Extension Addresses Family Nutrition
This is a continuation of program impact summaries provided by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service during 2021 in Hopkins County. This week focuses on the Better Living for Texans/Family Nutrition program area.
By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Hopkins County Family & Community Health Agent, [email protected]
Relevance
In Hopkins County, approximately 4,010 receive supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) benefits according to https://hhs.texas.gov. Research suggests that SNAP and other limited resource audiences consume diets that are not in agreement with the current dietary recommendations, potentially increasing the risk for development of chronic disease. Obesity among adults in Hopkins County is 31% of the population. Similarly, 35% reportedly are physically inactive. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service provides timely, practical educational programs and resources.
To help address these issues, the Community Health/Wellness Alliance, Master Wellness Volunteers, and Family & Community Health Committee assisted in planning, marketing, and presenting programs.
Response
The following programs were offered:
- A Fresh Start to a Healthier You online series
- Walk & Talk
- Healthy Snacking for preschoolers
- Better Living for Texans (BLT) newsletter
- 55+ Health Fair on food budgeting and physical activity
Target Audience
- A Fresh Start for a Healthier You was targeted toward low-income audiences through the BLT newsletter (Head Start parents, senior citizens, church Senior Citizens groups).
- Walk & Talk was targeted toward Head Start parents/grandparents.
- Healthy Snacking was targeted toward Head Start students.
- 55+ Health Fair was targeted toward that specific age group.
- BLT newsletter is sent to Head Start campus, local day care centers, Senior Citizen Center, CAN Help and food bank.
Results
A Fresh Start to a Healthier You
A total of 22 enrolled in the on-line series. Topics were: Food Safety; Meal Planning and MyPlate; Food Resource Management; and Celebrating Small Bites. A new session topic was introduced each week for participants to complete at their own pace.
Walk & Talk
- 3 teams of Head Start parents/grandparents
- Each team exceeded the goal of 832 miles (2,634 total miles)
- 14 of 18 (78%) attended 6 or more sessions
- 10 matched pre-post surveys returned
- 10 of 10 (100%) increased days of physical activity
- 10 of 10 (100%) indicated benefiting from the program
- 6 of 10 (60%) increased consumption of vegetables
55+ Health Fair
- Approximately 250 senior adults attended, receiving information on nutrition and physical activity
- 80 small bags of popcorn and 20 pounds of apples and oranges were distributed
BLT Newsletter
- 10 issues prepared
- Provided to 28 outlets for distribution to clientele reaching approximately 5,000 households
Future Implications
Be Well, Live Well, a program for 50+ aged adults is scheduled for April, 2022. Stay tuned for more information!
Voluntary Nationwide Recall Issued For 1 Lot Of Clobetasol Propionate Ointment USP, 0.05%
Hawthorne, NY ─ Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. (“Taro” or the “Company”) has issued a voluntary nationwide recall of one lot of Clobetasol Propionate Ointment USP, 0.05% packaged in 60 g tubes, to the consumer level.
Clobetasol Propionate Ointment USP, 0.05% is indicated for the relief of inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid responsive dermatoses and is packaged in 60 g aluminum tubes with polypropylene puncture-tip caps. Each 60 g tube is labeled to indicate the name of the product, Clobetasol Propionate Ointment USP, 0.05% and the NDC # 51672-1259-3. The Lot Number and Expiration Date are displayed on the bottom of each tube and the end flap of the product carton.
| Lot # | Amount | Expiration Date |
|---|---|---|
| AC13786 | 96 units | December 2022 |
This recall ONLY applies to tubes labeled with “Lot AC13786” and “Exp Dec 2022”. No other lots of this product are impacted. Lot AC13786 is being recalled due to the presence of Ralstonia pickettii bacteria (“R. pickettii”), which was discovered by the manufacturer through routine testing, Taro Pharmaceuticals USA stated in the recall notice.
R. pickettii is present in the natural environment (soil, water) and for healthy individuals with intact skin, is unlikely to cause any localized or systemic infections. However, for individuals who are immunocompromised, or whose skin is not intact (i.e. sunburn, psoriasis, abrasions), there is a reasonable possibility that systemic infections may occur if the product is contaminated with R. pickettii due to the presence of the corticosteroid component which enhances absorption of the ointment. If this bacterium is circulating in the human blood stream it can cause life-threatening, invasive infections such sepsis, pneumonia, meningitis, inflammation of the bone or bone marrow, and infection in the joint fluid and joint tissues. To date, Taro has not received any adverse event reports related to this lot.
