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Winter is a wonderful time of the year, with the holiday season and spending time with friends and family. However, it can also pose certain risks that can lead to a fall that causes an orthopedic injury. At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, we understand that no one wants to deal with an orthopedic injury during the holiday season, so we’ve laid out some tips to help you prevent them this winter:

 

1. Stick to Your Exercise Routine

With the stress that often comes along with the holiday season, many people tend to ignore their usual exercise routine during the winter. However, this can weaken your muscles and increase the risk for an orthopedic injury. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, muscle weakness can cause instability in the knees, hips, and ankles, therefore increasing the risk for a fall. Keep your muscles strong by making sure to get at least 30 minutes of muscle-strengthening exercise into your day.

 

2. Wear the Correct Shoes

Wearing shoes that provide stability and traction is important, especially during the winter when ice may have formed on the ground. Wearing the correct shoes can help prevent a fall that leads to an orthopedic injury. A study published in the journal “Applied Ergonomics” indicated a relationship between lower shoe traction and a higher risk of slipping (2). When purchasing winter footwear, check the sole for tread that can safely grip the ground, even if ice has formed.

 

3. Watch Out for Black Ice

While it is typically thought of as only a roadway problem, black ice can pose a threat for walkers, too. According to the US Forest Service, black ice is not actually black, but rather a clear layer of ice that can easily blend in with pavement and sidewalks. This makes it incredibly difficult to see and avoid. While it’s difficult to see, it is not impossible – keep an eye out for glossy patches when you’re walking and avoid these areas to prevent slipping.

 

4. Wait Until the Afternoon to Go Outside

If at all possible, it’s best to wait to run errands or go outside until the later hours of the morning. This allows any ice that has accumulated to melt and not pose as much of a risk for slipping and falling. According to the journal “Ergonomics,” three-quarters of falls occur between 7 AM and 9 AM (4). Stay safe and avoid an orthopedic injury this winter by waiting until after 9 AM to go outside when possible.

 

No one wants to deal with an orthopedic injury, especially during the holiday season. These tips can help you prevent a potentially dangerous fall. For expert orthopedic services, give Houston Physicians’ Hospital a call at (281) 557-5620. We have the leading orthopedic doctors in Clear Lake, Texas, and the surrounding areas.

Winter is just around the corner, and with the new season comes an increased risk for problems with your respiratory system. When it’s time to enjoy the holiday season with friends and family, no one wants to deal with the hassle of a respiratory infection. As a leading name in ENT doctors for the Clear Lake, Texas, area, Houston Physicians’ Hospital understands the importance of your respiratory healthy during the winter season, so we’ve laid out some tips to help you breathe easy:

 

1. Increase Your Vitamin D Intake

According to the journal Current Allergy and Asthma Reports, studies have suggested that vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of developing respiratory infections (1). Vitamin D is produced in our body when the skin absorbs sunlight. During the winter, getting sunlight can be hard, as the shorter days and colder temperatures decrease the likelihood that people will be outdoors in the sun. A vitamin D supplement can be taken to counteract this problem. Search for a supplement that contains the recommended 2000 IU of vitamin D for adults.

 

 

2. Be Aware of the Air Quality

Air quality is a term used to refer how polluted the air is outside. On days where the air quality is low and there is a high amount of pollution in the air, it is best to stay indoors as much as possible to avoid breathing in contaminated air. According to the American Review of Respiratory Disease, breathing in a high amount of air pollution is a significant predictor of upper respiratory symptoms (2). When the air quality index indicates that there is a high amount of air pollution in the air, be sure to close all windows in your home while staying indoors to prevent any outside air from entering indoors.

 

 

3. Get the Proper Amount of Sleep

The European Journal of Physiology states that sleep is a strong regulator of immunological processes (3). Essentially, this means that not getting enough sleep can weaken the immune system, making your more susceptible to infections of the respiratory system. While adults typically require seven to nine hours of sleep per night, those with extremely active lifestyles may require longer periods of rest for their immune system to stay strong.

 

 

4. Try a Saline Nasal Spray

Europe PubMed Central states that saline nasal irrigation is an effective form of care for patients with a variety of upper respiratory conditions, specifically, rhinosinusitis (sinus infections) (4). A nasal saline spray helps lubricate the membranes in the nose, eliminating thick mucous and allergens from the nasal passage. Saline sprays can be purchased over-the-counter or made at home with a combination of distilled water, salt, and baking soda.

