From Our Team
Unlocking Social Success: The PEERS Program at the NMSU Papen-Aprendamos Autism Diagnostic Center
Posted on May 11, 2023 by Sandra Day
Parents and caregivers of children with autism are their lifelong teachers; for this reason, having an evidence-based curriculum like the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) that includes parents as coaches is invaluable.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. Individuals with ASD often struggle with making and maintaining friendships, leading to isolation and loneliness. The U.S. Surgeon General says that lack of social connection poses a significant health risk, and…
Beyond the Bell: Unlocking the Power of Summer Programs
Posted on April 28, 2023 by Sandra Day
As students in the borderland count down the days until the bell rings one last time for the school year, parents seek ways to keep children engaged while school is not in session.
Out-of-school-time (OST) providers offer a wide range of summer programs. For a good reason, these programs have become increasingly popular. Summer programming provides a unique opportunity for students to continue learning outside of the traditional classroom setting with activities that promote their learning and development while keeping them active. For working parents, summer programs also offer a safe…
Investing in registered dietitians is a heath investment for the region.
Posted on February 23, 2023 by Jana Renner
Eating healthy isn’t easy, and it can be especially difficult for those with chronic diseases. If someone has pre-diabetes, diabetes, or obesity, seeing a registered dietitian that is trained in food restrictions, eating habits, and meal plans could make eating healthy easier.
According to the American Diabetes Association, in New Mexico, 12.3% of adults have diabetes. It is important to not only prevent diabetes through healthy eating programs but to also provide management and treatment in a clinical setting.
The New Mexico State University (NMSU) Dietetic Internship program is the…
Tobacco Use Among Youth
Posted on February 16, 2023 by Dr. Michael Kelly
Taking those first few puffs, I felt like my insides were on fire. But after trying smoking a few more times, the feeling turned from bad to good…so I thought. Today, I smoke at least a pack of cigarettes a day and can’t stop. I have tried several time to quit, but just can’t.
These are familiar words that teens are expressing about their experience with smoking. Smoking is addictive and causes serious health problems. Three-quarters of young people who use tobacco daily continue to do so because they find it hard to quit. The American Lung Association estimates that every minute…
Changing the Mindset on Mental Health
Posted on January 23, 2023 by Sandra Day
One’s Mental health is often not as prioritized as the physical body, yet they are closely connected. Taking care of one’s emotions, thoughts, and mental well-being is just as crucial as getting your yearly physical. However, many individuals with mental conditions are reluctant to seek help due to stigma, lack of access, and misinformation, unfortunately leading to delayed treatment, which develops into a crisis.
Healthcare leaders and policymakers at every level are becoming increasingly aware that communities need support to combat untreated mental illness and promote wellness and…
Diabetes, Now What?
Posted on December 25, 2022 by Audrey Garcia
According to the El Paso Center for Diabetes, an estimated 9.4 percent of the U.S. population has diabetes, making it the seventh leading cause of death. In El Paso, the prevalence of diabetes outpaces the national numbers, with 15 percent of El Paso adults living with diabetes. Over time, diabetes can cause serious health problems such as heart disease, vision loss, foot problems, and the need for kidney dialysis, and be an immediate greater risk with co-occurring threats like Covid-19.
While there is not yet a cure for diabetes, proper weight, healthy eating, active living, medication…
“Big Tobacco” is Targeting Kids with Devices Designed to be Hidden in Plain Sight
Posted on November 1, 2022 by Audrey Garcia
The Paso del Norte Health Foundation’s (PdNHF) Smoke-Free initiative is dedicated in supporting efforts to promote smoking cessation and smoke-free spaces throughout the region. Our team is paving the way and on the forefront of clean air initiatives and ordinances in El Paso (2001), San Elizario (2018), and Horizon (2021). We are committed to promoting local tobacco cessation through research-based media campaigns that support the statewide Quitline (915-534-QUIT). Along with a network of smoke-free partners, the Tobacco Control Network, we supported efforts to institute tobacco-free…
Last chance to register for El Paso’s annual day of giving
Posted on September 21, 2022 by Guest Author
Act, give, change – the Paso del Norte Community Foundation reminds the community to take part in the region’s largest and most significant day of charitable giving.
El Paso Giving Day was founded in 2016 by the Paso del Norte Community Foundation and is a charitable giving campaign designed to shine a light on the essential work of nonprofit organizations and ignite the spirit of giving in our community.
This year, El Paso Giving Day will take place on Thursday, October 20. For nonprofits in our binational, tri-state region, that means it’s also time to get your nonprofit…
Eating healthy and delicious made easy with free courses
Posted on August 22, 2022 by Jana Renner
What image comes to mind when you think about eating healthy? If you’re like me, you’re seeing a plate full of veggies and maybe some bland chicken breast. What if there was a way to reprogram your brain — as well as your shopping list and eating habits — so that planning healthy meals sparked creativity to spice up recipes?
Sabrosa Vida is a chef-led cooking and nutrition program brought to the community by the El Paso Center for Diabetes, in partnership with the Paso del Norte Health Foundation’s Healthy Living priority area.
The curriculum was pilot tested by the Center for…
Need help managing your diabetes? These resources may help
Posted on July 15, 2022 by Dr. Michael Kelly
Living with diabetes isn’t always easy. People diagnosed with diabetes may ask, “What foods can I eat?”, “When should I check my blood sugar?”, or “How does physical activity affect my blood sugar?”
As complex as it can be to manage diabetes or help a loved one manage theirs, it is possible to do well, be well and lead a healthy, happy life while keeping blood sugar levels at safe and consistent levels.
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Paso del Norte Health Foundation are here to help with a variety of programs designed to help navigate diabetes. The new “Do Well, Be Well…
