UT Physicians

02/27/2026

These boots were made for Go Texan Day!

We’re kicking off rodeo season in true Texas style as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo rides back into town. Check out how our physicians and staff dressed to impress in their best western wear and rodeo spirit!

02/20/2026

Your heart doesn’t take a day off, and neither should you. The choices you make in your 30s, 50s, and beyond can shape your risk for heart disease later in life. The good news? You have more control than you think.

Wahaj Aman, MD, an interventional cardiologist at , breaks down the top risk factors for heart disease and what you can do to stay ahead of potential problems.

02/19/2026

Only about one in four eligible heart patients enroll in cardiac rehabilitation after a heart attack or heart procedure, even though it can cut the risk of death nearly in half.

Surviving a cardiac event is just the beginning — what happens after the hospital makes all the difference for long-term health. Through expert supervision, personalized exercise, nutrition guidance, and emotional support, patients are not just monitored, they’re empowered.

“We have data that shows the more sessions you complete, the better results — for improving quality of life, as well as mortality,” said Francisco Fuentes, MD, a cardiologist at UT Physicians.

Click the link in the comments to learn how cardiac rehab is helping patients move from fear to confidence and why more people should take that step.

02/18/2026

Doctors are watching one number more closely than almost any other, and for good reason.

Blood pressure offers a powerful window into your heart health, often signaling danger long before any symptoms appear. When left unchecked, high blood pressure can quietly damage the heart, kidneys, brain, and eyes. Cardiologists consider it one of the strongest predictors of heart attacks and strokes.

“Just because you're fit doesn't mean you don't need your blood pressure checked,” said Philip Clay Haas, DO, FACC, a cardiologist at UT Physicians.

Check the comments to learn why monitoring your blood pressure is critical, what the numbers actually mean, and how often you should be screened.

02/17/2026

You don’t have to snore to have sleep apnea. It can show up as morning headaches, brain fog, irritability, or feeling exhausted no matter how long you slept. Left untreated, it quietly raises the risk for diabetes, heart disease, cognitive decline, and even deadly sudden cardiac death.

Calli A. Bertschy, DO, a pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist at UT Physicians, shares warning signs and practical advice that could help you take back your sleep and protect your health. https://www.utphysicians.com/how-sleep-apnea-affects-your-heart-brain/

“Like high blood pressure or diabetes, sleep apnea can go unnoticed for years while quietly affecting your health,” Bertschy said.

Sleep apnea can silently disrupt your sleep and health. Learn the signs, risks, and why getting tested can protect your heart and well‑being.

02/13/2026

Love is sweet, but it can be heart-healthy too.

This Valentine’s Day, your chocolate craving might actually be doing your heart a favor. Packed with antioxidants, mood-boosting serotonin, and heart-healthy compounds, dark chocolate has been shown to improve blood flow, protect arteries, and even lower blood pressure. Cardiologists say the key is choosing the right kind and enjoying it the right way.

“[Cocoa beans] tend to be high in fiber, iron, potassium, magnesium, and serotonin as well,” says John P. Higgins, MD, a sports cardiologist and professor at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.

Learn which dark chocolate loves your heart back and how to savor it without overdoing it. https://www.utphysicians.com/dark-chocolate-health-benefits/

02/12/2026

Congratulations to Diana Martinez, our UT Physicians Employee of the Month for December!

Patients consistently praise Diana for her kindness and ability to make them feel seen, heard, and cared for. Whether she’s solving a problem, advocating for a patient, or quietly going above and beyond, Diana leads with compassion and integrity in everything she does.

Watch the video to see the surprise moment when Diana was presented with her award.

02/11/2026

What should parents know about flu signs? When kids get the flu, it’s not always easy for parents to know what’s normal and what needs a closer look. While many kids recover at home, certain changes can be a sign it’s time to check in with a medical professional.

Michael L. Chang, MD, pediatric infectious disease specialist at , shares expert guidance on when flu-related illness may need medical evaluation.

02/09/2026

When Rosie and her husband learned their baby had a rare, life-limiting genetic condition, their world changed in an instant. Though they knew their time with their son would be heartbreakingly short, they were never alone.

From the moment Rosie received the devastating news, the UTHealth Houston Fetal Center and maternal-fetal medicine team surrounded her with expert care, steady guidance, and deep compassion. What began as medical support quickly became something more — a team walking beside her through fear, grief, and impossible decisions.

Until Rosie delivered at 30 weeks, specialists, genetic counselors, nurses, and neonatologists helped the family focus on what mattered most: love, comfort, and every moment they could share with their son.

Through advanced genetic testing and thoughtful coordination, the team uncovered a rare inherited condition that had gone undiagnosed in Rosie’s family for generations, changing medical decisions for future pregnancies.

Read the full story to see what this care made possible. https://www.utphysicians.com/story/finding-answers-after-loss-with-genetic-testing/

After losing their newborn son, genetic testing helped one couple find answers, clarity, and guidance for their future and family planning.

02/05/2026

As millions tune in for the big game Sunday, doctors are paying close attention not to the scoreboard, but to their patients’ hearts.

Wahaj Aman, MD, an interventional cardiologist, warns that stress, overindulgence, and prolonged sitting can trigger sudden cardiovascular symptoms, even in people who don’t think they’re at risk. Some fans experience warning signs during or even hours after the final whistle.

“The combination of game day habits and emotional highs and lows can put your heart health at risk,” said Aman.

Before you settle in for kickoff, learn how to enjoy the game without putting your heart at risk. https://www.utphysicians.com/when-game-day-thrills-mean-real-life-risks/

Studies show heart risks may rise while watching intense sporting events. Find out why—and how to protect your heart.

01/30/2026

Please join us in congratulating Liz Cerda, our UT Physicians Employee of the Month for November!

As a medical assistant, Liz is known for her warm, calming presence and dedication to making every visit a positive experience. Her kindness, professionalism, and commitment make our clinic a place where patients feel comfortable, supported, and well cared for.

Watch the video to catch the moment Liz is surprised with this well-earned recognition.

01/29/2026

What does it really take to live a long, healthy life?

In the latest episode of Real Talk in Medicine: UT Physicians, we sit down with Maureen S. Beck, DNP, who shares insights from her work with centenarian patients at the UT Physicians Center for Healthy Aging – Bellaire Station. From their habits and mindsets to the everyday choices that support healthy aging.

Watch or listen to the full episode to embrace aging and learn how small choices today can support a healthier tomorrow for decades to come.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/wWsa2BAro9I?si=F5wUqcduoGQ9cne_
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/47dj6sYMctxXTXKGTdmwIv?si=3THT5_2lTeK2Xz4PzGW_zw
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-7-healthy-aging-with-maureen-s-beck-dnp/id1822778385?i=1000746877465