Mega Doctor News
Good nutrition plays a vital role in long term health, yet many families across the Rio Grande Valley and throughout the nation continue to face challenges in accessing and maintaining healthy eating habits.
“Eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to be perfect; it’s really about making small, consistent choices that help your body feel its best,” says Jonathan Longoria, MD, medical director of the South Texas Health System (STHS) hospitalists program. “When families have the right information and support, it becomes much easier to build healthier habits that can make a lasting difference.”
Unfortunately, approximately 86% of Americans have diets considered low in quality, according to research from Harvard, the University of California San Francisco and Nourish Science, with more than half classified as having “very low” diet quality.
Poor nutrition is commonly characterized by high intake of salt, sugar and processed foods, combined with insufficient consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Diets high in saturated fats, trans fats, added sugars and sodium significantly increase the risk of obesity and chronic diseases, conditions that contribute to an estimated 11 million deaths worldwide each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
These unhealthy dietary patterns significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and certain cancers. Poor nutrition can also affect mental health, energy levels and cognitive function, further underscoring the importance of making healthier choices every day.
“A poor diet doesn’t just affect how you feel today; it quietly shapes your long term health,” says Dr. Longoria. “Over time, unhealthy eating habits can increase the risk of chronic diseases that impact quality of life, mobility and longevity. The good news is that even small, consistent changes can make a meaningful difference.”
To help Rio Grande Valley residents better understand the importance of a well balanced diet, South Texas Health System (STHS) will dedicate the latest installment of its Let’s Talk Your Health webinar series to the topic of good nutrition.
Broadcast live on the STHS Facebook page on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., the webinar will explore why poor eating habits develop and how they can affect your health both now and over time.
During the online seminar, a registered and licensed dietitian from Complete Nutrition Solutions will share simple, practical tips designed to help you begin making healthier nutrition choices.
“Small steps can create powerful change,” says Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, STHS. “Simple choices, like adding an extra serving of vegetables, choosing water instead of soda or cooking at home a few more times a week, can transform your health over time. When healthy habits feel achievable, they become sustainable, and that’s when real improvements begins.”
For more information on the webinar, visit the STHS Facebook Events page. To watch previous Let’s Talk Your Health Seminars, visit STHSLetsTalk.com.
| Who: | South Texas Health System |
| What: | FREE virtual seminar entitled “Let’s Talk Your Health – Nutrition” |
| When: | Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. |
| Where: | Online via STHS’ Facebook page |
