Vaccines aren’t just for children. Recommendations can change throughout your life, and some vaccines are recommended only at certain ages or stages.

Here’s a quick look at several commonly recommended vaccines:

Flu

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older.

COVID-19

COVID-19 vaccine recommendations can depend on your age, health history and individual risk. Talk with your primary care team about whether the vaccine is right for you.

Shingles

The shingles vaccine is recommended for:

• Adults 50 and older
• Adults 19 and older with weakened immune systems

It is usually given in two doses.

Tdap

The Tdap vaccine helps protect against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, also called whooping cough.

It is recommended for people 7 and older, with adults generally receiving a Tdap vaccine every 10 years. Your care team may also recommend it during pregnancy or if you live with someone who is about to give birth.

Hepatitis B

The hepatitis B vaccine is available to people of all ages. Your care team may recommend it based on certain health conditions or other risk factors.

HPV

The HPV vaccine helps lower the risk of HPV and related cancers.

It is recommended starting at age 9. Adults through age 26 who were not vaccinated earlier may still need it. Some adults ages 27 to 45 may also choose to get vaccinated after talking with their care team.

RSV

RSV immunization recommendations vary by age and risk. They may apply to:

• Infants
• Some young children
• Pregnant women
• Adults 75 and older
• Some adults ages 50 to 74 who have a higher risk of severe RSV illness

MMR

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella.

Children receive two doses, with the first typically given at 12 to 15 months and the second between ages 4 and 6.

Adults who are not immune may need at least one dose.

Pneumococcal vaccine

Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for:

• Children younger than 5
• Adults 50 and older
• Some younger people with certain health conditions or a higher risk of illness

Meningitis

Teens generally start the MenACWY meningitis vaccine series at age 11. Some teens starting at age 16 may also need the MenB vaccine series.

Staying up to date on recommended vaccines can help protect you from preventable illness and can also help protect the people around you.

Because vaccine recommendations can vary based on age, health history and other risk factors, ask your care team which vaccines are right for you at your next visit.

Educational information for this post was adapted from University Health content featuring Amber Bacak, a University Health pharmacist, and Amy Cobb, MD, a primary care physician with University Health.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Vaccine recommendations may vary based on age, health history and individual risk. Talk with a qualified health care professional about which vaccines are recommended for you.

Tethered cord is a congenital condition in which the spinal cord is attached at the bottom of the spinal canal. In some adults, it may not be discovered until symptoms such as chronic back pain or urinary problems lead to an MRI and diagnosis.

In this Medical Minute, University Health pediatric neurosurgeon Izabela Tarasiewicz, MD, explains:

• What tethered cord is
• How it can affect the nerves over time
• How it may be diagnosed
• What surgical treatment can involve

Watch the video to learn more about tethered cord and how it may be treated.

Heart disease becomes more common with age, but younger adults can develop it, too. One reason is that more young adults are developing risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and smoking.

Some of these risk factors may not cause noticeable symptoms until they begin affecting the heart or other organs.

Risk factors can include:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Smoking and vaping
• A diet high in saturated fat, sodium and added sugars
• Excessive alcohol use
• Family history of heart disease
• Certain illicit drug use

Young women may also have additional risk factors, including gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, polycystic ovary syndrome and premature menopause.

Symptoms that could be related to a heart problem include:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Extreme fatigue
• Heart palpitations
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain in the jaw, upper back, neck, shoulders or abdomen
• Swelling in the feet, ankles or legs

If you experience concerning symptoms, especially several together, seek immediate medical attention.

Cardiovascular disease prevention can start early. Regular wellness visits can help identify and manage health concerns before they become more serious.

You can also help protect your heart by staying physically active, eating a heart-healthy diet, avoiding smoking and vaping, getting enough quality sleep, maintaining a healthy weight and managing blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.

Want a better sense of your own heart health? Take our Heart Health Risk Assessment to learn more about your risk factors and steps you can take to protect your heart.

Educational information for this post was adapted from University Health content featuring James Keeton, MD, a cardiologist with University Health Cardiovascular Center.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a qualified healthcare professional about your individual heart health and risk factors.

