Women's & Children's Hospital - University Health

Feeling stressed about the election? 😰 You’re not alone. Check out these 6 tips from Dr. Sally Taylor on how to manage stress and anxiety - and what the difference is - at https://ow.ly/fpCf50TYahI.

What’s your go-to stress relief technique? Share in the comments.

Today we celebrated Halloween with our favorite superheroes - our pediatric patients! 🙌

Thanks to generous costume donations from the Stay Strong Foundation, Inc and Starlight Children's Foundation, kids got to dress as their favorite cartoon characters, witches and dinosaurs. A big shout-out to everyone who helped make Halloween unforgettable for our young patients!

The families of our little Heart Warriors and Heart Angels have done it again! Organizers for this weekend’s annual San Antonio Congenital Heart Walk say this event with over 850 participants continues to be one of the largest among 33 in the country - and may have been the biggest.

Our families and supporters in the San Antonio area raised more than $74,000 for research aimed at preventing and treating structural heart problems that develop before birth. Really special to see our University Health families reuniting to raise awareness and celebrate the children bravely battling heart defects. ❤️

Learn more about our University Children’s Health Congenital Heart Center - the only dedicated pediatric heart center in South Texas: https://ow.ly/uM5Y50TVVpA.

A big thank-you to Toyota USA Texas employees who rolled up their sleeves and became the inaugural donors aboard our first-ever blood donor bus. Toyota Texas and University Health Foundation joined forces to launch this new mobile health unit, which will greatly increase needed contributions. The 45-foot bus will allow our team to reach community organizations throughout the city that do not have large areas for staging indoor blood drives.

University Hospital, with its Level I trauma center, is the largest user of blood in the San Antonio area. This bus will help ensure we have a consistent supply for responding to emergencies.

Organizations that want to join Toyota in hosting the mobile donor bus for a blood drive can contact the University Health team at 210-358-2812 or [email protected].

Connie’s world changed in an instant when she received the devastating news of her breast cancer diagnosis. Sitting in Dr. Sara Ortiz’s office with her husband, tears flowed as they faced the terrifying reality of cancer. In that moment of sorrow, a memory sparked hope - her mother, a breast cancer survivor, had faced her own battle with incredible strength. “She may have passed on the cancer gene,” Connie thought, “but she also passed on her strength gene.” Inspired by her mother’s resilience, Connie knew she could face this trial head-on.

As she began her treatment, Connie, a University Health nurse manager, found strength in the expertise and compassionate care of her University Health medical team. Throughout her odyssey, Connie was surrounded by a powerful support system. Her parents, husband and children stood by her side. Her work family also rallied around her and created a beautiful plaque that read “Connie’s Cheerleaders.” Their prayers and encouragement touched her deeply, reinforcing her belief that it truly takes a village to support a cancer patient.

With newfound clarity and gratitude, Connie cherished her relationships, particularly with fellow survivors who offered her support and hope. Connie started the Breast Buddies support group for her University Health colleagues, “This was my way of giving back to the incredible support I received.” In creating the Breast Buddies support group, Connie learned an invaluable lesson: “People need people. This journey is too tough to navigate alone.”

Connie is proud to say that she has “conquered and stomped out” her cancer. Her story is a testament to resilience and the power of community. For anyone newly diagnosed, her message is clear: “You are strong, and you will get through this. At University Health, you’re in the hands of an incredible healthcare team.”

Learn more about how we deliver personalized care for your breast health: universityhealth.com/services/breast-health

We celebrated our amazing pediatric patients that graduated from our NICU and PREMIEre Graduate Programs. The joy and laughter were contagious as the community came together to celebrate the incredible strength and resilience of both babies and parents, and the dedication of the health care professionals who cared for them.

A heartfelt thank you to the University Health Foundation and staff who organize this annual event. Together, we’re building a brighter future for our little heart warriors! 💙🙌✨

Celebrate Pharmacy Health Fair at our University Health pharmacies! 🎉

These events provide our community with opportunities for a free flu shot, screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Pharmacists will also be on hand to answer any medication-related questions and assist you in transferring your prescriptions to our pharmacy.

Monday, Oct. 21 / 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Texas Diabetes Institute Pharmacy
701 S Zarzamora Street, San Antonio, TX 78207
210-358-7000

Tuesday, Oct. 22 / 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
ExpressMed - Medical Center Pavilion Pharmacy
4647 Medical Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229
210-358-8145

Wednesday, Oct. 23 / 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Robert B. Green Pharmacy
903 W Martin Street, San Antonio, TX 78207
210-358-9660

Thursday, Oct. 24 / 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
University Health Southeast Pharmacy
1055 Ada Street, San Antonio, TX 78223
210-358-5100

Friday, Oct. 25 / 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
University Health Southwest Pharmacy
2121 SW 36th Street, San Antonio, TX 78237
210-358-5100

Appointments are encouraged but not required, walk-ins are welcome!

