UT Physicians

08/19/2025

This past weekend, we had the privilege of celebrating the incredible caregivers in our community at the Caregivers Retreat, hosted by the Center for Healthy Aging. It was a heartfelt day filled with connection, relaxation, and recognition for those who give so much of themselves every day. 💐

From rejuvenating wellness activities to fitness and meditation sessions, attendees had the chance to recharge and connect with others who truly understand the caregiving journey. 💙🌿

Swipe through to see a few highlights from the day that remind us just how powerful community and self-care can be. ✨

08/14/2025

Persistent headaches, forgetfulness, and fatigue might seem like everyday problems, but for some women, they could be early warning signs of a brain tumor. 🧠 Women are more likely to develop benign brain tumors, as hormones like estrogen can fuel growth, especially during pregnancy. However, "benign" doesn’t mean they’re harmless.

Brain tumor symptoms in women can be subtle, slow-growing, and easy to overlook. If you're experiencing symptoms like vision changes, memory decline, or numbness in limbs, don't ignore them. Talk with your doctor. 💭

“Most women won’t notice symptoms until the tumor reaches a certain size,” said Jay-Jiguang Zhu, MD, PhD, a neurologist at UTHealth Houston.

Learn more about the different types of brain tumors in women by clicking the link in the comments.

08/11/2025

🚨 Ticks are on the rise, and so are the risks. 🚨

Emergency room visits from tick bites just hit their highest levels since 2019, making tick prevention more important than ever. Don’t let their size fool you. Preventing tick bites could save you from weeks (or months) of fatigue, rashes, or even serious illnesses like Lyme disease. 🕷️

Protect yourself and your family by wearing long sleeves, applying DEET or permethrin to clothing, and checking for ticks after outdoor activities. If you’ve been bitten, don’t panic — tick bite treatment starts with quick removal using tweezers and continued close monitoring. 🔍

Stay vigilant, check your skin, and keep your repellents close. 🛡️

“The increased ER visits are most likely due to the combination of increasing tick population and outdoor exposure,” said Rodrigo Hasbun, MD, an infectious disease specialist at UT Physicians Multispecialty — Bellaire Station.

Check out more information by clicking the article link in the comments! 👇

08/08/2025

Meet O'Neka W. Ellis, NP, a trusted family nurse practitioner at UT Physicians Multispecialty – International District with over a decade of experience providing high-quality care.⁠ Whether you're due for a wellness visit, managing a chronic condition, or need personalized support for long-term health, she delivers patient-centered primary care you can count on.⁠ 🩺🌟

She specializes in:
✔️ Adult and pediatric primary care
✔️ Chronic disease management
✔️ Preventive screenings and wellness exams
✔️ Diagnostic assessments ⁠

With a holistic, evidence-based approach, she partners closely with patients and their families to create care plans that promote lasting wellness.⁠

📍 Now accepting new patients! Schedule an appointment today and experience personalized care. https://www.utphysicians.com/provider/oneka-w-ellis/

O'Neka W. Ellis, NP a UT Physicians family medicine nurse practitioner, sees patients in the Greater Houston area.

08/07/2025

What seemed like a simple headache turned into a life-threatening situation when 12-year-old Angel Nguyen collapsed during lunch. A large aneurysm in her brain had burst, triggering a severe stroke. Rushing her into emergency surgery, doctors saved her life, but it left her having to relearn how to talk, walk, and recognize her loved ones.

Her family turned to the experts at UTHealth Houston for specialized pediatric stroke care. Under the guidance of Stuart Fraser, MD, a pediatric neurologist, Angel began intensive therapy and participated in clinical trials focused on innovative recovery techniques. Today, she’s back in school and walking, determined to one day help others recover like she did.

With new therapies on the horizon, Angel’s journey is far from over — it's just beginning. 💙

“He’s more than a doctor. He sees her like family,” said Angel’s dad, Lawrence Nguyen. “Anything new that might help her, he signs her up. I appreciate that.”

Read Angel’s full story. https://www.utphysicians.com/story/pediatric-stroke-survivors-journey-of-resilience/

A rare pediatric stroke put Angel's life in danger. After successful surgeries and a lengthy recovery, she wants to help others like herself.

