Doctor with patient

Health Blog

Welcome to the ongoing series of blog posts from UTMB Health focusing on key aspects of maintaining your health

image of Priest Simpson sharing a thumbs up while playing football wearing Riddell helmet

Student athlete healed by UTMB Sports Medicine team

When student athlete Priest Simpson injured his leg, the UTMB Health Sports Medicine team worked hard to repair the damage and get him back on the field after a full recovery.

image of adolescent brunette girl with glasses and a red and white striped shirt coughing while sitting at a table covered in books and notebooks.

Respiratory viruses and back-to-school

Communities in the area are seeing an uptick in individuals with COVID-19, and with that experts are reminding it's not too soon to think about other respiratory illnesses like the flu and RSV.

boy with glasses lying in bed holding a tablet in front of his face

Screen time guidelines for kids

According to the American Academy of Pediatric and Adolescent Psychiatry, children should have no more than two to three hours of screen time a day. It's important to monitor not just how long children are on devices, but also what content they're consuming during that time.

image of someone walking spraying bug spray on their ankles. they have gray denim pants on with ankle high hiking boots.

Outdoor bug safety

From wearing bug spray with DEET in it to avoiding overgrown and heavily wooded areas, family nurse practitioner Taylor Little offers families a variety of tips to keep the bugs away while outdoors.

a young child wearing a button down shirt and a bow tie seated at a table, gazing at a head of broccoli being presented to them.

Healthy eating for children

A well-balanced diet is essential for healthy growth and development, so be sure your child is getting a good mix of proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

image of mom and two daughters selecting clothes for the day. all three have strawberry blonde hair. The girls are sitting on a bench by their clothes while the mom holds up a jacked on a hanger to the right.

Morning routines and back to school

A good morning routine starts at night. Learn what steps you can take to help make getting out the door easier for everyone in the family.

illustration of black father - drawn dressed in a white t-shirt holding a book - with child reading a bedtime story.

Bedtime tips from a pediatrician

Dr. Linda Neely-Shelmire knows sleep is a pillar of a child's good health, so she's passionate about helping parents establish solid bedtime routines.

Young boy with gray shirt and gray backpack in front of school with left arm exposed revealing a bandaid on the upper portion of his arm.

Back-to-school immunizations

Pediatrician Dr. Lee Elam offers a high-level breakdown of some of the typical vaccinations needed throughout childhood.

Caucasian boy with glasses playing basketball with younger black boy on an outdoor court in the sun with a palm tree in the background

Avoiding sports-related heat injuries

Signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses include nausea, fatigue, headaches and muscle cramps. Staying hydrated, taking breaks and seeking shade are just some ways to beat the heat and stay healthy.

graphic with yellow background and white sun drawn in sunscreen next to a sunscreen bottle

Staying safe in the sun

When shopping for sunscreen, Dr. Raimer-Goodman urges individuals to consider broad-spectrum options that are free of oxybenzone.

black, faceless icons of individual growing from infant to baby to toddler to little kid to adolescent and eventually graduate with a diploma

Navigating the stress of big transitions at school

From the first day of kindergarten through departing for college, school is filled with lots of big “firsts” that sometimes bring about big changes. To help parents, guardians and children successfully navigate their feelings surrounding the many unknowns they'll encounter, UTMB Health psychologists offer guidance, support and tips.

white plate topped with sliced apples, bananas, peeled oranges and full grapes with crystal glass situated to the right of it

Healthy summer snacks

When snacking this summer, consider nutrient dense options like veggies and hummus, fruit and Greek yogurt or homemade smoothies.

People gathered around a campfire

Campfire Safety: Cool the Coals

Learn about campfire safety prevention, facts, and what you should do if a burn injury occurs

Image of female swim instructor with mother and infant in pool with red pool noodle

Top tips for safe swimming this summer

In an effort to diminish the number of drownings recorded each year, UTMB Health providers like Laura Ellender passionately share tips on how to keep children safe when swimming.

A group of people watching fireworks

Leave the Show to the Pros

Fireworks can cause life changing injuries. Learn the dos and don't to keep you and your family safe.