Summary

When is the best time to get screened for cancer?

We kickoff Season 2 of "Public Health IS..." by exploring the importance of cancer screenings for the 3 most diagnosed cancers- breast, colorectal, and prostate. Join Maria Andrea, WCCHD's Medical Director, Dr. Amanda Norwood, and an extra special guest as they discuss how routine preventative care and early detection can save lives!

Interested in learning more about a specific public health topic? Reach out to us at [email protected]! And learn more about Williamson County and Cities Health District at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wcchd.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you like what you heard, please support this podcast by following, linking, commenting, and sharing with family and friends!Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cancer Screening Importance

01:54 Why Screenings Are Recommended Even Without Symptoms

03:56 How Preventive Care Saves Money and Lives

06:46 Details of Colon Cancer Screening Options

16:49 Breast and Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines

20:04 Public Health Initiatives in Williamson County

24:01 How to Talk to Your Doctor About Screenings

26:06 Analogy of the Playground and Body Health

29:02 The Impact of Late-Stage Cancer Diagnosis

Guests

Dr. Amanda Norwood, DO- WCCHD Medical Director and Local Health Authority

Dr. Mike Varshavski, DO- Family Medicine Physician

Resources

Cancer Screening Initiative (CSI) number- (512)-248-3252

American Cancer Society

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Summary

When host Maria Andrea got ready to welcome her first baby, she thought she had prepared for everything. She got her nursery ready, got the car seat installed, and took the birthing classes. BUT, when her daughter finally arrived, the thing she least prepared for was how to feed her. Her mindset was, "Breastfeeding is natural, so if it's meant to be it'll just happen."

This episode of In the News explores the essentials of breastfeeding, including benefits, challenges, and support resources, with insights from experienced breastfeeding peer counselors, Mahogany Scott-Hall and Jaymee Michalk,from WCCHD's own WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) division. Perfect for new and expecting mothers, it emphasizes that breastfeeding, while natural, often requires support and education to succeed.

Interested in learning more about a specific public health topic? Reach out to us at [email protected]! And learn more about Williamson County and Cities Health District at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wcchd.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you like what you heard, please support this podcast by following, linking, commenting, and sharing with family and friends! Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Breastfeeding Awareness Month

02:11 The Science of Milk Production and Benefits

04:11 Understanding Colostrum and Transition to Mature Milk

06:04 Challenges in Breastfeeding: Personal Stories and Solutions

10:03 Support Systems and Resources for Mothers

15:09 Pumping Tips and Equipment Recommendations

19:59 Myths and Facts About Breastfeeding

26:00 Weaning: How to Do It Safely and Comfortably

31:53 Closing Remarks and Resources for Support

Guests

Mahogany Scott-Hall, Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Jaymee Michalk, Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Resources

24/7 Breastfeeding Help Hotline- (855)-550-6667

Breastmilk Counts by Texas WIC- https://breastmilkcounts.com/

Mom's Place Lactation Support Center-Mom's Place | City of Austin | AustinTexas.gov

Summary

Do you know what the world's deadliest animal is? Every year it claims anywhere from half a million to a million lives worldwide.

To learn more about this animal, Maria Andrea is joined by a familiar guest, Jason, WCCHD's Public Health Entomologist, to discuss the deadly impact of mosquitoes, the diseases they can transmit, how we at the health district implement control measures to ensure public safety, and what you can do to fight the bite.

Got a mosquito related question? Reach out to us at [email protected]!

Interested in learning more about a specific public health topic? Reach out to us at [email protected]! And learn more about Williamson County and Cities Health District at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wcchd.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠If you like what you heard, please support this podcast by following, linking, commenting, and sharing with family and friends!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mosquitoes and Public Health

02:02 History of World Mosquito Day and Disease Transmission

03:03 Mosquito-Borne Diseases and Global Impact

03:50 Mosquito Diversity and Behavior in Texas

04:56 Public Health Strategies for Mosquito Control

06:08 Understanding West Nile Virus and Its Effects

07:03 Personal and Community Protection Measures

07:53 Myths and Misconceptions About Mosquito Control

09:03 Integrated Vector Management and Surveillance

09:52 The Role of Community Action and Education

11:09 Effective Use of Mosquito Control Products

11:58 The Importance of Accurate Mosquito Surveillance

13:10 Environmental Considerations in Mosquito Control

14:02 Balancing Ecosystem Health and Public Safety

15:09 When and Why to Implement Mosquito Control Treatments

16:00 Community Engagement and Public Education

16:59 Monitoring and Responding to Mosquito-Borne Disease Risks

17:53 The Future of Mosquito Control and Public Health

19:03 Summary and Final Thoughts on Mosquito Prevention

Guest

Jason Fritz, Integrated Vector Management Program Lead

Resources

Williamson County and Cities Health District, Integrated Vector Management Program-https://www.wcchd.org/healthy_people/mosquitorisks.php

Summary

All throughout this season, Maria Andrea closes out each episode with "public health is you, it's me, it's we, it's us."

