Community Connection – Winter 2009

A Newsletter from North Cypress Medical Center
at 290 & Huffmeister Rd.
Winter 2009
Community Connection
Project Pink 2009
Raised $50,000 for
Houston Komen Affiliate
(page 3)
Now Open
Bringing Fine Spanish-Italian
Cuisine to Cypress!
(page 4)
New Year, New You
Learn How Surgical Weight Loss
Can Help Achieve Your Goal
(page 6)
Breast Cancer
Prevention
Know Your Breast Cancer Risk
with BRACAnalysis®
(page 8)
A Message from the CEO
Dear Friends,
What an exciting year it has been! We have completed our
expansion which includes a new professional building housing
many of the area’s leading specialty physicians, an outpatient
surgery center, an outpatient radiology center, comprehensive
pain center, and a sports medicine center. Our new professional
building, North Cypress Professional Building II, houses
33 additional physician offices and is attached to our new
750-car parking garage. The North Cypress Outpatient Surgery
Center, located on the first floor of North Cypress Professional
Building II allows patients easy and quick access without
having to go to the main hospital for surgical procedures.
Also located on the first floor, the Outpatient Imaging Center
offers the latest, state-of-the art diagnostic equipment
including MRI, CT, Ultrasound, and more. The North Cypress
Comprehensive Pain Center, also located in the new building
provides relief to chronic and acute pain patients. The Pain
Specialists evaluate and provide individualized treatment
plans and procedures based on each patient’s personal pain
experience. The new North Cypress Sports Medicine Center
is open and already treating patients and athletes. Working
with the area’s leading Sports Medicine physicians and
Orthopedic Surgeons, The Sports Medicine Center provides
injury evaluation, post-injury and post-surgical rehabilitation,
sport specific testing, and aquatic therapy.
We have also opened the North Cypress Village Pharmacy and
Gift Shop. Located in North Cypress Professional Building
II, Village Pharmacy allows patients to get their prescriptions
filled before they ever leave the campus. The pharmacy
offers full prescription services, online prescription refills,
compounding, and a variety of over-the-counter medications.
Village Pharmacy also has a spectacular upscale gift shop
featuring a variety of items for everyone. Visit us online at
www.northcypressrx.com.
We are very excited that our new restaurant, Merche, is now
open. Merche offers one-of-a-kind dishes featuring SpanishItalian fusion cuisine and a variety of appetizers, salads,
soups, specialty pizzas, pasta, and entrees being offered. The
restaurant has a custom brick pizza oven and rotisserie. We
Page 2
have a beautiful outdoor patio with a large stone fireplace and
water wall. I have teamed up with Executive Chef, Joel St. John
to create some extraordinary dishes in a spectacular ambiance.
We hope you will stop in. We are open daily from 11am –
9pm and on Sundays from 4pm – 9pm. You can have a look
at our menu on our website, www.mercherestaurant.com
In the next few months, North Cypress will be expanding
our Neurological Services. Our newest programs are the
North Cypress Headache Clinic, the North Cypress Memory
Clinic, and our Epilepsy Monitoring Unit. Working in
conjunction with Neurologist, Dr. Paul Gill, The Headache
Clinic provides diagnostic evaluations, treatment and
education for those suffering from chronic headaches. The
Memory Clinic offers free memory screenings to anyone
suffering memory problems and provides the latest in
neurological testing and treatment capabilities. The hospital
will also be opening an Epilepsy Monitoring Unit in the
hospital that will allow Neurologists and specialty nurses to
observe, monitor, and record valuable information to help
treat those suffering with epilepsy. I am also happy to report
that North Cypress is now a Fully Accredited Stroke Center.
The winter season always brings a host of illnesses, flu and
respiratory problems to many people. We encourage each of
you to take the appropriate precautions to keep yourself well
this season. Feel safe knowing that North Cypress is available
24/7 if you need us. North Cypress continues our commitment
to providing excellent medical care and extraordinary customer
service. On behalf of the Board of Managers, Medical Staff,
and employees, we hope you have a prosperous New Year and
encourage you to spend time with your family and friends. Stay
safe and healthy and rest assured that North Cypress Medical
Center is here for you and your family should the need arise.
Happy 2010!!
Best Wishes,
Robert A. Behar, M.D.
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
What’s Happening?
