From Our Team

Online Safety Tips

My daughter asks “Dad, what time is dinner?” “In about half an hour, I respond.” This sounds like a common home exchange. One major difference is that today I’m using my smart phone to respond to my daughter’s question even though she is in the next room. As parents it is hard to make decisions on how much access to technology children should have. While we may fear the unknown online world, we must overcome and educate ourselves to maintain a healthful connection with our kids. School groups, band and athletic programs, even the National Honor Society all have connections through social…

Preventing isolation for mental and emotional well-being

As the holiday season moves into full swing, shifting focus to family and helping your neighbor can be emotionally beneficial. However, for some the hype, commercialization, and nostalgia of the holiday season brings added stress which can lead to problems with anxiety and depression. These are times when family and community support can make a huge difference.

Children, youth and adults all experience life events that can create symptoms of mental illness such as anxiety or depression. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 1 in 5 American…

The Importance of Sleep

Two weeks ago, my wife and I are celebrated the birth of our son. Two weeks into parenthood and I’ve had much opportunity to ponder the value of sleep. Apparently, I’m not alone. Many El Pasoans do not get enough sleep on a regular basis. A 2008 study conducted by the Texas Department of State Health Services found that 45% of El Paso adults did not get enough sleep on five or more nights in the last month.

It is easy to take for granted the many benefits sleep contributes to our health and well-being. Sleep affects our mood and ability to cope with stress and frustration. Adequate sleep…

Avoiding the Mental Illness Stigma

We talk about mental health and physical health as if they were two different parts of the human body. The truth is physical health is interconnected and cannot be separated from the body’s mental health. When we have a cold or cut, we tend to seek advice from family, friends, or healthcare providers. Unfortunately, mental illness is not as willingly discussed. Stigma, or the perception that having mental illness is socially unacceptable, is one major reason people avoid talking about mental illness. The burden of mental illness in the United States is among the highest of all diseases….

Protect your hearing

Listening to music reminds me of some of the most relaxing and inspiring times in my life. When I was younger I remember going to concerts where the music was so loud all I could hear was ringing in my ears for hours after. Some might remember the days when your options were a radio or tape player the size of a large handbag with a single earphone to listen to music. Today, there are a wide range of options. New technologies allow portable, almost unlimited music storage and battery life. It is concerning that today’s children and youth are listening more than twice as long as previous…

Parents are First Sex Educators

Recent reports indicate that kids 14 to 17 years of age are engaging in sexual activity. Is your son or daughter having sex? Parents, if you’re not talking with your kids about dating, relationships, and sex – now is the time to start. The Paso del Norte Region, which includes El Paso County, has a high rate of teenage pregnancy and high rates of live births to teens. Studies show that 82% of teen pregnancies are unplanned and teenage mothers are more likely to drop out of school. Only about one-third obtain a high school diploma.

While discussing sexuality with your child may not be…

Helping Traumatized Individuals

Every day I think of the Cd. Juárez residents, (especially the children) who are experiencing levels of violence that are difficult for me to comprehend. As friends, family, and neighbors, we need to find ways to assist our sister city. The Paso del Norte Health Foundation is committed to finding creative strategies to help our border residents. Today, we are granting funds to organizations in El Paso and Juárez to work with victims of violence by training professionals to counsel traumatized individuals. Therapists on both sides of the border share with us stories of individual children…