University Health

02/10/2026

Did you know heart disease is the #1 killer of women in the U.S.?

Many women ignore discomfort that could be a warning sign—often because we’re so busy taking care of everyone else. As Dr. Monika Kapur told KENS 5 & Kens5.com and Jeremy Baker - KENS 5 women are notorious for putting others first and their own health last.

The good news? Prevention really does make a difference. Simple steps like staying active, managing weight and not smoking can help protect your heart. Dr. Kapur stressed getting annual checkups, starting good health habits early and monitoring the changes that menopause can bring.

Learn more and join the American Heart Association Go Red for Women this Wednesday. Let’s take care of ourselves, too. ❤️

Watch the full interview: https://ow.ly/ZIYG50YczJz.

02/09/2026

So, when is the best time to start preventing heart disease? University Health cardiologist Dr. David Cardona Estrada says IT IS NOW – regardless of your age! 😮❤️

You probably know the basics: eat healthy, get exercise, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol. He also recommends having your doctor check heart health by age 40 – earlier if you have a family history of heart disease.

During this American Heart Month take another step and learn more about what you can do to take care of your heart: https://ow.ly/MjkG50YbZF4.

02/07/2026

Happy National Wear Red Day! 🌹 Today, University Health is joining the American Heart Association's “Go Red for Women” movement to raise awareness about women's heart health.

Heart disease affects women differently than men and symptoms can often be subtle—like fatigue, shortness of breath or jaw pain. By wearing red today, we are reminding the women in our lives to:

✅ Schedule a heart check-up
✅ Regularly monitor blood pressure
✅ Prioritize movement and stress relief

Drop a ❤️ in the comments if you’re wearing red today! Let’s spread the word and save lives together.

02/05/2026

We’re excited to see University Health Vida in the February issue of San Antonio Medicine. This new three-story, 60,000-square-foot health center on the University Health Palo Alto Campus is expanding access to care in South Bexar County.

University Health Vida brings together primary, urgent and multispecialty care, mental health services and the Institute for Public Health to support healthier communities through health care, education, programs and partnerships.

Thanks to the Bexar County Medical Society for sharing our story!

University Health Vida brings comprehensive healthcare closer to home. The three-story facility, located on Jaguar Parkway across from Texas A&M University-San Antonio, will also house the Institute for Public Health – a University Health initiative to advance health equity and community wellness in Bexar County.

Learn more: https://bcms.org/SAM/2026/SamFeb2026/mobile/index.html =30

02/05/2026

A New Year, a new life! 🌟🙏

For Linda Lee, the start of 2024 wasn’t just the start of a calendar year—it was the day she received a life-saving lung transplant at the University Health Transplant Institute.

Before her transplant, simple joys like talking and laughing felt impossible due to pulmonary fibrosis. After being told “everything looked fine” elsewhere, Linda finally found the specialized care she needed with Dr. Holly Keyt, medical director of lung transplantation, and our expert transplant team.

Why it matters:
- Pulmonary fibrosis causes lung tissue to thicken, making breathing difficult.
- For many, a transplant isn’t just a surgery; it’s a second chance at quality of life.
- University Health offers shorter wait times than the national average, getting patients like Linda the help they need, faster.

Today, Linda is grounded in gratitude and strength. Her recovery hasn’t been without challenges, but her message remains simple: “Be kind.”

Read more about Linda’s journey and how our world-class transplant program is changing lives in South Texas: https://ow.ly/GMXE50Y92U8.

02/02/2026

We have some heart-warming news to share! University Health has officially earned South Texas’ first accreditation for adult congenital heart care from the Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA). 🏆

What does this mean for you and your loved ones? Dr. Pankaj Madan, medical director of the University Health Adult Congenital Cardiology team, puts it best: "This gives patients and families confidence they can receive advanced care close to home instead of traveling outside of San Antonio."

With nearly 2 million adults in the U.S. living with congenital heart defects (CHD), specialized follow-up care is a lifelong journey. We are honored to be the team walking that path alongside our patients, providing the advanced tests, procedures and support they deserve.

Help us celebrate our dedicated heart team in the comments! 👇

01/31/2026

Stay active, strong and confident right from home! Try these three easy exercises, using little to no equipment! 💪 😄

Push: Stand an arm’s length from a wall and use your arms to gently push your body away.
➡️ Great for arms, chest and shoulders.