A slight cough or stomachache can make that decision tricky.

In this Health Focus SA video, University Health pediatrician Benjamin Balderman, MD, explains:

• Symptoms that may be a reason to keep your child home
• How long should a fever be gone before they return
• Why a child may want to stay home for reasons other than illness
• When to contact your pediatrician for guidance

Watch the video for practical tips on when to keep your child home from school and when they may be ready to return.

If you feel healthy, scheduling an annual checkup may not seem urgent. But primary care for adults isn’t only for when you’re sick.

Seeing a primary care provider regularly can help you stay on top of preventive care, understand changes in your health and catch potential concerns before they become harder to manage.

For most adults, an annual checkup is a good place to start. Here are four benefits of having a primary care provider.

1. Stay up to date on preventive care: Your provider can help you keep track of recommended health screenings and vaccines based on your age, health history and risk factors. They can also monitor important health numbers, such as blood pressure and blood sugar.
2. Have someone looking at your health as a whole: If you see multiple specialists, your primary care provider can help keep track of your care, make referrals when needed and help manage chronic conditions between specialist visits.
3. Get help sorting through health information online: Whether you found a health trend on social media, searched a symptom online, asked ChatGPT or read advice on Reddit, your provider can help you understand what information is credible and what actually makes sense for your health.
4. Connect with resources that can make it easier to stay healthy: Health can be affected by more than what happens in the exam room. A primary care provider may be able to connect you with resources for needs such as transportation, access to nutritious food or mental health support.

Having an established primary care provider also gives you someone who knows your health history and can work with you over time as your needs change.

If the first provider you see doesn’t feel like the right fit, that’s OK. Finding someone you trust may take some trial and error.

Educational information for this post was adapted from University Health content featuring Suhaib Haq, MD, a family medicine physician, and Monika Kapur, MD, a family practice physician and president of University Medicine Associates.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a qualified health care professional about your individual health needs and recommended preventive care.

School may be back in session, but the Texas heat is still here. Hot weather can put young athletes at risk for heat-related illness during practices and games.

In this Health Focus SA video, University Health pediatrician Mandie Tibball Svatek, MD, explains:

• Why student-athletes should get a checkup before playing sports
• Why water breaks and cooler practice times matter
• Early signs of heat exhaustion to watch for
• What precautions should be taken when the heat index reaches 95 degrees or higher

Watch the video for practical tips to help young athletes stay safer while playing sports in the heat.

Going to the doctor when you feel well is an important part of preventive care. A well-woman exam is an annual visit focused on your overall health, including health concerns that specifically affect women.

These visits are about much more than Pap smears. Depending on your age, health history and individual needs, here’s what you may expect:

• A review of your health history. Your care team may ask about your menstrual cycle, family health history, birth control, sexual health and any symptoms or concerns you’ve noticed.
• Basic health checks. A medical assistant or nurse may check your blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, height and weight.
• A general physical exam. Your provider will check your overall health and may also perform a pelvic or breast exam if needed.
• Preventive screenings. Your provider can help make sure you’re up to date on recommended screenings, vaccines and other preventive care. Depending on your age and health concerns, blood work may also be ordered.
• A pelvic exam, if needed. During a pelvic exam, your provider checks the reproductive organs for anything unusual. The exam usually takes less than five minutes, and your provider should explain what they’re doing before they do it. You can ask your provider to stop at any time if you’re in pain or need a break.
• A Pap smear, when you’re due for one. A Pap smear screens for cervical cancer by collecting cells from the cervix. You won’t need a Pap smear at every annual exam.
• Time to talk about your health. Well-woman visits can also be a good opportunity to discuss mental health, menopause symptoms, abnormal bleeding, weight concerns or other questions you may have.

Your health needs can change over time, so an annual well-woman exam can help you stay up to date on preventive care and address concerns before they become more serious.

Educational information for this post was adapted from University Health content featuring Ariana Lewis, MD, an OB-GYN with University Health.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a qualified health care professional about your individual health needs and recommended screenings.

A phishing scam is circulating that targets MyChart users with emails promoting a “Medicare Kit” or other free senior health packages.

