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Physicians to Address Care Issues at 14th Border Health Conference - 08/15/2019

Top physicians and other health care leaders will meet in Laredo, Texas, to discuss critical health care needs and the challenges that face communities along the U.S.-Mexico border, during the 14th Annual Border Health Conference.

Conference to Explore Border Health Challenges - 08/15/2019

At the convergence of two countries and two cultures, Texas’ border with Mexico has unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to health care.But what are those challenges, and how can the opportunities there be used to overcome them? Explore those questions and more at the 14th annual Border Health Conference, scheduled for Aug. 22 at the La Posada Hotel in Laredo.

A Qualitative Approach to Understanding HIV-Related Stress in Texas - 08/14/2019

Much of the southern United States is characterized by unique social, structural, and political systems that may relate to increased stress and poor health outcomes for those living with HIV. Notably, research indicates that Texas has higher survival rates for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) than general southern trends, which might suggest that Texans living with HIV experience HIV-related stressors and coping strategies influential to health differently than those living elsewhere in the South. This study used grounded theory and semi-structured interviews to increase understanding of HIV-related stress in Texas. Participants (N=20) were 12 people living with HIV in Texas and 8 HIV-care providers in Texas. Results indicated 5 emergent stress-related themes: housing strain, substance use, limited financial abilities, relationship dynamics, and internal pressures and psychosocial resiliency. Results also highlighted some of the potential...

Report Positions TMA Response to Firearms Violence - 08/13/2019

“The physicians of Texas continue to grieve with our fellow Texans over yet another heinous episode of gun violence,” Texas Medical Association President David C. Fleeger, MD, said. “This is more than a public safety problem – this is a public health crisis. Thus, it will require public health type solutions.”

Migrants in Texas Detention Centers Need Basic Care, TMA President Says - 08/12/2019

Migrant parents and children housed in Texas detention centers must have access to basic necessities, including sufficient food, clean water, clean beds, and health and educational services. That is the message of a letter sent last week to state leaders and Texas lawmakers from several organizations, including the Texas Medical Association.

Talk to Patients About: Hib - 08/12/2019

Talk to your patients about Haemophilus influenzae type b – or Hib, which, despite its name, does not cause influenza. However, Hib causes several severe illnesses, particularly meningitis, mostly in children younger than 5.

Baylor Scott & White Health to Host its First Walk With a Doc Texas Event - 08/05/2019

Killeen residents of all ages are encouraged to lace up their walking shoes and join Joshua Kilpatrick, MD, of Baylor Scott & White Health for the hospital’s first Killeen Walk With a Doc (WWAD) Texas event.

Embee Lifestyle Docs to Host Its First Walk With a Doc Texas Event - 08/05/2019

Bellaire residents of all ages are encouraged to lace up their walking shoes and join Bandana Chawla, MD, and Munish Chawla, MD, of Embee Lifestyle Docs for the clinic’s first Bellaire Walk With a Doc (WWAD) Texas event.

AIMing to Save Lives: More Standardized Care Could Bring Down Texas' Maternal Death Rate - 08/02/2019

Texas’ maternal death rate is still high, and public health officials are betting that more standardized care will bring it down with guidelines set up by the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM).

What’s Killing Texans? Fixing Texas' System for Tracking Deaths - 08/02/2019

Distorted death statistics inaccurately portray how people are dying, with significant public health implications. System changes and physician education could help.

Keeping Kids Safe in and Around the Water: New AAP Guidelines - 08/02/2019

Drowning is the leading cause of death in children 1-4 years of age, and is the second leading cause of death in children under 14. In the March 2019 issue of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published a revised policy statement on “Prevention of Drowning.”

Firearms Safety: A Growing Public Health Threat - 08/02/2019

Michael Bagg was bothered by how his fellow students at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth in Houston reacted to the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, which killed 58 people. He started talking with a classmate about ways to address firearms that would improve safety while also respecting the rights of gun owners. Together, they came up with a preclinical curriculum for an elective class on firearms safety that has been taught at the school for the past two years. The course, which more than 100 students have attended, addresses topics such as the treatment of injuries and threat identification.

