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Health Blog

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

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UTMB launches new PayZen program

UTMB Health has launched a new program that makes it easier and more affordable for patients to pay for the health care they need.

Pamela French: Think Pink

'People I hardly knew stepped up'

Inspired by a friend's battle with cancer, Pamela French decided she wasn't going to be the "sick girl" when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Even when it tried to take everything she had, she fought back and kept it from taking her life.

Children in Halloween costumes

Halloween Safety

Children need glow sticks, reflectors, or flashlights to keep them safe from cars while collecting candy.

image of Breast Cancer Survivor Kristin Ozuna that links to the feature on her in the Daily News Think Pink Special Section that's sponsored by UTMB Health

'Trust yourself'

When a doctor told Kristin Ozuna she was too young for cancer, she trusted her body and her gut until she found her way to UTMB and got the diagnosis - and care - she needed.

Close up of hand holding a tattoo machine

Closing the loop on breast cancer

UTMB Health nurse practitioner Jill Resendez helps patients close the loop on breast cancer, one strategically placed tattoo at a time. She and her former patient Tina Herring joined Meagan Clanahan of Houston Moms for a recent chat where Herring shared her personal story and how reconstruction helped in her healing process as a cancer survivor.

Get your flu shot

Buckle up: Flu season fast approaching

This winter, we may have a "twin-demic” of both COVID and flu filling hospital beds and clinics. It is important that people receive their influenza vaccination to keep this from happening.

replace for older adults

Certain flu shots can better protect older adults

Flu is ripping through our community. Now is the time to get vaccinated! If you are an older adult, you should know that some flu vaccines offer you better protection than others.

get those vaccinations

Third dose booster offers many benefits for children

Like many common vaccines, the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines should have been a three-dose series. The first two injections prime the immune system, and the third boosts it to provide a higher antibody response. In 5 to 11 year olds, the booster more than doubles the antibody levels found following the second dose. Additionally, boosting has been shown in other age groups to further improve the antibodies so that they better bind the virus and provide more protection against variants.

image of Breast Cancer Survivor Tina Herring that links to the feature on her in the Daily News Think Pink Special Section that's sponsored by UTMB Health

'Every day you have to choose to live'

Diagnosed with cancer during COVID, Tina Herring wants women to remember that breast cancer isn't a death sentence.

image used as part of the Daily News Think Pink special section sponsored by UTMB Health featuring Dr. Colleen Silva with a patient reviewing mammogram results

Step up to the plate

Unsure of what to expect during your first mammogram? Read this first-person account from a woman who has been there before.

image of blonde-haired caucasian woman wearing pink scrubs and a gold heart necklace in front of framed fan art

Nipple tattoos bring patients closure, help them feel whole

To help bring closure to the journey breast cancer patients have undergone while fighting for their lives, nurse practitioner Jill Resendez offers nipple and areola tattooing services for those who opt for reconstructive surgery.

Image of Tammi Moran - breast cancer survivor recently featured in the Think Pink special section of the Daily News which is sponsored by UTMB Health

'I'm too young to have cancer'

After ignoring a lump in her breast that inevitably led to a double mastectomy, Tammi Moran is no longer pushing the snooze button on her health.

Image of Kimberly Branum - a breast cancer patient and survivor featured in the Think Pink special section of the Galveston County Daily News. UTMB Health sponsors the special section.

'Not once did I think I would die from this'

Kimberly Branum, a breast cancer survivor and breast reconstruction patient shares her philosophy that it's essential to expect the good when you're fighting for your life.

UTMB Health employees celebrating Bra Day

UTMB Health BRA Day events

The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB Health) will honor breast cancer survivors for National Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day on Wednesday, October 19th with events at our Galveston, Clear Lake and League City Campuses. Click for the full schedule of events.

Blake Northrop holding a redfish

Avoid flesh-eating bacteria, but keep saltwater fishing

As medical students who like to fish, one of our favorite pastimes is trying our own luck in the Galveston waters when we aren’t busy hitting the books or working in the hospital. Fish these waters long enough, chances are you might hear the term “flesh-eating bacteria” tossed around by fellow fishermen.

Health and wellness with UTMB Health and Houston Moms

Declining Vaccine Rates

UTMB pediatrician Dr. Lauren Raimer-Goodman addressed the public health concerns that are surfacing as a result of declining vaccination rates.