Public Health IS

Williamson County and Cities Health District

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. 5d ago

    Public Health IS... Life Beyond a Diagnosis

    Summary If you feel healthy, is that an accurate reflection of what’s going on in your body? With October being breast cancer awareness month, Maria Andrea is joined by breast cancer survivors, Elan Walker and Annette Roy Davis who share their stories, the importance of routine screenings, and knowing your body. From early detection, treatment options, and the importance of family and community support in overcoming cancer, Elan and Annette bring their insights into what life looks like beyond a diagnosis. 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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wcchd.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you like what you heard, please support this podcast by following, linking, commenting, and sharing with family and friends! Disclaimer The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on this program are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or guidance of Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD). This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as absolute fact. Always consult with your primary care provider before making any medical decisions as they will know your complete health history and be able to coordinate individualized care. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the episode and guests 01:14 Guest backgrounds and significance of breast cancer awareness 02:05 Personal stories of initial diagnosis and emotional impact 04:27 The importance of routine screenings and early detection 06:22 Young women and unexpected cancer diagnoses 10:36 Breaking the news to family and emotional support 12:16 Motherhood, mortality, and life changes after diagnosis 15:01 Support systems and community resources 17:30 Dealing with treatment challenges and side effects 21:02 The role of advocacy, research, and future projects Guests Elan Walker Annette Roy Davis Podcast mentioned "No Time But Now"

  2. Sep 29 ·  Bonus

    In the News- Ready, Set, Respond: How the Medical Reserve Corps Helps Build Resilient Volunteers and Communities

    Summary September is National Preparedness Month and to close it out, Maria Andrea is joined by WCCHD's newest Emergency Preparedness and Response team member Tammara Jordan, the Training and Exercise Coordinator. Together, they discuss Tammara's role and the importance of community involvement in public health, focusing on emergency preparedness and the role of the Medical Reserve Corps in Williamson County. They explore how volunteers can get involved, the training process, and the impact of proactive community engagement. 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 community engagement and public health 02:18 Tammara's journey into public health 04:52 Diverse backgrounds in public health professionals 07:33 Volunteer recruitment and training process 10:09 Educational initiatives like CPR and first aid classes 12:12 How to join the Medical Reserve Corps 14:21 The broader impact of community preparedness 15:50 From wanting to help to being prepared tohelp 16:33 Encouragement to get involved and resources available 17:01 Closing remarks Guest Tammara Jordan, Training and Exercise Coordinator Resources How to join MRC File of Life

    In the News- Ready, Set, Respond: How the Medical Reserve Corps Helps Build Resilient Volunteers and Communities

  3. Sep 22

    Public Health IS... Cancer Screenings: Prevention Before A Problem

    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 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! *New episodes of Season 2 will be posted on every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month* 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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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
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Williamson County and Cities Health District
  • Show Website
    Public Health IS