Blog entries tagged healthcare

Six Houston Hospitals Ranked Among “America’s Best Hospitals”

Cheryl Boe — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:52:29 +0100

The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center <http://profiles.portfolio.com/company/us/tx/houston/the_university_of_texas_m_d__anderson_cancer_center/885353/> was also ranked No. 6 for ear, nose and throat and No. 10 for urology. It also ranked No. 11 in gynecology and No. 19 in gastroenterology. M.D. Anderson's ranking in diabetes and endocrinology jumped to number 21 this year, up from 41 last year and unranked the year before.

Other area hospitals earning spots in the Top 10 included:

• Memorial Hermann-The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research - No. 5 in rehabilitation.

• Menninger Clinic - No. 5 in psychiatry

• St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital’s Texas Heart Institute - No. 4 for heart and heart surgery.

The Methodist Hospital - ranked in twice as many specialties as any other hospital in Texas, according to the list.

Methodist was among the country’s top hospitals in 13 specialties although it wasn’t ranked in the Top 10 for any of them: Ophthalmology (12), ear, nose, throat (17), urology (18), gastroenterology (20), geriatrics (20), kidney (24), neurology/neurosurgery (25), orthopedics (26), pulmonary (27), gynecology (36), heart/heart surgery (42), diabetes/endocrinology (44) and cancer (45). Last year, the system earned a spot on the “Best Hospitals” Honor Roll.

Outside of the top 10, the Memorial Hermann Healthcare System also ranked in several specialties: No. 30 in kidney disease; No. 38 in gynecology; No. 46 in heart and heart Surgery; No. 48 in urology.

And, St. Luke's Episcopal Hospitalalso had rankings in numerous specialties: No. 38 in gastroenterology; No. 39 in urology; No. 44 in geriatrics and No. 45 in kidney disease.
In determining the rankings, U.S. News said 4,852 hospitals were considered for their reputations, mortality rate, patient safety and care-related factors including nurse staffing and technology.

26th Annual BP MS 150 to Austin

Greg Rivera — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 02:34:10 +0100

The 26th Annual BP MS 150 Houston-to-Austin bike ride, Texas’ largest non-profit sporting event and largest MS 150 in the nation, will be taking place April 17th – 18th with funds raised to benefit the National MS Society. The National MS Society: Lone Star has a goal to raise a record-setting $18 million in funds for research, programs, and services provided by Lone Star that benefit the 20,000 people affected by MS in 174 Texas counties.

An estimated 13,000 cyclists are expected to take part in the two-day, 180-mile trek from Houston to Austin.

Registration is available at www.ms150.org. Individuals, families and groups are also encouraged to volunteer for the more than 3,000 positions in Houston, Austin and along the route.

The ride starts at sunrise in Houston on Saturday, April 17 and finishes in downtown Austin near the Texas Capitol on Sunday, April 18, after an overnight celebration at the Fayette County Fairgrounds in La Grange. Three Houston-area starting points will be offered this year:

Omni Houston Hotel at Westside
13210 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX

Rhodes Stadium
Katy High School
1733 Katy Fort Bend Rd., Katy, TX

Waller Stadium
Waller High School
20735 Stokes Rd., Waller, TX

On day two, riders can choose one of two routes out of La Grange as they make their way to Austin.

About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
The National MS Society is a collective of passionate individuals who want to do something about MS NOW — to move together toward a world free of multiple sclerosis. We mobilize people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. MS stops people from moving. We exist to make sure it doesn’t. The National MS Society: Lone Star serves an estimated 20,000 individuals and their families affected by multiple sclerosis in 174 Texas counties. Lone Star has offices in Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio.

10 Tips for a Healthy 2010

Cheryl Boe — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 06:00:00 +0100

The beginning of a new year is always a good time to start some healthier, happier habits. Below are 10 simple ideas to try to incorporate into your new year, new you.

SMILE. Give yourself a happy break. Smiling sends a message to your unconscious mind and generates a positive mood and attitude.

Eat WELL-BALANCED meals throughout the day and kick-start your metabolism with breakfast every day.

Sit down, chew and ENJOY your food! Rushing meals may prevent the food from digesting properly. Take time for a leisurely meal instead of rushing off to start your next activity.

