UT Physicians

From thunderstorms and a rare derecho to a hurricane, the Houston area has faced a number of severe storms this summer. Natural disasters can be particularly challenging for children, especially when they’re frequent. Leslie K. Taylor, PhD, a child and adolescent psychologist with , offers guidance for parents on supporting kids through severe weather events in the latest KHOU 11 News Health Matters. ⛈️
https://www.khou.com/article/news/health/health-matters/health-matters-weather-related-ptsd/285-94f80fd6-f858-48a2-9be6-a9a0a6b90da5

Health Matters: Weather-related PTSD in kids and how to help them Natural disasters can cause trauma for kids but there are things you can do to help.

In March, six UTHealth Houston employees joined volunteers with Houston-based nonprofit on a medical mission to . From assembling wheelchairs to operating clinics and acting as interpreters, our physicians and staff helped provide care and support for some 1,200 patients each week. This annual medical mission trip not only delivers essential health care but also fosters community spirit and hope in Guatemala. ✨

“I’m always energized professionally by the experience because you care for people with the same problems, and they’re very appreciative,” said Philip C. Johnson III, MD, an internal medicine physician. “You go to help these people, but in the process, you’re helped much more yourself.”

Read more about the mission. 🧡 https://www.utphysicians.com/transforming-lives-through-medical-missions-in-guatemala/

We’re proud to offer the Food Rx program, in partnership with the Houston Food Bank to help bridge the gap between hunger and health. Available at two clinics, the program provides fresh, nutritious groceries at no cost to patients and others in the community. Since its launch in 2019, Food Rx has positively impacted 400 clients, with 140 actively benefiting today. We take great satisfaction in our contribution to combating food insecurity. 🥦 🍋 🍎

“Through Food Rx, we can provide healthy food and nutrition education,” said Natalia Williams, project manager with Healthcare Transformation Initiatives at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.

Learn more about this transformative program and its availability at our clinics. 🍽️

The Benefits of Food Prescription Programs | UT Physicians Access to nutritious food in food prescription programs enables patients to better manage their health and remove financial strain and stress.

When Charmaine Thomas had urinary problems and intense lower abdominal pain one morning, she thought she might have a urinary tract infection and went to see her doctor. It turned out she had ovarian cancer. She ended up under the expert care of Joseph A. Lucci III, MD, a gynecologic oncologist, who helped her navigate treatment decisions. Opting for a minimally invasive robotic hysterectomy and chemotherapy, Charmaine's sunny outlook and the support of her family were pivotal in her recovery. She navigated treatment gracefully, empowered by informed decisions and compassionate medical guidance. 💙

“Dr. Lucci has a lot of experience and is very knowledgeable. I felt I could discuss anything with him. He listens and then gives his advice. He doesn’t force anything on you if you aren’t ready to do it,” Charmaine said.

Read more about Charmaine’s remarkable story. ✨ https://www.utphysicians.com/story/surviving-ovarian-cancer-with-early-diagnosis-and-a-positive-outlook/

Early diagnosis and ovarian cancer treatment | UT Physicians Charmaine Thomas sought medical care for abdominal pain and learned she had ovarian cancer. A UT Physicians specialist helped her beat it.

Watch the latest KHOU 11 News Health Matters segment to hear a patient's success story with Lecanemab, a groundbreaking Alzheimer's drug approved by the FDA. This medication targets the disease itself and has promising results. Neurologist Paul E. Schulz, MD, explains that while this breakthrough treatment isn't a cure, it can help reduce mental decline when taken in the early stages. 💉

Alzheimer's breakthrough: FDA approves new treatment targeting brain plaque A new Alzheimer's drug, Lecanemab, targets brain plaque, showing promise in slowing cognitive decline.

Did you know certain medications can heighten your skin's sensitivity to sunlight, leaving you more vulnerable to sunburns, rashes, or other serious skin reactions? Don't forget to keep your skin protected, especially if you’re taking medications. Pio Juan Lansangan, PharmD, a clinical supervisor at , shares essential precautions to safely enjoy the sunny days ahead. 🌞 https://www.utphysicians.com/what-to-know-about-medications-and-sun-sensitivity/

“Be aware of the warnings and side effects of your medications. It’s important to read every label, every time,” said Lansangan. 💊

Comment below on how you plan to stay sun-safe this summer. 💬👇

After years of hoping for a baby girl, Mona Bleibel’s dream pregnancy came with a life-threatening complication: placenta accreta.

