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.
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.
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.
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.
Healthcare provider examines a young child seated on an exam table in a medical exam room. Medical equipment is visible on the wall in the background.

Back-to-school anxiety is common — here’s how parents can help

Back-to-school jitters are more common than many parents realize, and anxiety can show up in surprising ways. Learn how to recognize the signs, support your child through the transition, and help them build confidence for a successful school year.
Clinician in a white coat with a stethoscope reviews a clipboard while seated beside a patient in a clinical exam area with glass-walled rooms in the background.

Sports physicals for kids — what parents need to know

Sports physicals don’t have to be a last‑minute scramble. Learn when to schedule, what to expect, and how a simple visit can help keep your child safe, confident, and ready for the season ahead.
Youth baseball game in progress with a batter at home plate, catcher and umpire crouched behind, and a pitcher throwing the ball from the mound on a sunny outdoor field

Common sports injuries in kids: A parent’s guide to prevention and care

Is it really just growing pains—or something more? Learn the early warning signs of common youth sports injuries, why kids’ bodies need different care than adults, and how parents can help young athletes stay healthy and in the game.
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.
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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.
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.
Small hands holding a blue blister pack of pills, highlighting the risk of accidental medication ingestion by young children

Preventing Unintentional Ingestions: 5 Safety Tips Every Parent Should Know

Summer brings long days, new adventures, and unexpected risks for young children. Did you know that most unintentional ingestions happen in just a moment, often when a caregiver steps away for just a second? These accidents can happen fast, but the good news is, many are preventable.
little girl drinking water

Tips to Stay Hydrated

Summer in Texas brings soaring temperatures, outdoor fun—and the need for extra hydration, especially for kids. But what if your child isn’t a fan of drinking water? Fortunately, there are easy and creative ways to help keep your little ones hydrated all summer long.
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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.
Health care provider wearing blue scrubs stands beside a seated adult holding a swaddled newborn in a hospital room, with medical equipment and a hospital bed visible in the background, illustrating newborn care and a pediatric visit

Five tips for newborn moms

From tips on feeding and notes on what to expect when it comes to things like fevers and poop, UTMB pediatrician Dr. Radhini Bell shares her top five tips for moms of newborns navigating the "fourth" trimester.
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UTMB Friendswood clinic moves, expands

The UTMB Health Pediatric and Adult Primary Care Clinic in Friendswood will open its doors at a new location at 1715 S. Friendswood Dr., Friendswood on March 10. The new clinic will have the same hours of operation, but will offer expanded services and specialties.
Hand-painted ceiling tile featuring a beach scene with palm trees, ocean waves, a sun and a red crab, displayed on the ceiling of a pediatric hospital unit as part of a patient art program

Ceiling Tile Program helps patients heal through art

Children facing extended hospital stays can design and create ceiling tiles that are later placed throughout the hallways of the unit, creating a comforting environment for past, current, and future patients.
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Mom-daughter duo reflect on UTMB's support through high school sports injury

From hands on care to thorough communication and support, learn how UTMB was there for a local family as their daughter faced and recovered from a severe sports injury.
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Research programs provide mental health resources for area youth

The Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Behavioral Activation programs are free and designed for eligible participants between the ages of eight and 20 who are not currently dealing with a mental health emergency such as psychosis or immediately suicidal thoughts.
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Learning disabilities 101

During the latest segment with Houston Moms, psychologist and assistant professor Dr. Kimberly Gushanas talked about all things learning disabilities.
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UTMB Health provides virtual mental health services to area school districts through statewide initiative

To help increase access to much needed mental health support services, a free statewide initiative called Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT) has been implemented in school districts across the state.
An adult and a child sit at a table with a laptop and papers, reviewing school materials together in a home setting with a brick wall in the background

Make an action plan for back to school

Think ahead and use our back-to-school action plan to help you and your crew stay healthy and happy this school year.
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Free Mental Health Support for Texas Students Through TCHATT

Through the Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT) program, members of the University of Texas Medical Branch Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Department provide free mental health services to students in school districts across the region.
Three round icons sit side by side on a light surface, each showing a different facial expression: a red frowning face, a yellow neutral face, and a green smiling face against a teal background

Free mental health support for Texas students through TCHATT

Through the Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT) program, members of the University of Texas Medical Branch Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Department provide free mental health services to students in school districts across the region.
A person stands behind a table displaying planners, small gifts, brochures, and baskets at an indoor event. The table is arranged with colorful materials and supplies against a plain wall and chairs in the background.

