University Health

03/11/2026

Let’s energize your day with a quick, effective workout! These gentle exercises are designed to build strength and stability, keeping you balanced and empowered. 💪😄

1-Minute Movements:
• 10 standing marches with arms raised to activate your core and improve circulation
• 5 sit-to-stands or chair-supported squats to strengthen your legs and enhance mobility

Looking for a challenge? Step it up with these options:
• Use a chair to perform controlled push-ups, boosting upper body strength
• Add light resistance bands or dumbbells—bend forward and lift elbows close to your body to engage your back and shoulders
• Try light squats without chair support to improve balance and leg power

⏰ Move through each exercise, take a rest, and repeat for a quick, revitalizing boost!

03/06/2026

💙 It’s Wear Blue Day! Our gastroenterology team wants to remind you: getting screened for colorectal cancer (CRC) could truly save your life. Did you know CRC is now the leading cause of cancer death in adults under 50?

During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we’re encouraging everyone to ask their doctor about colonoscopies or screenings—starting at age 45, or sooner if you have a family history or higher risk.

Let’s raise awareness and take action together! 💪

03/04/2026

What a fantastic turnout at our quarterly Wellness Wednesday at University Health Southeast Pharmacy! 🏥❤️

A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by for blood pressure checks and expert health advice. We’re honored to be your partners in health and help our neighbors stay well.

Missed the event? No problem! You can still take advantage of our convenient pharmacy services designed to save you time and hassle: https://ow.ly/PxB650YpmOn.

03/03/2026

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., but at University Health, we’re fighting back with breakthroughs that improve both longevity and quality of life. 🩺✨

Dr. Anand Prasad, director of University Health Cardiovascular Center, spoke to the San Antonio Business Journal and highlighted how our targeted programs—like the Limb Salvage Clinic and our minimally invasive Structural Heart team—are saving lives and preventing amputations right here in Bexar County.

We are growing with you! Whether you’re visiting our recently opened University Health Vida clinic on the South Side or looking forward to our three hospitals opening soon, advanced heart care is right around the corner.

03/03/2026

Leadership matters.
Certification matters.
Thank you, Nelson, for championing certified nursing excellence.
Join us on March 21.
Register today: https://sachapteraacn.nursingnetwork.com

03/01/2026

Is your body ready for the time change? ⏰

On Sunday, March 8, we lose an hour of sleep, but the impact lasts much longer than one morning. Dr. Suhaib Haq, sleep medicine specialist at University Health, warns that this sudden shift can spike stress hormones and inflammation, affecting your heart rate and blood pressure.

How to prepare this week:
- The 15-minute rule: Start going to bed 15 minutes earlier every few nights to ease the transition.
- Ditch the blue light: Put electronics away 30 minutes before bed to help your brain produce melatonin.
- Soak up the sun: Get some morning sunlight next week to help reset your internal clock.

Don't let the time change catch you off guard! Read our full guide to protecting your heart and your sleep: https://ow.ly/MP7E50YncPy.

02/27/2026

Did you know that women can face many heart health issues very different from those in men? ❤️🤔

As Heart Month comes to an end, Dr. Ildiko Agoston, cardiologist at University Health, breaks down the unique ways heart disease affects women and why you should never ignore your "gut feeling" when something feels off.

Learn how the University Health Cardiovascular Center is leading the way in specialized care for women: https://ow.ly/zTP150YncAf.

02/24/2026

Today, University Health joined Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores, Bexar County Commissioner Pct. 1 to kick off Colon Cancer Awareness Month. After her own diagnosis in late 2024, Clay-Flores is on a mission to ensure no one in our community is caught off guard by this disease by educating the public about risk factors, symptoms and the importance of lifesaving screenings.

The critical takeaway: Colon cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths in people under 50. Because of this trend, the recommended screening age was lowered from 50 to 45. How you can join us this March:

- Wear blue: March 6 is National Wear Blue Day.
- Light it Blue: Help us by lighting your home or business with blue lights.
- Get screened: If you’re 45 or older, talk to your doctor about a colonoscopy or non-invasive stool test.

