Austin Medical Times by Rick Delarosa

September Edition 2021

Inside This Issue

Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk to Show Power of the Breast Cancer Community in Austin, Waco and San Antonio this October By Jeannine O’Deens, executive director of Susan G. Komen, Greater Central and East Texas Community to Raise Funds for Breast Cancer Research, Patient Care and Public Policy Action

Galen College of Nursing Opens New Campus in Austin See pg. 10

INDEX Legal Matters....................... pg.3 Oncology Research......... pg.4 Mental Health...................... pg.6 Healthy Heart....................... pg.8

Uncovering Trends and Gaps in Hispanic Population Health Research See pg. 11

n Sunday, October 24, Susan G. Komen Central and East Texas will host its signature fundraising event for Austin, Waco and San Antonio residents. The 2021 MORE THAN PINK Walk® will continue to have a virtual, self-paced option for the community as well as an in-person walk at The Long Center for Performing Arts. As our community faces a surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations, we take the safety of our staff, volunteers and walk participants very seriously. We also recognize that cancer doesn’t go away during a pandemic. In fact, it has created barriers to care, which could lead to increased rates of breast cancer. A new study published in the medical journal Cancer, found that many parts of the U.S. saw a significant drop in breast cancer screenings of older low-income women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Low-income populations have longstanding barriers to accessing care and are especially vulnerable to health care disruptions. The decline in screenings means that 32 centers had potentially 47,517 fewer mammograms and 242

missed breast cancer diagnoses. The pandemic’s predicted impact on cancer rates is even more staggering. The National Cancer

Komen is working to discover cures while supporting people facing breast cancer today, ensuring everyone can get the care they need to live. We will provide multiple safe options for everyone to participate in the 2021 MORE THAN PINK Walk in a way that feels comfortable for their circumstances, particularly those with a compromised immune system. No matter where you are, we will all feel the presence of our community every step of the way. We encourage all participants to download the mobile app that tracks fundraising goals, steps and challenges, which can be completed on their own time in their own neighborhood. The local event will feature a new audio experience and community scavenger hunt during the walk to help bring the community of hope and compassion together in a new way while we raise funds to save lives from

The decline in screenings means that 32 centers had potentially 47,517 fewer mammograms and 242 missed breast cancer diagnoses. Institute estimates that there will be 10,000 more deaths from breast and colorectal cancer in the next 10 years due to delayed screenings during the pandemic. Now more than ever, we cannot let a pandemic stop us from our mission to save lives by meeting the most critical needs in our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer. Funds raised through this year’s walk will support Komen’s investments in breakthrough research, needed patient care and public policy action at all levels of government. Susan G.

see Breast Cancer...page 14

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Legal Matters The Impact of Constitutional Carry on Health Care Providers

By Mark S. Armstrong, J.D. Jason T. Weber, J.D. Polsinelli, PC

ffective September 1, 2021, the Texas Firearm Carry Act of 2021, (commonly known as the “Constitutional Carry Bill”) permits legally eligible gun owners 21 years and older to carry their firearms without a Texas License to Carry. Previously, a license to carry a handgun, either openly or concealed, was required and the individual had to complete up to six hours of training, a written exam, and a shooting proficiency exam. Under the new law, a license to carry a handgun is no longer necessary in some instances. Under the new law, a person, other than by a licensed peace officer, may not intentionally, knowingly, or

recklessly possesses a firearm on the physical premises of hospitals, nursing homes and mental hospitals, among other identified premises. While there are good faith defenses to this statute, these defenses will not apply if (1) a sign was posted prominently at each entrance to the premises or other property, or (2) at the time of the offense, the actor knew that carrying a firearm or other weapon on the premises or other property was prohibited. In accordance with Texas Penal Code § 46.03(o), hospitals, nursing homes, mental hospitals, or other applicable entities may provide notice that firearms are prohibited on the property by posting a sign at each entrance to the property that: • Includes language that is identical to or substantially similar to the following: PURSUANT TO SECTION 46.03, PENAL CODE (PLACES WEAPONS PROHIBITED), A PERSON MAY NOT CARRY A

