HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest

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 HCA Healthcare, we’re proud to help meet this critical need through the HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Transplant and Cellular Therapy Network. This extensive network is among the largest providers of unrelated bone marrow donor transplants in the U.S., caring for tens of thousands of patients each year.

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/46AKt0L

09/23/2025

Whether you're recovering from surgery, traveling long distances or pursuing athletic goals, may give you a leg up on your health. These snug socks boost circulation by gently pushing blood up your legs, helping to reduce swelling and prevent blood clots.

Find out more about the benefits of compression socks: https://bit.ly/3KfY46o

Wondering when to wear compression socks and what benefits they might offer? Here's what you should know.

09/19/2025

***dePreventionMonth Su***de is a leading cause of death for young people age 15 to 24 in the U.S., according to the CDC. Knowing su***de warning signs like these from the American Psychological Association can make all the difference. They’re not always easy to spot – something as simple as a lack of response to praise or a change in physical appearance or hygiene could be cause for concern, so it’s important to recognize even the most subtle changes and know how to respond. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3ItpxAW.

09/19/2025

Whether recovering from injury, surgery or illness, rehabilitation helps restore functionality, independence and quality of life. Our Bryan Inpatient Rehabilitation Center is committed to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care to help rebuild your abilities as quickly and safely as possible. We offer physical, occupational and speech therapies designed to fit your unique needs. Our specially trained rehab nurses, techs and wound care specialists are vital members of the rehab team and also assist in your recovery.

As a certified Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center and a Level II Trauma Center, we offer a number of specialty rehabilitation programs that support recovery. Learn more about our rehabilitation center https://bit.ly/421Ol9N

09/18/2025

It's Environmental Services Week, and we're shining the spotlight on our incredible EVS team that keeps our hospital running smoothly and safely every single day.

They're the first line of defense against infection, the quiet force behind every sanitized room and the reason our patients and staff can breathe easy. Their work may happen behind the scenes, but their impact is front and center as they are the heartbeaat of our hospital hygiene.

They are truly invaluable members of our team. Happy EVS Week and thank you for all you do to keep our hospital clean and safe.

09/17/2025

This month we honor the tiniest fighter and the strongest hearts - babies who begin life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), their families who walk the hardest roads with hope and the incredible NICU staff who become lifelines. Every heartbeat matters in the NICU and every ounce gained is a victory. Each day is a testament to resilience. We recently spoke to one of our moms whose baby previously was in our NICU and she shared a little about her story.

Lisseth shared her powerful journey, beginning when her water broke unexpectedly at just 26 weeks. She was immediately admitted to our hospital, where she remained for about a month. "The doctors did an amazing job keeping my baby safe inside me a little longer," she recalled. "Every day was filled with check-ups, monitoring and medications to support his development. I'm so thankful to the doctors and nurses who treated me with such care. Thanks to God and to them, my baby was born at 31 weeks weighing 3 lbs, 7 oz."

Due to breathing complications, her baby spent two months in the NICU. Lisseth expressed deep gratitude, "Thanks to God and the entire NICU staff, my baby stabilized and was discharged at 8 lbs, 9 oz. Today, he's a joyful child who laughs, dances, sings - and especially loves playing his drum set and piano. He's truly my miracle baby."

As a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, we provide acute care to infants who are born critically ill, need breathing equipment, or may require surgery. Across our network of HCA Healthcare hospitals, we have the capabilities to care for the sickest babies. We also have a neonatal transport team through HCA Houston Healthcare's AIRLife emergency air transport which provides emergency air transportation for newborns that require a higher level of care within 120 miles. We hope you never need us, but feel safe knowing that we are here.

09/16/2025

is a genetic condition that causes red blood cells to become stiff, sticky and crescent-shaped. This blocks blood flow to the rest of the body, leading to pain, fatigue and potential organ damage.

While there’s no cure yet, advances in treatment and care are helping people manage symptoms more effectively and live fuller healthier lives. Whether you’re living with sickle cell anemia or caring for someone who is, these tips may support your journey:

Living with sickle cell anemia requires medical support and effective adaptation strategies. Learn tips for coping, caregiving and daily management.

09/16/2025

We're proud to be recognized by Healthgrades for our treatment of sepsis and have specially-trained clinical professionals and support staff that work on the prevention and treatment of sepsis with our patients.

Sepsis is life-threatening condition that arises when the body's response to infection causes injury to its own tissue and organs. It can be caused by any infection - fungal, viral, parasitic or bacterial and is the leading cause of readmissions in the hospital.

