May is Asthma Awareness Month

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects more than 2 million people in Texas, including 1 in 11 children. It causes 3 in 5 people living with asthma to limit their physical activity or miss days of school and work. Although there is no cure yet, asthma can be controlled through medical treatment and management of environmental triggers. Get more information from the Texas Asthma Control Program.

Know Your Risk for Diabetes

More than 29.1 million Americans have diabetes, and it’s estimated that 1 out of every 3 adults in the U.S. has pre-diabetes. Are you at risk? If so, don’t wait to be tested. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed through simple lifestyle changes such as exercise and healthy eating.

A healthy life is a longer life. Learn more at www.preventtype2.org.

Blue Bell Recalls All Products

Blue Bell Creameries has recalled all products due to concerns about illness. Texas urges consumers to follow the recall and not eat any Blue Bell products.

Several cases of listeriosis have been associated with Blue Bell products.

Listeriosis primarily affects older adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms usually start within several days, though they can develop up to two months after eating contaminated food. Symptoms may include diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms followed by fever or muscle aches.

• Blue Bell Creameries Information
• DSHS Health Advisory (pdf)
• Texas Information
• CDC Information
• FDA Information

Secondhand Smoke is a Health Risk for Everyone

There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. In adults, exposure causes approximately 50,000 deaths each year. It occurs in the workplace and in public places such as restaurants and bars. The only way to fully protect anyone from secondhand smoke exposure is to completely eliminate smoking in indoor spaces. For tips and tools you can use to bring awareness to this issue in your community, visit ShareAir.org.

Savings Ideas Open for Public Voting

A list of money-saving ideas from health and human services employees is available for public vote. Our agencies are looking at the suggestions to see which ones are the most feasible. Tell us your favorites.

Sunset Advisory Commission Issues DSHS Recommendations

The Sunset Advisory Commission has issued their recommendations related to DSHS. These recommendations were presented to the full Sunset Commission and heard in a public hearing in June, 2014. The Commission met in Aug., 2014 to determine how to proceed with the recommendations.

Additionally, the Sunset Advisory Commission has issued their recommendations related to HHSC and the HHS System. These recommendations were presented to the full Sunset Commission in a public hearing in November. The Commission met in Dec., 2014 to determine how to proceed with the recommendations.

Visit the Sunset Advisory Commission website for more details.