Articles

 

As beautiful weather draws Houstonians outside, Houston Methodist’s Dr. Ranjitha Rishikesh, an internal medicine and primary care physician, urges the community to be aware of tick-borne illnesses across Southeast Texas.

 

According to the Center for Disease Control, ticks thrive in warm, humid environments, making them more active during spring and summer months. Ticks are often found in grassy areas, parks, trails and landscaped spaces, and exposure to ticks can happen during everyday activities such as jogging, yard work or spending time at parks and patios.

 

“Tick season is here, and every year we see more tick-related illnesses across Texas,” Rishikesh said. “If you’re spending time outdoors, simple steps can make a big difference — wear long sleeves, choose light-colored clothing, tuck your pants into your socks and use DEET tick repellent. When you come back inside, check your skin and shower as soon as you can. Don’t forget to check pets and outdoor gear, too.”

 

Ticks in the Houston area are known to carry illnesses such as:

·      Ehrlichiosis: A bacterial infection transmitted by the lone star tick, which causes fever, headache, chills and muscle aches. If untreated, the infection can lead to respiratory failure and seizures.

·      Rocky Mountain spotted fever: Transmitted by the American dog tick, this bacterial infection produces a rash that appears on wrists and ankles and flu-like symptoms. If untreated, this infection can lead to organ failure and even death,

·      Alpha-gal syndrome: Lone star tick bites can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction to a sugar molecule found in most mammals. A few hours after eating red meat or dairy, reactions include hives, itching, digestive distress and severe anaphylaxis.

Because symptoms of tick-borne illness can vary and often resemble common viral illnesses, tick-related conditions can go unrecognized – especially if a person does not recall being bitten, Rishikesh said.

 

Not everyone who is bitten by a tick becomes ill. Ticks often must be attached for 24 hours to transmit infection. Still, Rishikesh encourages everyone to pay attention to how they feel after spending time outdoors.

 

Anyone who experiences illness following a tick bite or unexplained symptoms after outdoor exposure should contact a health care provider. Houston Methodist offers same-day care; book an appointment now at houstonmethodist.org.

Most people think of colorectal cancer as something that only affects older adults, but recent trends show that young adults are increasingly at risk. 

“We’re seeing more and more young adults being diagnosed with colorectal cancer,” said Dr. Kristeen Onyirioha Ogunsanwo, a gastroenterologist at Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital. “On the one hand, rates are dropping in people over 65, but on the other, they’re rising among those under 50.”

 

Colorectal cancer now ranks as the leading cause of cancer death in men under 50, and the second in women, just behind breast cancer. Early detection can significantly change lives.

Anyone over 45 is considered at average risk for colorectal cancer, which is why screening guidelines now recommend starting colonoscopies at that age. But younger adults aren’t immune. 

 

Risk factors include being male, being of African American ethnicity, having a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, having certain medical conditions like IBS or Crohn’s disease, having genetic syndromes and being exposed to radiation in the pelvic area.

 

“Even if you’re young and healthy, it’s important to understand if you have an increased risk,” Ogunsanwo advised. “If you are at higher risk, start building a health history with a gastrointestinal specialist now. Then, in the event you begin to experience concerning symptoms, you have an established doctor.”

 

Regardless of your age or risk factors, it’s important to recognize colorectal cancer symptoms. The biggest red flags are rectal bleeding, blood in your stool or stool that’s darker than usual. More subtle symptoms include:

·      Abdominal pain or cramping 

·      Changes in bowel habits

·      Fatigue

·      Unexplained weight loss

 

“No symptom is too general to mention to your doctor,” Ogunsanwo said. “He or she knows which are concerning and can perform a workup to decide if more screening is needed.”

Colonoscopies are the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening. They’re typically recommended every 10 years starting at age 45, but if you’re at higher risk, your doctor might advise starting earlier or screening more often. 

 

“A colonoscopy provides a visual of your colon and allows us to intervene right then and there if we see something unusual,” Ogunsanwo explained.

There are also less invasive screening options, such as immunochemical fecal tests, high-sensitivity blood tests, stool DNA tests, CT colonography and flexible sigmoidoscopy. Your doctor can help determine which option is best for you.

 

Catching colorectal cancer early is critical. 

“Caught in the later, more advanced stages, colorectal cancer is very hard to cure and treatment is usually palliative,” Ogunsanwo noted. “But when we catch colorectal cancer early, treatment is administered with a curative intent.”

 

If you have symptoms or risk factors, don’t put off talking to your doctor. Early action can save lives — even for young adults.

Talk to your doctor about colorectal cancer screening options. Visit houstonmethodist.org/cancer/colorectal-cancer/screening[GU1]  or call 713.790.3333.

