October 16, 2018

Heidi Allen rolled up the sleeve of her Kangaroo Crew uniform and looked stoically ahead as a nurse with Employee Health & Wellness gave her an annual flu vaccine.

Allen, a respiratory therapist with the Pediatric Intensive Transport Team, said during one of Employee Health and Wellness’ recent flu vaccine events that she gets the flu shot every year to protect herself as well as her patients and their families.

“Many are immunocompromised and don’t have the ability to fight off infections like we do,” Allen said. “I just think it’s a very responsible thing to do.”


Allen is one of 8,395 Texas Children’s employees who have gotten their flu shot, bringing our vaccinated employee population to 60 percent. The remaining 40 percent of Texas Children’s employees are highly encouraged to get their free flu vaccine from Employee Health and Wellness at one of the remaining scheduled flu vaccine events or by contacting Employee Health and Wellness to schedule a time to come by the Employee Health Clinic to receive a shot.

Employees who receive their flu vaccine by November 2, 2018, will be entered into a drawing to win one of 25 Nutri Ninja Pro Blenders. Employee Health will email winners at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, November 7.

Each fall, Texas Children’s employees are asked to get vaccinated against the flu to not only protect themselves but to protect those around them – their coworkers, family, friends, and their patients. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts this year’s flu season will begin in October. The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccination as the first and most important step in protecting against the flu and its potentially serious complications. To learn more about the upcoming flu season, click here.

See photos of your colleagues getting their flu shots below.

Employee Health will administer free flu vaccines to Texas Children’s employees, Baylor College of Medicine employees working at Texas Children’s facilities, Morrison, Crothall, or Compass contract employees and volunteers of Texas Children’s Hospital. Employee Health will administer free flu vaccines to Texas Children’s employees, Baylor College of Medicine employees working at Texas Children’s facilities, Morrison, Crothall, or Compass contract employees and volunteers of Texas Children’s Hospital.

Upon vaccination at Texas Children’s, staff will receive a 2018-2019 flu season sticker to place on their badges.

In order to protect our patients from exposure to influenza, employees who decline the flu vaccine for approved exemptions should wear a surgical mask when providing direct patient care services for the duration of the influenza season. See In order to protect our patients from exposure to influenza, employees who decline the flu vaccine for approved exemptions should wear a surgical mask when providing direct patient care services for the duration of the influenza season. See Required Influenza Vaccination Policy and Procedure for more details.

ONLINE CONSENT FORM AND PROOF OF VACCINATION
Texas Children’s employees are to complete their Flu Vaccine Consent Form online via the Employee Health & Wellness Portal prior to attending a flu vaccination event.*

This process greatly reduced the wait times for flu vaccination last year, as well as eliminated the need to scan or fax the Flu Vaccine Consent Forms to Employee Health. Click here to view a quick video tutorial on how to access the flu vaccine consent form online. For instructions on how to log in to the portal click here or click here to view step-by step instructions.

NEW PROCESS: Employees who receive their flu vaccine outside of Texas Children’s can easily submit their attestation and proof of vaccination via this online form. Employee Health will no longer accept proof of vaccination via fax or email.

If you have any questions, please contact Employee Health Services at 832-824-2150, option 2.

* Baylor College of Medicine employees working in Texas Children’s facilities will continue to complete paper consent forms when they receive the flu vaccine.

October 2, 2018

Fueled by a passion for healthy living and motivating their colleagues to make health a priority in their own lives, our wellness ambassadors are spreading the word about all the ways Texas Children’s can support you in your well-being journey – from free boot camp classes, to exciting challenges that bring our employees together to focus on feeling their best inside and out.

In addition to their awareness campaign, the wellness ambassadors are also looking for employees to join the program. In taking on the role, ambassadors agree to undergo training, serve a one-year term and complete approximately one hour of service per month in promoting on-site wellness offerings at Texas Children’s. This service could include sharing communications from the Employee Health and Well-Being team, which manages and oversees the ambassador program; making announcements in staff meetings; and being the departmental point of contact for questions about wellness offerings.

“Sometimes people are hesitant to put more on their plate when it already feels full, but being a wellness ambassador is far from a chore; it sparks conversation and motivates others to be the best they can be,” said Amber Rosta, quality assurance coordinator at The Woodlands campus who was drawn to volunteer because she wanted to amplify unity and be involved in rallying her department around a positive, shared cause.

“It’s exhilarating to hear success stories and inspiration under our very own roof,” Rosta said. “Initiatives to take the stairs, do squats as a group and get up and move really bring a sense of community, and there’s far more to offer than only working out.”

Along with access to wellness perks and invitations to community wellness events, ambassadors also get the inside scoop on the latest offerings developed by Employee Health and Well-Being. They receive monthly newsletters and are the first to know when a new challenge will start, a new program has been added or a new event has been planned.

Sr. Project Manager Bethany Lowe saw becoming an ambassador as a unique opportunity to bring her love for all forms of wellness – especially physical activity, nutrition and mental health – into the workplace. She enjoys learning and sharing information about the wide variety of well-being programs available to employees at Texas Children’s, such as weight loss assistance and discounted gym memberships.

