Houston Methodist Emergency Department at West

09/26/2025

Is it normal for your heart to be beating out of control while you’re watching your favorite teams? Hear from a cardiologist on whether you should worry about that elevated heart rate. http://spr.ly/6183Ab11W

09/26/2025

it's time to talk about why — and when — prostate cancer screening may need to be a priority on your to-do list.

From when to start to what it's like, here's everything guys need to know about screening for prostate cancer — the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men.

09/25/2025

Chagas disease is caused by a parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi, and while it's often associated with rural areas in Latin America, evidence suggests it’s more common in the U.S. than previously thought.

The Chagas parasite is spread by triatomine bugs, commonly known as "kissing bugs." So far, kissing bugs have been identified in 29 U.S. states, including Texas, and about half of all kissing bugs carry the Chagas parasite.

These bugs feed on the blood of infected animals or people, picking up the parasite. When feeding, they’ll often defecate. If the f***s enter the body — either by being scratched into the bite wound or rubbed into the eyes or mouth — it can lead to infection. While most of those infected never experience symptoms, around 20% eventually develop life-threatening heart issues or severe digestive problems.

While the exact prevalence of Chagas disease in the U.S. remains largely unclear, it's always a good idea to protect yourself, your family and your animals from insects that carry disease.

Learn how to reduce your risk of Chagas disease, as well as the symptoms and risk factors: http://spr.ly/6181AbNIv

09/25/2025

Got milk? Here's everything from what milk does for the body and whether you should be concerned if you don't drink it to how to support bone health at any age.

What milk does for your bones, whether it's a problem if you don't drink it and tips for supporting bone health at any age.

09/24/2025

Some of the best medicine for back pain might not actually be medicine. Finding relief can often be as simple as making time for more walks, for example.

Estimates suggest that around 80% of people will experience at least one significant episode of back pain in their lifetime, making this particular consequence of inactivity one we should all take seriously.

But for as common as back pain is, there's good news: It's never too late to get active, and even light exercise can help you achieve back pain relief.

Learn more about the causes of back pain and how being active can add some relief. http://spr.ly/6186AZC44

09/24/2025

There's one step that could make a difference in how you recover from your workout: a cooldown.

No matter your workout style, cooldowns play a role in recovery. Here's why post-workout cooldowns matter, as well as exercises, timing and more.

09/23/2025

In this episode, we share how you can evaluate probiotic claims to find a product for your desired benefit.

There's no denying probiotics are big business — and it's not just the dietary supplement industry, valued at $12 billion. Other sectors are getting into the...

09/23/2025

Urologists use the results of prostate cancer diagnostic tests to determine two benchmarks of the cancer: grade and stage. It's important to understand what they mean and why they're important.

A urologist breaks down Gleason scores, the TNM model and more.

09/22/2025

Dr. Mahmoud Al Rifai, a cardiologist with Houston Methodist, answers questions about heart palpitations, which can feel like a heart flutter, including:

- What are the symptoms of heart palpitations?
- What are heart palpitations?
- What causes heart palpitations?
- Are there home remedies for heart palpitations?
- When to see a doctor about heart palpitations

09/22/2025

Dr. Mahmoud Al Rifai, a cardiologist with Houston Methodist, explores the signs that should prompt someone should see a cardiologist and other topics including:

- The most common heart tests
- Can you use a smartwatch to track your heart health?
- Can smartwatches help predict heart disease?

09/19/2025

Here are the signs of a concussion and why it's important to be evaluated if think you might be concussed.

What a concussion feels like and what (not) to do if you think you have one.

09/18/2025

Dr. Mahmoud Al Rifai, a cardiologist with Houston Methodist, answers questions about how certain foods and diets can affect cholesterol, including:

- What are some foods you can eat to help lower your cholesterol?
- What foods should you avoid if you have high cholesterol?
- Are there any diets you should avoid if you have high cholesterol?
- Are eggs bad for cholesterol?