 

Upper respiratory problems are common during the winter season, but these tips can help keep your respiratory system healthy. However, if symptoms do not improve, it’s important to visit an ENT specialist. At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, our ENT doctors are here to help you breathe easy this season. Give us a call at (281) 557-5620 or search for a doctor here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11882-009-0012-7
2. https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/abs/10.1164/ajrccm/145.1.42?journalCode=arrd
3. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00424-011-1044-0
4. https://europepmc.org/articles/pmc2778074

 

The cold weather has arrived here in the Clear Lake, Texas, area, and many people are getting ready to enjoy their favorite cold-weather activities. However, some of these activities can result in an orthopedic injury. At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, we understand that no one wants to miss out on the season because of an injury, so we’ve laid out some tips about protecting your bones while doing cold-weather activities:

 

1. Raking Leaves

This common seasonal chore can end up causing an orthopedic injury. Bending over for long periods of time to rake the leaves out of your yard can quickly lead to over-exertion which, in turn, can cause pain in several areas of the body. According to the Anne Arundel Medical Center, doctors treated over 42,000 raking-related injuries in 2014, and many are a result of over-exertion (1). To avoid an orthopedic injury while doing this essential activity this season, be sure to take several breaks and stretch your body for 10 minutes once you’re done. This helps keep the muscles loose and prevents an over-exertion injury.

 

 

2. Driving

This season often brings an increased number of cars on the road, with people traveling for the holidays and holiday shopping. The additional traffic can leave you at risk for being involved in a collision as you drive which can lead to a potentially severe orthopedic injury. The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery states that there is a high rate of severe hip dislocations that occur in motor vehicle collisions (2). This is often the result of slick roads and the increased amount of people on the road. Be sure to always remain alert when driving, and always adapt your driving habits when roadway conditions are rough.

 

 

3. Slipping on Icy Surfaces

The first freeze of the season has already arrived, and we’re in for more cold weather as fall turns into winter. Because of this, ice forming on surfaces such as sidewalks or driveways can pose a risk for a fall that results in an orthopedic injury. When conditions are right for ice, be sure to take some safety measures that will prevent a fall. The journal, Accident Analysis and Prevention, suggests using shoes that are slip-preventative which can help reduce the risk of injury and can result in less severe consequences if a fall does occur (3).

 

 

4. Playing Cold-Weather Sports

Whether you enjoy playing a game of football with your family on Thanksgiving, or you are a member of a seasonal sports team, it’s important to keep the safety of your bones in mind. The best way to protect your bones when playing sports this season is to use the proper safety gear. This can protect your bones from falls and other sports-related trauma and prevent an orthopedic injury from occurring.

 

The cold weather is here, but it doesn’t mean that your bones have to suffer this season. As a leading orthopedic hospital for Webster, Texas, and the surrounding areas, Houston Physicians’ Hospital can take care of all of your orthopedic treatment needs this season. Give us a call at (281) 557-5620, or find a physician here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. https://living.aahs.org/womens-health/dont-let-raking-leaves-become-a-pain-in-the-neck-back-or-spine/

 

2. https://journals.lww.com/jtrauma/Abstract/1999/07000/Severity_of_Injuries_Associated_with_Traumatic_Hip.14.aspx

 

3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0001457596000747

 

4. https://www.upmcphysicianresources.com/-/media/physicianresources/pdf-publications/orthopaedic-surgery/t410ortho_grand_rounds_winter_2018_03.pdf

Now that we are in November, many residents in the Clear Lake, Texas, area are beginning to think of the holiday season. Between Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, it is the time to celebrate the season with family and friends. However, those affected by spine pain may worry that their back will leave them out of the seasonal fun. At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, we believe that no one should be held back by back pain, so we’ve listed some helpful tips to get your spine feeling great by the time the holidays arrive:

 

1. Keep an Eye on Your Weight

It’s the time of year where delicious food seems to be everywhere. Between pumpkin pies, cookies, and other treats that appear around this time of year, it can be difficult to maintain your weight. However, it’s important to stick to a healthy diet to keep your spine feeling great. A study published in the International Journal of Obesity suggests a correlation between being overweight and increased prevalence of back pain (1). While the occasional treat this holiday season is perfectly fine, be sure to maintain a diet that helps keep your weight in a healthy range to avoid back pain.

 

 

2. Lift Heavy Objects with Care

If you are decorating your home for the holiday season, there’s a good chance you’ll need to lift some heavy items. According to The Journal of Orthopedic Research, there is an increased risk for injury to the lumbar intervertebral disc in those who twist their body when lifting objects over 25 pounds (2). When lifting heavy decorations out of their boxes this season, be sure to utilize the strength in your legs to help lift, along with keeping your spine straight and in an aligned position.

 

 

3. Take Some Traveling Precautions

If you’re planning on traveling to visit family and friends this holiday season, you may want to take some precautions to prevent back pain. Long periods of sitting can worsen back pain. Traveling with a heating pad may help. According to the Journal, Spine, trials have shown that heat can reduce pain in those affected by acute and subacute back pain (3). Keeping a heating pad in your carry-on luggage allows you to utilize heat to ease back pain while you are traveling.

 

 

4. Include Back-Friendly Foods in Your Holiday Meals

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, not consuming enough fruits and vegetables can lead to chronic pain in the back and other areas of the body (4). Help ensure you’re getting enough of these inflammation-fighting foods by including them in your holiday meals. Some great foods to consider include sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, and kale.