“Wellness does not have to be limited to time outside of the office. You can focus on drinking enough water or getting your steps in while you are at work and still be a productive employee,” Lowe said. “As wellness ambassadors, we get to provide encouragement to our teams so that together, we can strive towards improving our health and well-being – mind, body and soul.”

Interested in volunteering to be a wellness ambassador?

Mark your calendars and plan to join the Employee Health and Well-Being team at one of the ambassador recruiting and reconnection events below. Meet and talk to our current wellness ambassadors and get an exclusive sneak peek at upcoming well-being initiatives. Registration for all events will be open until Monday, October 8.

Main Campus
Tuesday, October 9
3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Click here to register

West Campus
Wednesday, October 10
3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Click here to register

The Woodlands
Thursday, October 11
3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Click here to register

For more information about the Wellness Ambassador Program at Texas Children’s or to volunteer, send an e-mail to wellbeing@texaschildrens.org.

September 18, 2018

Flu season is almost here! While a record breaking 91 percent of our employees received their flu vaccine in 2017, we continue to strive to make the flu vaccination program even more successful. This year we have a lot of exciting new plans to share with you, such as an increased amount of flu vaccination events across the organization and a new online process for employees to submit proof of vaccinations. As a way to encourage our workforce to get vaccinated earlier in the season, all staff who receive their flu vaccine by Friday, November 2, will be entered into a drawing to win one of 25 Nutri Ninja Pro Blenders.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts this year’s flu season will begin in October. The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccination as the first and most important step in protecting against the flu and its potentially serious complications. To learn more about the upcoming flu season, click here. Please remind staff that receiving a flu vaccine protects our patients and their families, reduces flu illnesses, doctor’s visits and missed workdays, and; helps to prevent flu-related hospitalizations.

Below is a more in-depth overview of what to expect for our Flu Program in 2018.

Flu Program Details
  • Employee Health will administer free flu vaccines to Texas Children’s employees, Baylor College of Medicine employees working at Texas Children’s facilities, Morrison, Crothall, or Compass contract employees and volunteers of Texas Children’s Hospital. Employee Health will administer free flu vaccines to Texas Children’s employees, Baylor College of Medicine employees working at Texas Children’s facilities, Morrison, Crothall, or Compass contract employees and volunteers of Texas Children’s Hospital.
  • Click on the graphic to the right to view Texas Children’s vaccination event schedule.
  • Upon vaccination at Texas Children’s, staff will receive a 2018-2019 flu season sticker to place on their badges. Upon vaccination at Texas Children’s, staff will receive a 2018-2019 flu season sticker to place on their badges.
  • Employees who receive their flu vaccine by November 2, 2018, will be entered into a drawing to win one of 25 Nutri Ninja Pro Blenders. Employee Health will email winners at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, November 7.
  • In order to protect our patients from exposure to influenza, employees who decline the flu vaccine for approved exemptions should wear a surgical mask when providing direct patient care services for the duration of the influenza season. See In order to protect our patients from exposure to influenza, employees who decline the flu vaccine for approved exemptions should wear a surgical mask when providing direct patient care services for the duration of the influenza season. See Required Influenza Vaccination Policy and Procedure for more details.

Online Consent Form and Proof of Vaccination

  • Texas Children’s employees are to complete their Flu Vaccine Consent Form online via the Employee Health & Wellness Portal prior to attending a flu vaccination event.*
  • This process greatly reduced the wait times for flu vaccination last year, as well as eliminated the need to scan or fax the Flu Vaccine Consent Forms to Employee Health.
  • Click here to view a quick video tutorial on how to access the flu vaccine consent form online.
  • For instructions on how to log in to the portal click here or click here to view step-by step instructions.
  • New Process: Employees who receive their flu vaccine outside of Texas Children’s can easily submit their attestation and proof of vaccination via this online form. Employee Health will no longer accept proof of vaccination via fax or email.

If you have any questions, please contact Employee Health Services at 832-824-2150, option 2.

* Baylor College of Medicine employees working in Texas Children’s facilities will continue to complete paper consent forms when they receive the flu vaccine.

August 27, 2018

On August 10, The Woodlands Clinical Nutrition and Milk Bank team partnered with Morrison Catering, Texas Children’s internal food vendor, to host the 2018 Kids Eat Right Month.™

The theme this year was “Back to School,” celebrating the new academic year. A yogurt parfait station was available for staff and patients to build their own nutritious layers of Greek yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit – a quick recipe for busy school mornings. All the ingredients was generously provided by Morrison Catering.

Food themed games were offered to engage participants with each other. The MyPlate bean bag toss was a game where kids had to throw the right food in the correct MyPlate section. This game was designed to demonstrate knowledge of “slow,” “go,” and “whoa” foods. Patients used food-stuffed shopping carts to deliver the foods to the correct “slow,” “go,” or “whoa” basket.

At the end of the event a back-to-school packed lunch box was given away in a raffle.

