Released: 7-Feb-2012 11:45 AM EST
Ben Taub Hospital Surpasses Its 100,000th Routine HIV Test
Harris Health System

One of the nation's largest and most successful HIV-testing programs in a world-renowned trauma center celebrates a milestone in making HIV testing as routine as screenings for diabetes and heart disease.

Released: 10-Feb-2012 1:00 PM EST
Fruits, Veggies Sprout in Health Centers, Houston’s Food Deserts
Harris Health System

Following a doctor’s visit at Martin Luther King Jr. Health Center in southeast Houston, a mother and her daughter make two stops within the health center. One at the facility’s pharmacy to fill a prescription for diabetes medicine; the other at the center’s farmers market just steps away thanks to Healthy Harvest, an innovative approach by the Harris County Hospital District to provide patients with healthy food options.

Released: 20-Feb-2012 4:00 PM EST
Watch What You Take! Pills Can Pack on Pounds
Harris Health System

Weight gain or loss may not always be caused by what you eat...it could depend on the medicines you're taking. Learn which pills pack on the pounds and other effects they could have.

Released: 27-Feb-2012 3:00 PM EST
Simple Steps Help Children Adjust to Daylight Saving Time
Harris Health System

While the upcoming daylight saving time slated for 2 a.m. Sunday, March 11, affects everyone, children, including teenagers, may need some help adjusting. Experts say the spring's loss of an hour tends to be the most disruptive with sleeping patterns.

Released: 12-Mar-2012 11:50 AM EDT
Spring Break Ritual Could Lead to Brain Damage
Harris Health System

Every year, thousands of teens and young adults celebrate Spring Break by binge drinking large amounts of alcohol, a dangerous right-of-passage and one linked to possible brain damage later as adults.

Released: 27-Mar-2012 5:30 PM EDT
When Snoring Is More Than a Bad Soundtrack
Harris Health System

Roaring snores that rumble a room or violent snorts for breath during sleep could be sounds of obstructive sleep apnea. While a true diagnosis is only possible with a sleep study, if left untreated, the sleep disorder could be fatal.

Released: 29-Mar-2012 9:00 AM EDT
Spring, Heat Mean Start of Ozone Warnings
Harris Health System

Ozone, the prevalent gas found in air pollution, and mostly experienced from March to October, can trigger severe violent breathing attacks in many people, particularly children and seniors, says a lung expert from Ben Taub General Hospital in Houston.

Released: 6-Apr-2012 12:00 PM EDT
Friday the 13th – Fear or Phobia?
Harris Health System

Friday the 13th can be an ominous date for some. It's a fear for some people and for others a true phobia -paraskevidekatriaphobia - the morbid, irrational fear of the date.

Released: 23-Apr-2012 2:05 PM EDT
Decision to Drive for Seniors Affects Their Mental State, Well-Being
Harris Health System

A decision to stop driving for a senior can significantly impact his or her quality of life, affecting their mental state and overall well-being. If a senior’s driving raises concerns, approach the matter compassionately to preserve the person’s dignity and keep them and others safe.

Released: 1-May-2012 12:15 PM EDT
Don’t Ignore Stroke Signs When They Hit
Harris Health System

Early detection of stroke and immediate treatment is the best way to ensure patients have the best recovery possible. Treating a stroke victim — quickly in minutes and seconds — can be the difference between life and death.

Released: 11-May-2012 8:00 AM EDT
Vaginal Birth After C-Section Is Option for Women, Not for Some Doctors, Hospitals
Harris Health System

The option of a vaginal birth after having a Caesarean delivery (VBAC) is difficult to find for women who want that procedure. More doctors and hospitals are not willing to perform the risky procedure. However, a VBAC advocate and practicing physician from Ben Taub General Hospital says provided the expectant mother meets certain guidelines and the delivery is performed in a fully-staffed and fully-equipped hospital, the VBAC can be performed safely.

Released: 14-May-2012 2:00 PM EDT
Ben Taub Hospital Chief of Staff Elected VP of American Surgical Association
Harris Health System

Dr. Kenneth L. Mattox, chief of staff, Ben Taub General Hospital, and distinguished service professor, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, has been elected vice president of the American Surgical Association, becoming the first Houston-area surgeon elected to the prestigious academic, scientific and surgical organization.