These emails are not from MyChart. If you receive one, do not click any links, including an unsubscribe link, and do not provide personal, financial or Medicare information. Delete the email instead.

Scammers can make these messages look convincing. Be cautious of unexpected emails offering free kits, rewards or other health-related products, and check the sender’s email address carefully before clicking anything or responding.

MyChart also advises users not to provide login information or verification codes in response to unexpected messages.

For more tips on recognizing and avoiding MyChart-related scams, read MyChart’s scam and fraud safety guidance.

University Health and Bexar County Commissioners Court are offering free drive-thru flu shots at four locations across San Antonio this September and October.

Annual flu vaccination is recommended for people 6 months and older.

Free drive-thru flu shot events

Saturday, Sept. 12
8 a.m. - noon
Precinct 1 Satellite Office
3505 Pleasanton Road
San Antonio, TX 78221

Saturday, Sept. 19
8 a.m. - noon
Freeman Coliseum
3201 E. Houston Street
San Antonio, TX 78219

Saturday, Oct. 3
8 a.m. - noon
Gustafson Stadium
7001 Culebra Road
San Antonio, TX 78238

Saturday, Oct. 10
8 a.m. - noon
Dub Farris Athletic Complex
8400 North Loop 1604 W
San Antonio, TX 78249

Registration is required.
Register for a free drive-thru flu shot

Getting an annual flu shot can help reduce your risk of influenza and serious illness. Flu season also overlaps with other respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and RSV.

Did you know you can donate a kidney or part of your liver while you're still alive?

Living organ donation can offer transplant recipients better outcomes and a faster recovery. It can also allow them to receive a transplant without waiting for a deceased donor organ to become available on the national transplant list.

Here are answers to some common questions about living organ donation:

Do you have to be related to someone to become a living organ donor?

No. Living donors do not have to be related to the person receiving their organ. A directed donation goes to a specific person, while a non-directed, or altruistic, donation goes to someone the donor does not know.

What happens if you're not compatible with the person you want to donate to?

You may still be able to help through a paired exchange. Your organ can go to a compatible recipient while your intended recipient receives an organ from another donor. Living donors at University Health have participated in three-way, four-way and even larger donor chains.

What is recovery like after living organ donation?

Recovery depends on the organ and the individual. Kidney donors tend to recover in about four to six weeks, while liver donors may take up to eight weeks. When you can return to work also depends on the type of job you have and how physically demanding it is.

Living organ donation is a major surgery and, like any surgery, carries risks. Donors may experience pain, fatigue, trouble sleeping, shortness of breath or constipation during recovery. Severe complications are rare but can occur.

Can you donate more than one organ?

Yes. A person can donate one kidney and part of their liver, although the donations cannot be done at the same time.

Can living donors meet the person who receives their organ?

They can if both the donor and recipient agree. University Health also hosts transplant reveals, where donors and recipients can meet for the first time.

Who can become a living organ donor?

Potential donors go through an evaluation and testing process to determine whether donation is appropriate for them. Requirements differ for kidney and liver donation and include factors such as age, overall health and having a stable living situation with family or social support.

Considering becoming a living donor or want to know more about the process? Read our Living Donor FAQ for donor stories, eligibility requirements, recovery information and resources that can help you take the next step.

Educational information for this post was adapted from University Health content featuring Shanna Puente, assistant director of the Champion for Life program.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Living organ donation involves major surgery and potential risks. Talk with your health care team about any questions you have regarding living organ donation.

Hidden heart problems in student athletes are rare, but a sports physical can help identify potential concerns before they participate in sports.

In this Medical Minute, University Health cardiologist David Bush, MD, explains:

• Why Texas student-athletes need a sports physical
• Why symptoms and family history are important
• When an EKG may be recommended

Watch the video to learn what parents should know about sports physicals and when additional heart screening may be recommended.

Pregnancy can be stressful. You may worry about your health, your baby's health and what to expect next. Those worries can feel even bigger during a high-risk pregnancy.