08/01/2025

An enlarged prostate doesn’t just cause inconvenience; it can significantly affect your quality of life. 🚨 Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can lead to frustrating symptoms like reduced urine flow, frequent bathroom trips, interrupted sleep, and even urge incontinence. Left untreated, BPH can cause serious complications, including infections, bladder stones, and kidney failure. 🚽

Thankfully, there are treatment options available, offering men relief without traditional surgery. From lifestyle changes and medications to advanced, minimally invasive procedures like holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), is committed to giving patients their comfort and quality of life back. 🩺

“For patients who have severe cases of BPH or are no longer responding to medications, we offer a variety of options, such as laser and robotic surgeries,” said Rodrigo Donalisio da Silva, MD, a with UT Physicians.

If you're over 50 or have a family history, it’s time to pay attention. BPH is treatable, and improving your symptoms starts with the right care.

07/31/2025

Eye spy the last days of summer — a great time to focus on protecting your child’s eyesight! 👁️

With the start of school just around the corner, kids are soaking up the final days of summer break. But as they spend more time indoors and viewing electronic screens to cool off from the Texas heat, their eyes might be missing out on something important: natural light. 😎

Before the school bell rings, take a moment to refresh your children’s eye health. Learn how sunlight helps prevent nearsightedness (myopia), why outdoor play is essential, and a simple habit to reduce eye strain during screen time. ☀️

07/29/2025

Sunrays don’t take days off, and neither should your SPF! 🌞

Whether you’re hitting the beach, walking the dog, or just running errands, your skin is always exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays — even on cloudy days. Understanding the difference between UVA and UVB rays is key to better protecting your skin and keeping it healthy and glowing. 😎

Learn how these rays affect your skin and the best ways to stay protected all year long! 🧴🕶️👒

07/28/2025

Hepatitis is not just one virus but a group of five distinct types: A, B, C, D, and E. Each spreads differently, carries unique risks, and impacts your liver in its own way. 🧬

Hepatitis A is foodborne and short-lived, B is a long-term blood-borne infection, and C is also blood-borne but curable with modern treatments. D and E are less common but still pose serious health concerns. ⚠️

Millions live with hepatitis without knowing it, risking liver failure or even cancer. While some forms are preventable with vaccines, others require timely detection. Knowing the differences could save your life. ❤️‍🩹

07/25/2025

A shattering diagnosis forever changed the lives of siblings Cory and Kelsea Turnbull, both living with Huntington’s disease (HD), a rare and fatal genetic disorder. Diagnosed years apart, Cory at 21 and Kelsea at 29, their mother found Erin Furr Stimming, MD, a movement disorders neurologist with UTHealth Houston, who offered more than care — she offered understanding.

Through her expertise, Furr Stimming became a source of hope, guiding them through a disease with no cure and helping manage their complex symptoms with personalized therapies and support. Despite the progression of the disease, which continues to affect their motor skills, memory, and daily lives, the siblings remain a source of strength for each other, facing their shared diagnosis with courage. 💙

“HD is a devastating diagnosis for patients and their families,” said Furr Stimming. “But there are exciting advances in treatment, and we are here to help them navigate this difficult disease.”

Read their full story and learn more about how the UTHealth Houston Huntington’s Disease Program is helping families manage this challenging disease. https://www.utphysicians.com/story/siblings-find-care-for-huntingtons-disease-at-uthealth-houston/

After they were each diagnosed with Huntington's disease, two siblings turned to UT Physicians for a team approach with compassionate care.

07/23/2025

New to running? You might be skipping the two most important must-do's after every run.😬

Courtney Amor, MD, hand and upper extremity orthopedic surgeon, with UT Physicians and UTHealth Houston and a Houston Half Marathon frequent runner, breaks down two essential recovery habits most beginners forget.

If you want to avoid injury and run stronger and longer, this one’s a must-watch.

07/22/2025

As the final days of summer approach, some families are squeezing in quick getaways before the back-to-school rush begins. Flying with young children can be a challenge, but with the right planning, it can also be a fun and memorable experience! Kristine O’Connor, MD, a pediatrician at shares practical tips to make traveling with the little ones more enjoyable and less stressful. ✈️

🔹 Visit your pediatrician: Check vaccinations and discuss any travel-specific health needs.
🔹 Book direct flights: Avoid early morning departures to keep kids rested.
🔹 Plan ahead: Use the bathroom, eat before boarding, and pack comfort items and extras.

Whether you're heading out for one last summer adventure or planning upcoming holiday travel, these tips will help make your journey smoother. 🌟