Public Health: Tobacco Triumph - 08/02/2019

Texas physicians got the kind of huge win on tobacco issues they haven’t seen in decades – a law to keep tobacco products away from young people.

Vaccinations Available for Tarrant County Kids, Adults - 08/01/2019

Uninsured and underinsured Tarrant County residents can get low-cost vaccinations to prepare for school, and to prevent harmful and potentially deadly diseases. The Texas Medical Association’s (TMA’s) Be Wise – ImmunizeSM program will join efforts with the Immunization Collaboration of Tarrant County (ICTC) to provide vaccinations to local kids, as well as adults.

Keep Hib Germs Away: Vaccination Can Prevent Serious Childhood Illness - 08/01/2019

Many things aren’t harmful until they are. This applies to the Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) bacteria: It typically can live in our noses and throats without causing harm, but if Hib moves to other parts of the body, it can cause serious illness or even death.

Brownsville Medical Alliance to Host its First Walk With a Doc Texas Event - 07/30/2019

Brownsville residents of all ages are encouraged to lace up their walking shoes and join Bradley W. Nordyke, MD, of Brownsville Medical Alliance for the clinic’s first Brownsville Walk With a Doc (WWAD) Texas event.

Montgomery County Kids to Receive School Vaccinations - 07/29/2019

Montgomery County incoming schoolchildren can get free vaccinations at the Don’t Miss the Bus back-to-school event. Area kindergartners through 12th-graders can get a well check, along with vaccinations required for school to prevent harmful and potentially deadly diseases.

Vote for Prop. 6 in November to Save Lives - 07/24/2019

Please mark your calendar for Nov. 5 to vote AGAINST cancer and FOR saving Texans’ lives. Physicians of the Texas Medical Association and members of the Texas Public Health Coalition urge everyone to VOTE FOR Proposition 6 on the November Texas ballot to continue to fund the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT)

Maple Primary Care to Host First Anniversary Walk With a Doc Texas Event Sunday - 07/22/2019

 Farmers Branch residents of all ages are encouraged to lace up their walking shoes and join Manvinder Kainth, MD, and colleagues from Maple Primary Care for Farmer’s Branch’s first anniversary Walk With a Doc (WWAD) Texas event.

Measles Update: 17 Cases in 12 Texas Counties in 2019 - 07/18/2019

Public health officials are investigating two reported cases of measles in El Paso, bringing the state's total to 17 cases since the beginning of 2019.

What if Someone Walks Into My Office With Ebola? - 07/18/2019

How do I protect my patients and staff if someone presents with symptoms of Ebola and similar infections?

CDC Releases Updated Ebola Monitoring Protocol - 07/18/2019

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was expected to release new guidance on monitoring travelers from Liberia to the United States for potential Ebola infection. With the World Health Organization's designation of Liberia as "Ebola free" in May, CDC has developed a "step-down" screening protocol for low-risk travelers to the United States from Liberia.

Hard Hats for Little Heads Event Ideas - 07/18/2019

Ideas for a Successful Event

Newborn X-ALD Screening: What You Need to Know - 07/18/2019

If you don't know about adrenoleukodystrophy, or if you just want more information about ALD, including the newborn screening follow-up process and how to confirm diagnosis and treatment for X-ALD, be sure to attend a webinar presented by the Department of State Health Services scheduled for 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 31.

Texas Losing Ground in Disease-Prevention Battle, Physicians Warn - 07/17/2019

Some Texas physicians say the anti-vaccination movement is creating skepticism that could undermine the state’s ability to prevent a widespread disease outbreak. The state has fended off outbreaks in the past because a majority of Texans are vaccinated, but soaring vaccine exemptions could leave Texans vulnerable.