News (External)

Houston METRO tests updated bus shelter design to combat extreme heat

Houston METRO has begun testing new bus shelter designs in the Gulfton neighborhood, aiming to reduce temperatures for riders waiting in the heat. The pilot program involves 12 upgraded shelters that now feature perforated metal panels on the sides. METRO said the change is intended to allow more airflow and lower the temperature inside the shelters.

News (External)

U.S. heat wave: What increasing heat does to our bodies

With record high temperatures becoming the norm, humans are more regularly hitting the threshold of our ability to cope with heat.

News (External)

How to Stay Safe During a Heat Wave

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are possible during periods of extreme weather, especially among vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.

News (External)

In Rio Grande Valley, Women Face Elevated Risks of Cervical Cancer. The Safeguards Aren’t Always There.

In this roughly 100-mile stretch of citrus groves and palm-fringed neighborhoods along the Mexican border, a preventable disease continues to take an outsize toll on Latina women.

News (External)

Why a Fan Can’t Always Cool You Down, and Other Unexpected Challenges in Heat Waves

Strategies to combat heat stress have trade-offs, so context is key when trying them, experts say.

News (External)

Houston bus shelters may trap dangerous heat, study finds

A UTHealth study found some Houston bus shelters can trap heat, raising the risk of heat stroke and reducing ridership. Trees may offer a better solution.

News (External)

Children who engage in regular physical activity are more likely to maintain healthy behaviors into adulthood

Promoting physical activity among children is essential to fostering long-term health and development.

News (External)

Hello Houston (May 6, 2025)

We discuss Houston’s hot stops, this year’s hurricane forecast, and learn how Starbase, Texas became an official city. Plus, Tony-nominated actor and Houston native Kevin Cahoon.

News (External)

Bus Shelters Don’t Protect You, They Slowly Cook You

Even if it’s been designed to keep you cool with ventilation slots that allow a breeze to pass through and with tinted glass that protects against the sun, they still somehow bake you alive.

News (External)

Unprocessed vs. Processed vs. Ultra-Processed Food: What's the Difference?

Dolores Woods, Registered Dietitian at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, guides us on which processed foods to eat in moderation and which to avoid.

Blog

Teaching Kitchen Recipes from April 2, 2025

Check out two recipes made by our amazing Austin staff at an event hosted at our Austin community room on April 2, 2025!

Blog

Mapping Opportunities to Reduce Roadway Fatality and Serious Injury in Partnership with the Montopolis Community of Austin, Texas: Advancing Vision Zero via a Young Adult-Led Assessment of Road-Related Safety & Active Commuting

Over 2,700 people in the Austin area have been seriously injured or killed in traffic crashes in the past five years. The Montopolis community is a higher risk geographic area, with Hispanic residents and young people (15-24) overrepresented in crash injuries. The Vision Zero Co-Learning & Action Planning Project was a a one-year community assessment led by young adults citizen scientists.

Blog

Preventive colonoscopy saved my life – it could save yours too!

Did you know that you can prevent or reduce your risk for developing colorectal cancer (CRC)? In honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Kat Sisler (UTHealth Houston School of Public Health in Austin alumna, Never Too Young Taskforce member, and cancer survivor) shared the value of preventive screenings.

Blog

What to know about early-onset colorectal cancer and screening

Did you know you can prevent or reduce your risk for colorectal cancer (CRC)? In honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Kat Sisler (UTHealth Houston School of Public Health in Austin alumna, Never Too Young Taskforce member, and cancer survivor) wrote to share the value of preventive screenings.

Blog

Leveraging out-of-school time to promote healthy movement behaviors for children and adolescents

What are students doing when school lets out for the day, on weekends, and during holiday and summer breaks?

Blog

Can training attention improve students’ emotional well-being?

A recent study tested this question with a digital intervention called Finding Focus. High school students completed a series of short, interactive lessons and exercises designed to help them train their attention and use it to more skillfully navigate thoughts and emotions.

Blog

Warm up with these 3 fun winter recipes!

As winter sets in and the holidays near, the Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living has recipes to help you enjoy a holiday season that is both healthy and flavorful!

Blog

3 Thanksgiving classics with a nutritious twist

We know Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and, of course, great food. To support your holiday wellness, check out these three recipes developed by the Nourish Program that bring together traditional Thanksgiving flavors with a nutritious twist!

Blog

Dr. Steven Kelder offers recommendations to reduce youth vaping

Youth vaping and e-cigarette use is an epidemic in the United States. While the number has declined since 2019, Dr. Steven Kelder, epidemiology professor at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health in Austin and founding member of CATCH Global Foundation, said there are data driven resources available to help further curb use among young people.

Blog

Resource guide: Child health research

October is National Children's Health Month, an opportunity to highlight the importance of protecting and improving the health of all children under the age of 18. The Center is committed to advancing child health through research, education, and community engagement. We hope you will join us in supporting children’s health by sharing the research resources below!