HealthMatters Blog

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The COVID-19 Vaccine and Breastfeeding: What we...

August 2, 2021

If a nursing mom gets vaccinated against COVID-19, her baby might get some protection against the disease.

tags: breastfeeding , covid , covid-19 , nursing , vaccine

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Are you getting enough water or too much?

August 2, 2021

Are you drinking too much water or not enough? Here's how to tell.

tags: healthmatters , hydrate , hydration , water

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How to choose where to deliver your baby

August 2, 2021

For moms-to-be, there are more choices than ever on where to deliver your baby. How do you choose? Here are some tips.

tags: hospital , laboranddelivery , momstobe , newmomsstory , pediatrics

What's a health risk assessment?

August 2, 2021

Health risk assessments are quick and effective tools to help you understand your risk factors for a number of conditions.

tags: health , health matters , health risk assessment , hra , risk

Don't shrug off shoulder pain

August 2, 2021

Achy shoulders? Find out what causes shoulder pain, how it's treated and why you shouldn't ignore pain in your shoulders.

tags: healthmatters , jointcare , orthopedics , orthopedicsurgery , shoulderpain

Sports physicals 101: Who needs them and why

August 2, 2021

Although they're a yearly part of the back to school routine, sports physicals important. Here's why.

tags: orthopedics , sportsmedicine , sportsphysicals , urgentcare , via

7 signs it's time for knee or hip replacement ...

August 2, 2021

How do you know if surgery is the right step for your joint pain? Here's what to consider.

tags: joint pain , joint replacement , jointreplacement jointpain , #jointriskassessment , joint risk assessment , orthopedics , #orthopedics , #orthopedicsurgery , orthopedic surgery

5 tips to prevent back pain at work

August 2, 2021

It's no surprise we experience back pain at work with hours spent sitting, standing, or lifting heavy objects. Here are some tips to help.

tags: back , backpain , chronicpain , injury , work

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Self-care tips for new moms: Better for you and...

August 1, 2021

Self-care for new moms is good for you and your new baby. Here are a few tips on treating your self with kindness and healthy choices.

tags: maternity , newmom , newmomjourney , pediatrics , selfcare

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When should you call the pediatrician?

July 1, 2021

When should you call the pediatrician? Here's some guidance to help you know what to do.

tags: callanurse , #callanurse , emergency , #mergency , pediatrician , pediatrics , pediatrics pediatrician

5 Ways to Keep Kids Safe in the Summer Heat

July 1, 2021

Summer heat can be dangerous for anyone, but kids can overheat even faster than adults. These 5 steps will help keep your kids safe.

tags: heat , kids , summer , summer health , summer heat

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Questions about product safety during pregnancy

July 1, 2021

Are the products you use safe when pregnant? From cosmetics to household cleaners, we have answers.

tags: momstobe , pediatrics , pregnancy , pregnancysafeproducts , pregnant

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Is it Lyme disease or something else?

July 1, 2021

Symptoms of Lyme disease may be confused with other conditions. Here's how to tell if you have the tick-born infection.

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Is "dry drowning" real?

July 1, 2021

Know the facts about dry drowning, and what to do in case an emergency occurs.

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When should you call the pediatrician?

July 1, 2021

Unsure when to call the pediatrician? Here's some guidance to help.

tags: callanurse , emergency , er , pediatrician , pediatrics

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Healthy sleep tips for new moms and babies

July 1, 2021

With a new baby you're probably missing out on a lot of sleep. Here are tips to help you and your baby get the most sleep you can.

tags: healthysleep , newmom , pediatrics , sleep , sleeptips

Medical expert reminds community of sunscreen ...

June 23, 2021

Most cancers of the skin are caused by repeated and unprotected skin exposure to ultraviolet rays from sunlight.

8 common men's health issues to watch out for

June 21, 2021 by Bana Jobe

From eating better to quitting bad habits like smoking and attending regular checkups, here are several steps you can take to avoid common...

tags: newsletter

Exercising safely while pregnant

June 9, 2021

Getting regular exercise is good for most pregnant women. Here are some of the benefits for your changing body.

tags: exercise , exercisewhilepregrant , pregnancy , pregnant

Postpartum depression: What new moms should know

June 9, 2021

The time after giving birth called "postpartum" can often come with feelings of sadness or emptiness. Here's what you should know.

tags: babyblues , mentalhealth , motherhood , postpartum , postpartumdepression

What to do for follow-up cancer care

June 8, 2021

It is important as a cancer survivor to be aware of your health following treatment and diligent about follow-up care.

tags: cancer , cancer awareness , cancer survivor , survivorship , survivorship care

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Can eating red and processed meats really cause...

June 8, 2021

Red and processed meats may up our cancer risk. Read more to find out whether or not you need to change your diet.

tags: colorectalcancer , diet , healthmatters , redmeat

How to conduct a breast self-exam

June 8, 2021

Our expert physicians recommend women age 20 and over conduct monthly breast self-exams to catch any signs of breast cancer at its earliest stages...

tags: breast cancer , breast self-exam , cancer , cancer in women , mammogram , women

Why you should always say 'no' to tobacco

June 8, 2021

Tobacco is harmful in countless ways to your health. Read how you can improve your health if you quit smoking today.

tags: cigar , cigars , e-cigarettes , hookah , lung cancer , nicotine , quit smoking , quitting smoking , smokeless tobacco , smoking , tobacco , vaping

Summer safety tips ahead of Memorial Day weekend

May 27, 2021

Grilling safety and the proper use of sunscreen will make for a safe holiday!

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Best pregnancy apps: How to choose and use them

May 24, 2021

Before choosing the best pregnancy app for you, do your homework and even discuss it with your doctor. Here's what to look for.

tags: bestpregancyapps , momstobe , pediatrics , pregancyapps , pregnancy

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Is your anxiety normal or a sign of something ...

May 3, 2021

Anxiety can be a normal part of life, but excessive worry isn't. How can you tell if your anxiety is a more serious health issue?

tags: anxiety , anxiety disorder , behavior health

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Stroke and women

May 3, 2021

Did you know women are more likely to die after a stroke than men? They may also experience some unique symptoms.

tags: stroke , women , women and stroke

6 symptoms you should never ignore in your newborn

May 3, 2021

Fevers? Hiccups? Crying? Here's a few tips for knowing which newborn symptoms are cause for concern.

tags: 6symptoms , emergencycare , er , newborn , newborncare , newbornemergency , newborner

Prevent lasting stroke damage

April 5, 2021

B.E. F.A.S.T. in identifying the symptoms of a stroke and prevent lasting damage.

tags: stroke

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Do You Really Need an Antibiotic?

April 5, 2021

It's normal to want relief from a fever or sore throat, but antibiotics usually aren't the answer. Lean what you can do to feel better.

The right way to treat a sinus infection

April 5, 2021

Find out how you can treat your sinus infection at home and when it's time to call your doctor.

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6 Healthy habits for spring

April 5, 2021

Spring fever? This seasonal condition can help you feel happier and get healthier.

tags: er , fser , healthyeating , seasonal , spring , springfever

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Colorectal cancer screening: Why is it important?

March 22, 2021

Colon polyps are a common finding in colorectal screenings. It is important to remove these polyps before they may become cancerous.

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Understanding colorectal cancer

March 8, 2021

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the U.S. How does it function and what are the symptoms?

tags: colorectal , colorectalcancer , colorectalcancerawareness

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Do you know where to go in a medical emergency?

February 12, 2021

What option of emergency care is best suited for your medical emergency?

tags: emergencyroom , er , fser , healthmatters , hospitaler , medicalemergency

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COVID-19: What's your risk level for everyday ...

February 8, 2021

Rather than pressing pause on everyday activities until COVID-19 is over, is there a way to safely go out to eat or get that haircut?

tags: covid-19 , covid-19-blog , healthmatters

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How working too much affects your heart

February 1, 2021

If you're regularly clocking a 60 hour work week, the toll is more than just emotional: Those long hours may also be harmful for your heart.

tags: cardiology , heart , heartmonth , stroke , worklifebalance

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7 worst things for a woman's heart

January 31, 2021

Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States—yet only one of five American women believe it's a threat.

tags: cardiology , heart , heart health , heart month , sanantonio , stroke , womenshealth

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2 steps that could help save a life

January 29, 2021

90% of victims who experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die. Calling 911 and initiating CPR can triple a victim's chance of life.

tags: cardiology , healthmatters

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Heart failure and heart rhythm: How they're connected

January 25, 2021

The heart acts as a pump for the body, beating about 3 billion times in an average lifetime. But what happens if the heart loses power?

tags: arrhythmia , cardiology , heart , heartfailure , heartmonth , stroke

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Do you need to see an electrophysiologist?

