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Men’s Health Month: Ways to Prevent Chronic Diseases

Edward Saenz
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Men’s Health Month: Ways to Prevent Chronic Diseases

HOUSTON, Texas — June is Men’s Health Month, and health officials are encouraging men across Harris County to take proactive steps toward better health through regular screenings, preventive care, and healthy lifestyle choices.

According to Harris County Public Health, men typically live about six years less than women and are more likely to die from preventable conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.

Key Health Risks Facing Men

Data from Harris County highlights several health concerns affecting local men:

  • Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men.
  • Hypertension is more common in men and increases the risk of stroke and kidney disease.
  • Prostate cancer continues to disproportionately affect Black men, who experience the highest incidence and mortality rates.
  • Lung cancer rates remain significantly higher among men than women.

Health experts say routine screenings can help detect many of these conditions before symptoms appear, improving treatment outcomes and quality of life.

Steps Men Can Take Today

HCPH recommends several simple but effective ways to improve long-term health:

  • Schedule annual wellness exams and preventive screenings.
  • Discuss prostate cancer screening with a healthcare provider, especially if over age 50 or at higher risk.
  • Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week.
  • Prioritize quality sleep and stress management.
  • Avoid tobacco products and limit unhealthy habits.

Local Resources Available in Harris County

Harris County Public Health offers low-cost and preventive health services, including:

  • Wellness checkups and physical exams
  • Prostate cancer screenings and referrals
  • Diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure screenings
  • HIV testing and prevention services
  • STI testing and treatment
  • Mental health screenings
  • Nutrition counseling and family planning services

Residents can also access programs focused on diabetes prevention, tobacco cessation, asthma management, nutrition, and physical activity.

For more health guidelines and recommendations, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Anthropic Warns Self-Improving AI Could Outpace Human Control

Indira Zaldivar
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Anthropic Warns Self-Improving AI Could Outpace Human Control

SAN FRANCISCO — Artificial intelligence company Anthropic is warning that AI technology may soon advance to a point where systems can improve themselves without human involvement, potentially creating risks that society is not prepared to manage.

In a new blog post, Anthropic leaders Marina Favaro and co-founder Jack Clark said the industry is approaching what is known as “full recursive self-improvement,” where AI systems could build more advanced versions of themselves.

While such technology could accelerate scientific and medical breakthroughs, the authors warned it could also make it harder for humans to monitor, secure and control AI behavior.

Anthropic is urging AI companies to develop safeguards — described by Clark as a “brake pedal” for AI development — and consider slowing or temporarily pausing work on the most advanced systems until researchers better understand the potential risks.

Speaking with CNN, Clark compared the current pace of AI development to driving a car with only an accelerator. “All I have is a gas pedal,” he said. “I don’t have a brake pedal.”

The warning comes as competition intensifies among major AI developers, including OpenAI and SpaceX, which are investing billions of dollars in AI infrastructure and research.

Despite fierce competition, Clark argued that cooperation among companies is possible, comparing the challenge to international efforts that helped manage nuclear risks during the Cold War.

Anthropic recently filed confidential paperwork for a public stock offering, a move expected to help fund future AI development and computing infrastructure.

For more AI news and updates, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Houston-area ranchers worry about reemergence of screwworm

ABC13 Houston
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Houston-area ranchers worry about reemergence of screwworm

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A flesh-eating parasite that was eradicated from the United States decades ago has been detected in Texas for the first time since 1966, prompting an aggressive response from state and federal agriculture officials.

The New World Screwworm was found in the umbilical area of a 3-week-old calf in La Pryor, Texas, southwest of San Antonio, according to agriculture officials. The discovery has alarmed ranchers and livestock producers who fear the parasite could further strain an already struggling cattle industry.

Officials have established a 20-kilometer control zone around the detection site and implemented quarantines, movement restrictions and increased surveillance. Authorities are also releasing millions of sterile New World screwworm flies to suppress the population.

The parasite’s larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, female flies lay eggs in open wounds, and the emerging larvae burrow into and consume healthy tissue.

“It’s very scary. The screwworm is a nasty critter,” said Ray Law, owner of Law Ranch Cattle Company in Crosby.

