HCA Houston Healthcare West

08/18/2025

We proudly recognize National Non-Profit Day and our unwavering support and partnership with . Delivering care and medical supplies has no boundaries. Together, we promote life-saving care far beyond our hospital walls. We are making a positive impact reaching communities worldwide through donated resources and dedicated volunteerism.

Since its inception, Project CURE has delivered more than 8 million pounds of medical supplies and reached 135+ countries with essential resources. We are stronger together. Learn how you can get involved: https://bit.ly/4oHK6dc

08/15/2025

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:

Knowing about the effects of stress while breastfeeding can help you and your baby get the most out of this special experience.

08/14/2025

This week, our leaders had the privilege of taking part in Walk in your World, an HCA Healthcare initiative that gives leaders an opportunity to step into the shoes of our colleagues behind the care. By shadowing our frontline teams, a deeper appreciation is formed, fostering collaboration, understanding and support. It's opportunities like this that remind us why we do what we do and why teamwork matters so much!

08/13/2025

As our communities head , we are proud to be a part of HCA Healthcare, which announced that the HCA Healthcare Foundation, through its Healthier Tomorrow Fund, will enhance its work with Educate Texas, an initiative of Communities Foundation of Texas, through a new $1 million grant.

This donation builds upon the collaboration resulting from the Foundation’s $1.35 million grant to the organization in 2022 and will continue to focus on increasing student access to programs that enable healthcare careers, including high schools in Texas that offer Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) healthcare career tracks. Through this first grant, Educate Texas supported the expansion of healthcare career pathways across P-TECH campuses - from 20 to 104 schools - enrolling nearly 10,000 high school students in programs designed to prepare them for in-demand healthcare careers.

This initiative will build on the success of the past three years and will focus on growing the number of students earning healthcare degrees and credentials and increasing the number of hospital employers, including HCA Healthcare-affiliated hospitals, engaged in meaningful partnerships with school districts across North Texas, Austin, San Antonio and the Houston Gulf Coast region.

Learn more about how we’re strengthening the healthcare workforce of tomorrow: https://bit.ly/4fBRNh0.

08/13/2025

At our hospital, chest pain and stroke care are some of the primary services we are best known for but did you realize we are a leader in specialty care? Healthgrades, the #1 site Americans use when searching for a doctor or medical facility, recognizes us as an award-winning healthcare facility for specialty care. We have achieved FIVE-STAR ratings for 2025 in the following categories: respiratory failure, hip fractures, carotid surgery and treatment of sepsis. This national recognition reinforces our dedication to maintaining a patient-first mission. Learn more about our Healthgrades Awards: https://bit.ly/3HxX64i

08/12/2025

is a chronic autoimmune disorder, and for people who have it, certain foods can trigger a flare-up. Learn how diet can affect inflammation from psoriasis, and how to identify your food triggers:

Although there isn't a definitive "psoriasis diet," what you eat — or don't eat — can help you manage your psoriasis symptoms.

08/11/2025

We are proud to support the students and staff of Outley Elementary School in Alief ISD. We met with school principals and office personnel to provide school supplies ensuring that every child has a positive start this school year. Our hospital colleagues are proud to give back and support these bright students and their pathway to learning.

We wish all students, teachers and families a fantastic first day of school tomorrow!

08/08/2025

Falls, muscle strain and overuse are some of the most common ways hip injuries occur. No matter how it started, if is affecting your quality of life, consider taking our free online assessment. It can help you determine the best next steps based on your symptoms, activity level and health history. You will receive your results right away. Get started today: https://bit.ly/4mAKLeK

Looking for compassionate care? Our orthopedic experts can work with you to create a personalized care plan. If your hip pain is mild, physical therapy and lifestyle adjustments might offer the relief you need. In more severe cases, hip replacement surgery may be an option. Across our larger HCA Healthcare system of care, our experts performed over 28,000 hip replacements and 22,000 hip fracture repairs last year, helping patients regain mobility. Meet our experts and schedule an appointment: https://bit.ly/47l0n1i

08/08/2025

Falls, muscle strain and overuse are some of the most common ways hip injuries occur. No matter how it started, if is affecting your quality of life, consider taking our free online assessment. It can help you determine the best next steps based on your symptoms, activity level and health history. You will receive your results right away. Get started today: https://bit.ly/41AGbou