January 25, 2021

A variety of problems can affect your heart's size, shape and function. So how do you know when to see an electrophysiologist?

tags: cardiology

The depression and heart disease link

January 25, 2021

People with depression have an increased risk for developing heart disease. The reverse is also true.

tags: cardiology , stroke

Put a Freeze on Winter Heating Device Injuries

December 10, 2020

Methodist Hospital educates the community of potential fire and health hazards related to winter heating devices.

Understand your breast cancer results and treatment...

December 7, 2020

Understanding your mammography results can help determine the treatment option(s) best for you.

tags: breast cancer , breast health , cancer , mammogram , oncology

When should I start to get a mammogram?

December 4, 2020

Mammograms are the best method for early detection, which has shown to provide more options for treatment and a better chance of survival.

tags: breast cancer , breast health , cancer , mammogram , oncology , women’s health

Is your anxiety normal?

December 2, 2020

It's normal to feel anxiety from time to time. However, too much anxiety is not healthy.

tags: #anxiety , #behavioralhealth , #emergencyservices , #er , #mentalhealth , #safety , #stress , stroke

Newborns and coronavirus: Helpful ways to protect...

December 1, 2020

Learn how new moms can avoid coronavirus infection and help protect their newborn during COVID-19.

Things to know before you get a mammogram

November 27, 2020

Mammography is key to early detection of breast cancer. Find out what you can expect when making your appointment to getting your results.

tags: breast cancer , breast health , cancer , mammogram , women's health

The importance of well-woman visits

November 23, 2020

Find out more about the importance of well-woman visits and why it's essential for lifelong health.

Avoid these holiday hazards to stay safe

November 21, 2020

During the holidays, emergency rooms see a seasonal spike of common accidents. Find out what you can do to stay safe and merry.

tags: covid-19 , emergency care , emergency room , holidays , safety

Things you should know about lung cancer

November 18, 2020

Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer and the leading cause of death. Learn more and how to help prevent it.

tags: cancer , cancersurvivor , cancer survivor , health & wellness , lung cancer , lungcancercancer , lungscreening , lung screening , respiratory safety

How to relieve heartburn

November 17, 2020

If you're one of the many people who live with the discomfort of heartburn, there's good news.

9 ways to optimize your health before conceiving

October 28, 2020

Are you thinking about starting a family? Much of the focus is understandably on tracking when you’re ovulating and when to have sex. While...

tags: family , parenting , pediatrics , pregnant , womens health

COVID-19 testing basics

September 2, 2020

If you’re struggling to parse through all of the information about the different COVID-19 tests, you’re not alone.

tags: covid-19 , covid-19-blog

Set your kids up for success for going back to...

August 10, 2020

It’s that time of year where the summer vacation is winding down and kids are going back to school.

tags: covid-19 , covid-19-blog , methodist healthcare , parenting , pediatrics

Is it cold, flu, COVID-19 or something else?

July 31, 2020

Dr. Stephen McConnell, Medical Director for Emergency Services at Methodist Hospital | Northeast, shares the importance of understanding the...

tags: cold , covid-19 , covid-19-blog , flu , methodist hospital northeast

Could your persistent cough be walking pneumonia?

July 29, 2020 by Corinne M

You might expect that if you had pneumonia, you’d know it. It’s reasonable to assume that a severe lung infection would likely stop you in your...

tags: emergency care , er , respiratory , safety

Community shows compassion for grieving parents...

July 28, 2020 by Emily McLoughlin

The San Antonio community is showing compassion for grieving parents with donations of Cuddle Cots to Methodist Healthcare hospitals.

tags: hospital activities , methodist hospital | stone oak , ob care , pediatrics , women's health

Accidents at home: Quick tips to making your home...

July 20, 2020 by Corinne M

About a third of all accidents happen at home, and most can be prevented. The following tips can make your home safer.

tags: emergency room , er , falls , general wellness , safety

Keep your family hydrated during the summer heat

July 10, 2020 by Corinne M

Are your kids (and you) drinking enough water each day? A report from Harvard University finds that most kids are not. Even mild dehydration ...

tags: dehydration , emergency care , er , hydration , pediatrics , safety

What to know about extreme heat and your health

June 29, 2020 by Corinne M

Heat related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, are a very real threat in the San Antonio sun.

tags: emergency room , er , heat exhaustion , heatstroke , safety , stroke , summer safety

Learn more about Post-traumatic stress disorder...

