Community Connection – Winter 2010

A Newsletter from North Cypress Medical Center
at 290 & Huffmeister Rd.
Winter 2010
Community Connection
Project Pink
NCMC Raises $50,000
For Houston Komen Affiliate
(page 3)
Clayton’s Story
One Man’s Journey with
Guillian-Barre Syndrome
(page 6)
TIF EsophyX
Procedure
Non-Invasive Surgery to Treat
Chronic Heartburn and Reflux
(page 7)
Flu Facts 101
Tips for Staying Away from
The Flu (page 9)
North Cypress Medical Center is a Doctor owned,
Patient Centered healthcare institution.
A Message from the CEO
Dear Friends,
It has been another exciting and eventful year for North Cypress Medical Center. We have celebrated
many milestones including our 1,000th Joint Center patient. We have also reached new accreditation
standards in Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Primary Stroke Care, and Bariatric Surgery.
We have completed the addition of our Comprehensive Wound Care Center, offering hyperbaric oxygen
therapy and wound management, along with dedicated and experienced staff and physicians to treat
those suffering from chronic wounds. This state-of-the-art center is equipped with all the latest high
tech equipment for 21st century wound care.
As many of you have probably noticed, our campus is growing again. We are in the process of adding
24 additional emergency room beds in order to create a “Zero Wait Emergency Room” to better serve
the community.
We also have inaugurated our new Outpatient Dialysis Center. This center is beautifully appointed and
features convenient dialysis for those patients with kidney disease.
Entertaining guests this holiday season? Treat them to dinner or Sunday Brunch at our restaurant,
Merche. For larger gatherings or holiday parties, you can reserve our private dining room or enjoy happy
hour on the patio. Merche also offers wine tastings and dinners throughout the year. Please visit our
website at www.MercheRestaurant.com for more information.
The winter and holiday seasons can be a great time to gather with friends and family. As you enjoy the
Holiday Season, feel safe in knowing that North Cypress is here to serve you and your loved ones 24 hours
a day/ seven days a week if you should need us. On behalf of the Board of Managers, Medical Staff, and
employees, I would like to wish you a safe and happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year.
Season’s Greetings,
Robert A. Behar, M.D.
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Page 2
Project Pink 2010
North Cypress’ Project Pink
Raises $50,000 for
Houston Komen Affiliate
Project Pink, North Cypress Medical Center’s
annual event benefiting the Houston Affiliate
of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, successfully
took place on Saturday, October 16, 2010. Over
300 members of the community were in
attendance, helping NCMC raise $50,000
in the fight against breast cancer.
During the event, attendees learned about the latest in breast cancer
research and treatment from speakers Dr. Kim Keller, General
Surgeon, and Dr. Craig Thiessen, Interventional Radiologist.
Survivor Speaker, Kanisha Williams, powerfully shared her
inspirational battle against breast cancer, leaving the audience
with feelings of hope and strength. The audience enjoyed a delicious
three-course lunch from Merche Restaurant while previewing
holiday and fall fashions from Bling It On, Coldwater Creek
Outlet, Loft Outlet, Merle Norman & More, Muzzie’s, and Scruples.
Fabulous accessories were displayed from Miche Bag of Cypress
and Shannie Girl.
Along with the outstanding speakers and fall fashions, the event
is known each year for the extensive silent and live auction
presented for all guests. Live auction items included a diamond
Tag Hauer watch, a full advertising plan from Clear Channel
Radio, a diamond necklace and earring set, and a company picnic
provided by Houston Oaks Golf Course.
Over the past four years, the North Cypress Medical Center has
raised over $150,000 from its Project Pink event to donate to the
Houston Komen Affiliate. The hospital has been honored for its
efforts by the Houston Komen Affiliate with the Hope Award for
Ambassadorship and the Impact Award for Community Partnership.
The Project Pink Team wishes to thank our many event sponsors,
volunteers, models, participating stores, and our generous silent
and live auction donors. Together, we are making a difference.
Please check out our Project Pink website at
www.NCMC-ProjectPink.com for 2010 event
pictures and a list of all of our sponsors, etc.
Page 3
Hospital News & Sponsorships
Local Businesses Donate to the
North Cypress Cancer Center
Event & Sponsorships
North Cypress is
Don Julio’s Donates $7,000 to Cancer Center
Walking from the Heart
The North Cypress Cancer Center was presented with a $7,000 donation
from Don Julio’s Mexican Restaurant following a fundraising event they
held on July 4, 2010. The monetary donation will be used to help directly
assist the patients of the North Cypress Cancer Center.
