From Our Team

Tobacco Use Among Youth

Taking those first few puffs, I felt like my insides were on fire. But after trying smoking a few more times, the feeling turned from bad to good…so I thought. Today, I smoke at least a pack of cigarettes a day and can’t stop. I have tried several time to quit, but just can’t.

These are familiar words that teens are expressing about their experience with smoking. Smoking is addictive and causes serious health problems. Three-quarters of young people who use tobacco daily continue to do so because they find it hard to quit. The American Lung Association estimates that every minute…

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…

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…

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…

Flu Shots: Prevention for Healthy Holidays

Autumn, my favorite season of the year, is now in full swing. Cooler weather and UTEP football games are welcome reminders that the holiday season is coming soon. While we’re a long distance from New England’s illustrious fall foliage, a few of our local trees’ leaves are even turning yellow, orange, and brown. And … it’s also the time for an important but less glorious ritual, the annual flu vaccine.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourage everyone older than six months of age to get the seasonal flu vaccine. Covering your cough and washing your hands are…

American Heart Month

Since 1963, United States Presidents annually have issued a proclamation designating February as “American Heart Month.” For me, this year’s American Heart Month hits a little closer to home than it has in past years. Over the last nine months, my father had a heart attack and a number of procedures leading to a triple bypass. His health is now stable. Nonetheless, the series of events reminds me of my own genetic vulnerability.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. The most common heart disease in the United States is…