TMA Health Beat

At the beginning of the year many Americans resolve to get healthier by exercising or eating well. But studies show just weeks into the new year, many people have already abandoned that goal. Physician members of the Texas Medical Association participate in a program, Walk with a Doc, to help people stick to their resolution to improve their health. Walk with a Doc is a doctor-led program that combines walking and conversation to promote a healthier lifestyle in people of all ages. Physicians host free walks every month in their cities where the community can gather to get some steps in and form connections. Anna Buteau, MD, an internal medicine physician, has been hosting these walks in Austin for over two years. “If I can get one person out of their house on a weekend – who may not have a connection, may not get a hug – [it] would make that monthly walk worth it,” said Dr. Buteau. This new TMA Health Beat Podcast explores how physicians’ Walk with a Doc program can help people adopt a healthier lifestyle, to keep New Year’s resolutions and beyond.  

Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a debilitating pregnancy complication that can initially appear as typical early pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness. At least 60,000 cases of HG are estimated in the U.S. each year. Kenneth Higby, MD, treats women who suffer with HG as a specialist in maternal and fetal care and obstetrics-gynecology in New Braunfels. The consultant to the Texas Medical Association Committee on Reproductive, Women’s and Perinatal Health says there is not enough awareness about the condition, even among some physicians. “A lot of obstetricians don't see pregnant women until much further along in pregnancy, where this occurs very early in pregnancy. So, the patient is at risk of seeing a family physician or an ER physician who knows very little about this disorder in pregnancy,” said Dr. Higby. Ms. Kathryn Clarke, an advisory council member of the Hyperemesis Education and Research Foundation, said she struggled with HG during her pregnancy. “I was so incredibly nauseous, I couldn't leave my bed,” said Ms. Clarke. “By week 10, I was down 18 pounds from where I started of being pregnant.” That’s typical of the disease, which causes severe nausea and vomiting, often well before a prenatal intake appointment with a physician. In a new TMA Health Beat podcast episode, Dr. Higby and Ms. Clarke explain what the condition is, the risks associated with it, and how they are raising awareness about HG among patients and physicians.   NOTICE: This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. The information provided in this podcast does not constitute legal or medical advice and does not ensure a successful outcome. This podcast does not substitute for the advice of a physician or other health care professional. Consulting a personal physician is always a good practice when faced with health issues to obtain specific medical advice taking into consideration each person’s medical situation. Persons should not rely on this information when dealing with personal health matters; rather medical advice from their own personal physician should be sought. Although TMA has attempted to present materials that are accurate and useful, some material may be outdated and TMA shall not be liable to anyone for any inaccuracy, error, or omission, regardless of cause, or for any damages resulting therefrom. Certain links provided with this information may connect to websites maintained by third parties. TMA has no control over these websites, or the information, goods or services provided by third parties. TMA shall have no liability for any use or reliance by a user on these third-party websites or information provided by third parties. This podcast is also not intended to establish medical standards of care for the purposes of litigation, including expert testimony. The standard of care is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances of each individual case and no generalization can be made that would apply to all cases.

In a new episode of the TMA Health Beat podcast, physicians are reminding Texans about the dangers of undiagnosed or unmanaged diabetes.   Over 38 million people in the U.S. live with the disease. About 90% have type 2 diabetes – which causes a spike in blood sugar levels and can lead to serious health problems. “The burden of disease is profound,” said Brandon Cantazaro, MD, an internist in the Rio Grande Valley and member of the Texas Medical Association’s Council on Health Promotion. Wound care physician and TMA President Jayesh Shah, MD, said by the time diabetes patients come to him their condition is very serious, including having cuts that won’t heal due to poor blood circulation, sometimes leading to amputation. Drs. Shah and Cantazaro say diabetes can be managed. They say it is important for patients to consult a physician and make lifestyle changes like exercising and improving their diet to reduce their blood sugar levels.   NOTICE: This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. The information provided in this podcast does not constitute legal or medical advice and does not ensure a successful outcome. This podcast does not substitute for the advice of a physician or other health care professional. Consulting a personal physician is always a good practice when faced with health issues to obtain specific medical advice taking into consideration each person’s medical situation. Persons should not rely on this information when dealing with personal health matters; rather medical advice from their own personal physician should be sought. Although TMA has attempted to present materials that are accurate and useful, some material may be outdated and TMA shall not be liable to anyone for any inaccuracy, error, or omission, regardless of cause, or for any damages resulting therefrom. Certain links provided with this information may connect to websites maintained by third parties. TMA has no control over these websites, or the information, goods or services provided by third parties. TMA shall have no liability for any use or reliance by a user on these third-party websites or information provided by third parties. This podcast is also not intended to establish medical standards of care for the purposes of litigation, including expert testimony. The standard of care is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances of each individual case and no generalization can be made that would apply to all cases.        