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F I R E A R M OR OTHER W E A P O N ON THIS PROPERTY. • The notice language is in both English and Spanish; • The notice appears in contrasting colors with block letters at least one inch in height; and • The notice is displayed in a conspicuous manner clearly visible to the public. Assuming the hospital, nursing home or mental hospital has posted the appropriate sign at its entrances, an individual who simply carries a firearm onto a prohibited premise would be subject to a Class A misdemeanor or third-degree felony. In addition, the new law permits a property owner, or tenant, to prohibit the unlicensed carrying of firearms on their property if the property owner posts a sign at each entrance to the property, pursuant to Texas Penal Code § 30.05(c), that: • Includes language that is identical to or substantially similar to the following:

PURSUANT TO SECTION 30.05, PENAL CODE (CRIMINAL TRESPASS), A PERSON MAY NOT ENTER THIS PROPERTY WITH A FIREARM. • The notice language is in both English and Spanish; • The notice appears in contrasting colors with block letters at least one inch in height; and • The notice is displayed in a conspicuous manner clearly visible to the public. The maximum penalty for possessing a firearm when a business see Legal Matters...page 14

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Oncology Research Discoveries in Your DNA: Identifying Cancer Risk in Your Genetics

FEEL GOOD AGAIN

By Elizabeth Gorrick, PA-C Texas Oncology-Austin Central and South Austin

xciting research in oncology is shifting toward a more personalized approach to cancer prevention and treatment – starting with genetics. The genetic blueprint that determines your hair and eye color also shapes your risk for developing certain diseases, such as cancer. Genetic testing offers a window into examining your unique DNA – allowing you to better understand your risk for developing cancer and take proactive steps for early detection and prevention.

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Genetic Mutations All cancers are caused by harmful changes, or variants (also called mutations), in genes. Cancer genes work to protect our bodies from developing cancer, but when a cancer gene contains a harmful variant, the gene cannot function correctly and does not protect against cancer as well as it should. This leads to a higher risk for cancer. These harmful variants can be inherited, which account for 5%-10% of all cancers, or acquired, which are often a result of the normal human aging process. Inherited variants increase risk of certain cancers, often at a younger age than expected, and they can be passed to future generations. More than 50 different hereditary syndromes increase risks for cancer. Most hereditary cancer syndromes are rare, but some are more common than others. One in 190 people have a harmful variant of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, which causes Hereditary Breast, Ovarian, and Pancreatic Cancer Syndrome. About one in 279 people have Lynch Syndrome, the most common cause of hereditary colon

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and uterine cancer. Lynch syndrome is caused by a harmful variant in the MSH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, or EPCAM genes. Testing for harmful variants in these and other important cancer genes helps identify people with increased cancer risks, allowing them to make more informed health decisions. Genetic Evaluations and Testing: What to Expect Genetic evaluations should be considered for individuals with concerning personal and family histories of cancer and those interested in learning more about their own cancer risks. A genetics professional will take a detailed medical history to determine if genetic testing would be helpful for you or your family. Genetic tests are usually performed on a blood or saliva sample. They examine a subset of your genes to look for harmful inherited variants

that could increase your chance of developing cancer. Sometimes genetic testing is done on tumors; these tests help determine the most effective cancer treatment, but they do not explain the cause for cancer, nor do they indicate if an individual has increased risks for cancer. Genetics tests can be expensive and difficult to interpret. Genetics providers can guide you to the best test for you and discuss any concerns about cost, insurance coverage, and privacy. They also translate what the results mean for you and your family and discuss options for cancer screenings, prevention, and treatment. Is Genetic Testing Right for You? Concerning factors in a family may include cancer in multiple generations, multiple family members with the same cancer, multiple cancers in one person, and cancers diagnosed at young ages. Talking to family members about their medical histories can help you better decide if a genetics evaluation would be warranted. Meeting with see Oncology Research...page 13

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Mental Health Suicide Rates Are on The Rise Among Older White Men in Rural Areas Researchers Uncover Trends in Suicide Deaths of American Men 65 And Older By Lauren Rouse