 
 [GU1]Leslie: I think we should proceed with using this URL for the GI article for all the hospitals that are using it:

 

https://www.houstonmethodist.org/cancer/colorectal-cancer/screening/

 

While I do think we could get a zip zoom, the map on the system page is a location map. and it serves the same perfect (though I KNOW it isn't zoomed in to the zip code, but I think it makes sense).

Much of the conversation around perimenopause and menopause focuses on symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and brain fog. However, another issue—often overlooked and potentially more serious—is the impact menopause has on heart health. Menopause is a known risk factor for heart disease, increasing a woman’s risk for heart attack and stroke.

 

Despite this risk, awareness remains low. According to a 2020 study published in Circulation, only 56% of women know that heart disease is the leading cause of death among women. Awareness is even lower among younger generations—only 12% of millennials report feeling “well-informed” about menopause, based on a survey from Wrapp Consulting.

 

To better understand the connection between menopause and heart health, we spoke with Dr. Danielle Tientcheu, a Houston Methodist cardiologist who specializes in heart disease in women.

 

How does menopause affect heart disease risk?

 

Women are considered to be in menopause after going a full year without a period. Most women enter perimenopause—the transitional phase leading up to menopause— in the early 40s to early 50s, with the average age of menopause in the U.S. being 52.

 

During perimenopause, the body gradually produces less estrogen and progesterone—hormones that play an important role in cardiovascular health. As these hormone levels decline over several years, changes in heart disease risk factors often follow.

 

“It doesn’t happen all at once,” says Dr. Tientcheu. “As hormone levels slowly decrease, we begin to see changes in cholesterol—triglycerides and LDL rise, while HDL, the ‘good’ cholesterol, goes down.”

 

These hormonal shifts also affect blood pressure, body composition, and metabolism. Estrogen and progesterone help relax blood vessels and naturally lower blood pressure. As those protective effects diminish, blood pressure may rise, arteries may stiffen, muscle mass may decline, and fat—especially around the midsection—can increase.

 

“This combination can easily lead to metabolic syndrome,” Dr. Tientcheu explains, “which significantly raises the risk for heart disease unless aggressive lifestyle measures are followed such as diet, exercise, sleep, chronic stress, etc.”

 

Metabolic syndrome also increases the likelihood of developing insulin resistance, prediabetes, or diabetes—each an additional risk factor for heart disease. Even women without previous heart-related concerns can experience these changes during menopause, creating what Dr. Tientcheu describes as a “perfect storm” of risk factors.

 

What can women do to protect their heart health during perimenopause?

 

Regardless of how long perimenopause lasts, healthy habits play a critical role in protecting heart health. Dr. Tientcheu recommends following a heart-healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, which is well-supported by research.

 

She also advises getting at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise each week. This should include aerobic activity and regular strength training, which helps combat muscle loss and maintain overall function as women age.

r doctor.”

When should a woman consider seeing a cardiologist?

 

Dr. Tientcheu recommends that women consider a cardiology evaluation if any heart symptoms, risk factors, pregnancy-related complication, autoimmune condition, premature menopause or strong family history of heart disease.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit houstonmethodist.org/heart-vascular.

Many residents have asked questions about the North Harris County Regional Water Authority (NHCRWA) surface water pipeline project and its impact on Coles Crossing. The Board would like to provide clear background and context on why the project is occurring, the role of the Association, and what residents can expect going forward.

Why This Project Is Occurring
The NHCRWA pipeline project is being undertaken in response to a state-mandated requirement to significantly reduce groundwater usage in our region. These mandates are intended to address long-term land subsidence risks and ensure a sustainable water supply.
NHCRWA is responsible for the planning, design, routing, and construction of this infrastructure. These decisions are made by the Authority and its engineering partners, not by individual neighborhoods or homeowners associations.

The Role of the Coles Crossing HOA
Once the Board became aware that the pipeline project would proceed through or adjacent to Coles Crossing, our role was focused on impact mitigation, not route selection or project approval.

It is also important for residents to understand the practical constraints the Board was operating under. Had the Association not reached an agreement with NHCRWA, the Authority could have proceeded using its eminent domain powers, allowing construction to move forward while any disputes were litigated separately. In that scenario, the community would not have had the benefit of the mitigation commitments, restoration standards, and financial protections that were ultimately negotiated.

Accordingly, the Board focused its efforts on securing the best possible outcome for Coles Crossing under the circumstances.

