Public Health IS

Williamson County and Cities Health District
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to Public Health IS… a podcast dedicated to making public health more accessible to you the public! - brought to you by Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD). Join Maria Andrea, a passionate public health worker and Community Engagement Specialist for WCCHD, as she discuss all the ins and outs of public health, providing insight into WCCHD, and its impact on day-to-day life.

  1. Aug 25 ·  Bonus

    In the News- Natural But Not Always Easy: Why Breastfeeding Support Matters

    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 publichealthistx@wilcotx.gov! 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

    In the News- Natural But Not Always Easy: Why Breastfeeding Support Matters

  2. Aug 11 ·  Bonus

    In the News- The World's Deadliest Animal

    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 mosquito@wilcotx.gov! Interested in learning more about a specific public health topic? Reach out to us at publichealthistx@wilcotx.gov! 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

    In the News- The World's Deadliest Animal

  3. Aug 4

    Public Health IS... YOU

    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 publichealthistx@wilcotx.gov! 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

  4. Jul 28 ·  Bonus

    In the News- Understanding Cyclospora: The Parasite Behind the Outbreaks

    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 publichealthistx@wilcotx.gov! 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

    In the News- Understanding Cyclospora: The Parasite Behind the Outbreaks

  5. Jul 21

    Public Health IS... Improvement

    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 publichealthistx@wilcotx.gov! 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

  6. Jul 14 ·  Bonus

    In the News- Survive the Sizzle

    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 publichealthistx@wilcotx.gov! 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 ⁠

    In the News- Survive the Sizzle

  7. Jul 7

    Public Health IS... Preparedness

    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 publichealthistx@wilcotx.gov! 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

  8. Jun 30 ·  Bonus

    In the News- Driving the Food Truck Permit Transition

    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 publichealthistx@wilcotx.gov! 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

    In the News- Driving the Food Truck Permit Transition
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About

Welcome to Public Health IS… a podcast dedicated to making public health more accessible to you the public! - brought to you by Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD). Join Maria Andrea, a passionate public health worker and Community Engagement Specialist for WCCHD, as she discuss all the ins and outs of public health, providing insight into WCCHD, and its impact on day-to-day life.

Information

  • Creator
    Williamson County and Cities Health District
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Williamson County and Cities Health District
  • Show Website
    Public Health IS

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