You touch your face with your hands multiple times an hour without even thinking about it, so keep those hands clean! 🖐️

On Global Handwashing Day, Dr. Jason Bowling reminds us that good hand hygiene is the number one way to prevent many unpleasant or even life-threatening illnesses: https://youtu.be/8wi8gYBSq1Q

Free reconstructive surgery for disadvantaged children is fast approaching! 🙌

University Health and Fresh Start Surgical Gifts are teaming up to provide free procedures on Oct. 19 - 20, 2024.

Know a child in a need of a procedure that is not covered by insurance? There’s still time to apply to be considered: freshstart.org/about-us/apply-for-help/.

Contact us with any questions at [email protected].

We’re thrilled to announce that University Health has been named a Top Workplace by the San Antonio Express-News for the second year in a row! 🏆

This honor reflects our commitment to fostering a supportive environment where employees thrive, leading to exceptional patient care. As San Antonio’s only locally owned health system, we're dedicated to serving our community and shaping the future of healthcare. Read more in our newsroom: https://ow.ly/q0uB50TGY1r

Have you received your FREE flu shot? We’re hosting three more drive-thru flu drives soon!

Saturday, Oct. 12
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon
Southwest High School Football Stadium
11914 Dragon Lane, San Antonio, TX 78252

Saturday, Oct. 26
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon
Gustafson Stadium
7001 Culebra Rd, San Antonio, TX 78238

Saturday, Nov. 9
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon
Dub Farris Athletic Complex
8400 North Loop 1604 W, San Antonio, TX 78249

Our flu drive events are free and open to everyone in the community, but registration is required and appointments will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Secure your spot by scheduling an appointment now: universityhealth.com/flu.

Halloween should be all about spooky fun, but did you know it’s also one of the busiest nights for emergency rooms? With excited kids darting through neighborhoods, safety is key.

As we prepare our kids for the trick-or-treating night, read our tips on how to keep the thrills alive and our kids safe: https://ow.ly/UKk650TBAFm 🎃✨👻

Every child deserves a chance to live a full and happy life. 💙

University Health and Fresh Start Surgical Gifts are teaming up to provide free reconstructive surgery to disadvantaged children on Oct. 19-20, 2024. Let's give these brave kids the gift of hope.

Apply now and make a difference at freshstart.org/about-us/apply-for-help/.

Got questions? Reach out to us at [email protected].

At University Health we believe art has the power to heal, inspire compassion and spark hope. Our award-winning SaludArte: Art of Healing program is gearing up for the second phase of our exciting public art call. We invite you to our next FREE Art Call Info Sessions to learn how you can apply for your artwork to be part of our future community hospitals and public health clinics.

- Wednesday, October 2: University Health Hilliard, at the Conference Community Room from 6 to 7 p.m.

- Wednesday, October 9: Webex virtual meeting from 6 to 7 p.m. at: https://ow.ly/UJeO50TxvAF

Attend one or both sessions - your creativity is welcome! For more details about the art call, head over to publicartist.org.

What is “mom burnout”? 🤔

There’s actually a national report about parents under pressure. What do our kids need most? A positive relationship with a nurturing adult. Dr. Amy Cobb discusses these and other great health questions on KSAT 12 & KSAT.com Doc Talk with KSAT Myra Arthur and Steve Spriester.

Is it a cold, flu or allergies? 🤧 Let’s find out together! Dr. Jason Bowling has expert tips to help you and your family stay healthy this fall: https://ow.ly/xiSG50TuKAi

"Tripledemic": Is it RSV, Flu or COVID-19 | HealthFocus SA | University Health Find out what’s making you sick and learn the difference between a cold, RSV, the flu, COVID-19, strep and allergies.

University Health stands with the community in recognizing National Su***de Awareness Month this September. Let's work together to break the stigma and raise awareness about this critical issue.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with thoughts of su***de or facing a mental health crisis, help is available. Call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org. You're not alone. 💚

***deawareness ***depreventionmonth

Child Passenger Safety Week is in full swing! 🚗 We teamed up with Texas Department of Transportation for a media event to promote the campaign. Our pediatric trauma medical director, Dr. Katie Wiggins-Dohlvik, stressed the importance of proper car seat use to prevent traumatic injuries.

Want your child's car seat checked? Join us for Seat Check Saturday this weekend on Sept 21, 9-11 a.m. at the Walmart in Helotes. Certified technicians will help you ensure your child is safe and secure.