 

When it comes to getting ready for the holiday season, you want to make sure that your back is feeling it’s best. For those looking for a solution to their back pain, give the Spine Solutions Center at Houston Physicians Hospital a call at 832-340-2134.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. https://www.nature.com/articles/0800448
2. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jor.1100020110
3. https://journals.lww.com/spinejournal/Abstract/2006/04200/A_Cochrane_Review_of_Superficial_Heat_or_Cold_for.8.aspx
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3084409/

 

While many residents in the Clear Lake, Texas, area are excited to see some cooler fall weather, the seasonal changes can pose a risk for some ENT problems. At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, we understand that ENT problems can be a hassle, so we’ve laid out all the information you need to know about the most common ENT problems of the season:

 

1. Ear Infections

While they are most common in children, ear infections are a common fall ENT issue that can affect any age group. As the weather gets cooler, be sure to take some precautions against ear infections, especially if you are in an environment around children. It’s also important to know the beginning signs of an ear infection. The National Institutes of Health cite the early symptoms of an ear infection as trouble sleeping, fever, and fluid draining from the ear (1). If you begin to experience these symptoms, it may be due to an ear infection that needs to be addressed.

 

 

2. The Cold

It’s no surprise that the common cold is a frequent ENT problem during the fall. In fact, the Journal Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice states that about half of the population will get a cold at least once per year (2). This virus typically peaks during the colder fall and winter seasons, and can cause uncomfortable symptoms like a runny nose, coughing, and sneezing. While there is no fool-proof method to avoid the common cold, keeping your hands clean, covering sneezes and coughs, and keeping your distance from others can help decrease your chances of infection.

 

 

3. Upper Respiratory Infections

As the holidays get closer and you interact with others more frequently, upper respiratory infections can become an issue. The Indian Journal of Pediatrics cites that respiratory infections account for 20-40% of outpatient attendance at a general hospital (3).  Keep an eye out for signs of an upper respiratory infection, like congestion, fatigue, and a sore throat.

 

What to Do if You Develop One of These Conditions

There’s no way to avoid these conditions entirely, and if you notice symptoms, it’s best to seek treatment as quickly as possible. An ENT doctor with Houston Physicians’ Hospital may be able to help alleviate symptoms and address any further issues that these conditions may have caused. Additionally, keeping your distance from others when sick and frequently washing your hands can also help prevent further spread of these illnesses.

 

 

While we may enjoy a break from the Texas summer, the cooler fall temperatures present risks for developing ENT issues. For the leading name in ENT physicians in the Clear Lake, Texas, area, give Houston Physicians’ Hospital a call at (281) 557-5620.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/ear-infections-children#2
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0095454305703559#bib5
3. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02722930

 

Many patients in the Clear Lake area in Texas understand the important role that bones play in the body. At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, we understand that keeping your bones at their healthiest is important, so we’ve laid out some easy tips to keep them protected:

 

1. Know Your Risks

Conditions such as osteoporosis can weaken your bones and make you more prone to bone injuries. Some people are more at-risk than others for developing these conditions. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that genetics play a strong role in developing osteoporosis (1), meaning those with a family history of this condition should take extra precautions to avoid injuries and increase bone strength. Additionally, certain medications can cause bone loss, so speak with a physician at Houston Physicians’ Hospital to learn about your individual risks and what you can do to keep your bones protected.

 

 

2. Exercise Regularly

A study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics states that exercise plays a positive role in bone mineral accrual (2).  Essentially, this means that regular physical activity helps build up important minerals in the bones, therefore making them stronger and less prone to injuries. Taking 30 – 60 minutes per day to perform physical activity can significantly help protect your bones, along with the array of other benefits that exercise can provide.

 

 

3. Consider a Vitamin D Supplement

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition states that adults deficient in vitamin D can experience reduced bone mineral density and an increased risk for osteoporosis (3). Because it is not uncommon for many adults to be vitamin D deficient, it is important to consider taking a supplement. When looking for a supplement, keep in mind your specific needs. Adults under the age of 70 should take 600 IU per day, while adults over the age of 70 need 800 IU.

 

 

4. Add More Calcium to Your Diet

According to the British Journal of Nutrition, calcium deficiency reduces bone mass (5). Because calcium is essential for bone health, it’s important to ensure your diet consist of enough calcium. Typically, people consume dairy products as their primary source of calcium, but it can also be found in vegetables such as broccoli and kale. To keep bones protected, most adults should aim for 1,000 mg of calcium per day.

 

Your bones are essential to your body, helping you move and be active in your daily life. These easy tips can help keep your bones healthy and protected from potential injuries. At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, our orthopedic doctors are committed to protecting and enhancing the health of your bones. Give us a call at (281) 557-5620.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5378394/
2. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/112/6/e447.short
3. https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/80/6/1678S/4690512?gca=80%2F6%2F1678S&gca=80%2F6%2F1717S&gca=80%2F6%2F1721S&sendit=Get%20All%20Checked%20Abstract(s)
4. https://www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/SGR/surgeon-generals-report
5. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/calcium-intake-calcium-bioavailability-and-bone-health/B05A9E75627F1C3D5710DBCD8313B929