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uicide is a major health concern in the United States. Yet, compared to younger adults and women, men are at a potentially greater risk for death by suicide. This could be due to delaying mental health services (or not attending at all), turning toward more lethal methods of suicide, and conforming to traditional masculine norms like emotion avoidance and self-reliance. Although suicide rates globally are higher among older men than in any other demographic group, most suicide-related research has focused on younger populations. To better understand the extent of this public health issue for the entire older male population, Texas A&M Health Center for Population Health and Aging co-director Matthew Lee Smith, PhD, MPH, CHES, and colleagues from the University of Nevada, Indiana University and the Public Health Agency of Canada, examined rates of suicide deaths by men ages 65 and older in the United States from 1999 to 2018. Their findings were recently published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. The research team used data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) database to identify suicide rate differences in older men based on 10-year age groups (65-74, 75-84, 85+), race/ethnicity, method of suicide, and whether they lived in a more urban or more rural environment. Researchers found that a total of 106,861 males older than 65 died by suicide during the study period with 24.7 per 100,000 population of the deaths occurring among those aged between 65-74 years. However, suicide was highest among the oldest age group (85+ years) at 48.8 per 100,000 population. Additionally, researchers found that white older men had a higher burden of suicide compared to other race/ethnic groups (non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native, and Asian/Pacific Islander) with a rate of 35.3 per 100,000 population. Despite a downward trend in suicide among older men of all other race/ethnic groups since 2007, rates have increased for white older men. The most common method of suicide among older men during the study period was using firearms with a rate of 24.7 per 100,000. Additionally,

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2007 saw an increase in use of firearms, suffocation and poisoning for suicide from what had been decreases up until that year. Finally, the researchers noted that the lowest suicide rates were among Black older men across all types of urban or rural environments, whereas the highest rates were among white older men residing in very rural communities. Hispanic men had the second highest rates after white men in most urban areas, while American Indian/Pacific Islander older men had the second highest suicide rate after white men in rural populations. Overall, the team found an increasing trend in suicide rates after 2007 during the period of 1999-2018 and noted potential contributors to the increase in suicides during this time period. One notable contributor is the economic recession that occurred in the United States during this time. Economic downturn has effects on the general population, but it can be especially hard on vulnerable populations like the older men in this study. “Although several risk factors for suicide may also be experienced by women, it is important to investigate the reasons that contribute to and explain the sex-based disparity in suicide rates,” Smith said. “In many cases, threats to masculinity prevent men from seeking help with life stressors (e.g., for health concerns such as losing their independence, financial concerns such as being unable to pay the mortgage, or relationships), which increases suicide ideation. Traditional masculine norms such as competitiveness, emotional restriction and aggression are also associated with increased suicidal ideation.” As a result of the study, the team recommends that future studies should include other age groups in order to recognize trends that may help gain better insight into prevention strategies. “Rising rates of suicide among male older adults highlight the need for more tailored prevention and treatment intervention strategies that combat ageism and address upstream suicide-related risk factors,” Smith said.

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Austin Medical Times

Healthy Heart The Right “5-a-Day” Mix is 2 Fruit and 3 Vegetable Servings for Longer Life By The American Heart Association

tudies representing nearly 2 million adults worldwide show that eating about five daily servings of fruits and vegetables, in which 2 are fruits and 3 are vegetables, is likely the optimal amount for a longer life, according to new research published in the American Heart Association’s flagship journal Circulation. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables help reduce risk for numerous chronic health conditions that are leading causes of death, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. Yet, only about one in 10 adults eat enough fruits or vegetables, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The research revealed: • Five servings of fruits and vegetables daily was associated with the lowest risk of death. Eating more than five servings was not associated with additional benefit. • Eating about two servings daily of fruits and three servings daily of vegetables was associated with the greatest longevity.

• Compared to those who consumed two servings of fruit and vegetables per day, participants who consumed five servings a day of fruits and vegetable had a 13% lower risk of death from all causes; a 12% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke; a 10% lower risk of death from cancer; and a 35% lower risk of death from respiratory disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). • Not all foods commonly considered fruits and vegetables offered the same benefits. For example: Starchy vegetables, such as peas and corn, fruit juices and potatoes were not associated with reduced risk of September 2021

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death. • On the other hand, green leafy vegetables, including spinach, lettuce and kale, and fruit and vegetables rich in beta carotene and vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, berries and carrots, showed benefits. “This study identifies an optimal intake level of fruits and vegetables and supports the evidence-based, succinct public health message of ‘5-a-day,’ meaning people should ideally consume five servings of fruit and vegetable each day, “said lead study author Dong D. Wang, M.D., Sc.D., an epidemiologist, nutritionist and a member of the medical faculty at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Wang said the ‘5-a-day’ amount likely offers the most benefit in terms of prevention of major chronic disease and is a relatively achievable intake for the general public. “We also found that not all fruits and vegetables offer the same degree of benefit,” Wang reports, “even though current dietary recommendations generally treat all types of fruits and

vegetables, including starchy vegetables, fruit juices and potatoes, the same.” “The American Heart Association recommends filling at least half your plate with fruits and vegetables at each meal,” said Anne Thorndike, M.D., M.P.H., chair of the American Heart Association’s nutrition committee and an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston. “This research provides strong evidence for the lifelong benefits of eating fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are naturally packaged sources of nutrients that can be included in most meals and snacks, and they are essential for keeping our hearts and bodies healthy.”

