This service within select UT Physicians women’s health clinics comprises 12 reproductive genetic counselors throughout Houston and represents one of the largest teams in the country. They focus on guiding patients through the complexities of understanding family history, genetic testing, and ultrasound findings while providing individualized support and resources. They also work to educate other medical professionals, the next generation of genetic counselors, and the public by participating in advocacy organizations, professional associations, and supervising and teaching genetic counseling students.

Blair K. Stevens, MS, CGC, director of UT Physicians Prenatal Genetic Counseling Services, considers it a privilege and a huge responsibility to ensure her team delivers excellent genetics care in the reproductive space.

“I am very proud that UT does it on such a huge scale for so many Houstonians,” said Stevens, associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.

Value of collaboration

Genetic counseling, by nature, is a multi-disciplinary field that can’t be done without maternal fetal medicine specialists, sonographers, obstetricians, and more. Having genetic counselors in-house at UT Physicians, rather than outsourcing genetic counseling services, provides a number of benefits to patients. For example, patients who are concerned about an ultrasound finding or their family history often benefit from speaking with both a maternal fetal medicine specialist and a genetic counselor. Communication between specialists is crucial for enhancing the quality of personalized care.

“Using this team approach, we can relay the patient’s values and needs to each other plus we can strategize the best management plan,” Stevens said. “I wouldn’t have it any other way for our patients.”

For Aarti Ramdaney, MS, CGC, assistant director of Prenatal Genetic Counseling Services, part of her mission is focusing on outreach to local providers and other physicians in Texas to inform them that genetic counseling is an option through telemedicine. She is thrilled they can provide accessible care to Texas families who have previously struggled to access genetic counseling expertise. Although Houston has a large genetic counseling community, there are many parts of Texas where genetic counseling is not easily available. 

Compassion and care

Genetic counselors also provide much compassion. Ramdaney considers the psychosocial aspect of genetic counseling as her niche in the field. Health care is more than logic and facts, she says. The field can present challenging realities for families where critical findings on an ultrasound might reveal concerns for a life-limiting diagnosis.

“There’s so much emotional conflict that can be going on in challenging situations,” said Ramdaney, assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. “It’s helping families process what is often very unexpected information, providing reassurance, and validating their testing and reproductive decisions.”

Ramdaney said often the big question is “why?” Patients ask, “Why is this happening? How do we best take care of our baby? What’s the chance for this to happen again in another pregnancy?” She believes genetic counseling has so much utility for families, when answering those questions is so vital.

“Those are the cases that stand out to me,” Ramdaney said. “How do we accompany them on that journey and make sure they still get what’s important to them.”

Balancing hopes and fears

Stevens said she tells her students that their job is not to make patients feel better. Many times, the news they share with patients doesn’t make them feel better.

“Our job is to make them feel empowered by information and help them realize there is always something to hope for – even in the midst of a diagnosis or a birth defect,” Stevens said. “It’s making sure they find the resources to balance those hopes and those fears.”

For information-seeking patients, Stevens said they appreciate getting a wealth of information before delivery to help them with the adjustment. Knowing a diagnosis ahead of time allows patients to emotionally adjust, do research, and find support networks.

“I love being there when patients don’t know where to turn, and when they are desperately seeking information and support,” Stevens said. “It’s what I love best about my job.”

For millions of Americans, weight loss and improved fitness top the list of resolutions.

“I think one of the things to be the most grateful for is a healthy body,” said Bonnie P. Gregory, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with UT Physicians.

But losing weight and getting fit in 2024 doesn’t have to come with a steep price tag.

Gregory says there is no gym membership required. It all begins with incorporating extra movement into everyday tasks.

“It doesn’t need to be something big or extensive to count as a workout,” said Gregory, assistant professor of orthopedic surgery with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. “It can be as simple as incorporating a little extra movement throughout your day. For instance, if your mobility allows, park further away in the parking lot when heading to the store, to get in more steps.”

Burning calories and increasing your mobility can be free, easy, and even fun if you incorporate small workouts into what you’re already doing.

She suggests dancing to music instead of sitting down to watch television.

Add squats while you brush your teeth.

Do lunges while vacuuming and calf raises while standing to fold laundry.

Gregory also offers a comprehensive video tutorial for easy movements to do at home.