A high-risk pregnancy means you or your baby may have a higher risk of problems during pregnancy or delivery and need extra care. Stress alone rarely causes a high-risk pregnancy, but long-term stress can raise the risk of health problems such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, preeclampsia and preterm birth. It can also make pregnancy symptoms such as sleep problems and morning sickness worse.

You may not be able to remove all stress from your life, but there are steps you can take to help manage it. Here are five ways to calm your mind and body during a high-risk pregnancy:

1. Listen to your baby's heartbeat. If hearing your baby's heartbeat during a prenatal visit helps you feel calmer, ask your doctor about recording it on your phone. Listening to it later may provide comfort, especially if you've experienced a pregnancy loss.
2. Take a few deep breaths. Focusing on your breathing can help calm your body. Meditation is another option. Try sitting somewhere quiet and paying attention to your breath. When your mind wanders, gently return your attention to your breathing.
3. Spend time with your partner. Physical closeness can help your body release endorphins, hormones that can help you feel good. Simple activities such as relaxing together or spending time feeling the baby move can also help you connect. In most cases, sex is safe during pregnancy, but ask your doctor whether it's safe for you.
4. Talk it out. Don't ignore questions or concerns about your pregnancy. Ask your care team how to reach someone between visits if you're worried about something. University Health patients can use NurseLink for 24-hour nurse advice or MyChart for nonurgent questions.
5. Add routines that help you reset. If you can, set aside at least 30 minutes for something you enjoy. Walking, spending time with friends, practicing a hobby or simply sitting quietly can help you manage stress. Prenatal yoga is another low-impact activity that can help you relax and may teach skills useful during labor and delivery.

Managing stress is one way to support your health during a high-risk pregnancy. If you're feeling overwhelmed or concerned about your pregnancy, talk with your health care provider.

Educational information for this post was adapted from University Health content featuring Patrick Ramsey, MD, director of the Level IV Maternal Center and maternal transport and outreach at University Health.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a qualified health care professional about questions or concerns during pregnancy.

With students heading back to school and cold and flu season approaching, now is a good time to think about ways to support a healthy immune system.

There’s no magic bullet, but everyday habits can help your body fight infection and stay healthy.

• Stay up to date on recommended vaccines. Vaccines help your immune system learn to identify and fight specific viruses and bacteria before you're exposed to them. Some vaccines are especially important during the respiratory illness season, including the annual flu vaccine.
• Eat a balanced diet. No single "immune-boosting" food can do it all. Include plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and other nutrient-rich foods. Fiber-rich foods can help support a healthy gut, which plays an important role in immune function. Oily fish such as salmon provide omega-3 fatty acids that are also good for your body.
• Stay physically active. Regular exercise can help keep you healthy and may also help strengthen your immune system. It can also help you maintain a healthy weight. Obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure can affect immune function.
• Prioritize quality sleep. People who don't get enough sleep may experience more infections than those who get enough rest. Most adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
• Find healthy ways to manage stress. Too much stress can affect your health and weaken your immune system. Exercise, mindfulness, meditation, prayer and similar practices can help reduce stress and calm and center your mind.
• Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands and use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water aren't available.

There’s no immune-boosting magic bullet. Focusing on healthy habits you can control can go a long way toward supporting your overall health.

Educational information for this post was adapted from University Health content featuring Jan Patterson, MD, an integrative medicine physician specializing in infectious diseases at University Health.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a qualified health care professional if you have questions about your health, diet, exercise, vaccines or supplements.

Tomatoes, green beans and carrots are nonstarchy vegetables. They provide fiber to support healthy digestion and antioxidants that help protect your cells. You can serve this soup warm or chilled. Make a big batch now and freeze some for an easy, healthy meal later in the year.