Law said the timing could not be worse for cattle producers, who are already facing high cattle prices and shortages in beef cows.

“They like to get into the navel of newborn calves, and it is really nasty because they eat the animal alive,” Law said.

Law said widespread government intervention is necessary to stop the parasite from spreading.

“The best method is releasing sterile males,” he said. “A female can only mate one time. If she mates with an infertile male, she can’t produce offspring.”

Agriculture officials said no additional detections of the parasite have been reported in the United States. They also emphasized that the screwworm does not infest food products.

Texas health officials are urging residents and livestock owners to remain alert for signs of infestation. Gov. Greg Abbott said state officials will provide an update on the response during a news conference scheduled for Friday morning in Austin.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

We’re dodging downpours through the weekend in Houston

ABC13 Houston
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We’re dodging downpours through the weekend in Houston

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Your umbrella will remain your best friend through the weekend! Tropical air will continue to bring daily downpours to Southeast Texas, and it looks like the highest level of tropical moisture will pass through on Saturday afternoon.

Rounds of rain producing light to heavy downpours are pushing into Southeast Texas this morning from the gulf. This is just the first of several waves we’re expecting over the next few days. Friday’s storms could once again bring heavy rains that briefly flood streets along with lightning. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors! Otherwise, it’s another cool, damp morning with temperatures starting in the low-mid 70s with highs climbing into the 80s. Some areas though may stay in the 70s Friday with the rain and clouds around.

This rainy outlook continues through the weekend with the daily chance for scattered showers and storms each day through Monday.

Why are the highest chance of rain on Saturday?

Not only will we have high levels of tropical moisture overhead, but we will also have a large upper low moving through West Texas. This will lift up the air in a widespread fashion across Texas, leading to rain chances for most of the state. Even once the upper low moves away on Sunday, it will still be dragging high levels of tropical moisture overhead to generate more scattered downpours once it warms into the mid 80s on Sunday.

Should I cancel my outdoor plans this weekend?

Not necessarily. Some plans may be significantly altered by the scattered, heavy thunderstorms, but it won’t rain all day. Saturday we could wake up to a few showers and storms early in the morning before heavier, more widespread rain moves in for the afternoon and evening. Timing for this as of now is between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. for the most activity. Then it’s a similar case for Sunday too. Then rain-cooled air stabilizes the atmosphere in the late afternoon and evening. If you do have outdoor plans and keep them rain or shine, just make sure you have a place to run for cover should a heavy thunderstorm come your way.

Is severe weather possible?

The risk of severe weather is low, but there could be some tropical funnels that occur in the morning over our coastal counties. Isolated pockets of street flooding are possible for brief stretches of time where the heaviest rains fall. Some storms could also produce gusty winds associated with the heavy downpours. And with a new weather system rolling in for Saturday, this time around a few thunderstorms Saturday afternoon and evening could have enough energy to work with to also produce strong winds along with torrential rain.

Does next week look as rainy too?

Thankfully it looks like this wet and rainy matter will take a back seat next week. While there’s still the chance for scattered storms on Monday, by midweek a warmer and drier weather pattern will begin to settle in across the region. This should bring drier days, more sunshine and the first stretch of 90-degree weather to Houston.

Now that it’s hurricane season, what are you tracking in the tropics?

There are two things we are tracking right now. The first is the tropical moisture over the Gulf that comes our way over the weekend. The second is a large plume of Saharan dust currently stretching across the Atlantic from Africa to the Caribbean. For the latest on what’s happening in the tropics, head to our Tropical Update page for our daily tropical weather discussion and forecast.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Czech Couple Jailed in UK Modern Slavery Case

Indira Zaldivar
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Czech Couple Jailed in UK Modern Slavery Case

A Czech couple who trafficked a vulnerable man to the United Kingdom and forced him to work at a McDonald’s restaurant in Cambridgeshire have been sentenced to prison.

Exploited Worker for Months

Jan Drevenak was sentenced to eight years in prison, while Monika Olahova received a six-and-a-half-year sentence. Both will be deported after serving their terms.

Prosecutors said Drevenak lured an unemployed man from the Czech Republic to the UK in 2018 with promises of a better life. After arriving, the victim’s identification documents were taken, and he was forced to work long shifts at a McDonald’s restaurant in Cambridgeshire.

