El Periódico USA, Wednesday April 24, 2024

NEW HIDALGO COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITY

Today Hidalgo County opened the doors and welcomed the community to the new Hidalgo County Public Health Facility. Congratulations to all involved in the opening of the state-of-the-art, 10,000 square-foot laboratory.

The $8 million lab is a collaborative effort, funded by the United States Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in partnership with the Hidalgo County Urban County Program.

The state-of-the-art, 10,000 squarefoot laboratory was constructed within Precinct 4 and is located directly adjacent to the Hidalgo County Health & Human Services Department. The standards that the lab met fulfilled criteria set by the World Health Organization and the Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories.

The facility also incorporates a medical clinic, curbside testing and office space tailored to accommodate laboratory staff and specialists.

Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the facility shall include a SARS-CoV2 testing and testing of other virology diseases through the use of nucleic acid assay (i.e. PCR machine).

The lab will also include bacteriology testing equipment with capabilities to identify and report susceptibilities of organisms, as well as serology testing capabilities and other associated services.

The Hidalgo County Public Health Facility stands ready to serve the community with comprehensive diagnostic services.

Education

UTRGV marks facility enhancements with $2.4M EDA grant

UTRGV on Thursday marked the beginning of a transformative facility enhancement project, with a groundbreaking ceremony at the Community Engagement and Student Success Building (CESS) in Edinburg.

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Local Events

Cinco de Mammo

Cinco de Mammo is a special South Texas Health System monthlong affair that encourages women to schedule and get their annual mammograms.

Page 5

Hidalgo County

Behind the Curtains: Palm Awards SHARE YOUR VOICE: BISD SURVEY ON SCHOOL RENAMING

Behind the Curtains is an exhibition that showcases artifacts from productions during the 2023-2024 Palm Awards season. The Palm Awards is a year-round event showcasing high school theater productions and musicals. The end of year annual event offers spectacular musical performances and celebrity appearances as high school students compete for awards and $25,000 in scholarships among several different categories such as Best Costume Design, Best Actor and Actress, Best Lighting Design and much more.

Much like the Tony Awards, which celebrates the best of Broadway, Palm Awards provides a platform and honors the hard work and dedication of local

high school student theatre performers and technicians involved in theatre arts education across the Rio Grande Valley. This exhibit shines a spotlight on those that are often behind the scenes, but design incredible costumes, scenery, props, and lighting.

The exhibition will take place April 27 - June 9, 2024.

Exhibitions are free with General Admission.

The Palm Awards is a collaboration with the McAllen Performing and Cultural Arts Foundation and the Palms Scholarship Fund.

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Brownsville Independent School District (BISD) is reaching out to the community for input on the renaming of elementary schools following recent consolidation approvals. Your opinion matters!

We invite all community members to participate in a brief survey to provide feedback on potential new names for these elementary schools. This is an opportunity to contribute to the identity and legacy of our educational institutions.

Responses are requested by Wednesday, April 24th, so don’t delay in sharing your thoughts. Your input will help shape the future of our schools.

To access the survey and learn more about the renaming process, please visit website for assistance.

Let’s work together to ensure our schools reflect the values and aspirations of our community. Thank you for your participation!

Secretary Nelson Border Trade Advisory Committee Meeting

Have you ever felt the blast of air from traffic on the side of a highway? The ceaseless noise, staggering winds and two-ton vehicles speeding just feet away can be terrifying for highway workers in work zones.

With the Texas population continuing to grow, more and more projects are popping up to address congestion and improve safety. Crews at these sites just want to get the job done and come home safe to their families. But drivers are actually more often the people getting hurt in work zones.

Last year 190 people were killed in work zones, and 77% were drivers or their passengers. It’s a major concern, and during National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 15–19, TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign will give safe driving tips for navigating these work zones.

“Keeping our Texas highway system functioning and safe requires constant effort from dedicated crews,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “Drivers should anticipate work zones and changing road conditions and always be prepared to slow down, follow signs and pay attention.”

Following two consecutive years of declines in the number of traffic fatalities

Brownsville—Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson, in coordination with the Texas Department of Transportation, convened a meeting of the Border Trade Advisory Committee (BTAC) in Brownsville this morning.

