Humana Inc. and the Humana Foundation, the company’s philanthropic arm, are currently accepting applications for the $100,000 Humana Communities Benefit.

For the third consecutive year, the Humana Communities Benefit program will award a one-time, $100,000 grant to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Central Texas focused on improving health experiences or building healthy communities.

Applications from eligible nonprofit organizations in Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis or Williamson County are also being accepted through the June 28 deadline.

Organizations will be considered in the operational areas of childhood health, intergenerational health and active lifestyles. Following a selection process by a panel of local judges, the grant winner will be announced in October.

Headquartered in Louisville, Ky, Humana is a leading health care company offering a wide range of insurance products and health and wellness services that incorporate an integrated approach to lifelong well-being.

The Humana Communities Benefit program in Austin awarded the 2012 grant to Foundation Communities Inc., a nonprofit that provides supportive housing to low- and moderate-income families like the Tolfree family. Photo: Foundation Communities Inc.

The foundation is the philanthropic arm of Humana. Its mission is to promote healthy lives and healthy communities. The Foundation’s key funding priorities are childhood health, intergenerational health, and active lifestyles.

“Humana knows how crucial nonprofit organizations can be to improving the health and well-being of Austin-area residents,” said Linda Hummel, president of the employer group business segment of Humana in Texas. “This grant allows a deserving nonprofit the opportunity to impact the community by maintaining or growing its programs and furthering its mission in a way it might not have dreamed possible.”

The Humana Communities Benefit program in Austin awarded the 2012 grant to Foundation Communities Inc., a nonprofit that provides supportive housing to low- and moderate-income families. The organization is using the funds to build the Fitness Camino, an onsite, user-friendly fitness course for the 347 low-income families of the St. Elmo Project, which includes the Sierra Ridge and Sierra Vista apartment complexes in Austin.

More information on the application and the grant are available at www.Humana.com/HCB. Questions can also be directed to Humana by e-mail to HCBAustin@Humana.com.

The post Humana Communities Benefit Grant Open to Austin Non-Profits appeared first on Health News Texas.

Digital x-rays capture images inside and outside of the mouth and transfer them immediately into a computer system. Photo:

Special to Health News Texas

One person in the U.S. dies every hour from oral cancer according to figures compiled by the Oral Cancer Foundation. There are a number of practices and procedures available for healthcare providers to offer patients to prevent the desease. One Dallas-area dentist is committed to being on the cutting edge for his patients.

Frisco, TX dentist Gregory Sauer, DDS, BS, of the Eldorado Smiles Dentistry and Orthodontics, is using the latest digital x-ray technology, a form of x-ray imaging where digital sensors are used instead of traditional photographic film thus reducing radiation exposure to his patients by almost ninety percent.

Frisco, TX dentist Gregory Sauer is using the latest digital x-ray technology instead of traditional photographic film thus reducing radiation exposure to his patients by almost ninety percent. Photo: Eldorado Smiles Dentistry and Orthodontics,

Oral cancer is a subtype in the head and neck category. It is any cancerous tissue growth located in the oral cavity. Common names include; mouth cancer, tongue cancer, tonsil cancer, and throat cancer.

Oral cancers may originate in any of the tissues of the mouth. There are several types of oral cancers, but around 90% are squamous cell carcinomas originating in the tissues that line the mouth and lips. Oral or mouth cancer most commonly involves the tongue. It may also occur on the floor of the mouth, cheek lining, gingiva (gums), lips, or palate (roof of the mouth).

Lifestyle factors such as smoking can contribute to oral cancer, but so can physical factors – such as ultraviolet radiation. The dose of radiation from x-ray machines may be small, but it accumulates over time. The less patients are exposed to radiation, the better.

“April was Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and this was something that I thought about every day as I treated my patients,” said Sauer, a graduate of the Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas. “It is important that patients understand that this technology is available to them and is something they should ask about when selecting a dentist.”

While digital x-ray equipment can be expensive, Eldorado Smiles Dentistry and Orthodontics works with a dental service organization to make this cutting edge technology available to its patients.

According to Sauer, digital x-rays capture images inside and outside of the mouth and transfer them immediately into a computer system. They require much less radiation exposure than traditional x-rays with film, but have the same quality of images.