Make it a goal to drink at least eight glasses of WATER a day. Water flushed out the unwanted toxins from your body.

EXERCISE at least twice a week. This could mean walking, jogging, or doing a cardio workout. Combining healthy eating habits with an active lifestyle is a sure-fire way to start off the year on the right foot.

Stop worrying about the weight and start thinking about your HEALTH. Incorporate foods rich in vitamins and minerals such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Treat yourself to some fresh FLOWERS. Keep them on your desk at work or in a common place at home.

VOLUNTEER at a school, a library, a food shelter or a nonprofit organization that you are passionate about. Helping others will improve your self-image and will keep you active in the community.

Maintain a SOCIAL network - it's important to the body, mind and spirit. Socially active peole tend to be healthier, happier and less likely to become depressed.

A good way to stay healthy is to treat medical problems early or prevent them altogether. PREVENTIVE measures include scheduling regular checkups with your doctor, getting immunizations, and take precautions to prevent falls and injured.

Source: HEB My TexasLife magazine

H1N1 Safety Update for Friendswood Development Company Communities

Daphne Hager — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:23:18 +0100

In May, we offered our communities local county resources to battle the potentially impending spread of the H1N1 virus, or "Swine Flu." Since that time, there have been several cases in the Houston area, and people are at risk if they do not take certain precautions. With that in mind, the best remedy is to stay calm and have a calculated response, as health officials agree that only rarely would a case of H1N1 need extensive or immediate medical attention.

Some preventative measures include:

Frequent hand-washing.
Refraining from putting your hands near your face.
To be extra-cautious, you can gargle salt water or mouth wash, which works to clear pathogens out of your throat.
Consider using a neti-pot or swabbing your nostrils with warm salt water
Ingest plenty of Vitamin C. If you take supplements, make sure they have Zinc to boost absorption.
Drink warm liquids often.
Do not share food, drink, or utensils.
Avoid contact with others who have contracted the virus.

A combination of these symptoms may indicate you have H1N1:

Fever over 100
Body aches
Upper respiratory symptoms (cough, sore throat, runny nose)

If you do believe you have the H1N1, in most cases staying at home and taking fever-reducing treatments will work to eventually get you fever-free. If you are pregnant or have a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, cancer, asthma, heart, or lung problems, or a weakened immune system, consult with your physician and a treatment with Tamiflu/Relenza may be in order.
Generally, Tamiflu and Relenza are prescribed for individuals with flu who are either hospitalized, have a chronic medical condition, or have a suppressed immune system. Tamiflu/Relenza for influenza is not a cure, and only reduces symptoms and decreases length of recovery time by about 24 hours.
While we hope no one new contracts the virus, we encourage you to help make that happen by staying preventative and safe!

Village Builders Hosts Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Screening in Heritage at Towne Lake

Cheryl Boe — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 03:04:02 +0100

Heart Attack & Stroke Prevention

Please join Village Builders in Heritage at Towne Lake on Tuesday, October 13 for affordable, painless ultrasound tests of your arteries and bones. Unfortunately, insurance companies typically won’t pay for ultrasound testing unless you have symptoms. But, 50% of sudden cardiac death victims and 80% of stroke victims have no symptoms. That’s why a preventive screening is so important to keep you and your loved ones healthy and independent.

Three Tests for $130.95
These painless tests often cost more than $1,000 in hospitals.

Stroke / Carotid Artery Disease Test
80-85% of strokes result from clots that break off, traveling to smaller arteries in the brain. Carotid Artery Disease is a leading cause of these clots. We use ultrasound to identify dangerous plaque build-up.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Test
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm rarely pose symptoms and are fatal in 80-90% of cases if they rupture. An ultrasound of your stomach allows us to visualize any abdominal ballooning of your aortic wall.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Test
It is estimated that over 10 million Americans have PAD—only 25% are being treated. PAD is a strong predictor of heart disease, can cause leg pain, and in some cases loss of limb. We use Computer Oscillometry and the Ankle-Brachial index to detect plaque build-up in the legs.

Total Health Screening Package - $169.95
All three tests above, plus the two tests below. Circulatory Health + Heart Health + Bone Health

Arterial Stiffness Index Test (Risk of Heart Disease)
Heart Disease is the #1 cause of death and long-term disability in the U.S. Computer Oscillometry is used to identify hardening of the arteries, missed heartbeats and arrhythmias. Hardened arteries cause the heart to work much harder when pushing blood through partially blocked arteries. These blockages and the resulting strain on the heart ore a root cause of cardiovascular disease.