The North Cypress Medical Center proudly
participated as the Survivor sponsor in the
American Heart Association’s Heart Walk this
year. As the American Heart Association’s signature fund-raising event, the Heart Walk promotes physical activity and heart-healthy living
in a fun family environment.
Painting with a Twist Donates $250 to Cancer Center
Painting with a Twist recently donated $250 to the North Cypress
Cancer Center. Proceeds came from the organization’s “Paint with a
Purpose” fundraiser held on Sunday, October 24th. Participants painted a
lovely pink lotus flower painting to take home and enjoy.
On October 30th, the Start! Northwest Harris County Heart Walk brought together more
than 2,000 walkers to celebrate healthier living
and to raise over $205,000, exceeding their goal!
Sports Medicine Center Serves as
Title Sponsor for
Hoops Invitational
Dr. Behar accepted the donation from
Don Julio’s Mexican Restaurant.
Participants at the “Paint with a
Purpose” Fundraiser.
New Art Therapy
Offered at North Cypress
Join us on January 20th at 6pm, for
this unique and complimentary art
therapy class, which helps patients
manage the physical and emotional
problems of cancer by using therapeutic painting to express emotions.
Research has proven that creating art
can have a positive impact on pain
management, depression, anxiety,
and stress reduction. Art therapy can
be used as a healing tool, fostering
self-awareness and coping skills.
The program will be located at North Cypress Medical Center (main hospital
building) in the room adjacent to the cafeteria. For more information or to
register, call Janet Kantenberger at 832.912.3658.
Page 4
North Cypress Sports Medicine Center is the title sponsor for the Cypress Hoops Invitational,
benefitting the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation’s
“Dollars for Scholars” program. The men’s
basketball tournament will include 24 teams
from Cy-Fair ISD and many other schools across
the greater Houston area. The tournament
will take place Thursday, December 9th - Saturday, December 11th. Games will be held at
the Berry Center, Cy-Ranch High School, and
Cy-Woods High School.
Tickets can be purchased at the Berry Center
during normal business hours. Ticket prices are:
- $20 for a 3-day tournament pass
- $10 for a 1-day pass
- $5 for an adult single game ticket
- $3 for a student single game ticket
For more information about specific game times
and locations visit the Berry Center’s web site at
www.BerryCenter.net or contact the Cy-Fair ISD
Athletic Department at 281.894.3980.
Hospital News
North Cypress Emergency Room Continues to Grow
with New Willowbrook ER
North Cypress recently opened a second Emergency Room
location on Tomball Parkway just south of the Spring Cypress
exit. This new addition offers our neighbors in the 249 corridor
the same expert level of emergency care provided at the main
Cypress campus, including experienced doctors and nurses
and state-of-the-art technology in a new, convenient and upscale location.
Full Service Lab Open 24-hours a Day Walk-ins welcome.
Outpatient Imaging Services Open 24-hours a Day
Walk-ins welcome for conventional x-rays. Other imaging
services include CT and ultrasound. To make an appointment
for imaging services, please call 832.912.3724.
The emergency room’s first-rate personal care provides a board
certified physician to see you within 30 minutes of arrival.
Because the facility operates with so many specialty doctors inhouse, treatment for your emergency needs begin immediately.
With access to physicians in a full array of specialties and
high-tech equipment, the new location is equipped to handle
both minor and acute emergencies. We also provide pediatric
treatment rooms decorated with kid-friendly wall murals to
create a less intimidating experience for our younger patients.
In addition to 24-hour emergency care, the North Cypress
Emergency Room at Willowbrook offers the following outpatient services:
The North Cypress Emergency Room at Willowbrook is
located at 22475 Tomball Parkway. For more information, call
281.320.8500 or visit www.NCMC-Hospital.com.
Awards & Accreditation
Cardiac Rehabilitation Center
Receives Leading Certification
North Cypress Medical Center’s Cardiac Rehabilitation
Center has been nationally recognized by the AACVPR
(American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary
Rehabilitation) as an accredited Cardiac and Pulmonary
Rehabilitation Center. This certification recognizes the
program’s high standards of care, making the North Cypress
Cardiac Rehabilitation Center the only certified program
in the area. Cardiac Rehabilitation is a multi-disciplinary,
medically supervised program that provides individualized
exercise, education and support for lifestyle modification
for people with heart problems.
