Recent Posts

By St. Hope Staff March 14, 2025
Stay healthy for the long run! Learn why regular visits to your primary care doctor at St. Hope in Houston are key to long-term wellness.
By St. Hope Staff March 14, 2025
Men, don’t skip your checkups! See why routine visits with your primary care doctor at St. Hope in Houston are essential for long-term health.
By St. Hope Staff March 14, 2025
Not sure which doctor is right for you? Learn the key differences between internal medicine, family medicine, and primary care doctors at St. Hope in Houston to make an informed choice.
By St. Hope Staff March 14, 2025
Managing diabetes or high blood pressure? See how primary care doctors at St. Hope in Houston provide expert guidance to keep your health on track.
November 4, 2024
Today we are beyond proud to celebrate 25 Years of Hope, Healthcare, Empowerment, Education and Advocacy! We would like to thank the communities that we serve and everyone that has contributed to the growth of St. Hope Healthcare throughout the years! 
By Cristina L. Morales, MPH, RDN, LD March 19, 2024
March is National Nutrition Month , and this year the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is focused on helping you Think Beyond the Table! When it comes to eating healthy you might already be on track with increasing your intake of fiber rich foods and selecting lean proteins. Or perhaps are learning how to prepare heart healthy meals with your Registered Dietitian. In whatever phase you’re currently in, let’s explore other steps we can take to continue building healthy habits. Food shoppers rely on local supermarkets to supply their homes with baked goods, produce, and more. And supermarkets rely on farmers to provide them with an assortment of goods. However, did you know that produce and meats are usually marked up in price to consumer at the grocery store. What If you could obtain fresh produce and other goods straight from the farmer? Obtaining goods from your local farmer can provide you and your family with healthy options. Additionally, this can help keep your pocketbook full while giving back to the community. When we buy direct from our local farmer, the middleman or the grocer is left out of the equation. This means there are no markup prices. Therefore, sellers can avoid increasing the cost of goods that are typically absorbed by consumers at the grocery store. And community members can access high quality meats, fruits, and vegetables at affordable prices. Thinking Beyond the Table can involve seeking opportunities that can enhance your diet and support local farmers. Small business farmers work hard to provide the community with organically grown foods. Farmers who raise cattle and other livestock provide community members with farm-raised and grass-fed beef, chicken, and eggs to name a few. And, in my opinion, grass fed meats taste better, are leaner, and generally less expensive than supermarket prices. Other desirable items sold by small farm businesses include specialty baked goods, desserts, and naturally produced dog treats. Some farmers use the milk from their goats and make naturally flavored popsicles and hand soaps. Other farm favorite items commonly sought out at farmers markets include local honey, fruit preserves, pickled veggies, spicy sauces, and fresh herbs. Due to the supply and demand for organic goods by community members, farm-to-table groups have sprouted in neighborhoods in recent years. Farm-to-table groups are typically organized and offered by community members that utilize social media platforms to reach consumers. Therefore, local farmers have been able to expand their reach of consumers and have been able to maintain long-standing customers. Community groups work together to streamline the processing of small orders by offering specific drop off and pickup sites. These groups can make the distribution and reordering of locally grown foods a snap to obtain. While large farm owners typically sell grains and other goods in bulk to local supermarkets. Buying locally can benefit not only your health, but also small business owners, and the environment. In addition, community programs that support local farmers often have recycling systems which are great for the environment. Farmers are therefore able to reuse egg cartons, canning jars, plastic containers and other storage and transport containers. This ultimately helps to cut down on manufacturing cost for the farmer and reduces the cost of fresh foods for the consumer. Another benefit is that local farmers provide organically grown foods that are usually harvested within days of making it to your table. Therefore, foods are fresher, healthier, and taste delicious. Supermarket produce that is not in season is usually transported in from surrounding states or countries. As a result, fruits and vegetables tend be less ripe and often lack the natural sweetness that fresh, in season produce offers. It is common practice for manufacturers to apply wax coatings and other preservatives to fruits and vegetables to help keep them as fresh as possible during transport to the supermarket. Overall, making the choice to buy local is a healthy choice. Eating healthy involves not just reading the food label, but also the support of small business farmers. Help support your local farmer by getting involved with farm-to-table groups and shop farmers markets for those special goodies that you just can’t get at a supermarket. Your efforts can help make community markets sustainable. Moreover, these weekly habits can trickle down to your family and loved ones and to future generations. Think Beyond the Table. Till next time, stay healthy and be well!
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The Role of a Primary Care Physician in Preventative Health Screenings

St. Hope Staff • March 14, 2025
0 minute read
health screenings

Preventative health screenings are essential for detecting diseases early, improving treatment outcomes and maintaining long-term health. A primary care physician (PCP) plays a vital role in recommending, conducting and coordinating these screenings to help patients stay ahead of potential health risks. By identifying conditions before they become serious, primary care doctors help patients make informed decisions about their well-being and lead healthier lives.