June 27, 2020 by Laura Breeden

June is PTSD Awareness Month. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety disorder, which you may develop after being involved...

tags: safety

Could I have an ulcer and not know it?

June 24, 2020 by Corinne M

Around 25 million people will have a stomach ulcer in their lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Despite...

tags: emergency care , er , gastroenterology , safety , stomach pain

Keeping Dad Heart-Healthy

June 18, 2020 by Laura Breeden

June is not only the month for celebrating dad, but also men's health: did you know dad is less likely to go to the doctor regularly?

tags: safety

5 things to know about testicular cancer

June 12, 2020

Though rare, it is important for all men to learn about testicular cancer and know what to look for should they see any concerning symptoms.

tags: cancer , men’s health , oncology , safety , testicular cancer

Why you should not delay emergency care

June 8, 2020

Delaying medical care can have dire consequences. But unfortunately, that’s what has been happening recently in the wake of the COVID-19...

tags: safety , stroke

Adjusting to a new normal: Life after cancer

June 4, 2020 by Corinne M.

Here are a few simple tricks to help you cope with some of the most common appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment

tags: breast cancer , breast cancer treatment , chemotherapy , immunotherapy , radiation , safety

2020 Champions for Change class announced

June 4, 2020 by Morgan Shannon

After the passing of beloved patient and friend, Rowan Windham, in 2016, Methodist Children’s Hospital renamed its annual cereal drive to honor...

tags: champions for change , cultural events , fundraising , methodist children's hospital , pediatrics , safety

Parenting and coronavirus: Caring for children...

May 28, 2020

Should your child go to their doctor’s appointment? Here’s what you need to know about caring for your child during the coronavirus pandemic...

tags: covid-19 , covid-19-blog , safety

Parenting and coronavirus: Positive parenting ...

May 26, 2020

Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations, including children. If your child is causing disruptions or behaving poorly at home, ...

tags: covid-19 , covid-19-blog , safety

Parenting and coronavirus: Helping children cope...

May 21, 2020

They may not show it or articulate it in the same way as adults, but children are also experiencing stress and anxiety during the coronavirus...

tags: covid-19 , covid-19-blog , safety

Parenting and coronavirus: Talking to children...

May 19, 2020

Everyone is talking about coronavirus, and your child may be listening. Here's why you should be the one to talk to your child about COVID...

tags: covid-19 , covid-19-blog , safety

COVID-19 phobia? Why you should not delay emergency...

May 15, 2020

Delaying medical care can have serious consequences. But unfortunately, data suggests this is what has been happening in the wake of the COVID...

tags: covid-19 , covid-19-blog , safety

Pediatric patients turn to virtual technology ...

May 14, 2020 by Morgan Downing-Shannon

Mid-March, as the coronavirus pandemic was ramping up across the globe, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began encouraging social...

tags: covid-19 , methodist children's hospital , pediatrics , safety , virtual care

Don’t avoid emergency care

May 7, 2020

At Methodist Healthcare, we’re committed to helping protect the health and safety of the community of San Antonio.

tags: covid-19-blog , er , safety

Spot a stroke F.A.S.T.

May 1, 2020

A person having a stroke needs medical help FAST. These four easy to remember steps can help you recognize symptoms of a stroke.

tags: emergency room , er , safety , stroke

A personal thank you to Methodist Hospital Metropolitan...

May 1, 2020

On this, the two-year anniversary of that event, the coach of the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights is presenting lunch and a heartfelt "Thank You"...

tags: safety

Pediatric and women’s services nurses cross-trained...

April 29, 2020

As a pandemic gripped the nation, pediatric and women’s services nurses cross-trained, providing critical care for adults

tags: covid-19-blog , covid-19-wc-blog , newsletter , newsletters , pediatrics , safety

Stress Awareness | April is Stress Awareness Month

April 20, 2020

There are several simple activities one can engage in to lower their stress and increase their overall quality of life, without booking a flight...

tags: behavioral health , safety , stress management

Pregnancy and coronavirus: Postpartum depression...

April 17, 2020

Understandably, many people are experiencing heightened levels of anxiety, stress and sadness during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. For...

tags: covid-19-blog , covid-19-wc-blog , newsletter , safety

Pregnancy and coronavirus: Pregnancy and postpartum...

