Tag Archives: Fifth Ward

TasP v. PrEP – Utilizing the HIV prevention toolkit

People who are not considered “at risk” of contracting HIV may not be familiar with terms like TasP and PrEP – but these are invaluable tools in the fight to end HIV. Here’s what they are, and here’s how we use them. By Barrett White   Although there have been recent breakthroughs, there is no …

Surviving the Summer Heat When You are Pregnant

By Carolina Boyd, Communications Associate Beating the summer heat is tough for all of us but it is difficult, and in some cases dangerous, for pregnant women. Pregnancy causes a woman’s body temperature to run slightly higher than normal, so the Texas heat is sure to make her feel extra uncomfortable. Overheating can lead to …

Stop Your Children’s Summer Brain Drain

By Carolina Boyd, Communications Associate The summer months are a welcome break from school for a lot of kids. For many of them, it’s also a break from learning. Studies have found that many children and teens—regardless of family income or background—lose between two to three months of math and reading skills over the summer …

Physical activity: why it’s important to get your kids moving more

By  Carolina Boyd Texas children are falling behind when it comes to physical activity. A recent report by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends 60 minutes or more of daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for young people between the ages of 6-to-17. Unfortunately, 78.4% of Texas’ youths are not meeting that guideline. Childhood and …

Today is National HIV Testing Day. Do you know your status?

Eliminating the stigma begins with knowing your status. By Barrett White   Today, health care providers throughout the nation are highlighting the importance of HIV prevention and the end of HIV stigma. On average, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there are nearly 40,000 new HIV transmissions every year, with the highest rates …

What your body can expect after having a baby

Pregnancy brings tremendous change to your life, but those changes do not stop after delivery. Your body continues to change in the first weeks and months after you give birth. Here are some things you can expect. Abdomen  Your abdomen (belly) may still look pregnant for a few weeks. In the first few days, you …

Don’t let bug bites ruin your kids’ summer fun

By Carolina Boyd, Communications Associate School is out and kids are spending more time outside.  However, they aren’t the only ones who like this time of year. Bugs love the warm weather too. Children can be stung or bitten by a wide variety of insects like mosquitoes, fleas, bees, horseflies or ants. Although stings are …

Legacy Connecting Fifth Ward Community with Care at June 15th Health Fest

Houston’s historic Fifth Ward neighborhood will be the hot spot for the upcoming Legacy Community Health Fest, an event that will focus on the importance of health care in this traditionally underserved community.  The free community-wide event features Keisha Nicole and the 97.9 The Box Team, and a special performance by the Atherton Elementary Drumline. …

Fun, Sun and the Heat: Protecting Your Kids this Summer

By Carolina Boyd, Communications Associate Hot weather and humid conditions can be hard on anybody, but they are especially tough for children.  Make sure to protect your kids from the heat as much as possible. Heat related illnesses happen when the body’s temperature gets too high.  Infants and children 4 years old and under are …

Summertime is water safety time

By Carolina Boyd Summer time often means swim time for kids. The water brings a much-needed break from the heat, but it can also be a source of danger. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the top cause of injury death in the United States among children ages 1 to …