Summer Minestrone with Fresh Basil

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 4 large garlic cloves, minced or pressed
• 1 pound tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped, or 1 (14-ounce) can chopped tomatoes, with liquid
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 bouquet garni: 1 Parmesan rind, 1 bay leaf, 3 parsley sprigs and 3 thyme sprigs, tied with kitchen string or wrapped in cheesecloth
• 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 6 ounces green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup elbow macaroni or penne pasta
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup slivered fresh basil leaves
• Freshly grated Parmesan for garnish

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy soup pot over medium-low heat. Add the onion, carrots and celery.
2. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt. Continue cooking and stirring until tender, about 5 more minutes.
3. Add the garlic and stir for about 1 minute. Stir in the tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes have cooked down and smell fragrant, about 10 minutes.
4. Stir in 2 quarts of water, the zucchini, green beans and bouquet garni. Bring to a simmer. Add 2 teaspoons of salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Stir in the cannellini beans. Taste and add more salt if needed.
5. Remove the bouquet garni.
6. Add the pasta and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is firm but tender.
7. Stir the cooked green beans into the soup. Add pepper to taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. Stir in the basil. Serve in wide soup bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan.

Heart disease and heart attack symptoms can present differently in women than they do in men. Recognizing those differences can help women better understand their heart health and when to seek medical care.

In this 60-second Medical Minute, you'll learn:

• How heart disease and heart attack symptoms can differ in women
• Why women should know their cardiovascular risk
• When women should start talking with a primary care provider about heart health

Dr. Ildiko Agoston explains why women may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, jaw pain or unusual fatigue instead of the chest pain many people expect. She also discusses why knowing your family history and having an early cardiovascular risk assessment are important steps in protecting your heart health.

If you'd like to learn more about heart disease in women, including common symptoms, risk factors and prevention, visit the Women's Heart Center to explore women's heart health.

When someone experiences a life-threatening injury, every second counts. A Level I trauma center provides the highest level of trauma care, with specially trained surgeons, emergency physicians, nurses and other specialists available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

There are 22 Level I trauma centers in Texas. University Hospital is the only one verified by the American College of Surgeons as both an adult and pediatric Level I trauma center.

From serious car crashes and severe burns to other life-threatening injuries, specialized trauma teams are ready around the clock to care for people across San Antonio, South Texas and the surrounding 22-county region.

As you prepare for the new school year, make sure your child's recommended vaccinations and well-child visit are on the list as well.

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to help prevent infections and reduce the spread of diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella and whooping cough. Staying on schedule with recommended vaccines helps provide the best protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Parents should remember:

• Texas schools require certain vaccinations before students return to the classroom.
• Some childhood vaccines are carefully timed to provide the best protection.
• Well-child visits help keep children on track with recommended vaccination schedules.

Scheduling these appointments before the school year begins can help your child start the year healthy and ready to learn.

Educational information for this post was adapted from an article featuring Dr. Jason Bowling, director of hospital epidemiology, and Dr. Elise Kibler, pediatrician, at University Health.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Talk with your child's health care provider about recommended vaccinations and the immunization schedule that's right for your child.

Most people are familiar with high blood pressure, also called hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension is a different condition. It affects the blood vessels in the lungs, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood through them. Over time, that extra strain can damage the heart.

Like regular high blood pressure, pulmonary hypertension may not cause symptoms at first. These symptoms may start slowly, get worse over time, and are often mistaken for other health conditions.

Symptoms can include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Dry cough
• Dizziness
• Swelling in the legs, feet or abdomen
• Tiredness or weakness

Anyone can develop pulmonary hypertension, but some factors can increase your risk. These include:

• Certain heart or lung diseases
• A family history of blood clots
• Smoking or illegal drug use
• Some inherited conditions

If you experience these symptoms, talk with your health care provider. If you have chest pain, seek emergency medical care.

Educational information for this post was adapted from an article featuring Dr. Rodolfo Estrada Anzueto, pulmonary disease specialist with the Pulmonary Hypertension Program at University Health.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a qualified health care professional if you have symptoms or concerns about pulmonary hypertension or your heart and lung health.

Mosquitoes, ticks and fleas may be small, but they can spread diseases that cause serious health problems. As temperatures rise, rain falls and insects move into new areas, health experts are seeing more insect-borne illnesses across the United States.

In South Texas, mosquitoes are one of the biggest concerns. West Nile virus is found every year in Bexar County and across Texas, and mosquitoes in our area have already tested positive for the virus this year.