Osteoporosis Test
Osteoporosis affects 44 million Americans, including 2-4 million men over the age of 50. Quantitative ultrasound of the heel is used to determine your bone mineral density and fracture risk.

Online Results
Your results will be delivered online in four days for you to access securely at any time! Images and detailed reports will give your doctor the full story from your screening. A local, board-certified radiologist will review your test results for free!

Call to make your appointment today! Call 1-888-802-3105 or visit us online at www.HealthYes.com and mention code: BH1TX101309 to make your appointment. Se habla español.

Back to School News: New Immunization Requirements for Texas Kids

Daphne Hager — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 23:00:23 +0100

Texas kids are getting ready to go back to schools, and for many children, preparation includes getting a few more immunizations. This year, big changes have been made in immunization requirements which will impact incoming kindergarten and seventh grade students.

The changes to the requirements were made to bring Texas into line more closely with what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Advisory committee on Immunization Practices recommend. These changes started on August 01 and include:

Hepatitis A Vaccine: All students entering kindergarten will be required to have two doses of Hepatitis A vaccine.
Measles, Mumps, Rubelle (MMR) Vaccine: All students entering kindergarten will be required to have two doses of the MMR vaccine.
Varicella (chickenpox) Vaccine: All students entering kindergarten and 7th grade will be required to have two doses of the Varicella vaccine. However, a written statement from the parent/guardian, school nurse or physician attesting to the child already having had chickenpox may replace the vaccine.
Tetanus, Diptheria and acellular pertussis-containing Vaccine (Tdap): All students entering 7th grade will be required to have one dose of Tdap vaccine. Students in the 7th grade are required to have a booster shot of Tdap only if it has been five years since their last dose. Students in grades 8-12 are required to have a booster shot of Tdap if it has been ten years or more since their previous dose of a tetanus-containing vaccine.
Meningococcal Vaccine: All students entering 7th grade will be required to have one dose of meningococcal vaccine.

For more information on immunization requirements for Texas kids:

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/IMMUNIZE/

Medical Center Expands in Kingwood

Melissa Burnham — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 05:00:00 +0100

A new department of the Kingwood Medical Center has officially opened this week.

The new HCA-affiliated HealthOne Express Care Kingwood Clinic is now available to the public to treat minor emergencies and will be staffed by physicians from the medical center’s emergency department. Any minor injury or ailment, from coughs, colds, flu and back pains will be treated with care and promptness for both adult and pediatric patients. The clinic will also have x-ray and lab services available on site.

The facility will be open daily from 10 am to 9:30 pm. It is located at the south end of the Kingwood Medical Center campus on the west side of U.S. Highway 59 and Kingwood Drive. For more information, visit www.kingwoodmedical.com or call 281-348-8000.

Source: Houston Business Journal

Conroe Family Event This Weekend

Cheryl Boe — Tue, 12 May 2009 05:00:00 +0100

The Greater Conroe/Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce is presenting a Family Health and Wellness Education Fair this weekend.

The event takes place on Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Conroe Regional Medical Center Heart and Vascular covered parking area. Underwritten by the Conroe Regional Medical Center, the event will include:

Varicella, Tdap, MCV4 vaccine required for 7th grade students for '09-'10 school year will be provided for free by UTMB Health checks for the whole family Wii therapy demonstrations Head injury prevention program Balloon animals and face painting for kids Emergency vehicles on site for viewing DJ And much more!

Friendswood Development Company's Graystone Hills community in Conroe has quickly become the area's premier place to live.

Swine Flu Safety for Friendswood Development Company Communities

Daphne Hager — Fri, 08 May 2009 05:00:00 +0100

As the H1N1, or "Swine Flu" scare has spread across the nation and the state of Texas, Friendswood Development Company hopes to provide a useful conglomerate of resources to our communities, which spread across several Texas counties.

