Woodlands Family Medicine

07/28/2025

🌟 A Fond Farewell to a Familiar Face 🌟

After many wonderful years with our practice, our beloved front desk receptionist, Ella, is retiring. Her last day will be Thursday, July 31st.

For so many of you, Ella has been the warm smile at the front desk, the friendly voice on the phone, and the steady, reassuring presence that makes our office feel like home. Her kindness, professionalism, and dedication have left a lasting impression on all of us — staff and patients alike.

To help celebrate her and say goodbye, we’ll be hosting a casual meet-and-greet at the office on Thursday, July 31st. If you’d like to stop by and share your well-wishes, we’d love to see you!

We will miss her more than we can express, but we’re so grateful for the time we’ve had and excited for her next chapter. 💐

💬 Feel free to share a memory or message below — we’ll be sure she sees them all!

06/21/2025

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS: WHY MAMMOGRAMS MATTER

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women worldwide.
But when caught early, it’s highly treatable.

Mammograms are the best tool we have to detect breast cancer before symptoms appear and before it spreads.

Here’s what you should know:

FAST FACTS:
• 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Most cases occur in women with no family history.
• Early-stage breast cancer usually has no symptoms.
• When found early, the 5-year survival rate is over 90%.

WHAT IS A MAMMOGRAM?
A low-dose X-ray that can detect:
• Tiny lumps
• Microcalcifications (early signs of cancer)
• Subtle changes that can’t be felt

WHO SHOULD BE SCREENED?
• Women ages 40–74: every 1–2 years
• Earlier if you have a first-degree relative with breast cancer
• Talk to your doctor if you’ve had chest radiation, a BRCA mutation, or other risks

COMMON MYTHS:
• “I don’t feel a lump, so I’m fine.”
→ Most early cancers don’t cause symptoms.
• “No one in my family has had it.”
→ Most women who get breast cancer have no family history.
• “Mammograms aren’t safe.”
→ The radiation is very low—less than a standard chest X-ray.

BOTTOM LINE:
Don’t wait for symptoms. Don’t wait for a scare.
If you’re 40 or older—or have risk factors—schedule your mammogram today.

It could save your life.

05/25/2025

What is Metabolic Syndrome—and Should You Be Worried?

You may have never heard of it, but Metabolic Syndrome affects 1 in 3 adults—and it raises your risk for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

It’s not one disease, but a cluster of 5 conditions:
1. High blood pressure
2. High blood sugar
3. High triglycerides
4. Low HDL (“good” cholesterol)
5. Increased waist size (belly fat)

If you have 3 or more, you may have metabolic syndrome.
Even if you feel fine, your risk is quietly going up.

⸻

The good news? It’s reversible.

You can lower your risk through:

✅ Daily movement (even 30 min walks help)
✅ Cutting added sugars & processed carbs
✅ Losing just 5–10% of your body weight
✅ Managing stress and getting enough sleep
✅ Routine checkups to catch issues early

No crash diets or magic pills—just steady, healthy changes that work.

⸻

Takeaway:
You can prevent diabetes, heart disease, and more.
Start small. Start now.
And ask your doctor if you’re at risk.

04/17/2025

🧠 DID YOU KNOW?
The average cough lasts about 18 days! 😮

Most people expect a cough to clear up in a week… but it’s actually normal for a cough to last 2–3 weeks, even after a cold or bronchitis.

💊 And here’s the kicker:
Antibiotics don’t help most coughs—because they’re caused by viruses, not bacteria.

Taking unnecessary antibiotics can:
❌ Cause side effects
❌ Lead to antibiotic resistance

✅ Instead, focus on:
• Resting 🛌
• Staying hydrated 💧
• Using lozenges or warm drinks ☕
• Over-the-counter meds (if needed)

🚨 When to call your doctor:
• Fever >100.4°F for more than 3 days
• Coughing up blood
• Trouble breathing or chest pain
• Cough lasting >3 weeks without improving

Most coughs will go away on their own.
📆 Be patient with your body—and don’t rush for antibiotics unless your doctor says they’re needed!

03/28/2025

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COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH:
WHO NEEDS SCREENING AND WHEN?
====================================================================

March is Colore**al Cancer Awareness Month, a reminder that early detection
saves lives. Colore**al cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related
deaths in the United States, but screening can prevent it or catch it early
when treatment is most effective.

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WHO NEEDS SCREENING?
--------------------------------------------------------------------
- Adults age 45 and older – Routine screening is recommended for most people
starting at age 45.
- People with a family history – If you have a first-degree relative with
colore**al cancer, screening may need to start earlier.
- Those with a personal history of polyps or inflammatory bowel disease –
Conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease increase risk.
- African Americans – Higher risk and may benefit from earlier screening.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
SCREENING OPTIONS
--------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Colonoscopy – Gold standard, done every 10 years if normal.
2. FIT (F***l Immunochemical Test) – Stool test done annually.
3. Cologuard – DNA-based stool test, done every 3 years.
4. Flexible sigmoidoscopy – Examines part of the colon, done every 5 years.