Looking for compassionate care? Our orthopedic experts can work with you to create a personalized care plan. If your hip pain is mild, physical therapy and lifestyle adjustments might offer the relief you need. In more severe cases, hip replacement surgery may be an option. Across our larger HCA Healthcare system of care, our experts performed over 28,000 hip replacements and 22,000 hip fracture repairs last year, helping patients regain mobility. Meet our experts and schedule an appointment: https://bit.ly/4myE7FK

08/08/2025

Having an incredible support system is particularly important for any new mom and that support starts here. This week, we proudly celebrate the dedicated work and expertise of our International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), the highest standard in lactation care, in collaboration with our compassionate nursing team who encourage, support and empower new moms on their breastfeeding journey.

While breastfeeding may come naturally for some, it isn't easy for all. Our team is here to provide:
* expert guidance and 1:1 counseling
* patient-centered care and techniques
*NICU support
* follow-up phone calls as your parenting journey begins

Breastmilk is a powerful gift of health and hope. We thank our compassionate staff for giving babies the best start to a healthy life.

08/07/2025

"It was a very scary situation, but the NICU and ECMO teams made the experience better for us," said Ana Sophia's mom, Maritza. After her delivery, Ana Sophia was admitted to the Level IV Advanced NICU at The Woman's Hospital of Texas and began ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) treatment the next day. The lifesaving technique supported the function of her heart and lungs allowing her to rest while her organs were able to heal. Ana Sophia spent six days on ECMO and graduated from the NICU after 35 days.

To celebrate the 5th anniversary for the ECMO program, Woman’s hosted a reunion for graduates and their care team. Ana Sophia and her family were excited to reconnect with the care team that saved her life. "She received amazing care and you could tell that everyone that was taking care of her treated her like she was their child. We are so thankful for all of the staff that were involved in her treatment," said Maritza.

08/06/2025

🧠⏱️ Every second counts when someone is suffering from a stroke. At HCA Houston Healthcare, we're proud to be part of our larger HCA Healthcare system of care, which collectively responds to strokes 45% faster than the national standard. We know door-to-needle (DTN) time is critical. Here, we explain what DTN time is and why it matters.

DTN time is the amount of time between an ischemic stroke patient's arrival at the hospital (“door”) and when they receive a clot-busting medication (“needle”) to help restore blood flow to the brain. The faster the medicine is given, the more brain cells can potentially be saved, helping to reduce the risk of long-term disability or stroke.

Know the signs of stroke. Act FAST. Call 911 immediately. To learn more about our expert, lifesaving stroke care, visit https://bit.ly/4oozv6R.

08/06/2025

🧠⏱️ Every second counts when someone is suffering from a stroke. At HCA Houston Healthcare, we're proud to be part of our larger HCA Healthcare system of care, which collectively responds to strokes 45% faster than the national standard. We know door-to-needle (DTN) time is critical. Here, we explain what DTN time is and why it matters.

DTN time is the amount of time between an ischemic stroke patient's arrival at the hospital (“door”) and when they receive a clot-busting medication (“needle”) to help restore blood flow to the brain. The faster the medicine is given, the more brain cells can potentially be saved, helping to reduce the risk of long-term disability or stroke.

Know the signs of stroke. Act FAST. Call 911 immediately. To learn more about our expert, lifesaving stroke care, visit https://bit.ly/45rYwFC.

08/04/2025

Looking for a place to complete your child’s sports physical as they get ready to go ? Most schools, recreational leagues and other organizations require this exam annually to check for any health concerns that could be aggravated by physical activity.

CareNow Urgent Care can tackle it fast for $35 through August 31st! No appointment necessary at 29 locations across the greater Houston area. Find your closest clinic - https://bit.ly/4omkRwR

08/04/2025

Looking for a place to complete your child’s sports physical as they get ready to go ? Most schools, recreational leagues and other organizations require this exam annually to check for any health concerns that could be aggravated by physical activity.

CareNow Urgent Care can tackle it fast for $35 through August 31st! No appointment necessary at 29 locations across the greater Houston area. Find your closest clinic - https://bit.ly/4lZBOLR

08/01/2025

We are thrilled to announce that we have been recognized as a high-performing hospital in 3 procedures: diabetes, heart failure and pneumonia by US News and Report Best Hospitals 2025. In order to receive this award, a hospital must demonstrate being significantly better than the national average in a given procedure of condition. It measures patient experience, survival rates, efficiency of care, nurse-to-patient rations and physician survey results.

