Vlog: Health Topic Health Blog Videos

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.

At UTMB Health’s John Sealy Hospital in Galveston, the pet therapy program brings certified and trained animals to pediatric patients to help support them during their healing journey. In a medical environment that can feel unfamiliar or intimidating for children, therapy animals can offer comfort, reduce anxiety and help patients feel more engaged and encouraged throughout their care.

The impact can be seen in small but meaningful moments. Children may become more willing to participate in physical therapy, take their medicine or simply smile during a difficult hospital stay. One staff member described the animals as “a little happy light,” bringing joy into the room when children and families need it most.

In one especially memorable visit, a pediatric patient who had been critically ill and undergone multiple surgeries was well enough to receive pet therapy. The family had recently lost their beloved Labrador, and when Diva, one of the therapy dogs, jumped into the patient’s bed, the child lunged forward to pet her.

It was the most movement the team and family had seen from him.

His father lay on the floor with Diva and cried, overwhelmed by the moment and the hope it brought. For the care team, it was a powerful reminder that healing is not only clinical. Sometimes, connection, comfort and encouragement can help a child take a step forward.

The program also supports staff. Therapy animals often visit in the afternoon, after busy mornings of rounds, admissions and patient care. For nurses and care team members, a few quiet moments with the animals can help reset the day and bring calm back to the unit.

Today, UTMB’s pet therapy program includes three dogs, with hopes to grow the program so therapy animals can visit more often, potentially every day of the week.

For patients, families and staff, these visits bring more than a welcome distraction. They bring comfort, connection and a calming presence that supports healing and wellness across the pediatric unit.

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.

To learn more, watch the full discussion.

Dr. Erin Cooney is an Associate Professor in the Division of Medical Genetics & Metabolism at UTMB Health, serving as Medical Director for UTMB Biochemical Genetics & Newborn Screening and the UTMB Genetics of Autism Clinic, and Medical Supervisor for UTMB Prenatal Genetics. Dr. Cooney’s clinical focus is on medical genetics and the inborn errors of metabolism and advocates on a national level for improved metabolic practices through the Society for Inherited Metabolic Disorders Public Policy Committee.

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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.

To learn more, watch the full discussion.

Dr. Jonathan Gerber s a fellowship trained Pediatric Urologist who believes that the child is the most important person in the room during a clinic visit and should be treated as such in order to alleviate the usual fear of seeing a doctor. His clinical interests include the full breadth of pediatric urology, from prenatal urologic counseling, newborn circumcisions and revisions to hernias, hydrocele and undescended testicles. He sees hydronephrosis, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, obstructive uropathy, neurogenic bladder including spina bifida, and hypospadias.

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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.

To learn more, watch the full discussion.

Dr. Kirk is a licensed clinical psychologist and assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UTMB. She engages in clinical work, research, teaching, and training, with the aim of advancing the field of clinical psychology, particularly as it relates to childhood trauma. She is also dedicated to improving access to mental health care for vulnerable and underserved youth.

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.

Here are five expert tips to help keep your child safe this summer:

1. Store Safely: Keep medications, vitamins, and cleaning products up high and locked away—out of sight and out of reach.
2. Keep Original Containers: Never transfer dangerous liquids like bleach or detergent into drink bottles or food containers. Original packaging helps prevent confusion and contains safety information.
3. Beware of Lookalikes: Colorful detergent pods and gummy vitamins can look like candy to young children. Store them securely and talk to kids about not eating anything unless it’s given by an adult.
4. Stay Alert When Traveling: When visiting friends or family, scan the environment. Grandparents’ nightstands or open purses may contain medications or items that pose a risk to curious kids.
5. Know What to Do: If your child swallows something they shouldn't, don’t wait—call the Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222. They’re available 24/7 to help.

With a few simple precautions, you can prevent many of the most common summertime ingestion accidents. Stay safe, stay aware—and enjoy a healthy summer with your family.

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. 

1. Make Water Fun and Accessible: Sometimes, it’s all about presentation. Let your child pick out a fun new water bottle—one they’ll want to drink from. Add some excitement by freezing fresh fruit into ice cubes or making homemade popsicles with ingredients like coconut water and berries.
2. Add Hydrating Fruits and Veggies: Foods like watermelon, oranges, cucumbers, and lemons pack a hydration punch. Incorporate these into snacks or infuse them into water for added flavor and appeal.
3. Be a Role Model: Kids mimic what they see. Drinking water regularly in front of your child makes it more likely they’ll follow suit. Set the example by keeping your own water bottle handy and taking regular sips throughout the day.
4. Limit Sugary Drinks: Juice, soda, sweet tea, and even lemonade might seem refreshing, but they can contribute to dehydration. Limiting these beverages supports better hydration and overall health.

Proper hydration supports your child’s energy, mood, and physical well-being. By building these simple habits into your family’s routine, you’ll help ensure your kids stay healthy and refreshed all summer long.

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

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. 

To learn more, watch the full discussion.

 

 

UTMB Health's Dr. Melissa DeFilippis, psychiatrist and director of the Child and Adolescent Psychology Division, sat down with Houston Moms host Meagan Clanahan for an in-depth discussion 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.

To learn more, watch the full discussion.

 

Dr. DeFilippis serves as the Director of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division, as well as directs and supervises the Developmental Disorders clinic, assessing and treating patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders.