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
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
Stay ahead of potential health issues! Discover how primary care physicians at St. Hope in Houston play a vital role in preventative health screenings and early detection.
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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Why Men Shouldn’t Skip Routine Checkups with Their Primary Care Doctor

St. Hope Staff • March 14, 2025
0 minute read
black male at a doctors apointment

Many men tend to put off routine checkups with their primary care doctor, often prioritizing work, family or other responsibilities over their own health. However, regular visits to a healthcare provider are essential for detecting potential health issues early, managing existing conditions and improving overall well-being. Preventive care can make a significant difference in maintaining long-term health and preventing or diagnosing serious medical conditions early.


The Importance of Routine Checkups

Routine checkups allow doctors to monitor key health indicators such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugar. These visits also provide an opportunity to discuss lifestyle habits, mental health and other factors that contribute to overall wellness. Skipping these appointments may lead to undiagnosed conditions that could become more severe over time.


Key Health Risks for Men

Men face unique health risks that make regular checkups even more important. Some of the most common concerns include:


  • Heart Disease: The leading cause of death among men in the U.S., heart disease can often be managed with lifestyle changes and early intervention.

  • High Blood Pressure: Often called the "silent killer," high blood pressure has no obvious symptoms but can lead to heart attacks and strokes if left untreated.

  • Diabetes: Routine screenings can detect diabetes early, allowing for better management and prevention of complications.

  • Prostate Cancer: Regular screenings, especially for men over 50, can help detect prostate cancer in its early stages when treatment is most effective.

  • Colorectal Cancer: Men should begin regular screenings for colorectal cancer at age 45, or earlier if there is a family history.

  • Mental Health Concerns: Depression and anxiety are often overlooked in men, yet they can significantly impact overall health and well-being.


Benefits of Preventive Care

Preventive care is not just about diagnosing diseases—it’s about taking proactive steps to stay healthy. Regular checkups can:


  • Detect health issues early, leading to more effective treatment
  • Reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses
  • Improve quality of life through better health management
  • Provide guidance on diet, exercise and other healthy habits
  • Keep vaccinations up to date to prevent serious illnesses


Overcoming Barriers to Regular Checkups

Many men avoid doctor visits due to fear, lack of time or a belief that they don’t need medical attention unless something is seriously wrong. However, taking control of one’s health should be a priority—not just for yourself, but for the loved ones who rely on you. Prioritizing regular checkups and preventive care helps ensure you’ll be there for your family, both now and in the years to come.


Men may find it easier to attend regular routine primary care visits if they:


  • Schedule Appointments in Advance: Set reminders and treat checkups as essential appointments that cannot be skipped.

  • Choose a Doctor You Trust: Finding a physician who understands your concerns and communicates well can make visits more comfortable.

  • Bring Up Concerns: If there are specific health issues or symptoms, addressing them early can prevent more serious complications or invasive treatments later.


What to Expect During a Routine Checkup

A standard primary care visit typically includes:


  • Medical History Review: Discussion of past and current health conditions, medications and family history.

  • Vital Signs Check: Blood pressure, heart rate, temperature and weight measurements.

  • Blood Work and Lab Tests: Screening for cholesterol, blood sugar and other important health markers.

  • Cancer Screenings: Depending on age and risk factors, screenings for prostate, colorectal and skin cancer may be recommended.

  • Lifestyle and Mental Health Discussion: Doctors may ask about stress levels, diet, exercise habits and mental well-being.


Prioritize Regular Checkups at Our Healthcare Facility

Prioritizing regular checkups is one of the best ways for men to stay healthy and catch potential issues before they become serious. If you have been postponing your routine visit, now is the time to take action. St. Hope Healthcare offers comprehensive, confidential and compassionate care to help men stay on top of their health.


Schedule an appointment with St. Hope Healthcare today through our website or give us a call at (713) 778-1300 and take the first step toward a healthier future.

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