“Texas is a leader in international trade, which helps fuel a strong economy for our state,” said Secretary Nelson. “Groups like the Border Trade Advisory Commission coordinate and facilitate more efficient trade in a way that benefit Texas and our economic partners.”

BTAC is composed of public and private sector stakeholders from throughout the Texas-Mexico border region who work collaboratively to address cross-border infrastructure challenges and facilitate safe, secure and efficient international commerce.

in work zones, TxDOT is urging Texans to help continue this trend by slowing down, staying alert and obeying posted signage when driving through road construction or maintenance areas. The “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign offers five tips for safely navigating work zones:

Slow down. Follow the posted speed limit and never drive faster than what is safe for road conditions. Excessive speed is a leading cause of work zone crashes.

Pay attention. Avoid distractions, keep your mind on the road and put your phone away.

Watch out for road crews.  Roadside workers want to get home safely too. Always follow instructions and be mindful of construction area road signs.

Don’t tailgate. Traffic in work zones can slow suddenly so give yourself room to stop in a hurry. Rear-end collisions are the most common type of work zone crashes.

Allow extra time.  Road construction can slow things down. Count on it, and plan for it.

Edinburg Celebrates Visual Art Students at IMAS

McAllen, TX – The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) and Edinburg CISD present “Edinburg Celebrates Visual Art Students”. Supported by Edinburg High School and Barrientes Middle School, this exhibition represents a collaborative effort to promote arts education and provide students with opportunities to develop their artistic skills further demonstrating the community’s commitment to fostering creativity and cultural enrichment. Additionally, the exhibition is supported, in part, by a grant from Texas Women for the Arts, a program of the Texas Cultural Trust.

The exhibition serves as a platform for young artists to share their unique perspectives and talents with the broader community. Through their artwork, students express their creativity, demonstrate leadership, and celebrate their individual abilities. It is a celebration of diversity, empowerment, and the transformative power of the arts.

“We are thrilled to showcase the incredible talents of our students in this exhibition,” said Marcelo Ramirez, Curator at IMAS. “This exhibition not only highlights their artistic achievements but also underscores the importance of nurturing creativity and leadership among young people.”

IMAS invites the community to experience the creativity and talent of this exhibition, which runs from April 20 to May 26, 2024. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a diverse range of artwork, from paintings to multimedia installations, and to celebrate the artistic achievements of Edinburg’s youth.

For more information about the Edinburg Celebrates Visual Art Students exhibition, please visit https://theimasonline.org/edinburg-visual-arts-2024/

UTRGV MARKS FACILITY ENHANCEMENTS WITH $2.4M EDA GRANT

Maria Gonzalez

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS– UTRGV on Thursday marked the beginning of a transformative facility enhancement project, with a groundbreaking ceremony at the Community Engagement and Student Success Building (CESS) in Edinburg.

Funded by a $2.4 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), the initiative is designed to enhance the region’s workforce, economy, research and community outreach capabilities.

The project is further supported by more than $6 million in institutional funds invested by UTRGV and a $500,000 contribution from Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz, bringing the total project investment to almost $9 million.

During the event, UTRGV President Guy Bailey spoke to how the project will help enhance the university’s dedication to community and economic development.

“Today’s groundbreaking lays the foundation for UTRGV to play an important role in advancing the economic and educational aspirations of the Rio Grande Valley,” he said.

He also announced the renaming of the CESS building to the UTRGV Workforce, Economy, Research and Community (WERC) Complex, better representing the building’s transformation and UTRGV’s

commitment to those four core areas.

“This is a big day for the entire Rio Grande Valley,” Bailey said. “One of the vows we made in 2014 as we were planning the university was to be deeply engaged with our communities,” he said. “This is probably the best illustration of that. It’s about community engagement, job creation, research and, most of all, our students.”

Bailey also emphasized the transformative potential of the WERC Complex and the work to be done there.

“We are turning this into a state-of-theart, multifunctional facility that will serve as a business incubator across the Valley and house our new initiatives in workforce development and research,” he said.

PROJECT HIHGLIGHTS

AND INNOVATIONS

The WERC Complex will see extensive renovations to nearly 80% of its facilities. The comprehensive upgrade includes: Applied research and development laboratories in manufacturing and prototyping, which will expand to cover about 10,000 square feet, enhancing applied research across multiple disciplines.