Why Preventative Health Screenings Matter

Preventative health screenings are designed to catch medical issues in their early stages when they are most treatable. Many chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension and certain cancers, develop silently without noticeable symptoms. Through routine screenings, a PCP can detect these conditions early, potentially preventing complications and reducing healthcare costs in the long run.


Common Preventative Screenings Offered by Primary Care Physicians

Blood Pressure Screening

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Regular screenings help identify elevated blood pressure early, allowing for lifestyle modifications and treatment before complications arise or medication is required.


Cholesterol Screening

High cholesterol can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. PCPs typically recommend cholesterol testing every four to six years for adults, or more frequently if there is a history of heart disease or risk factors such as diabetes and obesity.


Diabetes Screening

Diabetes often goes undiagnosed in its early stages. A PCP may recommend a fasting blood sugar test or an A1C test to assess blood glucose levels, particularly for individuals with a family history of diabetes or those who are overweight.



Cancer Screenings

Primary care physicians also recommend various cancer screenings, such as:


  • Mammograms: Recommended for women starting at age 40-50 to detect breast cancer early.
  • Pap Smears: Screening for cervical cancer in women aged 21-65.
  • Colonoscopies: Recommended for adults over 45 to screen for colorectal cancer.
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: A blood test for prostate cancer screening in men over 50 or earlier for those at higher risk.


Obesity and BMI Screening

A PCP will often assess a patient’s weight and body mass index (BMI) to identify obesity-related health risks and recommend dietary and lifestyle changes if necessary.


Osteoporosis Screening

Bone density testing is recommended for postmenopausal women and older adults at risk of fractures. Early detection can help prevent osteoporosis-related complications through lifestyle adjustments and medication.


Vision and Hearing Tests

Regular vision and hearing screenings are important, especially as individuals age. Detecting issues early can improve quality of life and prevent accidents related to impaired sight or hearing loss.


Vaccinations and Immunizations

Primary care physicians ensure patients stay up to date with vaccinations such as flu shots, tetanus boosters, pneumonia vaccines and HPV vaccines to prevent serious infections.


Specialized Screenings Based on Symptoms or Risk Factors

Beyond routine checkups, PCPs may recommend specialized screenings for individuals at higher risk or those presenting specific symptoms. Some examples include:


  • Lung Cancer Screening: Low-dose CT scans for long-term smokers over 50.

  • Thyroid Function Tests: Blood tests to check for thyroid disorders in patients experiencing unexplained fatigue or weight changes.

  • Sleep Apnea Testing: Sleep studies for individuals experiencing persistent snoring, daytime fatigue or other symptoms of sleep disorders.

  • HIV and STI Screenings: Recommended for sexually active individuals, especially those with multiple partners.


The Role of Your PCP in Preventative Care

A primary care physician does more than just order tests. They take a holistic approach to patient health, helping individuals understand their risks, offering guidance on lifestyle modifications and coordinating specialist referrals when necessary.


What to Expect During a Preventative Health Visit:


  • A review of your medical history and lifestyle factors.
  • A physical exam to assess overall health.
  • Recommendations for age-appropriate screenings.
  • Discussion of any symptoms or concerns you may have.
  • Counseling on diet, exercise and other preventative measures.


Get Top-Notch Preventative Healthcare With Our Houston Family Medicine and Primary Care Doctors

Preventative healthcare is one of the best ways to ensure long-term well-being, and having a trusted primary care physician makes all the difference. At St. Hope Healthcare, we provide comprehensive screenings and preventative care tailored to your needs. Our dedicated team is here to help you stay proactive about your health and catch potential issues before they become serious.


Schedule your preventative health screening by calling us at (713) 778-1300.

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