My Memorial Docs: Memorial Clinical Associates

Living a Long Life: Resources for Further Reading

Being in good physical and mental health can help you live a long and enriching life. Even as you age, your primary doctor can offer recommendations for protecting your wellbeing and preventing health problems from arising. In the resources below, read about the changes, tests and screenings that you may undergo in order to learn more about staying healthy, happy and strong at any age.

• Studies show how a healthy heart can support a healthy brain. This guide from AARP explores the connection between the heart and the brain and how aging impacts memory and brain function.
• If you complain of certain symptoms, your doctor may utilize diagnostic imaging to help him or her come to a diagnosis of your condition. Learn more about medical x-rays, their uses, and patient expectations with this Mayo Clinic guide.
• As patients age, declining overall health could have an impact on mental clarity and cognition. This study by the CDC explores the relationship between mental health and aging in older adults across the nation.

For more information, call Memorial Clinical Associates. Our practice offers exceptional, full-service primary care in the heart of Houston's Memorial communities. Visit us online, or call us today at (713) 469-3259 to schedule an appointment.

Test Your Bone Density with DEXA Technology

Your bones are living structures that are constantly rebuilding themselves. Over time, though, your body begins to lose its ability to replenish bone of the same strength and density, which could lead to osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor about the consequences of bone density loss and what can be done to detect it. In the video below, learn more about the DEXA bone mineral density test and how a screening can help you to protect or preserve your bone density. 

The use of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) technology can help your doctor to screen for bone mineral density loss. The densitometer emits beams of low-grade x-rays that are absorbed by bone and soft tissue. This absorption is measured to determine your bone mineral density (BMD) and to calculate your T- and Z-scores, which compare your bone density to a similar reference population. If your bone mineral density is determined to be low, your doctor will work with you to create a treatment plan that preserves skeletal strength.

For more information, call Memorial Clinical Associates. Our practice offers exceptional, full-service primary care in the heart of Houston's Memorial communities. Visit us online, or call us today at (713) 469-3259 to schedule an appointment.

The Use of Medical Imaging in the Diagnosis and Management of Disease

When you present your doctor with a list of symptoms that are causing concern, your physician will need to narrow down the potential causes of your discomfort. Because similar symptoms can arise from a variety of conditions, an accurate diagnosis is critical for prescribing the appropriate treatment. To achieve this, your primary physician may order diagnostic imaging tests to gain a better view and understanding of what is happening in your body. Read more about the role and importance of medical imaging in disease management below.

Early Disease Detection

Aside from being a useful resource in diagnosing conditions with physical symptoms, x-rays and other types of medical imaging can reveal early signs of asymptomatic diseases. Medical conditions like abnormal tissue growth, internal bleeding, and the enlargement of certain organs can all be detected through diagnostic imaging and are most successfully treated when detected early. Another type of screening or imaging test is the bone density test, a test that is especially important for aging individuals. A bone density test can help your doctor to calculate your risk for osteoporosis, a condition that can cause irreversible damage to the skeletal system.

Ordering Imaging Tests

Depending on your needs and concerns, your doctor will order specific tests that you can then schedule at your convenience. Once you have seen a radiologist for testing, your doctor will review the images in order to detect signs of abnormalities, diagnose your condition, or determine how your body is reacting to treatment. By scheduling regular visits with your doctor, you can increase your chances of detecting disease early on.

For more information, call Memorial Clinical Associates. Our practice offers exceptional, full-service primary care in the heart of Houston's Memorial communities. Visit us online, or call us today at (713) 469-3259 to schedule an appointment.

5 Tips to Improve Your Memory

As you age, you may start to worry about losing your mental sharpness and capacity. While certain diseases like dementia or Alzheimer’s can reduce brain function, memory loss is not an inevitable consequence of aging. Talk to your primary doctor about preventative measures that can help to preserve your memory and cognitive abilities, and learn more about protecting your memory below.

1. Give Your Brain a Daily Challenge: As your muscles need exercise to stay strong, your brain requires mental exertion in order to retain its full capacity. Challenge your thinking each day by doing mentally-stimulating activities, like solving a daily crossword or puzzle. Those memory activities that focus on language skills can be particularly beneficial for strengthening the brain.  
2. Eat a Healthy Diet: Feed your brain by incorporating nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, choline, and antioxidants into your diet. You can find these nutrients in foods you eat regularly, including eggs, chocolate, blueberries, and fish.
3. Exercise Every Day: When you are in good vascular health, your brain receives better nourishment from the bloodstream. To keep your blood pumping properly, designate time for physical activity each day. Whether it’s a daily walk, dancing, or gardening, time spent moving can keep both your heart and memory strong.
4. Attend Social Gatherings: One challenge that many seniors face may be feelings of social isolation. By avoiding or not participating in social activity, you are restricting your brain from mental activity that could keep it stimulated. Set lunch dates with friends, take a community class, or simply spend time with neighbors to improve mood and brain function.
5. Don’t Skimp on Sleep: While you sleep, your brain is actually very active; during sleep, your brain sorts through information that was taken in during the day and reorganizes itself. Give yourself plenty of time to sleep each night, and talk to your doctor if you have difficulty falling or staying asleep.  

For more information, call Memorial Clinical Associates. Our practice offers exceptional, full-service primary care in the heart of Houston's Memorial communities. Visit us online, or call us today at (713) 469-3259 to schedule an appointment.

Preventing Illness, Breaks, and Balance Problems: Resources for Further Reading

With regular visits to your doctor and adjustments to your lifestyle, you can stay strong and healthy even as you age. Talk to your primary physician about preventative and protective measures to maintain your health and mobility. He or she can recommend treatments for seasonal allergies and exercises to strengthen bones against breakage. Read more about what you can do to improve your health in the resources below.

• With the warm spring weather can also come uncomfortable seasonal allergies. These tips from the Mayo Clinic can help you find relief from runny noses and itchy eyes associated with springtime allergies.
• As your body loses muscle mass and bone mass from aging, your spine is at increased risk of stresses, fracture, and other damage. Protect your spine with these spine health tips, which include suggestions for improving spinal flexibility and strength.
• Growing older does not have to restrict your freedom and independence. Elderly patients can protect their mobility by improving their balance and lowering their risk for a fall. These examples of balance exercises for the elderly can help you or someone you love maintain a safe and active lifestyle.

For more information, call Memorial Clinical Associates. Our practice offers exceptional, full-service primary care in the heart of Houston's Memorial communities. Visit us online, or call us today at (713) 469-3259 to schedule an appointment.