Salute to Our Heroes is an annual event that honors the brave men and women who have served to preserve our freedom and liberty. Proceeds from this event will go to an endowment in the memory of fallen soldiers, enabling graduating students from Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District to attend college.  

“Cy-Fair Hospital believes in the importance of honoring our heroes and is proud to be a part of such a wonderful event,” said Terry Wheeler, chief executive officer of Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital. 

Cy-Fair Hospital has been serving the Cy-Fair community for over 27 years.  For more information on Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital, visit www.CyFairHospital.com or call 800-681-2733.

Our new center – the Women’s Imaging Center at Barker Cypress – is right in heart of the community. Located at 9110 Barker Cypress, near West Road, in the Cypress Fairbanks Urgent Care Center building, the facility is comfortably decorated and staffed by experienced, caring health care professionals.

The Women’s Imaging Center at Cy-Fair Hospital is located at 11307 FM 1960 West in Suite 340. In addition to screening mammograms, the center also offers diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasound, stereotactic and ultrasound guided biopsies, and bone densitometry.

Today's high-quality screening mammography is the most effective tool available to physicians in detecting breast cancer before lumps can be felt or symptoms of cancer appear. Early detection of breast cancer not only helps provide a woman with more options, but also increases the possibility of a favorable prognosis.  The American Cancer Society recommends that women 20 and older perform monthly breast self-exams and women 40 and older receive an annual screening mammogram for early detection of cancer.

Call 281-897-3121 today to schedule an appointment for a screening mammogram at one of our two locations or visit www.CyFairWomensImaging.com to learn more about our services.

The hospital is a member of the Chamber and of the community, and is honored to be involved with such a great organization.

Serving the Cy-Fair area for more than 27 years, the hospital has been involved in numerous events and activities involving the community, and strives to support and care for our neighbors – the community members and area businesses.

“Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital has always been involved in the community and looks for new ways each year to better support the community,” says Terry Wheeler, chief executive officer of the hospital.  “We are pleased to be a member of the Chamber and even prouder to be a part of such a great community.”

For more information on the hospital, visit www.CyFairHospital.com.

What You Eat Matters
A healthy diet is essential to meet an athletic teen’s energy needs. “Teens with a higher level of activity need the right combination and amount of food to perform at their best levels,” explains Todd Hamel, MD, FAAFP, family medicine physician on the medical staff at Cy-Fair Hospital.

Game-day meal content and timing can directly impact a young athlete’s performance on the field. “A full stomach requires energy to digest, so it is important to stop eating two hours before activity in order to save energy levels for the event,” says Dr. Hamel. “Although high-fiber foods are nutritious, they also may cause stomach upset and should not be eaten before activity. High-fat foods take longer to digest and should also be avoided up to three hours before a game or event.” Instead, teens should eat an ample amount of carbohydrates, found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, along with a moderate amount of proteins, such as those found in meat, eggs and dairy.

Drink Plenty of Fluids
Fluids are critical in preventing dehydration during activity which can lead to symptoms including severe muscle cramping. Thus, the proper fluids should be consumed before, during, and after exercise. “Early hydration is key. Athletes should drink water or other appropriate fluids as directed by their physician or team trainer up to several hours before physical activity and especially on days they will be participating in games or contests,” encourages Dr. Hamel. “Fluids should continue to be consumed in 15 – 20 minute intervals during activity as well as afterwards to replenish fluid levels lost through sweat.” The body depletes its readily available energy supply after one hour of exercise, so sports drinks are a good option for athletes that are active for 60 – 90 minutes. These drinks also help replenish the electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, lost through sweat. “All drinks with electrolytes are not created equal,” warns Dr. Hamel. “Talk with your doctor or trainer to identify the proper solution for your needs.”

But what if your teen is feeling tired and wants to boost their energy level? “Energy drinks are becoming increasingly popular, especially among teens and young adults,” says Dr. Hamel. “These drinks often have large amounts of sugar and caffeine, sometimes more than twice as much as a cup of coffee or soda, and are not recommended.” The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) actually limits the amount of caffeine for cola-type drinks to 71 milligrams in a 12-ounce serving. However, the FDA does not place these restrictions on energy drinks.  “Quickly drinking an energy drink just before exercise isn’t a good idea. The high levels of caffeine and sugar may cause a number of symptoms and have sometimes led to dehydration requiring medical attention,” warns Dr. Hamel.  “The best way to feel energized each day is to eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water, and get a good night’s sleep.”

