Don’t let the term “hospital food” scare you when you consider the UT Health San Antonio Multispeciality and Research Hospital’s cafeteria.
Read more about this outbreak on MySA . A measles outbreak in Texas has led to a potential exposure in San Antonio on February 15. If you live in or around the area, here’s what you need to know to stay informed and protected:, 1. Measles is Highly Contagious:, Measles spreads through tiny airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger on surfaces for up to two hours. It can cause serious complications, especially in young children under 5 years old., 2. The Importance of the MMR Vaccine:, The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles. One dose offers 93% protection, while two doses provide 97% protection. If you haven't received the vaccine, or aren't sure of your vaccination status, check with your health care provider., 3. Symptoms of Measles:, Measles symptoms usually appear 7-14 days after exposure and include: High fever (up to 105°F) Cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes White spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots) A rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body, 4. No Specific Treatment for Measles:, There’s no cure for measles, but supportive care—like staying hydrated and using fever-reducing medications—can help manage symptoms., 5. Vaccination Rates & Herd Immunity:, In areas like Bexar County, where vaccination rates are strong, the risk of outbreaks is reduced. Herd immunity, which occurs when 95% or more of the community is vaccinated, helps protect those who can’t be vaccinated., 6. What to Do if You Think You've Been Exposed:, If you suspect you've been exposed to measles or have symptoms, avoid crowded places and stay home. Contact your doctor for a blood test to confirm if you have measles. Stay informed, check your vaccination status and protect yourself and others by getting vaccinated. Measles is preventable, and vaccination is the best defense.
The atmosphere was electric with a mix of anticipation and celebration as employees of the UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital walked through the doors on opening day in the brand-new hospital. Excitement filled the air, and emotions were high as employees gathered for a team huddle to be inspired by heartfelt […]
The Green Wellness Program: Plants-2-Plate has openings for an intensive six-month program that promotes lifestyle change, including a plant-predominant eating pattern to achieve optimal health. The program will start on Wednesday, Feb. 5, with a deadline to enroll by Jan. 31. The program sessions will be held on Wednesdays from 1:15–2:15 p.m. at the School of […]
Chronic stress, anxiety and emotional strain can significantly impact your heart health. Studies have shown a clear link between emotional well-being and the risk of heart disease. Megan Fredrick, MA, LPC-S , explains, "As humans, our overall well-being truly is a matter of the heart. Protecting or preserving our mental and emotional health goes hand in hand with caring for our vital organs.…, Exercise Regularly, Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity each week. Regular exercise not only keeps your heart healthy but also helps to manage stress and boost your mood., Practice Deep Breathing, Techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can help calm your mind, lower stress levels and promote overall emotional well-being., Take Time for Yourself, Taking short breaks throughout your day to relax and recharge is essential. Even just a few moments of quiet time can help you feel refreshed and reduce stress., Stay Connected, Social support is crucial in managing emotional health. Spending time with loved ones and maintaining strong social connections can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Remember, a healthy heart starts with a healthy mind. Prioritize both to reduce your risk of heart disease and enhance your overall well-being. Take the first step towards better heart and mental health today and schedule…
“Our new hospital stands as a testament to innovation, collaboration and a shared vision to transform health care in the community for generations to come,” said Robert Hromas, MD, FACP, acting president of UT Health San Antonio.
Diabetes can take a toll on your feet, but simple habits can help prevent serious complications. , Maintain Blood Sugar Levels and Avoid Smoking, Managing blood sugar levels can help reduce the risk of numbness, nerve pain, ulcers and amputations. Smoking, which impairs circulation, further increases these risks. , Inspect Feet Daily, Checking feet regularly for calluses, blisters, cuts or injuries can help detect problems early. Dr. Rogers recommends that those with diabetes schedule an annual foot screening with a podiatrist at UT Health San Antonio to assess their risk for future complications., Choose Proper Footwear and Socks, Well-fitting, supportive footwear plays a crucial role in preventing foot injuries. Dr. Rogers recommends selecting athletic or sneaker-style shoes with a heel counter, arch support and ample toe space. Shoes should bend only at the toes and should not cause friction on the feet. Individuals with diabetes are encouraged to wear socks to minimize friction and prevent blisters., Trim Nails Properly, Cutting toenails straight across can help prevent ingrown nails, which may lead to infections. Health professionals caution against self-treatment for ingrown nails or calluses, as improper care can increase the risk of infection. Those who have difficulty trimming their nails should seek assistance from a podiatrist., Moisturize Regularly, Diabetes can cause dry skin, particularly on the feet. Applying a dermatologist-recommended moisturizer daily can help prevent cracks and infections. However, experts warn against applying lotion between the toes, as excess moisture can contribute to fungal infections., Always Wear Shoes, Going barefoot increases the risk of foot injuries, even at home. Health professionals stress the importance of wearing protective footwear at all times, except in the shower or at the beach. For those who prefer not to wear outdoor shoes indoors, a designated pair of house shoes is recommended. For more information or to make an appointment, call 210-567-FOOT.
