Your Texas Children’s Well-Being team has launched a new video series to help participants enrolled in the My Nutrition Challenge achieve a more balanced plate.
As the latest offering in our ongoing effort to introduce programs and resources that help keep our workforce healthy and strong, the My Nutrition Challenge Video Series provides expert insight and information to empower you to focus on incorporating healthier food options.
“We all know that you should eat fruits and vegetables and build a balanced plate, but it is important to realize the ‘why’ behind it,” said Cigna Health Coach and Registered Dietitian Staci Tobolowsky Astrein, who will be providing insights, tips and recipes every week during the challenge.
For the first week of the challenge, focus on filling one-half of your plate with fruits and vegetables.
Did you know that differently colored fruits and vegetables contain different nutrients? That’s why it is important to incorporate multiple colors in to your meals to get a variety of health benefits.
On February 22, dozens of people from the community along with Texas Children’s employees attended West Campus’ intimate remembrance ceremony, honoring 31 children who were taken from this world too soon.
The event was coordinated by the West Campus remembrance planning committee detailed below:
The 2020 Remembrance Ceremony Committee:
Krista Perez, Committee Chair, Child Life Specialist-Cancer Clinic and Infusion Center (4th year, 3rd year Chair)
Mandy Owens, Committee Member, Decentralized Education Coordinator-Cancer Clinic, Infusion Center, and VAT Services (3rd year)
Katie Evans, Committee Member, Licensed Clinical Social Worker-PICU (3rd year)
Faith Kinnear, Committee Member, Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner and PICU Provider (2nd year)
Ellie Wallace, Committee Member, Manager of Patient Support Services (2nd year)
Stacy Del Greco, Committee Member, Patient Care Manager-Cancer Clinic, Infusion Center, and VAT Services (1st year)
Gboly Harris, Committee Member, Assistant Director-Child Life, Neurophysiology, Respiratory Care, and Care Coordination (2nd year)
Shelby Eggen, Committee Member, Child Life Specialist-PICU and Acute Care Units (1st year)
Amber Hill, CCLS second year on committee
In the first floor conference center, the ceremony opened with a welcome from Director of Outpatient and Clinical Support Services Kara Abrameit, as a slideshow presented touching photos graciously shared by each family. The West Campus Chaplain, Al Cabrera, followed with a beautiful spiritual reflection.
As the program commenced, Evans and Kinnear began reading the names of each of the children that were honored. Kinnear and Eggen also recited beautiful poems, just before bereaved parents, Barry and Kris Heslop, began their keynote speech in support of all families who have lost a child.
For the first time this year, senior interpreter, Ruth Robertson, provided real time Spanish interpretation into individual headsets for families that do not speak English.
Animal assisted therapy coordinator, Adair Galanski and therapy dog Bailey attended the ceremony this year to provide comfort to families and they do daily for Texas Children’s patients.
Just before the program ended, everyone in attendance participated in a reflection activity with messages written on dissolvable paper to place in water. Personal messages were then dispersed at the base of the oak tree outside the cafeteria in continued remembrance.
Many community partners were a large part of this beautiful ceremony; Chuy’s Tex-Mex restaurant of Katy graciously donated dinner, Bubbles and Blooms provided the floral arrangements, Talents of Notes pianist serenated the event, and Chick fil A Katy generously provided drinks and dessert.
“This year’s remembrance ceremony was a beautiful gathering where families and friends were able to gather and support one another in reflection and remembrance of their children,” Evans said. “The bereaved families in attendance were so grateful to have their child’s memory honored, and this meaningful event could not have taken place without the dedication of all Texas Children’s West Campus staff and support from the Katy community partners involved.”
February 25, 2020
This March is National Nutrition Month, which is a great time to revisit those healthy resolutions you made at the beginning of the year and also learn some different ways to easily incorporate healthy options into your day-to-day routine.
To celebrate this occasion, your Employee Health and Well-Being team invites you to participate in the My Nutrition Challenge, a four-week event that will allow you to have some fun, learn some simple recipes for tasty and nutritious meals, and maybe even win a prize.
Challenge details
My Nutrition Challenge takes place beginning Monday, March 2, through Friday, March 27.
Upon registration, participants will receive a tracking form that will help them stay on top of their progress, as well as weekly motivational tips to help keep them on course
Participants who complete the post-challenge survey will receive a cutting board.
At the end of the challenge, participants who submit a success story will also be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a Ninja blender.
Additional information about the challenge is available on our new Well-Being page on Connect.
Interested in the My Nutrition Challenge? Click here to register!
Self-Care classes available
In addition to the challenge, our Well-Being team and dietitians from Texas Children’s are working together to bring you a variety of events across many of our locations during National Nutrition Month. Below is a full listing.