The post Digital Dallas Dentist Reducing X-ray Exposure for Patients appeared first on Health News Texas.

An inspirational and resilient 5^th grader from Dripping Springs, TX has by honored by the Texas House of Representatives for his efforts to help generate awareness about the devastating affects of living with arthritis pain every minute of every day.

During a special ceremony the House presented Maverick Walker, who has juvenile arthritis, with a resolution in recognition of being selected as the 2013 Austin Arthritis Walk Hero.

Striking one in every five adults and 300,000 children, arthritis is the nation’s leading cause of disability. The Austin Arthritis Walk, sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation, was held at Concordia University in May.

The non-profit is working to improve the lives of the 3.9 million adults and 25,000 children, like Maverick, who struggle every day with this serious health epidemic.

Maverick Walker, an inspirational and resilient 5th grader from Dripping Springs, TX has by honored by the Texas House of Representatives for his efforts to help generate awareness about the devastating affects of living with arthritis pain. Photo: Arthritis Foundation

To help reduce the pain, disability and other burdens of arthritis and related diseases, the Arthritis Foundation offers information, events, research grants, advocacy activities and other vital programs and services.

At age 11, Maverick refused to let his diagnosis get the best of him.

Committed to raising awareness about the disease, he and his family led the charge at the Austin Arthritis Walk. The event helped raise funds for research and arthritis programs, as well as gaving Maverick’s family an opportunity to share the challenges of living with arthritis.

When Maverick was born on 2001 his parents, Matthew and Bonnie, had no idea how fitting his name would be to foreshadow his tenacity to face adversity.

Growing up with his older sister Madeline, who suffers from systemic lupus, Maverick was well aware of frequent doctors visits, labs and hospitals. However in November 2010, he began to exhibit health concerns of his own.

“Although Maverick had been very active in sports such as flag football, soccer, golf, and hunting, things changed one day when he woke up and couldn’t walk,” recalls Maverick’s mother Bonnie Walker.  “When his dad tried to help him out of the bed he cried out in pain. His dad reached for his left foot and when he touched it he felt swelling and heat. We immediately took him to urgent care thinking it must be a basketball injury.”

“After 4 hours of X-rays, blood work, and exams the doctors were at a loss and referred Maverick to a specialist because they felt it was a joint issue,” she said.

Maverick was diagnosed with ankylosing spondilitis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

“People often don’t realize that Juvenile Arthritis affects over 300,000 children in the U.S., and more than 25,000 right here in Texas,” said Judy Bollom, 2013 Austin Arthritis Walk Chair.   “It is one of the most common chronic illnesses affecting children, yet it often goes undetected or misdiagnosed when symptoms first appear.  The Arthritis Foundation is focused on increasing awareness of the signs of this unacceptable disease and the resources available for families affected by it.”

According to Maverick’s mother, it’s been a tough road for her son with numerous tests, injections, and infusions, but through it all he has kept an awesome smile on his face and a positive attitude.  Today, thanks to medical treatment, support of his family and the resources of the Arthritis Foundation, Maverick has returned to being an active kid who is playing sports again and enjoying a full, vibrant lifestyle.

“Maverick puts a face and a name to the arthritis condition and we’re so proud that he was saluted for his courage by the Texas House of Representatives,” said Bollom.  “This honor recognizing Maverick as the Austin Arthritis Walk Hero is a great way to launch National Arthritis Month in May.  It also showcases how families like the Walkers join the Arthritis Foundation to make a positive impact in the communities we serve throughout the state and across the country.”

The post Texas House Honors Youngster with Juvenile Arthritis appeared first on Health News Texas.

by Health News Texas staff

Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas next chapter began with the opening of its new bed tower – the W.H. and Elaine McCarty South Tower. This expansion increases the Seton Healthcare Family hospital’s capacity and brings additional medical innovations to children in Central Texas.

Featuring the region’s first dedicated in-patient acute care pediatric rehabilitation unit, a state-of-the-art epilepsy monitoring unit and many family-centric features, the new bed tower means the hospital can serve a greater number of children with more varied conditions here in Austin, eliminating inconvenient and cost-prohibitive travel.