For more information, please contact
the Cardiac Rehab Department at
832.912.3634 or you can also email
cardiac.rehab@NCMC-Hospital.com.
NCMC Earns
Performance Achievement Award
from the American Stroke Association
North Cypress Medical Center has received the American
Stroke Association’s “Get With The Guidelines-Stroke”
Silver Performance Achievement Award. This award
recognizes North Cypress Medical Center’s commitment
and success in implementing a higher standard of stroke care
by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment according
to nationally accepted standards and recommendations.
North Cypress also received the Joint Commission’s
accreditation as a Primary Stroke Center. The center
was also recognized by The Texas Department of
State Health Services and awarded the distinction of
Level II Primary Stroke Facility.
Page 5
Clayton’s Story
NCMC Patient Makes Strides in Recovery
from Immune Disorder
Clayton Simmank did not know what was happening when he
began to lose feeling in both his legs. A week prior, the 23-yearold had been experiencing nausea due to food poisoning and
an unexplained tingling in his feet before waking up to numbness
in his legs. Once the numbness set in, he knew something was
seriously wrong.
On January 31, 2010, Clayton Simmank was rushed to the
North Cypress Medical Center Emergency Room. The day
after his arrival Dr. Paul Gill, a neurologist at North Cypress
Medical Center, and a team of physicians diagnosed him with
Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Less than 24 hours after rushing to the North Cypress Emergency
Room, Clayton became paralyzed from the chest down. The
syndrome caused him to become a quadriplegic. The paralysis
quickly progressed from his neck down, causing Simmank’s
ability to fill his lungs to rapidly decrease. When he could no
longer get enough oxygen on his own, he was electively intubated
and placed on a ventilator for airway support.
Clayton was weaned from
the ventilator and began a
more active therapy program.
Guillain-Barre syndrome is
a viral disorder in which
the body’s immune system
attacks its own nervous
system. The first symptoms
of this disorder include
varying degrees of weakness
or tingling sensations in the
legs. In extreme cases such Clayton Simmank continues with his
AMAZING recovery
as Clayton’s, these symptoms
can intensify until certain muscles cannot be used at all and
the patient is fully paralyzed. The signs and symptoms of GuillainBarre syndrome can be quite vast, making it difficult for doctors
to diagnose in its earliest stages. The timely diagnosis by
Dr. Gill and the team of physicians at North Cypress Medical
Center saved Clayton’s life.
On August 18, 2010, during physical therapy Clayton miThe most critical part of treatment for Guillain-Barre syndrome
raculously walked 194 feet with assistance. After previously
consists of keeping the patient’s body functioning during the
spending approximately 8 weeks in the Intensive Care Unit
nervous system recovery. During this time, nurses and physical
at North Cypress Medical Center
therapists worked closely with
and another 4 weeks in long term
him to keep his muscles active
ICU at another facility, Clayton is
and strong. At first, high-dose
What is
now able to move his arms, a few
steroids were used for treatment
fingers, and walk short distances.
and later plasma exchange (also
Clayton’s outstanding recovery is
called plasmapheresis) was used
ongoing and has been a miracle
to treat the complications of
Guillain-Barre syndrome can affect anyone.
to him and his family.
Clayton’s syndrome. This helps to
It can strike at any age, and both sexes are
lessen the attack on the patient’s
equally prone to the disorder. The cause for this
nervous system.
syndrome, which is not contagious, is currently
unknown. However, there are therapies that
Doctors treated many of the
lessen the severity of the illness and accelerate
complications that developed as
the recovery in most patients. Guillain-Barre
a result of the Guillain-Barre
syndrome can be a devastating disorder because
syndrome including high blood
of its sudden and unexpected onset. Recovery
pressure, a rapid heart rate,
time is on an individual basis and can be quite
pneumonia, eye infection, high
fever, and difficult swallowing.
prolonged.
After three months of treatment,
Guillain-Barre Syndrome?
Page 6
TIF Procedure
Surgery Without Incisions is Now Available
for Chronic Heartburn and Reflux
Tens of millions of Americans suffer with daily heartburn or
other symptoms of chronic acid reflux, such as regurgitation,
chronic cough, hoarseness and dental erosions. Until recently,
these people either faced a lifetime of daily medications or the
high risks of invasive surgery.
