are blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. This test using a small amount of a radioactive tracer measures the distribution of blood flow to the heart during exercise and at rest. It increases the predictive accuracy of treadmill testing, from approximately 80% to 95%. It is indicated as a screening tool for patients who are having chest pain, those with an abnormal treadmill test, or for those patients at increased risk for heart disease because of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, family history, and/or diabetes. The radioactive material is cleared from the body naturally within a short time, and the radiation exposure is equivalent to that of an x-ray or CT scan.

CAROTID SCAN AND INTIMAL MEDIA THICKENING TESTING

Houstonian Medical Associates is now offering by appointment a unique way to objectively assess plaque build up within the arteries. It is also a relatively inexpensive method to assess the effectiveness of cholesterol-lowering therapy. This ultrasound technique is completely noninvasive and takes only minutes to complete.

FRESHEN YOUR APPEARANCE THIS MONTH WITH OUR SPRINGTIME SPECIALS

Come check out our newest laser, the Venus by Iridex, providing the ultimate laser resurfacing in the safety of your doctors office. Erase those wrinkles and scars with this safe laser resurfacing. Get ready for spring with the triple lasers to remove sunspots, facial veins, stimulate collagen and resurface to smooth the skin all for $350 ($130 savings) All hair removal sessions are 15% off during the month of April. Contact Stephanie at 713-680-2611 x233 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for more details.

THE RADIESSE EXPERIENCE

Radiesse is a hydroxylapatite based filler. This product provides a scaffold effect that promotes filling of naso-labial folds and marionette lines by natural collagen. Radiesse will also provide a softening effect of deeper wrinkles. This product has duration of twelve to eighteen months. We continue to offer state-of-the-art laser therapy for skin rejuvenation, hair removal, acne treatment, and spider vein elimination. We offer micro-dermabrasion with the silk peel machine. We also provide Botox injections and hyaluronic acid fillers to help “soften” facial wrinkles. Contact Stephanie at 713-680-2611 x233 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for additional information or an appointment.

SCHEDULING

You will now be able to schedule same day appointments or follow-up care at any time. “Walk-in’ patients will be accepted and worked in as quickly as possible.

IMMUNIZATIONS

Several new immunizations are now available. Zostavax-recommended for individuals over 60 to prevent the very painful and debilitating herpes zoster”shingles” infection. Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine-recommended for young women to prevent cervical cancer.

We will continue to provide the meningitis and pneumonia vaccines as well as a full complement of travel vaccines.

SPRING, SUN AND SKIN CARE

What are the signs and symptoms of skin cancer? Skin cancer can be found early, and both doctors and patients play important roles in finding skin cancer. If you have any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor.

any change on the skin, especially in the size or color of a mole or other darkly pigmented growth or spot, or a new growth
scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or change in the appearance of a bump or nodule
the spread of pigmentation beyond its border such as dark coloring that spreads past the edge of a mole or mark
a change in sensation, itchiness, tenderness, or pain

Can skin cancer be prevented? The best ways to lower the risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer are to avoid intense sunlight for long periods of time and to practice sun safety. You can continue to exercise and enjoy the outdoors while practicing sun safety at the same time.

Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Seek shade: Look for shade, especially in the middle of the day when the sun's rays are strongest. Practice the shadow rule and teach it to children. If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun’s rays are at their strongest.
Slip on a shirt: Cover up with protective clothing to guard as much skin as possible when you are out in the sun. Choose comfortable clothes made of tightly woven fabrics that you cannot see through when held up to a light.
Slop on sunscreen: Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Apply a generous amount (about a palmful) and reapply after swimming, toweling dry, or perspiring. Use sunscreen even on hazy or overcast days.
Slap on a hat: Cover your head with a wide-brimmed hat, shading your face, ears, and neck. If you choose a baseball cap, remember to protect your ears and neck with sunscreen.
Wear sunglasses with 99% to 100% UV absorption to provide optimal protection for the eyes and the surrounding skin.
Follow these practices to protect your skin even on cloudy or overcast days. UV rays travel through clouds.

Neurogena's line of suncare with Helioplex offers the best protection from UVA and UVB rays.