Ninety-six units of Lot AC13786 were distributed to two wholesale distributors in the U.S. market between Nov. 16 and Dec. 6, 2021. These two wholesale distributors may have further distributed this lot to their retail customers for prescription dispensing to patients who were prescribed Clobetasol Propionate Ointment USP, 0.05%, 60 g.
Taro has notified the affected distributors by phone, e-mail, and letters via U.S. Mail and is arranging for return of any containers of Clobetasol Propionate Ointment USP, 0.05%, 60 g, Lot AC13786 (expiration date of December 2022). Retail customers that have any quantities of Lot AC13786, which is being recalled, should stop distribution and return any unsold units to their wholesaler, the company release notes.
Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact Taro by calling 1-866-923-4914 or by e-mail at [email protected], Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., U.S. Central Time. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product.
Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.
- Complete and submit the report Online
- Regular Mail or Fax: Download form or call 1- 800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178
This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Community Health Day Being Held January 22, 2022
Community Health Day
In partnership with CHRISTUS Health, Columbia Lodge #81 invites you to attend an event
aimed to build a community that is more secure, productive, healthy, and hopeful. We will have
local experts speaking on a variety of health-related topics that will educate and empower
community members to take charge of their own health and well-being. The event will be held
Saturday, January 22, 2022 from 8am to 12pm at the HW Grays Building at Pacific Park, 413
Beckham Street in Sulphur Springs. For more information, contact Bryan Vaughn at
[email protected].
Hopkins County Community Chest Closed Until January 18, 2022
According to the Director of the Hopkins County Community Chest, the temporary closure the next two weeks is due to Covid-19. Heather White became the local Community Chest Director in April 2021, and her job has continued an important local role filled previously by Judy Moore.
In an e-mail to KSST, White stated that the 217 Linda Drive facility will re-open as planned on January 18, 2022. “We ask that clients come to pick up food on their regularly scheduled week. No modifications in schedules will be made. The food bank will resume normal distribution on Tuesday January 18th. Our Reach out program has resumed as well and will continue as regularly scheduled. We appreciate the community’s support during this time”.
In addition to assisting families through the ongoing food distribution programs at the Community Chest headquarters at 217 Linda Drive in Sulphur Springs, there’s also the Reach-Out program where a mobile unit travels to food distribution stations in the county on a monthly basis. Community Chest also offers bill-pay assistance as well as emergency resource services for families in need. Assistance is determined by income and application process. If you have needs or have questions about Hopkins County Community Chest, you can visit the office Tuesdays and Thursdays, or you may phone 903-885-3452.
Tuesday Game Day Features Lady Cats Soccer and Both Basketball Teams
Tuesday, Jan. 4 has both basketball teams in action plus women’s soccer at home.
Lady Cats basketball resumes district action today, hosting Pine Tree.
Last Friday, women’s basketball travelled to Gilmer to take on the Buckeyes.
Moving over to the men’s team, Wildcats basketball resume district action today when they travel to Pine Tree to take on the Pirates.
It is the first return for Coach Brandon Shaver to his previous coaching gig in Pine Tree.
Tuesday’s district match-up in Pine Tree is set to tip-off at 7 P.M.
Last week the men’s basketball team participated in the Allen Holiday tournament, taking on stiff competition from around the state of Texas.
Sulphur Springs missed a few players in Allen but managed to pull out a 2-2 record in the tourney.
The Wildcats come in to tonight’s district contest in Pine Tree looking to improve upon their 17-7 record (1-0 district).
Women’s soccer are the last team up on Tuesday game day, hosting Celina at Gerald Prim Stadium.
The Lady Cats have a tough match for their non-district opener.
Sulphur Springs coach Javier Aguayo acknowledged during pre-season the gauntlet his team had to run during scrimmage play, but he believes taking on tough and talented teams best prepares his squad for district action.
They will need all the reps they can get as they take on perennial soccer powers in Longview, Hallsville, and Pine Tree when district play begins later this month.
But before Coach Aguayo and his Lady Cats set their sights on District 15-5A, they have to get through tourney and non-district play which starts tonight versus Celina.
The regular season-opener is set to kick-off tonight at the Prim at 7:15 P.M.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
NETEX Board To Consider Right-Of-Way Requests For Elevon Development In Collin County
The Northeast Texas Rural Rail Transportation District Board, known as the NETEX Board, will be asked Thursday to consider right-of-way requests for Elevon Development in Collin County.
