health – Page 4 – Texas Children's News

January 19, 2016

Texas Children’s helped push more than 70 runners across the finish line of the Houston Marathon and Half Marathon January 17 in front of the George R. Brown Convention Center. As part of the Texas Children’s Running Team, the runners signed up for the 26.2 mile or 13.1 mile race not only to hit the pavement but to raise money for a good cause – Texas Children’s.

The team – comprised of Texas Children’s employees, patient family members and others who have been touched by the organization – has raised almost $60,000 for Promise: The Campaign for Texas Children’s Hospital. Members have until mid-February to continue fundraising. If you would like to give to those who went the extra mile, click here.

In their own words

Members of the Texas Children’s Running Team explain why they chose to run the Houston Marathon and Half Marathon in support of Texas Children’s. To read more, click here and click on a runner’s name to read their story.

As a new father it is hard to imagine a greater cause than supporting a healthier future for children and women. As a new father it is hard to imagine a greater cause than supporting a healthier future for children and women.” Ryan Springmeyer

I am privileged to be able to use this focus to try to pay back to TCH some of what they gave us in helping our son to live longer and fuller during his years on earth.” Valerie Locher

“We are incredibly grateful to TCH for giving us our rambunctious 2 year old girls! And now it’s time to give back and run 26.2 for every mama, fighting to save her babies… and for the amazing staff at TCH!” Julie Burroughs

“Texas Children’s Hospital helped bring a miracle into our lives, and I want that for as many families as possible. Will you contribute with me and help make those miracles possible!!” Jacqueline Bryant

“My patients and the people that love them are the reason I run this year. Each mile is dedicated to them. They are some of the bravest and strongest people I will ever encounter. And we are here to serve them. It’s one of the reasons I love being a part of Texas Children’s Hospital – because it operates with a servant like attitude. My patients and the people that love them are the reason I run this year. Each mile is dedicated to them. They are some of the bravest and strongest people I will ever encounter. And we are here to serve them. It’s one of the reasons I love being a part of Texas Children’s Hospital – because it operates with a servant like attitude.” Gabby Mueller

I was able to volunteer at the Texas Children’s Hospital here in Houston a while back, and was moved to want to do more for them than just volunteer some of my time. I was able to volunteer at the Texas Children’s Hospital here in Houston a while back, and was moved to want to do more for them than just volunteer some of my time.” Logan Mace

December 1, 2015

Texas Children’s and the Houston Texans had an exciting week wrapping up all of their Play 60 activities. Play 60 is an NFL initiative that encourages children to get off the sidelines and on their feet for at least 60 minutes of active play a day.

As part of the initiative, Texas Children’s, in partnership with the Texans, sponsored the Play 60 Challenge, a six-week program at Houston-area middle schools aimed at getting students excited about developing a healthy lifestyle.

Westchester Academy for International Studies in Spring Branch School District was one of those schools and was visited on November 24 by TORO, two cheerleaders and players Jonathan Joseph and Kevin Johnson. Texas Children’s dietician, Lin Lin Shao, also spoke about the importance and value of eating right to fuel your mind and body. As part of the celebration, the students played a Family Feud-style game about exercise and nutrition. Click here to view the Texans TV coverage of this event.

Also part of the PLAY 60 umbrella is the Play 60 Grant, which is $40,000 in grants given to help local schools get the equipment they need to help improve youth activity across the Houston area. The recipients of the grants were presented checks at the Texans Homecoming game vs. the New Orleans Saints on November 29 at NRG Stadium.

Four days before the big game, two Houston Texans Ambassadors, J.J. Moses and Eric Brown visited with about 20 patients at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus. In addition to being encouraged to watch the Homecoming game, some of the patients got to try on Eric Brown’s Super Bowl ring while others were given the opportunity to sign our Houston Texans homecoming mum. Click here to view the Texans TV coverage of this event.

On game day, the Texans defeated the New Orleans Saints 24-6 in front of 71,778 fans at NRG Stadium. Texas Children’s was the presenting sponsor of the game, allowing President and CEO Mark A. Wallace and Executive Vice President John Nickens to kick off the event and serve as coin toss captains. The organization had more than 75 attendees at the game, including Catalyst award winners, who got to watch the event from a suite, and One Amazing Team event ticket winners.

Texas Children’s teamed up with the Houston Texans a year ago to inspire children to lead healthier, more active lives by engaging them through camps, programs and events while giving them the tools necessary to make healthy choices throughout their lives. Click here to learn more about Texas Children’s partnership with The Texans.

October 20, 2015

Cutting calories can be easier when there are healthy options. In an effort to provide both patient families and employees with a healthier meal, Food and Nutrition Services has teamed up with several of our concept partners in the Clinical Care Center food court to bring in a healthy dose of food choices.

