Health care provider in a white coat seated across from a patient in an exam room, speaking during a consultation. A sink, cabinets, and wall-mounted medical supply containers are visible in the room.

Menopause or thyroid problems? Knowing the difference matters

Menopause and thyroid disorders can cause similar symptoms, making them difficult to distinguish. Understanding when to test for thyroid disease can help women get the right diagnosis and treatment.
Person positioning a breast in a mammography machine while another person observes in a clinical exam room. The mammography equipment and positioning process are visible.

What women should know about dense breast tissue

Breast density is common and can make some cancers harder to see on a mammogram. Learn what dense breasts means.
Person wearing a white UTMB Health lab coat and red striped tie stands in front of a light-colored textured wall. The UTMB Health logo is visible on the coat.

Home the same day? How Modern Joint Replacement at UTMB Health is changing recovery

Joint replacement recovery has changed dramatically, with many patients now walking and recovering at home within hours of surgery. Discover how UTMB Health's innovative approach and accredited joint replacement program are improving the patient experience from preparation through recovery.
Two women and a man are shown standing in front of a white textured wall, with decorative stones visible at the base of the wall. One person wears purple, one wears a bright coral top and matching pants, and one wears a navy suit with a red tie.

More than medicine: UTMB Health coordinates complex care around the patient

For patients with rare genetic conditions, innovative treatments are only part of the equation. UTMB Health is building a coordinated model designed to make advanced therapies easier to access.
Seven UTMB Health leaders and representatives pose in a ballroom at the 2026 Vizient Connections Summit in Las Vegas, where Vizient recognized top-performing health systems and hospitals.

UTMB Health pediatric hospital services recognized by Vizient for quality and accountability

UTMB Health pediatric hospital services earned top performer recognition in Vizient’s 2026 Quality and Accountability Awards, marking the second consecutive year UTMB Health has received the honor and the only academic medical center in Texas to do so.
Two adults sit on a couch looking at a laptop, with one person pointing at the screen. Papers and two cups are on the table in front of them.

Medicare coverage changes each year. Here’s what to check.

Medicare plans can change every year, even if your current coverage seems to be working well. Learn what to review during Annual Enrollment to help avoid unexpected costs and maintain access to your trusted UTMB Health providers.
A person stands among audio and speaker equipment while holding a smartphone in one hand and an electronic device in the other. Audio mixers, speakers, and recording equipment are visible in the background.

Never miss a detail: Why audio recording is your best healthcare tool

When important healthcare conversations are difficult to absorb in the moment, audio recordings can provide clarity, improve recall, and support better-informed decisions throughout a patient’s care journey.
A person kneels on indoor turf and assists another seated person with a leg movement exercise. Resistance bands and rehabilitation equipment are visible in the background.

Getting active this fall? How to reduce your risk of weekend warrior injuries

Getting active again this fall? Learn how to reduce your risk of strains, sprains, and overuse injuries with tips from a UTMB Health sports medicine specialist.
Two people seated at microphones in a podcast recording setting, one wearing a white clinical coat and the other wearing burgundy scrubs, against a blue background.

Back-to-school nutrition and the essential role of dietitians: A conversation with Chelsea Hoover, MS, RD

As routines shift with the school year, podcast hosts Sarah Samreen, MD, and Andrea Stark, DO, join registered dietitian Chelsea Hoover to share practical meal planning tips, nutrition updates, and strategies for long-term metabolic health.

UTMB Health adds prescription kiosks to urgent care

New prescription kiosks at UTMB Health urgent care clinics will provide faster access to medications, eliminating the need for many patients to make a separate pharmacy trip.
An aerial view of Galveston’s beachfront shows a shoreline road, sandy beach, Gulf waters, and a pier extending into the water, with a dense residential and commercial area stretching inland.

Red tide along Galveston coast: What beachgoers need to know

The algae bloom could cause respiratory symptoms in beachgoers and poses additional risks for people with asthma and other chronic lung conditions.
A person holds a handful of multicolored pills and capsules in one hand, representing the many nutritional supplements people may take. The image illustrates the importance of understanding what supplements are needed and how they may affect health.

Are supplements worth it? How to separate the science from marketing

Nutritional supplements may have a role for some people, but they are not a substitute for a healthy diet, medical care, or lifestyle changes.
Plants fill wood containers that provide structure in a community garden.

The simple benefits of adding more plant-based foods to your plate

A plant-based diet focuses on foods that come from plants, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Learn more about exploring this lifestyle option.
Five students and two UTMB staff members gather by a sign reading "Island Scholars Inaugural Cohort Fall 2026."