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis affecting women aside from skin cancer – and cases are increasing among Texas women under age 50 – so the Texas Medical Association (TMA) is advocating routine screening for women at age 40. At its 2025 annual meeting, the TMA House of Delegates adopted policy supporting the American College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging recommendation that women of average risk begin undergoing annual mammograms at age 40, with no upper age limit. In a new episode of the TMA Health Beat podcast, Terri L. Woodard, MD, co-chair of the TMA Committee on Cancer, said, “We want fewer women to die of cancer.  We want people to have access to screening and literally save their lives.” The committee advocated for TMA to support the policy recommendation. Photo credit: Viacheslav Yakobchuk – stock.adobe.com NOTICE: This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. The information provided in this podcast does not constitute legal or medical advice and does not ensure a successful outcome. This podcast does not substitute for the advice of a physician or other health care professional. Consulting a personal physician is always a good practice when faced with health issues to obtain specific medical advice taking into consideration each person’s medical situation. Persons should not rely on this information when dealing with personal health matters; rather medical advice from their own personal physician should be sought. Although TMA has attempted to present materials that are accurate and useful, some material may be outdated and TMA shall not be liable to anyone for any inaccuracy, error, or omission, regardless of cause, or for any damages resulting therefrom. Certain links provided with this information may connect to websites maintained by third parties. TMA has no control over these websites, or the information, goods or services provided by third parties. TMA shall have no liability for any use or reliance by a user on these third-party websites or information provided by third parties. This podcast is also not intended to establish medical standards of care for the purposes of litigation, including expert testimony. The standard of care is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances of each individual case and no generalization can be made that would apply to all cases.  

The Texas Medical Association’s (TMA’s) Hard Hats for Little Heads outreach program started in San Angelo in 1994. More than 30 years later, the Concho Valley County Medical Society is ensuring the program continues to grow in the city. “Medicine is a caring profession where we're trying to give back to guide patients for healthier lives,” said Stuart Abramson, MD, the immediate past president of the Concho Valley County Medical Society. He has hosted Hard Hats events for over 8 years. Hard Hats is TMA’s longest-running outreach program. Texas physicians have distributed more than 424,000 helmets to Texas children since its inception. The program aims to reduce head injury among Texas children while on a bike, riding a scooter and skating. A properly fitting helmet can prevent almost all head injuries – up to 85%. “We could care for one or two kids in the ER after they got a traumatic brain injury or after they have a skull fracture or a major concussion, or we could work on ways to … prevent these injuries by just giving them a helmet to protect them,” said Josiah Ward, DO, a pediatrician and the medical society’s current president. In addition to the Hard Hats events, the county medical society also held its first Texas BookShare event – a TMA outreach program that promotes literacy. Learn more about how this medical society is giving back to the community through the Hard Hats and Texas BookShare programs, in a new TMA Health Beat podcast episode.        