Pull: Using light weights or two 16 oz. water bottles. Lower your arms down toward your feet then pull your elbows up toward the ceiling.
➡️ Supports joint health and arm strength.

Lift: Begin seated, then lean slightly forward and stand up tall until fully upright.
➡️ Helps strengthen legs and improve balance.

⏰ Try each move for 30–60 seconds, rest and repeat.

Want more healthy tips? Reach out to our team to help YOU reach your fitness goals: https://ow.ly/NClM50Y6E3u.

01/29/2026

This month, our community made a truly lifesaving impact in support of .🩸

Because blood donations tend to decrease in January as a result of cold weather and flu season, your contributions are especially impactful. In partnership with KSAT 12 & KSAT.com Community, we united to raise awareness for the need of blood donations.

Without your generous donations, we would not be able to serve the thousands of patients who need blood donations at our Level I trauma center each month. By donating blood, you’re helping provide lifesaving support to those who need it most! ❤️

Schedule your appointment today: DonateBloodToday.com.

01/26/2026

What does it take to be named to an elite list of the nation’s chief nursing officers? It takes the talent, skill and dedication of our Chief Nurse Executive Dina Pérez-Graham.

Becker's Hospital Review has named Dina to their select list citing her ability to create an environment where nurses want to work – we have a vacancy rate of less than 2% at a time nurses are in high demand. Under her leadership our nurses have earned numerous recognitions for excellent patient care and helped us achieve our fifth consecutive Leapfrog “A” grade for patient safety.

One coworker who contributed to her nomination said: “I think her compassion and passion are the thing that really impress me most.”

Congratulations, Dina! We are proud to work with you. 👏

01/25/2026

Update on inclement weather:

All University Health facilities, Community Clinics, including ExpressMed and Pharmacies are scheduled to resume their regular operating hours tomorrow, Monday, Jan. 26.

Thank you for your patience as we prioritize the safety of our community and team members.

We will continue to share updates on our social media channels as more weather information becomes available.

Please visit UniversityHealth.com/Weather for additional details.

All University Health facilities, Community Clinics, including ExpressMed and Pharmacies are scheduled to resume their regular operating hours tomorrow, Monday, Jan. 26.  Thank you for your patience as we prioritize the safety of our community and team members.

01/24/2026

For the safety of all, University Health is making some changes ahead of the expected inclement weather:

All University Health Community Clinics, including ExpressMed and Pharmacies, will close at 6 p.m. today, Jan. 24, and reopen tomorrow, Jan. 25, at noon.

We will continue to provide updates on our social media channels as more weather information becomes available.

Please visit UniversityHealth.com/Crisis for additional info.

01/24/2026

February 2021 was a stark reminder of how harsh a South Texas winter can actually get. With over 346,000 neighbors without power during that historic storm, many turned to generators and outdoor heaters to stay warm.

Your safety is our priority, so as the temperatures drop, keep these life-saving tips in mind:

🏠 Carbon monoxide: You can’t see it, smell it or taste it. Never use gas grills, ovens or cars inside a garage to stay warm. Ensure your carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries today!

🏥 Know where to go: Slip-and-falls, frostbite and hypothermia are common during freezes. If you notice white/waxy skin (frostbite) or confusion and slurred speech (hypothermia), head to the nearest emergency room.

Let’s look out for one another. Check on your elderly neighbors and remember the 4 Ps: People, pets, pipes and plants. ❤️

Read our full blog on winter preparedness here: https://ow.ly/orcS50Y0VM9.

01/23/2026

We are answering the call for more health care on the South Side. ❤️ We had an amazing morning celebrating the grand opening of University Health Vida alongside Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores and our South Side leaders. Located at 3611 Jaguar Parkway, University Health Vida is a major milestone in our historic expansion plan. No more long drives for essential care!

Vida offers:

✅ Urgent care (open 7 days a week!)
✅ Primary care and behavioral health for adults and teens
✅ Women’s health, prenatal care and specialty care—including endocrinology, diabetes specialists and cardiology
✅ Pharmacy (with curbside pick-up), lab and imaging services
✅ The Institute for Public Health—plus community spaces to host classes, services, meetings and more

While we were excited to welcome everyone again this weekend for our Community Open House and Health Fair, we will be postponing the event to keep everyone safe out of an abundance of caution due to the icy weather forecast. A new date will be coming soon!