Get Your Vitamins
For optimal performance, young athletes need a variety of vitamins, protein and carbohydrates. The food guide pyramid is a good source of information for the types of food and drinks a well-balanced diet requires. Even during off-season, it is important for teens to maintain a balanced to create a solid foundation for game season. Athletic teens need calcium and iron in their diets to build strong bones and sustain energy. These nutrients can be found in dairy products, green leafy vegetables, meat, dried beans and fortified cereals. “A diet deficient of essential vitamins and minerals can lead to symptoms that may be mistaken for other medical conditions,” says Dr. Hamel. “If an athlete or athlete’s parent suspects there may be a vitamin or mineral deficiency in their child, there is specialized testing available to help identify the cause.”

Too Much Pressure
Many teens participate in sports that place a heavy emphasis on appearance and weight. This can cause pressure and potentially an unhealthy obsession with weight gain or reduction. “It is usually not a good idea for teens to diet because athletic teens need the additional calories to sustain high energy levels for activity,” explains Dr. Hamel. “Dieting also can prevent a teen who is still growing from reaching his or her intended height.” Unhealthy eating habits can cause serious repercussions that could last a lifetime, so parents should discuss diet options with a doctor or nutritionist if a coach recommends that a teen lose weight.

For more information on helping your teen athlete lead a healthy life, call 800-681-2733.

Protection During Your Diagnostic CT Procedures
Computed tomography (CT) is an X-ray technique that produces more detailed images of your internal organs than a conventional X-ray can. This imaging procedure can help diagnose muscle and bone disorders such as fractures, determine whether you have a tumor or blood clot, check for cancer and see if a cancerous tumor is growing, and find internal injuries or bleeding. But in a time when CT scans are being ordered more frequently by physicians, you may still be left wondering - “How much radiation am I receiving?” 

Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital is responding to these concerns with a preventative approach. “While the use of CT scans in medical practice is critical, there is a way to provide the images your physician needs while reducing the amount of radiation you receive,” said Angelic McDonald, CT/MRI manager at Cy-Fair Hospital. “The hospital utilizes Attenurad radioprotective garments, a product that allows radiologic technologists to take quality image scans of the body while reducing radiation exposure.”

The protective garments are not whole body shields, but are organ and tissue specific to help protect certain sensitive areas of the body. These shields protect areas of the body such as the lenses of the eyes, the thyroid, and breast tissue. 

Adding a Little Flavor to Your CT Scan
Some CT scans require you to drink a contrast liquid before the scan. Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital has taken steps to make this process as comfortable as possible. To help patients manage the contrast liquids needed to effectively perform their scans, barium liquids are offered in a variety of flavors such as berry and banana. For pediatric patients or other patients having issues drinking the barium solutions, a clear water beverage with a flavored drink mix is also available.  A little flavor goes a long way!

To learn more or to schedule your next CT scan at Cy-Fair Hospital, visit www.CyFairHospital.com/CT or call 281-897-3121.

When someone is having a stroke, they need prompt emergency medical care. During a stroke blood supply to the brain is cut off or disrupted, causing part of the brain to go without the oxygen-rich blood it needs. The longer the brain goes without blood, the greater the chance a disability will occur. According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the number one cause of disability in adults and the third leading cause of death in the United States. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds.

“The purpose of our new stroke facility designation program is to establish a framework for developing a voluntary, statewide emergency treatment system for stroke victims,” said Jane Guerrero, Director of the Office of EMS/Trauma Systems Coordination. “Patterned after our well-established trauma system, stroke designation will allow stroke victims to be rapidly transported to and treated in appropriate stroke-treatment facilities.”

Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital’s comprehensive cardiovascular and stroke program has a protocol driven and systematic approach to patient management allowing physicians to reduce the time to treatment during the early stages of a heart attack or stoke, when treatments are most effective.

“Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital has demonstrated that our program follows national standards and guidelines that can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients,” said Cindy Hudgens, RN, BSN, CNRN, Cardiovascular and Stroke Coordinator of the hospital. “Our team is committed to clinical excellence, and the Level II Primary Stroke Facility designation is proof of their tremendous efforts.”

