My Memorial Docs: Memorial Clinical Associates

Simple Steps to Healthy Skin for Men

You may think the bottles, jars, and pots of creams and moisturizers are exclusively female territory. But even men can have clear, healthy skin with just a few simple skincare steps.

Step 1: Cleansing

Cleansing for men needs to be gentle, calming, but yet cleanse deep. A variety of products at MCA, when used properly, can help Men’s skin from common irritations – large pores, oily or dry-sensitive skin. Many over the counter products include chemicals that are harsh on the skin. They can strip and irritate skin or cause clogged pores. MCA offers a Microdermabrasion and Deep Pore Cleansing Facials to kick start Healthy Skin.

Step 2: Shave

Shaving Cream—Shaving can irritate the skin, cause bumps and enlarge pores. It is best to use shaving creams that are made without toxic foaming agents and other harsh synthetic chemicals that can cause irritation.

After Shave Skin Toner—After shaving apply an After Shave Toner that will soothe irritations from shaving. This is for further cleansing and an important step for hydrating and toning the pores. It should restore balance and replenish the skin for a handsome smooth appearance! Note: avoid alcohol-based after-shave products, they can irritate the skin.

Step 3: Moisturize

Moisturizers for Men—A quality moisturizer cream should be light on the skin yet rich with replenishing skin care ingredients that also hydrate and protect the skin.

Eye Cream—The area around the eyes tends to show signs of aging sooner than the rest of the face. Therefore caring for the area around the eyes can make the most significant improvement in a Man’s appearance. The eye area has the most sensitive skin. It is essential to use a quality eye cream consistently. MCA offers Therapeutic Facials specially designed for your skin type, as well as, more intense age defying treatments like Fraxel and Photo Facial (IPL).

For more information about dermatology and skincare tips, contact Memorial Clinical Associates. Our Houston team includes a qualified, caring doctor to care for every member of your family. Visit us online, or call us today at (713) 407-3067 to schedule an appointment.

Taking Care of Your Health: Resources for Further Reading

Memorial Clinical Associates is dedicated to improving your health and quality of life, and this month, we’ve shared some information about staying healthy and active no matter your age. With the resources below, learn more about how to take an active role in your own health.

• If you are feeling ill, a simple round of antibiotics may not be enough. Learn more about the differences between acute and chronic illnesses to understand how your doctor will treat you for your ailment.
• While only severe sickness can prompt some to visit the doctor’s office, having a good, ongoing relationship with your doctor can mean he or she is better equipped to treat you. These tips include 7 things to talk to your doctor about, opening up the lines of communication.
• This article from FamilyDoctor.org can also help you take an active role in your own health care. Learn how to talk to your doctor, ask questions, and follow-up on your visits. 
• Want to be fit and over fifty? Just because you are older doesn’t mean you can’t feel great and lead an active life. Here are 5 health tips to keep older patients healthy and strong. 

For more information about health and finding a primary care physician, contact Memorial Clinical Associates. Our Houston team includes a qualified, caring doctor to care for every member of your family. Visit us online, or call us today at (713) 407-3067 to schedule an appointment.

Medical Check-Ups 101: Age 60 and Above

As you age, it becomes more and more important to pay attention to your health and to visit your primary doctor on a regular basis. Once you reach your sixties, it may be a good idea to find a senior care doctor who specializes in the care and treatment of older patients. In the video below, learn more about medical check-ups for individuals who are 60 or older, including tests to take and medical conditions to be aware of.

When you reach 60, your doctor may run annual blood work to test for cholesterol, kidney and liver function, and any thyroid conditions. Annual screenings for osteoporosis, diabetes, and vascular disease should be continued, and new vaccines can be reviewed depending on your risk factors. While dementia usually affects older patients in their 70s and 80s, your doctor may include an early screening as part of your check-up.

For all of your senior care needs, contact Memorial Clinical Associates. Our Houston team includes a staff of expert senior care doctors who are ready to help you stay healthy and active well past the age of 60. Visit us online, or call us today at (713) 407-3067 to schedule an appointment.

3 Important Conversations to Have with Your Primary Physician

Whether it’s between friends, family members, or coworkers, good communication is essential to any successful relationship. This also includes the relationship between you and your doctor.  Here are three important conversations to have with your primary physician to build health and trust.

1. Talk about your medical history: The more your primary physician knows about your medical history, including past ailments and medications, the more he or she can do to help you stay healthy. Sharing your medical history is especially important if you are meeting your doctor for the first time. Remember to be thorough and honest with your doctor, and don’t leave out any history of family illness. To help you remember what to cover, it may be helpful to write down everything you want to discuss and share with your doctor.
2. Talk about your fears:  If doctors’ offices make you nervous or uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to let your primary care physician know. Feeling unsettled at your doctor’s office can make effective diagnosis and treatment more difficult for both you and your doctor. You might find that you feel better after admitting your anxiety, and your doctor may have some reassuring words to share with you, making you and the rest of the appointment more comfortable.
3. Talk about the growing pains: Although it may be embarrassing to admit, as we get older, our bodies aren’t always able to do the same things they once could. Nothing you say to your primary physician or senior doctor will be shocking or distasteful, no matter how embarrassed you may be by the subject matter. It is the doctor’s job to keep you healthy and happy; help him or her do that by being honest and upfront about what is bothering you.

No matter what you talk to your doctor about, remember to keep the lines of communication open. The more honest you are with a primary care physician, the better and more effective care he or she can provide. For a team of primary care physicians you can depend on, contact Memorial Clinical Associates. Our Houston team includes a qualified, caring doctor to care for every member of your family. Visit us online, or call us today at (713) 407-3067 to schedule an appointment.

3 Important Conversations to Have with Your Primary Physician

Whether it’s between friends, family members, or coworkers, good communication is essential to any successful relationship. This also includes the relationship between you and your doctor.  Here are three important conversations to have with your primary physician to build health and trust.

1. Talk about your medical history: The more your primary physician knows about your medical history, including past ailments and medications, the more he or she can do to help you stay healthy. Sharing your medical history is especially important if you are meeting your doctor for the first time. Remember to be thorough and honest with your doctor, and don’t leave out any history of family illness. To help you remember what to cover, it may be helpful to write down everything you want to discuss and share with your doctor.
2. Talk about your fears:  If doctors’ offices make you nervous or uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to let your primary care physician know. Feeling unsettled at your doctor’s office can make effective diagnosis and treatment more difficult for both you and your doctor. You might find that you feel better after admitting your anxiety, and your doctor may have some reassuring words to share with you, making you and the rest of the appointment more comfortable.
3. Talk about the growing pains: Although it may be embarrassing to admit, as we get older, our bodies aren’t always able to do the same things they once could. Nothing you say to your primary physician or senior doctor will be shocking or distasteful, no matter how embarrassed you may be by the subject matter. It is the doctor’s job to keep you healthy and happy; help him or her do that by being honest and upfront about what is bothering you.

No matter what you talk to your doctor about, remember to keep the lines of communication open. The more honest you are with a primary care physician, the better and more effective care he or she can provide. For a team of primary care physicians you can depend on, contact Memorial Clinical Associates. Our Houston team includes a qualified, caring doctor to care for every member of your family. Visit us online, or call us today at (713) 407-3067 to schedule an appointment.