Banner Health

08/04/2025

Examining daily routines can be one of the best ways to understand risk factors for diabetes. Habits around food, movement, sleep and stress can affect long-term health, but small changes can help maintain wellness.

Think your habits are healthy? Learn how your daily routine, including sleep, movement and food choices, could increase your risk for type 2 diabetes.

08/03/2025

If you lower your calories too much or too fast, you could also lose muscle. If you want to preserve and build muscle during a calorie deficit, you'll need to make sure to eat enough protein and include resistance training in your routine. (via Health)

Building muscle while lowering your calorie intake still requires getting enough protein and incorporating exercises like resistance training.

08/03/2025

When it comes to organ donation, there are a lot of myths, misgivings and misinformation out there. Consider organ donation by learning the facts to make an informed decision for oneself and loved ones.

Many people aren’t sure if they can or should donate their organs. If you’re considering organ donation, learn the facts so you can make the right decision.

08/02/2025

From time to time, you might get a rash on your breast. Most of the time, it’s nothing serious. It could be a reaction to heat or detergent or a skin condition like eczema. But in rare cases, changes in the skin on your breast could be a warning sign of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), a fast-growing and aggressive form of breast cancer.

When you know the difference between a common skin issue and something more serious, you can take the right steps. Learn more: https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/teach-me/is-it-a-rash-or-inflammatory-breast-cancer

08/02/2025

Imaging tests like CT scans and PET scans can help track the success of therapy when someone is being treated for cancer. With these tools, a health care providers can get a clear picture of what’s happening inside the body. They can use this information to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan if needed.

CT scans and PET scans are valuable tools for tracking your progress during cancer treatment. Learn more about what these important imaging tests can show.

08/02/2025

People with lupus may notice both weight gain and weight loss. These changes can be linked to disease activity and medications a person is taking to treat it. While lupus can make it challenging to manage weight, eating a balanced diet, regular physical activity and tracking habits and symptoms can help.

Struggling with weight changes from lupus? Learn how to manage weight with lupus-friendly nutrition, activity and support from Banner Health experts.

08/02/2025

You can benefit from the nutrients and antioxidants in fruit at any time of day. However, you might notice subtle differences in your energy or appetite depending on when you eat it. (via Verywell Health)

You can reap the benefits of fruit by eating it at any time of day, but some times may be more strategic than others depending on your goals.

08/02/2025

August is Drowning Impact Awareness Month and doctors are urging families to stay alert around water.

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, and even when a child survives, the long-term health impacts can be devastating. Each year, thousands of children across the U.S. are rushed to emergency rooms after surviving near-drownings. (via KOLD News 13)

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4.

08/01/2025

The Whipple procedure, also called a pancreaticoduodenectomy, is considered the most effective treatment for pancreatic cancer but it’s not an option for everyone. It is a complex operation because it involves many different organs that are located deep in the central part of the abdomen (or belly).

The Whipple procedure is a surgery used to treat pancreatic cancer and other conditions. Here’s what to know if you’re considering this surgery.

08/01/2025

Secondhand smoke is also known as passive smoking or environmental to***co smoke and it’s not safe for anyone. It contains harmful chemicals from burning to***co products, like ci******es, ci**rs and pipes. Eliminating smoke exposure involves simple steps that help protect family members and friends. Whether someone smokes or not, reducing exposure benefits everyone.

Secondhand smoke harms adults and kids, increasing the risk for cancer, heart disease and SIDS. Learn how to protect your family and when to get screened.

07/31/2025

No matter how long someone has been eating unhealthy foods, it’s never too late to change. Start small, be consistent and enjoy the benefits of a healthier life.

Is it too late to start eating healthy? Find out how better nutrition can improve your health, reduce disease risk and even reverse some past damage.

07/31/2025

Some natural methods may help a person's body get ready for labor, but very few can actually start it. And some can be unsafe. The safest path is to check with a health care provider, stay active and try to enjoy the final days of pregnancy.

Trying to induce labor naturally? Learn safe ways to start labor at 39 and 40 weeks of pregnancy, what to avoid and when to talk to your doctor or provider.

04/25/2025

We'd like to introduce you to Sarahi, a volunteer at the West Main Information Desk. On top of balancing her time of being a full-time high school student athlete and being in the EVIT program, Sarahi has managed to accumulate a total of 294 hours of her donated time to volunteering at Banner Desert over the span of 5 months. Sarahi gets along with all her fellow volunteers and is one of the first to help someone when they need it. We describe Sarahi as hardworking, reliable, and good-natured. We are very grateful to have a volunteer like Sarahi.

04/24/2025

👋 Karen Anderson has been a dedicated volunteer at Banner Desert Medical Center for nearly 12 years, serving in a variety of roles and contributing an impressive 4,670 hours of service to the hospital. She has driven the golf cart and trains new volunteers. She has served at the information desk and helped with special events, and even help our mascot Banner Bear. Since December 2021, she has been a Cuddler in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where she provides essential comfort to newborns. As one of our "Consistent Cuddlers," Karen goes above and beyond, regularly taking on extra shifts to support our most vulnerable babies. We are deeply grateful for her unwavering commitment and service.
Sign up to join us as a volunteer: https://bit.ly/48F4Wkx

04/23/2025

This is Jeni Pfefferle. Jeni is a great example to staff and volunteers alike with her kindness and compassion. Everyone loves working with Jeni because of her devotion and kind-hearted spirit within the hustle and bustle of the hospital.
Her volunteer journey began when she tried to sign up to be a volunteer at the library. They told her to check the Volunteer Match website, and she found us. She knew it was meant to be because she remembered 20 years earlier a volunteer at this very hospital helped her during a difficult time. She said all he did was smile and point and it was all she needed in that moment. She began volunteering at Banner Desert in spiritual care and the West main lobby in 2016 to 2018. She continues to volunteer because she has a passion for helping others. Her motto is "anybody who needs help, I can help". Her love for volunteering is admired by all. A piece of advice she would give new volunteers would be to keep a positive attitude!