Dr. Maureen Nelson (left), Medical Director of Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit discusses the inpatient rehab gym with co-workes. Photo: Seton Healthcare Family

“It’s very disruptive for kids’ and their families to travel out of town for in-patient rehabilitation,” said Dr. Maureen Nelson, medical director of Dell Children’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. “We’ve put together many of the resources a child needs to continue their road to maximal function – physically, intellectually and emotionally”.

Another innovation is the expanded and enhanced Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU). The eight-bed unit, which has the capacity to increase to 12 beds, allows specialists to monitor patients’ brain activity and physical condition around the clock.

Patient rooms are equipped with specialized video cameras and equipment such as strobe lights that can help identify specific types of seizures as a part of the diagnostic and monitoring process.

Dr. Dave F. Clarke, MBBS, ABPN, ABCN, director of Dell Children’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, said, “We’ve been able to help epilepsy patients in Central Texas and from all over the world. Now, with more room and more advanced equipment, we’ll be able to help an even greater number of children. It’s estimated that three percent of the population has epilepsy, so that means there are thousands of children in Central Texas that could benefit from these services.”

New epilpsey playroom. Photo: Seton Healthcare Family

The new facility features a dedicated classroom for students requiring longer stays so that their return to school is successful.

The new addition continues the hospitals commitment to treating the unique needs of children in unique ways through family-centric features, including community rooms for specific age groups and a family business center that helps parents stay connected while caring for their children.

“At Dell Children’s we understand that children of all ages have different developmental needs when it comes to play and activities,” said Kimberlee Korte, director of Child Life. “In the new bed tower, we have age-specific community rooms, such as a room designed for toddlers and a ‘teen room’ that feels like a place a 13-year-old wants to hang out with friends.”

In addition a $500,000 gift from H-E-B established an endowment to support the Texas Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Childhood Obesity.

The company was one of the first organizations to give to Dell Children’s campaign to build the hospital.

“H-E-B has been a longtime supporter of Dell Children’s Medical Center,” said Maureen Wood, executive director, Children’s Medical Center Foundation of Central Texas. “They are committed to the health and well-being of our children.”

“H-E-B is passionate about the future of Texas, and thereby the children of Texas,” said Winell Herron, H-E-B group vice-president of Public Affairs, Diversity and Environmental Affairs. “We’re honored to commit another significant capital gift to Dell Children’s Hospital to advance the care for all Central Texas children and to establish an important endowment to decrease the pediatric obesity epidemic in Texas.”

“We are so thankful for H-E-B’s generous endowment for our childhood obesity center and its healthy living programs,” said Stephen Pont, MD, MPH, medical director of the Childhood Obesity Center. Photo: Ed Lallo/Newsroom Ink

“We are so thankful for H-E-B’s generous endowment for our childhood obesity center and its healthy living programs,” said Stephen Pont, MD, MPH, medical director of the Childhood Obesity Center. “And we are very excited to build upon this partnership with H-E-B to improve the health of not only Central Texans, but also children all across Texas and beyond.”

According to Sister Teresa George, DC, president and chief operating officer of Dell Children’s, in 2007, Dell Children’s filled a crucial need as the region’s only dedicated, freestanding pediatric facility.

“Having reached capacity ahead of schedule, the beds in the new tower will enable it to continue serving Central Texas kids while adding innovations that mean fewer families must travel out of the area to find care for their children,” she said.

The post Addition at Dell Children’s Allows More Space and Programs for Pediatric Patients appeared first on Health News Texas.

The 2013 list was developed through nominations and editorial research, and the following organizations were chosen for their robust benefits, wellness initiatives, professional development opportunities and work environments that promote employee collaboration and satisfaction.

Children’s Medical Center, Methodist Health System and Baylor Health Care System in Dallas, joined Arlington’s Central Park ENT & Surgery Center, Rockwall’s Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital and Texas Regional Medical Center at Sunnyvale on the list from the North Texas area. Austin’s Hyde Park Surgery Center and Houston’s Methodist Hospital stood alone in their regions of the state.

Becker’s Hospital Review features up-to-date business and legal news and analysis relating to hospitals and health system for high-level hospital leaders.
The publication provides valuable content, including hospital and health system news, best practices and legal guidance specifically for these decision-makers.

