Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

Laredo, TX- The City of Laredo Health Department’s Healthy Living/Viviendo Mejor program will be hosting free Diabetes Support Group sessions starting this week.  The Diabetes Support Group gives adults with diabetes and their families and friends continuing peer support.  Five weekly meetings have been scheduled and will feature a variety of topics related to diabetes presented by experts in the healthcare field.  The Diabetes Support Group will meet once a week for the next five weeks at the City of Laredo Health Department’s Healthy Learning Center (2600 Cedar Ave). We urge the public to participate as the entire family needs to address the crisis of diabetes. 

Dates and Topics:

June 20, 2012

“High Blood Pressure and Diabetes”

Carlos Canova, MD

Laredo Medical Center

All Sessions will start at 6:00 p.m at the City of Laredo Health Department – Healthy Learning Center, 2600 Cedar Avenue.

 No registration is required and walk-ins are welcome. For more information, call 955-795-4900 ext 4557 or 956-795-4918.

Laredo, TX—The City of Laredo Health Department (CLHD) wishes to inform the public that Meningococcal Vaccine is no longer available for college entry through the Health Department.

 Please note that the CLHD receives all public vaccine from The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). The DSHS has recently advised us that, due to their funding reduction, there is no further safety-net vaccine available for adults.

 Therefore, college students entering the university for the first time must be vaccinated but will need to seek vaccine from their private provider, university health center, pharmacies, etc.

 If there is a change we will inform the public in the future.  

 This does not affect meningitis vaccine for the students and children 18 years and under covered by the Texas Vaccine for Children’s Program (TVFC).

 For more information, please contact the CLHD Immunization Clinic at (956) 795-4906.

 Every year, students at United Day School do their very best to help raise awareness and funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; this year will be no exception as they get ready for this year’s 2012 Walk to Cure Diabetes fundraiser event.

 On Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at 9:00 a.m., the school, located at San Isidro Parkway at McPherson will welcome The Great American Cookie Man, as they host a school walk to help raise funds to help JDRF.  Earlier this month, the students had a JDRF T-Shirt Contest to see who could design the best t-shirt design promoting this year’s Walk theme:  Rock the Cure.  UDS students’ fellow classmate, Stacy Garza, has lived with Type 1 Diabetes for some time and this event is especially important to the kids, to not only help raise money for a cure, but to show support for their friend Stacy.

 This year’s walk promises to be one of the best ever, as it is the easiest way for anyone in the community to help raise funds for this worthy cause.  This 5K Walk (three miles) is two complete loops around the beautiful grounds of TAMIU.  People can register on their own or as a team at www.walk.jdrf.org (Register for Laredo Walk) or inside the TAMIU Student Activity Center starting at 8:00 a.m.  The Walk begins at 9:00 a.m. on the east side of the Student Activity Center and participants simply walk to collect pledges for the cause.  There will be entertainment, a children’s corner, team T-shirt contest and other festivities during the event. 

 Douglas Gonzalez, H-E-B Director of Retail Operation for the Southwest region is the 2012 Corporate Walk Chair.  This year’s Walk is dedicated in memory of Curtis Grace, a Type I Diabetic and retired H-E-B Unit Director. 

 Laredoans never fail to show their desire to help worthy causes in their community. JDRF extends a special “Thank you!” to this year’s Walk sponsors: Title Sponsor: H-E-B; Event Sponsor: Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust; Host Sponsor: Texas A&M International University; Gold Sponsors: IBC and Wal-Mart (Loop 20 Store); Silver Sponsors: Laredo Medical Center and Sam’s Wholsale; Bronze Sponsors: Great American Cookie; Texas Community Bank; PLACAS Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club from Eagle Pass and SAMSONS.