In this episode, learn how YOU the individual can get involved in the US of public health via the Healthy Williamson County Coalition, led by Nneka Shoulds, the Healthy Williamson County Coalition Coordinator. They discuss the evolution and impact of the coalition, emphasizing community-led public health initiatives, data-driven strategies, and sustainable health practices with the goal of improving health outcomes. To quote Nneka, "the coalition is for everyone, it's the community's opportunity to share".

Interested in learning more about a specific public health topic? Reach out to us at [email protected]! And learn more about Williamson County and Cities Health District at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wcchd.org/⁠⁠⁠

If you like what you heard, please support this podcast by following, linking, commenting, and sharing with family and friends!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Williamson County Public HealthEffort

02:02 History and Evolution of the Healthy Williamson CountyCoalition

05:06 Shifts in Strategy: From Events to Data-DrivenCollaboration

06:56 Adopting the Collective Impact Model and System Level Change

08:57 Community Engagement and the Role of Action Groups

11:04 Priorities and Focus Areas: Access, Chronic Disease,and Mental Health

13:03 Community-Led Solutions and Community Ownership

15:04 Sustainability and Long-Term Impact in Public Health

17:08 How to Get Involved and Future Directions

Resources

Healthy Williamson County Coalition- https://www.healthywilliamsoncounty.org/

2025 Williamson County Community Health Assessment (CHA)- https://www.healthywilliamsoncounty.org/cha_chip/health_assessments/2025_health_assessment.php

2026-2030 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)- https://www.healthywilliamsoncounty.org/cha_chip/improvement_plans/2026-2030_chip.php

Summary

It arrives every summer. The headlines start piling up. A meddlesome parasite. Fresh produce. Food recalls. And hundreds of people suddenly dealing with days of miserable gastrointestinal illness.

So what's the culprit? Why does this parasite seem to appear year after year, and why are fresh herbs, leafy greens, and berries so often caught in the investigation?

In this Public Health IS... In the News episode, Maria Andrea brings together Environmental Health and Epidemiology to follow the clues behind one of the season's most talked-about foodborne illnesses. We'll uncover where Cyclospora comes from, why outbreaks seem to happen this time of year, how public health investigators track it down, and what you can do to keep yourself off the case list—and out of the bathroom.

Interested in learning more about a specific public health topic? Reach out to us at [email protected]! And learn more about Williamson County and Cities Health District at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wcchd.org/⁠⁠⁠If you like what you heard, please support this podcast by following, linking, commenting, and sharing with family and friends!

Chapters

00:00 Looking Beyond the Headlines

00:48 Meet the Panel: Experts from Williamson County Health District

01:15 What is Cyclospora and How Does It Cause Illness?

02:14 Symptoms of Cyclosporiasis and Recurrent Diarrhea

03:03 Signs and Risks of Severe Dehydration

04:24 Who is at Risk for Cyclospora Infection?

05:55 Transmission and Contamination of Produce

07:19 Effective Prevention: Cooking and Proper Washing

09:21 Environmental Sources and Fecal-Oral Route

10:10 Waterborne Risks and Pool Safety Tips

12:00 Why Public Health Monitors Cyclospora Cases

14:22 Public Health Response and Outbreak Investigation

17:43 Treatment and Recovery from Cyclospora Infection

19:19 Current Outbreak Status and Community Safety Tips

20:47 Final Advice: Hygiene, Hydration, and Answering the Call

Guests

Kaleb Fowlkes, Director of Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance

Lori Murphy, Director of Environmental Health

Jovette Newton, Environmental Health Supervisor

Resources

Williamson County and Cities Health District - https://wcchd.org/

Cyclospora - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/cyclosporiasis/

Investigation of Outbreak of Cyclospora Illness- Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-9-state-outbreak-cyclospora-illnesses-iceberg-lettuce-july-2026

Summary

Join Maria Andrea, as she learns all about the Quality and Strategic Management team lead by Christa Cook and Chethana Manjunath from Williamson County and City's Health District. They explore the vital work of public health, focusing on quality improvement, strategic management, data support, and community engagement. Discover how these efforts directly impact community well-being and the importance of accreditation and policy in delivering effective health services.

Interested in learning more about a specific public health topic? Reach out to us at [email protected]! And learn more about Williamson County and Cities Health District at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wcchd.org/⁠⁠If you like what you heard, please support this podcast by following, linking, commenting, and sharing with family and friends!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Public Health and Community Needs

03:09 Quality and Strategic Management in Public Health

06:17 Data Support and Community Health Assessment

09:11 Importance of Accreditation and Grant Management

12:28 Policy Management and Community Impact

Resources

Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) - https://www.phaboard.org/

2024-2026 Williamson County and Cities Health District Strategic Plan- https://www.wcchd.org/about/stratplan.php

Summary:

In this episode, Maria Andrea is joined by Melanie Jones, Emergency Preparedness and Response Specialist, to discuss the dangers of heat, especially in Texas, and how to prevent heat-related illnesses. Learn about symptoms, safety tips, and the importance of hydration during extreme heat conditions.