The Stroke Team at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital, a team of specially trained physicians, nurses and staff, is called to action when a patient is exhibiting symptoms of a stroke. The team consults with highly trained neurologists, called Specialists on Call, via an advanced telecommunications system, referred to as telemedicine, to review each stroke patient’s condition and to quickly establish a course of treatment with the qualified specialists.

Specialists on Call provides consultation support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to hospitals and on-site physicians nationwide, with access to experts in emergency neurology and stroke care. Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital is the only hospital in northwest Houston working with Specialists on Call for stroke treatment, an important factor in being able to offer quality stroke care to the community.

In addition to designation as a Level II Primary Stroke Facility, Cy-Fair Hospital is also certified by The Joint Commission as a Primary Stroke Center. 

To learn more about stroke and the quality care at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital, call 1-800-681-2733 or visit www.CyFairHospital.com/Stroke.

[Photo caption: Patti Bennett, RN, BSN, MS, Chief Nursing Officer of Cy-Fair Hospital; Cindy Hudgens, RN, BSN, CNRN, Cardiovascular and Stroke Coordinator at Cy-Fair; James Grotta, MD, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Neurology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston ; Jan Terry, Director of Ancillary Services at Cy-Fair; and Jay Krishnaswamy, Chief Operating Officer of Cy-Fair accept the Primary Stroke Facility designation.]

Versant (pronounced Ver-sent) is a comprehensive, evidence-based onboarding of new graduate nurses that helps them gain the experience, judgment, skills, and confidence they need to navigate the complexity of hospital life.  Designed by nurses for nurses, the Versant RN Residency prepares newly graduated nurses by organizing and overseeing all aspects of their experience.  They will be supported both professionally and emotionally by a network of senior nurses who act as preceptors, mentors, and debriefers at Cy-Fair Hospital.  

Cyndie Salmons, Director of Staff Development and the Residency Program Manager at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital, says, “I am excited that Cy-Fair Hospital and Tenet Healthcare have the foresight to make the investment in our future nurses.  The RN Residency is a win-win concept benefiting every member of the hospital community - our patients, nurses, ancillary staff, administrators, and physicians.” 

The hospital’s first RN Residents begin in February.  For further information or to enroll in Cy-Fair Hospital’s Versant RN Residency Program, go to www.CyFairHospital.com/Versant.

Cy-Fair Hospital volunteers give back in so many ways to the hospital and to the community as volunteers, but they went the extra mile to help those in need this holiday season by collecting canned goods and toys to donate to the Cypress Assistance Ministries (CAM).  CAM will provide the items to those in need in the community. 

Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital is very fortunate to have a team of dedicated volunteers to help meet the needs of the community.  The volunteer program has nearly 120 men and women who work in many different areas of the hospital, including the emergency room, gift shop, information desk, and nursing units.  Volunteers have the opportunity to learn new skills or strengthen old ones, explore a career in health care, extend their social network, and do their part to help others in the community.  

For more information about volunteering at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital, visit www.CyFairHospital.com/Volunteer or call (281) 897-3186.

Volunteers Grace McEwan, Patty Roberts, and Judy Lyon (L to R) gather for a holiday luncheon hosted by CFMCH for the hospital volunteers.

Volunteers Houston Knox, Patricia Boutwell, and Don Mengel (L to R) sit down to celebrate the holidays with fellow volunteers from Cy-Fair Hospital.

CFMCH Volunteer Auxiliary secretary,
Catherine Scott; volunteer Carol Peiffer; and Volunteer Auxiliary president, Toni Wessley (L to R) enjoy food and festivities at the luncheon hosted by the hospital.

Displayed here are just a few of the
items collected by the CFMCH volunteers to help those in need this holiday season.

“Having access to quality acute cardiac medicine close to home gives confidence to our patients in the community,” says Krishnamoorthy Vivekananthan, MD, chest pain center medical director at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital. “Time is of the essence during a heart attack so our multi-disciplinary team works hard to ensure prompt, effective care in situations like this when it matters most, and this accreditation is proof of that dedication.”

The Chest Pain Center’s protocol driven and systematic approach to patient management allows physicians to reduce time to treatment during the critical early stages of a heart attack, when treatments are most effective, and to better monitor patients when it is not clear whether they are having a coronary event. Such observation helps ensure that a patient is neither sent home too early nor needlessly admitted.