We are also proud to be a part of HCA Healthcare, where commitment to research has produced groundbreaking outcomes when treating sepsis, a life-threatening medical emergency. Learn about our sepsis research and how sepsis care is being revolutionized to improve patient outcomes: https://bit.ly/46ENtKW

09/12/2025

❤️ AFib – 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/46gWhFp

In collaboration with the American Heart Association, our larger HCA Healthcare network promotes better heart health through national education efforts and community integration to teach about healthy heart activities, CPR emergency response and knowing the symptoms of heart issues.

09/11/2025

, 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 HCA Healthcare family, we reflect on the courage of our first responders and everyday citizens who acted with extraordinary bravery. We will .

09/10/2025

Meet Amanda, a small business owner from Idaho, who exhausted her life savings while caring for her late partner, Robert, during his battle with cancer. Amanda, who relies on the premium health tax credit, now faces impossible choices again if Congress allows the tax credit to expire at the end of this year, sending her monthly costs skyrocketing.

“I lost my business, I lost my future, and honestly, some hope,” said Amanda. “Without the healthcare tax credit, my premiums would go up close to $4,000 a year. I don’t know what I would do. This is something that affects everyday, regular people. We need Congress to do its job.”

Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTCs) are currently helping 24 million people – including some of our patients – afford high-quality healthcare coverage through the insurance Marketplace (Healthcare.gov). These tax credits are applied directly to people’s premiums, keeping coverage affordable and making healthcare more accessible. But unless Congress acts soon, these tax credits will expire at the end of 2025.

Letting the healthcare tax credit expire push families, like Amanda’s, over the edge and send healthcare costs through the roof. Congress must extend the healthcare tax credit and stop health costs from skyrocketing. Learn how you can help protect access to care at https://bit.ly/4gf0jCJ.

09/09/2025

anxiety is more common than you may think and the way it shows up can depend on your child’s age and many other factors. Know the signs and how to ease the transition for yourself and your child:

Back-to-school anxiety is common for many children and parents. Ease the transition by setting routines and opening the lines of communication.

09/05/2025

About every three minutes, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma – the most common types of blood cancer, according to Blood Cancer United. 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 , we’re answering common questions by sharing the facts shown here.

As a part of HCA Healthcare, we give our patients healthier tomorrows through access to a connected oncology network, including nine accredited blood cancer treatment programs. Through these programs, over 1,000 acute leukemia patients receive treatment each year. For some blood cancers, the only potential cure is a blood and marrow transplant. The HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Transplant and Cellular Therapy Network is the nation's leading provider of these transplants, conducting over 1,500 annually. Cellular therapy is another potential treatment for those with blood cancer, and our network is also leading the way in this novel treatment.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with blood cancer, we’re here to help. Find compassionate oncology care: https://bit.ly/463o5gj

09/03/2025

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

The [TAG] 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

08/29/2025

There’s a science behind why mosquito bites itch – and there’s a lot you can do to combat it! 🦟 Find tips for soothing the itch and swelling, learn about , and discover strategies to keep mosquitoes away for good: https://bit.ly/4oQ3iWa

Learn how to identify skeeter syndrome so you know when medical treatment may be needed for mosquito bites.

08/21/2025

Feeling unusually tired, or noticing a nagging cough, jaw pain or swollen legs? Your heart might be trying to tell you something. Learn subtle signs of heart disease and find out if you could potentially be at risk for a silent : https://bit.ly/4lAenrz

Did you know you can have heart problems with normal blood pressure and pulse? Symptoms of heart disease can be subtle.

08/19/2025

Struggling to reach your goals? If diets and workouts haven’t brought you lasting results, weight loss surgery may be an option for you. It’s not just about lowering the numbers on the scale – it’s about improving your overall health and quality of life.

To find out if you might be a good candidate for weight loss surgery, take our free online assessment: https://bit.ly/3V72GxE

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.

08/13/2025

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/3UtovHI.

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

It’s not always easy to avoid snakes, especially here in Texas, where the weather is hot and construction is booming, explains Dr. Spencer Greene, Director of Toxicology at HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood. “It’s estimated that for every one-degree Celsius increase in temperature, snakebites increase by 3%," he says. “Beyond that, because of ongoing construction, there's displacement of the snakes. Fewer places for snakes to hide means more interaction with humans."

The good news is snakebites are preventable. Here’s everything you need to know to avoid snakebites, and what you need to know if you are bitten.

Visit the post for more.

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

08/07/2025

"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/45rYwFC.