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SEASONS OF EATING SPRING Artichokes Asparagus Carrots Chives Fava Beans

Green Onions Leeks Lettuce Parsnips Peas

Radishes Rhubarb Swiss Chard

Green Beans Melons Peppers

Summer Squash Tomatoes Zucchini

SUMMER Berries Corn Cucumbers Eggplant Figs Garlic Grapes

(sweet and hot)

Stone Fruit

(apricots, cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums)

FALL Apples Brussels Sprouts Dates

(acorn, butternut, spaghetti)

Pears Pumpkins Sweet Potatoes

Citrus Fruit

Leafy Greens

Hard Squash

WINTER Bok Choy Broccoli Celery

(clementines, grapefruit, lemons, limes, oranges, tangerines)

Endive

(collards, kale, mustard greens, spinach)

Root Vegetables (beets, turnips)

KEEP THESE TIPS IN MIND WHEN USING AND SHOPPING FOR SEASONAL PRODUCE: • Fresh foods are often less expensive during their harvest season. You may even save money by buying in bulk. • Shop at your local farmers market to learn more about produce and get ideas on how to prepare foods in season. • Gardening gives you fresh seasonal produce and a little exercise, too. The sense of pride you’ll feel will make that produce taste even better! • Frozen, canned and dried fruits and vegetables also can be healthy choices. Compare food labels and choose items with the lowest amounts of sodium, added sugars and saturated fat. • Freeze fresh produce so you can add it to smoothies, soups, breads and more throughout the year.

Learn more at heart.org/HealthyForGood Spanish language infographic available online: heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/add-color/seasons-of-eating-infographic

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September 2021

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Galen College Of Nursing opens new campus in Austin, Texas

alen College of Nursing, one of the largest educators of nurses in the United States, continues its mission to expand access to quality nursing education with the announcement of a new campus in Austin, Texas. In addition to Miami, Florida, this is the second new campus opening since Galen became part of HCA Healthcare (NYSE: HCA) in 2020 to become a premier career destination for nurses while helping the nation’s increasing nursing workforce needs. HCA Healthcare is Austin-based St. David’s HealthCare’s national partner. The 26,000-square-foot campus features resources designed to elevate the student experience and prepare future nurses to enter the field. Solely focused on nursing education, Galen prepares a diverse population of students to become nurses who deliver quality, compassionate care. In partnership with HCA Healthcare—the national partner of St. David’s HealthCare— Galen will bring one of the highest

levels of nursing education to the Austin region with a state-of-the-art facility featuring advanced patient simulation labs and classroom learning environments designed to encourage hands-on learning. Galen’s student support model has helped thousands of students enter the profession with consistently high NCLEX pass rates. “We are thrilled to bring our 30 years of experience exclusively educating nurses to the community and look forward to providing new opportunities to those called to nursing in the Austin area,” said Mark Vogt, Galen’s Chief Executive Officer. Continued Vogt, “At Galen, we are uniquely positioned to help expand the pipeline of qualified nurses in Austin and are committed to helping stem the nursing shortage threatening the delivery of quality care across the country.” “Through our national partner, HCA Healthcare, we are excited to work with Galen to help recruit more prospective nursing students who will go on to expand and enhance our community workforce,”

David Huffstutler, president and chief executive officer of St. David’s HealthCare, said. “With this Academic Practice Partnership, we can also work together to bridge the education-to-practice gap, providing the best patient care possible.” Located at 1201 W. Louis Henna Blvd., the Austin campus is designed to cultivate learning with advanced classroom and simulation technology mixed with collaborative and creative space. Created with students in mind, the campus environment reflects a high-quality education approach and an expression of commitment to students and the community at large. The Austin campus will offer three programs, including: • 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) • Licensed Vocational Nursing

(LVN) • Licensed Vocational Nursing to Associate Degree in Nursing Bridge (LVN to ADN Bridge) The first term for 3-year BSN program will begin September 30 and the first term for the LVN and LVN to BSN programs are scheduled to start January 3. Enrollment is currently in progress. In addition, Galen offers online RN to BSN and MSN programs for nurses aspiring to advance their education in support of career growth and development. Appointments for virtual and in-person admissions can be scheduled by calling (877) 223-7040 or visiting galencollege. edu.