“Achieving Cycle III accreditation is an important accomplishment for Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital,” says Michael Dang, MD, emergency department medical director at the hospital. “We are committed to the care of our cardiac patients by improving the time to treatment, utilizing proven treatment methodologies, and offering compassionate care.”

The Chest Pain Center at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center has demonstrated its expertise and commitment to quality patient care by meeting or exceeding a wide set of stringent criteria and completing on-site evaluations by a review team from the Society of Chest Pain Centers.  Key areas in which a Chest Pain Center must demonstrate expertise include:

·        Integrating the emergency department with the local emergency medical system

·        Assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients quickly

·        Effectively treating patients with low risk for acute coronary syndrome and no assignable cause for their symptoms

·        Continually seeking to improve processes and procedures

·        Ensuring Chest Pain Center personnel competency and training

·        Maintaining organizational structure and commitment

·        Having a functional design that promotes optimal patient care

·        Supporting community outreach programs that educate the public to promptly seek medical care if they display symptoms of a possible heart attack

“More than five million Americans visit hospitals each year with chest pain,” explains Cindy Hudgens, RN, BSN, CNRN, cardiovascular and stroke coordinator at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital. “In addition to providing quality care in the hospital, it is our goal to help educate our neighbors in the community to recognize and react to the early symptoms of a possible heart attack as well as to promote preventative care such as living a heart-healthy lifestyle.”

To learn more about the quality care at Cy-Fair Hospital, call 800-681-2733 or visit www.CyFairHospital.com.

Whether your resolution is to lose weight, eat healthier, stop smoking, or start exercising, the process of taking the resolution from thought to action is the same. Here are some simple steps to making your goals a reality:

Write it down. By putting the resolution or goal on paper, you’re making it more concrete. In your mind, the resolution has gone from a thought to something you can actually see and visual. You may find it helpful to post your list where you can see it every day.

Keep it short. Don’t put too many resolutions on your list. A short and simple list is much more achievable than one that starts to look like the Gettysburg Address.

Break it down. If your overall resolution is something like “Lose Weight,” break that resolution down into smaller goals that you can achieve. For instance, you could break the weight loss goal into sub-goals such as eat an extra serving of fruit and vegetables every day for one week or take a brisk around the office at lunch. Make the sub-goals something that you can easily achieve. You may need to lose 40 pounds, but you’ll stick with it if you are realistic about what you can achieve. Most people tend to lose 1-2 pounds per week with dieting and exercise, so a sub-goal of losing 6 pounds in one month is achievable.

Make it personal. Your resolution should be something you want to achieve. While your friends and family may be encouraging you to stop smoking, you need to want it as well.

Stay positive. As you begin working to achieve your resolution, practice positive self-talk. Tell yourself what you are doing to help meet your goal. Congratulate yourself for talking a walk instead of smoking a cigarette or having a salad with low-fat dressing instead of a jumbo burger and an order of fries for lunch.

Get some support. Ask your friends and family to help you achieve your goal. They can provide motivation when you need it and cheer you on from the sidelines. You might even find a resolution buddy to go on the journey with you.

Cy-Fair Hospital can help you achieve some of your health-related resolutions. Visit www.CyFairHospital.com/Events for a list of upcoming health events, or call 1-800-681-2733 to request brochures on topics including quitting smoking, eating healthy, the benefits of exercising, and more.

Your physician may also have resources that can help you achieve your health-related resolutions. You should talk to your physician before beginning any exercise program. Your doctor also can recommend ways to stop smoking, lose weight, and other health matters. If you need a physician, please call us at 1-800-681-2733 for a free, confidential referral.

“This is the time of year when we give thanks for what this past year has brought us, and we wanted to give thanks by helping others,” explains Margie Kannel, who headed up the efforts at Cy-Fair Hospital.  “Our staff donated items for families in need that will be delivered to wounded soldiers by Operation Military Embrace at the San Antonio Military Medical Center this month.”

Donated items included cards made by employee’s children, batteries, socks, umbrellas, school supplies, baby diapers and wipes, toiletries, disposable cameras, CDs and DVDs, and crossword puzzle books.

Cy-Fair Hospital prides itself on being a part of the community and helping where needed.  For more information on our hospital, visit www.CyFairHospital.com.

“Cindy Hudgens’ dedication to and coordination of the stroke program has helped Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital develop a higher standard of care for stroke patients,” says Patti Bennett, chief nursing officer of Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital. “We are proud to have such an experienced, caring, devoted individual on our staff.”

