St. David's South Austin Medical Center

09/30/2025

September was ! 💚At St. David's South Austin Medical Center, we honor the tiniest fighters and the incredible families and caregivers who walk alongside them. Our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is more than a place of healing - it's a place of hope, resilience and love.

Every day, our dedicated NICU team provides specialized care to premature and ill newborns, supporting their journey from fragile beginnings to thriving futures. We celebrate the strength of these babies, the courage of their families, and the compassion of our staff.

We invite you to share your NICU story and thank your NICU care team! Together, we raise awareness, offer support and spread love to every NICU family,

To learn more about our NICU services, visit: https://bit.ly/4gP4zJn

09/26/2025

At St. David’s South Austin Medical Center, our blood cancer center is built around one goal: delivering expert, compassionate care tailored to each patient’s journey.

As the area’s only adult bone marrow transplant program, we offer a multidisciplinary team of specialists—including hematologists, oncologists, transplant nurses, dietitians, and social workers—who work together to provide personalized treatment plans and support every step of the way.

Choosing St. David’s South Austin Medical Center for your care, means choosing a team that sees you as more than a diagnosis. It means staying close to home while receiving nationally recognized care. Learn more about our program and how we’re helping patients fight blood cancer with strength and support: https://bit.ly/3IEgaOP

09/25/2025

For Wellness Wednesdays, we partner with KVUE to share more about our comprehensive women's services, including lactation support care for moms and babies.

Donna Cordoba, RN, MSN, International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant at St. David’s South Austin Medical Center, talks about the benefits of breastfeeding and the support available for new moms. Donna also shared common challenges—like latching issues and sore nipples—and how early support from a lactation consultant can make all the difference.

At St. David’s South Austin Medical Center, we’re here to help with:
✔️ Full-time, expert lactation consultants
✔️ Bridge milk for newborns—donor milk used until mom’s mature milk comes in
✔️ A new breast milk donation depot in partnership with Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin

We’re committed to giving every baby the best possible start and supporting moms every step of the way. To learn more about our labor and delivery services: https://bit.ly/4mCvFVI

09/25/2025

Do you know the top reasons people visit the ER?
• Abdominal pain and digestive issues
• Chest pain
• Musculoskeletal aches and injuries
• Cuts or superficial wounds

Children often come in with high fevers, ear infections, or abdominal pain, while women may visit for UTIs, headaches, or pregnancy-related concerns.

Go to the ER immediately if you experience:
• Chest pain or trouble breathing
• Stroke symptoms (sudden weakness or slurred speech)
• Severe allergic reaction
• Uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, or poisoning

For non-emergencies, urgent care or your primary care provider may be a better first step. Here is more information for you and your family: https://bit.ly/48zHg4h

09/24/2025

For many patients with blood cancer and other life-threatening illnesses, a blood stem cell transplant – made possible by lifesaving donations – is the best option for survival. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), 70% of patients who need a blood stem cell transplant don't have a fully matched donor in their family, leading them to rely on the NMDP.

As part of the Sarah Cannon Transplant and Cellular Therapy Network, our program at St. David's South Austin Medical Center has served more than 1,000 patients with a bone marrow donor transplant. Thinking about becoming a donor? Here are a few common misconceptions and facts about blood stem cell and bone marrow donation:

❌ Myth: Donation is very painful.
✅ Fact: Discomfort and side effects vary from person to person, but it may be less painful than you think.

❌ Myth: Donation is expensive.
✅ Fact: Donating is free. All of your medical and travel expenses are covered by NMDP, and they can also help cover any lost wages due to donation.

❌ Myth: Only males can donate blood stem cells or bone marrow.
✅ Fact: Anyone between age 18 and 40 who meets the medical requirements can donate, regardless of gender.

You could be a match for someone in need. Learn more and join the registry today at https://bit.ly/4mxROEu

To learn more about our blood cancer treatments: https://bit.ly/3IzAuRq

09/23/2025

September is recognized as Fall Prevention Awareness Month, highlighting the risks to older adults. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death for adults over the age of 65, but they are absolutely preventable. Staying safe, active, and independent starts with awareness and action.

“On Your Feet” is a FREE seminar designed for adults 60+ who are at risk of falling or have experienced a recent fall.