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Uncovering Trends and Gaps in Hispanic Population Health Research Increased Recognition of Differences Within the Hispanic Population Is Needed To Inform Public Health Interventions Aimed At Reducing Health Disparities By Rae Lynn Mitchell

n demographic and health research, the Hispanic population is often treated as a homogeneous block despite notable differences in race, national origin, immigration status and other factors across the group. However, treating such a diverse group as a uniform block means that researchers may miss factors associated with health disparities and other issues. There is a large body of research on Hispanic people going back decades; however, little is known about the contributions and challenges of these studies and how patterns in data collection have changed over the years. A new study published in the journal Health Education & Behavior investigates the body of health and demographic research literature to find out how research on Hispanic populations has changed over the years and what improvements can be

made in this area. Melissa DuPont-Reyes, PhD, assistant professor at the Texas A&M University School of Public Health, and colleagues from the University of Maryland and University of Texas searched through datasets of health and sociodemographic research going back to 1960, and found more than 100 datasets that included Hispanic populations. The researchers grouped these studies into three age categories: from 1960 to 1979, from 1980 to 1999 and from 2000 to 2019. The researchers then analyzed study designs and data within these datasets such as demographics, migration history, socioeconomic status and health indicators. Their analysis found that the percentage of studies that included Hispanic populations increased over time, going from around 9 percent in the oldest group to nearly 95 percent in the newest. This reflects the growth

of the Hispanic population in the United States, which has been driven by immigration and U.S. birth rates at different points during the study period. The researchers also found several other contributions such as including a high level of inclusion of adult populations and a notable increase of older adult Hispanic people in studies between the oldest and newest age category. They also found an increase in the proportion of studies measuring both ethnic and racial identity throughout the age categories, going from 22 percent (1960-1979) to 50 percent (2000-2019). This increase shows that researchers are realizing the heterogeneous nature of the Hispanic population. The research team also found a few areas in the body of research that need improvement. The first of these is a heavy reliance on cross-sectional

data, which gives an incomplete picture of complex social and political factors and their effects on health. Their analysis also noted gaps in data on children and youth, gender identity and sexual orientation and various other factors like discrimination, race and ethnicity, and national origin and immigration history. Studies of children and youth are vital as childhood experiences significantly affect health outcomes later in life. A growing number of studies include gender identity and sexual orientation data, but the proportion of studies including these data is still small and there is a lack of information on past generations, which can affect understanding of the challenges sexual minorities face. Additionally, the researchers found that there is a need for more data on see Health Research...page 14

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Austin Medical Times

Communicating with COVID-19 Vaccine-Hesitant Patients: Top Tips By Debra Kane Hill, MBA, RN Senior Patient Safety Risk Manager The Doctors Company, Part of TDC Group

s the number of Delta variant cases increases alarmingly across the United States, more individuals are considering vaccination against COVID-19. It is important for physicians to be prepared to answer questions from patients about the various vaccines— particularly since some patients remain hesitant about receiving the vaccination. A good strategy includes implementing a practice plan to educate patients and guide them to an informed decision about the vaccines available within their community. Throughout the rollout, not everyone has been eager for a vaccination. A Kaiser Family Foundation survey in December 2020 and The American Academy of Family Physicians revealed several reasons for vaccine hesitancy: • Potential vaccine side effects. • Safety concerns and questions about effectiveness. • Distrust of the government or political positions.

