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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Four adults stretching in a park, each performing a forward lunge on a paved path with trees and fall foliage in the background.

The most dangerous words in men’s health: ‘I’m fine’

From ED to depression to sleep apnea, the symptoms men avoid talking about with their primary care providers may be the ones that matter most.

Doctor talking with patient about new year health goals.

Overwhelmed by New Year health resolutions? Here’s how UTMB Health’s primary care can help

UTMB primary care turns New Year motivation into realistic plans, steady progress, and long-term wellness.

Nurse coaching patient on an exercise bike

Ready for a Health Reset? UTMB Experts Share How to Start 2026 Strong

An adult and a toddler sit together on the floor of a living room, looking at an open picture book, with a couch and houseplant visible in the background

Houston Moms + UTMB Geneticist Dr. Erin Cooney talk about new treatments that are changing the future of patients with genetic conditions

Parents shouldn’t have to navigate genetic conditions alone. In this month’s Houston Moms + UTMB Health video, Dr. Erin Cooney explains how her team walks alongside families — helping them find clarity, treatment options, and support for the future.

Two circular portrait photos displayed side by side on a teal background — one showing a person wearing a white coat and glasses, and the other showing a person resting their chin on their hand

Houston Moms talks with Pediatric Urologist Dr. Jonathan Gerber

UTMB Pediatric Urologist Dr. Jonathan Gerber spoke with Houston Moms host Meagan Clanahan, covering topics like circumcision, bedwetting, and other common urological issues in children. Get expert insights and practical advice every parent should hear.

Health care provider uses an otoscope to examine a seated patient’s ear in a medical exam room, with an exam chair, clinical lighting and neutral-colored walls visible in the background

What is a Family Physician?

Think about the one person you can call whether your child has a fever at 2 a.m., you need a wellness check before starting a new job, or you’re caring for an aging parent. That’s your family physician. They’re the medical professionals who know you by name, remember your history, and understand more than just your symptoms.

Three circular headshots displayed on a teal background show two UTMB child psychologists and a Houston Moms host as part of a discussion on helping children cope with traumatic events and disasters

Healing After Mass Traumas and Disasters: A conversation with Houston Moms

UTMB child psychologists Dr. Claire Kirk and Dr. Cody Dodd spoke with Houston Moms Meagan Callahan about how to help children navigate traumatic events and disasters. They shared expert advice on fostering resilience, having age-appropriate conversations, and recognizing when it's time to seek professional support.

Two circular headshot photos displayed side by side on a teal background, showing UTMB Health licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Kim Gushanas and a Houston Moms host as part of a mental health discussion graphic

Mental Health Awareness Month- a conversation about death and grief with Houston Moms

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, UTMB Health's Dr. Kim Gushanas sat down with Houston Moms for a heartfelt discussion about grief, mourning and how to speak about death of loved ones to your children.

Autism Awareness - a conversation with Houston Moms

UTMB's Dr. Melissa DeFilippis joined Houston Moms for an conversation about what it means to have autism, recognizing signs that your child may have autism, available treatments, and how you can find support as a parent of a child with autism.

A clinician appears on screen during a television interview, speaking from an indoor setting with large windows in the background. A lower‑third graphic reads “For Your Health: Taking Care of Your Pelvic Floor.”

Taking care of your pelvic floor

During an interview with Houston Life, two UTMB Health clinicians shared tips and insight on how to have a healthy pelvic floor.

Health care provider uses a stethoscope to listen to a seated patient’s chest during a hospital visit, with medical equipment and monitors visible in the background, illustrating cardiovascular care during pregnancy or postpartum care

How UTMB Health is combating the rising cardiovascular maternal mortality rate

As the rate of heart-disease related deaths continues to rise for pregnant and postpartum mothers and women during childbirth, cardiologist Dr. Danielle El Haddad is laying the foundation for a cardio-obstetrics program to care for at-risk patients.