Texas Medical Association’s Vaccines Defend What Matters program provides grants up to $3,500 for vaccination efforts, education, and community outreach in Texas. In a new episode of the TMA Health Beat podcast, physicians speak about the importance of getting vaccinated especially as Texas encountered the worst outbreak of measles in decades. Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease. “Giving your child a vaccine is an act of love. It's one of the simplest, safest ways to defend them from serious harm,” said Lindy McGee, MD, chair of the TMA Committee on Child and Adolescent Health and a Houston pediatrician. NOTICE: This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. The information provided in this podcast does not constitute legal or medical advice and does not ensure a successful outcome. This podcast does not substitute for the advice of a physician or other health care professional. Consulting a personal physician is always a good practice when faced with health issues to obtain specific medical advice taking into consideration each person’s medical situation. Persons should not rely on this information when dealing with personal health matters; rather medical advice from their own personal physician should be sought. Although TMA has attempted to present materials that are accurate and useful, some material may be outdated and TMA shall not be liable to anyone for any inaccuracy, error, or omission, regardless of cause, or for any damages resulting therefrom.   Certain links provided with this information may connect to websites maintained by third parties. TMA has no control over these websites, or the information, goods or services provided by third parties. TMA shall have no liability for any use or reliance by a user on these third-party websites or information provided by third parties.   This podcast is also not intended to establish medical standards of care for the purposes of litigation, including expert testimony. The standard of care is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances of each individual case and no generalization can be made that would apply to all cases.  

David Sabgir, MD, started Walk with a Doc 20 years ago to help his patients lead a healthy lifestyle. What started as one walk has now become a global movement with 600 physician-led chapters taking monthly walks. Recently, he was in Texas and met with physicians, Texas Medical Association Alliance members, and students. 

On the first Tuesday of every month during the state’s legislative session, physicians, Texas Medical Association (TMA) Alliance members, and medical students gather in Austin to meet with lawmakers and speak to them about important health care issues. This advocacy event is called First Tuesdays at the Capitol. In this episode of TMA Health Beat, TMA members discuss why they make the effort. TMA and TMA Alliance members, join your colleagues for the final First Tuesdays at the Capitol event this legislative session, taking place on May 6. Click here to sign up.

Insurance plans require physicians to get pre-approval for certain medications, tests, and procedures their patients need. This extra step is called a prior authorization. Physicians say the process has become costly, burdensome and can delay patient care. In this podcast the Texas Medical Association takes an inside look at how physicians and their staff handle the prior authorization process and their frustrations trying to take care of their patients.

A measles outbreak in West Texas is spreading. More than 100 people are sick and one child has died as of this February posting. Most of those affected are unvaccinated. Ronald Cook, DO, family physician, TMA physician leader, and health authority of the City of Lubbock and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, speaks about the infectious disease and importance of getting vaccinated. NOTICE: This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. The information provided in this podcast does not constitute legal or medical advice and does not ensure a successful outcome. This podcast does not substitute for the advice of a physician or other health care professional. Consulting a personal physician is always a good practice when faced with health issues to obtain specific medical advice taking into consideration each person’s medical situation. Persons should not rely on this information when dealing with personal health matters; rather medical advice from their own personal physician should be sought. Although TMA has attempted to present materials that are accurate and useful, some material may be outdated and TMA shall not be liable to anyone for any inaccuracy, error, or omission, regardless of cause, or for any damages resulting therefrom. Certain links provided with this information may connect to websites maintained by third parties. TMA has no control over these websites, or the information, goods or services provided by third parties. TMA shall have no liability for any use or reliance by a user on these third-party websites or information provided by third parties. This podcast is also not intended to establish medical standards of care for the purposes of litigation, including expert testimony. The standard of care is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances of each individual case and no generalization can be made that would apply to all cases.

The holidays can be difficult for those with anxiety and depression. They may struggle for many reasons including loneliness or because they have lost a loved one. Sarah Lynette Martin, MD, a psychiatrist in El Paso and member of TMA’s Committee on Behavioral Health, talks about what causes depression and behavioral health decline during the holidays and why it is beneficial to get help as soon as possible. NOTICE: This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. The information provided in this podcast does not constitute legal or medical advice and does not ensure a successful outcome. This podcast does not substitute for the advice of a physician or other health care professional. Consulting a personal physician is always a good practice when faced with health issues to obtain specific medical advice taking into consideration each person’s medical situation. Persons should not rely on this information when dealing with personal health matters; rather medical advice from their own personal physician should be sought. Although TMA has attempted to present materials that are accurate and useful, some material may be outdated and TMA shall not be liable to anyone for any inaccuracy, error, or omission, regardless of cause, or for any damages resulting therefrom. Certain links provided with this information may connect to websites maintained by third parties. TMA has no control over these websites, or the information, goods or services provided by third parties. TMA shall have no liability for any use or reliance by a user on these third-party websites or information provided by third parties. This podcast is also not intended to establish medical standards of care for the purposes of litigation, including expert testimony. The standard of care is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances of each individual case and no generalization can be made that would apply to all cases.