Released: 17-May-2012 2:40 PM EDT
Public Hospital-Based School of Diagnostic Medical ImagingGraduates 20th Class
Harris Health System

In 1993, the Harris County Hospital District in Houston, Texas, created its own School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging to meet the demand for these specialized professional. Over the years, the school has grown to four programs: diagnostic medical radiography, diagnostic medical sonography, computerized topography (CT) graduate fellowship and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) graduate fellowship. Today, it's produced 413 graduates through 20 graduating classes.

Released: 24-May-2012 6:30 PM EDT
Harris County Hospital District Honors Trauma Survivors
Harris Health System

Trauma Survivors Celebration is an annual event hosted by the Harris County Hospital District to honor the survivors of trauma and recognize their successful recoveries. These are victims of motor vehicle accidents, industrial injuries and crime that have received care at Ben Taub General Hospital or Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital. The event reunites the former patients with physicians, nurses and EMS first-responders.

Released: 4-Jun-2012 7:00 AM EDT
Dr. Margo Hilliard of Harris County Hospital District Receives Stream Award
Harris Health System

Dr. Margo Hilliard, MPH, senior vice president, Community Services, Harris County Hospital District, received the 2012 Kathryn S. Stream Award for Excellence in Women’s Health by the Texas Medical Center Women’s Health Network, an organization of health professionals dedicated to advancing women’s health through collaborations in education, research and advocacy. The organization, located in Houston, Texas, is part of the world’s largest grouping of healthcare institutions, hospitals, research facilities and medical schools.

Released: 18-Jun-2012 11:00 AM EDT
Residency Program Places Harris County Hospital District Among the Elite
Harris Health System

The Harris County Hospital District joins only one other public healthcare system in the nation to offer two post-professional physical therapy residency programs with the recent accreditation of the Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency by the American Physical Therapy Association.

Released: 20-Jun-2012 1:00 PM EDT
State Reverifies Trauma Center Designations for Ben Taub and LBJ Hospitals
Harris Health System

The Texas Department of State Health Services has reverified the Level I trauma center designation for the Ginni and Richard Mithoff Trauma Center at Ben Taub General Hospital, and the Level III trauma center designation for the emergency center at Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital.

Released: 19-Jun-2012 5:10 PM EDT
Program Uses Entire Family to Tackle Childhood Obesity
Harris Health System

The Harris County Hospital District uses a family approach that involves children and their parents in tackling childhood obesity. Many have successfully lost weight, but the main hope is to instill healthy eating and exercise habits that will continue for children as adults.

Released: 21-Jun-2012 1:00 PM EDT
Harris County Hospital District Wins Prestigious NAPH Award
Harris Health System

The Harris County Hospital District has won the 2012 Gage Award for Improving Population Health for its Healthy Harvest, a program that coordinates farmers markets in healthcare centers to encourage patients to eat more fruits and vegetables. The award was given June 21 by the National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems (NAPH) during its annual national conference in San Francisco.

Released: 10-Jul-2012 5:05 PM EDT
Understanding Why Seniors Wander Could Keep Them Safe
Harris Health System

Dangers of seniors wandering off and getting lost can often end in tragedy and appear to be more common as evident by the steady announcements of Silver Alerts, similar to Amber Alerts for missing children, across the country. The problem is so widespread that understanding why seniors wander could help keep them safe and avoid tragic consequences, say geriatric experts from the Harris County Hospital District.

Released: 16-Jul-2012 3:45 PM EDT
Harris County Hospital District Wins Most Wired for Second Year in a Row
Harris Health System

For the second year in a row, the Harris County Hospital District was named to the Most Wired list by Hospitals and Health Networks, the flagship publication of the American Hospital Association. The Harris County Hospital District joins one other healthcare system in Houston and six others in Texas to be recognized for advances in technology.

Released: 17-Jul-2012 4:00 PM EDT
Don’t Let the Tan Fool You, Skin Cancer Still a Risk for People of Color
Harris Health System

While the effects of the sun on fair or light skin are better known, the impact on darker or ethnic skin is less understood. What is known is that in the last 30 years, the deadliest form of skin cancer — malignant melanoma — continues to increase among all races claiming in the U.S. alone, 22 lives a day, says a dermatology expert with the Harris County Hospital District.