The best test is the one that gets done. Talk to your doctor about the option
that fits your needs.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
SYMPTOMS TO WATCH FOR
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Colore**al cancer often has no symptoms in early stages, which is why screening
is so important. See a doctor if you experience:
- Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, narrowing of stool)
- Blood in stool or re**al bleeding
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent abdominal pain or cramping

--------------------------------------------------------------------
BOTTOM LINE
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Colore**al cancer is preventable with screening. If you're 45 or older, or
have risk factors, talk to your doctor about getting tested. Early detection
saves lives.

03/22/2025

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME & YOUR HEALTH:
SLEEP TIPS FOR ADJUSTING
=============================================

The clocks spring forward, and suddenly you’re waking up in the dark and
feeling groggy all day. Daylight Saving Time (DST) disrupts your sleep
schedule, affecting energy levels, concentration, and even heart health.
Here’s how to adjust smoothly and minimize the impact on your body.

HOW DST AFFECTS YOUR BODY
------------------------------------------------------------------
- Sleep loss – Losing an hour of sleep can throw off your circadian rhythm.
- Increased fatigue – Many people feel more tired and less productive.
- Higher risk of heart issues – Studies show a slight increase in heart
attacks and strokes after the time change.
- Mood and mental health – Some people experience more irritability or
difficulty concentrating.

TIPS TO ADJUST EASILY
----------------------------------------------------------------
1. Shift bedtime gradually – Go to bed 15–30 minutes earlier for a few days
before the time change.
2. Get morning sunlight – Exposure to natural light in the morning helps
reset your internal clock.
3. Avoid caffeine and screens before bed – Both can interfere with melatonin
production.
4. Stick to a routine – Try to wake up and go to bed at the same time every day.
5. Limit naps – If you need to nap, keep it under 30 minutes.

WHO IS MOST AFFECTED?
------------------------------------------------------------------
- People with pre-existing sleep disorders
- Shift workers with irregular schedules
- Those with heart conditions or high blood pressure
- Young children and older adults

BOTTOM LINE
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The time change affects everyone differently, but small adjustments can
help your body adapt. Prioritizing good sleep habits will make the transition
easier and help you stay alert, focused, and healthy.

03/17/2025

Spring Allergies vs. Colds: How to Tell the Difference

Spring is here, and with it comes sneezing, congestion, and watery eyes. But how do you know if you have seasonal allergies or just a lingering cold? While symptoms can overlap, there are key differences that can help you figure out what’s causing your discomfort.

Cold vs. Allergies: Key Differences
• Duration – A cold typically lasts 7–10 days, while allergies can persist for weeks (or as long as you're exposed to allergens).
• Fever? – Colds can cause a mild fever, but allergies never do.
• Itchy Eyes & Nose – Common with allergies, rare with a cold.
• Mucus Color – Colds often produce thicker, yellow/green mucus, while allergy mucus is clear and watery.
• Body Aches? – Colds can cause aches, allergies do not.

What Causes Spring Allergies?
Spring allergies are triggered by pollen from trees, grasses, and flowers. When inhaled, your immune system overreacts, releasing histamines that cause sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes.

Treatment & Prevention
• Antihistamines (like loratadine, cetirizine, or fexofenadine) help control symptoms.
• Nasal Steroids (like fluticasone or mometasone) reduce inflammation and congestion.
• Avoid Triggers – Keep windows closed, use an air purifier, and shower after outdoor exposure.
• Allergy Testing – If symptoms are severe or not responsive to traditional treatments, talk to your doctor about allergy testing and immunotherapy.

If symptoms include fever, chills, or body aches, it’s more likely a cold or another viral infection. When in doubt, check with your doctor—especially if symptoms persist or worsen.

Bottom Line: If your symptoms last longer than two weeks and come with itchy eyes or sneezing fits, allergies are the likely culprit. Proper management can keep you feeling your best this spring!

01/31/2025

The 16th annual Best of the Woodlands Competition is here! Voting begins February 1 and ends on February 21, 2025.

We are extremely fortunate to take care of so many patients in our practice and we are thankful that we have been voted 1st place Family Doctor for the last 6 years!

Please take a moment to help us with your vote.
We would again be extremely grateful!

Our category is:
"BEST FAMILY DOCTOR"
Our listing is:
"WOODLANDS FAMILY MEDICINE"

https://www.woodlandsonline.com/spgs/bestof/

07/10/2024

Once again, we will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday July 10 as we await electricity to be restored to the area. Currently our building is closed and we do not have access to our office. Once electricity is restored we resume normal office hours. Thank you for your patience.

07/09/2024

Good evening-
Because of ongoing power outage in The Woodlands, we will remain closed for Tuesday July 9. We hope to be able to open Wednesday July 10 if power is restored. We apologize for this inconvenience.

07/07/2024

Due to possible storm effects from Beryl, our clinic will be closed Monday July 8. We will resume routine clinic hours on Tuesday July 9. Stay safe!

10/18/2023

https://www.yahoo.com/news/primary-care-saves-lives-heres-165033137.html

When it comes to saving American lives, don't look to cardiologists, oncologists or even the made-for-TV heroes in the ER. It's primary-care providers who offer the best hope of reversing the devastating decline in U.S. life expectancy. That's the conclusion reached by experts who study America's fr...