Houston Methodist

What Does It Mean to Get Called Back After a Screening Mammogram? If something on your screening mammogram needs a closer look, you'll be asked to return for follow-up imaging. Here's what you need to know.

Getting called back for additional imaging after a screening mammogram can be alarming, but it's not uncommon. Here are the most common reasons for callbacks.

Is It OK to Exercise When You're Sick? Exercise helps build and maintain a healthy immune system. But getting plenty of rest is key for recovery. So which is it?

You're feeling a little off. Does that mean you should skip your workout? Find out when it's better to rest or to push through. spr.ly/6332378gPc

Why Horror Movies Feel So Real to Your Brain The science behind your brain when it's spooked.

Whether you love horror movies or avoid them at all costs, you're certainly familiar with the wave of emotions that comes along with being afraid. What is fear and why is it so immediately intense? Learn more: spr.ly/633247E2cg

How Heart Rate Zones Can Help Maximize Your Workouts Heart rate zones represent different levels of exercise intensity, ranging from 1 to 5, and can help ensure your workouts meet your goals.

Knowing your target heart rate zones can help you train smarter, not just harder. Here are the benefits of each zone, how to know which zone you're in and which ones you may want to train based on your goals.

8 Ways to Reduce Your Breast Cancer Risk It's more preventable than you may have thought.

Breast cancer risk isn't just about genetics. Here are several ways to lower your risk.

Seed Oils: The Current "Bad Guy" in the Food World? Seed oils are a hotly debated topic on social media. Some content creators claim that the cooking oils are toxic and cause a host of chronic conditions, from obesity to diabetes. Nutritional research tells a more nuanced story about these often-villainized, refined plant-based vegetable oils, including canola, corn, sunflower and grapeseed. Do we need to rid our pantries of these oils, or just use caution while cooking? In this episode, a registered dietitian shares the truth about seed oils to help you make healthy decisions for your home cooking. Expert: Amanda Beaver, Senior Registered Dietitian Notable topics covered: • Which oils are considered seed oils? • The truths that get lost in the seed oil debate • How do omega-6s and omega-3s affect inflammation in the body? • Smoke point and oxidation: Why you should throw out cooking oil when it smokes • The terms you need to know when purchasing cooking oil • Where butter falls in the cooking fat debate • Beef tallow: Is it a good choice for cooking or skincare? • The more important questions to ask than “Does it have seed oils in it?” Chapters: 00:00 Host introduction 03:26 What are seed oils? 04:31: Three main reasons why people think seed oils are detrimental — and why they’re not necessarily true 7:48: Omega-6s and Omega-3s and their roles with inflammation 11:10: Omega-3 fatty acids: How to get enough EPA and DHA into your diet 12:41: Why are seed oils the newest nutritional boogeyman? 13:56: Smoke point and oxidation: What is a good cooking oil for high-heat cooking? 16:20: Understanding some terms you might see in the cooking oil aisle 16:43: Is there a “best” seed oil, or does it depend on how you use it? 20:18: What is better for frying: canola oil vs. peanut oil 22:20: Is butter a better alternative to seed oils? 23:21: Beef tallow: A good replacement for seed oils? 25:10 How to take the bigger picture approach to your eating pattern 26:17 Host wrap-up

In this episode, a registered dietitian shares the truth about seed oils to help you make healthy decisions for your home cooking.

5 Signs to See an Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Specialist Everything you need to know the common conditions an ENT can help treat, the signs it's time for a visit and what to expect at your first appointment.

Experiencing congestion that just won't go away? It might be time to see an ear, nose and throat specialist. spr.ly/6332878gHG

5 Signs to See an Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Specialist Everything you need to know the common conditions an ENT can help treat, the signs it's time for a visit and what to expect at your first appointment.

While many of problems like persistent congestion, recurring sinus infections or snoring can be treated by your primary care physician, they sometimes warrant the expertise of an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. Learn more: spr.ly/63329AA0S3

What Happens When You Stop Taking Weight Loss Medications? A weight management doctor answers questions about what happens when someone stops taking weight loss medications such as semaglutide or tirzepatide.

Here's what someone can expect when they stop taking weight-loss medication.

PODCAST: How to Wear Headphones and Protect Your Hearing Headphones make listening to content easy, but how much noise can your ears handle? In this episode, an audiologist shares advice to protect your hearing.

Podcasts and audiobooks can't cause as much hearing damage as music, can they? An audiologist explains in this episode of the On Health podcast.