Released: 30-Jul-2012 12:55 PM EDT
Don’t Let Injury Sidetrack Your Olympic-Inspired Running Goals
Harris Health System

Maybe it’s running to get in shape or a desire to race like an Olympian. Whatever the goal or reason, Harris County Hospital District physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists have some tips to help runners stay on track. As a beginner, take it slow and easy, and as a more experienced runner, don’t overdo it.

Released: 16-Aug-2012 4:00 PM EDT
Backpack 101 Could Help Kids Avoid Long-term Aches as Adults
Harris Health System

Before the 'ouch' becomes a long-term problem, physical therapists at the Harris County Hospital District want parents to know the dangers and preventable steps of poorly used or overloaded backpacks.

Released: 6-Sep-2012 11:00 AM EDT
Future Starts Today for Harris Health System
Harris Health System

Today marks a transformational time for Harris County, Texas residents with the public launch of Harris Health System, the new business name for the Harris County Hospital District.

Released: 17-Sep-2012 11:00 AM EDT
Harris Health System Celebrates Its First Multi-Specialty Clinic
Harris Health System

Harris Health System celebrates the completion of Smith Clinic, the system’s first outpatient specialty facility. The new facility enhances and expands specialty care for patients formerly seen at hospital-based clinics located at Ben Taub Hospital. The five-story, nearly 168,000-square-foot facility will provde care to about 75,000 patients visits a year.

Released: 17-Sep-2012 4:00 PM EDT
Harris Health System, UTHealth Name Dr. Carmel Dyer Chief of Staff at LBJ Hospital
Harris Health System

Dr. Carmel B. Dyer has been named chief of staff for Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital, part of the Harris Health System. Dyer, professor and director, Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine and associate dean, Harris County Programs for The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), is the fourth chief of staff in the hospital’s history.

Released: 21-Sep-2012 8:00 AM EDT
Program Aims to Cut Death Rate of Pregnant African-American Women
Harris Health System

A program by Harris Health System in Houston, Texas aims to cut the alarming number of African-American women dying from pregnancy-related complications or suffering miscarriages. The educational campaign targets women before they get pregnant on having a safe and healthy birth.

Released: 22-Oct-2012 3:00 PM EDT
Halloween Mini Treats Could Scare Up High Calorie Counts
Harris Health System

Miniature-sized candies are great alternatives for Halloween, but could scare up high calorie and carbohydrate counts if parents don’t monitor how many their children eat, warn pediatricians from Harris Health System. While the amount of calories and carbohydrates per treat is relatively low compared to regular-sized candies, too much of the smaller treats could be just as bad.

Released: 26-Oct-2012 12:25 PM EDT
Three Sisters Stick Together to Battle and Overcome Cancer
Harris Health System

The Labrada sisters (Tamara, Diana and Yadira) share more than a family connnection. The trio also share the designation of breast cancer survivors. From their diagnosis of cancer under age 40, the youngest at age 25, the sisters have stuck together to battle cancer.

Released: 29-Oct-2012 1:00 PM EDT
Archery Fad by Kids Could Shoot Up Shoulder, Arm, Hand Injuries
Harris Health System

With so many youngsters picking up the sport/hobby of archery thanks to its increased popularity in TV shows like “Revolution” and movies like “The Hunger Games” and “Brave,” Harris Health System rehabilitation and pediatric experts caution parents about the potential dangers of long-term injuries to hands, wrists, arms and shoulders.

Released: 2-Nov-2012 12:00 PM EDT
Prescription: A Healthy Dose of No News for Election Blues
Harris Health System

Whether supporting President Barack Obama or Governor Mitt Romney, this year’s election will take people on a roller coaster of emotions from elation to anger depending on the results. To deal with post-election blues, Harris Health System psychiatrist Dr. Asim Shah prescribes a strong dose of no TV, radio, social media and Internet coverage.