 Diabetes afflicts 1.7 million children and adults in Texas alone, many who live in Laredo. Funds raised from sponsorships and attendees of the annual Walk to Cure Diabetes will go towards research to find a CURE for this debilitating disease.  Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation portfolio of diabetes research is among the largest in the world focused on cures and better treatments for type 1diabetes and its complications. Driven by passionate, grassroots volunteers connected to children adolescents, adults with this disease, JDRF is the largest charitable supporter of T1D research. The goal is to improve the lives of every person affected by T1D by accelerating progress on the most promising opportunities for curing, better treating, and preventing T1D.

 T1D is an autoimmune disease that strikes children and adults suddenly, and lasts a lifetime. At the present, there is no way to prevent it, and, until a cure is found, people with T1D need to test their blood sugar and give themselves inuslin multiple times per day – everyday for the rest of their lives.. Although T1D is a serious and difficult disease, treatment options are improving all the time, and people with T1D can lead full active lives.

 Since its founding in 1970, JDRF has awarded more than $1.5 billion to T1D research. More than 80 percent of JDRF’s expenditures directly support research and research related education. Past JDRF research efforts have helped to significantly improve the care of people with this disease, and have expanded the critical scientific understanding of T1D. JDRF will not rest until T1D is fully conquered.

 For more information, visit the JDRF web site at:  http://sctx-jdrf.org/laredo/

Laredo, TX—The City of Laredo Health Department (CLHD) is celebrating National Public Health Week to highlight “A Healthier America Begins Today; Join the Movement!”

Public Health through federal, state and local public health departments, is celebrating National Public Health Week (NPHW) to highlight what health departments do every day.

“We provide disease control, conduct preventive care, promote wellness and respond to biological events to protect and safeguard the wellbeing of all Laredoans,” said Dr. Hector F. Gonzalez, Director for the CLHD. In addition, a stellar activity of public health is to educate the public, policy-makers, and public health professionals about issues important to improving the public’s health.

For Laredo and Webb County, where 40% of the population is uninsured and another 25% is on public assistance, the CLHD also provides primary and chronic disease care and partners with many local public and private providers to assure preventive and acute care services.

“The City of Laredo wants to take this opportunity to congratulate our health department staff for their dedication in prevention and care,” said City of Laredo Mayor Raul G. Salinas, who later this week will read a proclamation for Public Health Week. “We are proud of all public health actions such as safe food, safe drinking water, little to no communicable diseases, excellent surveillance and early detection and protection and I am proud of our City of Laredo Health Department for taking the lead, and all of the wonderful doctors, nurses and clinics who also help to serve those in our community. These are all public health actions that make our communities safe and help us live a healthier life,” Salinas added.

This year’s NPHW theme focuses on early detection, chronic disease prevention, basic public health (hand washing), tobacco cessation, mental health and suicide prevention. Other areas where Public Health Policy has made a difference is in monitoring disease trends and emerging issues to develop protection and prevention measures.  Some critically important polices that enable better and healthier lives is accident prevention, car seats, food safety, sanitation and infection control, to name a few actions.

To join the movement toward a healthier America and a healthier Laredo, Mayor Salinas will read a proclamation this Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. at the CLHD Canopy. The public is invited to attend and come visit with the booths highlighting the different City of Laredo Health Department Programs. In addition, use this week to visit the department to get better acquainted with public health, , in addition to thanking the staff as well as all the many partners in the public and private sectors.

For more information on National Public Health Week, please call the City of Laredo Heath Department at (956) 795-4951 or (956) 795-4918.

Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

Laredo, TX—Women’s Preventive and Early Detection Care and Family Planning is critical to support wellness, prenatal and post natal care as well good birth and well child outcomes. With over 600 adolescent (under 18) women pregnant each year, rise in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), a disparity in cervical cancer and increase in prematurity we need to assure that women have every opportunity to access care and family planning. There new services have been initiated to address women’s and well child newborn care.