With another Medicare payment for physicians cut on the horizon, Texas doctors are urging Congress to pass the new bipartisan Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2024. This will provide temporary relief from the Medicare cut for one year and a modest increase in payment. If lawmakers don’t act, many physicians say their practice’s viability will suffer and they might not be able to care for as many Medicare patients as they wish to. They worry access to health care will be impacted. Note: The American Medical Association (AMA) provided audio of Bruce Scott, MD, AMA president. His entire speech can be found here.

The Texas Medical Association’s Texas BookShare program helps improve literacy in underserved areas by giving free books to children. The program is funded by TMA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of TMA. Physicians, medical students, county medical societies and alliances use the TMA BookShare program to give books to kids in medical clinics, schools, and elsewhere. In this episode of TMA Health Beat physicians speak about the importance of health literacy and their experience reading books to children in schools.

For more than two decades, the Immunization Collaboration of Tarrant County has played an important role in ensuring uninsured and under insured families get necessary vaccinations, especially before kids head to school. Tarrant County Medical Society Alliance members participate en masse to make the vaccination clinics a success by greeting patients and providing information on the vaccines available. In this episode of TMA Health Beat, volunteers explain how the Immunization Collaboration of Tarrant County got its start and what motivates them to spend their time at vaccination events. NOTICE: This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. The information provided in this podcast does not constitute legal or medical advice and does not ensure a successful outcome. This podcast does not substitute for the advice of a physician or other health care professional. Consulting a personal physician is always a good practice when faced with health issues to obtain specific medical advice taking into consideration each person’s medical situation. Persons should not rely on this information when dealing with personal health matters; rather medical advice from their own personal physician should be sought. Although TMA has attempted to present materials that are accurate and useful, some material may be outdated and TMA shall not be liable to anyone for any inaccuracy, error, or omission, regardless of cause, or for any damages resulting therefrom. Certain links provided with this information may connect to websites maintained by third parties. TMA has no control over these websites, or the information, goods or services provided by third parties. TMA shall have no liability for any use or reliance by a user on these third-party websites or information provided by third parties. This podcast is also not intended to establish medical standards of care for the purposes of litigation, including expert testimony. The standard of care is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances of each individual case and no generalization can be made that would apply to all cases.

The number of people aged 65 and older in Texas will more than triple by 2050. As this population grows, Deborah Freeland, MD, a Dallas geriatrician, and Guadalupe  Zamora, MD, a family physician in Austin, weigh in on the specialized heath care needs of older patients and how the medical community can give them the care they need. NOTICE: This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. The information provided in this podcast does not constitute legal or medical advice and does not ensure a successful outcome. This podcast does not substitute for the advice of a physician or other health care professional. Consulting a personal physician is always a good practice when faced with health issues to obtain specific medical advice taking into consideration each person’s medical situation. Persons should not rely on this information when dealing with personal health matters; rather medical advice from their own personal physician should be sought. Although TMA has attempted to present materials that are accurate and useful, some material may be outdated and TMA shall not be liable to anyone for any inaccuracy, error, or omission, regardless of cause, or for any damages resulting therefrom. Certain links provided with this information may connect to websites maintained by third parties. TMA has no control over these websites, or the information, goods or services provided by third parties. TMA shall have no liability for any use or reliance by a user on these third-party websites or information provided by third parties. This podcast is also not intended to establish medical standards of care for the purposes of litigation, including expert testimony. The standard of care is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances of each individual case and no generalization can be made that would apply to all cases.  

