Texas Cardiovascular Health and Wellness Program

I had no idea that Texas had a Health and Wellness Program. I'm checking into it right now, hopefully I will keep this updated.

My E-mail:
I wanted to inquire about the Cardiovascular Health and Wellness Program. I honestly had no idea this existed, but it's great to see that Texas is trying to do something about the health and wellness of Texans. I live in Katy, TX, but I'm not sure there are any programs that are active here. I am a personal trainer at *edited*, and I would like to see the health of residents in my community change for the better. If the Department of Health Services has something that I can distribute to people, I would do it. I have a lot of ideas that I feel will make it easier to reach out to the community, but I don't have enough information to get it started. Is there a program Texas has created for the public that would give the residents a gameplan on how to avoid Cardiovascular disease? I was going to create one myself, but if it's already been created, it would save me a lot of time. What can I do to help your department reach out to the residents in my area?

Their Reply:
Thank you, Jason, for your interest in health. The Cardiovascular Health and Wellness Program works to promote policies and system changes within the school, worksite, healthcare and community settings that help people live heart and brain healthy lives.

There are other programs within the department that focus on reducing risk factors such as diabetes, physical inactivity, poor nutrition and tobacco use, and with our external partners, such as the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, etc. we work collaboratively to train and provide technical assistance in implementing those policies, programs and system changes for a healthy life.

I will ask our staff person in Houston, Lois Grant, to provide you with more information about the local resources you can access and become a part of. Thanks!

Jennifer Smith, MSHP
Manager
Adult Health and Chronic Disease Group
Texas Department of State Health Services
1100 West 49th Street - T-402
Austin, Texas 78756
512-458-7111 extension 2209
512-458-7254 (Fax)
www.texascvdcouncil.org