UCI Health

How can you reduce your risk of infection during summer travel or before important events? In the latest episode of Live Well with UCI Health, Dr. Susan Huang discusses evidence-based strategies for preventing cold viruses before and during travel, including airports, airplanes, hotels, cruise ships and crowded gatherings. Dr. Huang serves as Medical Director of Epidemiology & Infection Prevention at UCI Health and is internationally recognized for her work combating multidrug-resistant organisms and developing infection prevention protocols implemented around the world. The conversation explores respiratory virus prevention, antibiotic stewardship, public health, infection control and practical strategies for reducing exposure risk while traveling. Watch or listen to the full podcast at ucihealth.org/podcast

Just in time for Kangaroo Care Week, our very own marsupial friend stopped by the UCI Health Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), paying a visit to newborns and their parents to raise awareness of the importance of skin-to-skin contact. The physical, psychological and emotional benefits for both child and mother (as well as fellow family members) of skin-to-skin bonding cannot be overstated. To learn more about skin-to-skin contact, please visit https://bit.ly/4dw6QZ0 Video description: A person in a kangaroo costume and other hospital workers visit newborns and parents at the UCI Health Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), handing out baby kangaroo toys and taking photos with the families.

For more than a decade, UCI Health gynecologist Anjali Y. Hari, MD, has worked with clinicians in Tanzania to build a sustainable partnership between UC Irvine School of Medicine and the Bugando Medical Center focused on OB/GYN training and research. Read more about their story at our Live Well Blog: https://bit.ly/42X9jH7

UCI Health proudly participated in the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Take Steps Walk, supporting awareness, advocacy and innovation for inflammatory bowel disease. At the UCI Health Chao Digestive Health Institute, our multidisciplinary team of nationally recognized specialists in gastroenterology, hepatology and surgery collaborates to deliver comprehensive care for patients with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and other complex digestive disorders. Through ongoing research and clinical trials, we are advancing new drug and biologic therapies, diagnostic biomarkers and long-term strategies that help expand access to promising treatment options and shape the future of digestive health care.

Transitioning from pediatric to adult IBD care? UCI Health is here to help. Join UCI Health on World IBD Day for an interactive open house designed for young adults transitioning from pediatric to adult IBD care. • Meet the IBD care team • Tour the clinic • Learn what to expect • Ask questions in a supportive environment May 19, 5:30–7:30 p.m. at 101 The City Drive South, Building 22C, Orange, CA 92868 Register at https://bit.ly/4wzI82t

UCI Health was proud to celebrate Nurses Week 2026. Co-workers across all UCI Health locations came out to recognize nurses for their hard work and dedication, while Nursing Excellence ceremonies were held at UCI Health — Irvine and UCI Health — Orange for those who went above and beyond. On behalf of UCI Health, thank you to nurses everywhere. Image descriptions: 1. A group of UCI Health nurses seated outdoors, some clapping and others taking photos with smartphones during the Nurse's Excellence ceremony at UCI Health - Irvine. 2. Representatives of UCI Health executive and nursing leadership poses in front of a backdrop with the UCI Health logo. 3. Two UCI Health nurses preparing shaved ice treats at a stall at the lawn at UCI Health - Orange. 4. Two UCI Health nurses stand by a popcorn machine under a blue canopy at a Nurses Week event at UCI Health - Orange. 5. A UCI Health Nurse's Honor Guard member, in cap and gown, standing near a display board under a canopy. The board is titled "Nurses Honoring Nurses" and features a group photo of nurses in historical attire, along with text and a QR code. 6. Two UCI Health nurses exchanging a bouquet and a trophy, standing in front of colorful star-shaped balloons on stage at the Nurse's Excellence ceremony in a conference room at UCI Health - Orange. 7. A person holding a glass award inscribed with "2026 Nursing Excellence Award honoring Sheela Patel, Ambulatory Nurse of the Year, UCI Health." 8. A group of UCI Health co-workers in medical scrubs and hairnets standing in line at a buffet table outdoors at UCI Health - Placentia Linda. 9. Banner featuring a healthcare theme with symbols like a stethoscope, ambulance, and medical cross. The text reads, "Thank You Nurses. We appreciate all that you do! Dedication and hard work! Happy National Nurses Week!

For #NursesWeek, UCI Health nurses gathered on the lawn in front of UCI Douglas Hospital at UCI Health — Orange for Dissemination Day. Presenters spoke about research they conducted on various topics related to their day-to-day work, all in the name of improving outcomes for both patients and co-workers. The event highlighted the knowledge and dedication of our nurses, which often extends beyond the hospital.

Support the fight against cancer on #NationalCancerResearchMonth! When you ride, run or walk in the UC Irvine Anti-Cancer Challenge, 100% of your contribution directly funds cancer research at the UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. Learn more at anti-cancerchallenge.org Image description: The UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center building. Text reads: "UC Irvine Anti-Cancer Challenge. Every participant-raised dollar directly funds pilot studies and early phase clinical trials to save lives."

UCI Health was proud to sponsor the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Luncheon event during Women’s Health Month 2026. Guest speaker Dr. Afshan Hameed, a UCI Health cardiologist and maternal-fetal medicine specialist discusses the importance of bringing awareness of preventative care to women’s cardiovascular health. Take control of your heart health by visiting our women’s heart services page at https://bit.ly/3PrlecS

When a blood clot cuts off life-giving oxygen to the brain during a stroke, up to two million brain cells can be destroyed per minute. Ischemic strokes — by far the most common type — strike fast and every minute counts to get care that reduces the risk of lasting disability or death, says vascular neurologist Dr. Mohammad Shafie, associate director of the UCI Health Comprehensive Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center. “The longer the blockage lasts, the greater the damage,” he says. “That's why it's critical to get medical help as quickly as possible when signs and symptoms appear. Learn the BE FAST acronym and help save lives! https://bit.ly/4db3XN4