"These awards demonstrate our strong commitment to exceeding the national average in patient care for these conditions," said Megan Marietta, chief executive officer. "Our colleagues and physicians remain dedicated to serving our community by delivering high-quality, specialized care."

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3H2S6Vh

07/30/2025

Small businesses play an important role as job creators and are a pillar in communities nationwide. More than 4 million small business owners purchase healthcare coverage on their own and rely on Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTCs) to keep premiums affordable.

But unless Congress acts soon, these tax credits will expire at the end of 2025. Many small businesses may face increased costs or be forced to reduce or eliminate employee health coverage.

Find out how you can help protect access to care at https://bit.ly/478kVdo

07/28/2025

Are you getting enough ? If you wake up feeling groggy after what should have been a restful night, the answer may be no. To catch your best 💤, try these healthy : https://bit.ly/41aEQVg

What is deep sleep good for? Physical and mental health, for starters. Learn the benefits of deep sleep and discover tips for improving sleep quality.

07/25/2025

☀️The dreaded sunburn – it can happen even when you take precautions to protect your skin. Learn what not to do for a sunburn, how to find soothing relief, and more: https://bit.ly/4obJ5tO

Sunburn self-care starts with protecting yourself from damaging UV sunrays. If you do get a sunburn, these tips can help you feel better sooner.

07/24/2025

A lead imaging transporter, Todd never imagined he would be facing his own health concerns during a shift at HCA Houston Healthcare West.

He felt lethargic, experienced stomach pain and he knew something didn't feel right. He went to the emergency room where tests and a CAT Scan revealed an 8cm lesion on his colon. Todd was swiftly transferred to HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood where he underwent emergency surgery and received the diagnosis of Stage 3 colon cancer.

"During my 12 rounds of chemo, I never felt alone. My faith, my family and work family all carried me through," Todd stated with the warmest of smiles. "My boss checked on me daily. My colleagues became my village of support. I shared my personal journey with patients traveling a similar path. I made a choice early on to stay positive, stay strong and to never give into fear. Working during my treatment gave me strength and purpose to help myself and others."

Recently, Todd not only rang the bell to mark the end of his treatment but recognized 29 years of service at HCA Houston Healthcare. We’re honored to celebrate his continued positivity and strength and so grateful to have colleagues like him that .

07/23/2025

Whether you hit the gym at sunrise or go jogging after dark, you might wonder what’s the best time of day to exercise and why. Learn how exercise timing can affect your .

Do you like exercising early in the day or later? Discover how morning vs. evening workouts can impact your heart health, blood pressure and fitness.

07/18/2025

About 80% of stroke risk factors are preventable, including poor eating habits, obesity, smoking and drug abuse, which can lead to hypertension, diabetes and heart disease, significantly increasing the risk of stroke, said Dr. Sleiman El Jamal, the medical director of neurology at HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest.

Dr. Sleiman El Jamal, the medical director of neurology at HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest, said nationwide, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds with over 800,000 strokes a year. Stroke cases are up 15.7% for ages 45-64 nationally in the last decade, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Pr...

07/17/2025

Meet Jessica. She’s a cancer survivor and her daughter has Type 1 diabetes. They’re among millions of Americans who are about to face a major increase in health insurance costs.

Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTCs) are currently helping 24 million people – including our patients – afford high-quality healthcare coverage through the insurance Marketplace (https://bit.ly/44RkSzN). Americans who purchase insurance on their own and rely on the tax credit are now facing skyrocketing costs if Congress allows the credit to expire at the end of 2025, putting at risk the health of children like Jessica’s daughter.

“We were living a perfectly normal life, and we suddenly had a child that had a chronic illness,” said Jessica. “We’re not wealthy. Money can get tight…we need Congress to take action now. It’s vital for us.”

Learn how you can help protect access to care at https://bit.ly/3IsYRA9

07/16/2025

many everyday items shed tiny pieces of plastic known as ? Because they’re so small, microplastics can enter your body through foods, drinks and even the air you breathe.

Find out how they may affect your health and how to limit your exposure: https://bit.ly/3IzkKgV

Wondering how to avoid microplastics? While you can't eliminate microplastics entirely, you can reduce your daily exposure to them. Here are some tips.