2007
December 2007
Dec 23, 2007: A&M maps out health
Families living in Bryan and College Station don't have to drive far for food. There are scads of grocers, restaurants and convenience stores -- and many offer relatively healthful options. But that isn't necessarily the case in the more rural communities of the Brazos Valley.
Dec 23, 2007: Diabetes a substantial struggle for rural poor
As a registered nurse, Jane Bolin knows it's not uncommon in poor, rural areas for residents to walk into their doctor's office with a blood-sugar level more than five times the normal range.
An elevated blood-sugar level is a clear sign of diabetes, said Bolin, associate professor and director of the Southwest Rural Health Research Center within the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health.
Dec 12, 2007: HSC-SRPH researcher finds disparty in physician, elderly discussion of mental health issues
A researcher at the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of RuralPublic Health and her colleagues have uncovered an alarming disparityin the time elderly patients and their primary care physicians spenddiscussing mental health issues.
Dec 12, 2007:HSC-SRPH Dr. Ory named newest HSC Regents Professor
Marcia G. Ory, Ph.D., M.P.H., professor of social and behavioral healthat the School of Rural Public Health, is the Texas A&M HealthScience Center’s latest recipient of the prestigious Regents ProfessorAward. Dr. Ory received the award at the Dec. 6 meeting of the Texas A&MUniversity System Board of Regents. In all, seven A&M Systemfaculty members were designated Regents Professors for 2006-07.
November 2007
Nov 16, 2007: Texas A&M HSC-SRPH Researcher Finds List of “Model” Substance Abuse Prevention Programs Lacking
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)maintains a list of model substance abuse prevention programs suitablefor public education settings. Dr. Dennis Gorman, professor at TexasA&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health (HSC-SRPH),examined the research behind these model programs and found the list of"model" programs really may not be a model.
Nov 13, 2007: Study seeks to shed light on fertility
Does eating fish possibly hurt a couple's chances for conception? That's what a study at Texas A&M is investigating among other things, KPRC Local 2 reported. The Longitudinal Investigation of Fertility of Life Study is the first time researchers have focused on the effects of environmental exposures prior to conception.
Nov 9, 2007: SRPH student coordinates dental sealant project at John C. Webber Elementary
Mr. Joseph Abraham, a student at the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health, is coordinating a dental sealant project at John C. Webb Elementary School in Navasota, TX on November 9 from 8:15-11 a.m. and 12-3 p.m. Mr. Abraham, a formally trained dentist from India, is leading the project as part of his practicum for his master of public health degree. Ms. Laura Windwehen is the preceptor for the project.
Nov 2, 2007: HSC-SRPH founding dean Dr. Sumaya to be honored by HRSA
Ciro V. Sumaya, M.D., M.P.H.T.M., dean of the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health, is one of five former Health Resources and Services Administration administrators invited to participate in the first HRSA Administrators Forum.
Nov 2, 2007: HSC-SRPH Dr. Gamm Recieves ACHE Regent's Award
Dr. Larry Gamm, head and professor of the Department of Health Policy and Management at the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health, received the Regent’s Award from the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) at the October 16th Texas Hospital Association Leadership Conference.
Nov 2, 2007: HSC-SRPH Dr. Phillips appointed to Frew Advisory Committee
Dr. Charles Phillips, professor at the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health, recently was appointed to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission Frew Advisory Committee byCommissioner Albert Hawkins.
September 2007
Sep 28, 2007: Texas A&M HSC-SRPH Sponsors Mr. Quint Studer Health Care Improvement Presentation
Due to the efforts of Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health (HSC-SRPH) students, nationally renowned health-system transformation leader and author Mr. Quint Studer spoke for the first time at a university-sponsored conference. The author of Hardwiring Excellence spoke free of charge on Friday, September 21. Over 200 medical professionals from throughout Texas attended the conference hosted by the School and the St. Joseph Regional Health Center.
Sep 28, 2007: New Educational Campaign Highlights Importance of Influenza Vaccine
Spread the Word - NOT the Flu! is a new educational program designed to teach students and their families about the seriousness of influenza and the importance of receiving an annual vaccination. Through this program, children can make a difference by helping their families and communities learn about influenza prevention. Spread the Word - NOT the Flu! is a national program launched today by Novartis Vaccines, together with Families Fighting Flu, Inc, a non-profit organization that provides support to all families affected by childhood influenza-related deaths, and Weekly Reader Corporation Custom Publishing.