Let’s turn awareness into action. 💙

02/23/2026

Would you know what to do if a heart attack began right in front of you?

About 750,000 people in the U.S. have a heart attack every year, but many of them experience early warning signs long before a crisis occurs. The American College of Cardiology's Early Heart Attack Care (EHAC®) education teaches you to recognize these subtle symptoms—like chest pressure, jaw pain or even just a feeling of fullness—so you can become an active bystander and save a life.

Most heart attack care is most effective within the first two hours. Don’t wait for damage to occur. Know the signs and act early!

👉 Learn more and become a Deputy Heart Attack responder: https://dha.acc.org/.

02/21/2026

Because of our Placenta Accreta Program, 172 moms—including Bianca Chavarria—have survived a dangerous pregnancy complication that can result in life-threatening blood loss. Nationally, this condition can be fatal for as many as 7% of women, but in the past five years, every mom in our care has recovered following their risky deliveries.

💕 Read Bianca’s inspiring story in the San Antonio Report and meet the doctors behind this unique program: https://ow.ly/vw5n50Yj7lF.

02/20/2026

In 2016, Jillian Williams was a 19-year-old college student just diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma in her leg. With our help, by 2020 she was a Paralympic gold medalist.

Williams chose amputation over limb preservation because that way she could be more active. Dr. Aaron Sugalski and the multidisciplinary team in University Health’s Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Program helped her through surgery and chemotherapy, and now this fall that same team commitment will be on a global stage when the International Society of Paediatric Oncology comes to San Antonio.

We were selected over Vancouver and Houston to host the only worldwide multidisciplinary forum dedicated entirely to pediatric and adolescent oncology. Surgeons, radiation oncologists, nurses and psychosocial experts will gather here to advance research, collaboration and care.

The team that helped a young woman become a champion will now help convene the world to improve outcomes for 400,000 children diagnosed with cancer each year.

Watch Williams’ story on News4: https://ow.ly/E7Py50YisTe.

02/18/2026

Could you have heart disease and not even know it? 🫀

Coronary artery disease (CAD) affects 1 in 20 adults in the U.S. and is often called a "silent disease" because plaque can build up for years without obvious symptoms. Dr. Marlene Garcia, an interventional cardiologist at University Health, explains the very first sign for many people is a heart attack.

Don't wait for a "silent" disease to speak up. Learn the subtle warning signs — like unusual fatigue or shortness of breath — and how our team uses world-class diagnostics to protect your heart.
Read the full guide on our blog 👉https://ow.ly/7ykB50YhOFh.

Dr. Marlene Garcia, an interventional cardiologist at University Health, explains the causes, symptoms and treatments of coronary artery disease.

02/16/2026

Walking is great for your heart, muscles and overall health - and it’s free and easy. So, lace up those sneakers and let’s go!

Whether it’s a brisk 15-minute walk or a leisurely stroll, your mind, body and spirit will be grateful.🏃‍♂️

Irene Lopez, Registered Nurse and Exercise Physiologist at the University Health Texas Diabetes Institute Fitness Center, shares a few easy tips to make the most of your walks:

✨ Aim for three to five days a week to see meaningful improvements.
👟 Wear supportive, comfortable shoes - your feet will thank you.
💪 Want to level it up? Add resistance bands for a little extra strength training along the way.

Reach your fitness goals at our Texas Diabetes Institute Fitness Center, with a patient referral you can enjoy free exercise classes every month!

For more diabetes resources or fitness assistance visit our website: UniversityHealth.com/Diabetes.

02/13/2026

Our team of educators transformed the University Hospital lobby into a hub for heart health awareness, complete with CPR demonstrations, educational resources, Valentine's Day-themed crafts and our famous inflatable heart. It was a great day spent sharing vital heart-health tips with our patients, visitors and team members. ❤️❤️❤️

Let's keep that momentum going! Join us for our next event at the Texas Diabetes Institute on Wednesday, February 18, from 8 a.m. until noon.

Register now to attend: https://ow.ly/i2Xo50YeuHk.