 Women’s Preventive Care and Family Planning Clinic

Annual exams to assure healthy outcomes for women and future mothers are the cornerstone of this effort. In addition, Family Planning is important to assure that every woman safeguards her health and chooses when to get pregnant.  While some people choose to just let nature take its course with regard to pregnancy, some couples choose to use family planning methods to have children when they are able to or when their marriage meets certain milestones.

 Whether couples are thinking about getting pregnant for the first time or you already have children, the City of Laredo Health Department (CLHD) can help you learn about family planning so that women (couples) can make an informed decision for their reproductive choice. Knowing whether you do or do not want to have children in the next few years can help you and your partner choose appropriate contraception (birth control pills, contraceptive injections, implants or an intrauterine device). Family planning can also help you determine when you might begin preconception planning, which is sometimes recommended up to a year in advance of getting pregnant. Partners/men also play an important role and we will also be offering family planning methods to males either directly or through referral (exams, condoms, health education, and vasectomy). 

 The CLHD’s Family Planning Program provides confidential, low-cost, preventative health care to both females and males to help with their reproductive health needs to promote positive birth outcomes and healthy families.

Types of Family Planning Services Available:

·         Health check-up & physical exam, follow-up medical care and referrals;

·         Birth control education and methods (pills, IUC, condoms, injectables etc.);

·         Natural family planning;

·         Lab tests for cervical cancer (pap smears), sexually transmitted diseases (STD), HIV, diabetes, and anemia, pregnancy testing etc.;

·         Treatment for STDs & urinary infections;

·         Abstinence education and methods;

·         Pre-Conception Counseling (Planning for having a healthy pregnancy);

·         Nutritional counseling; and

·         Infertility Counseling (Help when having difficulty getting pregnant).

Family Planning services are provided to men and women of all ages. For more information about the family planning services you can visit the CLHD Family Planning clinic every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:00 – 7:00 pm or call for an appointment. For further information on Family Planning call Dr. Zaida Gonzalez, Health Educator Supervisor, at (956) 795-4918.

 Nurse Family Partnership (NFP)

The Nurse Family Partnership Program of the CLHD will provide home visitation case management to first time mothers, especially adolescent and high risk mothers.  Vulnerable young mothers (adolescent and young adults) have potentially significant higher risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes as well their children are at risk for low birth weight, malnourishment, poor school performance and other social developmental issues. NFP, a structured, nurse home-visiting program, can intervene early and prevent many of these problems. In this way, we can improve health and social outcomes for women and in particular young women.  NFP is a proven evidence based wellness program for low-income, first-time mothers and their children. NFP has proven to work with results showing significantly improved prenatal health, fewer subsequent pregnancies, increased maternal employment, decreased childhood injuries, neglect and abuse, and improvement in the child’s school readiness. Specifically, NFP nurses will encourage and support their NFP moms to keep pre-natal care and wellness appointments and to maintain a healthy lifestyle. NFP will also assist first time mothers with understanding childbirth, newborn care, well child, and nutrition and child development during the first two (2) years of life.

 We need your help to make this vital initiative a success in our community.  The CLHD is counting on agency, provider and the public’s support and assistance to identify and refer women to NFP.  To qualify women must be: 1) less than 28 weeks pregnant, 2) first-time mothers 3) local resident and 4) have a local physician. Although the program targets young mothers, there is no age or medical restriction.  We can also provide providers with an NFP Referral Kit to help them educate your patients about NFP, in an effort to help them achieve the best possible health outcomes for themselves and their families.  Please take full advantage of this kit and refer eligible pregnant women to the CLHD Nurse-Family Partnership.  If you have any questions, please contact Patricia Enriquez, RN, Nurse Supervisor at (956) 523-7845. 

Healthy Texas Babies/Tejanitos Saludables

Twelve (12) counties in the State of Texas, including Webb, received funding through the CLHD for the Healthy Texas Babies efforts. The project will promote women’s preventive care and newborn and well child health care. It will target teenagers, first time moms, adolescent moms and dads. The health educational classes will touch on women’s health, newborn and well baby health as well male responsibility (role to support breast feeding, child care). 