The large scale project is reported to be a $2 billion development which will be constructed in at least two phases and to include thousands of single family and multifamily homes in and outside of Lavon, on over 1,500 acres of land purchased by MA Partners LLC, and as planned could also include a business complex. Part of the project, however, as designed runs alongside or crosses NETEX property. Discussions and negotiations have been ongoing between NETEX representatives and those of the developer for months.
One of the big concerns expressed by NETEX is that the development could restrict or prevent the railroad from being expanded and developed to increase the rail line and offer more services. Questioned also would be potential residents of Elevon Development’s willingness to have a rail line that is not a public commuter line run through or along behind their homes, or whether they would object to it.
During the Dec. 2 NETEX meeting, John Marlin with MA Partners gave an update on the project. Jarret Mankin with RAMS, the company NETEX hired due to the business’ experience with ROW matters, listened via teleconference call. Mankin and NETEX attorney Ron Stutes at the conclusion of the meeting were asked to continue working to have an agreement to present to the NETEX Board for the January 2022 meeting.
As presented, Elevon Development will cross the property or at the least require use of the NETEX right-of-way. The Jan. 6 NETEX Board agenda includes five ROW related matters which have been negotiated through RAMS, . For Elevon Development, NETEX Board will be asked Thursday to consider utility easements, pipeline and wireline; public road crossing agreements; removal of Bear Creek bridge; private road agreement; and stipulations of all parties involved.
Also during the 1:30 p.m. meeting Jan. 6 at Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation offices, NETEX Board will be asked to elect officers for the year, including designating a president, vide president, treasurer and secretary.
Reports compiled by NETEX Treasurer Neal Barker and rail operator Northeast Texas Connector (NETC) also are slated to be presented on Thursday afternoon. In December, Barker reported a balance of $251,033.35 in the NETEX operating account and $51,731.64 in the money market account, and advised auditor Mike Ward had the needed files and an audit spanning a few years was still in progress. Mike Salek of NETC reported the excavator had arrived and was put into service, working in Greenville eastward on Dec. 2, 2021
A Year In Review: Result Demonstration In Hopkins County
Comparison of sale prices of preconditioned cattle under two (60 Days vs 45 Days) pre-conditioning cattle protocols in Northeast Texas
Cooperator: Northeast Texas Beef Improvement Association
By Dr. Mario A. Villarino, Hopkins County Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources, [email protected]
Summary
This Result Demonstration compared pre-conditioned cattle sale prices (averages) during five consecutive years using a 45 Day preconditioning protocol and cattle sale prices during 2021 using a 60 Day pre-conditioning protocol. The results indicated a significant difference between beef prices of preconditioned cattle (+ $59.27) during 2021 when compared to all other previous years (average).
Objective
The objective of this applied research was to identify the impact of extended preconditioning period (60 vs 45 days) of similar pre-conditioned cattle sold in comingled cattle auction format in Hopkins County.
Materials and Methods
A total of 213,952 pre-conditioned cattle (45 Day protocol) were comingled, sorted in groups and sold to the highest bidder in an auction format setting in six bi-monthly sales during five consecutive years (2016-2020). 23,217 pre-conditioned cattle (60 Day protocol) were comingled, sorted in groups and sold to the highest bidder in an auction format setting in six bi-monthly sales during 2021.
Results and Discussion
The cattle numbers pre-conditioned and sold during NETBIO sales were as follows:
| Year | Sample size | Preconditioning protocol | Average sale price per head |
| 2016 | 34,889.00 | 45 Days | $862 |
| 2017 | 47,270.00 | 45 Days | $859 |
| 2018 | 46,597.00 | 45 Days | $834 |
| 2019 | 44,905.00 | 45 Days | $787 |
| 2020 | 40,291.00 | 45 Days | $764 |
| 2021 | 23,217.00 | 60 Days | $823 |
Table 1: Average sale prices averages (USD) of cattle under two pre-conditioning protocols.