April 17, 2020

As more information is being revealed about coronavirus (COVID-19), expectant mothers, understandably, may have growing concerns about their ...

tags: covid-19-blog , covid-19-wc-blog , newsletter , safety

Pregnancy and coronavirus: Answers to common questions

April 17, 2020

If you're an expectant mom, you probably have questions about coronavirus (COVID-19) and pregnancy. While it is true pregnant women tend to have...

tags: covid-19-blog , covid-19-wc-blog , newsletter , safety

4 tips for raising heart-healthy kids

March 18, 2020 by Corinne M

Teaching heart-healthy habits to your children at a young age creates a foundation for how they will eat and exercise for the rest of their lives...

tags: cardiac health , cardiology , er/trauma , healthy living , heart health , parenting , pediatrics , safety

Bite symptoms you should never ignore

March 17, 2020

Along with backyard barbeques, picnics and humid hikes on summer days, come the possibility of bites from bugs, or other backyard creatures like...

tags: allergies , bug bites , er/trauma , health and wellness , safety , seasonal , snake bites

How to avoid germs throughout the day

March 16, 2020

Once your day begins, there are many ways you can be proactive and help reduce your risk of infection.

tags: er/trauma , germs , health and wellness , healthy living , hygiene , safety

How's your heart: Preventing peripheral arterial...

February 25, 2020 by Dr. Syed Rizvi, Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a common problem where your peripheral arteries narrow and reduce blood flow to your arms and legs.

tags: safety , stroke

Heart ache brings heart hope

February 11, 2020 by Melissa Geedman

How does life move on after witnessing your father collapse to the ground and die of a heart attack right before your eyes? Twenty years ago ...

tags: cardiology , heart and vascular , patient testimonial , stroke

Brave Heart

February 7, 2020 by Melissa Geedman

Aaron Kendle, 35, devoted fifteen years of his life to the United States Navy SEALS special operations force. Specialized medic, sniper, airborne...

tags: cardiogram , heart , stroke

DIY heart pillows

February 7, 2020

Heart pillows help reduce pain for cardiac patients.

tags: cardiology , safety

How’s your heart? A Spotify playlist to help you...

January 31, 2020

It only takes a couple minutes to learn hands-only CPR, and it is a skill that could save someone’s life.

tags: blogcardiology , blogheartvascular , cardiology , cardiovascular , heart health , heart month , heartvascular , safety

Cedar fever: what you need to know

January 22, 2020

As many Texans already know, winter signals the rise of mountain cedar pollen, which can result in an allergic reaction known as cedar fever...

tags: safety

Supersized: The do’s and don’ts of portion control

January 21, 2020

Many people eat more calories than they need because they have a warped sense of what an appropriate portion size is for their particular nutritional...

tags: safety , weight loss

Nutrition fads: What works and what doesn’t

January 21, 2020

A heart-healthy diet is not about deprivation. It is about eating more--more fruits, more vegetables, more whole grains, and more unsaturated...

tags: bariatrics , safety , weight loss

The not so sweet side of eating too much sugar

January 21, 2020

A lot of sugar adds up to a lot of calories, as well as potential health issues.

tags: bariatrics , nutrition , safety , weight loss

Manage Your Weight To Help Manage Joint Pain

January 21, 2020

If your joints sometimes hurt, it may be worthwhile to take a look at your weight. Even carrying a few extra pounds puts pressure on your joints...

tags: bariatrics , joint pain , safety , weight loss

Healthy weight, healthy heart

January 21, 2020

Many Americans hit the gym and watch their diet in order to look great come bathing suit season, but did you now there is a much more important...

tags: methodist-specialty-and-transplant-hospital , metropolitan-methodist-hospital , safety , stroke

Weight loss and emotional eating

January 21, 2020

Emotional eating is a slippery slope for those trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. The trick is to manage your stress before ...

tags: bariatrics , emotional eating , safety , weight loss

Practice mindfulness to take control of emotional...

January 1, 2020

Does stress make you reach for the chocolate chip cookies? If so, you are not alone. Emotional, or stress eating, occurs when people use food...

tags: bariatrics , health and wellness , healthy habits , safety , weight loss

Holiday season fall prevention

December 9, 2019 by Dr. Gina Dawson P.T.

It has become well known that seniors aged 65 and older are at particular risk for falls. An injury from a fall can be life changing events. ...

tags: safety

Patient Returns to Methodist Hospital Ambulatory...

November 27, 2019 by Laura Breeden

"I'm thankful for my health, family, friends, and being able to help others," said Fran Cohen, a retired educator, and commercial interior designer...

tags: safety