At North Cypress Medical Center there is now a better option:
the new Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication procedure, or
TIF, uses the innovative EsophyX device to perform the complete
surgery with no incisions!
“The TIF procedure can significantly improve quality of life
for our patients,” said Dr. Brad Waggoner, one of the first
specialists in the Northwest Houston area to be trained on the
TIF procedure.
Chronic acid reflux disease is a condition in which stomach
bile or intestinal acid travels backwards from the stomach
to the esophagus, an anatomical problem, which needs an
anatomical solution. Regular reflux medications such as PPIs
(proton pump inhibitors) can help relieve patients’ heartburn
symptoms but do not solve the underlying anatomical issues
or prevent further progression of the disease. Following the
TIF procedure, numerous clinical trials show most patients are
able to eat and drink foods they have been forced to avoid for
many years.
How the TIF Procedure Works
The TIF procedure reconstructs the valve between the esophagus
and the stomach to prevent reflux. The surgery is based on the
same well-proven traditional principles of invasive acid reflux
surgery, but the advantage of the new procedure is that it is
“surgery from within” performed through the mouth. While
the patient is under anesthesia, the flexible EsophyX device is
gently lowered through the mouth into the stomach. Once inside
the stomach, the surgeon manipulates the device to create a
tight sealing valve. This incisionless surgery results in less pain,
less recovery time and no visible scars. Most patients are able
to return to normal daily activities within a few days.
“We are very excited to be able to offer our patients the same
incredible results as more invasive procedures but without
incisions,” said Dr. Waggoner. “Recent studies show that the
TIF procedure will reduce patients’ dependency on reflux
medications. Two years following the TIF procedure, nearly 80%
of patients remain off their daily reflux medications and have
experienced a dramatic improvement in their quality of life.”
With millions of Americans diagnosed with acid reflux and
not fully satisfied with their treatment options, the new
procedure offers an excellent alternative. If you are suffering
from chronic acid reflux and would like more information
about how the TIF procedure can benefit you, please visit
www.NCMC-Hospital.com or call Dr. Waggoner’s office at
281.640.8373.
FREE SEMINAR
TIF INCISIONLESS SURGERY
FOR ACID REFLUX
Presented by:
Dr. Bradley Waggoner, MD, General Surgeon
Tuesday, November 30th at 7:00pm
North Cypress Conference Center
North Cypress Medical Center
21214 Northwest Freeway, Cypress, TX
Call 832.912.3734 to Register
Visit us at www.NCMC-Hospital.com
Page 7
Surgical Weight Loss Center
Great News About Weight Loss Surgery
More Benefits Than Just Losing Weight!
Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is known
to be the most effective and long lasting treatment for morbid
obesity and related conditions. Now, there is exciting news
about how weight loss surgery can help to resolve or decrease
the symptoms in a number of obesity-related health conditions.
According to the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric
Surgery (ASMBS) there is evidence that suggests bariatric
surgery may be among the most effective treatments for
metabolic diseases and conditions including type 2 diabetes,
hypertension, high cholesterol, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
and obstructive sleep apnea.
According to the ASMBS, patients typically have a maximum
weight loss within 1–2 years after surgery and maintain a
substantial weight loss with improvements in obesity-related
conditions for years afterwards. Patients may lose 30–50% of
their excess weight 6 months after surgery and 77% of their
excess weight as early as 12 months after surgery.
Long-term studies show that up to 10–14 years after surgery,
morbidly obese patients who had surgery maintained a much
greater weight loss and more favorable levels of diabetes,
cholesterol and hypertension, as compared to those who did
not have surgery.
Obesity in America – An Overview
• Obesity is a life-threatening disease affecting 34% of adults
in the United States. Sixty-eight percent of adults are either
overweight or obese.
• According to the ASMBS, between 2000 and 2005, obesity
(BMI > 30) increased by 24%, morbid obesity (BMI > 40)
increased by 50% and super obesity (BMI > 50) increased
by 75%.
• Morbid obesity is associated with more than 30 illnesses
and medical conditions including: type 2 diabetes, coronary
heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and cancer. Other
conditions include arthritis, infertility, gastroesophageal
reflux disease (GERD), liver disease, sleep apnea, lower
back pain and more.
• Obesity-related health spending costs in the US is an
estimated $147 billion annually—double what it was a decade
ago and amounting to nearly 10% of medical spending.