North Cypress Project Pink Event
Raises $50,000 for
Houston Komen Affiliate
Fighting Breast Cancer in Style
Images from Project Pink 2009
A sold-out crowd of almost 500 joined us for the third
annual Project Pink event, hosted in the lobby of
North Cypress Medical Center on Saturday,
October 17th.
The seminar, luncheon, style show and silent
and live auctions raised a phenomenal
$50,000, doubling the efforts of last year’s
event! North Cypress presented a check to the
Houston Affiliate of Susan G Komen for the Cure to aid in their fight
against breast cancer.
Dana Tyson, morning personality for Sunny 99.1 FM, served as the
celebrity emcee for the second year and doubled as auctioneer for the first
live auction at Project Pink. The auction included a diamond necklace and
earring set donated by Plaza Jewelry and a custom-made cocktail dress by
Suzanne B of TropiCouture.
Speakers included Dr. Frank Morello, Jr, Interventional Radiologist,
and Dr. Kim Keller, General Surgeon specializing in breast disease and
Chief of Surgery for North Cypress Medical Center. They spoke to the
audience about the importance of early detection and state-of-the-art
diagnostic and treatment options for breast cancer. Debbie Flunker, area
resident and breast cancer survivor brought the crowd to both tears and
cheers when speaking about how breast cancer affected her life and the
lives of her children.
Sponsors for the event included: Citadel Outsource Group, Legend Oaks
Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center of Houston, Realis Medical Spa,
IF Marketing & Advertising, Ginny’s Printing, West Houston Radiology,
First Harbor Group, Amegy Bank, Minuteman Press, Gallagher
Healthcare, Rock n Robin DJ, Kim Keller, MD, InkDots Printing,
Bridgeland, Ricoh Business Solutions, and RTM Media.
Participating boutiques and stores for the style show included: Ann
Taylor Factory Store, B Ellen, Coldwater Creek Outlet, Dahlia’s, Loft
Outlet, Merle Norman and More, Ta Ta Collection, and Vickie Lynn’s.
Hairstyling was provided by Industrial Red Salons.
Thanks to the many sponsors, auction donors, local clothing stores and
boutiques, and hardworking volunteers for making the 3rd annual
Project Pink a huge success!
Page 3
What’s Happening?
Fine dining is now available in the heart of Cypress
is now open!
Experience the relaxed dining atmosphere
of Merche, a sophisticated restaurant
specializing in the fusion of Spanish-Italian
cuisine. Dine indoors or enjoy casual,
elegant dining on our beautiful outdoor
patio, boasting a large fireplace and
water wall.
available to host intimate parties and
meetings. From rehearsal dinners to
corporate meetings, Merche creates the
perfect ambiance and exquisite cuisine for
any occasion.
Blending traditional, old-world flavor
with visionary preparation and technique,
Merche offers one-of-a-kind culinary
creations with the finest and freshest
ingredients. Featuring a custom brick
pizza oven, signature Merche rotisserie
chicken, impeccable service and an extensive
wine list, Merche is an exciting, chic
dining experience.
Chef Joel St. John has more than 30 years
experience in the culinary arts, specializing
in exciting conceptual dishes, rich flavor
pairings and quality presentation. St. John
began his career at the world-famous
Commander’s Palace in New Orleans. He
has also excelled at setting the culinary
ambiance at the Bouligny Restaurant in
uptown New Orleans, Floridita Seafood
Grill, and most recently Spencer’s for
Steaks and Chops.
In addition to casual dining, let Merche
assist with your next corporate meeting or
party. With the capacity to accommodate
up to 46 guests, a private dining room is
Our CEO, Dr. Behar has provided the
inspiration for this unique restaurant
with many of the recipes being his own.
Working collectively with Chef Joel, they
The North Cypress Village Pharmacy
The Village Pharmacy makes it easier to fill prescriptions
after visiting your physician or having a procedure on the
North Cypress campus. Located on the first floor of North
Cypress Professional Building II, the Village Pharmacy is
a full-service community pharmacy serving patients and
residents of the Cypress area, including:
• Prescriptions
• On-site & Online Refills
• Compounding Services • Health & Wellness Products
• Expert Advice
• Upscale Gift Shop
• Reserved Pharmacy Parking
The Village Pharmacy offers all the conveniences and
technology of a modern state-of-the-art pharmacy
combined with genuine customer service and old-world
elegance. Enjoy a completely new pharmacy experience at
North Cypress Village Pharmacy.