 Specifically, we will provide health education on nutrition, prenatal care, exercises for pregnant women, things to avoid while pregnant, breast feeding, fatherhood responsibility, family planning, early detection and wellness, child growth and development and teen pregnancy. Our target is to reach the entire community but specifically 100 female and 50 male adolescent and young adults. Some of the activities are: 

·         Male responsibility training and education on child birth, child development and well child as well support for women during pregnancy to prevent prematurity.

·         Will conduct Five (5) conferences to increase awareness on well baby, women’s health and male responsibility.

·         Develop poster board for the Laredo HTB program “Gateway to Women’s Health, Well Child and Fatherhood.

·         “Texas 4 babies” will be initiated in Laredo which will send text messages to all participating mothers and fathers with important health messages regarding prenatal care, baby care, health and other relevant subjects.

·         Bumper stickers are being created in English and Spanish to highlight the “Tejanitos Saludables” theme.

·         Develop a small film using prominent fathers and doctors playing with their kids and discussing the importance of parental involvement.

·         Social media outlets such as Facebook and YouTube are also being used.

 For more information on Tejanitos Saludables, call Dr. Lucia Arrellanos, Health Educator at (956) 712-6015 or Dr. Zaida Gonzalez, Health Educator Supervisor at (956) 795-4918

Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

Laredo, Texas — The City of Laredo Health Department (CLHD), through their HIV/AIDS Program, is joining the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office on Women’s Health (OWH) in taking action against HIV/AIDS. On Monday, March 12, 2012, the City of Laredo Health Department will hold an event and information booth in honor of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day where women and girls in the community will receive a FREE HIV Rapid Test and information on women’s health.  The event will be held at City of Laredo Health Department LETS Program 2600 Cedar Avenue.

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is a nationwide observance held each year on March 10 to raise awareness of the increasing impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls and empower people and communities to take action. This National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and OWH is collaborating with the Greater Than AIDS campaign and asking, “What’s your deciding moment?” According to Greater Than AIDS, deciding moments are everyday opportunities to take action against HIV, whether it is being tested, talking with friends and family, using condoms, practicing abstinence, or taking medications as directed.

Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

Laredo, TX—The City of Laredo Health Department (CLHD), in collaboration with the Laredo Health Coalition (LHC), introduced a new program Healthy Living/Viviendo Mejor (HLVM to increase diabetes prevention awareness activities, reduce risks of diabetes and chronic diseases and improve diabetes self management to prevent complications due to this illness, which affects many in our community.  

 HLVM just graduated its first class and is currently seeking fifty (50) people to enroll in the second cycle. What is unique about these sessions is that it focuses on the family and community at large who are at risk of diabetes.  HLVM helps persons take control of their chronic disease with self management and risk reduction classes, cooking lessons, fitness activities and peer support activities. Participants of the first session commented that what they learned during this program was life changing!

 These free interactive classes are being offered to diabetics, their family members and/or persons at risk of developing diabetes. Participants must attend the program for ten (10) weeks and you still have time to enroll!

For more information visit the City of Laredo Health Department located at  2600 Cedar Avenue.

The City of Laredo Health Department Continues to Offer FLU Vaccine

Laredo, TX – The City of Laredo Health Department continues to encourage the public to get vaccinated against influenza (FLU). Recently, a child was confirmed to have contracted H1N1 influenza and this could have been prevented if vaccinated.  The vaccine protects against both seasonal and H1N1 strains and is the most effective measure towards reducing the impact of influenza, and is particularly important for people who are at increased risk for severe complications from the flu.

 People in the high risk groups include:

·         All children more than 6 months of age to 4 years;

·         People 50 years and older;

·         Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular, kidney, liver, neurological or metabolic disorders (including diabetes);

·         People with compromised immune systems;

·         Women who are or will be pregnant during the flu season;

·         Children age 6 months to 18 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy;

·         Residents of long-term care facilities;

·         People who are morbidly obese;

·         Household contacts and caregivers of children less than 5 year of age or adults age 50 and above.