• Obese individuals spend 40% more on health care costs
than individuals of normal weight. Diseases associated with
obesity account for 27% of the increases in medical costs
since 1987.
Statistics on Bariatric Surgery in the U.S.
About 220,000 people with morbid obesity had bariatric surgery
in 2009. Since there are approximately 15 million people in
the US with morbid obesity, only 1% of the clinically eligible
population is being treated for morbid obesity through
bariatric surgery.
Page 8
Impact on Obesity-Related Diseases and More
Bariatric surgery can improve or resolve more than 30 obesityrelated conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease,
sleep apnea, hypertension, and high cholesterol.
According to the ASMBS, studies have shown the following:
• Gastric bypass resolves type 2 diabetes in nearly 90%
of patients
• Banding resolves type 2 diabetes in 73% of patients
• Risk of developing coronary heart disease is cut in half
• Sleep apnea is resolved in more than 85% of patients
Other studies have shown Gastric Bypass surgery’s impact on
the following conditions:
• Acid reflux / GERD resolved in 98% of patients
• Osteoarthritis / Joint pain resolved in 41% of patients
• Urinary incontinence resolved in 44% of patients
• Ovulation and fertility restored in 100% of patients
Flu Facts
Weight loss surgery has been found to pay for itself in about 2
years, due to the fact that it helps to resolve these associated
medical conditions. As a result, patients save money on related
prescription drugs, doctor visits and hospital visits.
Quality-of-Life Improvements
In addition to medical benefits, patients also enjoy an improved
quality-of-life. Patients find that they feel better, spend more time
participating in recreational and physical activities, benefit from
enhanced productivity and economic opportunities and have
more self-confidence than they did prior to weight loss surgery.
Offering YOU Services Close to Home
We recognize that weight loss surgery is not for everyone, but
many will benefit from weight loss. That’s why North Cypress
Flu Facts 101
By Dr. Kelly M. Englund, MD
It isn’t always possible to prevent
colds and flu but there are some ways to reduce your risk.
Approximately 5 to 20% of the population will contract
influenza, more commonly known as the flu each year. On
average, more than 200,000 people will be hospitalized and
36,000 die from complications of influenza annually. The risk
of complications is highest among people age 60 and older,
young children, or people with underlying health conditions
such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or
heart disease.
Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness that is caused
by influenza viruses. The infection is most common during late
fall and winter and is spread through respiratory droplets from
person to person. Symptoms include the abrupt onset of fever
and chills, headache, nausea, runny nose or upper respiratory
congestion, nonproductive cough, muscle aches and extreme
fatigue. Although mild cases of the flu are similar to a cold and
usually resolve on their own within a few days, weakness and
fatigue may persist for weeks. Severe cases, which are often
complicated by pneumonia, can be fatal.
The best way to prevent the flu is with vaccination.
There are two types of influenza vaccines available. The first
type consists of a live, weakened virus given nasally; it is only
approved for certain non-high-risk populations. The second
form of the vaccine (the common “flu shot”) is an inactivated
virus and is appropriate for anyone older than 6 months of age.
Because it is a killed vaccine, it cannot cause the flu.
Weight Loss Center offers a non-surgical weight loss program
with our hospital dietitians in addition to surgical weight loss
options with our Bariatric Center and Bariatric Surgeons.
Weight loss surgery seminars are held weekly at the hospital.
For more information, call 832.912.3997 or visit our Weight
Loss website at www.NCMC-Weightloss.com
North Cypress Bariatric Surgery &
Weight Loss Center has been designated
as a Bariatric Center of Excellence. This
designation recognizes surgical programs
with a demonstrated track record of
favorable outcomes in bariatric surgery.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the flu
shot for children from 6 months to 5 years of age, women who
will be pregnant during the flu season, adults age 50 and older,
and anyone with a chronic medical condition (such as COPD,
diabetes, or kidney disease) which increases the risk of influenza
complications. Furthermore, anyone in close contact with
these high-risk people should also be vaccinated. This includes
health care workers and household contacts of young children
and other at-risk people.
Because it takes approximately 2 weeks after vaccination to
develop an immune response, it is recommended that people
get their shots early, starting in October or early November.
The flu season can go through April or May, however, and it is
never too late in the season to get vaccinated.
Since the flu is caused by a virus, treatment focuses mainly on
relieving symptoms. This includes rest, fluids, acetaminophen
for fevers and aches, and cough suppressants as needed. There
are antiviral medications available by prescription, but these
are only effective if taken within 24-48 hours of symptom onset.