August 20, 2018

A record-breaking 6,100 Texas Children’s employees and Baylor staff, volunteers and interns recently accepted the 21-Day H2O Challenge from the Employee Health & Well-Being team this year, committing themselves to drink at least 64 ounces of water every day from July 10-31 and discovering the powerful benefits of staying hydrated along the way.

Nearly 90 percent of participants said they increased their water intake because of the challenge, which set the goal of eight cups per day to follow the amount recommended for adults by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In addition to sleeping for longer lengths of time and seeing reduced levels of stress, employees reported in a post-challenge survey that they experienced a wide range of positive effects:

  • 46 percent saw improved digestion
  • 43 percent saw improved energy levels
  • 32 percent improved their overall eating habits
  • 31 percent increased their physical activity

Personal stories of Water Challenge success could be found across the organization, from unexpected weight loss to significantly clearer skin, feeling more awake and refreshed, and adopting healthier habits overall. A bride-to-be struggling to lose weight before her wedding dropped a few pounds in just her first week of participating. A parent inspired their 8-year-old son to join the challenge and shoot for drinking 24 ounces of water per day, and was reminded how important it is for adults to model good health and wellness choices for children who are watching and learning.

“It was inspiring to see the enthusiasm in our employees who participated in the 21-day H2O Challenge,” said health coach Jackie Pacheco, who coordinated the challenge – including distribution of thousands of water bottles to employees at every Texas Children’s location, and an interactive water party on The Auxiliary Bridge in the challenge’s final days with infused waters to sample and free water giveaways courtesy of a pallet donated by Emergency Services.

“We had so many amazing results from employees who decided to make one simple change, increasing their daily water intake to improve their health,” Pacheco said. “The success stories from the challenge proved that incorporating small, yet significant, healthy habits into your daily routine will have tremendous results.”

Employees also appreciated the opportunity to amplify unity by joining the challenge together as teams, departments and units. One participant said their teammates became accountability partners, reminding each other to drink up and getting water for each other at the start and midpoint of every workday. Courtney Woods, a staff nurse in the in-patient emergency room who stopped by the water party, said she felt more motivated to tackle the challenge because her co-workers were there to encourage each other and check up on each other’s progress.

“This challenge is a fantastic example of how our employees can rally around a common well-being goal and motivate one another throughout the journey,” said Employee Health and Well-Being Assistant Director Julie Griffith. “We are proud of all of the participants that took the challenge!”

“We are also grateful to our Wellness Ambassadors for helping us amplify unity across the organization and achieve the largest well-being challenge participation in our history,” Griffith said. “We believe that supporting Texas Children’s mission of leading in patient care, education, and research begins with maximizing the health and well-being of our workforce. We are committed to providing more programs that empower and inspire our employees to achieve simple goals in order for them to thrive in all areas of their lives.”

August 13, 2018

We just learned that employees’ children are not eligible to participate in the PLAY 60 Kid of the Month. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Texas Children’s Hospital and the Houston Texans are two teams with one goal – keeping kids healthy!

PLAY 60 is the National Football League’s campaign to encourage kids to be active for at least 60 minutes a day. We want YOU to join the movement by signing up your child to be a PLAY 60 Kid of the Month.

Those who enter are eligible to win a Texans VIP experience including a special behind the scenes visit to NRG Stadium and other exciting giveaways.

Kids ages 6-12 can participate. All they have to do is fill out the online survey showing us how they PLAY 60.

Learn more here.

Patients had the time of their lives on August 7 when eight Houston Texans cheerleaders paid them a visit and hosted their third Jr. Cheer Mini Camp at Texas Children’s Hospital’s Medical Center Campus.

After walking through a cheer tunnel with applause from on-looking employees, the event held on the fourth floor of the Pavilion for Women began with a brief introduction to and meet-and-greet with the cheerleaders followed by a small arts and crafts project.

The patients then were divided into groups with the cheerleaders and asked to come up with their own group cheer. After performing the cheer for everyone in the room, the ecstatic children got an opportunity to get each cheerleader’s autograph, along with their own set of pom-poms and a T-shirt. Excitement filled the room as the patients showed spirit for their hometown NFL team.

“This is the best day of my life!” said one of the patients.

Following the autograph and photo session, the cheerleaders visited patients who were unable to leave their hospital rooms. The cheerleaders brought the patients pom-poms and autographed posters.

“It is really important that we provide a normalized environment for the patients and their families,” said Child Life Department Manager Diane Kaulen, who helped organize the event. “The Texans are an integral part of our Houston culture and we want to be able to celebrate along with them for this upcoming football season.”

Texas Children’s teamed up with the Houston Texans four years ago to inspire children to lead healthier, more active lives through camps, programs and events all year long. We are working alongside the Texans through community engagement and education programs to give Houston-area kids the tools necessary to make healthy choices throughout their lives. This week’s Jr. Cheer Mini Camp is just one of many exciting events we’ll take part in throughout the year.

Click here to view the Texans official Cheerleaders hold camp at Texas Children’s video.