De La Cruz funds dry room installation to support key technologies like additive manufacturing. The facility benefits various industries, including battery manufacturing, renewable energy, and recycling. It

training resources with UTRGV’s academic and graduate programs, targeting highwage, high-demand areas.

“We are introducing nearly 100 certifications and endorsements, spanning fields from additive and robotics manufacturing to real estate and pharmacy technician programs,” he said.

He underscored the project’s potential for job creation and economic growth.

“We anticipate the creation of approximately 100 new jobs, $3.8 million in labor income, and a total economic output of more than $13 million to the regional economy within the first three years of operation,” Garza said.

RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE, INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS

Dr. Can (John) Saygin, UTRGV’s senior vice president for Research and dean of the Graduate College, said the university’s commitment to upgrading research facilities and expanding capabilities for sustainable research performance at the institutional level is growing rapidly.

features 10,000 square feet for manufacturing incubators and commercialization activities, boosting business development.

VISION FOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Veronica Gonzales, senior vice president for Government and Community Relations, said the project truly will be transformative.

“UTRGV envisions the WERC Complex as a one-stop shop, helping entrepreneurs, small business owners and larger manufacturing companies start or scale up their operations, from concept to commercialization,” she said.

She added that WERC in the Upper Valley, alongside UTRGV’s other facilities including the Center for Innovation and Commercialization in the Mid-Valley, e-Bridge in the Lower Valley, and satellite offices in Mission, Pharr, San Benito, and Harlingen, fulfills UTRGV’s mission to serve the entire Rio Grande Valley.

STRATEGIC WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Ron Garza, senior associate vice president for Workforce and Economic Development and the grant’s principal investigator, said the WERC Complex will enhance workforce development by integrating

“UTRGV, as a regional university, has a presence that spans 200 miles from Brownsville to Laredo,” he said. “Our goal is to enhance our research infrastructure, which in turn drives the societal transformation process, making UTRGV a regional research university.”

“By building strong partnerships and bridging various fields, we’re dedicated to converting our research into actionable outcomes that support economic development and generate employment,” he said.

Jorge Ayala, EDA regional director, said the partnership EDA has had with UTRGV continues to be very strong.

“UTRGV has really taken on the role of economic development, which not all universities do,” he said. “We’re glad to be a part of this project and look forward to continuing our work together.

“This is a great opportunity for students to participate in internships or to bring their own ideas to market,” he said. “Big companies start small, so here’s an opportunity for young dreamers, entrepreneurs with great ideas, to develop those into products they can market and build. Hopefully, they can grow these into huge companies that stay here in the Valley.”

The WERC Complex is located at 1407 E. Freddy Gonzalez Dr. in Edinburg. It covers 126,154 square feet and is set for renovation over the next 12 to 15 months.

CINCO DE MAMMO

Cinco de Mammo is a special South Texas Health System monthlong affair that encourages women to schedule and get their annual mammograms, which have been proven to be the best way to detect breast cancer early.

During the month of May, our facilities are providing mammograms and bone density screenings at a reduced price when booked by May 31, 2024.*

2D Digital Mammogram: $95**

3D Digital Mammogram: $149** Bone Density Screening: $155**

Cinco de Mammo Special Events

Come by and speak with our staff about breast cancer screening options, including our cash pricing on mammograms. Complimentary light food and refreshments will be served at each facility during their designated day.

Participating Facilities

South Texas Health System McAllen (May 1-5)

301 W. Expressway 83, McAllen, TX 78503

South Texas Health System Edinburg (May 8-12)

1102 W. Trenton Rd., Edinburg, TX 78539

South Texas Health System ER Mission (May 15-19)

900 E. Expressway, Mission, TX 78572

South Texas Health System ER Weslaco (May 22-26)

330 W. Expressway, Weslaco, TX 78599

Live Mariachi Music on May 5

Don’t miss live mariachi music on May 5 at each location!