If you think you have the flu, call your doctor and practice good
hygiene to limit transmission of the virus from person to person:
wash hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, immediately
dispose of all tissues and stay away from others until you are
feeling better.
Contact Dr. Englund’s office at 281.807.5300 or your family
physician if you are interested in getting a flu shot. For a list of
Family Practice or Internal Medicine physicians contact our
Physician Referral Line at 832.912.3634.
Page 9
Hospital News
Sports Medicine Center Provides Funding to
CFISD for Concussion Testing
The North Cypress Sports Medicine Center recently provided
funding to the Cy-Fair Independent School District to purchase
concussion testing software for all district high schools, as well
as Waller High School and Cypress Christian. The software,
called ImPACT, is the first, most widely used, and most scientifically validated computerized concussion evaluation system.
In the event that the student suffers a concussion, the results
from their baseline are compared with the post injury results
and the results are made available to the student’s physician.
ImPACT is a 20-minute test that has become a standard tool
used in comprehensive clinical management of concussions
for athletes of all ages. The $10,000 software is currently being
used by the schools for post-injury evaluation tests. Beginning
in January, the software will be used to conduct baseline testing on 9th-11th grade students involved in a contact sport. The
tests can be administered by an athletic trainer, school nurse,
athletic director, team coach, team doctor, or anyone trained to
administer baseline testing.
The ImPACT program measures multiple aspects of cognitive
functioning in athletes, including symptoms, attention span,
non-verbal problem solving, verbal and visual memory, speed,
and reaction time. These results will largely assist clinicians
and athletic trainers in making difficult decisions regarding the
athlete’s health and mobility.
North Cypress Medical Center’s
Joint Replacement Center Celebrates
1000th Patient
The Joint Replacement
Center at North Cypress
Medical Center reached
a milestone by admitting
its 1,000th patient on
September 1, 2010. Mr.
Michael Dupuis received
a left anterior hip arthroplasty performed by Dr.
Congratulations to Mr. Dupuis!
Stefan W. Kreuzer, M.D.,
North Cypress Medical Center Orthopedic Surgeon,
marking the milestone for the hospital.
For more information regarding the Joint Replacement
Center at North Cypress Medical Center, please visit
www.NCMC-Hospital.com or call 832.912.9812.
Page 10
For more information on the ImPACT program, please contact
David Griffin at the North Cypress Sports Medicine Center
at 832.912.6330.
We’re Going Green!
North Cypress Medical Center has partnered with Waste
Management to implement a new campus-wide recycling
program.
A cardboard baler has been installed on the main North
Cypress campus in an effort to protect the environment,
conserve resources and reduce expenses. The permanent
cardboard baler is estimated to compact 12 tons of cardboard from the hospital to recycle each month.
Within a few months, the recycling project will expand
to also include plastic, paper, aluminum and surgical
disposables from the operating room. The North Cypress
recycling project will help in the
reduction of energy and natural
resource consumption, air pollutants and most water emissions, and
will hopefully influence others to
go green.
Support Groups & Seminars
Cancer Support Groups
Better Breathers Support Groups
Look Good/Feel Better
The North Cypress Medical Center Pulmonary Rehab Program
is dedicated to helping those with breathing difficulties. Please
join our free support group to learn now to regain the quality of
life you deserve.
Wednesday, December 15th, 12pm
Wednesday, January 19th, 12pm
Join us for this complimentary program that teaches
beauty techniques to women with cancer to help combat the
appearance-related side effects of treatment. Space is limited,
and all participants must register in order to receive a free
cosmetic kit!
Dialogue-Cancer Support Group
Monthly Meetings every 1st Tuesday, 12pm – 1:30pm
This group is for individuals coping with cancer in various
ways, including patients, their families and friends. Dialogue
meets the 1st Tuesday of each month.
Coping with Breast Cancer
Monthly meetings every 2nd Tuesday, 6pm – 7:30pm
This group is for women coping with breast cancer, offering
a safe, uplifting place for women to come and share their
common experiences, problems and solutions.
Man-to-Man - Cancer Support Group
Monthly meetings every 3rd Tuesday, 6pm – 7:30pm
This group is for men coping with all types of cancer.
Yoga & Visualization
Thursday, February 10th, 6pm – 7:30pm
Join us for this complimentary class for all levels of yoga
participants to help individuals with cancer enhance their
physical and emotional wellness. Please bring your own
yoga mat.