Specifically, the Board has worked to:
Communicate resident concerns directly to NHCRWA
Advocate for minimizing construction disruption and tree removal
Negotiate mitigation commitments and financial resources to support restoration
Monitor compliance with agreed construction and restoration standards
The HOA does not have authority to approve, deny, or reroute the pipeline.

Tree Removal and Community Impact
We understand and share residents’ concerns regarding the removal of mature trees and the potential impact on the appearance of the neighborhood, particularly near key entry and common areas.
Protecting Coles Crossing’s green spaces has been a consistent priority in discussions with NHCRWA. While some impacts are unavoidable due to the nature of underground infrastructure work, the Board continues to advocate for responsible construction practices and appropriate post-project restoration.

Additional Information Available
In November 2025, the Association distributed a more detailed letter outlining the project, anticipated impacts, and mitigation efforts.
Residents who would like a copy may:
Pick one up at the Community Center, or
Request an electronic copy by emailing manager@colescrossinghoa.com

Post-Construction Restoration Input
As the project progresses toward completion, the Board anticipates seeking limited, structured resident input related specifically to post-construction landscape restoration.

Any such group would:
Be Board-appointed, not self-forming
Serve in an advisory capacity only
Focus solely on landscape restoration and aesthetics, not project routing or construction decisions
Residents with relevant professional or practical experience (such as landscaping, horticulture, civil construction, or project management) who wish to be considered may submit a brief summary of their background to manager@colescrossinghoa.com. The Board will review submissions and determine next steps if and when such input is needed.

Looking Ahead
This is a regional infrastructure project driven by state requirements, not a discretionary neighborhood improvement. The Board will continue to provide updates as meaningful milestones occur and remains committed to transparent communication and responsible stewardship on behalf of the community.

 

 

For the 42% of Americans who live with obesity, diet and exercise alone aren't always enough to reach a healthy weight. If you've been trapped in a cycle of failed weight loss, or your health is compromised, weight loss surgery (also called bariatric surgery) may be an option.

"Weight loss surgery is an option to consider for those who qualify, and it's a big decision to make that comes with a lifelong commitment to a healthy lifestyle,” Dr. Ziad Amr, a bariatric surgeon at Houston Methodist, said.

There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to considering weight loss surgery. The first is whether a patient qualifies for weight loss surgery.

 

Typically, some basic guidelines apply. You should be age 18 or older, have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or a BMI of 35 or higher and an obesity-related condition, like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or sleep apnea. For insurance coverage, patients will need a letter of medical necessity from their doctor. It's a good idea to talk with a weight loss surgeon about your situation and all the qualifications.

Dr. Amr also reminds patients that weight loss surgery is only one tool to help you on your journey to lose weight. You'll still need to make lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise along the way.  

 

As part of Houston Methodist’s program, patients receive nutritional guidance to create a plan that fits unique needs. Guidelines typically call for daily consumption of 800 to 1,500 calories and 60 to 80 grams of protein while avoiding too many carbohydrates such as bread, pasta and sugar.  

Foods high in sugar and fat will be reserved for special occasions and rarely eaten if you have gastric bypass surgery. Getting plenty of vitamin-rich and protein-rich foods is also important.

 

As for how much weight patients can expect to lose, it varies case by case.  

"It's hard to say exactly how much weight you might lose," Dr. Amr explained. "There are a lot of factors, including the type of weight loss surgery and how closely you follow your new diet after the procedure."

 

You'll want to talk with your doctor about what expectations are right for you. Generally, about 40 to 50 percent of weight is lost and kept off.

Dr. Amr points out that research shows successful weight loss surgery can help you live longer and reverse obesity-related conditions, while also providing other health benefits.  

 

"Not only will your physical health likely improve, but as you start moving and feeling better, your mental health can improve as well," Dr. Amr said. "It's a win for your overall well-being."

The current Board has now passed the six-month mark since being elected. During this time, the focus has been on improving how the Association operates, communicates, and plans for the long term.
Not everything is complete, but we want to share what has been addressed, what is actively underway, and the key items the Board continues to work through in the months ahead.

NHCRWA Water Pipeline Project
The NHCRWA Water Pipeline Project will have a significant impact on Coles Crossing beginning in 2026. To ensure residents were informed early, the Board included a detailed project letter with the annual dues mailing sent in late November / early December 2025.
That communication outlined the expected scope, timing, areas of impact, tree and landscape considerations, traffic disruptions, and the protections and settlement terms negotiated by the HOA. Residents who would like another copy of the letter may pick one up at the Community Center, and future updates will continue to be shared through official HOA communications.

Jarvis Property
At this time, there is no active movement regarding the Jarvis property, and there does not appear to be current interest in advancing that matter further at this time.

