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Regardless of the season or sport, injuries are bound to happen to student-athletes as they play and practice. To help parents, athletes and teams better know how to react during these situations, Dr. Stacy Leung, a primary care sports medicine physician, took time to chat with our partners at Houston Moms and covered a variety of questions, including:

• When should you head to the ER vs Urgent Care vs Family Doctor/Primary Care Provider?
• How can the trainers/team support staff help?
  • what conversations should you have with them?
• What conversations should you have with your primary care doctor if you are playing sports?
• What about concussions? What are the warning signs/symptoms?
• What is the path to get back on the field if surgery is warranted?

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer. About 1 out of every 41 men will die of it.

These statistics are why members of the UTMB Health Urology team are so passionate about spreading information about the sometimes-silent disease.

"When they are aware of the disease, men are more likely to seek help from physicians and have conversations about it,” says Dr. Laith Alzweri, surgeon and associate professor within the Department of Surgery’s Urology Division. 

Dr. Stephen Williams, a clinical leader and professor within the departments of Surgery and Radiology, wants patients to know that if they do end up with a positive diagnosis for prostate cancer, there’s lots of options for next steps, but it’s key to have a care team you can trust to guide you throughout the process.

Dr. Stephen Williams on prostate treatment options

The American Academy of Pediatric and Adolescent Psychiatry notes that's it's important to limit screen time for children to no more than two to three hours a day, on most days, although sometimes expanding to three to four hours is OK, especially if it's less frequently, like only on the weekends.

However, most school age children average anywhere from four to six hours a day and that's too much.

In addition to monitoring the time they're on devices, it's important to also monitor what kinds of content they are consuming. It's common for predators to try to engage with children through advertisements and other virtual means, so stay vigilant always.

When possible, try to have scree-free quality family time, like when eating meals together. This will help foster a stronger family dynamic. Additionally, to help ensure everyone has a good, restful night's sleep, try to put all devices away 20 to 30 minutes before bedtime, especially on school nights.

For more information on health and wellness measures--including care options -- visit the UTMB Health Pediatric Primary Care page.

Lesley Nairn on monitoring screen time

Lesley Nairn is a certified family nurse practitioner who has two children of her own.

UTMB Health Pediatric and Adult Primary Care, Angleton clinic

UTMB Health Pediatric and Adult Primary Care, Lake Jackson clinic

When spending time outdoors, it's important to be mindful of the bugs around you. To keep you and your family safe and free from bug bites, follow these tips from pediatric nurse practitioner Taylor Little.

• Always wear bug spray containing DEET
• When applying to a small child, always spray into hands first then apply to the child
• If wearing sunscreen, too, first apply sunscreen, then the bug spray.
• Avoid times like dawn and dusk, as that's when bugs are most active
• Wear long sleeves and pants when possible.
• Check yourself and your children when you come inside to make sure nothing came in with you
• If possible, take a shower upon coming in from the outdoors
• In areas that area heavily wooded or overgrown, stay on trails and paths

For more information on health and wellness measures--including care options -- visit the UTMB Health Pediatric Primary Care page.

Taylor Little on outdoor bug safety

Taylor Little is a certified family nurse practitioner who specializes in pediatric primary care. Originally from Houston, she's an avid runner and mom of two.

UTMB Health Pediatric and Adult Primary Care, Webster clinic

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing infants aged six months or older to solid foods.

Essential to a child's growth and development, healthy eating is something that should be encouraged from an early age, as it will lead to a lifetime of better health and reduce risk of chronic disease later in life.

In those early stages of eating, it's important to focus on foods high in iron such as cereals, grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables.

As children begin to age, focusing on a well-balanced diet that contains a good mix of proteins, vitamins, minerals and healthy fats is encouraged to ensure they develop strong bones and muscles and a robust immune system.

Additionally, aim to incorporate forms of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants as they play a vital role in enhanced memory, concentration and cognitive function. 

For more information on health and wellness measures--including care options -- visit the UTMB Health Primary Care page.

Healthy eating tips from a family nurse practitioner

Barbara Herrington is board-certified by The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is bilingual in English and Serbian.

UTMB Health Pediatric Primary Care, Lake Jackson clinic

To ease back-to-school jitters, pediatric physician's assistant Amy  Laird-Payne recommends establishing a good morning routine.

Routines create predictability and familiarity and ease anxiety. Routines also offer children a chance to try some independence and gives them the opportunity to practice good self care habits they can use as an adult.

When planning your morning routine it's important to do two things:

• Take into account the needs of you and your child(ren)
• Start the night before

Ways you can prepare the night before:

• Lay out outfits for the next day
• Discuss hairstyles
• Plan breakfast
• Consider your FULL schedule for the next day, to ensure you have anything extra you'll need for after school and work.

For more information on health and wellness measures--including care options -- visit the UTMB Health Primary Care page.

For tips on how to have get a good night sleep to come in to your morning well-rested and ready to seize the day, read this blog on bedtime routines.

Amy Laird-Payne on establishing morning routines

Amy Laird-Payne, PA-C is passionate about empowering people to pursue their dreams and obtain great health. She lives in the Brazosport Area with her husband and 3 children.

UTMB Health Pediatric Primary Care, Lake Jackson clinic

Before sending the kiddos back to school, UTMB pediatrician Dr. Lee Elam recommends checking in with your child's health care provider to ensure they are up-to-date on all of their vaccinations.

Below is a breakdown of routine immunizations administered throughout various stages of childhood and development. Additionally, Dr. Elam reminds parents that regular vaccines for COVID-19 and the flu are also available, with most clinics normally offering flu shots at the beginning of September. For the COVID-19 vaccines, she advises parents and guardians talk to their family's health care provider for the most up-to-date information about what's available to them.

Typical pre-K and Kinder vaccinations

• DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough "pertussis")
• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
• Varicella (chickenpox)

Typical 6th or 7th grade vaccinations

• Tdap (booster of the DTaP originally administered before the age of 7)
• HPV
• Meningitis

Typical vaccinations for 16-year-olds

• Meningitis booster (to support original dosage from middle school)
• Group B Meningitis

A more  detailed breakdown of vaccinations throughout childhood is available in a previous blog post.

For more information on children's health and wellness measures--including care options -- visit the UTMB Health Pediatrics page.

Dr. Lee Elam on vaccinations

Dr. Lee Elam is happy to serve her hometown of Lake Jackson

UTMB Health Pediatric Primary Care, Lake Jackson clinic.

In Texas, when summer comes to a close and school begins, the heat and humidity don't magically disappear, so it's important for everyone, especially those engaging in fall semester sports to stay vigilant and mindful of how they're feeling when practicing and playing outdoors.

Signs and symptoms of heat-related illness, including heat exhaustion, include nausea, fatigue, headaches and muscle cramps.

To beat the heat and help prevent heat exhaustion, UTMB Health physician Dr. Stacy Leung has the following recommendations:

• Take breaks in the shade and AC
• Remove heavy pads and layers when cooling off
• Build up your endurance and tolerance for the heat by starting with shorter periods of time outdoors then gradually increase it.
• Drink plenty of liquids
• Replenish salts if you're sweating a lot.

For more information on health and wellness measures--including care options -- visit the UTMB Health Primary Care page.

Dr. Stacy Leung on sports-related heat injuries

Dr. Stacy Leung is a native Houstonian who has clinical interests in primary care, sports and international medicine.

UTMB Health Pediatric and Adult Primary Care, South Shore clinic