 What are FLU symptoms?  “FLU” is sudden and symptoms include:

·         Sudden fever (100.4° F or more)

·         Headache

·         Tiredness, sometimes extreme

·         Dry cough, Sore throat

·         Extreme Body aches

Risks from FLU: In some persons, flu can cause serious complications, including bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, diabetes or seriously infecting those that are immunocompromised.  Children and adults may develop sinus problems and ear infections; therefore, we also recommend Pneumococcal Vaccine to protect against pneumonia for anyone over 65 years of age.

FLU Season is Still Here! / page 2 of 2

 Where can I get FLU and Pneumonia shots? At your doctor’s office, clinics and at:

 City of Laredo Health Department’s Immunization Programs

(2600 Cedar)

Monday through Friday

8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; additionally on Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

or at the Health Department WIC clinics (Call for times)

 The cost is $20 vaccine for adults and $8 for children up to the age of 18

It is free for Medicare Part B Recipients. Please bring your card.                                               

Don’t Let Flu Stop You! Fight Back, Get Vaccinated!

For more information, please contact the City of Laredo Health Department Immunizations Clinic at (956) 795-4906.

Laredo, TX—The City of Laredo Health Department (CLHD) would like to inform the public that there is a new change in immunization requirements for college entry students. It is now required by state statute that all college students get vaccinated against meningococcal disease, more commonly known as bacterial meningitis. This disease can cause serious illness, such as neurological complications.   In order to ensure that college students are protected and in compliance, the CLHD is working with local colleges and universities and will be hosting a Saturday Clinic to provide the vaccine. We also urge all college students to review and assess other vaccines that are important for protection (i.e. measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough and human papiloma virus [HPV]). The clinic information is as follows:

 Meningococcal Vaccine Saturday Clinic:  City of Laredo Health Department  2600 Cedar Avenue

                          Saturday, January 7, 2012  9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

 Vaccines remain one of the best and safest protective measures against very serious communicable diseases.

 There is an administrative fee of $8.00 per person for those who are medically uninsured or underinsured. Those who have medical insurance that covers vaccines should consult with their physician.

For more information, please contact the CLHD Immunization Clinic at (956) 795-4906.

Mayor Salinas to get his yearly flu shot, encourages community to protect themselves with easy, safe and painless shot

Laredo, TX— FLU vaccine is the most effective measure towards reducing the impact of influenza, especially for those at high risk that are more susceptible to respiratory complications and infections that send many to the emergency room, especially during the winter months.  The very young, elderly, those with heart and lung problems, allergies, pregnant or immune-compromised are extremely at risk for complications.

“The flu vaccine is the safest, easiest, and relatively painless way to protect you and your loved ones from suffering from the flu this season.  Join me andprotect yourself and get vaccinated,” stressed Salinas.

 What are FLU symptoms? 
FLU is sudden and symptoms include:

·         Fever (100.4° F or more)

·         Headache

·         Fatigue, sometimes extreme

·         Dry cough, sore throat

·         Extreme body aches

 Practice preventive measures such as:

·         Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and wash your hands.

·         If you cough, cough into your elbow, sleeve, or into tissues.  Wash your hands.

·         Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze and use the bathroom.

·         Use alcohol-based hand cleaners which are also effective.

·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth especially after you cough or sneeze.

 Where can I get FLU and Pneumonia shots?

Vaccines are available at your primary physician’s office AND at:

City of Laredo Health Department

2600 Cedar Avenue

Monday through Friday

8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

(extended hours on Tuesdays from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.)

or at Health Department WIC Clinics (Call for times)

 The cost is $20.00 for adults (FREE for Medicare Part B recipients – Please bring your card.)

 For more information, please contact the City of Laredo Health Department – Immunizations Clinic at (956) 795-4906.