St. David's Women's Center of Texas

12/31/2025

Fighting off a stubborn cold? 😷 You might have heard that a good sweat can ease your illness – but is it true? Before you bundle up or head to the sauna, get the facts about which types of treatment may work best to help you recover: https://bit.ly/4aF7rYy

12/31/2025

As we celebrate the end of the year, it's easy to overindulge. But doctors see a real spike in heart issues around the holidays - something known as "holiday heart syndrome."

Dr. Andrea Natale – recently recognized by Becker's Hospital Review as one of five cardiology leaders to watch – serves as the executive medical director of the Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David's Medical Center. A pioneer in innovative atrial fibrillation (AFib) treatments, he has authored hundreds of scientific publications and helped reshape modern arrhythmia care, making his guidance on this topic especially vital.

Dr. Natale explains that binge drinking is one of the biggest triggers behind holiday related heart symptoms: "People start to relax, they drink more, and we see more patients come into the ER with a rapid heart rate, fatigue or shortness of breath. Alcohol is the most relevant trigger for this type of arrhythmia."

Why does it matter? These symptoms can lead to serious complications if ignored, including stroke and heart failure. Prompt evaluation is important - and learning to listen to your body is key.

As you ring in the new year: pace yourself, stay hydrated, pay attention to how you feel and seek care if something seems off. Your heart works hard for you all year. Give it a healthy start to 2026.

➡️Learn more about holiday heart syndrome and Dr. Natale's insights here: https://bit.ly/4aEoXMp

12/30/2025

St. David's HealthCare is more than a healthcare system - it's a community partner investing in the health and well-being of Central Texans. Through a unique partnership between St. David's Foundation, Georgetown Health Foundation and HCA Healthcare, more than $1 billion has been reinvested into the community. To learn more about St. David's HealthCare, visit www.stdavids.com

12/29/2025

St. David's Children's Hospital is proud to be home to the area's first Level 4 Pediatric Epilepsy Center, the highest designation for epilepsy care. Our expert team provides comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for children with complex seizure disorders.

What sets us apart?

⭐ Our multidisciplinary team of pediatric neurologists and neurosurgeons
⭐ Access to advanced diagnostic tools and surgical options
⭐ Personalized care plans for every child

We’re here to help children and their families navigate epilepsy with confidence and compassion.

Learn more about our services at: https://bit.ly/4aD9KLK

12/25/2025

From all of us at St. David's HealthCare, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season!

As 2025 closes, we send a heartfelt thank you to our physicians, nurses and all colleagues who show up every day to care for our patients, communities and each other.

12/23/2025

From Santa’s sweetness to the Grinch’s mischief, holiday magic visited our NICUs across the region—bringing smiles to our tiniest patients and their families.

Thank you to our amazing Women’s Services teams and NICU nurses for creating these moments of joy. Your care and heart truly make the season brighter.

To learn more about our specialized labor and delivery care: https://bit.ly/48PDGTu

12/20/2025

For those that might be traveling to colder climates for the holidays, winter weather brings snowball fights, cozy nights and frosty fun. It can also bring a dangerous chill. Without the right protection, you could be setting yourself up for . happens when skin and tissue begin to freeze, often without much warning. If you notice any of the signs, it’s time to act fast:

❄️ Remove wet clothing immediately.
❄️ Move into a warm, sheltered environment.
❄️ Warm your body using blankets and/or dry clothing.
❄️ Gently rewarm affected areas in room-temperature (not hot) water.

Your risk of frostbite can increase with prolonged exposure to cold, alcohol use and age. However, you can still enjoy your favorite winter activities safely. To help prevent, it’s important to bundle up in warm layers and stay dry before heading outdoors.

If you suspect that you have frostbite, seek emergency care right away.

12/20/2025

This week, Texas Longhorns Arch Manning, Daylan McCutcheon, Ryan Wingo and Emmett Mosley made a surprise holiday visit to bring joy to young patients at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center. The student-athletes delivered Texas Longhorns onesies to babies in the NICU at St. David’s Women’s Center of Texas, and care packages for pediatric patients at St. David’s Children’s Hospital. Their visit delivered more than just smiles; it created unforgettable moments of connection and joy for patients and families in the hospital during the holidays.

12/19/2025

As families across Central Texas hit the road and skies this season, St. David’s Georgetown Hospital ER nurse, Jenna, shares her top tips for safe, stress-free travel:

✅ Take Breaks – Stop every 2–3 hours (or stretch every 20–30 mins) to stay alert.
💧 Stay Hydrated – Skipping water = dehydration. Pack healthy snacks, not just sugar!
👶 Car Seat Check – Mid-buckle should sit high on the chest. Airlines check seats for free.
🧳 Plan Ahead – Map stops, assign child responsibilities, and prep entertainment for kids.
❄️ Winter Prep – Ice scraper, blankets, tire repair kit, and portable air compressor.
😴 Rest Matters – Drive during normal waking hours and avoid speeding or distractions.
🩺 Medical Must-Haves – Bring prescriptions, cooling options if needed, and check local laws for travel abroad.

When to head to the ER:
Chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, visible blood, or broken bones.

Slow down, plan ahead, and prioritize safety so you can enjoy time with the people you love. ❤️

To find emergency care in your area, visit: https://bit.ly/4j3tGt7

As families across Central Texas prepare for holiday travel, an emergency department nurse at St. David's Geor...

12/18/2025

Did you see the Texas Monthly feature? Lynn Harris, an 82-year-old Vietnam veteran, has dedicated 19 years to volunteering at St. David’s Medical Center, with much of that time spent supporting our tiniest patients through the NICU Cuddler Program. This special program provides compassionate comfort to NICU babies when families cannot be at the bedside around the clock.

We are so proud of Lynn and grateful for his unwavering commitment to our patients and their families.
And a heartfelt THANK YOU to all our volunteers for everything you do!

St. David’s Medical Center is home to a Level IV NICU-specially designed to care for the tiniest babies and those with the most complex medical needs.

12/18/2025

Chest pain feels different for everyone – it can be a dull ache or a sudden, sharp stabbing sensation. Regardless of how it feels, it’s important to take chest pain seriously. If the discomfort sticks around, it could be a sign of a more serious, potentially life-threatening condition like a heart attack or a blood clot.

This year, across our larger St. David's HealthCare network, our emergency rooms will see 1,800 visits related to cardiac complaints. You know your body better than anyone. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. And if your chest pain is severe or accompanied by any of the symptoms shown here, seek emergency care immediately.

Know where to find an emergency room near you: https://bit.ly/453jACQ

12/11/2025

has many causes including injury and changes in the spine as we age – and in some cases, advanced spinal conditions may require surgical treatment. No matter the cause, if pain is holding you back, the right care can help you return to the activities you love.

Across our St. David's HealthCare network, we have invested in advanced technologies, treatments and tools, where we are projected to perform over 2,600 spine surgeries in 2025. We partner with patients to create a care plan that is effective but also works for you and your loved ones, with treatment options ranging from steroidal injections for pain management to complex spine procedures for more serious conditions.

Learn more about our spine care services: https://bit.ly/4ahq1Wx