Texas A&M Health Science Center, Diocese of Corpus Christi host health and wellness academy for educators

August 4, 2017

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — As summer break winds down, the Texas A&M Health Science Center teamed up with the Diocese of Corpus Christi to hold a Health and Wellness Academy on Friday to equip school personnel with knowledge on handling potential challenges during the upcoming school year.

Health educators with Texas A&M University Health Science Center, as part of the Healthy South Texas initiative, taught classes on diabetes, asthma and infectious diseases. Healthy South Texas combines the clinical expertise of Texas A&M University Health Science Center with the statewide reach of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to promote preventive health at the most local level of the community. By directly impacting the health and success of area students, this event will lead to a more vibrant future for the Coastal Bend.

“The Healthy South Texas staff is excited about the opportunity to work with the Diocese of Corpus Christi,” said James Mobley, M.D., medical director for Texas A&M Healthy South Texas. “We feel there are many areas where we can cooperate to help our students in the Coastal Bend.”

The event, held at St. John Paul II High School, also featured classes taught by medical professionals on combating obesity with physical activity, autism spectrum disorder and behavior challenges.

“Educators are challenged from many directions,” Mobley said. “We understand that medicine will not be at the top of their list every day. We hope that when medical issues arise, educators will be prepared to provide fast, accurate care that is appropriate to the situation.”

Dr. Rosemary J. Henry, superintendent of Corpus Christi’s Catholic schools, said the “event was a huge success.”

“Creating school environments where health, wellness, critical thinking and prayer are at the center will go a long way to accomplishing something great,” said Henry. “This academy has provided a provision of support for our teachers and administrators who will be able to effectively assess behavior and move to successful interventions.”

Nearly 300 school personnel attended the event. School begins Monday, August 7 for Corpus Christi’s Catholic schools.

-Les D. Cockrell