Hudgens, a part of the Stroke Team at Cy-Fair Hospital, helps provide a patient-centered approach to assessing and diagnosing stroke to promptly begin appropriate treatment during the critical early stages of a stroke. When a stroke patient arrives at the hospital, an alert system called “Code Brain” goes into effect to provide early intervention that may mean the difference between a return to normalcy or a life with disability.

To help diagnose and plan a course of treatment for stroke patients appropriately, Hudgens and the hospital’s Stroke Team can access Specialists on Call, a tele-neurology service that allows emergency room doctors to work with neurologists around the clock via advanced videoconferencing technology.

Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital been recognized by several leading health organizations for clinical excellence in the treatment of stroke, including the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission as a Primary Stroke Center.

To learn more about Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital, call 800-681-2733 or visit www.CyFairHospital.com.

“The NICU Reunion was such a rewarding event for all nurses because they had an opportunity to see the fruit of their intense labor. It was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with parents and to see what each child’s journey has been since they left our unit,” said Sandra Chaveleh, nurse manager of the NICU.  “Nurses, nurse practitioners, speech therapists, and physicians had the opportunity to see how the patients have grown.  Parents were surprised to see that our nurses remembered each patient by their first name and not by their illness.  I believe that our unique approach for each patient is the key to providing excellent care.”

Over 200 people were present to celebrate with festivities including a balloon-artist clown, family photographer, moonwalk, face painting, various games, food and refreshments, a pumpkin patch, and a DJ.  A fire truck from the Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department was even on hand to help the staff and past patients celebrate.

“Cullen enjoyed going back to the NICU Reunion festival.  He saw all of his nurses and he and his brother enjoyed the Cy-Fair fire truck, clowns, games, and cotton candy,” said Shay McGarr, whose sons Cullen and Brady were both patients of the NICU.  “We can’t thank you enough for taking care of our two boys!  Cy-Fair’s Level III NICU is a phenomenal addition to Cy-Fair Hospital and one of the best kept secrets in the Northwest.   Hopefully, the secret is out now!”  

Cy-Fair Hospital has been serving the Cy-Fair community for over 26 years.  The hospital has received numerous awards for maternity care, including the 2009/2010 HealthGrades Maternity Care Excellence Award™ and a five-star rating for maternity care six years in a row from HealthGrades, a leading independent health care ratings company.

For more information on Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital’s Women’s Health Center, Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, or to take a virtual tour of the facility, visit www.CyFairBaby.com.

Cy-Fair Hospital employees and volunteers helped raise almost $7,000 in donations in addition to the hospital’s sponsorship donation, and a large group participated in the walk and event festivities. 

The Northwest Harris County Heart Walk’s donations and contributions grossed over $146,000. The money raised will be used to help fund life-saving research and programs in the fight against heart disease and stroke.  

For more information about Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital, visit www.CyFairHospital.com or call toll-free at 1-800-681-2733. 

Luckily, you can help prevent diabetes by understanding your health and setting goals, then gradually making changes to achieve long-term success.  Even if diabetes runs in your family, you can make lifestyle changes to help delay its onset and prevent serious complications. 

“Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, weight loss, blurred vision, or slow-healing sores,” explains Arun Kumar, MD, family medicine physician for Cy-Fair Medical Partners and on the medical staff at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital.  “Complications that can arise from diabetes are heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, or even amputation.”

There are several risk factors associated with diabetes. 

• Obesity - Being overweight or obese increases your risk for diabetes. This is the primary risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
• Family History - If you have a parent or sibling who has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you run a higher risk of developing the condition.
• Inactive Lifestyle - Because muscles cells have more insulin receptors than fat cells, regular exercise can decrease insulin resistance. Regular exercise can also help control weight and lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin effectiveness.
• Age - People over the age of 45 should be tested for type 2 diabetes every three years if results are normal. If results are borderline, the test should be repeated annually.
• Genetics - African-Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, Alaska Natives, American Indians, and Asians are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
• High Blood Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure - The risk of developing diabetes increases if your HDL (good) cholesterol level is under 35 mg/dL or your triglyceride level is over 250 mg/dL. High blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher also increases diabetes risk.
• Gestational Diabetes - Women who developed gestational diabetes when pregnant or gave birth to a baby that weighed more than nine pounds run a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about your risk of developing diabetes or if you notice any symptoms of type 2 diabetes.  For a physician referral, call 800-681-2733 or visit www.CyFairHospital.com/FindAPhysician.