The Village Pharmacy can be reached
at 832.912.6210, or visit the website
www.northcypressrx.com.
Page 4
have been boldly introduced to Merche.
Come to Merche! for a unique dining
experience.
For more information or to make a
reservation, please call 281.949.5999
or visit www.MercheRestaurant.com.
Up Your Game with the
North Cypress
Sports Medicine Center
The North Cypress Sports Medicine Center is now open.
Whether recovering from an injury or working to improve
strength, coordination and flexibility, no one cares for
athletes like we do.
The Sports Medicine Center offers:
• Injury evaluation
• Post-injury rehabilitation
• Sports nutrition
• Post-surgical rehabilitation
• Flexibility
• Balance assessments
• Return-to-sport
• Sport-specific assessments
functional testing
and evaluations
• Aquatic therapy and more!
For more information or to
schedule an evaluation, call
832.912.6330.
Heart Felt News
North Cypress Cardiologist’s Work
Credited by American Heart Association
Each year young athletes who are in great physical condition die during
competitive sports as a result of previously undiagnosed cardiac conditions.
Because of their young age, and lack of symptoms that would alert parents to
a problem, these treatable conditions are often not detected until it is too late.
Dr. Thomas DeBauche has partnered with Cypress Fairbanks ISD to
decrease the incidence of this tragedy by providing free Electrocardiograms
(ECGs) for high school athletes. ECGs measure the heart’s electrical
activity, telling the doctor if the heart’s activity is too slow or fast or if parts
of the heart are too large or overworked. Many of the conditions found by
ECGs are easily treatable and allow the athletes to get back to the game,
while others will require more major procedures and monitoring throughout patients’ lifetimes.
Through Dr. DeBauche’s efforts
with the school district, Laptop ECGs were purchased
for 10 of Cy-Fair ISD’s high
schools. Athletic trainers and
other employees were trained
to operate these machines and
electronically forward results
Dr. DeBauche (left) and Dr. Razeghi screened
to Dr. DeBauche’s office for
student athletes from Cy-Fair are high schools.
interpretation. Over the last
eight years, Dr. DeBauche and partner, Dr. Peter Razeghi, have screened
over 2000 freshmen athletes, discovering 186 students with abnormal
results that required further testing and treatment. Because of this endeavor,
many underlying conditions that would have resulted in major complications
or death were identified and treated.
The data from the program with Cy-Fair ISD has inspired a campaign to
expand this testing to many other schools, locally and across the nation.
Working with software and electronics companies, it is believed that ECG
machines can be developed for less than $500 each, with a cost for supplies
averaging just $2.00-per-test.
Dr. DeBauche’s information and abstract was selected for the American Heart
Association’s annual conference in Orlando this November. Dr. DeBauche
presented his findings
at the conference, and
he was interviewed by
several national news
networks.
Community Sponsorships
North Cypress Serves as
NW Heart Walk Sponsor
North Cypress Medical Center served as the
Survivor Zone Sponsor at the $5,000 level for
the Northwest Harris County Heart Walk.
The annual 5K was hosted by Lone Star College
Cy-Fair on Saturday, November 7th. The
dedicated participants and volunteers raised
over $145,000 toward the American Heart
Association’s fight against heart disease and
stroke.
At the Survivor Zone tent, North Cypress
Medical Center handed out red caps to
survivors in honor of their triumph over
heart attack and stroke. Guests were also
invited to share a story on paper of how they
or a loved one have won their battles against
these deadly diseases. The inspirational stories
were posted at the Survivor Zone tent for
others to read.
The North Cypress Team had approximately
40 walkers and raised over $5,300 for the
American Heart Association.
North Cypress is Heart Ball’s
Presenting Sponsor
North Cypress Medical Center Chief Executive
Officer, Dr. Robert A. Behar and Marketing
Director, Stacy Thornton will be serving
as the Co-Chairs of the Northwest Harris
County Heart Ball, benefiting the American
Heart Association.
North Cypress will also be participating
as the Presenting Sponsor, with a $50,000
sponsorship for the event. The Heart Ball will
be held on Saturday, January 23rd at the
Hilton Americas.