“As a health care organization, it is very important for us to give you healthy options when you dine with us,” said Claudia Conkin, director of Food and Nutrition Services. “Our food court is used not only by patient families, but also by our employees and we are constantly looking for ways to serve both better.”

The latest changes to the food court menu come from Villa Pizza, a vendor for more than 14 years. With the help of Texas Children’s, recipes have been reformulated to cut as much as 30 percent of calories. New lighter pizzettas with fresh toppings are offered and the Pizza station now offers a classic lunch meal deal with half portion entrees and a side of salad or vegetables.

Other offerings in the food court include a chef inspired Eat Right special that offers entrees and complete meals for under 600 calories while also reducing fat and sodium. This ongoing program is offered every Wednesday. The “make-your-own” Creation Station that offers salads, baked potatoes, pastas and other make-it-yourself options throughout the week has introduced lighter toppings such as reduced-fat sour cream, low-fat cheese and low-calorie salad dressings. Soda fountains have been replaced with freestyle machines that allow more options including 70 low calorie drinks and flavored waters. Chick-Fil-A offers kids meals with a fruit cup as a replacement for French fries at the same price within the hospital.

To encourage healthier choices, look for the Beanie’s Choice symbol throughout the food court to help identify lower calorie or nutrient packed foods to add to your daily diet.

September 29, 2015

Each fall, Texas Children’s President and CEO Mark A. Wallace rolls up his shirt sleeve and gets an annual flu shot to protect himself, you, the patients we serve, and his family – especially his young grandchildren – against a potentially deadly infection. As an employee of one of the best pediatric hospitals in the nation, Wallace is asking you to do the same.

“We ask you to get your flu shot to protect yourself, and to protect those around you who really depend on you to be healthy,” he said. “When you’re healthy, the patients in our care – children and women – have a much better chance of leaving here without getting sicker.”

“Being healthy also allows you to be here for your team and coworkers during one of our busiest times of the year,” Wallace said. “But most importantly, when you get vaccinated, there’s much less chance you’ll get the flu and pass it on to the people you love, like your precious children, your spouse and others you care for.”

Texas Children’s is offering free flu shots to all Texas Children’s employees, Baylor College of Medicine employees working in Texas Children’s facilities, Texas Children’s medical staff and volunteers. Employee Health is administering free flu vaccinations from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 29 and 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, October 2 on The Auxiliary Bridge.

Click here to view dates and locations for your vaccination. If you are unable to make one of these dates, please make an appointment at the Employee Health clinic, located on the fifth floor of the Abercrombie Building near the yellow elevators, after Thursday, October 1. If you have questions, please call Employee Health at Ext. 4-2150. West Campus Employee Health is located on the campus’ second floor and can be reached at Ext. 7-1365.

Last year, Texas Children’s achieved a 90 percent vaccination rate. We want to reach or exceed that rate this year. As a reminder, employees should be in compliance by Tuesday, December 1. Additional information about our vaccination policy and procedures can be found here and here.

Leaders can run reports for their area(s) via the Health and Wellness portal. Individuals who would like to view and/or print their immunization records can click here for instructions on how to access that portal.

“Protect yourself, and protect those around you,” Wallace said. “It’s a simple act that could save the life of someone you love.”

September 22, 2015

Texas Children’s is committed to the health, safety and well-being of our patients, families and workforce. This commitment is especially evident as we enter flu season, a time when people – especially the elderly, children and those with health problems – are at risk of contracting an infection that can cause mild to severe illness, or in some cases, even death.

The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated every year. Texas Children’s makes that process easy by offering free flu shots to all Texas Children’s employees, Baylor College of Medicine employees working in Texas Children’s facilities, Texas Children’s medical staff and volunteers.

Employee Health currently is administering free flu vaccinations to these populations at various events at Main and West campuses, the first few of which are occurring September 22, 24 and 29 from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on The Auxiliary Bridge. Leaders from Texas Children’s Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Health Centers and The Center for Women and Children will inform their staff about flu shot details.

Click here to view the dates and locations for your vaccination. If you are unable to make one of these dates, please make an appointment at the Employee Health clinic, located on the fifth floor of the Abercrombie Building near the yellow elevators, after Thursday, October 1. If you have questions, please call Employee Health at Ext. 4-2150. West Campus Employee Health is located on the campus’ second floor and can be reached at Ext. 7-1365.

Last year, Texas Children’s achieved a 90 percent vaccination rate. We want to reach or exceed that rate this year. As a reminder, employees should be in compliance by Tuesday, December 1. Additional information about our vaccination policy and procedures can be found here and here.