Baylor Health Care System (Dallas) 
Type of facility:Hospital/health system
What makes it a great place to work: Baylor Health Care includes more than 21,000 employees across more than 300 sites of care, including 30 hospitals. In addition to comprehensive health benefits, a 401(k) plan and life insurance, full-time Baylor employees have the opportunity to earn $5,250 toward tuition reimbursement. Named one of the healthiest employers in North Texas by the Dallas Business Journal in 2012, Baylor also offers employees the chance to earn $300 each year through its wellness program, which offers fitness center discounts and complimentary health coaching.

Central Park ENT & Surgery Center (Arlington, Texas)
Type of facility: Ambulatory surgery center
What makes it a Great Place to Work: Central Park ENT & Surgery Center is employee-focused when it comes to health and financial benefit packages. The center pays 100 percent of its employees’ medical and vision insurance policies. Central Park ENT also contributes to employee health savings accounts and provides an on-site gym, dubbed “The Sweat Box,” for employees to use free of charge. To promote employee development, the center provides certification training in basic life support, pediatric advanced life support and other courses, and it regularly sends individuals to various healthcare seminars and conferences. Central Park employees and management believe hard work and fun are not mutually exclusive. The center reinforces this through team spirit days, a Halloween costume contest and plenty of holiday, birthday and potluck events.

Children’s Medical Center (Dallas)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Great Place to Work: Children’s Medical Center is the fifth largest pediatric provider in the nation and is licensed for 559 beds on its two campuses in Dallas and Plano, Texas. Along with basic health benefits, Children’s employees receive a discount on inpatient and outpatient services when their children receive care at the hospital. Employees also receive discounts at area daycare centers. Additionally, Children’s pays for its employees to get to work: the hospital heavily subsidizes annual passes for buses and trains on the Dallas Area Rapid Transit system. The hospital promotes continuing education for its employees by reimbursing up to $3,000 of undergraduate or graduate tuition per employee each year. In 2012, Children’s Medical Center was named one the top 100 places to work in Dallas/Ft. Worth by The Dallas Morning News and was recognized as a 2012 National Top Workplace. To choose the National Top Workplaces, 30 major regional newspapers selected the best workplaces in their region, and those organizations were then evaluated for the award.

Hyde Park Surgery Center (Austin, Texas)
Type of facility: Ambulatory surgery center
What makes it a Great Place to Work: About four years ago, a group of physicians built Hyde Park Surgery Center, which has since become a competitive employer among Austin ASCs. Employees enjoy flexible schedules that allow them to continue their education. Additionally, HPSC provides complimentary required educational services and pays employees for the time it takes to complete those courses. On top of basic benefits, Hyde Park’s physician partners pay 85 percent of employee benefits, along with quarterly and Christmas bonuses. The ASC also provides matching employee 401(k) plans.

Methodist Health System (Dallas)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Great Place to Work: Methodist Health System has earned widespread recognition for its workplace. The Dallas Business Journal named Methodist among its “Best Places to Work” for nine consecutive years. Last year, the American Heart Association awarded it platinum distinction as a Fit Friendly Company, and the American Nurses Credentialing Center called numerous Methodist hospitals “Pathways to Excellence” for their positive work environments to advance the nursing profession. The system’s faith-based mission resonates with the staff, 550 of whom donated a portion of every paycheck to contribute $230,000 to capital improvement projects, emergency need funds for employees, and other hospital funds and endowments. Employee benefit packages include $500 deductibles and 100 percent coverage at Methodist’s primary network facilities, a 403(b) matching program and tuition reimbursement.

The Methodist Hospital (Houston)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Great Place to Work: The Methodist Hospital is a 917-bed facility that includes 6,312 employees. It is committed to helping employees grow professionally and personally, offering tuition reimbursement up to the doctoral level. Additionally, the hospital offers a number of development and training modules, such as The Methodist Hospital Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology Program, which is a 12-month professional course of study fully accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. The hospital’s benefits program includes wellness services, adoption assistance and legal assistance. Methodist Hospital has been named one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” by Fortune magazine.