“The hospital would like to congratulate each recipient on their hard work and dedication,” said Terry Wheeler, chief executive officer of Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital.  “It is because of teachers like these, who help prepare our future doctors and nurses, that we are happy to sponsor such a wonderful event.”

The event was a huge success and raised over $145,000 for the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation, which funds both teacher grants and student scholarships for higher education. 

Cy-Fair Hospital has been serving the Cy-Fair community for over 26 years.  For more information on Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital, visit www.CyFairHospital.com or call 800-681-2733.

Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital received the following designations: CIGNA quality for Caesarean Section, Adult Pneumonia, and Vaginal Delivery and CIGNA Centers of Excellence for Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal and Gastric Bypass.

The designations are awarded based on the hospital’s effectiveness in treating the selected condition or performing the procedure. The designations are based in part of a hospital’s CMS Hospital Compare measures, Leapfrog Patient Safety Measures, mortality, and complication rates.

“Being recognized by CIGNA is a testament to the level of care our staff and physicians provide to patients everyday and is evidence of our hospital’s commitment to providing high quality care,” said Terry Wheeler, chief executive officer for Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital.  “Such recognitions demonstrate that we deliver care that exceeds nationally recognized standards for these conditions, and we are proud to be the hospital of choice for the community.”

For more than twenty-six years, Cy-Fair Hospital has been providing rapid treatment and advanced care for a variety of medical situations. This has enabled the hospital to receive these and many other distinguished recognitions.  

Visit www.CyFairHospital.com or call 800-681-2733 for more information on Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital.

The Cypress Fairbanks Senior Services Program at Cy-Fair Hospital is proud to be your resource for all of your health related questions.  That’s why we’re hosting a Senior Health Day event at Cy-Fair Hospital!

The event will take place on November 19^th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Free preventative screenings and health information will be provided, along with snacks and refreshments.  The screenings that will be offered include blood pressure checks, bone density screenings, cholesterol and glucose checks, health and nutritional counseling, Medicare coverage information, senior services information, and much more. 

Reservations are required for screening services and appointments are limited.  Call 877-763-9467 to reserve your spot and be the picture of good health.

To find out more about our Senior Services Program, visit www.CyFairHospital.com/Seniors.

Everyone forgets things from time to time. However, you may have cause for concern if you have difficulty performing familiar tasks, lose interest in usual activities, or exhibit personality changes. These may be symptoms of dementia, a neurological disorder that makes it difficult to communicate, learn, and remember.

“The difference between simple memory lapses and dementia is that the signs and symptoms of dementia gradually worsen over time,” explains Mansoora Sheikh, MD, geriatrician on the medical staff at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital. “A diagnosis of dementia may be made when two or more brain functions are significantly impaired, such as memory, speech, perception, or cognitive skills such as reasoning.”

Risk factors for developing dementia include advancing age, family history, smoking or alcohol abuse, high cholesterol, diabetes, Down syndrome, elevated homocysteine (an amino acid in the blood) levels, or atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries).

The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which affects more than 5 million Americans.  Alzheimer’s is a condition that results from the death of nerve cells in areas of the brain that control cognitive function and memory. There is no cure for the disease, but people can take steps to keep their brains healthier as they age and reduce their risks for developing Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia.

·                    Eat your veggies and blueberries. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower, as well as green, leafy vegetables like spinach can help slow the rate of cognitive decline. The high antioxidant levels in blueberries work to keep the brain functioning correctly.

·                    Watch your fat intake. Limit foods high in saturated fats, such as meats and dairy. Choose foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, including salmon, tuna, and monounsaturated olive and canola oils.

·                    Stay mentally alert and socially active. “Challenge your brain with activities that strengthen brain cells, such as reading, doing crossword puzzles, playing board games, or learning a new skill,” suggests Dr. Sheikh. Staying socially active can help reduce stress levels and maintain healthy connections among brain cells.

·                    Keep exercising. Being physically active ensures good blood flow to the brain, which reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes, and protects against risk factors for dementia.

For more information about keeping your mind sharp and reducing your risk for developing dementia, or for a referral to a physician, call 800-681-2733.

