Tag Archives: FifthWard

Lack of affordable housing hurting health of Texas children

By Jenny Deam, Houston Chronicle Reporter A majority of poor children in Texas live in families where more than half of the household income goes to housing, straining budgets and creating a ripple effect that ultimately damages their health, a new national study found. This often unseen poverty has far-reaching and interconnected consequences as families …

Warmer spring months can trigger eczema flare-ups

By Carolina Boyd It is officially spring! Warmer temperatures and flowers in bloom across Texas are certainly welcome. However, this time of year can create dread for those who suffer from eczema. Eczema is an inflamed, itchy, red skin rash that tends to occur on the inner part of the elbows, behind the knees, back …

Dental sealants can protect your children’s teeth

Tooth decay is the leading chronic illness among school-age children in Texas. According to the Texas Health Institute, nearly 6 out of 10 Texas children have a history of dental decay and more than 25 percent have untreated decay. That is why it is important that children develop good oral health habits from an early …

Springtime could mean spring allergies for your child

By Carolina Boyd That yellow pollen on your car is one of the first signs that spring has sprung in the Houston area. This time of the year also means the start of spring allergy season for your little ones. The symptoms are hard to miss in your child: runny nose, sneezing, congestion, coughing, itchy …

Breastfeeding Your Baby: Frequently Asked Questions

When you are a new mom, breastfeeding can bring its share of questions. We are answering five of the most common breastfeeding questions that come up. How long should I breastfeed my baby? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of a baby’s life. You should then continue breastfeeding …

Tackling childhood obesity in the Houston area

By Carolina Boyd Childhood obesity is one of the more pressing health concerns facing the Houston and Harris County area. According to the Houston Department of Health and Human Services, thirty-four percent of Houston’s children (age 12 and over) are overweight or obese. The problem is often rooted in the lifestyles of families. Poor food …

Healthy Eating During Pregnancy

By Sean Barrett, Registered Dietitian If you’re pregnant, “eating for two” doesn’t mean eating more than necessary, what matters is if the food is healthy. The caloric needs of an expecting mom will change throughout her pregnancy. Extra calories are not required during a woman’s first trimester. During the second trimester, only an additional 340 …

Dealing with a Urinary Tract Infection

By Carolina Boyd Every year urinary tract infections (UTIs) lead to more than 8 million visits to health care providers in the United States.  For women, the chance of developing a UTI is especially high.  Women have shorter urethras, which allow bacteria quick access to the bladder, causing an infection. To identify a UTI, keep …

Heart Health Begins Early in Life

By Carolina Boyd Heart disease sounds like a very adult medical issue, but it begins as early as the childhood and adolescent years. An estimated 1.3 million youths in the United States between the ages of 12 – 19 have hypertension. High blood pressure, in addition to elevated cholesterol levels and obesity, are conditions linked …

Get to know your Legacy community pharmacist

At Legacy, our pharmacists pick up a patient’s care where the doctor left off. Beyond filling prescriptions, they ensure people adhere to their medications, and do so safely. They provide blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, immunizations and one-on-one medication therapy counseling. Most importantly, our pharmacists strive to provide personalized care to everyone who walks …