Released: 7-Nov-2012 5:45 PM EST
Harris Health System Earns a Green Thumb’s Up for Patient Rehabilitation
Harris Health System

Garfield Gibson Jr. could barely sit in his wheelchair, let alone stand for any period of time following his stroke. Thanks to ongoing rehabilitation care, including the use of a new horticultural therapy garden at Harris Health System, he now sits and stands for long stretches of time. He and his therapist say the therapy garden has done wonders for his rehabilitation.

Released: 12-Nov-2012 3:25 PM EST
Cold Weather Increases Carbon Monoxide Dangers
Harris Health System

With temperatures dropping and cold weather settling in, people will turn to gas furnaces, space heaters and fireplaces for warmth. Not so fast, caution pulmonologists from Harris Health System, who recommend that everyone get those devices checked for carbon monoxide leaks. Known as the silent killer, carbon monoxide is the gas byproduct of the incomplete combustion of fuel used in cars, gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal or wood, gas ranges, fireplaces and heaters.

Released: 15-Nov-2012 6:00 PM EST
Planning Ahead Helps People with Diabetes Enjoy the Holidays
Harris Health System

A figurative mine field of savory dishes and desserts await many this holiday season, from pumpkin pies topped with whipped cream, green bean and mushroom casseroles, pork tamales, cranberries and cornbread dressing to fruit salads and oven-roasted turkey. Harris Health System experts warn that while most will indulge in these tasty foods and some will gain weight, people with diabetes will need a plan to stay healthy during the holidays.

Released: 21-Nov-2012 1:15 PM EST
Forget All-Night Studying, a Good Night’s Sleep Is Key to Doing Well on Exams
Harris Health System

As fall semesters wind down at the country’s colleges and universities, students will be pulling all-night study sessions to prepare for final exams. Ironically, the loss of sleep during these all-nighters could actually work against them performing well, says a Harris Health System sleep specialist.

Released: 27-Nov-2012 3:40 PM EST
What Sound? Popular Music Devices Could be Dialing Up Hearing Losses
Harris Health System

The popularity of personal music devices like iPods and other MP3 players and their lack of sound-limiting controls has a Harris Health System ear specialist concerned. These devices, when combined with attached ear buds and headphones, can generate sound levels up to 115 decibels, well above the highest level of 85 decibels recommended by most hearing experts.

Released: 29-Nov-2012 2:00 PM EST
Cold Temps, Holiday Stress Set Stage for Heart Attacks
Harris Health System

Amid the frenzy of decorating, planning and shopping for the holidays, health may take a backseat. However, the stress brought on by these activities plus cold temperatures could lead to heart attacks or heart-related complications if left unchecked.

Released: 26-Dec-2012 11:00 AM EST
Keeping It Simple Can Help You Lose Weight in 2013
Harris Health System

Losing weight is one of the most cited New Year’s resolutions each year. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the least successful. Harris Health System offers some simple strategies for success in 2013, and it starts by recognizing that losing weight is a lifestyle and not merely a change in diet.

Released: 2-Mar-2015 6:05 PM EST
State Verifies Trauma Center Designation for Harris Health’s LBJ Hospital
Harris Health System

The Texas Department of State Health Services has reverified the Level III trauma center for Harris Health System’s Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital, a distinction the hospital has held since 1996.

Released: 5-Mar-2015 1:00 PM EST
“Just Drive” Champion Backs Texas Lawmakers’ Efforts to Ban Texting/Driving
Harris Health System

Robin Garza knows trauma. She sees it on a daily basis as trauma services program manager for one of the busiest Level I trauma centers in the U.S.—Harris Health System’s Ben Taub Hospital. In fact, her advocacy to raise awareness about the dangers of trauma led her to develop Just Drive, a statewide campaign to discourage distracted driving, including texting and driving.

Released: 10-Mar-2015 11:00 AM EDT
Harris Health Recognized as One of “Best 50” in US, Canada
Harris Health System

Harris Health System has been named among the “Best 50” healthcare providers in the U.S. and Canada for its industry-leading efforts in supply chain management by the Global Healthcare Exchange (GHX), a worldwide healthcare technology company.