Share this post to help us spread the word about this high-quality medical care now available right here on the South Side. Learn more about all the services we provide at this location: https://ow.ly/poYJ50Y22Xi.

01/21/2026

It’s amazing to see vision become reality. For months, many of you watched as we laid the foundation, raised the walls and installed breathtaking artwork at our new University Health Vida on Jaguar Parkway. Keep an eye on that exterior wall —seeing a special, tile design take shape is a powerful reminder that this space belongs to YOU! ❤️

Commissioned by our University Health SaludArte: Art of Healing Program, South Side artist Louis Vega Treviño created a large grid ceramic architectural installation on the exterior of the Vida building. His work encourages viewers to consider the potential for creativity in unexpected places.

Vida is open, offering 7-day-a-week urgent care, pharmacy services and behavioral health right where it’s needed most. We wanted this building to feel like home and we can’t wait for you to step inside.

Come see what we built together and meet the medical team at Vida! Bring the whole family to our free Community Open House and Health Fair this Sunday, January 25, from 1-4 p.m. We can’t wait to show you around.

01/19/2026

There’s nothing quite like the energy of San Antonio on MLK Day. 🕊️🙌

We were honored to march alongside you today in what continues to be the largest MLK March in the country! Seeing our community come together to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we move forward as one.

At University Health, his vision fuels our mission every single day. We don't just provide care; we strive to provide equitable care—ensuring that every member of our community, regardless of their background, has access to a healthier life.

Thank you, San Antonio, for showing the world what unity looks like.

01/16/2026

When Rene was diagnosed with severe liver disease in 2017, he didn't just lose his health; he had to leave the career he had dedicated 20 years to. But between the incredible support of the University Health Transplant Institute and the life-saving gift of a liver from his donor, Amber, Rene was given a second chance on January 2019.

Recovery wasn't easy, but Rene faced it with a simple mantra: "It gets better. Just take it one day at a time." 💙

Beyond celebrating a new year and his 7th transplant anniversary, Rene is celebrating nearly eight years of sobriety and the joy of watching his sons thrive. He’s turned his gratitude into action by volunteering for the transplant community and serving as a substitute coach, proving that a "second act" can be the most rewarding one yet.

Rene’s story reminds us all to take it one day at a time and cherish the moments that matter most. Learn how you, too, could save a life by being a living donor: https://ow.ly/OP6v50XY5jN.

01/15/2026

We are transforming young lives, one surgery at a time. University Health and Fresh Start Surgical Gifts are back for another Surgery Weekend on February 7–8! We are providing specialized reconstructive surgery at NO COST to children and infants in need. ❤️

From correcting congenital conditions to post-trauma care, our team of pediatric specialists is here to help your child start their next chapter with a smile.

📍When: Feb. 7–8
📝How to apply: It’s simple! Visit this link to see if your child qualifies: www.freshstart.org/about-us/apply-for-help/.

Know someone who could benefit from this initiative? Please tag a parent or share this post to help us reach them! 🕊️

01/14/2026

A new study confirms what we've always known: University Health is a vital part of San Antonio's well-being—in more ways than one! 🏥❤️

Beyond providing top-quality care to everyone, University Health is also an economic force. As the only locally owned health system in our community, all decisions happen right here in Bexar County and every dollar saved is reinvested back into our community.

What does this mean for you and your family? 🤔
- Expanded access: Our new hospitals and clinics are bringing much-needed care to growing and underserved areas.
- Local jobs: We are the largest and fastest-growing local health care employer.
- Public funding: The percent of our budget funded through local property taxes is going down again this year.
- Future of care: As the region's only academic medical center, we train future doctors and medical professionals so the most advanced specialty care is available close to home.

We are proud to be strategic stewards of your trust and our mission, committed to caring for our community and powering our local economy. Read for more details: https://ow.ly/emuC50XVRSi.

01/12/2026

A family that gives together, saves lives together. 🩸✨

For many years, Erin Rodriguez watched her father selflessly donate 10 gallons of blood. Inspired by his example, she made a commitment to give back - and she just reached her own meaningful 1-gallon milestone!

By leading the way, Erin inspired her entire family to donate too, turning one powerful act into a ripple of lifesaving impact. From grandparent to grandchild, this family proudly spans three generations of blood donors helping save lives.

One donation takes less than an hour but can save three lives. Help us keep our community healthy by scheduling your appointment at DonateBloodToday.com.