Banner Health

09/12/2025

Burn injuries can happen in an instant and often right at home. Burns, even minor ones, require quick care and first aid to promote healing and prevent complications. Deep burns, burns on sensitive areas or signs of infection need medical attention. Knowing how to care for a burn can make a big difference in healing, comfort and preventing infection.

Learn how to care for burns at home, when to seek medical care and simple ways to prevent burns before they happen to keep your family safe and healthy.

09/12/2025

PrEP is a daily medicine developed for the prevention of HIV infection for HIV-negative individuals. A pill taken once a day works to stop HIV from taking hold and spreading in the body. The constant presence of the medicine in the bloodstream helps keep a person HIV-negative.

PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a family of medications that can help people who are HIV negative prevent and reduce the risk of contracting HIV.

09/12/2025

People living with a long-term lung condition can find it challenging to keep symptoms under control so they can do as much as possible in their day-to-day life. Along with affecting well-being, long-term (chronic) lung conditions also put people at higher risk for pneumonia.

Learn how chronic lung conditions may increase your risk for pneumonia and learn practical steps that can reduce your risk and safeguard your lung health.

09/12/2025

A continuous glucose monitor is a small device a person wears on their body, typically the upper arm. It tracks glucose (blood sugar) levels 24/7 using a tiny sensor. Today, more people without diabetes are using continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to improve how they eat, move and feel.

Thinking about trying a continuous glucose monitor (CGM)? Learn how CGMs work and whether tracking your blood sugar makes sense if you don’t have diabetes.

09/10/2025

For most people, muscle pain is a common reason for back or neck soreness, but nerves can also be involved. If something presses on a nerve, like a herniated disk, bone spur or inflammation, it can cause sharp, shooting pain or numbness. If someone isn't sure what type of pain they have, talking to a health care provider is recommended. Muscle pain might get better with home treatment, but nerve pain usually needs professional care.

Not sure if your back or neck pain is caused by sore muscles or nerves? Learn the difference, get tips for each type and find out when to get medical care.

09/10/2025

The thyroid gland's job is to produce certain hormones that help manage and affect just about every system in the body. The symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can overlap and could also be caused by other conditions, so those with symptoms that might point to a thyroid condition should see a health care provider for diagnosis. Thyroid problems can be serious, but they are usually treatable.

Your thyroid is a small gland found in your neck that releases hormones. You could have symptoms if your thyroid releases too much or not enough hormones.

09/10/2025

While weight loss medications are gaining popularity, bariatric surgery has long been a trusted method for significant and sustained weight loss. People who are trying to lose weight and finding it difficult might wonder which option is the best.

Explore the pros and cons of weight loss drugs versus bariatric surgery. Learn which option may be more effective at achieving your weight loss goals.

09/09/2025

Hearing a child has cancer is one of the most frightening moments a parent can face. Knowing how childhood cancer differs from adult cancer can help adults make sense of what’s happening, understand the care a child will receive and feel a little less alone during this overwhelming time.

Has your child been diagnosed with cancer? Learn how childhood cancer differs from adult cancer, including the types, causes, treatment and long-term care.

09/09/2025

Led by U of A faculty and Banner - University Medicine physicians Francisco Arabia, MD, and Radha Gopalan, MD, the program celebrated its 100th transplant just three years after its launch and achieved the highest survival rate in the world for artificial heart recipients in both 2022 and 2023, a milestone that brings new hope to heart patients everywhere.

09/08/2025

S*xual dysfunction can be frustrating, but it’s nothing to feel ashamed or embarrassed about. S*x may look different at age 25 than it does at 55 or even 85, but s*xual intimacy is a basic human drive and essential to well-being and relationship satisfaction. Talk openly with a partner and health care provider for help.

S*xual health may be a concern for women (and men) for a variety of causes. Discover how to treat these issues and have a happy, healthy s*x life again.

09/08/2025

We’re proud to share that Banner Health has again been recognized by the American Medical Association as a 2025 Joy in Medicine® organization for our ongoing commitment to supporting caregiver well-being and reducing burnout.

Our teams are at the heart of everything we do, and this recognition reflects our dedication to creating a culture where we can all thrive. For us, it’s just another Banner day.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/45P65HR

09/08/2025

Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness is a vestibular disorder that affects the balance system. The vestibular system (located in the inner ear) sends the brain the wrong message about how the body is moving. It causes a near-constant sense of dizziness, often triggered by physical or visual movement. Targeted vestibular physical therapy helps retrain the brain to process movement and balance signals, so the body and mind start working together again.

Do you have chronic dizziness? Learn how physical therapy can help treat persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) and improve your quality of life.

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."