Houston Methodist Gastroenterology Associates

11/12/2026

Social media can increase your stress levels by exposing you to negative stimuli. Look after your mental wellness by switching to more positive content or taking a break to do something offline.

11/12/2026

Smart watches and rings can track a lot while you sleep, including patterns that may suggest sleep apnea. But can a wearable actually detect the condition? Here's what to know about what these devices can and can't tell you.

Dr. Mas Takashima explains how wearables can help spot potential warning signs — and why a formal medical evaluation is still essential for diagnosis.

11/12/2026

What if doing nothing was actually doing something for your brain? Listen to our latest podcast episode on the surprising benefits of boredom.

Is boredom bad for you? A Houston Methodist clinician explains why short bursts of doing nothing can boost creativity, memory and mental health.

11/11/2026

This Veterans Day, we honor and thank all veterans for their courage, sacrifice and commitment to serving our country. We are especially grateful for the veterans among our patients, employees and community members whose dedication continues to make a difference every day.

11/11/2026

If you play sports that involve lots of running and jumping, you may develop painful shin splints. People who are starting a new form of exercise are also at risk. If you're dealing with shin splints, try this stretch and strengthening exercise combo to relieve pain and build up muscle strength.

11/11/2026

The vagus nerve has become a popular topic online, with countless videos promising to "reset" your nervous system. The reality is more nuanced. While some techniques may help promote relaxation and support your body's stress response, they're not a cure-all. Learn what experts say about vagus nerve stimulation and the science behind these practices: http://spr.ly/6181BHWN6c

11/11/2026

Persistent pain, worsening symptoms or new weakness could signal your degenerative disk disease needs a different approach. Find out when experts recommend seeing a spine surgeon.

Conservative treatment for degenerative disk disease works well for many people, but persistent pain, progressive weakness, new numbness in the legs and declining ability to perform daily activities signal that your current plan may not be enough. A spine surgeon can evaluate whether your symptoms a...

11/11/2026

Your pelvic floor plays a bigger role in your health than you may realize. Learn the do’s and don’ts of keeping these important muscles strong, healthy and functioning their best.

If the words "pelvic floor" only come to mind when thinking about pregnancy, you're not alone. But these muscles — yes, the pelvic floor is a group of muscles — affect daily life more than you might realize.

11/10/2026

Reading before bed sounds relaxing, but is your e-reader helping or hurting your sleep? 📖💤 Watch the newest episode of On Health for practical tips to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. http://spr.ly/6186By8ex8

11/10/2026

High cholesterol isn't just a later-in-life concern. New guidelines emphasize the importance of understanding your risk earlier and taking a more personalized approach to heart health.

The biggest message isn't that everyone needs more testing or medication. It's that heart disease risk is now a more personalized assessment.