Sep 27, 2007: HSC-SRPH involved in new Hispanic elders initiative in Lower Rio Grande Valley
The Lower Rio Grande Valley is one of eight sites in the United States recently selected for a new Hispanic Aging Initiative by the Departmentof Health and Human Services and Agency for Healthcare Research andQuality.
The Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health will provide program assistance for the Valley counties of Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy. Nelda Mier, Ph.D., assistant professor in the HSC-SRPH, leads the Lower Rio Grande Valley Community Partnership (LRGVCP) in addressing health disparities for older Hispanics in the Valley area.
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ep 27, 2007: Lower Rio Grande Valley chosen for Hispanic Aging Initiative
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality have selected the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health for a new Hispanic Aging Initiative. This makes the Lower Rio Grande Valley only one of eight sites in the United States selected for this Hispanic elderly effort. The goal is to address the disparity in health care for older Hispanics compared to other population groups.
Sep 27, 2007: Accordions Breathe Easier Since Smoking Ban
Banning smoking in bars is not only salve for the lungs, it is music to the ears. A smoking ban in Irish workplaces has improved air quality in Irish pubs as well as the health of musical instruments -- such as accordions -- and the people who play them, research suggests.
Sep 22, 2007: Area hospitals urge friendlier care
Local hospitals are implementing practices that involve more intimate patient care in aneffort to improve the area's health system, officials said Friday. The future of health care involves a philosophy of reverting to anold practice, according to officials with St. Joseph Regional HealthCenter and College Station Medical Center. It's a method that involves techniques for reducing patient anxiety, follow-up phone calls and outreach to family members.
August 2007
Aug 7, 2007: Latin Fusion Comes To The Stark Galleries Aug. 9 Through Sept. 16
Latin Fusion: Cultural Reflections Through Art opens Thursday and runs through Sept. 16 at the J. Wayne Stark Galleries in Texas A&M University's Memorial Student Center.
The exhibition consists of 50 paintings collected by Dr. and Mrs. Ciro Valent Sumaya of College Station while traveling through Mexico, Central and South America.
July 2007
Jul 19, 2007: Changing work habits, surgey can help combat carpal tunnel syndrome
Are you experiencing numbness in your hands? If so, chances are you’re beginning to experience the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, and changing the way you work most likely can reduce or eliminate these symptoms.
June 2007
June 25, 2007: HSC-SRPH to evaluate statewide falls prevention program for elderly residents
The Center for Community Health Development (CCHD) at the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health Center has been chosen by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) as statewide program evaluator and research partner in a fall prevention program for elderly residents, in 147 counties throughout Texas.
April 2007
Apr 29, 2007: Troubled Residents languish in flophouses
Hundreds of boarding homes across Dallas warehouse the elderly, the disabled, and the mentally ill in privatized bedlam. They are what the head of the region’s mental health system flatly calls “mental health slums”.
Apr 10, 2007: Help Needs a Hand
Ester Carbajal and Bonny Medina travel from one end of Hidalgo County to the other each day, visiting residents in communities tucked away between Expressway 83 and the Mexico border.
The women refill first-aid kits with bandages, gauze and other supplies and ask whether family members or neighbors have had any health problems. They record the responses and report them to the Hidalgo County Health Department to help keep track of any health issues in the communities.
Apr 6, 2007: Students learn the importance of hand-washing
Third-graders at Pebble Creek Elementary School seemed to be amazed at just how many "germs" they missed while washing their hands Thursday morning."Gross!" one boy exclaimed as he turned over his hands under a fluorescent light to reveal glowing spots around his wrists.
Apr 5, 2007: HSC-SRPH announce student winners of National Public Health Week poster contest
In honor of National Public Health Week this week, Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health faculty, staff and students participated in the second annual research poster symposium and student poster contest.
Apr 3, 2007: Center spotlights public health
Most people know that when they are sick they should head to the doctor's office for a checkup and some medicine. The concept of public health can seem a little more obscure, officials with the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health acknowledged. But that doesn't mean there is nothing going on behind the scenes.
Apr 1, 2007: Sumaya: Working for better rural health care
National Public Health Week this week provides the opportunity to reflect on the health issues affecting our communities, from individuals and families to the public at large. This is important because of the many challenges affecting the health of the American public and in particular that of our rural and smaller communities.