Medical Center
All classes are held on Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Well-Being Studio, West Tower, 20th floor. March 5: Yoga for Digestion March 12: Meal Prep March 19: Spiritual Detox March 26: Mind-Gut Connection
Group Nutrition
Join our well-being dietitian as she gives additional tips and guidance every Monday during the challenge from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at the Well-Being Studio, West Tower, 20th floor.
My Plate Event Thursday, March 26, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Auxiliary Bridge
Health Plan
My Nutrition Challenge Event Wednesday, March 4, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Conference Room, Basement Level
The Woodlands
How to Meal Prep Tuesday, March 10, 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., Conference Room A
Register here (skype option also available)
Yogurt Social Wednesday, March 27, 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., Lobby, Donor Wall
West Campus
“Bite by Bite” Table Event Wednesday, March 18, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Corridor outside DOTS Kitchen
Yogurt Social Wednesday, March 25, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Fifth-floor ballroom
Specialty Care Cy-Fair
Nutrition Table Thursday, March 5, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Lobby
Resources to support your nutrition
All Texas Children’s employees, including our valued team members working outside of the Houston area, are eligible for a variety of well-being programs at no cost. This includes:
Health Coaching – provides you with a positive and personalized experience to help you achieve your well-being goals.
Nutrition Consulting – work with a dietitian to help fuel your body with the proper nutrients needed to reach your well-being goals.
Discounted Services – receive reduced monthly membership rates, waived enrollment fees and discounted services from all of our well-being partners.
For more information on these resources, please contact our Employee Medical Clinic at 832-824-2424 or email our Well-Being team at wellbeing@texaschildrens.org.
Let’s amplify unity among our colleagues and encourage each other to Eat Right, Bite by Bite!
Close to 100 patients and family members attended the most recent session of Adulting with CHD: A parent’s guide to transitioning from pediatric to adult care.
Hosted by Texas Children’s Hospital Cardiology Transition Medicine Team on February 18 at the Pavilion for Women, the more than three-hour event is a way for parents of congenital heart disease patients who are transitioning into adulthood to learn to take a more supportive role, and help their young adults take the primary role to manage their life-long heart condition on their own.
The evening began with dinner between adult congenital heart disease providers, adult CHD survivors and families of CHD participants. Next came comments on the event and the evening from Dr. Keila Lopez, director of the Cardiology Transition Medicine Program, and then participants went straight into breakout sessions led by members and clinical staff involved in the transition program as well as Texas Children’s Adult Congenital Heart Disease program. Topics of the breakout sessions included transition preparation and expectations, and lifelong trajectory and mental health.
The latter part of the evening focused on a question and answer/panel discussion. Panelists included adult congenital heart disease patients, current transition patients, a parent of an adult patient with congenital heart disease, heart failure, cardiac surgery, and maternal fetal medicine specialists, as well as the medical director of the Texas Children’s Adult Congenital Heart Disease program.
For more information about Texas Children’s Hospital Cardiology Transitional Medicine Program, click here.
February 24, 2020
On February 18, 494 employees and staff were honored at the 32nd Annual Employee Recognition Celebration, including our very own, Mark Wallace, who celebrated 30 years of leadership as President and CEO of Texas Children’s Hospital.
Veteran employees poured into the Bayou City Event Center just before noon, to celebrate the core of Texas Children’s past, present and future. The event recognized our tenured honorees and award recipients for their continued commitment to the mission of Texas Children’s.
“You are the heart and soul of Texas Children’s,” said Human Resources Senior Vice President Linda Aldred. “We love hosting this event each year to recognize your commitment, your dedicated years of service, and your passion for the people that we serve, and we are here to express our gratitude.”
The ballroom was filled with lavish Disney-inspired decorations signifying Texas Children’s partnership with the Walt Disney Co., and a delectable three-course meal was served. Entertainment included music from Walt Disney’s animated classics and a photo booth for guests to take pictures and mix and mingle.
Texas Children’s Board of Trustees member Willie Alexander and Obstetrics and Gynecologist-in-Chief Dr. Michael A. Belfort delivered inspiring speeches and congratulated each employee for their 15 to 45 years of service. In addition to tenured honorees, the ceremony recognized recipients of the Best of the West, Shining Star, Caught You Caring, Mark A. Wallace Catalyst Leadership, Employee of the Quarter and Super Star awards.
“You embrace the bold vision that Mr. Wallace laid out at Texas Children’s many years ago, and you’ve worked tirelessly ever since to make it happen,” Alexander said. “Regardless of your role, every member of this team is important, and every contribution, big or small, has been and always will be integral to our success.”
Lisa Moos, one of 12 honored for their 40-year milestone anniversary with Texas Children’s, said the organization and her job in Pathology have been a huge part of her life. Throughout her tenure, Moos says she is grateful for the people she works with and the incredible support system at Texas Children’s.
