National Updates
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Removes “Black Box” Warnings for Hormone Replacement Therapy
HHS announced that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration is initiating removal of broad “black-box” warnings on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause after more than two decades of what HHS calls “misleading labeling”. The change reflects updated evidence supporting safe use in many women. HHS
New U.S. Dietary Guidelines to Be Released in December
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that new U.S. dietary guidelines will be published in December, with an emphasis on obesity, ultra-processed foods, saturated fat, and dietary patterns in schools and the military. Reuters
Texas Updates
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Cases at an 11-Year High: Texas has recorded over 3,500 cases of pertussis so far this year—marking the highest level in 11 years. Most cases (approximately 85%) are in children. Immunization rates have dropped, and health experts are urging children, pregnant women, and contacts of infants to receive recommended Tdap boosters. The Texas Tribune
Partial SNAP Benefits Issued Amid Shutdown Affecting Over 3.5 Million Texans: Due to federal funding delays, many Texans received only partial benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on November 10. Households who typically receive benefits between the 1st and 10th of the month got reduced allocations (estimate ~65% of typical amounts). fox26houston.com+1
Global Health Alerts
Global Aid & Food-Safety Policy Changes Underway
A bipartisan coalition in the U.S. defeated a legislative proposal that would have rolled back state food-safety protections, signalling strengthened sub-federal health safeguards. The Guardian
Flu Season Early Warning and Surveillance Gaps
Pediatricians across the U.S. are stepping up flu-vaccine advocacy as the country enters the new season; a particularly severe 2024-25 pediatric flu season underscores the concern. The Guardian
Clinical Tips for Providers
Review HRT protocols and ensure eligible women receive updated counseling about risks and benefits given the removal of prior warnings.
Begin preparation for new dietary-guideline messaging; integrate nutrition counseling into preventive visits.
As flu season begins, prioritize outreach for children and high-risk groups; use trusted clinician messaging to address vaccine hesitancy.
While no major Texas update today, remain alert for local adaptation of national policies and their impact on patient care.