Those interested in participating as a sponsor
or purchasing a table can contact Jessica
Winkler at the American Heart Association
at 713.610.5030.
Page 5
Surgical Weight Loss Center
Starting the New Year Off
with a Healthy New You
As we approach a new year, many people look at the changes
that they want to make in their lives. For many people, weight
loss is the number one priority. For those battling severe obesity
that have repeatedly tried diets and exercise with little success,
weight loss surgery may be a lifesaver and a life-changing
treatment. There are several different types of surgical weight
loss procedures to choose from. Some work to restrict the
amount of food that is eaten, while others interrupt the digestive
process. Success can be obtained with all of the procedures but
do require a life commitment to change one’s eating habits.
This lifestyle change not only affects one’s weight and looks
but can also improve one’s health.
What is Obesity?
Obesity is defined as an excess of body fat that frequently
results in a significant impairment in health. For some, this
condition evolves over the years and turns to morbid obesity.
Morbid obesity is a disease where one weighs 100 pounds or
more above their ideal body weight, and some 18 million people
in the United States suffer from it. In fact, morbid obesity
is the second-leading cause of preventable death in the
United States. It can interfere with physical functions such
as breathing or walking and can result in a number of health
conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high
blood pressure, cancer, sleep apnea and more.
Surgical Weight Loss Options
Excellent results and minimal complications have made a variety
of surgical weight loss procedures popular over the last twenty
years. Many can be performed with small incisions and require
a very short hospital stay.
Gastric Bypass is a procedure in which a small stomach pouch
is created limiting the amount of food that a person can eat.
This pouch is then connected to a loop of small bowel, leaving
a defunctionalized area of the intestinal tract and resulting in
the reduced absorption of calories. Those undergoing this
procedure typically require only an overnight hospital stay.
Gastric Banding is a restrictive procedure that consists of
placing a silicone ring around the upper portion of the stomach,
which can be adjusted in the surgeon’s office to restrict the
amount of food a patient can consume. This minimally invasive
Page 6
procedure allows most patients to be discharged from the
hospital the same day.
Sleeve Gastrectomy is a new laparoscopic procedure that
involves removing a portion of the stomach and transforms
the shape of the remaining stomach from saclike to narrow
and tubular. This procedure is frequently advised for
patients thought to be at high risk for other types of bariatric
procedures.
Benefits of Bariatric Surgery – HEALTH!
Studies show that most people who undergo weight loss
surgery lose weight quickly and continue to do so for 18 – 24
months. Motivation, self-discipline, and a desire for a lifestyle
change are vital for successful weight loss maintenance.
Besides weight loss and a fabulous new body, surgical weight
loss procedures can improve the health and lengthen the life
span of people who are severely obese.
According to two studies reported in 2007 in The New England
Journal of Medicine, those who have weight loss surgery are less
likely to die from heart disease, diabetes, and cancer seven to ten
years following the procedure than similarly heavy people who
don’t have the procedures. Most diabetic patients who have
weight loss surgery see a marked improvement, and often a
complete resolution in their disease. Many patients experience
a decrease in cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. Those
who previously suffered from sleep apnea see a significant
improvement and frequently a total resolution in that condition.
And most who have undergone the procedures report that the
Surgical Weight Loss Center
health benefits of the surgery far outweigh any potential risks
and report that they feel as though they’ve been given a second
chance at life.
To learn more about the Surgical Weight Loss Program
The North Cypress Surgical Weight Loss Program offers a
multidisciplinary approach to surgical weight loss. The program
offers experienced bariatric surgeons, nurses, dietitians, and
rehab therapists to assist you in your lifestyle change.
can register in the “Community Events” section of the
visit the hospital’s website at www.NCMC-Hospital.com
or attend one of the Surgical Weight Loss Seminars. You
hospital’s website or call 1.888.LOSE.LB.
Building Better Bones
Ways to Prevent Osteoporosis
Many women think they don’t have to
worry about frail bones until they get
older. Unfortunately, millions of them
find out to too late and already have or
are at risk for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis
is a disease of the bones that makes
them weak and able to break quite
easily. Although most breaks occur
in the hip, wrist, or spine, osteoporosis
affects all of the bones in one’s body.
Osteoporosis in the spine, or vertebrae,
can cause serious problems for women.