Hosted by St. David’s HealthCare and AGE of Central Texas, this hands-on workshop is led by our Trauma Injury Prevention Nurse Coordinators and covers:
✅ Home & community safety
✅ Vision changes & medication side effects
✅ Goal-setting for fall prevention
✅ Light strength & balance exercises

For more information and to reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/3Kfntx4

09/22/2025

Safe sleep practices are one of the most important ways we can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and help babies sleep safely and soundly.

Here's a quick reminder of safe sleep practices:
💤 Always place baby on their back for every nap and bedtime
💤 Use a firm, flat mattress in a safety-approved crib
💤 Keep the crib free of blankets, bumpers, toys and pillows
💤 Baby should sleep in the same room, but not the same bed
💤 Dress baby in a sleep sack of footed pajamas to keep cozy

For pediatric questions, call our 24/7 Consult-A-Nurse® phone line at (844) 706-8773 or (844) -70 NURSE.

09/20/2025

Heart disease doesn’t always come with obvious warning signs. Even if your blood pressure and pulse appear normal, there may be other indicators that something isn’t right.

Hidden signs to watch for include:
• Shortness of breath during everyday activities
• Unexplained fatigue or weakness
• Discomfort in the chest, back, neck, or jaw
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations

Understanding these subtle symptoms can make a lifesaving difference. If you notice them, talk to your doctor.
Learn more about hidden signs of heart disease: https://bit.ly/47OexIN

09/19/2025

At St. David’s South Austin Medical Center, patients battling blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma have access to advanced, life-saving treatment through our Sarah Cannon Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program.

This Blood Cancer Awareness Month, we’re highlighting the powerful story of Kathy Miller, whose life was saved through a bone marrow transplant performed by our expert team. Her journey is a testament to the high level of care, compassion, and innovation that defines our program.

With more than a decade of experience, our team continues to lead the way in blood cancer treatment—helping patients not only survive but thrive.

Learn more about our blood cancer services and how we can support you or a loved one: https://bit.ly/48orTeU

September is National Blood Cancer Awareness Month, and for Kathy Miller, it’s also a time of reflection and gratitude.

09/18/2025

Heart disease doesn’t always come with obvious warning signs. Even if your blood pressure and pulse appear normal, there may be other indicators that something isn’t right.

Hidden signs to watch for include:
• Shortness of breath during everyday activities
• Unexplained fatigue or weakness
• Discomfort in the chest, back, neck, or jaw
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations

Understanding these subtle symptoms can make a lifesaving difference. If you notice them, talk to your doctor.
Learn more about hidden signs of heart disease: https://bit.ly/4gs50Jv

09/17/2025

For Wellness Wednesdays, we partner with KVUE to share more about our comprehensive women's services.

With a level IV NICU and Maternal Care designation, St. David's Medical Center cares for the most complex, high risk pregnancies and births. This means mothers and babies who need extra care can stay together because the highest-level of specialists are all under one roof.

Our neonatal neuro-critical care physicians are among a select few in North America to hold this highly specialized certification, and we're able to treat babies born as early as 22 weeks. Learn more about how we're advancing maternal and neonatal care: https://bit.ly/3K999pK

09/17/2025

❤️ – or atrial fibrillation – is a disruption in the heart’s electrical system, leading to an irregular heartbeat. The American Heart Association estimates that over 5 million Americans are living with AFib. Symptoms vary from one person to another, and some people may not have any symptoms at all. Those with AFib have a higher risk of stroke, heart failure and other health concerns. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment options, which can help reduce the risk.

If you’re living with AFib and you’re looking for support and resources, visit the American Heart Association’s My AFib Experience® website: https://bit.ly/3I0C9zu

To learn more about our cardiology services, visit: https://bit.ly/4nBR0PY

09/15/2025

Stress is a natural part of new , and it may be affecting you and your baby in ways you wouldn’t expect. Discover how stress can potentially impact your milk supply and get tips to help manage it: https://bit.ly/4mlebNt

09/15/2025

For years, our Free-Standing Emergency Department in Bee Cave has been providing fast, expert care close to home for the Bee Cave community.

👨‍⚕️ Board-certified emergency physicians
🕒 Open 24/7, 365 days a year
🚑 Walk-ins welcome — no appointment needed
🧪 On-site lab & imaging
👶 Pediatric & adult care

Whether it’s a sudden illness, injury, or urgent medical need, our team is ready to help — with short wait times and compassionate care you can count on.

Find the care you deserve: https://bit.ly/42xVFdo

09/12/2025

The Sarah Cannon Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program at St. David’s South Austin Medical Center is built around one goal: delivering expert, compassionate care tailored to each patient’s journey.