“My 40 years have been amazing, and I plan to stay here for another five years,” Moos said. “It’s so exciting to be part of this celebration and to reconnect with colleagues from across the organization.”
The annual Employee Recognition Celebration was a day to celebrate accomplishments and honor those who have carried out the values and the mission of Texas Children’s to ensure the health care needs of our patients and their families are met. This event was extra special this year as the organization celebrated Mark Wallace’s 30th year at the helm of Texas Children’s Hospital. Wallace joined Texas Children’s on October 4, 1989, becoming the longest serving CEO in the Texas Medical Center.
“This is a special day for all of us and it’s a really special day for me too,” Wallace said. “A lot of feelings are going through my head, my heart and my soul right now as we celebrate 15, 20, 25 years, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years. Our unfolding story of Texas Children’s that you have built, created and sustained, it’s just amazing. This is a special day for everyone here, and I’m so glad that I get to share in it with you today.”
Seven executive leaders were also among the honorees recognized this year: Jackie Ward, Vice President, 25 Years of Service Michelle Riley-Brown, Executive Vice President, 20 Years of Service Sarah Maytum, Vice President, 20 Years of Service Diane Scardino, Vice President, 20 Years of Service Mark Mullarkey, Executive Vice President, 15 Years of Service Bert Gumeringer, Senior Vice President, 15 Years of Service Amber Tabora, Senior Vice President, 15 Years of Service
Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees!
US House Representative Dan Crenshaw visited Texas Children’s Hospital last week to learn about our organization and get an up-close view of our operations.
Crenshaw, who represents Texas’ second congressional district, had the opportunity to meet with executive vice presidents, Michelle Riley-Brown, Dan DiPrisco, Mark Mullarkey, and Weldon Gage where they spoke candidly about access to care and Texas Children’s role working with Medicaid and Medicaid populations. They also discussed our efforts to support innovative research and our focus on medical residency and training programs.
“It’s important that our elected representatives have an opportunity to see Texas Children’s first-hand,” said Rosie Valadez McStay, assistant vice president for Governmental Relations and Community Benefits. “We are an organization that is so greatly impacted by their work. To that end, touring our patient care areas to see how care is provided, and meeting with our clinical leaders and administrators, provides them the opportunity to learn how their legislative decisions effect our patients and families. Our hope is that these experiences assist them in making informed and insightful health policy decisions.”
Rep. Crenshaw’s afternoon tour featured visits to:
On February 24, the Public Charge Inadmissibility Law – commonly known as Public Charge – went into effect after much debate and a January ruling by the Supreme Court.
So what does the new rule mean for Texas Children’s and for us as employees?
First, it means that many of our patients, health plan members, and their families may start asking more questions or may shy away from our services due to misinformation. Secondly, it means that all employees should understand exactly what public charge means and what to say to the families who may have questions.
What is a public charge?
“Public charge” or the “public charge test” is used by immigration officials to decide whether a person can enter the United States or get a lawful permanent resident status (green card). In this test, officials assess the likelihood of whether a person will lean heavily on the government for support.
What does the new rule mean?
The United States Department of Homeland Security issued a final rule (a new regulation) for legal immigrants in the United States wishing to enter or remain here.
Based on a number of factors – such as income, employment, personal health, education, skills and family situation – a person may or may not be allowed into the country or allowed to apply for lawful permanent status or a visa. The more public assistance a person has received in the past or the more assistance he or she is likely to receive, the less likely their chances of getting a green card.
Are there any exceptions to the rule?
Yes. Individuals listed below will not have to undergo the public charge test:
Pregnant women who need public assistance during pregnancy or for 60 days after giving birth
Pregnant women on Medicaid
The following forms of assistance do not count against anyone subjected to the public charge test:
Medicare Part D low-income subsidy
Benefits received by children until the age of 21, including Medicaid and CHIP
Emergency medical assistance
Food pantry assistance
School lunch program participation
Foster care or adoption
When does the new rule start?
Monday, February 24.
What do I tell patients who are in the process of trying to obtain a green card?
The public charge rule will only apply to individuals who apply for a green card on or after February 24. Tell them that it is important to speak to a lawyer about their individual case before making any decisions. They can seek low-cost or free counsel through Baker Ripley’s Citizenship and Immigration Services (https://www.bakerripley.org/citizenship-and-immigration-services).
What about our financial counselors that help families who are inpatient? Can the Health Plan help them?
Texas Children’s Health Plan is here to guide them and help answer their health coverage questions. If they have any questions about their CHIP or Medicaid coverage, they also can:
Visit the Texas Health and Human Services Commission website at yourtexasbenefits.org