Doctor Search Results | Houston Methodist Houston Methodist Find a Doctor Search feature allows consumers to search by specialty, condition, procedure or doctor name.

Feeling a little off? Try these tips to get you back on track - starting with finding a primary care provider. Find a provider near you: spr.ly/63328AccVa

First Eggs, Now Beef: 9 Cheaper Protein Alternatives to Consider As prices for eggs and beef continue to rise, consider these other more affordable protein sources the next time you visit the grocery store.

Here's what you should be mindful of when choosing which non-meat proteins to incorporate into your diet on a budget.

Anti-Aging Supplements: Examining the promise, science, and health risks Anti-aging supplements have reached new heights, with billions, even trillions, of dollars changing hands. But what do we really know about their benefits and risks?

Our Director of the Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration Dr. John Cooke examines the promise, science and health risks of anti-agingin supplements with KPRC2.

5 Signs of Breast Cancer Beyond Feeling a Lump The most common breast cancer symptom every woman knows about is a breast lump. But that's not the only sign that women should consult her doctor about.

Breast lumps aren't the only sign of breast cancer that women need to be familiar with. Here are five other signs to know and take seriously.

Weight Loss Misconceptions: Factors Beyond Diet & Exercise Few health topics get more oversimplified than weight gain and weight loss. Poor diet and lack of exercise take the brunt of the blame — and while these can of course contribute to weight gain or sabotage weight loss, the reality is far more complex. In this episode, we unpack the assortment of factors that influence weight — from metabolism and genetics to mood and sleep. We also challenge conventional wisdom around weight loss goals and discuss why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for most people. Expert: Kimberly Gallien, Licensed Social Worker, Houston Methodist Center for Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery Notable topics covered: • Think weight loss is just about losing weight? Think again. • The myth of “just get off the couch” — why it’s not that simple • How focusing on an end-goal weight can actually derail weight loss • Why “planning power” is for more effective than willpower • The importance of consistent micro-adjustments to your routine • Movement vs. exercise — and why both matter • When BMI is helpful and when it’s not • Why a healthy weight range is more realistic than a single number • Weight management strategies should evolve over time • Taking action: Making the shift from knowing to doing • Embracing the idea that health is a journey, not a destination Chapters: 0:00 Host introduction 2:58: Tackling the biggest myth about weight gain 4:33 What if you don’t know where to start with weight loss? 5:44: The value of shifting your mindset from willpower to “planning power” 7:23: Everything counts: The importance of consistent micro-adjustments to your routine 7:56: How stress impacts your weight 9:25: Exercise can be as simple as more movement 13:14: How does BMI play into the conversation of weight loss? 16:20: Obesity isn’t as well understood as you might imagine 21:33: The power of counting small wins 22:09: A behavioral approach to weight loss 23:48: Our hosts discuss their takeaways

In this episode, we unpack the assortment of factors that influence weight — from metabolism and genetics to mood and sleep.

Should You Be Worried About Chagas Disease? Since Chagas disease isn't considered "endemic" to the U.S., it's prevalence and spread aren't closely monitored. But that's changing — especially in southern states, like Texas.

You may have heard of the kissing bug, but have you heard of Chagas disease? Here's what you need to know.

Is It OK to Crack Your Knuckles? Our Experts Weigh In In the "Minor Issues, Major Opinions" column of REAL SIMPLE magazine, we pose a divisive question to our readers, then call on the experts to resolve it. We asked: "Is it OK to crack your knuckles?"

Our rheumatologist Dr. Kanika Monga gives her thoughts on cracking your knuckles in @realsimple.com.

Foods to Support Liver Health: What to Eat & What to Avoid Your liver is a natural detox organ. Discover the best foods for liver health, what to avoid and why detox diets and supplements aren't needed.

Focus on everyday eating habits that protect your liver over the long term.

The fall fruit that’s great in a salad and packs a major fiber punch This pome fruit has a ton of vitamin K and other essential nutrients

When it's fall time, we tend to think of pumpkins, but what about pears? Pears are back in season, and our wellness dietitian Amanda Beaver shares how this fall fruit can provide many beneficial nutrients in The Independent.

Is Itchy Skin Related to Skin Cancer? Most itchy skin is harmless, but in some cases, it can be a sign of skin cancer.

Your itchy skin might be more than just the drier air of winter. Find out when it's time to talk to your doctor about itchy skin. spr.ly/63324AixIr

4 Everyday Habits That Could Lower Your Colorectal Cancer Risk, According to Experts From boosting fiber to reducing processed meats, everyday choices can help lower colorectal cancer risk. Experts weigh in with tips and strategies.