March 2007
Mar 29, 2007: HSC-SRPH celebrates National Public Health Week
In recognition of National Public Health Week, the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health will host several events as part of a weeklong series, “The First School of Rural Public Health in the Nation- Impacting the Brazos Valley and Beyond.”
Mar 19,2007: HSC-SRPH students volunteer with local Meals on Wheels program for several years
Students from the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health have consistently participated in the Brazos Valley Meals on Wheelhs program since the component first opened its doors.
Mar 18, 2007: Pair looks to give Milano a place to run . Fawn Simpson knows how important exercise is to a healthy lifestyle. The Milano resident is an avid runner and has been for 20 years. But after moving to Milano in 2001, Simpson's jogging involved paying more attention to cars and stray dogs instead of the number of miles she covered. She and fellow runner Stacy Compton finally had enough.
Mar 14, 2007: HSC-SRPH, City of Alton conduct bicycle giveaway.
Each spring, the exodus of students from campus leaves behind a trove of treasures, including hundreds of abandoned bicycles. The Center for Community Health Development at the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health, in conjunction with the City of Alton and 20 other partners, used these bicycles late last year for a special project.
Ciro V. Sumaya, a public health expert at Texas A&M University and member of the federal panel that recommended the HPV vaccine for 11- and 12-year-old girls, said children from low-income families are least likely to get a vaccine until it is required. Sumaya, dean of Texas A&M University's School of Rural Public Health, said 90 percent of girls will receive the HPV vaccine if it is required for school. He said he believes the vaccine is safe and effective but that Texas officials need to make sure it's accepted by the public before it is mandated.
February 2007
Feb 27, 2007: First public health preparedness fellowship awarded to HSC-SRPH alumnus
Shaun Fernando, M.P.H., an alumnus of the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health, has received the newly created Association of Schools of Public Health/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Public Health Preparedness Fellowship.
Feb 07, 2007: Lottery Could Fund More Than State Education
The Texas lottery was approved to help finance the public school system, but it could finance something else. On Tuesday, during the State of the State address, Governor Rick Perry proposed selling the state lottery to create an endowment for uninsured Texans and a cancer research trust fund.
Feb 06, 2007: Research may lead to better health in rural communities
Healthful eating is vital for the prevention and management of many chronic, diseases, which are often common among older adults. Older adults with limited resources, especially those in rural areas, face competing demands for medications, is encouraged; but in rural areas, little is known about the housing, and transportation. Consumption of a nutritious diet availability of healthy food options.
Feb 6, 2007: Insight: The Ticking Clock in the Doctor's Office
Patients on routine visits to their primary care doctors often have a lot of questions but not enough time to get good answers. That is the conclusion of a group of researchers who reviewed videotapes of almost 400 visits in three medical settings. Their report appears online in the journal Health Services Research.
January 2007
Jan 19,2007: HSC-SRPH Community Provides Christmas Gifts in South Texas Colonias
Researchers, faculty, staff and students from the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health recently donated gifts to children in under-served colonias of San Carlos, Texas. Mrs. Carmen Sumaya, director of the Community Outreach and Education Core in the Center for Environmental and Rural Health at Texas A&M University, helped organize researchers, local health workers (promotoras) and students to provide Christmas gifts to the children, who are part of a study being conducted by the center on pesticide exposure.
Jan 15, 2007: No Hospital is an Island
In today's business environment, rural hospital executives need to branch out in the community to lead effectively. Rural hospital executives are all too familiar with the many challenges that result from geographic isolation. But now experts say these leaders should also be aware of isolation within their own facilities- and be actively engaged in their communities-if they want to run successful organizations.
Jan 05, 2007: A&M to Help Rural Areas Prepare for Disasters
Texas A&M has been selected as the nation's hub for preparing rural communities for disasters.
Jan 02, 2007: A Healthy New Year
Dr. Ciro Sumaya of School of Rural Public Health says, "the best gift that parents can do for their children is to review their immunization records and make sure they are up to date.
Jan 2007: Research may lead to better health in rural communities
To many people, going to grocery stores can be a chore. For Brenda Bustillos, going to grocery stores helped her earn a master's degree in nutrition science from Texas A&M University. Bustillos, who earned her degree in December and is also a registered dietitian, spent about four months, from May to September last year, visiting 44 stores in Madison and Burleson counties.