These links will provide an array of information regarding H1N1 locally as well as nationally. You may find:

Hand washing flyers
U.S. regional confirmed cases and death statistics
Health care providers
Videos
Travel alerts
Symptom lists
Frequently update H1N1 news

Please find the appropriate link to your county:

Harris County Swine Flu Resource

Montgomery County Swine Flu Resource

Galveston County Swine Flu Resource

Fort Bend County Swine Flu Resource

If you are having flu-like symptoms or feel you may have H1N1, you can call the State of Texas Swine Flu Call Center H1N1 Hotline at: 1-888-777-5320.

We ask residents to stay clean, safe, and aware during this time.

Lakemont Residents Benefit from World-Class Health Care Close to Home

Cheryl Boe — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Known for its prime location adjacent to the entrance of the Westpark Tollway, Lakemont is home to lakes, parks, to recreation centers and top builders. In addition to Lennar, Lakemont features new homes by Perry Homes, Brighton Homes, J. Patrick Homes. Prices start in the $130,000s. Enhancing its prime location is a long and growing list of conveniences close home, and minutes away for residents of this growing community.

Christus St. Catherine Hospital

The Christus St. Catherine Hospital on South Fry Road has recently completed a $50 million expansion. The hospital has more than 400 physicians and 664 employees of which 244 are nurses.

The expansion has yielded a new women's imaging center, a second catheterization lab and the only positron emission tomography in Katy. It has recently added two additional floors on our new tower that are already shelled. This nonprofit hospital is also the only hospital-based Sleep Center in Katy.

Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital

The facility, which opened about a year ago, represents a $100 million construction cost with the result being 127-room, 310,000-square-foot facility with the latest technology. The facility also has four operating tables and a cystoscopy room, and it employs 790 workers including physicians.

Recently, the Texas Department of State Health Services designated Katy Hospital as the only Level IV trauma facility in the Katy area according a report in the Katy Times.

Specialty services include orthopedic surgery, heart and vascular diagnosis and treatment, cancer services, women's health and advanced diagnostic imaging. Life Flight is also able to land at Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital.

The explosive growth of the west Houston area is evident in the success of master-planned Lakemont, known for its outstanding master plan and prime location at the entrance of the Westpark Toll Road. New developments are making Lakemont even more appealing with the addition of new campuses of world-class medical center facilities now in the west Houston/Katy area.

All within easy access for residents of Lakemont, new facilities - both under construction and newly opened, will provide quality health care and a wide range of services to residents of all ages, close to home. Texas Children's Hospital is building its newest campus in West Houston and will open next year. This new hospital will serve residents in west Houston and Katy with the same world renowned health care and technology as the original location in the Texas Medical Center. The 55-acre site is located at I-10 and Barker-Cypress.

Texas Children's Hospital reports that by 2010, Texas Children's Hospital will be one of the largest suburban pediatric medical centers in the nation. The hospital will be licensed for 96 intermediate and acute beds, an emergency center, inpatient and outpatient operating rooms, an ambulatory care facility, diagnostic imaging, physical medicine and rehabilitation services, medical subspecialty care and physician office space. When open, the new campus will be known as the first community hospital just for kids.

The building is planned to open in late 2009.

Methodist Hospital

Construction is also underway for the Methodist Hospital System's west Houston hospital next to the site where the new Texas Children Hospital is being built.

This new facility will be a 192-bed hospital with a state-of-the-art imaging center.

The new community hospital, which will be the fourth in the Methodist System, will offer the growing west side communities 14 operating rooms, a breast center, radiation therapy and labor and delivery services, among other features.

The Methodist Imaging Center will offer the latest in technology, including a 64- slice CT scanner, PET CT and two MRIs, including an open machine. This facility will provide patients with precise imaging, accurate diagnoses, and a personalized service. The hospital will also include several centers of excellence from the Texas Medical Center, including cancer, heart services and orthopedics.

An emergency department, with the capacity to treat more than 30,000 patients annually, and imaging capabilities, will also be a part of the hospital.

St. Luke's Episcopal Health System

St. Luke's Episcopal Health System will also be a part of the Katy area.

Plans are underway for a 90-bed community hospital on nearly 30 acres of land located at the southwest corner of the Grand Parkway and Kingsland Boulevard, just south of I-10.

St. Luke plans to develop the campus in phases as it grows. The new building will also feature medical offices to support the new hospital's facilities, as well as a senior care facility and a wellness development center.

(Photo courtesy of http://www.whrarchitects.com/)