11 - 11:30 am • South Texas Health System Edinburg

12 - 12:30 pm • South Texas Health System ER Weslaco

1 - 1:30 pm • South Texas Health System ER Mission 1 - 2:30 pm • South Texas Health System McAllen

Pre-Registration

Pre-register for your digital mammogram today. Walk-in appointments are accepted but pre-registration is highly encouraged. You may use our $95 coupon if mammograms are not covered under your health plan.*

Fill out the pre-registration form to start the pre-registration process. One of our admissions representatives will call you within 48 hours to finish your pre-registration. If you have questions, call our pre-registration specialists at 956-388-2190.

$95 Mammography Screening All Month Long

Get your coupon for a $95 screening that includes a mammogram and radiologist interpretation of your result when you fill out and submit the pre-registration form.

Follow this link to pre-register and to download the special discount coupon.

https://www.southtexashealthsystem.com/cinco-de-mammo/pre-registration

Why Pre-Register?

Pre-registration saves you time. When you pre-register, our staff will already have your personal information, insurance and the contact information for your doctor.

*If an annual screening mammogram is not covered by your insurance plan, then please bring the online coupon with you to receive our special discounted rate available through May 31, 2024. If an annual screening mammogram is covered by your insurance plan, bring your physician referral and we will bill your insurance accordingly.

**If not an already covered benefit of your insurance. Most insurance providers cover preventive services.

THE ADHD-ANGER CONNECTION

Joel Nigg, Ph.D.

Irritability, anger issues, and emotional dysregulation in general contribute significantly to the psychosocial burden of ADHD in children and adults. The latest research suggests that these problems are inherent to ADHD and may require specific treatment.

Anger issues stemming from emotional dysregulation – while noticeably missing from diagnostic criteria for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) – are a fundamental part of the ADHD experience for a significant number of children and adults. Even when controlling for related comorbid conditions, individuals with ADHD experience disproportionate problems with anger, irritability, and managing other emotions. These problems walk in lock step with the general difficulties in self-regulation that characterize ADHD. Recent findings,

however, suggest that problems with emotional regulation, including anger and negative emotions, are genetically linked to ADHD, too.

Ultimately, emotional dysregulation is one major reason that ADHD is subjectively difficult to manage, and why it also poses such a high risk for other problems like depression, anxiety, or negative self-medication. Scientific and clinical attention are now increasingly turning to correct the past neglect of this integral aspect of ADHD.

Anger problems and emotional dysregulation in individuals with ADHD are sometimes explained by co-occurring mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression. However, these associated disorders do not explain the near universal anger and emotional issues that ADHD individuals experience.

A critical aspect to consider, then, is ADHD’s nature as a disorder of self-regulation across behavior, attention, and emotion. In other words, any difficulties in regulating our thoughts, emotions, and actions – as is common with ADHD – may explain the irritability, tantrums, and anger regulation issues these individuals experience. And the majority do.

About 70 percent of adults with ADHD report problems with emotional dysregulation, going up to 80 percent in children with ADHD. In clinical terms, these problem areas include:

Irritability: issues with anger dysregulation – “tantrum” episodesas well as chronic or generally negative feelings in between episodes.

Lability: frequent, reactive mood changes during the day. .

Recognition: the ability to accurately recognize other people’s feelings. Individuals with ADHD may tend to not notice other people’s emotions until pointed out.

Affective intensity: felt intensity –how strongly an emotion is experienced. People with ADHD tend to feel emotions very intensely.

Emotional dysregulation: global difficulty adapting emotional intensity or state to situation.

Some of the different options used to help manage the symptoms are:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Some children with anger issues have a tendency to over-perceive threat –they over-react to an unclear or ambiguous situation (someone accidentally bumps you in line) when no threat is actually present. For these children, CBT can help the child with understanding that something ambiguous isn’t necessarily threatening.

Counseling: Anger problems can also be caused by difficulties with tolerating frustration. Counseling can help children learn how to tolerate normal frustrations and develop better coping mechanisms.

Parent Counseling: Parents have a role in how a child’s anger manifests. A parent’s angry reaction can lead to negative and mutual escalation, such that parents and kids both start to lose their balance. This can form a negative loop. With counseling, parents can learn to react differently to their child’s tantrums, which can help reduce them over time.