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Rockwall (Texas)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Great Place to Work: Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Rockwall is a 50-bed joint venture owned by Arlington-based Texas Health Resources and physicians. A hallmark of the hospital’s culture is its open communication, achieved through departmental or committee discussions, town hall meetings and an employee newsletter. In addition, the hospital president writes a “Week in Review” column to keep employees informed about the hospital and community. Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Rockwall is also dedicated to employee wellness and offers a variety of activities to maintain staff health. Under its Employee Wellness Program, employees who participate in health-related activities can earn points they can later redeem for complimentary items.

Texas Regional Medical Center at Sunnyvale (Texas)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Great Place to Work: Texas Regional Medical Center at Sunnyvale is a 70-bed acute-care, physician-owned hospital with more than 470 employees and nearly 300 physicians on staff. TRMC-Sunnyvale offers professional development opportunities, including some professional-specific certifications, and is committed to hiring from within to advance employees’ careers. The hospital was voted a Best Place to Work in 2012 by readers of Mesquite News, published by Star Community Newspapers.

The post Eight Texas Hospitals on Becker’s 100 Great Places to Work in Healthcare appeared first on Health News Texas.

African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders and the elderly are groups more frequently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Millions of Americans are diagnosed with the most common form of diabetes, and many more are unaware they are at high risk.

Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which patients do not produce or respond normally to insulin. It is characterized by high blood sugar.

According to the American Diabetes Association, 25 million people have type 2 diabetes, and estimates that as many as 7 million remain undiagnosed. In addition, 80 million more have health risks (obesity or genetic predisposition) that put them in a pre-diabetes state.

Managing type 2 diabetes with a healthy lifestyle that incorporates diet and nutrition, exercise and weight control is the universal treatment. However, some people may need medication, or a combination of medications, to manage their type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, several diabetes medications carry risks.

Medications for Type 2 Diabetes

Not all type 2 diabetes medications work the same way, but each is designed to lower blood sugar.

Metformin (Glucophage, Fortamet) is the type 2 diabetes medication with the longest history. It belongs to a class of drugs called biguanides. It lowers blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity and inhibiting the release of excess glucose from the liver.

Actos (pioglitazone) is a member of a class of drugs called thiazolidinediones (TZDs). It improves the body’s sensitivity to insulin, which enables the body to regulate glucose levels.

Avandia, another TZD, was popular until 2007, when it was linked with a risk of congestive heart failure. The FDA restricted the use of the Avandia, which is when Actos took over the top-selling spot in the market of diabetes drugs.

Byetta (exenatide) is an incretin mimetic, which means it mimics the function of incretin — a hormone released by the intestines that stimulates the release of insulin, which in turn converts blood sugar into energy.

The longer incretin stays in the blood, the more insulin is produced and the lower blood sugar goes. Incretin is broken down by DDP-4 in order to balance insulin and glucose levels.

A class of drugs called DDP-4 inhibitors, which includes medications like Januvia (sitagliptin) and Tradjenta (linagliptin), prevents DDP-4 from breaking down incretin. They stimulate the release of insulin and prevent the release of excess glucose, thus lowering blood sugar.

Risks of Diabetes Medications

Extended use of Actos has been shown to increase the risk of bladder cancer by as much as 83 percent, with the risk increasing the longer the drug is used. After developing bladder cancer or heart problems, more than 3,000 former Actos-users have filed lawsuits against manufacturer, Takeda Pharmaceuticals.

Januvia and Byetta have been linked to an increased risk of pancreatitis, which is a potentially fatal inflammation of the pancreas that can result from pancreatic lesions. This can lead to pancreatic cancer, which is hard to diagnose early enough to treat it.

In 2011, the Institute of Safe Medicine Practices received hundreds of reports of sudden-onset and chronic pancreatitis caused by Januvia and Byetta. As reports of complications rise, more lawsuits are expected to be filed, claiming manufacturers failed to warn patients of the risks and endangered patients.

Tradjenta, another DDP-4 inhibitor, was approved in 2011. In the prescribing information that was revised in 2012, the list of adverse reactions includes a higher risk of pancreatitis.

The post Some Diabetes Medications May Carry Risks appeared first on Health News Texas.

Seton Medical Center Austin, University Medical Center Brackenridge and Seton Medical Center Williamson in Round Rock have earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for their disease-specific spine surgery programs. Photo: Stock

An organization committed to improve health care for the public by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value has given their seal of approval to three Austin area hospitals.