A study issued this month by HealthGrades, a leading independent healthcare ratings organization, finds that Cypress Fairbanks Hospital Medical Center is among the top 10 percent in the nation for pulmonary care. Cypress Fairbanks is recipient of the 2010 Pulmonary Care Excellence Award™ for the sixth year in a row.  The nation’s nearly 5,000 nonfederal hospitals were all included in the sweeping study, which examined mortality rates and complication rates from government data from 2006, 2007, and 2008.

As a result, Cypress Fairbanks is recognized for the following quality of care distinctions:   

·        Five-Star Rated for Overall Pulmonary Services for 6 years in a row

·        Five-Star Rated for the Treatment of Pneumonia for 7 years in a row

·        Five-Star Rated for the Treatment of Respiratory Failure for 5 years in a row

·        Five-Star Rated for the Treatment of Sepsis for 5 years in a row

·        Highest Possible Five-Star Ratings for the Treatment of Heart Failure for 2 years in a row

“Providing quality health care services is the top priority of each physician, nurse, and ancillary staff member at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital,” said Terry Wheeler, chief executive officer of the hospital in northwest Houston. “We have been dedicated to caring for our community for over 26 years, and we continue to stay focused on improving our patients’ outcomes every day. The quality designations from this study are further proof of our commitment to building a healthier community and to achieving clinical excellence throughout our hospital.”

The HealthGrades Twelfth Annual Hospital Quality in America Study™, the largest annual report of its kind, analyzed patient outcomes from nearly 40 million Medicare hospitalization records.

Top-performing hospitals had dramatically lower mortality rates than other hospitals, according to the study. For the 17 procedures and diagnoses for which HealthGrades analyzed mortality rates, patients at top hospitals had a 72 percent lower chance of dying when compared with the lowest-performing hospitals, and a 52 percent lower chance of dying when compared to the U.S. national average.

Previous awards this year include the 2009/2010 Maternity Care Excellence Award™, which put Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital in the top 10% in the nation for maternity care, and a five-star rating for bariatric surgery for the fourth consecutive year, among others.

For further details on Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital’s quality ratings, visit www.CyFairHospital.com/Quality.

Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital now has a special H1N1 Information Line that will provide you with information about the flu including: general information, symptoms, when to seek medical treatment and at-risk groups and vaccinations.  The service offers pre-recorded messages along with an option to get a free, confidential physician referral.  To access the H1N1 Information Line, please call 1-800-711-3463.

The Women’s Imaging Center at Cy-Fair Hospital is inviting the community to a Breast Health Event on Thursday, October 29^th, from 6-8p.m in the hospital’s Professional Building Classroom located at 11302 Fallbrook Drive.  This event will offer education on breast self-exams, general breast health information, breast health giveaways, and a bone density screening.  Refreshments will also be served.  Call 800-681-2733 to register today.

The experienced, caring staff at Cypress Fairbanks Women’s Imaging Center understand the importance and sensitive nature of breast health. Our beautifully decorated facility provides a warm, inviting environment for you to receive “softer mammogram” with advanced digital mammography services and support for your women’s imaging needs.

Visit us online at www.CypressFairbanksWomensImaging.com to learn more about our services and amenities.

A procedure referred to as "virtual colonoscopy" is available at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital. Virtual colonoscopy is performed quickly and without sedation allowing physicians to examine the colon for abnormalities.

During a virtual colonoscopy, a computed tomography (CT) scanner takes multiple images of the abdomen and pelvis. Unlike a conventional colonoscopy, a virtual colonoscopy procedure is considered less invasive.  “Even though colonoscopy is the optimal study to evaluate the colon, virtual colonoscopy is a good alternative,” explains Arturo Bravo, MD, gastroenterologist on the medical staff at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital.  “A virtual colonoscopy is also useful to evaluate the areas of the colon not reached by a colonoscopy or when the bowel preparation was not adequate for a colonoscopy.”

The procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes and requires no sedation. Because it does not require sedation, patients may find it easier to return to their daily activities and go home after the procedure without the aid of another person.  

“Some people avoid these screenings because they are embarrassed or afraid of invasive tests. The use of virtual colonoscopy can help ease these fears and increase early detection,” explains Dr. Bravo.

To schedule a virtual colonoscopy at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital, please call 281-897-3121. A physician's order is required.