“For a lot of us, getting fit or getting more active can seem like a really daunting task,” she said. “But in reality, big changes are made through consistent, small choices we make throughout our day.”

And for those resolving to lose weight in 2024, Asmeen Bhatt, MD, PhD, gastroenterologist with UT Physicians says weight loss won’t come without a change in diet.

“Do your groundwork before you decide to embark on this diet journey. Replace ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator, dispose of unhealthy food items, meal plan in advance, and go grocery shopping with intent,” she said.

There is no need to splurge on meal delivery plans or specialty diet books, and subscriptions.

Instead, Bhatt offers these food replacement tips:

• Brown rice instead of white rice
• Whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta
• Multigrain or whole wheat bread instead of white bread
• White meat like chicken, turkey, or fish instead of red meat like beef, pork, or lamb
• Lentils and beans instead of meats
• Low-fat or skim milk instead of whole milk, half & half, or cream
• Make a fruit or vegetable smoothie instead of a milkshake
• Eat veggie crisps instead of potato chips
• Drink fruit-infused water instead of soda or juice
• Eat nuts and seeds to fulfill salty cravings
• Eat dates and raisins to fulfill sweet cravings

Bhatt emphasizes to pay attention to the foods you buy.

Meal plan in advance so you walk into a grocery store with a list and strategy. Never go grocery shopping while you’re hungry and try to stay in the store’s periphery where all the fresh produce, meat, and dairy are sold, versus the aisles where processed foods are sold.

“These are life-changing habits that people should adopt. It is not easy,” said Bhatt, assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at McGovern Medical School.

Bhatt says it may be easiest for some to adopt a step-down approach, replacing only a few foods at a time with the goal of life-long diet change in the long run. “There’s no saying that all of it needs to happen at the same time.”

In every meal, half of your plate should consist of fruits and vegetables. One-quarter of it should be healthy lean protein like lentils, chicken, turkey, or fish. The last quarter should be a lean grain like brown rice or multigrain bread.

The bottom line is starting the new year with healthy resolutions should be a long-term goal with a focus on adding small workouts and movement to your daily tasks, while replacing your pantry and grocery list with healthy substitutes that avoid processed food.

“If you fall off your path and have a bad day, don’t beat yourself up,” said Bhatt. “Get up the next day, start your diet plan, and resume your health goals. There is no saying that it has to begin or end at a certain time.”

Why do we remember these types of holiday traditions with such fondness? Holiday celebrations hold a unique power to shape memories that resonate deeply with individuals, both children and adults, according to Taiwo T. Babatope, MD, child and adolescent psychiatrist with UT Physicians. She said the shared experience fosters intense exchanges that create memories that evoke positive emotions including hope, love, joy, humor, proximity, and gratitude. Nostalgia often draws people to reflect fondly on various aspects of bygone eras, and the holiday season holds a special place for this.

“The warmth of these interactions, combined with the sensory richness of the season, contributes to the lasting impact of holiday celebrations,” said Babatope, assistant professor in the Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. “They become poignant touchstones in the tapestry of one’s life, creating a reservoir of positive memories that individuals carry with them throughout their lives.”

Babatope explains that holiday traditions, such as Christmas and Hannukah celebrations, are deeply significant social rituals that go beyond mere routines. They are filled with symbolic meaning that engage not only family members but also friends and loved ones within communities.

“These time-honored customs play a crucial role in fostering a sense of rootedness, creating a shared cultural identity and facilitating the celebration of cherished beliefs and values,” Babatope said.

The positivity of traditions

Holiday traditions offer a variety of positive aspects for individuals and families. Babatope said engaging in festive celebrations is closely linked to heightened social identification, which reinforces values and aligns individuals with positive social beliefs. Research has shown the positive impact of meaningful and regular family rituals on various aspects of subjective well-being, according to Babatope.

“Families that engage in these rituals tend to experience greater satisfaction in their relationships, positive outcomes in child socialization, and an enhanced sense of individual identity,” Babatope said. “Their role contributes to the overall well-being and resilience of families and communities alike.”