Community Engagement team shows up for area school districts

From new teacher welcome luncheons and vendor fairs to pop-up events, the UTMB Community Engagement team is coming to these events bearing goods and resources to help educators, students and families prepare for the academic year ahead.
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Carrying the mental load of natural disasters - a guide for parents

During the latest segment with Houston Moms, psychologist and assistant professor Dr. Claire Kirk shared tips for coping after a natural disaster.
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Medical advice for common summer scenarios

From firework burns to jellyfish stings, Dr. Urvashi Barua-Nath, medical director with the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Department at the UTMB Health Clear Lake Campus shared how to respond in these situations during a recent interview with Houston Moms.
Two adults and two children lie on the floor together while looking at a tablet device, with the screen positioned in front of the group in a home setting

Summer media plans can help build healthy habits for the whole family

Once the novelty wears off and the boredom sets in, screentime habits can quickly become an issue for school-age children during breaks from the classroom. The American Academy of Pediatrics provides an interactive tool to help parents create a family media plan.
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UTMB experts participate in Houston Moms family wellbeing panel

During the latest segment with Houston Moms, three UTMB faculty members joined the conversation to share their personal and professional insight on maintaining the wellbeing of the family unit.
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Advocating for your child's health

Highlighting the collaborative efforts of the UTMB Health Pediatric Nephrology team, Jessica Lewis shares how working with the care team and advocating for her son led to a solid diagnosis & treatment plan for his chronic kidney disorder.
Medical monitor displays multiple brain scan images alongside bright surgical lights inside an operating room, illustrating neurological imaging and care in a clinical setting

There’s nothing benign about a brain injury

UTMB Health neurologist Dr. Brent Masel shares important information about both mild and severe brain injuries, including what to do if you or a loved one experience one and signs and symptoms there may be something more serious developing.
headshot image of utmb pediatric surgeon dr. Maria Carmen mora alongside a headshot of meagan clanahan from houston moms, both featured in round frames above a standard play button on a dark teal background

Advances in pediatric robotic surgery

During this chat with Houston Moms, learn how Dr. Maria Carmen Mora is helping grow the pediatric robotic surgery program at UTMB Health and why the practice is so beneficial to patients.
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Meet UTMB Health's newest pediatric surgeon, Dr. Carmen Mora

When a child undergoes surgery, what happens in the OR can potentially influence the trajectory of the child’s entire future. UTMB Health pediatric surgeon Dr. Maria Carmen Mora does not take for granted the weight of that privilege and responsibility.
A small child stands in a medical exam room while a health care provider uses a stethoscope to listen to the child’s chest, with a window and exam table visible in the background.

Top-notch pediatric kidney care drives Katy family to Clear Lake

Facing a rare kidney disorder, five-year-old Olin Lewis and his family rely on the UTMB Health pediatric nephrology team to keep him healthy so he can focus on things like mastering his flag football game.
Two side‑by‑side headshots show UTMB Health OBGYN Dr. Marisol Carpio‑Solis on the left and Houston Moms representative Meagan Clanahan on the right, representing a discussion on cervical cancer awareness, screening and HPV prevention

Cervical cancer 101 with Houston Moms

From screening measures to treatment options and prevention methods, Dr. Marisol Carpio-Solis shared everything she knows about cervical cancer during a recent conversation with our partners with Houston Moms.
A baby sits on an adult’s lap while gloved hands nearby prepare a small adhesive bandage, representing infant immunization and pediatric preventive care

RSV immunizations - a chat with Houston Moms

From what babies are eligible for the monoclonal antibody immunization, to how it differs from the option for pregnant women, Dr. Manuela Murray shares all the information about the recently approved RSV injections.
RSV vaccine vial labeled “RSV Vaccine” next to a syringe, protective gloves, and a small medicine vial on a clean white surface, representing immunization and respiratory virus protection

A breakdown of the newly approved RSV immunizations

Throughout 2023, three injections offering protection against RSV were approved. Learn more about each type and what, if any, might be right for you and your loved ones.
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.
A student-athlete sits on a running track holding a knee while two adults kneel nearby and provide assistance. The setting appears to be an outdoor track during a sports practice or event.

UTMB health tackles physical and mental aspects of athletic injuries

If your athlete experiences an accident or injury, know that UTMB Health experts are equipped to help with the mental and physical aspects of recovery every step of the way.
Audrey Solomon sits on an outdoor bench holding her infant daughter, Maisie Solomon

Sense of community comforted new mom

When a lifelong UTMB patient with a rare genetic condition found out she was pregnant, she knew exactly where to go to get the care she could trust for her and her daughter-on-the-way. Nearly two years later, both mom and daughter continue to see UTMB Health specialists and they are healthy and thriving.
Child wearing a school uniform and backpack sitting to the left of her mother. She is holding her mother's hand and they are conversing and smiling looking at each other

Try asking these questions when your kids get home from school

Dr. Jeff Temple shares tips for having meaningful conversations and check-ins with your children after school and every day.
A football player wearing a helmet and uniform stands on a football field and raises a thumb, with blurred spectators and field elements visible in the background

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.
image of adult woman sitting next to boy facing a computer

UTMB experts share tips for parents, children navigating academic changes, emotional stress

As back-to-school season unfolds and children face the challenges of new academic milestones, UTMB Health experts offer advice, tips and tricks to help all members of the family cope with the feelings and emotions that come with seasons of change and uncertainty.
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.
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