Governance & Board Operations
The Homeowner Open Forum process has been formalized to ensure residents are heard while keeping meetings fair, orderly, and productive. When items raised require additional research or full Board consideration, a structured follow-up process is in place so concerns are tracked and addressed after the meeting.

To improve accessibility and transparency, the Board also began livestreaming meetings (audio), allowing homeowners to listen remotely and, where appropriate, submit questions.

Board meetings that previously extended three to four hours are now generally completed in one hour or less. Meetings are run in a more efficient, business-focused manner, with board members coming prepared and focused on decision-making.

The Board has adopted a more proactive approach to homeowner communications to help ensure emails and inquiries receive more timely responses. A process is now in place to log, track, and follow up on resident communications so items are not lost or overlooked.
Facebook and email are being used more deliberately to share clear, timely, and relevant updates with residents.

Financial Transparency & Oversight
Financial reports have been made clearer and more user-friendly, particularly for residents who may not regularly review financial statements.
The Board is managing the Association in alignment with the reserve study, prioritizing long-term planning over reactive spending. Reserve funding has been incorporated into the annual budget to reinforce financial responsibility and transparency.
For the year ended December 31, 2025, the Association reported a surplus of $160,801, compared to a budgeted breakeven.

Facilities & Community Standards
The Exploratory Committee and Contracts Committee are continuing to evaluate options and work with the vendor to identify an appropriate path forward to address the seam. Implementation will be weather-dependent, and updates will be provided as progress is made.
ARC guidelines (including fences, generators, mailboxes, and lighting) are being clarified to reduce confusion between repairs and replacements, and policy guidance is being consolidated so residents do not have to piece requirements together from multiple documents.

Looking Ahead
The Board remains committed to fairness, consistency, transparency, and long-term durability in decision-making. Thank you to the many residents who have shared feedback and engaged constructively with the Board.

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As the calendar turns to a new year, many people feel pressure to set lofty resolutions, only to abandon them weeks later. Instead of restrictive diets or unrealistic goals, Houston Methodist physicians recommend focusing on small, sustainable habits that fuel your body and bring joy to your daily routine.

 

Houston Methodist New Year’s nutrition tips for a healthier you:

Eat the rainbow: Fill your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables for a variety of nutrients.
Snack smart: Include a fruit or veggie with daily snacks for an easy health boost.
Get creative in the kitchen: Try a new recipe or swap in nutrient-rich ingredients — think cauliflower in mashed potatoes or brown rice instead of white.

Enjoy your favorites: Satisfaction matters! Balance indulgence with foods that fuel your body.

Ditch the guilt: Stop labeling foods as “bad.” Moderation is key.

This new year, Houston Methodist experts recommend skipping the resolutions and focusing on building lifelong habits instead – progress, not perfection, is the goal. They note that all foods can fit into a balanced lifestyle, and adding nourishing options to a daily routine and holiday celebrations can help individuals feel energized and maintain balance while enjoying the season and beginning the new year. 

 

Houston Methodist physicians also share advice for safely beginning a new exercise routine:

Start small: Choose activities that match your current fitness level. If you’re new to exercise, begin with short sessions - even a few minutes of walking or cycling can make a difference.

Listen to your body: Soreness when starting to exercise is normal, but pain that limits daily activities or persists beyond a week may signal overexertion. If discomfort continues, make an appointment with your doctor.

Keep it simple: Walking is an excellent starting point. Group sports or family activities can also keep things fun and engaging.
“I usually recommend three simple strategies to stay motivated throughout the year,” Dr. Jonathan Zalamea, primary care and orthopedic sports medicine physician said. “First, involve others – friends and family can help keep you accountable during a slump. Second, celebrate the small wins; even a little progress matters and can make a big difference over time. And finally, give yourself permission to take breaks. Occasional slumps are normal and using that time to reset and recover will help you come back stronger.”

 

CYPRESS, Texas – (Nov. 24, 2025) – What began as a simple walk to the mailbox turned into a life-changing journey for Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital patient Corey Charles.

During this season of thanks, Charles is now sharing his story of faith, recovery and gratitude after surviving a near-fatal heart blockage at just 42 years old.

 

On Dec. 27 of last year, Charles noticed something unusual — shortness of breath and tightness in his chest, while walking to his mailbox. Despite returning to the gym and pushing through the discomfort, his fatigue and chest tightness persisted. When he

struggled to complete a fun run with his daughter weeks later, he knew it was time to seek help.

 

His first visit to a local clinic led to a diagnosis of acute bronchitis, but after weeks with no improvement, Charles and his wife decided to find a primary care physician.