Thank you for helping to safeguard the wellness of our patients, families, community and workforce by getting your seasonal influenza vaccination,” said Jill Fragoso, director of Employee Health and Wellness. “It’s quick and easy, and it’s simply the right thing to do.”

Stay tuned for updates about Texas Children’s seasonal vaccination program.

June 23, 2015

Managing health care decisions and accessing provider relationships just got easier for thousands of patients and families in the greater Houston area thanks to a new mobile application introduced by Texas Children’s Pediatrics.

The ParentAdvice Center, available for free on iTunes and Google Play, will help families make smart decisions about what level of care is needed for their child and how to provide symptom relief for minor illnesses or injuries at home. The new app also includes answers to common behavior and wellness questions, medication dosage tables, links to each Texas Children’s Pediatrics practice web page and maps to our urgent care locations.

“As the world moves in a more digital direction, we feel it is important to meet patient families exactly where they are, providing the information they need in the way they want to receive it,” said Dr. Stanley Spinner, chief medical officer and vice president of Texas Children’s Pediatrics. “The clinical advice, validated by TCP leadership, is the same evidence-based, high-quality advice we already give patients, only now it will be available in a digital format around the clock.”

Produced by StayWell, a leading provider of health education and engagement solutions, the app will help families better understand their children’s health symptoms. The app will give parents the support and information they need to make timely decisions about the appropriate level of care for their child – whether that means providing care for minor illnesses at home or finding a Texas Children’s facility. The mobile app also will give parents access to their child’s health records via the MyChart patient portal.

Some of the app’s valuable features include:

Online symptom checker with access to 129 care guides, first-aid illustrations, parent message boards and over-the-counter medication guides.
Access to MyChart patient portal for personal medical information and to manage relationships with Texas Children’s hospitals and clinics.
Ability to find a practice or care facility within the Texas Children’s Pediatrics, from individual pediatricians, urgent care centers or emergency rooms.
Tips on how to prepare for an appointment and connections to popular social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.

“This is an important step in meeting the needs of our families where it’s convenient for them – on their smart phones,” said Lou Fragoso, vice president of Texas Children’s Pediatrics. “Now, patient families can have easy and quick access to helpful medical information and links to our pediatric practices, urgent care facilities and emergency rooms.”

Download the app and tell patients, friends and family about it today. Anyone who has children or spends time with children can benefit from Texas Children’s Pediatric ParentAdvice Center. For more information about the app, click here.

September 24, 2014

News of Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) cases have increased in the media in recent weeks, just of many of us are bracing for the onset of cold and flu season. Texas Children’s leaders encourage staff and employees to arm themselves with the facts about EV-D68.

The issue isn’t the actual virus, rather it’s the severity of the person’s illness who may have it. Patients with underlying pulmonary disease are at increased risk of significant illness from EV-D68, said Dr. Jeffery Starke, Texas Children’s director of Infection Control. However, most children infected with the virus only have mild illness that is indistinguishable from other respiratory infections.

“It is not necessary to take children to the emergency room or rush to the pediatrician’s office,” Starke said. “Only children with significant symptoms need to seek care.”

Significant symptoms include intense wheezing, difficulty breathing or uncontrollable coughing.

Here are the other things you need to know about the rare respiratory illness that has cropped up this year in several states across the country:

What is the current situation?
For the first time since 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed several cases of EV-D68. So far this year, 160 people in 22 states have tested positive for the virus. No deaths attributed to the infection have been documented.

What is EV-D68?
EV-D68 is a rare form of enterovirus that affects the respiratory system. First identified in California in 1962, EV-D68 was rarely seen until 2009, when there were outbreaks in Japan, the Philippines and the Netherlands. Small clusters of cases were identified in the United States around the same time.

Who is at risk?
Infants, children and teenagers are most likely to get infected and become ill since they don’t have an immunity from previous exposures to enteroviruses. The most severe cases tend to involve children with asthma and other preexisting respiratory problems.

What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of EV-D68 are usually mild, barely distinguishable from a common cold. However, a small percentage of children develop intense wheezing, difficulty breathing or uncontrollable coughing.

Are there any treatments?
There is no vaccine to prevent EV-D68 and no drug to attack it. Parents can treat the pain and achiness with over-the-counter medications, and for more serious cases doctors have used albuterol and supplemental oxygen.

How is EV-D68 transmitted?
Like most other respiratory viruses, EV-D68 is transmitted through an infected person’s saliva, nasal mucus or sputum.

How can I avoid getting the virus?
You should:

Wash your hands often
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Disinfect frequently touched surfaces

Is there anything else I should do?
Get your flu vaccine. Although it won’t help ward off EV-D68, it will help medical staff diagnose you if you get a severe respiratory infection.

For more information
For more information about EV-D68, click here. To find out how to get your flu vaccine, click here.

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