First ISLAND Promise nursing students find community, support, and a future at UTMB

A new group of students in The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) School of Nursing is making history as the inaugural recipients of the ISLAND Promise, a scholarship and workforce development initiative.
Woman standing beside an open stainless-steel freezer filled with stacked bags of stored milk in a clinical setting.

Hope in every ounce for UTMB Health NICU babies

A UTMB Health breast milk donation program delivered 6,700 ounces in its first year, supporting fragile newborns in the NICU.
Three people pose in a hospital lobby at UTMB Health League City Campus following the campus’s accreditation as a Total Joint Replacement Center of Excellence.

UTMB League City Campus earns Total Joint Replacement Center of Excellence accreditation

The UTMB Health League City Campus has earned Total Joint Replacement Center of Excellence accreditation, recognizing its high standards in joint replacement care.
Assortment of protein-rich foods on a wooden board, including beef, chicken, salmon, deli meat, egg, cheese, cottage cheese, milk, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Wooden blocks in front spell “PROTEIN.”

How much protein do you really need each day?

Starting in midlife, adults lose approximately 3% to 8% of their muscle mass per decade, and that loss accelerates after age 60. Declining muscle mass is associated with increased risk of falls, reduced mobility, hospitalization, and loss of independence.
A woman wearing a white UTMB lab coat stands indoors in front of large bright mural featuring trees and purple wildflowers.

5 simple ways to keep your kidneys healthy

Taking care of your kidneys doesn’t require drastic changes — just consistent, informed choices over time. Small steps now can make a lasting difference in your long-term health.
Red stethoscope coiled around a heart-shaped object patterned with the American flag, with a faint electrocardiogram line in the background on a white surface.

25 Years later: Lessons in emergency preparedness

Christine Wade reflects on how the events of 9/11 shaped her approach to emergency preparedness, leadership, and crisis response. Her experience continues to inform the university's commitment to training, planning, and readiness.
Illustration of a human brain formed from layered flowers, leaves, and branching plant stems on a dark blue background.

UTMB is Taking the Brain “Out of the Lab”

From his adopted home in Galveston, world-renowned professor and researcher Dr. Giulio Taglialatela is helping redefine brain health as the foundation for healthier lives and stronger communities.
A child and an adult look at an open children’s book together in a library setting, with bookshelves visible in the background.

Bright futures begin one book at a time

Reading with children for just 20 minutes a day can strengthen family bonds, support healthy brain development, and build skills that last a lifetime. Pediatricians at UTMB Health share why reading early and often matters.
UTMB nurse practitioner Ruth Diamampo Jetty sits at a computer in a clinical exam room, smiling at the camera. She wears a dark jacket over scrubs and has a stethoscope around her neck.

How poor sleep undermines women's weight, mood, and memory in midlife

Many women accept poor sleep as a normal part of midlife, but chronic sleep deprivation can affect weight, memory, mood, and overall health. UTMB Health nurse practitioner Ruth Jetty says prioritizing sleep is essential to improving physical and emotional well-being.
A group of seven healthcare professionals stands together in a hospital hallway, posing for a group photo. The group includes four men and three women, dressed in a mix of professional and casual attire.

What palliative care really means for patients with serious illness

Palliative care is not end-of-life care. It can begin at any stage of a serious illness, alongside curative treatment, to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. UTMB palliative care specialist Dr. Moustafa El Sayed explains how the specialty supports the whole person and helps patients and families navigate serious illness, treatment decisions, and difficult conversations.
An older man walks from his bedroom to a brightly lit bathroom during the night, illustrating nighttime bathroom trips associated with an enlarged prostate.

You don't have to live with enlarged prostate symptoms

BPH is a common, treatable condition in men that can cause frequent urination, interrupted sleep, and other symptoms that interfere with daily life. Medications and minimally invasive procedures offer effective treatment options, and men do not have to accept bladder symptoms as a normal part of aging.
A woman stands at a workstation in a medical exam room, entering information into a computer beside medical equipment. The clinical setting includes an exam sink, cabinets, blood pressure monitor, and other patient-care supplies.

Midlife sleep problems might point to apnea

Sleep apnea can affect women differently than men, with midlife symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, headaches, mood changes, and night sweats often mistaken for menopause. Recognizing the signs and seeking an evaluation can lead to effective treatment, better sleep, and improved overall health.
Dr. Laura Porterfield and Christen Walcher, MPAff, stand side by side in a primary care clinic at UTMB Health. The pair collaborated on research published in Annals of Family Medicine examining the paradoxes of integrating social care into primary care.