A fracture in this area can affect daily
activities like lifting objects or bending
forward. Signs of osteoporosis can
include sloping shoulders, curving in
the back, height loss, back pain, and a
protruding abdomen.
Osteoporosis Risk Factors
There are several factors that increase
the likelihood of one developing
osteoporosis. Risk factors can include
the following:
• Typically occurs in women,
often with a small, thin frame
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Women over 65 years of age
• Mostly Caucasian or Asian,
although Hispanic and African
American women are also at risk
• Long term usage of certain
medications such as glucosteroids,
antiseizure medications, gonado-
tropin,and certain antacids can also
increase the likelihood of developing
the disease.
Other controllable factors are smoking,
drinking, not getting enough calcium and
vitamin D, and not getting enough
exercise.
pause, bone loss happens more rapidly.
The following are steps one can take to
prevent bone loss:
• Get enough calcium each day –
can be through milk, food,
or calcium pills
Ages 9 – 18 (1300mg / day)
Ages 19 – 50 (1000mg / day)
Ages 51 and older
(1200mg / day)
Testing for Osteoporosis
To determine if one is at risk for
osteoporosis, a bone density test is
needed. One test used is called a dualenergy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA
Scan). The DEXA Scan takes X-rays
of your bones. When performed, the
patient’s results are compared with the
results of an average woman at age 30,
which is considered the peak age for
bone mass in women. This information can help the physician diagnose
osteoporosis or determine what steps
may need to be taken. DEXA Scans
are easy, safe, and non-invasive. It is
recommended that women age 65 and
older get a bone density test. Women
age 60 to 64 with risk factors and those
over 45 who have had broken bones
should also get tested.
• Get enough vitamin D each day –
can be through food, milk, or pills
Ages 19 – 50
(200 IU / day)
Ages 51 – 70
(400 IU / day)
Ages 71+
(600 IU / day)
• Eat a healthy diet
• Get moving with weight-bearing
physical activity
• Don’t smoke
Preventing Weak Bones
• Drink in moderation
The best way to prevent weak bones is
to keep them strong. As one ages, bones
don’t make new bone fast enough to
keep up with bone loss. After meno-
For more information on The
North Cypress Women’s Center or
to schedule your DEXA Scan, call
832.912.3600.
Page 7
Women’s Center
BRACAnalysis® & Breast Cancer:
Know Your Risks and How to Reduce Them
By Kim Keller, MD
Understanding your family history is the first step in knowing
if you are at risk of breast cancer. You may have a higher risk of
breast and ovarian cancer if:
• Either you or a relative on either side of your family (mother
or father) was diagnosed with breast cancer before the age
of 50
• You are a relative of any male with breast cancer
• You are a relative of any female with ovarian cancer
• You have two or more family members with breast cancer
at any age
• You have Ashkenazic Jewish ancestry and a family member
has had breast or ovarian cancer at any age
Most hereditary breast and ovarian cancers are caused by
mutations on either of two genes: BRCA 1 or BRCA 2. These
genes can be inherited from your mother or your father. If you
have any of the above risk factors, speak to your doctor about a
simple blood test that can help determine your risk for developing
breast or ovarian cancer, called BRACAnalysis® genetic testing.
The BRACAnalysis®, which can be done after a woman turns
Page 8
twenty, enables her to make more informed decisions about
her health. Women who test positive for BRCA 1 or 2 have
up to a 64% risk of having a recurrent second breast cancer
in their lifetime, an important consideration when discussing
surgical options for treating women with a history of breast
cancer. Women who have had breast cancer also have a
significant risk of ovarian cancer.
What should women do if they find out
they carry the BRCA gene mutation?
All women should:
• Conduct a monthly self-breast exam
• Have annual mammograms after age 40
• Have an annual breast exam
It is recommended that women with a BRCA mutation have
more in-depth testing and start breast cancer screening earlier.
It is advised that women who test positive for the BRCA gene
have yearly MRI’s of the breasts and visit their gynecologist
more frequently. There are also medications to reduce breast
cancer risk in those with a positive BRCA gene.
Women’s Center
Some women with a positive BRCA gene may discuss more permanent
options to reduce the risk of developing cancer with their physicians,
including preventative mastectomy and having their ovaries and tubes
removed after they are finished having children.