Problems with emotional dysregulation, in particular with anger reactivity, are very common in people with ADHD. You are not alone in struggling in this area. Anger may indicate an associated mood problem but often is just part of the ADHD. Either way, changes in traditional ADHD treatment can be very helpful.

ACROSS

T-bone or sirloin

French male friends

Haze in the sky

Japanese martialarts warrior

Stand up

Eve’s spouse

Hollywood award

Actress Kendrick or author Quindlen

Tiny amount

...for a long-eared hopper

America’s Uncle Suffix prosper or vigor

Pub serving Noisy, as an old wooden floor

Denver’s state

...for a mare

Elevator compartment

Carries with difficulty

Gold, in Spain

Fictional Huckleberry

Point opposite WNW

...for a flat-tail dam builder

Soak through

More spooky

Atmospheric prefix

Shoo-__ (sure

winners)

51. 52. 58. 59. 60 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69.

4/24/24 ANIMAL HOUSE

Weep ...for an acorn-eating rodent

ACROSS

11. 12. 16. 21. 22.

creams

1. T-bone or sirloin

Woman with a niece

Tilted font: Abbr.

Extra energy, informally

Pop

Drag around Stir to action

Corporate marriage

6. French male friends

Donkey

10. Haze in the sky

Whittle something Woodwind instrument

13. Japanese martial-arts warrior

What a baby calls

PBS science series

Loud racket

“__ know you?”

14. Stand up

Tasting like lemon juice

15. Eve's spouse

Chew like a mouse

Smudge on clothing

DOWN

Peril

17. Hollywood award

Very stubborn Flawlessly, informally

18. Actress Kendrick or author Quindlen

-cone (icy treat)

In favor of Kin to 27-Across “Hoop” jewelry

19. Tiny amount

“My country __ of thee”

Not quite shut

Most Saudis

Short skirt

Does not exist

20. for a long-eared hopper

23. America's Uncle

SASE, for instance

Actress Russo or philosopher Descartes

26. Suffix prosper or vigor

Teaching sessions Rum cocktail

27. Pub serving

Bar’s sing-along

Newlywed’s new relative Glum

28. Noisy, as an old wooden floor

Beach-protection structure

Campus courtyard

30. Denver's state

Loosen, as laces

35. ...for a mare

More impartial

Distinctive smell

English prep school

Liquid rock

37. Elevator compartment

Plane boarding area

Grown-up boy

Trumpet sound

38. Carries with difficulty

Soccer great Hamm

39. Gold, in Spain

Pays for Soother in skin

40. Fictional Huckleberry

23. 24. 25. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 36. 40. 42. 43. 44. 45. 47. 50. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 61. 62. 63.

Tire pressure measure: Abbr. Fowl in a coop

41. Point opposite WNW

42. for a flat-tail dam builder

Hiring!

46. Soak through

48. More spooky

49. Atmospheric prefix

50. Shoo-__ (sure winners)

51. Weep

52. for an acorn-eating rodent

58. Woman with a niece

59. Tilted font: Abbr.

60. Extra energy, informally

3. SASE, for instance 4. Not quite shut

5. Bar's sing-along 6. Most Saudis 7. Short skirt

8. Does not exist 9. Beach-protection structure 10. More impartial 11. Distinctive smell

Tamaulipas, and Nuevo Leon regions. We are seeking talented individuals who are passionate about sales and eager to contribute to our continued success.

64. What a baby calls Pop

65. PBS science series

Responsabilities

66. Loud racket

• Identify and pursue sales opportunities within the designated regions

12. Plane boarding area

16. Grown-up boy

21. Pays for

Soother in skin creams

Peril

Very stubborn

Flawlessly, informally

In favor of

Kin to 27-Across

"Hoop" jewelry

Actress Russo or philosopher

67. "__ know you?"

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and stakeholders

• Meet and exceed sales targets and objectives

68. Chew like a mouse

Drag around

Stir to action

69. Smudge on clothing

• Provide excellent customer service and support throughout the sales process

• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure seamless execution of sales strategies

Corporate marriage

1. __ -cone (icy treat)

• Proven track record of success in sales, preferably in the media industry

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills

2. "My country __ of thee"

• Strong organizational and time management abilities

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Willingness to travel within the designated regions

• Competitive pay and commission structure