It’s important to recognize that not everyone experiences the joy of remembered traditions or Christmas cheer. Babatope said for some individuals, holidays can bring feelings of anxiety, envy, depression, and even dread, contrasting with the expected merriment and joy. The origins are diverse, ranging from recent losses, seasonal affective disorder, preexisting mental health issues, demanding social commitments, as well as emotional and financial strains.

“Maintaining contact post-holiday season is crucial to support those at risk of deteriorating mental health,” Babatope said. “Proactive measures during these vulnerable periods play a vital role in supporting and preserving mental health.”

Make your own memories

It’s never too late to start creating memories with holiday traditions. And it doesn’t require grand gestures, especially if you’re just starting out. Babatope said the key is beginning with simplicity, tied together with an element of fun, and involving others in the process.

“Small, enjoyable traditions, like toasting the holidays with a family-friendly beverage such as hot cocoa, can bring delight to individuals of all ages,” Babatope said. “For those seeking to elevate their traditions, infusing an element of competition and fun can turn a novel activity into a cherished staple for generations to come.”

A beloved tradition in Babatope’s household involves the “Gingerbread Dream Home competitions,” where teams use store-bought or homemade gingerbread pastry to craft “HGTV-inspired” dream homes. She said this friendly rivalry and creative energy make it an engaging and memorable activity.

Traditions also can involve helping others. Families can take their children to buy a toy for children in need through programs like Toys for Tots. Kids with a creative flair can decorate cards and help deliver them to the elderly at a senior living center, who often don’t have local family in town.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Take some hot chocolate, grab the kids, and drive through neighborhoods looking at holiday lights.
• Watch a favorite movie from your childhood and introduce it to your children.
• Read holiday-themed stories together before bedtime.
• Cut out paper snowflakes using white coffee filters to create a winter scene on windows.
• Buy or make a new ornament.

Traditions are meant to be fun, not stressful. Keeping things simple, without expectations, will help everyone enjoy the time together and want to continue them each year.

The study was published recently in Jama Network Open.

“Children who have ASD often have a number of co-occurring maladaptive behaviors, such as irritability. We wanted to know whether these maladaptive behaviors can be addressed by an intervention with a low risk of side effects,” said Deborah A. Pearson, PhD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston and lead author on this paper. Pearson is also the director of the Developmental Neuropsychology Clinic at UTHealth Houston.

Pearson said many children with ASD are selective about the foods they eat, often preferring carbohydrates like bread and pasta over protein. Some amino acids necessary for building neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are associated with behavioral and cognitive function, can only be obtained from food through protein digestion. 

A total of 190 children, ages 3-6, participated in the study. In the first double-blind phase of the trial, 92 children were randomized to the active treatment arm, and took 900 mg of a microencapsulated high-protease pancreatic porcine enzyme that was sprinkled on their food three times daily. In the other arm, 98 children had a placebo sprinkled on their food for 12 weeks. In the second open-label phase, all of the children received the active medication for 24 weeks.

According to the 12-week results, parents of children in the active treatment arm reported significant decreases in their child’s symptoms of irritability, hyperactivity/noncompliance, and inappropriate speech, relative to parents of children in the placebo arm. In the second 24-week phase, significant decreases were reported in all of the above behaviors, as well as in lethargy/social withdrawal. No serious adverse events were associated with the treatment.

“This study demonstrated that pancreatic enzymatic replacement — which is thought to enhance the supply of essential amino acids necessary for the synthesis of neurotransmitters — was associated with improved behavioral function in preschoolers with ASD, with minimal side effects,” Pearson said.

Co-authors on the paper included Robert L. Hendren, DO, with the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, as well as Matthew F. Heil, PhD, and William R. McIntyre, PhD, with Curemark LLC, sponsor of the study.

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“I have seen infants and toddlers in other clinics go from not showing any interest in a book to showing interest at their next appointment,” said Ashley Dauenhauer, PNP, pediatric nurse practitioner at the clinic. “My favorite is when a preschooler tells me what book I gave them at their previous visit and requests I give them an alternative!”

The patient population at the clinic includes children diagnosed with development differences such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), spina bifida, Down syndrome, rare genetic disorders like Fragile X, hearing loss, autism spectrum disorder, and speech and language delay. The clinic is eager to use the Developmental Disabilities Literacy Promotion Guides from Reach Out and Read to reflect the unique needs of their patients and help build connections between clinicians and families. This clinic is the first to focus solely on the developmental disabilities’ curriculum guides.