In the 1990s, Extension Specialists at Texas A&M University developed a set of standardized calf health management protocols to guide producers in adding value to calves. Since weaning and shipping are both stressful events in a calf’s life, the time lapse between weaning and shipping is important. By separating these stressors, the immunosuppressive impacts of each event are not combined, which reduces overall stress. Therefore, separating weaning and shipping, when combined with a sound vaccination protocol, further enhances the value of calves and is rewarded in the marketplace. To seize economic benefit of pre-conditioning programs, a partnership between Texas A&M AgriLife Extension- Hopkins County, a group of organized beef producers and the Sulphur Springs Livestock Auction created the Northeast Texas beef Improvement Organization (NETBIO) and implemented periodical preconditioned cattle auctions. After 18 years of yearly sales, and because commissioned cattle numbers surpassed handling capacity of auction barn, bi-monthly sales were implemented in 2016. After a difficult year for the local beef industry during 2020 and as a response to national and state stocker sales trends, the NETBIO adopted the 60 pre-conditioning days protocol to be implemented in 2021. Average sale price comparison between cattle sold in 2021 under a 60 Day pre-conditioning protocol vs the five-year average (2016-2020) indicated a higher price (+$59.63) when compared to those raised under a 45 Day pre-conditioning protocol.
Acknowledgements
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Hopkins County would like to recognize the support of NETBIO during the development of this result demonstration.
CHRISTUS Health, Columbia Lodge #81 partner To Host Community Health Day Event
By Holly Ragan, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. [email protected]
Community Health Day
In partnership with CHRISTUS Health, Columbia Lodge #81 invites you to attend an event aimed to build a community that is more secure, productive, healthy, and hopeful. We will have local experts speaking on a variety of health-related topics that will educate and empower community members to take charge of their own health and well-being. The event will be held Saturday, January 22, 2022, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the HW Grays Building at Pacific Park, 413 Beckham St. in Sulphur Springs. For more information, contact Bryan Vaughn at [email protected].
Flu Shots: Do not Delay, Get Yours Today!
Flu shots are available at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, 105 Medical Plaza. We welcome walk-ins or by appointment; to schedule call 903.885.3181.
Thank you for your patience!
With a spike in COVID-19 cases in Hopkins County, please expect “longer than usual” wait times in the Emergency Department. Rest assured we are doing everything we can to provide high quality care in a timely manner. Thank you in advance for allowing us to provide for your healthcare needs, while extending grace to our staff.
COVID Vaccine Clinics
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs offers a COVID Vaccine Clinic every Friday morning from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the main lobby of the hospital until further notice. The available vaccines include Moderna (2-doses, ages 18 and older) and Pfizer (2-doses, ages 12 and older) and Johnson & Johnson (1-dose, ages 18 and older). ***This includes all three brands of boosters for fully vaccinated people. Appointments are not required, but a parent/guardian must accompany anyone 17 and younger.
Hospital Visitation
Please note the following guidelines:
- Visitors must acquire masks themselves prior to entering our facility; cloth masks are acceptable. Masks must cover both the nose and the mouth. Visitors must remain masked during their time in the hospital.
- Minor-age visitors must be accompanied by an adult, be free of symptoms and able to comply with masking and hygiene expectations throughout the visit.
- Emergency Department entrance open 24/7
- Main Entrance open 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday
- Gift Shop open
- Visiting hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Types of Visitors:
- COVID receiving aerosol treatments: via tele-visitation only;
- COVID not receiving aerosol treatments: 1 Essential support person for the duration of hospital stay – Essential support person will be given a visible wrist band for identification purposes;
- ICU/ER: 1 Essential support person only;
- All other patients may have 1 Essential support person and 1 visitor (up to 2 persons in room at a time)
- Types of Visitors:
Services
Sleep Medicine
Dr. Aaron Pierce, Sleep Medicine Specialist, will be coming to Sulphur Springs the first Monday of every month to CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Medical Building 10, 113 Medical Circle. You may require a referral from your Primary Care Physician based on your insurance coverage; however, you may contact his office directly for more information by calling 903.606.1664. *Please indicate that you prefer an appointment in the Sulphur Springs location.
CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Urgent Care – Sulphur Springs
**PLEASE NOTE – due to limited staffing, the Urgent Care may be forced to change its hours without notice. We recommend calling prior to your arrival to check the status of availability. We apologize for the inconvenience.**
The CHRISTUS Urgent Care Hours of Operation is as follows:
- In-Person Care Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, closed
- Virtual Visit Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- To schedule a virtual visit, please visit urgentcare.christushealth.org, then select your location and click “Virtual Visit”
The Urgent Care is located at 1339 South Broadway St., and the phone number to call is 903.951.1001.