UTMB Health physician explores the complex realities behind social care in primary care

A UTMB family medicine physician is helping reshape how healthcare addresses social needs. New research explores surprising paradoxes in social care — and why embracing complexity could lead to better outcomes for patients and providers.
Clinician places a small vial on an exam table beside four color-coded vials while a seated patient looks on in an examination room.

Allergy shots: A long-term solution for lasting relief

Instead of simply managing symptoms season after season, immunotherapy works to retrain the immune system and reduce the overall allergic response. For many patients, that means fewer sick days, better sleep, less medication, and more freedom to enjoy daily life.
Illustration shows people at different stages of life, with symbols representing physical activity, nutrition, preventive screening, and healthy aging. The figures appear in four connected panels with health-related icons and a tree in the background.

Health care for the ages: preventive screenings you shouldn’t skip

Staying proactive with both physical and mental health checkups is a simple step that can have a life-saving impact.
Health care provider in a white coat seated in an exam room, speaking with a patient whose back is to the camera. Medical posters, a sink, and a window with blinds are visible in the room.

Medicare GLP-1 coverage just changed: What to know about the new $50-a-month program

By bridging the gap between specialized clinical care, integrated pharmacy support and expanded coverage, the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program is changing how obesity treatment is delivered. Learn how UTMB helps streamline the process so patients can focus on their health rather than paperwork.
Tammy Jimenez and Aimee Jackson stand together at a UTMB Health WIC clinic, smiling for the camera near the clinic’s reception area.

UTMB secures record $10.3 million to expand WIC services across Southeast Texas

UTMB Health secured a record $10.3 million in USDA funding for its WIC program, nearly $1 million more than last year. The funding will expand nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthy food resources across Southeast Texas.
Open lunch container with a sandwich and sliced apples on a table, with a banana nearby and hands reaching toward the food.

Smart school-day nutrition: Breakfasts, lunches and snacks that help kids learn and thrive

Balanced breakfasts, lunches, and after-school snacks can help children stay focused, energized, and ready to learn. Get practical school-day nutrition tips from UTMB Health.
A female health care provider in a white coat sits across from an older man at a table during an office visit. The man rests a hand on their chest while the provider takes notes on a clipboard.

Talking to your primary care provider about mental health

You don’t need the perfect word — or a crisis — to start the conversation about stress, anxiety, or depression with your primary care provider.
Two people seated at microphones in a podcast recording setting, one wearing a white clinical coat and the other wearing burgundy scrubs, against a blue background.

Staying connected after bariatric surgery and understanding new obesity treatment options: A conversation with Drs. Sarah Samreen and Andrea Stark

Following positive feedback from patients and viewers, Sarah Samreen, MD, and Andrea Stark, DO, returned for another discussion about obesity care, long-term follow-up after bariatric surgery, and the rapidly evolving treatment landscape.
Two children with backpacks travel down a tree-lined residential street, one riding a bicycle and the other on a scooter while wearing a helmet.

Bike and scooter safety: Back-to-school tips for safe rides and outdoor play

Help kids ride safely this school year with bike, scooter and helmet safety tips from UTMB Health, including helmet fit, visibility, riding rules and when to seek care after a fall.
Two people jog on a paved path along a shoreline, with rocks, beach, ocean waves, and clouds visible in the background.

UTMB is redefining what it means for Texans to live long, healthy lives

Through programs that support healthy living to innovative heart health studies, the institution shows that healthcare starts long before treating an illness.
Hands rinse a head of leafy green lettuce under running water in a kitchen sink while fresh vegetables sit nearby on a countertop. Thoroughly washing produce and practicing good hand hygiene can help reduce the risk of Cyclospora infection.

More than a stomach bug, Cyclospora can cause weeks of severe illness

Cyclospora is a foodborne parasite that can cause weeks of severe diarrhea, fatigue, and stomach cramps after consuming contaminated produce or water. UTMB Health experts urge early testing, treatment, hydration, and safe food handling to prevent complications.
Person seated indoors gently interacting with a white dog wearing a pink glitter headband and colorful tulle accessory. The dog and person face each other in a clinical or waiting-room setting.

A Little Happy Light: Pet Therapy Brings Comfort to Pediatric Patients at John Sealy Hospital

For children in the hospital, healing can come in many forms. Sometimes, it looks like medicine, physical therapy or another step in a care plan. Other times, it arrives on four paws.
Dr. Alberto Aparicio stands at the front of a classroom, speaking to students during a bioethics lecture on longevity at the John Sealy School of Medicine at UTMB. A podium with computer monitors and a chalkboard are visible in the classroom.