Many parents say they don’t know how to read to their children with developmental disabilities, but reading is something any caregiver can participate in with their child. It just may look a little different.

“By offering this program, we are able to ‘normalize’ caregiver-child relationships, which empowers caregivers and allows them to actively participate in promoting early literacy skills and social-emotional development,” Dauenhauer said.

Beginning in January, the pediatric team will provide new books to young children and literacy advice to parents. Families served by Reach Out and Read are shown to read together more often, and their children enter school with larger vocabularies and stronger language skills.

This location is the first subspecialty clinic at UTHealth Houston to offer the Reach Out and Reach Texas program to young families. The university has been part of the national program since 1999. Reach Out and Read Texas is part of the Children’s Learning Institute at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.

This year, HTI selected Kids’ Meals as its nonprofit to support with time and resources. The mission of Kids’ Meals is to end childhood hunger, especially for children under the age of five who cannot access school-based, free meal programs. The need is strong: Harris County ranked #2 in the nation in 2021 for having the highest percentage of children living with food insecurity in highly populated counties. Kids’ Meals is working diligently to change that narrative by delivering approximately 7,400 healthy meals each day to preschool-aged children in Harris County.

“HTI leads and supports several initiatives centered on food insecurity, so our missions align,” said Robyn Harris, MPA, project manager with HTI, who coordinated the event and helped select the nonprofit. “Care teams in our clinics screen for food insecurities, too.”

Harris said UT Physicians patients who screen positive are referred to wellness programming and/or connected to vetted community resources.

Events like these allow Logan R. Thornton, DrPH, director of population health and evidence-based practice with HTI, to feel like she’s one step closer to what the care teams experience daily and make an immediate impact.

“Sometimes our role in health care service delivery is so removed from interacting with the ‘end users’ – the patients – who we are trying to lift up,” Thornton said. “Participating in the HTI Gives Back event is a reminder of who is on the receiving end – real people who are doing life, just like me.”

Not only does the “Give Back” celebration help the community but it also builds camaraderie for the HTI team as they take time out of busy schedules to focus on individuals in need – and have fun in the process.

“I am proud of our department who, year after year, choose to spend their holiday celebration giving back to the community,” said Sahar M. Qashqai, MPH, associate vice president of quality and strategy with HTI. “I am especially appreciative of Robyn who has taken the lead on organizing this event the last few years.”

This year, the team donated food and supplies to make more than 70 healthy lunches for children. They also purchased gifts and clothing for their adopted family with four children. Kids’ Meals identified this family in need as part of their Holiday Hope Adopt-A-Family program.

Harris said this annual event hits home for her because her family finds a way to give back to those less fortunate each year, as well.

“My favorite holiday is Christmas, and giving back makes the holidays even more meaningful,” Harris said.

“It was truly rewarding to get the attention of various providers like primary care physicians, psychiatrists, pediatricians, community health workers — and even Texas legislators — by sharing our work on HOPE,” said Robyn Harris, MPA, project manager with the Department of Healthcare Transformation Initiatives (HTI) at UTHealth Houston. “These key roles have the capacity to assist in transforming the care a woman might receive during the perinatal period.”

HOPE is a much-needed intervention that enables social workers to deliver mental health care in the home setting to moms at risk for postpartum depression. Maternal mental health conditions like postpartum depression affect more than 1 in 8 pregnant and postpartum women in Texas. Interventions like HOPE are critical, Harris said, as it has been estimated that only 6.3% of all women with postpartum depression receive adequate treatment.

The TPCC Summit honored Kolkhorst with the inaugural Legislative Champion Award for her visionary leadership and dedication to shaping policies impacting primary care in Texas. The UTHealth Houston team met Kolkhorst, who co-sponsored the bill expanding Medicaid coverage for a full year after birth and worked diligently to push it through legislation.

Logan R. Thornton, DrPH, director of population health and evidence-based practice with HTI, felt that Kolkhorst was passing the baton to all of the service providers working with this fragile population when she took a photo with the HOPE poster.

“She did her part and now it is on to programs like HOPE to impact the lives of women and, by extension, Texas families managing postpartum depression,” Thornton said. “It was an opportunity for Robyn and I to feel like our work is bearing fruit.”

