From Our Team

Recess before Lunch

Parents, caregivers, and educators inherently seek ways in which we can improve our children’s lives. When it comes to physical activity and nutrition, I am optimistic that we are on the precipice of a period in which new approaches to eating well and being active are discovered that can profoundly improve our children’s quality of life.

For example, emerging research suggests that children eat better at school if they have recess before lunch. My elementary lunchtime memories include visions of a cavernous lunchroom and lime green cafeteria trays. Throughout my elementary years, my…

E-cigarettes and vaping

On March 20th, the City of Socorro tweaked its municipal clean indoor air ordinance, by changing the definition of smoking to include “electronic cigarette or e-cigarette or liquid nicotine.” By doing so, Socorro now prohibits the use of electronic cigarettes in restaurants, bars, and other indoor work environments. This decision makes

Socorro the first municipality in the region to join Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and other cities to treat electronic cigarettes like conventional cigarettes. While many cities are considering this type of change to their existing ordinances, the…

Keep friends and family safe from food poisoning

Spring is in the air and time for picnics and cookouts. While hamburgers, potato salad, grilled meats, and fresh vegetables may all be part of a fun-filled meal, they have something else in common. They can spread bacteria that cause food poisoning, making you, your family, and friends sick. From backyard cookouts and large celebrations to sack lunches and office snacks, make sure you plan well for food safety.

You are able to help keep food and your family safe by following four simple rules: Clean, Separate, Cook and, Chill.

Clean your hands with warm water and soap often….

Concern over the concept of 'Food Deserts'

Over the last few years, there’s been significant concern over the concept of ‘food deserts.’ The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines these as “communities, particularly low-income areas, in which residents do not live in close proximity to affordable and healthy food retailers. Healthy food options in these communities are hard to find or are unaffordable.” In the vernacular, food deserts are neighborhoods without grocery stores, particularly stores that sell fresh produce. Researchers have found an association between low access to grocery stores and poor…

Parenting and Bully Prevention

As the 2014-2015 school year begins, kids are starting off fresh with new opportunities to develop friendships and social networks. This is a special time when life-long connections can form. It can also be an emotionally challenging time. In addition to getting to know teachers and getting familiar with school assignments, parents must be vigilant to prevent childhood bullying.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, bullying is when one child picks on another child repeatedly. Bullying can be physical, verbal, or social. It can happen at school, on the playground, on the…

Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders

Last month, the Board of Directors of the Foundation approved a new initiative titled “REALIZE.”

REALIZE is a cutting edge leadership development experience. The purpose is to inspire good leaders to become transformational leaders for the benefit of the region’s health. From mid-sized health and human service agencies to large government agencies and school districts to private clinical businesses, leaders are key to improving policy, providing services, and promoting wellness for the Paso del Norte region.

The Foundation’s plans for REALIZE to be the most outstanding leadership…

Binge Drinking Has Major Consequences

Before the holidays, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released some new statistics and information about excessive drinking. It may be assumed that excessive alcohol use is associated with alcohol dependence and that most of the societal and health problems associated with alcohol use are from those who are alcohol dependent, or alcoholics. However, nine of ten people who report excessive use of alcohol do not meet the criteria for alcohol dependence. This means most of the societal problems associated with alcohol are caused by people who sometimes drink too much not…

Underage drinking is no minor problem

“I’d rather my teen and her friends drink in my home than drink and drive.” Many well-meaning parents believe that allowing their teenagers and their friends to drink alcohol in their homes is safe and prevents alcohol related car accidents. They may also believe that allowing their teens to drink under adult supervision leads to healthier attitudes about drinking. Recent reports about excessive underage drinking parties as well as new studies about the long-term effects of underage drinking provide compelling reasons to rethink this commonly held belief.

  Sixty percent of Texas...

New reasons to quit smoking

Lent provided good motivation for some smokers to “set their date” and give up smoking. If you are a smoker, you may have fasted from smoking to break the habit. If so, congratulations! If you tried and did not succeed, do not agonize. While a few folks are able to quit on their first attempt, quitting is not easy, and most smokers make multiple quit attempts before stopping completely .

If you smoke and haven’t found your motivation, here are some recent findings that might help. A comprehensive study of health and death records in the United States uncovered some impressive health…

Melanoma Monday

With the bright summer sun soon upon us, the first Monday in May is designated with a menacing name: “Melanoma Monday.” On this day and throughout May, the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Cancer Society (ACS) promote the prevention and early detection of melanoma.

As the most serious form of skin cancer, melanoma is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing cells. Melanomas can appear on the skin suddenly and without warning. Unlike many cancers, melanoma can be cured if detected early.

Knowing your risk factors and communicating them to your…