As the area’s only adult bone marrow transplant program, we offer a multidisciplinary team of specialists—including hematologists, oncologists, transplant nurses, dietitians, and social workers—who work together to provide personalized treatment plans and support every step of the way.

Choosing St. David’s South Austin Medical Center for your care, means choosing a team that sees you as more than a diagnosis. It means staying close to home while receiving nationally recognized care. Learn more about our program and how we’re helping patients fight blood cancer with strength and support: https://bit.ly/41N38oS

09/11/2025

Today, and every day, we honor and remember the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001. Our hearts are with the families, survivors and all who were forever changed by that day. Together with our St. David's HealthCare family, we reflect on the courage of our first responders and everyday citizens who acted with extraordinary bravery. We will never forget.

09/10/2025

Fall sports are back in action! If someone suffers a head injury during a game — or at any time — it’s important to watch for these concussion signs and symptoms. If you spot them, seek medical attention immediately.

Learn how to prevent concussions in young athletes, and get other safety tips for kids: https://bit.ly/3VJ8JJ8

09/09/2025

We are honored to celebrate the retirement of Colette Seal, RN who has dedicated an extraordinary 43 years to St. David’s South Austin Medical Center—having been with us since the hospital first opened its doors.

Colette has been a steady, nurturing presence—mentoring nurses, supporting colleagues, and caring for patients with unmatched heart and grace. Her impact reaches far beyond our walls. With 41 years in the outpatient surgery department, she has touched the lives of countless patients and families in our community, offering comfort, healing and hope. She has grown alongside this hospital, helping shape its culture and legacy with every shift, every smile, and every act of kindness.

💐 Please join us in thanking Colette for her remarkable service and congratulating her on a well-deserved retirement. You will always be part of the St. David's South Austin Medical Center family!

09/09/2025

At St. David’s South Austin Medical Center, patients battling blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma have access to advanced, life-saving treatment through our Sarah Cannon Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program.

This Blood Cancer Awareness Month, we’re highlighting the powerful story of Kathy Miller, whose life was saved through a bone marrow transplant performed by our expert team. Her journey is a testament to the high level of care, compassion, and innovation that defines our program.

With more than a decade of experience, our team continues to lead the way in blood cancer treatment—helping patients not only survive but thrive.

Learn more about our blood cancer services and how we can support you or a loved one: https://bit.ly/3V68qrN

September is National Blood Cancer Awareness Month, and for Kathy Miller, it’s also a time of reflection and gratitude.

09/06/2025

It’s Su***de Prevention Month – an important reminder about the power of connection and the availability of immediate mental health support.

The 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline offers all of the above. If you live in the U.S. and you’re in emotional distress or concerned about a loved one, you can reach out for free, confidential help anytime, day or night. To connect with a crisis counselor, call or text 988 or start a live chat at 988Lifeline.org

***dePrevention

09/05/2025

09/04/2025

🫀 Heart Disease Is Changing! While heart attack deaths dropped 89% since 1970, other heart conditions are rising:
• Heart failure ↑ 146%
• High blood pressure-related disease ↑ 106%
• Arrhythmias ↑ 450%

🏥 Dr. Joaquin Cigarroa, an interventional cardiologist at Heart Hospital of Austin, says better treatments save lives — but aging, hypertension, and diabetes are driving new risks.

What you can do:
• Get annual screenings
• Know your family history
• Make lifestyle changes
• Quit smoking — it’s more powerful than any pill

To learn more about our cardiology services, visit: stdavids.com/specialties/cardiology

Heart disease has change since the 1970s as surgeries, medications and transplants have people living longer. Lifestyle and age, though, keep us in heart failure.

09/02/2025

According to Blood Cancer United, about every three minutes, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma – the most common types of blood cancer. Blood cancer is caused by DNA mutations within blood cells. In most cases, this is linked to factors beyond our control, like age, ethnicity and family history. This Blood Cancer Awareness Month, we’re answering common questions by sharing the facts shown here.

At St. David's South Austin Medical Center, we are proud to be one of the nine accredited blood cancer treatment programs as a part of the Sarah Cannon Cancer Network. We offer distinct therapies for patients facing different types of blood cancer: autologous transplant, allogenic transplant and CAR T-cell therapy.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with blood cancer, we’re here to help. Find compassionate oncology care: https://www.stdavids.com/specialties/oncology/blood-cancer