Seton Medical Center Austin, University Medical Center Brackenridge and Seton Medical Center Williamson in Round Rock, all members of the Seton Healthcare Family, have earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for their disease-specific spine surgery programs.

They have become the first hospitals in Central Texas to meet the national review body’s state-of-the-art standards for quality and safety, based in part on the comprehensive array of services provided by the team approach of Seton Healthcare Family and the Seton Brain & Spine Institute.

“The end game for me is the ability to walk,” explained Daniel Curtis while strapped into a ZeroG harness at the Seton Brain and Spine Recovery Center at University Medical Center Brackenridg. Photo: Ed Lallo/Newsroom Ink

Seton Brain & Spine Institute is comprised of a world-class team of physicians and experts who cover the entire spectrum of brain and spine care and act as one team with one goal: to improve a patient’s condition and quality of life with the most advanced treatment available

“The back and spine are a complex support system that requires complex care. This certification is a credit to the Seton Brain & Spine Institute team led by neurosurgeons and spine fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons,” said Dr. Alex Valadka, chief executive officer of the institute. “We care for the total range of spine injuries and conditions – from the least invasive procedures to extreme cases others would hesitate to handle. We do it all with a protocol-mandated, conservative approach so patients will rest assured that every option and resource are available to them.”

The three medical centers underwent rigorous, on-site reviews as The Joint Commission evaluated them for compliance with national standards of care, effective and consistent use of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines, and performance measures specific to the needs of patients and families, including effective pain management, proper discharge instructions and infection prevention and control.

The Joint Commission, considered the highest standard in evaluating disease-specific health care programs, is the U.S.’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. It certifies more than 2,400 programs and 400 health care staffing services.

“In achieving Joint Commission certification, these three Seton medical centers have demonstrated their commitment to the highest level of care for its patients with disease-specific spine conditions,” said Jean Range, executive director of this commission program. “Certification is a voluntary process and I commend Seton for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate its standard of care and instill confidence in the community it serves.”

“The Gold Seal of Approval demonstrates our commitment to our spine care patients and their families on a day-to-day basis, from top to bottom,” said Kate Henderson, UMC Brackenridge vice president and chief operating officer.  “This is another example of Seton’s commitment to ensure all of our patients get the best care.”

The post Three Seton Facilities Awarded Joint Commission Gold Seal for Spine Surgery appeared first on Health News Texas.

In keeping with a trend seen across the nation, Travis County, which includes the city of Austin, has cut year-round particle pollution levels from the prior year according to the State of the Air 2013 report released by The American Lung Association.

Despite improvements in annual particle pollution, Travis County has experienced more unhealthy days of high ozone, better known as smog. Overall, “State of the Air 2013” shows that the air quality in Austin, and nationwide, continues the long-term trend to much healthier air.

The American Lung Association’s report is an annual, national air quality report card. Data comes from the official monitors for two widespread types of pollution, ozone (smog) and particle pollution (PM _2.5, also known as soot)

The report grades counties and ranks cities and counties based on their scores for ozone, year-round particle pollution and short-term particle pollution levels.

Austin’s air pollution improvement from 2009 till 2011 shows up in Travis County, which reduced its year-round particle pollution, earning a passing grade.

Travis County received an A grade for short-term particle pollution, with zero days of unhealthy particle levels. Particle pollution levels can spike dangerously for hours to weeks on end in the short-term or remain at unhealthy levels on average every day year-round.

The report finds ozone levels in Travis County stayed about the same, resulting in a D grade.

Ozone is the most widespread air pollutant, created by the reaction of sunlight on emissions from vehicles and other sources. When it is inhaled, it irritates the lungs like bad sunburn. Smog can also cause immediate health problems; wheezing, coughing, asthma attacks and premature death.

“The air in Austin is certainly cleaner than when we started the ‘State of the Air’ report 14 years ago,” said Sara Dreiling, Chief Executive Officer of the American Lung Association, Plains-Gulf Region. “Even though Austin experienced increases in unhealthy days of high ozone, the air quality is still better compared to a decade ago.  But the work is not done, and we must set stronger health standards for pollutants and cleanup sources of pollution in Austin to protect the health of our citizens.”