Released: 19-Mar-2015 8:05 AM EDT
Study Looks to Confirm Antivenom Has “Bite” Against Copperhead Snakes
Harris Health System

Dr. Spencer Greene wants to make sure the standard treatment for copperhead snake bites, the most common venomous snake in greater Houston and southeast Texas, works, and if it doesn’t, he wants to stop its use. A national research is being coordinated at 18 healthcare sites across the country—Harris Health System's Ben Taub Hospital is one of five in Texas.

Released: 23-Mar-2015 1:00 PM EDT
A Sign of the Times for Hearing Impaired Patients
Harris Health System

Harris Health System is now using sign language video technology to better communicate with its hearing-impaired and hard-of-hearing patients. Connecting patients with physicians and nurses in a timely and convenient manner is one of the driving forces behind the new portable iPad®-equipped wheeled carts (similar to rolling blood-pressure stands) that act as in-person translators of American Sign Language for patients and staff at a moment’s notice. The program has four such carts complete with speakers and audio enhancement capability at Harris Health’s Ben Taub, Quentin Mease and Lyndon B. Johnson hospitals.

Released: 26-Mar-2015 11:00 AM EDT
Stroke Center Achieves New “Elite Plus” National Award
Harris Health System

Harris Health System's Ben Taub Hospital is the recipient of a newly created recognition by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®- Stroke Gold Plus-Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus Award. The award means the hospital achieved high marks for response and care provided for acute ischemic strokes, the most common stroke—87 percent of all cases—in America.

Released: 13-Apr-2015 10:05 AM EDT
New LBJ Hospital Nursing Chief Sets High Academic Goals for Staff
Harris Health System

Derek L. Curtis, new chief nursing officer of Harris Health System’s Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital, wants to enhance the opportunities for nurses and increase their role in patient-centric care where patients and families have a greater say in the hospitalization of loved ones. Additionally, the 21-year nursing professional, wants to encourage nurses to pursue more expert certifications, as well as master’s and doctorate degrees.

Released: 20-Apr-2015 11:05 AM EDT
ICU Support Group Leader Shares Personal Tragedy to Help Others
Harris Health System

Karina Valencia needed more hope than the physicians and staff could muster shortly after her son’s shooting, the near-death victim of a convenience store robbery. Luckily, she got the hope she needed, and more, from a peer support group set up for family and friends of hospitalized intensive care patients. In particular, was the story shared by group leader Michael Segal, a patient advocate at Harris Health System's Ben Taub Hospital—himself the victim and survivor of a convenience store shooting.

Released: 27-Apr-2015 2:00 PM EDT
Sisters Share Rewards of Nurse Midwife Deliveries, Group Prenatal Program
Harris Health System

A nurse-midwife is an option for low-risk expectant mothers at Harris Health System. For sisters, Dominga and Leticia Gomez Lozano, the option became a family affair. Both opted for a certified nurse-wife delivery versus a traditional obstetrical physician birth. They say the experience was life-changing and helped them build on an already strong sibling bond.

Released: 30-Apr-2015 3:05 PM EDT
LBJ Hospital Named CNOR Strong for its High Number of Certified Nurses
Harris Health System

Harris Health System’s Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital has been named CNOR Strong by the Competency and Credentialing Institute because of its high number of certified nurses in the operating rooms (CNOR) staff—becoming only the fourth hospital in Houston and 12th in Texas to receive the distinction. To achieve the recognition, hospitals must have more than 50 percent of operating room nurses certified, a rigorous process that involves nurses mastering high standards of perioperative practices.

Released: 12-May-2015 5:05 PM EDT
First-Grader of Near-Fatal Pencil Accident Celebrates 15th Anniversary
Harris Health System

First-grader Destiny Lopez had just sharpened her pencil eager to finish up a writing assignment when she accidently tripped—impaling the pencil through her chest and into her heart. Nearly 15 years later, the now 23-year-old and recent mother, still bears the scar of that near-fatal accident. On May 14, she and caregivers from Harris Health System’s Ben Taub Hospital, as well as first-responders from the Houston Fire Department, will be joined by someone who many consider the unsung hero of the accident—teacher Terry Kirksey, who did not pull out the pencil from Lopez’s chest—giving her a fighting chance to survive the heart injury.


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