Holidays are often celebrated with family, friends, or coworkers in a festive atmosphere. However, for those with social anxiety disorder, it can be unbearable and disabling. Those who are affected by this social phobia experience this every day. With celebrations just around the corner, it can be even tougher. Andrea Taylor, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist with UT Physicians, shares her expertise on how you can prepare for social gatherings.

1 – Change the way you think

How you think about a situation affects how you behave. This cognitive behavioral therapy method changes your perception from a worst-case scenario to one that is not as bad as the anxiety makes it feel, and that can relieve some worry. Focus on yourself and less on how others react. Taylor notes to avoid trying to read other people’s minds which can impact how we behave in social situations.

“The idea of being negatively evaluated due to a fear of not saying or doing the right thing, can cause intense worry and self-focus instead of focusing on the activity or conversation,” said Taylor, who is an assistant professor in the Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. “As it turns out, this is often one’s own perception, rather than the reality of what’s being thought by their peers.”

2 – Plan your talking points

Social gatherings are a great way for people to become better acquainted. Having conversation starters preplanned, like your hobbies or travel plans, can help you get through a chat without appearing too nervous or standoffish.

3 – Be inquisitive and complimentary

Asking questions and sharing kind words about others are sure ways to take the attention off of yourself. “Speaking to a fellow guest about the event atmosphere or their outfit can be a good first step in easing tension before making a new acquaintance,” Taylor said. Complimenting their attitude, appearance, pets, or something in their home can have a positive effect on others and you and could relieve some stress.

4 – Volunteer to help the host

At larger gatherings, offering to assist the host can help you manage your anxiety by keeping your hands and mind busy. In addition to helping you avoid awkward conversations, it’s a great way to boost your self-esteem and give you a sense of purpose. You can contribute and still enjoy the party in smaller increments that are easier to handle.

5 – Bring a friend

Inviting a friend who understands your social anxiety can help relieve the tension and take the attention off of you. Your friend can help steer conversations and serve as a diversion when needed. “Your friend is your sidekick and there to help you. If things get too tense, your friend can give you a breather before you jump back in to chat again with others,” said Taylor.

6 – Avoid overconsuming alcohol

Many people have the perception that alcohol can “loosen” you up. In reality, you just risk losing control of your behavior. Alcohol can sometimes trigger panic attacks for people who are affected by anxiety disorders, so it’s best to drink in moderation.

“Alcohol can be a very slippery slope. Set a limit for yourself if you do have alcohol. If you want something to do with your hands, remember you can drink something besides alcohol or have a snack. It is better to be in control of what you are saying than to have regrets about an alcohol-fueled conversation,” said Taylor. “Overall, know that you can talk and interact in social situations even while anxious. Plus, the more you practice and do it, the easier it gets!”

Taylor said that learning to cope and overcome social discomfort is achievable but it takes practice.

Developing long-term relationships with pediatric patients is what drew Sobol into the sub-specialty of pediatric plastic surgery. When she went to Duke University School of Medicine, she knew how much she loved surgery – and was good at it – but she had to discover her niche. Sobol appreciated the long-term relationships the attending physicians had with children with cleft and craniofacial differences and found her calling. Work can begin with parents as part of a prenatal diagnosis or as infants, and children can be cared for until their teenage years and even to adulthood.

“I really love how much you’re able to help the form and function, and boost children’s confidence and quality of life,” said Sobol, who is also an assistant professor in the Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. “There is so much complexity within the face and the cranium which makes it very rewarding work. Difficult work, but rewarding.”

Helping others

As a child, being a doctor was the most tangible way Sobol thought she could help people within her very scientific mindset. Now she knows there are many ways to help people, but when she was young, all she could say was she wanted to be a doctor and stuck with it.

Sobol graduated from the University of Georgia ranking first in her class of 4,250 undergraduate students. After graduating from Duke University School of Medicine, she completed a six-year plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at the University of Washington. Most recently, she completed a craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery fellowship at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta with Emory University.

Sobol selected UTHealth Houston because the position closely aligned with her passions. Pediatric-focused and craniofacial-focused were important areas for her. She also appreciated the collegiality and relationships the physicians, staff, and residents have together. It’s the kind of environment she wanted to work in.