Despite earning about £12,000 over several months, the victim received only £90, with his wages deposited into Olahova’s bank account.

Family-Run Trafficking Network

The court heard the victim was given little food and lived in poor conditions while being exploited. He was later transferred to another member of the trafficking ring, who continued the abuse.

The case was the final trial connected to a family-run modern slavery operation. Jan Drevenak’s brothers, Ernest and Zdenek Drevenak, were jailed in 2024 for their roles in exploiting multiple men and profiting from their wages.

Judge Condemns Defendants

Sentencing the pair, Judge Geoffrey Payne described their actions as “disgraceful,” saying they treated the victim as property and showed no remorse.

Cambridgeshire Police said the case highlights that modern slavery can occur anywhere and praised cooperation with McDonald’s, which has since introduced measures aimed at preventing similar exploitation.

For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Senate Approves $70 Billion Immigration Enforcement Bill

Indira Zaldivar
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Senate Approves $70 Billion Immigration Enforcement Bill

The U.S. Senate narrowly approved a $70 billion immigration enforcement package early Friday, advancing a key Republican-backed measure focused on border security and immigration enforcement.

The legislation passed in a 52-47 vote after senators rejected an amendment aimed at addressing the administration’s controversial “anti-weaponization” fund.

Vote Breakdown

Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska was the only member of her party to vote against the bill, joining all Senate Democrats in opposition. The rest of the Republican conference supported the measure, providing enough votes for passage.

The vote followed a lengthy overnight “vote-a-rama” session in which senators considered numerous amendments before final approval.

Amendment Rejected

A proposed amendment intended to place restrictions on the anti-weaponization fund failed to gain Senate approval, leaving the bill unchanged before final passage.

Supporters of the legislation argued it would strengthen immigration enforcement efforts, while opponents raised concerns about the measure’s scope and funding priorities.

Next Steps

The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. House lawmakers are not expected to take up the legislation until next week.

If approved by the House, the measure would represent one of the largest immigration enforcement funding packages considered by Congress in recent years.

For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Family of Four Found Dead in Suspected Miami Murder-Suicide

Indira Zaldivar
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Family of Four Found Dead in Suspected Miami Murder-Suicide

DORAL, Fla. — A man, woman and two young girls were found dead inside a South Florida home in what investigators believe was a murder-suicide, authorities said.

Victims Identified

According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, investigators believe 42-year-old Ryan Charles Whiten fatally stabbed 46-year-old Melanie Lauren Hyer and their daughters, 11-year-old Savannah Whiten and 8-year-old Sienna Whiten, before taking his own life.

All four victims were found with stab wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene.

Welfare Check Led to Discovery

Police responded to a welfare check request at a residence in Doral on Tuesday evening. Upon entering the home, officers discovered the family unresponsive.

Authorities said Ryan Whiten was the biological father of the two girls, while Hyer was their mother.

Investigation Ongoing

The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Homicide Bureau is investigating the case and currently believes the deaths resulted from a murder-suicide.

Detectives are continuing to work with the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office as officials seek to determine the circumstances that led to the tragedy.

For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Ready to run? Registration opens for 2027 Chevron Houston Marathon multi-race event

ABC13 Houston
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Ready to run? Registration opens for 2027 Chevron Houston Marathon multi-race event

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The countdown is on to the 55th annual Chevron Houston Marathon and the 26th annual Aramco Houston Half Marathon, which are set for Sunday, Jan. 17, 2027.

Ready to run? General registration is back open for the Chevron Houston Marathon, Aramco Houston Half Marathon and the We Are Houston 5K.

Register for the 2027 races | See the schedule of events

Race weekend kicks off Friday, Jan. 15 with the Houston Marathon Health & Fitness EXPO, followed by the We Are Houston 5K on Saturday, Jan. 16.

RunFest is another popular activity that happens at Discovery Green during race weekend.

But there’s plenty to do right now if you plan to get involved, including signing up for the Chevron Houston Marathon’s Run for a Reason Charity Program.

Charity and legacy programs will remain open until they sell out.

ABC13 will once again provide live coverage as the exclusive television partner of the Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon in 2027.