Join us and volunteer at Banner Desert: https://bit.ly/48F4Wkx

04/22/2025

👋 Say hello to Jane Ridgely who volunteers in the gift shop on Monday afternoons. Jane has been with us now for 12 years and 6 months. She has donated 1,631.92 hours of her time. If you have had the pleasure of meeting her, you know she is just a wonderful person. She has filled in many times to support the gift shop and help to take care of our customers needs. We are so grateful to have Jane on our team!

Volunteer at Desert with us: https://bit.ly/48F4Wkx

04/21/2025

Meet Chopper 🐾
Chopper is a therapy dog who volunteers alongside his owner Darryl, a U.S. Navy veteran. Darryl adopted Chopper as a puppy and named him after his love for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. In addition to his therapy work, Chopper lives with his two cat siblings, Ky and Toshi. In his spare time, he enjoys watching the cats run around while snacking on his favorite treats - popcorn and peanut butter. As a therapy dog, Chopper provides comfort and support to both patients and visitors at Banner. His calm and friendly personality make a great addition to our dog therapy team!

💻 Volunteer at Banner Desert: https://bit.ly/48F4Wkx

04/20/2025

Say hello to Nina! She has been a dedicated volunteer at Banner Desert Medical Center for nearly 8 years, contributing 3,370 hours of service to the hospital. She began her journey as a NICU Cuddler in January 2018 and immediately showed a proactive approach, learning her duties quickly and helping resolve various challenges that arose. Nina takes great care in organizing the laundry room and ensuring that the nurses have the supplies they need to support the babies. Her generosity is evident in the extra shifts she willingly takes on to cover open slots, and her attention to detail is reflected in her meticulous management of the specialized NICU laundry. Nina is such an asset to our campus.

Sign up to volunteer at Banner Desert: https://bit.ly/48F4Wkx

07/19/2024

Banner Health has been impacted by a global system IT outage. Please visit bannerhealth.com for updates.

Banner Health makes health care easier, so your life can be better. Find a provider, schedule an appointment, or find the nearest Banner Health location near you.

01/03/2024

Our volunteers make such incredible contributions to our community. Recently in the halls at Banner Children’s at Desert, Jody McConkey unsuspectingly reconnected with a familiar face. Colleen Virden, now a volunteer at our facility donning the purple scrubs, was a foreign language immersion teacher for Jody’s two kids more than 15 years ago. “Today was such a positive connection to see how she is still using her gifts and talents to support the community, Banner and our littlest patients. It warms my heart in so many ways,” Jody shared.

Interested in seeing what moments you can create as a volunteer? Learn more about the opportunities: https://bit.ly/48F4Wkx

12/25/2023

A heartwarming and magical moment took place at Banner Children's at Desert - our beloved Santa Claus made a special visit to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to spread some holiday cheer and capture an unforgettable snapshot with our beautiful tiny babies!

12/23/2023

On Friday, Fit Body Boot Camp Arizona generously donated an astounding $40,000 worth of toys to Banner Children's at Desert! The thousands of toys will bring joy and comfort to pediatric patients who are undergoing treatment.

"We are incredibly grateful for the incredible generosity shown by Fit Body Boot Camp. This donation will make a huge difference in the lives of our young patients." - expressed Laura Robertson, CEO of Banner Children's at Desert.

Benjamin Jones, owner of Fit Body Boot Camp, shared that this is their 8th year donating to the hospital and each year, they strive to surpass their previous donations. The toys were donated by the company itself, as well as their wonderful staff and supportive clients. Thank you, Fit Body Boot Camp, for your unwavering commitment to giving back to our community and bringing joy to these children's lives.

12/22/2023

Last Tuesday, thousands of toys were donated by the Armer Foundation For Kids to bring joy to our young patients at Banner Children’s at Desert. We want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to the foundation for their donation! These toys will bring smiles to the faces of children undergoing tough treatments, making their hospital stay a little brighter and more enjoyable.

12/10/2023

The American Medical Response (AMR) teamed up with Banner Children’s at Desert to create a one-of-a-kind event that combines the simple gesture of a wave with the illuminating power of hundreds of lights, to bring joy and hope to patients and their families this holiday season.

For a second year, a team of first responders, community partners and members of the community illuminated the hospital surroundings with a light show. Ambulances, emergency vehicles, fire trucks, police cars, and the community held light sticks, flashlights, and glow in the dark lights to create “waves of encouragement and love.”

"Lights of Love is not just a celebration - it is a symbol of solidarity, hope and love in our community" says Laura Robertson, Chief Executive Officer at Banner Children’s at Desert. "We hope this celebration provides comfort and support to the children and families who may be going through challenging times."