“I didn’t want to work in a field that keeps beating you down every single day, but rather one that helps build you up and helps each other for the betterment of people on the team,” Sobol said. “That’s certainly better for our patients, too.”

As Sobol begins building her practice, she wants to add a more formalized jaw surgery focus for adolescents with and without cleft. She also plans to conduct clinical research, quality improvement projects, and discover how the department is doing with patients.

When she’s not working, Sobol likes to hang out with her husband, try new restaurants, and cheer on her Georgia Bulldogs football team. She loves traveling and hopes to continue adding to her list of 25 visited countries.

Sobol sees patients in the pediatric plastic surgery clinic at  UT Physicians in the Texas Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, call 832-325-7234, or request an appointment online.

For Alcohol Awareness Month, learn what everyone needs to know about drinking alcohol — the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The good

As long as you are not pregnant or under 21 years old, alcohol is not necessarily a “bad” beverage when it is consumed in moderation.

“I think it’s fine for someone to have a glass of wine with dinner or a beer with pizza,” Whiting said. “Even though I wouldn’t prescribe drinking alcohol to my patients, there are some health benefits from moderate consumption.”

Studies show moderate drinking may reduce heart attack, stroke, or hardened arteries because small quantities of alcohol can help raise good cholesterol.

“Drinking alcohol can offer some health benefits if taken in small amounts,” she said. “Too much alcohol, on the other hand, will reverse any health benefits.”

The bad

Liver disease has long been linked to excessive alcohol intake because it builds unhealthy fat in the liver cells. Additionally, drinking too much alcohol can lead to other chronic health conditions.

“Heavy drinking or frequent binge drinking can raise blood pressure that leads to heart disease and stroke. The drinking pattern also promotes certain cancers because the ethanol in alcohol damages the DNA that repairs our cells,” said Whiting, medical director of UT Physicians Multispecialty – Sienna.

It is also possible to overdose on alcohol or alcohol mixed with drugs.

“You can get alcohol toxicity if you drink too much at one time, and this may lead to death. For this reason, binge drinking is dangerous,” she said. “If you’re taking prescription medications, you need to be very careful because certain medications interact with alcohol, potentially increasing your risk for alcohol toxicity.”

The ugly

Alcohol is well known to impair motor skills and judgment, and it only takes one instance of intoxication to create an unwelcome or dangerous situation.

“If you drink and drive just once, you’re endangering yourself and anyone who innocently crosses your path,” Whiting said. “The consequences from a possible accident can end your life or result in punitive consequences that may significantly impact your life.”

Someone who is inebriated may also express more anger or aggression toward other people, particularly family members.

“If you consume too much alcohol, it may be harmful to your family and social life as those closest to you often suffer from the consequences of your inebriation,” she said. “Alcohol, when abused, can affect others’ health and well-being, not just your own.”

What is a serving of alcohol? How much can I drink?

“People may be drinking more alcohol than they should because most don’t know what an actual serving is. Therefore, it is important to be aware of what is considered safe alcohol intake and what constitutes a serving of alcohol,” Whiting said.

A single serving of alcohol, or a standard drink, in the United States is: 12 ounces of beer, 8-9 ounces of malt liquor, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of spirits/hard liquor. Simply explained, a 12-ounce can or bottle of beer is equivalent to a 1.5-ounce shot glass of spirits because the actual alcohol volume is the same.

During an occurrence, do not drink more than three servings of alcohol, the doctor advises. Also, do not engage in more than one occurrence (e.g., happy hour) within 24 hours.

Women also need to limit their consumption to seven drinks a week. For men, the limit is 14.

“The difference between men and women is pretty significant because women metabolize alcohol differently,” Whiting said.

Where to get help

For anyone who may have a problem with alcohol, Whiting recommends seeing a doctor.

“A good place to start is with your primary care physician. There are appropriate medications to help patients with this problem, and we may be able to prescribe them. We can also refer the patient to an addiction medicine specialist, treatment centers, and local support groups,” Whiting said. “We can also help monitor a patient’s progress and health. We’re not going to judge; we’re going to help.”

For immediate assistance in the Houston area, call the Alcoholics Anonymous hotline at 713-686-6300.