It all starts at 6:30 a.m. on Jan. 17 on TV and anywhere you stream ABC13.

What should I know about the Chevron Houston Marathon?

The Chevron Houston Marathon is part of our city’s unique culture and draws large numbers of participants and spectators every year.

Founded in 1972, the Houston Marathon Committee plans the multi-race running event.

The race, with a course surface that is a 50/50 mix of concrete and asphalt/blacktop, routinely captures the attention of international competitors.

Though, an American man achieved quite the feat in 2026, which you can learn more about here.

Another attraction for runners: They can use their Chevron Houston Marathon time to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

Ready to run? Check out these training tips to help you put your best foot forward.

What if I’m not interested in running, but I still want to be involved?

You can participate even if you don’t plan to hit the pavement.

Runners need encouragement throughout the course and as they hit the finish line. Your energy as part of the Hoopla course entertainment can help keep them going.

Hoopla station applications open in September 2026.

Making the day a success doesn’t happen overnight. More than 7,000 volunteers contribute to all the races. Check this page soon for 2027 opportunities.

You can also support through making a donation.

What should I know about the course?

You can find information about maps, elevation, start and finish lines on this page.

Street closures will be something to keep an eye on as race weekend approaches.

If you have additional questions, take a look at the Chevron Houston Marathon FAQs.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

House Passes Bipartisan Ukraine Aid and Russia Sanctions Bill

Edward Saenz
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House Passes Bipartisan Ukraine Aid and Russia Sanctions Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House approved a bipartisan bill Thursday providing nearly $2 billion in aid to Ukraine and imposing new sanctions on Russia, despite opposition from Republican leadership.

The measure passed 226-195, with 18 Republicans joining Democrats to support the legislation. Only one Democrat, Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, voted against it.

Aid Package and New Sanctions

The bill would provide $1.8 billion in assistance to Ukraine while expanding sanctions targeting Russia’s oil and gas sectors and financial institutions. It would also eliminate a sanctions waiver previously approved by President Donald Trump.

“This bipartisan vote sends a strong message to Ukraine that we support them and a clear message to Putin that we stand against Russian tyranny,” said Rep. Michael McCaul.

Uncertain Future in Senate

The legislation reached the House floor through a rarely successful discharge petition that bypassed GOP leadership. However, the bill faces significant hurdles in the Senate, where it would need 60 votes to advance before reaching Trump’s desk.

Congress previously approved additional Ukraine funding through the National Defense Authorization Act, including $800 million for security assistance over fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

For more on the Russia-Ukraine war, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

ICE Ends Reporting Requirement for Deaths After Detainee Release

Indira Zaldivar
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0
ICE Ends Reporting Requirement for Deaths After Detainee Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will no longer report deaths of former detainees that occur within 30 days of their release from federal custody, reversing a policy implemented during the Biden administration.

The previous policy required ICE to review and disclose all detainee fatalities, including deaths that occurred shortly after individuals were released from detention.

DHS Calls Change “Common Sense”

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the agency should not be responsible for monitoring individuals after they leave ICE custody.

“Under this updated policy, when an individual is no longer in ICE custody then ICE will no longer be responsible for monitoring or reviewing deaths that may occur,” the spokesperson said, describing the move as a “common sense” change.

The administration emphasized that ICE will continue reporting deaths that occur while individuals remain in federal detention.

Decision Comes Amid Scrutiny

The policy change arrives as lawmakers and immigrant advocacy groups continue raising concerns about conditions inside immigration detention facilities and a growing number of detainee deaths.

According to lawmakers, 49 people have died while in ICE custody since the start of President Donald Trump’s second administration.

An analysis of ICE data found that the first 14 months of the current administration have been among the deadliest periods for the federal immigration detention system in recent years, surpassed only by 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to higher death rates.

Ongoing Transparency Debate

Critics argue that tracking deaths shortly after release can provide insight into the medical care and conditions detainees experienced while in custody. Supporters of the policy change contend that ICE’s responsibility ends once individuals are released.

Despite the reporting change, DHS said ICE “remains committed to transparency regarding detainee deaths” that occur while people are under its supervision.

For more on this controversial new ICE policy, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

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