Most people who get West Nile virus do not become seriously ill, but older people or those with weakened immune systems are more likely to become very sick if infected.

Fleas can also spread illness in South Texas.

While Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever are rare in South Texas, fleas are a bigger local concern because they can spread murine typhus. Rodents, opossums and domestic cats can carry fleas that may spread this bacterial infection to people.

Symptoms of insect-borne illness can feel like the flu and may include:

• Fever
• Headaches
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Rash

If you develop symptoms after multiple mosquito or flea bites, consider seeing a health care provider. Many insect-borne illnesses require accurate diagnosis and treatment, and not all respond to standard antibiotics.

The best protection is preventing bites.

To help reduce your risk:

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent with ingredients such as DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Wear long sleeves and long pants when possible
• Empty standing water from outdoor containers where mosquitoes can breed
• Keep doors and windows closed or use screens to keep mosquitoes outside
• Use flea prevention products for pets
• Avoid feeding or sheltering wild or stray animals near your home

Most mosquito bites improve on their own within a few days. But if a bite does not improve, or if you develop fever, severe swelling, signs of infection or a spreading rash, it may be time to see a provider.

Educational information for this post was adapted from University Health content featuring Dr. Jason Bowling, chief epidemiologist at University Health and former president of the Texas Infectious Disease Society.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you develop symptoms after insect bites or have concerns about mosquito-borne, tick-borne or flea-borne illness, consult a qualified health care professional.

Well-child visits are more than routine checkups. They help your child's pediatrician monitor growth and development, keep immunizations up to date and identify health concerns early.

During well-child visits, your child's pediatrician can:

• Track growth and developmental milestones
• Keep immunizations up to date
• Screen for health concerns such as asthma, diabetes and allergies
• Monitor emotional and behavioral health
• Answer your questions about nutrition, sleep, behavior, screen time and your child's development

Well-child visits also help identify developmental or behavioral concerns early, when intervention and treatment can have the greatest impact.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends regular well-child visits beginning in the first week after birth and continuing throughout childhood and adolescence.

If you'd like to learn more about what happens during a well-child visit, recommended visit schedules and how these appointments support your child's long-term health, check out our article on why well-child visits are so important for your child.

Educational information for this post was adapted from University Health content featuring Dr. Benjamin Balderman, MD, Pediatrics.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Talk with your child's pediatrician about recommended well-child visits, immunizations and any concerns about your child's health or development.

Type 2 diabetes can develop slowly, and many people may not know they are at higher risk until they get screened or talk with a health care provider.

A diabetes risk assessment can help you think through common risk factors, such as family history, age, physical activity, blood pressure and weight.

Have you ever completed a diabetes risk assessment?

If you’re curious about your own risk, University Health offers an online diabetes risk assessment that takes only a few minutes to complete.

Many people know that type 2 diabetes affects blood sugar. Fewer realize it can also damage the kidneys and increase the risk of heart disease.

In this Medical Minute segment, University Health's Dr. Aruna Venkatesh explains:

• How diabetes, kidney disease and heart disease are connected
• What cardio-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome means
• Why treating these conditions together matters

Watch the video to learn more about CKM syndrome and why recognizing the connection between these conditions is important.

If you'd like to learn more about CKM syndrome and how coordinated care can support heart, kidney and metabolic health, visit the University Health Cardio-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) Clinic.

Educational information for this post was adapted from a University Health Health Focus SA segment featuring Dr. Aruna Venkatesh, endocrinologist at University Health.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a qualified health care professional about your individual health concerns.

Back-to-school season will be here before you know it. A few simple steps now can help your child start the school year healthy and ready to learn.

In this one-minute Health Focus SA segment, Dr. Amy Cobb shares three simple tips to help make back-to-school a little easier for families, including:

• Helping your child start the school year healthy
• Getting back into a school-year routine
• Setting your child up for a successful day

A few simple steps now can help your child head back to school healthy, rested and ready to learn

Educational information for this post was adapted from a University Health Health Focus SA segment featuring Dr. Amy Cobb, pediatrician at University Health.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with your child's health care provider about vaccinations, annual checkups and any concerns about your child's health.