Placenta accreta occurs when the placenta grows into the uterine wall and can’t be delivered naturally at the time of birth. The condition, which can cause excessive bleeding before, during, or after delivery, typically has one solution: surgically removing the uterus and attached placenta after delivering the baby. It’s a devastating outcome for women who want to have more children or keep their uterus.

But Mona was offered another option by Diana A. Racusin, MD, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist. Racusin said that with close monitoring and conservative management, the placenta could be left intact, allowed to slowly detach itself over time, and then be removed. If successful, Mona would avoid a hysterectomy. Supported by the Placenta Accreta Program at , Mona delivered a healthy baby girl while preserving her uterus and future fertility. 🤰

“It took me months to decide if I should choose this route,” said Mona. “I had a lot of mixed feelings, doubt, and second-guessing, but I’m happy I did this. I wanted to keep my uterus.”

Read on to learn more about this rare medical option, Mona's journey, and how the Placenta Accreta Program empowers women to be part of the decision-making process for their health care. 🧡

Doctors save uterus in placenta accreta treatment | UT Physicians Meet the team behind a rare program in the U.S. where women can avoid commonly recommended hysterectomies as treatment for placenta accreta.

Shout out to our team members who are going above and beyond to assist at the UTHealth Houston Professional Building as patient navigators. The many faces of UTHealth Houston are all pitching in to help where needed following the storm. ✨

Thank you for your hard work and exceptional commitment to patient care! 👍

In the aftermath of , we want to extend our deepest gratitude to all the employees who are working tirelessly to reopen our clinics and serve the community. Their resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment during this challenging time are truly inspiring. Together, we stand stronger and ready to serve our patients. 💪🧡

Check out these pictures of our staff in action opening clinics.

Most UT Physicians clinics will open on Wednesday, July 10. If a location does not have power, staff will contact patients to reschedule.

🌀 tested our resilience, but we’re stronger and more united than ever. The clear, blue skies bring us hope and relief. As our communities recover, stay positive, help each other, and take care of yourself. 🌤️💖

We are experiencing issues with our phones. We apologize for the inconvenience and are working to restore services.

Due to localized power loss in communities across the Greater Houston area for Tuesday, July 9, patients will be contacted directly if their appointment location is closed. Stay safe.

For areas experiencing a power outage from , using a generator can be a lifesaver during a power outage. Follow these tips to reduce the risk of injury. Stay safe and prepared!

Due to possible weather conditions across the Greater Houston area on Monday, July 8, patients will be contacted directly if their specific location is closed. Stay safe.

We are monitoring the weather closely for the Greater Houston area. For any updates on UT Physicians clinics, please monitor this channel and UTPhysicians.com.

Driving in heavy rain can be tricky and dangerous. Flooded roadways, reduced field of vision, and other hazards can increase the risk of accidents. If you have to venture out, follow these tips, cut out distractions, and stay alert.

https://www.utphysicians.com/tips-for-driving-in-heavy-rain-in-houston/

Safety Tips For Driving In The Rain In Houston | UT Physicians Houston roads can flood quickly, even from a thunderstorm. Stay alert and keep these tips in mind for safely driving in heavy rain.

Did you know that nearly 42% of adults in the United States are missing out on their daily dose of sunshine? According to the National Institutes of Health, many Americans have a vitamin D deficiency! This essential "sunshine vitamin" isn’t just for strong bones and a healthy immune system – it’s vital for your overall well-being! Kelly L. Wirfel, MD, an endocrinologist at , sheds light on why it’s important and which populations might benefit most from additional vitamin D. 🌞

Learn how to maintain normal levels of vitamin D. ☀️💪 https://www.utphysicians.com/prioritizing-vitamin-d-for-strong-bones-optimum-health/

Are you or is someone you know a veteran searching for an exciting career opportunity? The Texas Medical Center Veteran Committee is hosting an in-person hiring event on July 10th! Veterans will be able to apply directly for roles, speak with recruiters and HR professionals from various institutions, receive professional resume reviews, and network with industry professionals. Additionally, employment experts will provide insights on workplace and employment topics. Don't miss this chance to launch a fulfilling career at UTHealth Houston! 🌟

Visit this page to register for the event – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-texas-medical-center-veterans-committee-hiring-event-tickets-868598019057?aff=oddtdtcreator

Due to a loss of utilities, the UTHealth Houston Professional Building (6410 Fannin St.) will be closed on Tuesday, July 2. Patients will be rescheduled as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.
UTHealth Houston

Due to a loss of utilities, the UTHealth Houston Professional Building (6410 Fannin St.) is closed on Monday, July 1. Patients will be rescheduled as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience. UTHealth Houston McGovern Medical School