Despite improvements, the report found that more than 131.8 million people in the U.S. still live in counties that have unhealthy levels of either ozone or particle pollution, which equates to more than 4 in 10 people, or roughly 42 percent.

The American Lung Association report reveals that from 2009-2011, many made strong progress compared to 2008-2010, particularly in lower year-round levels of particle pollution.  As a result of emissions reductions from coal-fired power plants and the transition to cleaner diesel fuels and engines, air quality is improving, especially in the eastern United States.

“The air in Austin is certainly cleaner than when we started the ‘State of the Air’ report 14 years ago,” said Sara Dreiling, Chief Executive Officer of the American Lung Association, Plains-Gulf Region. Photo: Linkedin

Six cities were cited in the report for having the worst record for short-term days since the data started to be collected.

The Lung Association has led the fight for a new, national air quality standard that strengthened outdated limits on annual levels of particle pollution, announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Air pollution health standards under the Clean Air Act, combined with the EPA enforcement of these standards, has seen continued reductions in air pollution.

Cleaning major air pollution sources through steps like the cleaner gasoline and cleaner vehicle standards will drastically cut either ozone and particle pollution, resulting in health protections for the nearly 132 million people living in counties with dangerous levels of either ozone or particle pollution.

Infants, children, older adults, anyone with lung diseases like asthma, people with heart disease or diabetes, people with low incomes and anyone who works or exercises outdoors are at greatest risk from air pollution.

“The evidence is clear that the Clean Air Act delivers significant health benefits,” said Dreiling. “Congress needs to continue to ensure that the provisions under the Clean Air Act are protected and are enforced.  EPA and every state must have adequate funding to monitor and protect our citizens from air pollution.”

The 2013 report—the 14^th annual release—uses the most recent quality assured air pollution data, compiled by the EPA, in 2009, 2010, and 2011.

The post American Lung Association Report States Air Quality Improves in Travis County appeared first on Health News Texas.

Seven Austin medical research projects awarded $186,000 in grants by the Seton/UT Southwestern Clinical Research Institute of Austin.

The research projects, led by Seton Healthcare Family doctors and medical professionals, seek to improve treatment and foster better medical outcomes for patients who suffer from child abuse, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, epilepsy, skin viruses and devastating brain diseases.

The awards were announced at a University Medical Center Brackenridge fundraising event. Money for the grants was raised during the 2011 and 2012.

“Through the generosity of luncheon donors, we are able offer opportunities for Seton investigators to conduct preliminary studies needed to pursue further, external funding for studies aimed at improving clinical practices and outcomes,” said Dr. Steven Warach. Photo: UT Southwestern

“Through the generosity of luncheon donors, we are able offer opportunities for Seton investigators to conduct preliminary studies needed to pursue further, external funding for studies aimed at improving clinical practices and outcomes,” said Dr. Steven Warach, professor and executive director of the Seton/UT Southwestern Clinical Research Institute of Austin.

The institute, which opened its doors in October 2012, is one of several collaborations between Seton and UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas aimed at expanding UT Southwestern’s research programs to the Austin area.

UT Southwestern, home to five Nobel laureates which four remain active faculty members, ranks among the U.S. News & World Report’s top 10 medical schools for research among public universities.

The seven awarded research projects awarded include:

Pilot Study to Evaluate the Effects of Home Spirometry on Pulmonary Outcomes in Cystic Fibrosis Patients, led by Dr. Jason Fullmer. Spirometry is a way to measure lung function. This study will provide cystic fibrosis patients with spirometers to use at home to see if they help patients identify when they are getting sick sooner, and if they help patients stick to their complex treatment plans. Grant amount: $11,400.

Discovery and Function of Regulatory Non-Coding Ribonucleic acids (RNAs) from Skin Viruses, led by Dr. Dayna G. Diven. A new class of molecules called “non-coding RNAs” will be studied for the treatment of skin viruses. Insights from this study will lead to a better understanding of viral disease and may lead to new strategies to control infection. Grant amount: $28,500.