As always, if you like what you heard, please support thispodcast by following, liking, commenting, and sharing this episode with familyand friends!

Interested in learning more about a specific public healthtopic? Reach out to us at [email protected]! And learn more aboutWilliamson County and Cities Health District at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wcchd.org/.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Texas heat and public health concerns

01:51 How humidity affects heat perception and risks

02:48 Heat-related illnesses: cramps, exhaustion, and stroke

04:01 Signs and symptoms of dehydration and heat illness

05:59 Risks for vulnerable populations: elderly, children, medical conditions

09:09 How to recognize heat stroke and what to do

11:05 Cooling techniques and emergency response for heat stroke

13:10 Practical tips for staying safe outdoors in extreme heat

15:14 Common misconceptions about heat and hydration

17:09 The importance of continuous hydration and avoiding thirst as a cue

19:12 Public health role in heat safety and community education

21:03 Impact of power outages and healthcare system strain during heat waves

23:06 Key takeaways: prevention, awareness, and community responsibility

Guest name

Melanie Jones

Resources

Heat Safety Tips - CDC - https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html

Heat Illness Prevention - OSHA - https://www.osha.gov/heat-exposure

Heat Safety - American Red Cross - https://www.redcross.org

⁠

Summary

In this episode Maria Andrea explores the vital role of public health in emergency preparedness and response, featuring insights from Lauren Powell, Emergency Preparedness and Response Team Lead at Williamson County and City’s Health District. Learn how community involvement, planning, and coordination help build resilient communities capable of handling natural disasters, health crises, and everyday emergencies.

Interested in learning more about a specific public health topic? Reach out to us at [email protected]! And learn more about Williamson County and Cities Health District at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wcchd.org/⁠If you like what you heard, please support this podcast by following, linking, commenting, and sharing with family and friends!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Emergency Preparedness

02:34 Understanding Emergency Preparedness and Response

05:03 Community Engagement and Support

07:20 Creating Go Bags for Emergencies

09:46 The Importance of Proactive Preparedness

12:07 Collaboration in Public Health

14:29 Building a Resilient Community

17:23 Conclusion and Call to Action

Summary

In this episode, Maria Andrea and WCCHD's resident food experts discuss the recent changes in Texas mobile food vending laws, focusing on the new statewide permitting process starting July 1. They explore how these changes benefit vendors, the local role in enforcement, and how vendors can prepare for the transition.

As always, if you like what you heard, please support this podcast by following, liking, commenting, and sharing this episode with family and friends!

Interested in learning more about a specific public health topic? Reach out to us at [email protected]! And learn more about Williamson County and Cities Health District at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wcchd.org/. ⁠

Guest names

Lori Murphy, Jovette Newton

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Public Health and Food Safety

01:22 Changes in Mobile Food Vending Laws

03:10 Benefits of Statewide Permitting for Food Vendors

05:08 Local Role in Statewide Permitting

06:11 Preparing for the Transition to State Permits

07:43 Final Thoughts and Resources for Vendors

Resources

Texas Department of State Health Services Mobile Vending Application - https://www.dshs.texas.gov/retail-food-establishment

Williamson County and Cities Health District - https://wcchd.org

This is a segment called "Public Health IS... In the News" where Maria Andrea discusses emerging public health issues and WCCHD's role in keeping communities healthy and safe.

Summary

In this episode, we explore the emerging threat of the New World Screwworm fly in Texas, its impact on animal and human health, and the measures being taken to control it. Our guest, Jason Fritz, a public health entomologist, shares insights into the biology of the fly, the control strategies like sterile insect technique, and how the community can stay vigilant.

If you suspect a pet, livestock, or wild animal has an NWS infestation, get help as soon as possible. 

For pets or livestock, call your veterinarian and contact the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) at 1-800-550-8242 or through your local TAHC regional office. 

If you see a live wild animal with larvae, immediately contact Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) through your local wildlife biologist at 1-512-389-4505.

For more information on New World screwworm, please visit screwworm.gov. 

As always, if you like what you heard, please support this podcast by following, liking, commenting, and sharing this episode with family and friends!

Interested in learning more about a specific public health topic? Reach out to us at [email protected]! And learn more about Williamson County and Cities Health District at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wcchd.org/. ⁠

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Public Health and Emerging Threats

02:34 Understanding the New World Screw Worm

05:15 One Health: The Interconnection of Human, Animal, and Environmental Health

07:51 Risk Assessment: Human and Animal Vulnerability

10:41 Mitigation Strategies and Control Measures

13:16 Public Health Messaging and Community Engagement

Resources

Texas Animal Health Commission - https://www.tahc.texas.gov/

U.S. Department of Agriculture - https://www.usda.gov/

Sterile Insect Technique overview - https://entomologytoday.org/2018/07/01/sterile-insect-technique-a-success-story-in-pest-control/