Category Archives: Health

Travis County AgriLife Extension Goes Virtual – All Staff Teleworking

The office is closed, but we’re still here! In order to protect the health and safety of our employees and to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhart issued an order directing Travis County Executives, Elected Officials, and Appointed Officials to implement temporary teleworking arrangements for employees whose job duties are conducive to working from home. That includes all Extension staff and volunteers for both Texas A&M and Prairie View A&M University Extension Programs. In addition to this, all face to face AgriLife educational programs… Read More →

There is still time to get your flu shot!

The flu hit Austin early this year. And, while, it is too early to tell if it will be a short or long season, officials are encouraging the public not to wait to get vaccinated. Vaccination does not mean you will not get the flu. Doctors at the Austin Regional Clinic are reporting a rise in the number of flu cases but with milder symptoms. And a lower risk of pneumonia, hospitalization, or death. To prevent the flu, doctors recommend washing your hands in public places, especially before… Read More →

The Red Flags of Diet Advice & Where to Turn for Help

@SpendEatSmart Whether it be probiotics to boost your gut health or intermittent fasting, everyone seems to be an expert. While there is no shortage of diets, reliable nutrition information… View Full Article: https://bit.ly/2Tdkmq9

Why You Should Create a Personal Health Record

@BerkeleyWell Have you ever struggled to answer questions from your doctor about your health history because you can’t recall certain details, such as dates or test results? If so, keeping a personal health record (PHR) might serve you well. View Full Article: https://bit.ly/2Df0InR

Nuts and your heart: Eating nuts for heart health

@MayoClinic Eating nuts as part of a healthy diet may be good for your heart. Nuts contain unsaturated fatty acids and other nutrients. And they’re a great snack food. View Full Article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/nuts/art-20046635

The Yoga of Starting

By Carol Blanchard Master Wellness Volunteer If you are like me it is the actual starting of something that requires the most effort. Do you find yourself delaying your morning walk by trying to find your shoes, or filling up your water bottle and gathering up your hat? Then there is hoping for emails on your phone, making sure lunch is made, responding to kiddie cries and all the other morning rituals that demand our attention.   Starting a yoga practice includes all of the above. But what… Read More →

6 Things to know about travel-related ailments and complementary health approaches

People planning to travel internationally are often interested in complementary or integrative health approaches for travel-related illnesses and conditions. Some of these approaches for travel-related health problems are promoted widely in advertising or marketed on the Internet. However, little of this information is supported by research evidence, and some of it is misleading or false. Here are 6 things to know if you are considering using herbal remedies, dietary supplements, or other complementary health approaches for travel-related ailments and hazards. Malaria. Although some Web sites and news stories have… Read More →

How to be Healthy on a Budget

By: Doris Vallejo-Aguilar, UT Intern, Spring 2017 You might think it is hard to eat healthy when you do not have a lot of money. Sadly, when people think this way, they pick up unhealthy nutritional habits. There is a way, however, to be healthy on a budget! Before you go to the grocery store, check to see what you have in your pantry or refrigerator. This helps you figure out what you need to buy. Also, take the time to plan family meals. This will also help… Read More →

How to Keep Your Teen Healthy?

By Doris Vallejo-Aguilar, UT-Austin Spring Intern Adolescence is a period of time during which teens are exploring their choices and adjusting to emotional, mental, and physical change. Not only do you have to worry about the choices your teenagers are making but you have to worry about their nutrition too! It is important we understand teenagers are going through their second major growth period. That is why the nutritional needs for teenagers increase greatly. In order to stay healthy, you have to make sure teens are eating right!… Read More →

Let’s Talk about Breastfeeding

By Doris Vallejo-Aguilar, UT-Austin Spring Intern There is no doubt that breastfeeding is a healthy practice for mothers and babies. The problem is not all mothers know the benefits of breastfeeding. Mothers may also have questions about breastfeeding. Some of these questions may include, are there foods I should avoid eating while pregnant? How often should I breast feed? How will I know whether my baby is getting enough milk? When should I introduce the bottle if I decide to stop breastfeeding or alternate between breast milk and… Read More →