Geospatial Mapping of Child Abuse Incidents and Family Services in Austin, Texas: Implications for Prevention and Resource Allocation, led by Dr. Karla A. Lawson. This study will map child abuse and neglect in Travis County and correlate it with neighborhood and community characteristics, as well as services available to families in those neighborhoods. Research results will inform public health programs and the scientific community on risk factors and connections to child maltreatment. Grant amount: $28,150

Phase 1 Study of a New Method for Reducing Body Core Temperature, led by Dr. Alex Valadka. A collaboration of the Seton Brain and Spine Institute, UMC Brackenridge Nursing Department and the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, this study will test a novel device for modulating body temperature in critically ill patients. A safe method to control fever or maintain mild cooling could lead to major outcome improvements for patients with devastating neurological diseases. Grant amount: $29,500.

Studying the Neuro-Hemodynamic Coupling by Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging in the Human Cerebral Cortex, led by Dr. Zoltan Nadasdy. This study will investigate the relationship between blood flow and brain activity in both normal and epileptic brain tissue to better understand seizure increases at a macroscopic level. Grant amount: $29,800.

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Gene Regulation and Metabolism in Cystic Fibrosis, led by Dr. Bennie McWilliams. Cystic fibrosis patients have abnormally thick mucus in the lungs, which contributes to chronic infection with pseudomonas aeruginosa. The study will examine bacterial metabolism and gene regulation of pseudomonas aeruginosa in patients before and after treatment with antibiotics. Grant amount: $28,800

Sequencing T-Cell Receptor Repertoire of Auto-Antigen Specific T-Cells in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, led by Dr. Mrinalini Kulkarni-Date. Specific differences in immune cells (T-cells) in patients with type 1 diabetes will be compared to normal individuals in order to identify biomarkers to aid in the early detection, progression and future immunotherapy for type 1 diabetes. Grant amount: $29,803.

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Jesus Garza, an executive with more than 20 years public administration and private executive management has been named chief executive officer of Seton. Photo: Ed Lallo/Newsroom Ink

An executive with more than 20 years public administration and private executive management has been named chief executive officer of Seton Healthcare Family.

Effective the first of July Jesus Garza, who currently serves as president and interim chief executive of Seton, will take be permanently established in the position.

Charles J. Barnett, FACHE, who had been president and CEO of Seton since 1993, took a leave of absence starting in 2012 to serve as the president of Healthcare Operations and chief operating officer for Ascension Health in St. Louis.

There he oversees enterprise resource planning, information technology, facilities and supply chain functions.

Barnett will serve as the executive board chair of the Seton Healthcare Family Board of Trustees effective July 1, while continuing to work on strategic projects under Anthony R. Tersigni, Ed.D., FACHE, president and chief executive officer, Ascension Health Alliance.

Garza also will take on additional national responsibilities for Ascension Health.

Charles Barnett will serve as the executive board chair of the Seton Healthcare Family Board of Trustees effective July 1, while continuing to work on strategic projects under Anthony R. Tersigni, Ed.D., FACHE, president and chief executive officer, Ascension Health Alliance. Photo: Seton Healthcare Family

He will continue to serve as the Ministry Market Leader for Ascension Health operations in Texas, a role he assumed in 2012, and will add oversight of Ascension’s Arizona ministry, Carondelet Health Network, to his duties.

The appointments for both Barnett and Garza were recommended by the Seton Board and approved by Ascension Health Alliance, the parent organization for Ascension Health and the Seton Healthcare Family.

Ascension Health comprises 39 health systems in 23 states and employs 150,000.

Garza joined Seton in 2002 after serving as president of University Medical Center Brackenridge. He was promoted to chief operating officer of the Seton Family of Hospitals in 2006.

In 2011, he was named president of the 11-hospital network and executive vice president of Seton Healthcare Family, which includes Seton Insurance Services; Seton’s affiliated physician practices and clinics for underserved patients; joint ventures; and a medical education and research group affiliated with The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center to provide residencies for graduate medical students in Austin.

In January 2012 he was named president and interim chief executive officer of the system.

His civic activities include service to the Diocese of Austin Catholic Foundation with Bishop Joe S. Vasquez; the Mayor’s Transportation Committee to improve accessibility to health care, education and jobs; the Waller Creek Conservancy Board to reinvigorate historic downtown Austin; and the Austin Chamber of Commerce Board Executive Committee.

Barnett is a member the Organizing Committee for the development of a medical school on The University of Texas at Austin campus.

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