# # #
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System includes CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals – Tyler, South Tyler, Jacksonville, Winnsboro and Sulphur Springs, the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital – Tyler, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital a partner of Encompass Health, Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, a long-term acute care facility, and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic is the area’s preferred multi-specialty medical group, with more than 400 Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers representing 36 specialties in 34 locations serving Northeast Texas across 41 counties. For more information on services available through CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, visit christustmf.org
- Bed count – 402 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler
- Bed count – 8 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – South Tyler
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Jacksonville
- Bed Count – 96 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Winnsboro
- Bed count – 94 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital
- Bed count – 96 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart – Tyler
- Bed count – 51 – Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital
Second Round Of Grant Funding Available Through The Texas Vaccine Outreach And Education Program
The Texas Department of State Health Services in partnership with Texas A&M Health announced the opening of the second round of funding for the Texas Vaccine Outreach and Education Grant Program.
In this round, organizations can apply for grants ranging from $50,000 to $1,000,000 to engage in vaccine education and outreach with the goal of increasing the number of fully vaccinated Texans against COVID-19. Funds will be awarded for projects that ensure greater access and knowledge of COVID-19 vaccines through education and outreach to populations disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
“As with the first round of funding, DSHS is confident that community-based organizations are perfectly positioned to offer local support for those who seek access for and information about COVID-19 vaccine services,” said Imelda Garcia, DSHS associate commissioner for laboratory and infectious disease services.
DSHS encourages statewide organizations, academic institutions, and community-based organizations of all sizes with strong, direct relationships with the populations they serve to apply for the federal funds.
“We anticipate applications for larger and more statewide projects this round with the increase in the funding range,” said Olga Rodriguez, associate vice president and chief of staff at Texas A&M Health. “These grants create opportunities for local communities to develop COVID-19 education projects that are tailored for their community, which is increasingly important as the state and country continue to deal with COVID-19 and its variants.”
Deadline for proposal submissions for the funding for the Texas Vaccine Outreach and Education Grant Program is Jan. 14, 2022. Round two funding priorities include:
- Statewide organizations proposing targeted community interventions addressing communities of color, rural communities, and/or Texans with disabilities
- Groups or organizations focusing on children in Texas
- Groups or organizations focusing on one or more of 10 counties in Texas with low vaccination rates (Bell, Bowie, Ector, Grayson, Jefferson, Johnson, McLennan, Parker, Tom Green, and/or Wichita)
- Groups or organizations focusing on serving Tribal Nations
To learn more about the program, eligibility and how to apply for round two funding, please visit https://health.tamu.edu/vaccinegrant/round-2.html.
3 Jailed New Year’s Day For Violating Probation
Three people were jailed New Year’s Day for violating probation, according to arrest reports.
Bryan Jermaine Bell was stopped at 11:20 a.m. Jan. 1, 2022 on Oak Avenue for a traffic violation. A records check revealed two warrants for the 37-year-old Sulphur Springs man’s arrest. Bell was booked into Hopkins County jail on a warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and a warrant for operation a vehicle without a license, Sulphur Springs Police Officer Francisco Castro noted in arrest reports.
Bell, who is also known to use the alias Cody James Wright, was held in Hopkins County jail Monday, Jan. 11, 2022, on the felony warrant, according to jail reports.
Katrina Jane Crowson turned herself in at Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office at 3:03 p.m. Jan. 1, 2022, on four warrants. Deputy Dan Turrentine escorted the 40-year-old Sulphur Springs man into the county jail and released her to jail staff for booking.
Crowson, who is also known by Katrina Jane Humphrey and Katrina L. Lile, was held in Hopkins County jail on the warrants for each for violation of probation-bail jumping and failure to appear on a felony charge, issuance of a bad check, theft and bond forfeiture-possession of a dangerous drug charges. Bond on the dangerous drug charge was set at $6,000, according to jail reports.
Lone Oak Police notified Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office that Jana Christine Combs was in custody on a Hopkins County warrant for violation of probation. Deputies Justin Wilkerson and Zack Steward met the Lone Oak officers at the Hopkins-Rains County line, and took the 49-year-old Emory woman into custody at 11:10 p.m. New Year Day’s and transported her to Hopkins County jail.
Combs, who is also known by Jana Trieb and Jana Christine Gillard Combs, was held in Hopkins County jail Monday afternoon, Jan. 3, 2022, on the warrant for violation of probation, which she was on for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, according to jail reports.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
