How the right team of specialists made a difference in the life of an incredible boy born with a cleft lip and palate

The holiday season typically goes hand in hand with parties and celebrations. For many people, those are just some of the elements that make Christmas time so fun. But this is also a critically important time to prioritize and manage your mental health, said Andrea Taylor, a PhD and psychologist with UT Physicians.

Preventive care is critical to overall wellness and can help resolve health concerns before they become major issues.

While the overall goal of the annual appointment is preventive care, there are other reasons why it is important.

It’s not uncommon for an inexperienced exerciser to feel sore after a strenuous workout. When you work out hard, you can expect a little discomfort.

We all know that trying to lose weight can be one of the hardest things to do, and with so many different fad diets out there, it can be impossible to keep the weight off even once you lose it.

Pregnancy can come with a lot of emotions and questions.

Dr. Cesar Nahas, cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon with UT Physicians, shares his top five tips toward a healthier heart and lifestyle. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that those who have a history of sleep problems are also at risk for health problems that increase their chances of heart disease, stroke and heart attack. Stay activeRegular physical activity has a multitude of benefits for your body, including your heart health. Stay on top of medical problemsSeeing a doctor regularly can help to establish where you are in your health care journey and assess your risk for heart disease. Those with a family history of heart disease, especially if it occurred at an early age, should be aware of their risk factors.

HOUSTON – Former professional boxer George Foreman is no stranger to taking shots and while he wasn’t in the ring Thursday, he did sit down in a chair to get his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. He’s one of 50 people that have been in the UT Physicians locations off Victory Road since Monday. UT Physicians are ramping up the distribution of these vaccines to those who are at risk and who have seen a UT Physicians primary or specialty care doctor in the last 18 months, by invite, which is based on the number of available doses and of course keeping the vaccines stored at a proper temperature. However, some people have been reluctant to get the vaccine. Foreman wants everyone to know that for him, getting the vaccine was an easy decision.

Everyone is at a different point on his or her health care journey. Family history, lifestyle, age, diet and activity level are all factors that affect your health. “It’s important to review all medications with your health care provider,” Whiting said. If illnesses and diseases are detected early, the available treatment options will be more varied and some diseases may be prevented -- thus, lowering your health care costs down the road. To make an appointment with a UT Physicians primary care doctor, call 888-4UT-DOCS or visit this website.

HOUSTON – Harnessing the power of rituals can help us reclaim some of our identity that has been lost during the pandemic, according to UT Physicians/ UT Health. That joy is linked to memories that come with these rituals which makes them more than tradition, it gives healing power to holiday decorating. For many, holiday decorating is a way to call those memories to mind. While rituals can improve our mental health, don’t hesitate to seek help if they are not enough. To make an appointment with a UT Physicians mental health specialist, call 888-4UT-DOCS.

The CDC recommends the annual flu vaccine for everyone six months and older. We checked the price for the flu vaccine at more than 10 pharmacies and medical clinics to find the least expensive options for you. Remember, if you have insurance, your flu shot is free. Here is a list of participating locations:UT Physicians Multispecialty - The Heights925 N. ShepherdHouston, TX 77008UT Physicians Family Practice - Bayshore11452 Space Center Blvd. Houston, TX 77059UT Physicians Family Practice - Bellaire5420 Dashwood, Suite 100Houston, TX 77081UT Physicians Multispecialty - Bellaire6700 W. Loop South, Suite 520Bellaire, TX 77401UT Physicians Multispecialty - Cinco Ranch23923 Cinco Ranch Blvd.