 

“As a primary care physician, I listen closely to my patients’ concerns and recognize when symptoms may signal something serious,” Dr. Megan Arthur, primary care physician at Houston Methodist said. “By coordinating his care and referring him to the right specialists, we were able to get him the life-saving treatment he needed. This experience highlights the importance of teamwork and collaboration across specialties to achieve the best outcomes for our patients.”

 

“Dr. Arthur really listened,” Charles said. “She wanted to get to the root of what was going on and referred me to both a heart and lung specialist.”

 

Cardiologist Dr. Azfar Sheikh discovered abnormalities in Charles’ heart test results and suggested a stress test. The stress test revealed that while resting, his heart appeared normal, but blood flow drastically dropped during exertion — a sign of a serious blockage.

 

“When the cardiologist told me, ‘Mr. Charles, you have a blockage and it’s life-threatening,’ I was shocked,” Charles recalled. “But I also knew I was in the right place.”

 

A follow-up angiogram and CT scan confirmed 99.9% blockages in two major arteries,

requiring urgent surgery. Despite heart disease running in Charles’ family, he never thought it would happen to him.

 

Charles faced the surgery with remarkable calm. “I wasn’t afraid,” he said. “My faith in God is strong. I just prayed, trusted my doctors, and prepared myself mentally for recovery.”

 

This September, Charles underwent an open-heart surgery at Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital known as a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft to restore blood flow to his heart and avoid suffering a heart attack. His cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Deepak Malhotra, completed a double bypass by utilizing a blood vessel from his leg to make a detour around the blockages which had restricted blood flow to his heart.

 

“Coronary artery bypass graft surgery is often the difference between life and death for patients with severe blockages,” Malhotra said. “In Mr. Charles’ case, restoring blood flow through a double bypass, on a beating heart, not only prevented a major heart attack but gave him the opportunity to return to a full, active life. It’s incredibly rewarding to see patients recover and embrace life.”

 

Following surgery, Charles woke to the voices of his wife and brother telling him how proud they were, he said: “My whole perspective on life changed. Even getting out of bed, taking a shower — you realize how much you take for granted. I’m thankful for every moment.”

He hopes his story encourages others not to ignore subtle warning signs and to seek medical attention early. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, schedule an appointment today.

 

“I’m exceptionally grateful for my life, my wife, my brother, my children, my care team and everyone who helped me through this,” he said. “I’m from New Orleans — I’ve got the heart of a lion. I won’t let anything stop me.”

 

Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital is a full-scale, acute-care hospital that opened in March 2025. Located in the heart of Cypress along Highway 290, the hospital offers state-of-the-art rooms featuring leading technology like ambient intelligence and remote monitoring. The

105-acre campus opened with 100 beds, 18 emergency room beds, 9 operating rooms, 18 childbirth center rooms, 8 neonatal ICU rooms and an on-site laboratory.

 

Around 96 million adults have prediabetes — the predecessor to type 2 diabetes — but more than 80% don't know it, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Also, diabetes is a rising threat to kids and teens. In fact, the CDC also says that 1 in 5 teens aged 12-18 years has prediabetes. 

 

"The problem with type 2 diabetes is that it can progress silently over many years, so the diagnosis may be delayed until the blood sugars are very high and a person becomes very symptomatic," says Dr. Wilson Sze, an endocrinologist at Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital.

 

However, Type 2 diabetes is preventable, and early action can stop prediabetes from progressing.

 

“In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas stops making insulin due to an autoimmune process,” says Dr. Sze. “In prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, insulin is still produced, but it is insulin resistance from the body that causes the blood sugars to rise. To keep blood sugar in control, the pancreas works harder. Over time, the insulin producing cells cannot keep up with the needs of the body to maintain adequate glucose control”.

In fact, by the time a person has prediabetes, 50% to 60% of these cells have died off. 

As for what causes all of this to happen in the first place, type 2 diabetes risk factors include genetics, being overweight, a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and ethnicity. In fact, according to the CDC, your risk is higher if you are African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or an Alaska Native.

The signs of diabetes include frequent urination, excessive thirst, lack of energy, unexplained weight loss, blurred vision, and foot numbness or tingling.

“Many times, the symptoms people notice first are worsening thirst and urination.” says Dr. Sze. "They find themselves persistently thirsty despite drinking more and are going to the restroom more often and are waking up frequently to urinate”.

A fasting blood glucose or A1C test can help detect issues early.

"It is very important for patients to follow up with their physician routinely. It is recommended that screening should begin at the age of 35 years. However, testing should be considered earlier in individuals who are overweight, or have other risk factors” says Dr. Sze. 

For more information and to see a list of Houston Methodist endocrinologists, go to houstonmethodist.org/diabetes.