As of Oct. 17, 2022, the FDA has approved over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss who are 18 years or older. Deciding whether to choose an OTC hearing aid or a prescription hearing aid depends on several factors. Here’s what you need to consider: Why You Should Consider a Hearing Test First Before purchasing any hearing aid, it’s important to start…, Lower cost, : Typically, OTC hearing aids are less expensive than prescription hearing aids. (However, many hearing clinics offer affordable prescription options that are comparable in price.), Convenience, : OTC hearing aids can be purchased at pharmacies, grocery stores, or online, making them easy to access without the need for a formal appointment., A good starting point, : For individuals with mild hearing loss, OTC hearing aids can be a useful entry point before considering prescription devices. Cons of OTC Hearing Aids, No personalized fitting, : OTC hearing aids don’t offer the personalized fitting that audiologists provide. The shape of your ear canal can greatly affect sound quality. Audiologists use specialized tools to tailor hearing aids to your unique ear shape., Limited customer support, : Without professional guidance, users may struggle with inserting, removing, and cleaning the devices, which can impact performance. Even minor issues like earwax buildup can significantly degrade sound quality., Limited selection options, : While there are various OTC devices, many are one-size-fits-all or offer limited customization. A more individualized approach tends to yield better results., Inaccurate at-home tests, : At-home hearing tests can be unreliable due to factors like earwax or background noise, leading to inaccurate results., Potential undiagnosed ear issues, : Audiologists often detect ear abnormalities during routine hearing tests. Missing this step may result in undiagnosed medical conditions that need treatment., Choosing the right fit, : The success of an OTC device depends on selecting the correct style and earpiece. Without professional guidance, patients may struggle to make an informed choice., Lack of counseling, : Audiologists provide valuable education and support for patients and their families on coping with hearing loss and improving communication skills—something OTC options lack. How to Choose the Right OTC Hearing Aid If you decide that an OTC hearing aid is the right choice for you, here are a few things to keep in mind: Our Recommendations: Look for an OTC device that offers: A self-administered…
New book provides big recommendations from the Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos Conference
Research findings, strategies target the leading cause of Latino death With cancer still rising in the U.S. Latino population, leaders at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) and national cancer experts have published an online book with innovative recommendations to reduce Latino cancer. The book, “Advancing the […]
UT Health Physicians has been recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for the eighth year in a row as a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH). In San Antonio there are only nine primary care practices recognized as a PCMH, with UT Health Physicians holding eight of those spaces. Only practices that have proven their commitment to a patient-centered approach to care and…, Providing Coordinated Care, An important factor of the patient-centered medical home model is care coordination, which ensures that primary and specialty care providers effectively communicate information and manage patient referrals to minimize cost and unnecessary care. “Our patients are supported by the latest in electronic health record technology that allows UT Health Physicians primary and specialty care to interact…, Providing Convenient Access to Care, Being available to meet patients’ needs with access to health care is a key part of the PCMH model. UT Health Physicians primary care patients have access to MyChart and after-hours appointment availability to receive reliable access to care when and where they need it. Additionally, all our primary care locations offer same-day and next-day appointments for immediate needs. With MyChart…, Committed to a higher standard of care, The Patient-Centered Medical Home designation underscores UT Health Physicians dedication to providing the best possible primary care to current and future patients. “The prestigious NCQA Patient Centered Medical Home recognition isn't just a badge; it's a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of every single team member at our Primary Care Center. Day after day, we cement UT…