Aging and the Loss of Independence

Now that the New Year is upon us here is a difficult issue worth addressing.  Let’s discuss how the older people in your life are faring with their ability to function as they used to.  When you gathered together over the holidays, did you feel that someone you loved has seemed to become less independent these days, because of advancing years?  Now may be a good time to confront that issue.

Seek the guidance of someone outside of the family, a professional who has had years of experience talking to seniors and their families about the challenges of aging.  In some cases there may be signs of dementia.  However, in many other cases it is a realistic concern about how mom, dad, or both are handling the day-to-day task of living life to the fullest.

When you are ready to discuss these issues, rely on the input of Penelope J. Hooks, M.D.  Dr. Hooks specializes in relationship issues between you and your aging parents.  You may want to help them, but maybe you may not know where to begin.  If you live in the Houston area call Dr. Hooks today and discuss your particular situation.  You may reach her anytime at (713) 521-9087.

Understanding Compulsive Shopping.

Since we have just experienced Black Friday, this might be a good time of year to address compulsive shopping.  Giving into an occasional impulse buy is perfectly normal.  The majority of Americans enjoy shopping as a pleasant task of everyday life.  These days we are bombarded not only by shopping networks, but by the internet as well.  Marketers have made a science of getting us to buy.

Do you feel that you or a loved one may have crossed the threshold from occasional bargain hunter to compulsive shopper?  The irresistible desire to shop is known as compulsive buying disorder or oniomania.  According to research by World Psychiatry, 5.8% of Americans are afflicted with the disorder.  Women comprise 80% of that total.

Let’s talk about it.  Seek guidance and self exploration with the help of Penelope J. Hooks, M.D.  She has been working with shopping addictions of various types for more than ten years.  She will discuss your particular case and offer valuable solutions to overspending and related disorders.  If you live in the Houston area, call Dr. Hooks at (713) 521-9087 and visit her website at www.pjhooksmd.com and listen to her audio on shopaholism.

A New Holiday Attraction is Coming to Houston!

Magical Winter Lights 2015

Magical Winter Lights is a spectacular, larger-than-life attraction with a fresh take on the traditional holiday light show.

November 20, 2015 – January 10, 2016 @ Sam Houston Race Park

A Perspective on Aderall and Other Stimulants

Because of heightened awareness over the last 30 years or so, ADHD has become an epidemic, as our society has been parented by baby boomers and beyond.  Did you know that 10% of 10 year old boys in this country are medicated for symptoms related to ADHD?  Even teachers endorse the pill to ameliorate a student’s behavior in the classroom to make their job more manageable.

Let’s talk about talking instead of jumping to medicating.  Of course all parents want their children to be happy and well adjusted.  Why not talk about the situation openly and have a mutual dialogue that gets to the root of many behavioral problems…not just skirt around them with drugs.  Make sure that you get all of the information that you can before you put your child on a regimen of Aderall, Ritalin, or ANY behavior-modifying drug.  Sometimes an understanding of what goes on in a child’s inner world can make a difference. Call the office of Penelope J. Hooks, M.D.  Make an appointment with your child to see her at her office located at 3311 Richmond Ave. Suite 330 in Houston by calling (713) 521-9087.  Let’s begin exploring your family’s options today.

When Good Parents Cause Unintended Harm

Most of us try hard to be good parents, and are unaware that sometimes we cause subtle harm to our child.  It’s a kind of paradox, that in imagining that we do a great job, we cannot look at our contribution to the relationship, which the child may perceive as far from “great.”   A parent may be unable to listen to a child if it seems like an unbearable reflection of something not right about the parent. Sometimes parents begin to teach their children at an early age, without realizing it, that if anything about their parenting is questioned, it is tantamount to family treason.  Children become intimidated into believing that they are simply “bad”.  Once everyone buys into the characterization of a “bad” child, the only answer may seem to be medication for illness in the child, rather than what is more likely a relationship problem between the two.

It is important for families to get back on track.  Seek consultation with a board certified psychiatrist and child psychoanalyst. Such an individual in the Houston area is Penelope J. Hooks, M.D.  Dr. Hooks will address your family’s particular issues with personal care and concern.  Please give her a call to arrange an appointment at her office (713) 521-9087. 

Houston Whatever Fest, the City’s most eclectic street festival.

HOUSTON WHATEVER FEST
Includes over 90 acts on 5 stages with a diverse mix music genres, comedy and art along with local food trucks, unique street performers, Houston-centric vendors, and more taking place in the East End of Downtown - Nov 21 & 22, 2015 – 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Building Your Child’s Emotional Muscle

Noted authors Kerry Kelly Novick and Jack Novick have developed a strategy known as “building your child’s emotional muscle”.  Imagine if everything that you do with your child included an extra added dimension if you will.  It is a dimension that will help build strong character, courage, self-esteem, and emotional strength.

Imagine each part of every single day adding value to your child’s life.  Imagine even the simplest actions being the springboard to happiness, learning, and developing new friendships.  It is all very realistic by implementing and developing what the authors call emotional muscle.  The Novicks have written Emotional Muscle: Strong Parents, Strong Children.  It is filled with parenting tips for the first five years of your child’s life.

To continue developing healthy relationships with your children, please call Penelope J. Hooks M.D.  She specializes in psychiatry, psychoanalysis, child psychoanalysis, parenting and relationship issues.  Being a great parent really takes a village.  Give Dr. Hooks a call today to see how she can help with your relationship with your child in the Houston area at (713) 521-9087.