Breast Specific Gama Imaging (BSGI) is another tool that can provide advanced detection of breast cancer. To perform a BSGI mammogram, the
radiologist will inject a small amount of tracing agent into the patient’s
body, which will concentrate in any cancerous cells. Then, the radiologist
uses a specially developed camera to take images of the breast without
compressing the tissue, allowing the radiologist to determine if any
cancerous cells are present.
Our Appreciations!
Thank You to Kohl’s
Department Store
North Cypress Medical Center would like
to thank Joe Davis, District Loss Prevention
Manager, of Kohl’s Department Store for
continued support in donating stuffed animals
and children’s books for the pediatric patients.
Having a new furry friend for support makes a
visit to the emergency room or a stay in the
hospital a little more bearable for the little ones.
Baby Jenna and her Cat-in-the-Hat donated by Kohl’s
Department Store..
Super Star Volunteer
The BSGI shows increased activity in the breast that may not be visible
with regular mammograms or ultrasounds. BSGI can also guard against
“false positive” identifications of cancer by differentiating cancerous cells
from non-cancerous cells.
North Cypress Medical Center provides an excellent team approach to
breast cancer with the most up-to-date digital mammography, as well as
the possibility of performing additional mammogram views and/or ultrasounds on the same day if needed.
For further information or to schedule an appointment please contact
Dr. Kim Keller at at 281.955.8884
Dr. Kim Keller completed Medical School at the
University of Arkansas College of Medicine. He completed
his General Surgery Residency at the University of
Florida College of Medicine in Jacksonville where he
also served as Chief Resident from 1988-1989. He has
been in private practice in the Houston area for over
20 years, where he performs both General and Laparoscopic Surgery and specializes in breast disease. He is
Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery and has been recognized as
one of America’s Top Surgeons by the Consumer’s Research Council.
The team of volunteers at North Cypress
Medical Center donates many hours of their
time each week to assist employees, patients,
and guests with a variety of tasks in clinical and
support areas of the hospital.
Richard Glass has
been a volunteer at
North Cypress since
June 2007. In that
time he has given over
Richard and Volunteer
2,500 hours in service
Coordinator, Glenda Salter
to the hospital. His
generosity and kindness embodies the spirit
of the volunteer program. Thank you Richard
for all you do!
If you are interested in joining the volunteer
program, please email Glenda Salter at
glenda.salter@ncmc-hospital.com
Page 9
Headache Clinic
North Cypress Opens Headache Clinic
North Cypress Medical Center has just opened the
North Cypress Headache Clinic. The clinic offers a variety
of treatment options including:
• Pharmacological treatments
• Detoxification from harmful medications that can
cause rebound headaches
• Biofeedback and other relaxation techniques
• Physical Medicine
out of five of patients report a family history of migraines,
however scientists are not certain if this is genetic or a family
predisposition. Women tend to experience them three times
more than men do. Migraines often begin as a dull ache and
then develop into a constant, throbbing and pulsating pain felt
at the temples, as well as the front or back of one side of the
head. The pain can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and
sensitivity to light and noise. Some migraines may also include
visual disturbances, or an aura.
• Onsite Infusion Clinic
• Chemo denervation using BOTOX
• Occipital nerve blocks
• Psychological and behavioral therapy
• Surgical treatment
• Nutritional counseling
• Trigger Point Injections
• Onsite Ophthalmologist
Do You Suffer from Headaches?
It is estimated that between forty and fifty million Americans
suffer from chronic or repeated headaches. It is possible that
headaches are the most common reason for missing work or
school in America. For those that suffer with chronic or
repeated headaches, the pain can often be unbearable. They
can affect the very young, even babies, as well as adults. There
are several different types of headaches, including tension
headaches, migraine headaches, cluster headaches, organic
headaches and rebound headaches.
Tension headaches are usually episodic, occur randomly
and are often a result of stress, anxiety, fatigue or anger.
Symptoms can include soreness in the temples, a tightening
around the head, and contracting head and neck muscles.
Most tension headaches are relieved with an over-the-counter
medication. If you find that you are experiencing these
regularly, you may want to visit your physician, as they may
be chronic tension-type headaches or you may be experiencing
rebound headaches.
