Newswise — AUSTIN – (March 4, 2016) – The Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health Austin Regional Campus hosted its 10th annual Michael & Susan Dell Lectureship in Child Health at 2 p.m. on Thursday at the Blanton Museum of Art. The keynote speaker and lectureship award recipient was U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, M.D., M.B.A.
“It’s clear that Dr. Murthy understands the importance of prevention in the promotion of health, both here in the U.S. and globally, and shares our vision of ‘healthy children in a healthy world.’ We believe he embodies the essence of this award, and we are delighted to have him as our 10th Michael & Susan Dell Lectureship in Child Health award recipient,” said Cheryl Perry, Ph.D., regional dean of UTHealth School of Public Health Austin Regional Campus.
Murthy spoke to nearly 400 attendees about creating resilient communities and raising healthy children. He then discussed ongoing public health issues in Texas, including youth tobacco use, with Deanna Hoelscher, Ph.D., R.D., director of the Center for Healthy Living and associate dean of the Austin Regional Campus.
“I believe there are four key things we must do to strengthen the health of our children. First, we must create a culture where healthy equals happy, where the healthy choice is the desirable choice. Second, recognize we can't change our kids' health behaviors until we change the environments in which they live. Third, health is not just about the body, but about mind and spirit, and we should invest in emotional well-being. Fourth, cultivate the ability of kids to give & receive kindness, to treat kindness as a source of strength,” said Murthy.
Faculty from UTHealth School of Public Health Austin Regional Campus collaborated with the U.S. Surgeon General’s Office for its 2012 report on preventing tobacco use among youth and young adults.
Murthy was confirmed on Dec.15, 2014 as the 19th U.S. Surgeon General. As “America’s doctor,” Murthy is responsible for communicating the best available scientific information to the public regarding ways to improve personal health and the health of the nation. He also oversees the operations of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, comprised of approximately 6,700 uniformed health officers who serve in locations around the world to promote, protect and advance the health and safety of the nation.
The Michael & Susan Dell Lectureship in Child Health includes an award for researchers and leaders in child health, bringing world-class speakers to the Austin area each spring. The annual lectureship was established in 2007 by UTHealth School of Public Health, with funding from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.
-Written by Brooks Ballard, Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living
About the Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy LivingThe Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living was founded in 2006 with a grant from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation to The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health. The Center for Healthy Living was established to conduct research to better understand and influence behaviors and environmental conditions that affect healthy living, with a vision of “healthy children in a healthy world.” The Center is housed at UTHealth School of Public Health Austin Regional Campus. For more information, visit www.msdcenter.org.
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