• Preference for natural or herd immunity. • The rush to push the vaccine to market with the perspective that it is “too new.” Although mixed perspectives about willingness to accept the vaccine persist, it appears now that more individuals are reconsidering their decision. In a recent Wall Street Journal article, vaccination numbers have skyrocketed in recent weeks due to concerns about the Delta variant as well as workplace mandates, assurance regarding safety of the vaccine, and the persuasion of family and friends. Since many remain hesitant about the COVID-19 vaccine, these tips can help optimize important conversations with patients: • Define your practice culture. For example, how will all staff members contribute to delivering the COVID-19 vaccine message to patients? If the clinician is pro-vaccine but some staff are vaccine hesitant, the clinician should ensure that patient messaging is consistent with the

defined pro-vaccine culture of the practice. • Conduct a deliberate discussion. Whether the patient is receiving the vaccine in your office or at another site, educate your patients on what to expect and the consequences of non-vaccination. For patients receiving the vaccine in your office, conduct a thorough informed consent discussion using language the patient can understand. • Listen carefully to concerns. Encourage your patients to ask questions and express their fears and concerns. Be empathetic and acknowledge that it is reasonable to have concerns. Provide positive feedback for asking questions and expressing concerns, and counter with facts and without argument. • Consider health literacy and language access. Communicate

using everyday language and provide language services if necessary. Tailor written education materials to a reading level appropriate for most patients (generally 6th grade level). • Use established communication tools. To ensure patients have a clear understanding of health instructions, use communication tools such as Ask Me 3. Also consider the teach-back method. Rather than asking the patient, “Do you have any questions?” tell the patient, “Explain to me why it is important for you to get the second dose of the vaccine.” This provides an opportunity to assess the patient’s understanding of their need for the follow-up visit. • Watch your words. A recent poll found that those communicating about COVID-19 need to remove see Top Tips...page 14

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Top Tips

Continued from page 12 politics and partisanship, and instead, remind people that taking steps to prevent the spread of the virus is good for those they love, for the economy, and for a faster return to a more normal life. Clinicians may find the Changing the COVID Conversation: Communications Cheat Sheet published by the de Beaumont Foundation a valuable resource. • Set realistic expectations about potential side effects. Explain to patients that they may experience a normal response of sore injection site, low-grade fever, body aches, lethargy, headaches, and other symptoms, so they will not be fearful to return for the second dose. The CDC’s What to Expect after Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine provides factual post-vaccine information for patients. • Remind patients that while none of the vaccines are 100 percent effective, each vaccine has proven efficacious in protecting against severe illness and death and substantially contributes

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sheets are available through the to lessening the spread of the Food and Drug Administration virus. For patients concerned (FDA) website: Pfizer-BioNTech— that the Janssen (Johnson and Fact Sheet for Recipients and Johnson) vaccine is sub-standard Caregivers, Moderna—Fact Sheet to the other vaccines, provide for Recipients and Caregivers, and information about the differences Janssen (Johnson and Johnson)— between the vaccines including Fact Sheet for Recipients and efficacy, side effects, and expected Caregivers. The Centers for Disease outcomes while emphasizing to Control and Prevention (CDC) also patients that gaining access to any provides easy-to-understand fact vaccine is the top consideration. sheets for patients on its website: For patients receiving the Pfizer Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 and Moderna vaccines, stress the Vaccine and Facts about COVID-19 importance of receiving the second Vaccines. dose to optimize their protection. Misinformation. The Emphasize the need to continue • Avoid Federation of State Medical Boards wearing masks, social distancing, released the following warning: and practicing good hand hygiene “Physicians who generate and spread even after getting the vaccine until COVID-19 vaccine misinformation the CDC recommends differently. or disinformation are risking • Recommend available apps. To disciplinary action by state medical help patients comply with the boards, including the suspension or second dose of the vaccine, suggest revocation of their medical license. the CDC smartphone app called Due to their specialized knowledge V-safe After Vaccination Health and training, licensed physicians Checker. This app sends reminders possess a high degree of public to patients when their second dose trust and therefore have a powerful is due and provides them with a platform in society, whether they way to report vaccine side effects. recognize it or not. They also • Provide factual vaccine information. have an ethical and professional Distribute materials well in responsibility to practice medicine advance of the scheduled vaccine in the best interests of their patients appointment. Vaccine information

and must share information that is factual, scientifically grounded and consensus-driven for the betterment of public health. Spreading inaccurate COVID-19 vaccine information contradicts that responsibility, threatens to further erode public trust in the medical profession and puts all patients at risk.” • Document the informed consent discussion. If giving the vaccine in your office, have the patient sign a COVID-19 vaccine informed consent form prior to the administration of the vaccine, and file it in the patient’s medical record. Document the discussion, including the provision of patient educational materials, the use of established communication tools, and patient engagement (including questions, concerns, and how those concerns were addressed). • Take advantage of CDC resources. To promote patient compliance with the vaccine, the CDC provides communication resources for physicians on Vaccine Recipient Education, including Answering Patients’ Questions and Making a Strong Recommendation for COVID-19 Vaccination.