Melanie Camp, wearing black sitting in chair on the left, talking with Dr. Carlos Dostal, wearing a blue tie and gray blazer, seated in a chair on the right

Follow these tips for a healthy 2024

During an interview with Houston Life, Dr. Carlos Dostal shares tips for how to have a healthy 2024.

Person wearing a blue sleeveless shirt gives a thumbs‑up, showing a small adhesive bandage on their upper arm after receiving a flu vaccination

The cumulative effect of annual flu shots

Did you know annual flu shots can have a cumulative effect that can protect you beyond the current flu season? Pediatrician Dr. Manuela Murray shares her first-hand experience with the proven theory.

An athlete wearing a medical walking boot and using crutches stands on a sports field with the UTMB Health logo, symbolizing sports injury care and recovery support

Student athletes and sports injuries

From concussions to injuries that may require surgery, Dr. Stacy Leung covers what to do if your student athlete is injured playing or practicing their favorite sport.

Person wearing a white lab coat, glasses and a striped tie standing in a clinical setting, with medical imaging displayed on monitors in the background

Prostate cancer treatment options

Surgeons Dr. Stephen Williams and Dr. Laith Alzweri share insights and information on prostate cancer and its potential treatment options.

image of blood cells with text "Sepsis Know the Facts" in the middle

Sepsis - A silent killer and leading cause of death

To prevent sepsis, which claims approximately 11 million lives each year, early awareness is key.

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.

Young child seated at a table looks at a piece of broccoli being offered by an adult hand, with a plate of food in front of the child in an indoor dining setting

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 an adult sitting in bed reading a book with a child during a bedtime routine in a softly lit bedroom

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.

School‑aged child wearing a backpack walks toward a school building, with a small adhesive bandage visible on the upper arm, suggesting a recent vaccination before returning to class

Back-to-school immunizations

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

Two children play basketball on an outdoor court under bright sunlight, with a hoop and school building in the background, illustrating physical activity during warm weather

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.

Three people run along a sandy beach flying a colorful kite, with the ocean and calm sky in the background on a sunny day

Tips to ensure a trip to the beach is safe

Dr. Monica Thint has five tips to keep you and your family safe when heading to the beach.

Bottle of sunscreen on a bright yellow background beside white sunscreen arranged in the shape of a sun

Staying safe in the sun

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

Plate of fresh fruit including sliced apples, pears, bananas, grapes, and orange segments arranged neatly on a white plate beside a glass of water

Healthy summer snacks

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

Two adults assist an infant in a swimming pool, using orange flotation noodles to support the child during a supervised water activity

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.

Stethoscope, red heart, and paper cutout figures of a family arranged on a light blue background, symbolizing comprehensive family health care and preventive medical services

Family Medicine: Your One Stop Shop

Family medicine providers are trained in many areas of medicine and can provide comprehensive care for you, your children, your parents and your entire family.

middle aged caucasian female physician holding finger in front of the face of a young female athlete

Sports Physicals - Know the facts

Dr. Namita Bhardwaj joined Meagan Clanahan of Houston Moms to discuss all things sports medicine--sports physicals, safety protocols and best practices during COVID and more.

Smiling parents sit on a couch with their two young children, laughing and embracing, showing a happy, healthy family moment at home

What is a Family Physician?

Family physicians deliver a range of acute, chronic and preventive medical care services. In addition to diagnosing and treating illness, they also provide preventive care, including routine checkups, health-risk assessments, immunization and more.

Pediatric Primary Care

Back to School Wellness

Dr. Manuela Murray joined Meagan Clanahan of the Houston Moms Blog to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine, back-to-school well-checks and more.

Child sitting alone in a dimly lit room using a laptop and holding a phone, with the screen glow illuminating the surrounding wall, illustrating online activity in a private space

Cyberbullying - What to do

Dr. Jeff Temple offers insight and advice on what to do if you or someone you know is plagued by bullying either in person or virtually.