Texas Health Family & Sports Care

05/18/2026

Chronic stress can keep the body in a heightened state, which may adversely affect cardiovascular health. Dr. Ashesh Parikh, D.O., cardiologist at Texas Health Plano, emphasizes that effective stress management is vital for maintaining heart health. Regular physical activity, adequate rest, and balanced nutrition are important strategies to manage stress and support overall heart health.

A little stress in our lives serves to keep us on our toes, but too much can lead to health problems, interrupted sleep, emotional issues and poor decision-making. And while it’s difficult to measure something like stress and its negative impact on heart health, experts say the correlation shouldn...

05/07/2026

Ankle sprains are one of the most common spring sports injuries, especially in soccer, basketball, and tennis. But when should you treat at home versus seeking medical care? Treat at home if: You can bear weight, swelling is mild, and pain is manageable. Seek medical care if you heard a pop, can't put weight on the ankle, see significant swelling or deformity, or symptoms aren't improving after a few days. Getting evaluated early can prevent longer-term problems and get you back in the game safely.

Quick Answer: Most minor sports injuries — mild ankle sprains, shin splints, muscle strains, and runner's knee — can be managed at home with rest, ice, compression, and elevation. But certain signs mean it's time to stop guessing and get evaluated: inability to bear weight, visible deformity, si...

05/02/2026

Taking a few minutes each month to check your skin can make a big difference in catching skin cancer early! Get to know the ABCDE rule to help keep an eye on your moles and any skin changes: A — Asymmetry: One half looks different from the other B — Border: Edges that aren’t smooth or clear C — Color: More than one color in a single spot D — Diameter: Bigger than a pencil eraser (but remember, melanomas can be smaller too) E — Evolving: Any changes in size, shape, or color If you spot anything unusual, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor. Self-checks are super helpful, but they work best alongside yearly dermatologist visits. Take care of your skin—it’s worth it!

Quick Answer: Yes, you need sunscreen year-round — not just at the beach. UV rays are present every day, pe*****te clouds and car windows, and damage your skin whether or not you can feel them. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., but it's also one of the most preventable. Daily suns...

04/23/2026

Thinking about advanced blood testing? Learn what biomarker testing really measures—and whether it’s right for you.
https://bit.ly/4mceKuk

Honest guide to SuperPower, Function Health, and biomarker testing. How they differ from annual physicals, whether they're worth it, and what to watch out for.

04/18/2026

Allergy fatigue is real. Learn why spring allergies make you tired—and what to do about it.

Spring allergies drain your energy. Learn why you're tired, which medications help, and what actually works to manage allergy fatigue.

04/15/2026

Stroke can happen to anyone, at any age. While stroke risk increases after age 50, we're seeing it become more common among younger adults too. Conditions like heart disease, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes are likely contributors — which is why engaging in a healthy lifestyle matters at every stage of life. If you suspect someone is having a stroke, reach for the phone and call 911 right away. Learn more about stroke care at Texas Health and check your own stroke risk with our free assessment at TexasHealth.org/Stroke.

Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot, bursts or ruptures. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs.

04/13/2026

Vitamin D affects energy, mood, and immunity—and sun exposure doesn’t always cut it. Learn why.

Spring sunshine isn't always enough for vitamin D. Learn who's at risk, how much sun you need, and whether you should supplement.

03/30/2026

In honor of National Doctors’ Day, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the committed, skilled, and compassionate physicians on the medical staffs across Texas Health.

Please join us in thanking the physicians in your life for their dedication to their patients and the communities they serve by sharing a special memory or shoutout in the comments below!

03/24/2026

Stay ahead of colon cancer. Staying informed and finding out when you should get a colonoscopy is the first step to colon care. Take our colorectal cancer assessment today.
https://bit.ly/4rHaWma