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

Now is the time to vote in the 2025 AZ Daily Star Readers’ Choice Awards.

We were nominated in 13 categories for outstanding care and leadership.

Voting runs July 27 – August 10, and you can support by voting daily via text.

To vote, text 520-214-8683 with the code for the category you’re voting in (one code per text).

Use the codes below to vote in each category:
1759: Best Community Health
1629: Best Birthing Center
1760: Best Healthcare Provider
1630: Best Children’s Medical Center
1761: Best Orthopedic Practice/Surgeon
1636: Best Oncologist
1762: Best Pediatric Emergency Room
1637: Best Hospital
1763: Best Urgent Care
1638: Best Behavioral Health
1768: Best Hearing Clinic/Facility
1639: Best Emergency Room
1769: Best Women’s Center

Thank you for recognizing us as southern Arizona’s healthcare leader!

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.

07/30/2025

07/30/2025

Banner – University Medical Center Tucson has been named the #1 hospital in Tucson and ranked #4 in Arizona in the 2025–26 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings.

The hospital was also nationally ranked in 1 adult specialty, and rated high performing in 3 adult specialties and 9 procedures and conditions.

This recognition reflects the dedication, compassion and excellence of every member of our team and the trust our patients place in us every day.

Learn more about which specialties and procedures were rated high performing: https://www.bannerhealth.com/newsroom/press-releases/us-news-rankings

07/28/2025

Banner – University Medicine has been nominated in 13 categories for the 2025 AZ Daily Star Readers’ Choice Awards. It’s a recognition of the outstanding care and leadership shown by our teams across Southern Arizona.

Voting runs July 27 – August 10, and you can support by voting daily via text.

To vote, text 520-214-8683 with the code for the category you’re voting in (one code per text).

Use the codes below to vote in each category:
1759: Best Community Health
1629: Best Birthing Center
1760: Best Healthcare Provider
1630: Best Children’s Medical Center
1761: Best Orthopedic Practice/Surgeon
1636: Best Oncologist
1762: Best Pediatric Emergency Room
1637: Best Hospital
1763: Best Urgent Care
1638: Best Behavioral Health
1768: Best Hearing Clinic/Facility
1639: Best Emergency Room
1769: Best Women’s Center

Thank you for recognizing us as southern Arizona’s healthcare leader!

07/28/2025

Ever wonder what life might be like with less alcohol? The sober curious movement is all about that question, and it’s gaining momentum, especially among Millennials and Gen Z.

Being sober curious doesn’t mean you’re in recovery or swearing off alcohol forever. It just means you’re intentionally looking at how, when, and why you drink, and how cutting back might make you feel.

More people are choosing to drink less for reasons like better sleep, improved mood, sharper focus, and even saving money.

If you’re curious, start small. Try a day or a week without alcohol. Notice how your body and mind respond. You might be surprised at how much clearer and more balanced you feel.

This isn’t about rules. It’s about choices, awareness and doing what feels right for your health and life.

If you ever feel like alcohol has more control than you’d like, talking to a provider can help you figure out next steps.

07/25/2025

Every year student athletes face serious risks from extreme heat, especially during monsoon season when humidity spikes.

Allison Lane, MD, joined Tucson Now KOLD News 13 to talk about what parents, coaches, and athletes need to know to stay safe.

She addressed the signs of heat stress and heat stroke, how to time practices smarter, and what makes our climate particularly dangerous for young athletes.

Share this post with youth coaches and anyone who has young athletes.

Student athletes are returning to practice, often at the warmest times of the day.

07/25/2025

Using Benadryl every day? It might be time to rethink that.

Benadryl helps with allergy symptoms and can make you sleepy, but it wears off fast. Some people end up taking it multiple times a day, which isn’t ideal.

Regular use can lead to grogginess, brain fog, and even memory issues, especially in older adults. It can also increase the risk of falls and may stop working as well over time. There’s also growing concern about long-term use being linked to dementia.

It’s especially important to be cautious if you’re over 65, have memory or heart issues, or are thinking about giving it to a young child.

Newer allergy meds like Zyrtec, Claritin and Allegra are longer-lasting and don’t cause as much drowsiness.

If you’re relying on Benadryl often, a quick chat with your provider can help you find something that works better and keeps you safe.

07/23/2025

These are the outstanding leaders who have stepped up to serve on the 2026 Executive Leadership Team. Their dedication, vision, and generosity will be instrumental in making this year’s Heart Walk campaign both successful and deeply impactful across our Southern Arizona community.

A heartfelt thank you to each of these leaders for volunteering their time and expertise. Your commitment to our mission inspires us all ❤

07/19/2025

A fainting episode might seem harmless, but it can be a sign of something more serious. Andrea Padilla, MD, a family medicine specialist with Banner - University Medicine Division Tucson shares what causes fainting and how to be better prepared to listen to your body’s warning.

https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/better-me/why-you-should-see-a-doctor-after-fainting-it-is-not-always-just-a-fluke

07/18/2025

Fertility testing helps identify what could be standing in the way of getting pregnant. Priyanka Bearelly, MD, a urologist and andrology specialist with Banner – University Medicine Division Tucson helps explain the unique challenges of male infertility and when it's a good time for the male partner to undergo evaluation.

https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/advise-me/diagnosing-fertility-common-tests-on-the-pathway-to-pregnancy

07/11/2025

Our community is feeling the extreme heat, making it even more important to keep an eye out for pregnant community members.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pregnant people are more likely to suffer from heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Beyond heat-related illnesses, extreme heat can lead to long-term complications for both the mother and their babies before and after birth.

Colleen Cagno, MD, spoke with KOLD News 13 about the pregnancy complications that come with Arizona’s extreme heat, and the shared responsibly in supporting pregnant people.

Watch: https://www.kold.com/2025/07/09/staying-safe-arizonas-extreme-heat-while-pregnant/