HOUSTON
Volume 16 | Issue 7
Inside This Issue
July Edition 2026
Check In with Your Lung Health: Navigating Care By Dr. Matthew A. Gaudet, M.D., FACS
Testosterone Therapy who benefits? See pg. 10
INDEX Legal Matters........................ pg.3 Healthy Heart....................... pg.5 Mental Health...................... pg.7 Framework............................. pg.8 Financial Forecast............ pg.12
Normal Is Not the Same as Optimal: What Your Lab Results May Not Be Telling You See pg. 11
C
omplex World Lung Cancer Day is August 1, and this summer is a great time to check in with your lung health. The early stages of lung cancer may not have obvious symptoms, which is why awareness and regular screening play such an important role. Whether you are a current smoker, a former smoker, or have never smoked, you can take preventative steps and discuss cancer risk with your provider or care team. Risk Factors and Prevention Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer for the majority of cases. Environmental exposure to secondhand smoke, radon, asbestos, or air pollution may also increase your chances of developing lung cancer, as well as family history. If you smoke or have smoked in the past, quitting can have real benefits for your health at any stage. Quitting smoking can reduce your lung cancer risk by half (and up to 90% if you quit under age 40), and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease. There is no single “right” way to quit — some people prefer gradual reduction, some go “cold turkey” all at once, while others use nicotine replacement options like patches, gum, or lozenges. Most people make several attempts before quitting for good. What matters most is finding an
approach that feels manageable for you. Keeping busy, finding ways to occupy your hands and mouth, and choosing activities or restaurants where smoking is prohibited can all help. Support can
radon and minimizing exposure to harmful substances at work or in daily life can help lower risk. While most of us are aware of second-hand smoke (when others are smoking near you), if you live in a home or workplace where people smoked previously, you may be exposed to third-hand smoke. T hird - ha nd smoke includes particles that remain behind in clothing, furniture, buildings, and other items, and may require special cleaning to remove. In addition, people with a parent or sibling who had lung cancer may have a higher-than-average risk, even if they do not smoke. Eating a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables and staying physically active are additional ways to support overall lung health. Why Screening Matters Lung cancer screening is one of the most effective tools for detecting disease early. However, only around 2 in 10 eligible Americans get screened for
For smokers and non-smokers, changes to your habits and environment can reduce the risk of lung cancer. Lung cancer can also be caught early through regular screenings. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if you are at risk. make a big difference. Friends, family members, healthcare teams, and online programs can offer encouragement. You can also use free resources like the Texas Tobacco Quitline 1-877-Y E S - QUIT (1-877-937-7848) that provide coaching and support by phone or text. Even if you don’t smoke, it’s still helpful to be aware of your risk. About 2 in 10 people with lung cancer have never smoked. Testing your home for
see Lung Health ...page 14
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 1 HOUSTON TX