Art Therapy for Indviduals with Cancer
Thursday, January 20th, 6pm ­– 7:30pm.
Join us for this unique and complimentary art therapy class to
help manage the physical and emotional problems of cancer
by using painting to express emotions. The location for this
program will be at North Cypress Medical Center (main
hospital building) in the room adjacent to the cafeteria.
Support Group meetings will be held in the lobby of The Cancer
Center at North Cypress Medical Center. For questions regarding
any of these support groups, call Janet Kantenberger, LCSW, at
832.912.3658 or register online at NCMC-Hopital.com.
Cardiac Rehab Support Groups
The Helping Hearts Support Group
Monthly meetings every 2nd Tuesday, 6pm – 7pm
Groups meet in North Cypress Conf. Center in the hospital lobby.
For more information contact the Cardiac Rehab
Department at 832.912.3634, or register online
at NCMC-Hospital.com.
Tuesday, December 28th, 12pm
Support Groups meet in the Cardiac Rehab Dept, Suite 620 of
the North Cypress Professional Building.
To register for one of the upcoming dates, please call
832.912.3633.
Surgical Weight Loss Seminars
Thursday, December 2nd @ 6pm
Tuesday, December 7th @ 6pm
Thursday, December 16th @ 6pm
Saturday, December 18th @ 10am
All seminars & support groups meet in the North Cypress
Conference Center, 1st Floor. Please call 1.888.U.LOSE.
LB to register for an upcoming seminar, or register online
at NCMC-Hospital.com or our weight loss website at www.
NCMC-Weightloss.com
On-line Surgical Weight Loss Seminars
Tuesday, December 7th @ 12pm
Please call 832.912.3997 to register for one of these free
on-line seminars.
Shoulder & Rotator Cuff Injury Seminar
“Minimally Invasive Treatments for the Active Person”
Free Seminar, Wednesday, Dec. 1st @ 7pm
Presented by Dr. Alain Elbaz, MD
North Cypress Conference Center
Join us for this free informative seminar and learn how
minimally invasive procedures such as Shoulder Arthroscopy
and Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair can help you return to an
active life free of shoulder pain.
To register, please call 1.877.47.JOINT or register online
at NCMC-Hospital.com.
Our New Websites Are Live!
Anterior Hip Replacement Center:
www.AnteriorHipHouston.com
North Cypress Epilepsy Center:
www.NCMC-EpilepsyCenter.com
Remember
To Check
Them Out!
North Cypress Surgical Weightloss
Program: www.NCMC-Weightloss.com
Page 11
21214 Northwest Freeway,
Cypress, TX 77429
Only one hospital cares for you like we do.
Book Your Holiday Party Today!
Book Merche for your private or company
holiday party. Our private room is the
perfect ambiance to celebrate in style.
Call 281.949.5999 Today!
Now Serving Sunday Brunch
Sunday 10am-3pm
Choose from special Merche dishes such
as Smoked Salmon Scrambled Eggs,
Crab Cake Poached Eggs Benedict,
and Toasted French Croissants, or enjoy
a mimosa on the outdoor patio. Merche
also serves a variety of meals for kids,
all under $5.00. Sunday brunch is
served from 10:00am to 3:00pm, and
dinner is served Sunday evenings
from 3:00pm to 9:00pm.
Autumn in Napa Valley
On Thursday, November 30th Merche
restaurant will be hosting “Autumn
in Napa Valley,” a wine dinner
celebrating fine wines from the
Napa Valley region. Napa Valley
features more than three
hundred wineries today and
grows many different grape
varieties.
The outstanding five-course
meal will be paired with classic
Napa Valley wine selections,
highlighting the unique tastes
of these California wines with
the delectable dishes from
Merche’s chef.
The event will begin at 6:30pm, with
a cost of $95 per person excluding
tax and gratuity. Reservations are
required. Reserve your place by
calling 281.949.5999.
California Wine Tasting
Join Merche on Thursday,
December 9th at 6pm for our
California Wine Tasting. Enjoy
four wines from four different
regions in California along with
Merche’s delectable passed hors
d’oeuvres. Cost of event is $20
per person excluding tax and
gratuity. Reserve your place
by calling 281.949.5999.
21208 Northwest Freeway, Cypress, Texas 77429 | North Cypress Medical Center Professional Building II | MercheRestaurant.com