HELP US BUILD A HEALTHIER AUSTIN

Access to nutritious food is essential for a healthy, thriving community. Learn about how we’re leading the fight against hunger at centraltexasfoodbank.org. austinmedtimes.com

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Breast Cancer

Continued from page 1 breast cancer. The audio experience will showcase those touched by breast cancer and why they walk and fundraise. The power of our community is about the impact each one of us can make when we walk one more step and raise one more dollar. Every one of us, no matter who we are or where we live, deserves a chance at living a long and healthy life. Together, we

will make certain that no one faces breast cancer alone. This year’s walk is made possible by presenting sponsor Dell Technologies; platinum sponsors H-E-B Helping Here, Douglass Subaru and Baylor Scott & White Health; pillar sponsors Texas Oncology & Texas Breast Specialists, ARA Diagnostic Imaging, Natrelle and Service Now; and media sponsors

Statesman Cap10K, KXAN (NBC Austin), KCEN (NBC Waco/Temple), Austin Medical Times, Grande Communications Waco, iHeartMedia, CBS Sports Radio Central Texas and 94.5 The Beat. Visit Komen.org/CentralTXWalk to register today. 

liable if he should enter the premises with a firearm and could be subject to a Class A misdemeanor or third-degree felony. Other health care providers may similarly prohibit unlicensed individuals from carrying firearms into their premises by placing proper notice at the entrance of the building or lease space. However, a violation of this prohibition subjects the unlicensed individual to a Class C misdemeanor

and $200 fine. Hospitals, nursing homes, mental health hospitals and other health care providers who want to prohibit unlicensed individuals from possessing firearms on their premises should post a conspicuous notice at the entrance of their building that clearly states that an unlicensed person may not enter the property with a firearm.

Accounting Liz Thachar Office: 512-203-3987 For Advertising advertising@ medicaltimesnews.com Editor editor@medicaltimesnews.com

Oncology Research Continued from page 4 potentially prevent cancer and save lives. If you have any questions about your cancer risks or are interested in learning more about genetic testing, talk to your

healthcare provider about a referral for a genetic evaluation. And remember, regardless of testing, it is important to maintain regular cancer screenings. 

The increasing amount of data on Hispanic people in health research reflects the growth of this population. However, there are areas in data collection that need improvement to better identify health disparities and factors contributing to them, including factors that intersect like race, immigration status and gender

identity and sexual orientation. Having a better understanding of how these factors interact and an increased recognition of the heterogeneous nature of the Hispanic population is needed to inform public health interventions aimed at reducing health disparities.

Health Research Continued from page 11 place of birth and immigration status, as these factors could affect health and sociodemographic outcomes. There is also a great need for health research that investigates how race, income, education, location and other factors interact to affect health outcomes and possibly contribute to health disparities.

Senior Designer Jamie Farquhar-Rizzo

Distribution Brad Jander

Continued from page 3

a genetics professional can help you understand your cancer risks, offer relief from uncertainty, and provide helpful information for your family that could

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owner has posted proper notice violating Class C misdemeanor and $200 fine if the individual leaves the premises as soon as he is told to leave. The Texas Firearms Carry Act prohibits an unlicensed individual from carrying a firearm into various premises, including, in part, a hospital, nursing home or mental health facility. By posting proper notice at the entrance of the premises, the unlicensed individual will be strictly

Published by Texas Healthcare Media Group Inc.

Austin Medical Times is Published by Texas Healthcare Media Group, Inc. All content in this publication is copyrighted by Texas Healthcare Media Group, and should not be reproduced in part or at whole without written consent from the Editor. Austin Medical Times reserves the right to edit all submissions and assumes no responsibility for solicited or unsolicited manuscripts. All submissions sent to Austin Medical Times are considered property and are to distribute for publication and copyright purposes. Austin Medical Times is published every month P.O. Box 57430 Webster, TX 77598-7430

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Come together as ONE. OCTOBER 24, 2021 AUSTIN, TEXAS Register now & join the power of ONE today. morethanpinkwalk.org

#MoreThanPinkWalk

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