As the summer temperatures rise and the heat index surges, many Texans suffer from heat-related illnesses. Hilary Fairbrother, MD, an emergency medicine physician and chair of the Texas Medical Association’s Committee on Emergency Medical Services and Trauma, says she sees many patients suffering from heat exhaustion and the more dangerous heat stroke. In this TMA Health Beat Podcast, she says, staying hydrated is the best way to stay safe in the heat and she describes some of her most typical heat illness patients. NOTICE: This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. The information provided in this podcast does not constitute legal or medical advice and does not ensure a successful outcome. This podcast does not substitute for the advice of a physician or other health care professional. Consulting a personal physician is always a good practice when faced with health issues to obtain specific medical advice taking into consideration each person’s medical situation. Persons should not rely on this information when dealing with personal health matters; rather medical advice from their own personal physician should be sought. Although TMA has attempted to present materials that are accurate and useful, some material may be outdated and TMA shall not be liable to anyone for any inaccuracy, error, or omission, regardless of cause, or for any damages resulting therefrom. Certain links provided with this information may connect to websites maintained by third parties. TMA has no control over these websites, or the information, goods or services provided by third parties. TMA shall have no liability for any use or reliance by a user on these third-party websites or information provided by third parties. This podcast is also not intended to establish medical standards of care for the purposes of litigation, including expert testimony. The standard of care is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances of each individual case and no generalization can be made that would apply to all cases.

The Texas-Mexico border region faces unique health care challenges. Many people have diabetes, obesity, and other chronic health conditions, and they often lack health insurance – 42% of adults have no health coverage. At the recently held TMA Border Health Conference, physicians, other health care stakeholders, and government policymakers gathered to discuss how to strengthen border health care. NOTICE: This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. The information provided in this podcast does not constitute legal or medical advice and does not ensure a successful outcome. This podcast does not substitute for the advice of a physician or other health care professional. Consulting a personal physician is always a good practice when faced with health issues to obtain specific medical advice taking into consideration each person’s medical situation. Persons should not rely on this information when dealing with personal health matters; rather medical advice from their own personal physician should be sought. Although TMA has attempted to present materials that are accurate and useful, some material may be outdated and TMA shall not be liable to anyone for any inaccuracy, error, or omission, regardless of cause, or for any damages resulting therefrom. Certain links provided with this information may connect to websites maintained by third parties. TMA has no control over these websites, or the information, goods or services provided by third parties. TMA shall have no liability for any use or reliance by a user on these third-party websites or information provided by third parties. This podcast is also not intended to establish medical standards of care for the purposes of litigation, including expert testimony. The standard of care is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances of each individual case and no generalization can be made that would apply to all cases.

TMA’s longest-running outreach program, Hard Hats for Little Heads, has turned 30 years old. TMA has given out more than 400 thousand bike helmets through Hard Hats. In this episode, physicians talk about how the free helmet giveaway program helps keep community kids safe and brings joy to both children and physicians.

The allergy season can be tough for many Texans who struggle with cough, runny nose and itchy eyes. Louise Bethea, MD, allergist and immunologist from The Woodlands, talks about the allergens that affect Texans the most, allergy induced asthma and the difference between allergies, and respiratory illnesses.  NOTICE: This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. The information provided in this podcast does not constitute legal or medical advice and does not ensure a successful outcome. This podcast does not substitute for the advice of a physician or other health care professional. Consulting a personal physician is always a good practice when faced with health issues to obtain specific medical advice taking into consideration each person’s medical situation. Persons should not rely on this information when dealing with personal health matters; rather medical advice from their own personal physician should be sought. Although TMA has attempted to present materials that are accurate and useful, some material may be outdated and TMA shall not be liable to anyone for any inaccuracy, error, or omission, regardless of cause, or for any damages resulting therefrom. Certain links provided with this information may connect to websites maintained by third parties. TMA has no control over these websites, or the information, goods or services provided by third parties. TMA shall have no liability for any use or reliance by a user on these third-party websites or information provided by third parties. This podcast is also not intended to establish medical standards of care for the purposes of litigation, including expert testimony. The standard of care is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances of each individual case and no generalization can be made that would apply to all cases.

TMA’s new podcast called TMA Health Beat will focus on important health care issues and outreach programs organized by TMA. In the first episode, Marinel Munda, MD, a pediatrician from Tyler, Texas, talks about Walk with a Doc – a free program organized by physicians to encourage their patients to exercise. Dr. Munda explains why walking is important for a healthy lifestyle and how the program helps her give back to her community.