Our gastrointestinal oncologist Dr. Maen Abdelrahim talks about why engaging in daily movement or exercise could lower your colorectal cancer risk in @eatingwell.com.

PODCAST: What Does 'Eat in Moderation' Even Mean? "Eat in moderation." It's a phrase that's often tossed around but rarely defined. In this episode, we dig into the meaning behind the mantra.

From balancing portion sizes and macronutrients to how many "cheat meals" is too many, this On Health podcast episode explores how moderation should play out in real life.

Is It OK to Use Your Phone on the Toilet? You’re going to want to sit down for this.

Our Chief of Gastroenterology Dr. Eamonn Quigley discusses the possible health risks with using your phone while on the toilet in @nytimes.com.

How Do You Know If You Need a Mammogram Before Age 40? The factors that put a person at higher risk and warrant earlier screening.

All women with average risk of breast cancer should begin getting an annual screening mammogram at age 40, but what if you are high risk?

Headphones: How to Use Them and Protect Your Hearing Wireless headphones and earbuds have become a part of everyday life: commuting, gym workouts, video calls, even sleep aids. But while they’ve made listening more personal and portable, that convenience comes with a risk. Audiologists are reporting a rise in noise-induced hearing loss linked to unsafe listening practices, particularly among younger people. So how much sound can your ears really handle? Is noise-induced hearing damage ever reversible? And what habits will protect your hearing so you don’t have to stop using your headphones? In this episode, we break down the dangers and share expert advice on listening safely. Expert: Dr. Kelsey Roy, Audiologist Notable topics covered: • A primer on the different types of personal listening devices • Statistics on noise-induced hearing loss in the wireless headphone era • Are earbuds more dangerous because they go directly in the ear canal? • How loud, how long: The lowdown on boundaries for listening to headphones safely • Podcasts and audio books can’t cause as much damage as music, can they? • Why noise-cancelling headphones are a good way to go • Is falling asleep listening to earbuds dangerous? • The cumulative effect of decades of listening to headphones • The early warning signs your headphones are hurting your hearing • Does headphone overuse exhaust and put pressure on the brain? Chapters: 00:00: Host introduction 4:09: Headphones’ negative impact on hearing health 8:11: The 60/60 maximum volume/time rule when listening to headphones 11:37: How much stricter are recommended decibel level limits for adolescents? 13:08: How often do you need to clean earbuds? 14:37: Are loud noises more dangerous through headphones than without? 15:33: Are there any radiation effects from Bluetooth headphones? 17:14: Why sleeping while using earbuds isn’t a good idea 19:15: Early warning signs your headphone decibel levels are having an unhealthy effect 23:41: Host wrap-up

Wireless headphones and earbuds have become a part of everyday life: commuting, gym workouts, video calls, even sleep aids. In this episode, we break down the dangers and share expert advice on listening safely.

The Importance of Pre-Surgical Evaluation for Epilepsy Many people with epilepsy experience uncontrolled seizures. Learn how a presurgical evaluation can identify the causes of seizures to help treat drug-resistant epilepsy.

Medications can control seizures in two-thirds of people with epilepsy. For those who still experience seizures, pre-surgical evaluation can offer answers. Learn more:

Dry Mouth at Night: 5 Reasons You May Be Waking up Thirsty Find out why waking up with dry mouth may be more than just an inconvenience.

More often than not, waking up thirsty isn't so much a medical concern as it is an inconvenience. Here are some common reasons you might be experiencing symptoms of dry mouth. spr.ly/63322AitJi

How to Improve Liver Health The liver is a powerhouse of an organ that works as the body's filter. How can we improve our liver health naturally? We break it down.

The liver is a powerhouse of an organ, acting as the body's filter. We can all take steps to keep our liver healthy.

Doctor Search Results | Houston Methodist Houston Methodist Find a Doctor Search feature allows consumers to search by specialty, condition, procedure or doctor name.

Establishing a primary care provider is an important part of your wellness journey. Take the first step: spr.ly/63327Aix23

Capsule Endoscopy: How the "Pill Camera" Works & Why You Might Need It Learn how capsule endoscopy works, when it's recommended and how it compares to traditional endoscopy in diagnosing small bowel conditions.

Pill cameras aren't just for your favorite spy movies. A capsule endoscopy is a real tool used to help evaluate your digestive system.