The new science of aging is zeroing in on living healthier, not just longer

Scientists at UTMB are exploring whether slowing the biology of aging could help prevent chronic disease and extend healthspan. Their research also examines the ethical questions surrounding longevity, access to future therapies, and healthy aging for all.
Seven men and women in UTMB white coats and one woman in black business attire stand in a procedure room.

UTMB receives historic $180 million commitment for the Sealy Heart & Vascular Institute

The Sealy & Smith Foundation’s record-setting philanthropic investment, including a new $130 million commitment, will fund expansion for the Sealy Heart and Vascular Institute at UTMB.
A man in a suit and glasses stands with arms crossed in front of a metal-barred doorway inside a building.

Rethinking correctional healthcare

The Center for Correctional Healthcare Excellence at UTMB is advancing research, innovation, education, and clinical care for one of the nation’s most medically vulnerable populations.
Five adults are standing in a fitness class holding colorful resistance bands while exercising together in a bright room.

Strong at any age: UTMB Health strength-training program helps older adults improve health and independence

Community-based Geri-Fit classes were linked to healthier cholesterol levels, better mobility, and greater independence among older adults.
Dr. Sura Alqaisi stands in the hallway outside a UTMB Medicine Specialists clinic wearing a white lab coat. She faces the camera with a welcoming expression near the entrance to the clinic suite

The role hormones play in women’s midlife weight gain

Midlife weight gain isn't simply about how much you eat. UTMB Health endocrinologist Dr. Sura Alqaisi explains how hormonal changes, metabolism, sleep, and body composition affect weight during menopause and what women can do to stay healthy.
Two people seated at microphones in a podcast recording setting, one wearing a white clinical coat and the other wearing burgundy scrubs, against a blue background.

What patients should know about the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program: A Conversation with Drs. Sarah Samreen and Andrea Stark

Dr. Sarah Samreen and Dr. Andrea Stark discuss the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, a new federal program that may expand access to certain GLP-1 medications for eligible Medicare Part D patients being treated for obesity.
Dr. Randa Abdelmasih, an endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist at UTMB Health, reviews a patient information form in a clinic exam room. Wearing a white lab coat, she sits near an exam table while holding paperwork.

The hidden link between obesity, inflammation, and chronic disease

Obesity is about more than excess weight. A UTMB Health obesity medicine specialist explains how chronic inflammation can damage organs quietly, raise the risk of serious diseases, and why even modest weight loss can improve long-term health.
Gloved hand holding a blood sample tube labeled “Rickettsia” next to a rapid test cassette labeled “Rickettsia” with one visible line in the result window, against a background of multicolored specimen tube caps.

UTMB study shows flea-borne murine typhus can become life-threatening

Researchers urge early recognition and treatment as murine typhus continues to reemerge along the Texas Gulf Coast.
Health care provider in a white coat seated in an exam room, speaking with a patient whose back is to the camera. Medical posters, a sink, and a window with blinds are visible in the room.

Expanding access to weight management: What the new Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program means for you

Medicare beneficiaries may now be eligible for GLP-1 weight management medications at a capped cost of just $50 per month. Learn who qualifies for the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program and how UTMB can help you navigate the process.
Two women wearing matching workout gear laugh while enjoying cold drinks.

Sustained weight loss of 130 pounds powers patient’s love for exercise

After years of losing and regaining weight, Lynda Patrick turned to UTMB Health for help. Working with the weight management team, she underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2024 and has since lost more than 130 pounds, dramatically improving her health.
Alarm clock on a bed in the foreground with a child sleeping out of focus in the background.

Why healthy sleep routines matter for school success

Healthy sleep routines help children focus, learn, grow, and feel ready for school. Learn how families can reset bedtime routines and support better sleep before the school year starts.
Person wearing glasses and a stethoscope stands with arms crossed in an indoor hallway or lobby area. The background is softly blurred, with railings and interior architectural features visible.

Back-to-school germs: Practical ways to reduce illness this school year

Back-to-school season brings new learning opportunities—and plenty of germs. Discover how small daily changes can help keep children healthier, minimize missed school days, and support a stronger start to the school year.
Person seated at a desk using a keyboard and looking at a computer monitor displaying the Google homepage. Office items, including a telephone, calendar, and potted plant, are visible on the desk and windowsill.

Is it bad to eat cheese at night?

Family Nurse Practitioner Alma Chavez answers this and nine of the other most-Googled health-related questions in Texas.
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