According to The National Headache Foundation, migraines
can affect up to 29.5 million people in the United States. Four
Page 10
Cluster headaches are headaches that occur in groups. The
pain can arrive with little warning and may be incredibly
intense. This pain can last anywhere from thirty minutes to
a few hours, and then it disappears only to reoccur later in
the day. Many sufferers experience one to four headaches a
day during this period. Clusters can last weeks or months and
then disappear for long periods of time. Many times cluster
headaches are incorrectly associated with allergies.
Other headaches can include rebound headaches, hormonal
headaches, and a variety of others. It is important to know that
it is not necessary to suffer with the pain of a headache. There
are now a variety of treatment options available to assist with
the prevention and treatment of chronic headaches.
To schedule an evaluation, contact the North Cypress
Headache Clinic at 866.321.6006.
Support Groups & Seminars
Cancer Support Groups
Cardiac Rehab Support Groups
Look Good/Feel Better
All groups meet in North Cypress Conference Center in the
hospital lobby.
Wednesday, January 13th, 12pm
Wednesday, February 10th, 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, 6 – 7:30pm
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, 6 – 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, 6 – 7:30pm
This group is for men coping with all types of cancer.
Yoga for Your Health
Weekly meetings every Thursday 6:00-7:00 p.m.
(Bring your own mat and towel)
For overall wellness, Yoga can help your body with healing,
maintaining a stable relationship, and finding peace and relaxation.
Support Group and Yoga 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.
I Can Cope
Educational Classes for People Facing Cancer
Tuesday, January 12th, 6 – 7pm
Tuesday, February 9th, 6 – 7pm
Tuesday, March 9th, 6 – 7pm
For more information contact the Cardiac Rehab
Department at 832.912.3634 or register online at
NCMC-Hospital.com.
Better Breather’s Support Groups
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.
December 29th • January 26th • February 23rd
Support group meets at 6:30pm in the Cardiac /
Pulmonary Rehab Department in Suite 660 of
North Cypress Professional Bldg. I
To register for one of the upcoming dates, please call
832.913.3633.
Upcoming Seminars
Sports Medicine Seminar
“Diagnosis and Treatment of ACL Injuries”
Presented by Dr. David Mack
Wednesday, February 10th at 7pm
North Cypress Conference Center
To register for one of our free seminars, please call
1.877.47.JOINT or register online at NCMC-Hospital.com.
North Cypress Medical Center and The American Cancer Society
will co-sponsor the “I Can Cope” classes.
Surgical Weight Loss Seminars
Classes will be held from 10 am to 12 pm:
January 7: Learning About Cancer
January 21: Communicating Concerns and Feelings
February 4: Nutrition During Cancer Treatment
February 18: Mobilizing Resources and Support
Tuesday, January 5th @ 6pm
“I Can Cope” is a structured educational program for adults with
cancer and their family members and friends. It is designed to
assist participants in coping with various aspects of the cancer
experience by providing relevant knowledge and enhancing the
skills needed for self-care.
These classes as well as additional “I Can Cope” classes are
also available online. To take an online class, go to
www.cancer.org/onlineclasses.
Thursday, January 7th @ 6pm
Tuesday, January 16th @ 6pm
Thursday, January 21st @ 6pm
Saturday, January 30th @ 10am
Please call 1.888.U.LOSE.LB to
register for an upcoming seminar,
or register online at NCMC-Hospital.com.
All seminars & support groups meet in the North Cypress
Conference Center, 1st Floor.
Page 11
21214 Northwest Freeway,
Cypress, TX 77429
Only one hospital cares for you like we do.
FREE MEMORY EVALUATIONS
at The North Cypress Memory Clinic
Have you experienced any of the following?
q Forgetting things much more often than
you used to
q Forgetting how to do things you’ve done
many times before
q Forgetting people’s names and
phone numbers
q Forgetting a recent experience
q Repeating phrases or stories in the same
conversation
q Mood changes because of an
inappropriate cause
q Having unpredictable mood changes
q Not being able to keep track of
what happens each day
q Briefly forgetting part of an experience
q Trouble learning new things
q Trouble making choices or handling money
q Misplacing everyday used objects
q Not putting things away properly
q Putting things away in strange places
q Changes in your interests
q Decreased interest in activities
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms, the North Cypress Memory Clinic can help. We offer
the latest in diagnostic equipment and treatment with experienced Neurologists, and specialty staff.
Call 866.324.8601and schedule a FREE consultation today.