Christina Propst, MD, has been practicing General Pediatrics in Houston, Texas, for more than twenty-five years. Over this time, she has provided consistent medical care that families rely on, creating trusted relationships that extend from infancy into adolescence. She is recognized for providing evidence-based guidance, meticulous medical care, and a thoughtful approach tailored to each patient’s individual needs. Her interests and areas of knowledge include infectious diseases, public health, child and infant development, allergies, asthma, nutrition, injury prevention, and the prevention of gun violence. Through her work, she has consistently demonstrated a steady balance of medical expertise and a long-term commitment to the wellbeing of children.

Dr. Propst’s Distinguished Medical Career

Christina Propst, Houston, has maintained her Texas State Medical License since 2000 and has been board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics since 2001, the year she completed her residency. Her career includes significant service at well-regarded practices across Houston. She practiced at Texas Children’s Pediatrics–Fannin for ten years, at Bootin & Savrick Pediatrics for six years, and has been part of Blue Fish Pediatrics, Greater Heights, for the past seven years.

Dr. Propst has earned the respect not only of her patients but also of her colleagues and the broader community. She is recognized for consistently applying evidence-based methods, ensuring her approach is informed by research and data while also remaining attentive to the personal needs of children and families. Her reputation reflects steady dedication, professional knowledge, and compassion that extends beyond the office to the community she serves.

Professional Accomplishments

In 2024, she achieved the highest Patient Satisfaction Score at Blue Fish Pediatrics, Greater Heights. She has also been honored several times by the West University Examiner Reader’s Choice Poll, where she was voted “Best Pediatrician.” Her advocacy and academic contributions are equally meaningful. She co-authored the article Keeping Children Safe with the American Academy of Pediatrics President, Dr. Fernando Stein, wrote Op-Eds for the Houston Chronicle, and organized Texas Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Grand Rounds on “Gun Violence & Pediatrics” in March 2017. These projects reflect her commitment to clinical practice as well as her broader mission to improve public health and child safety.

Professional Societies

Christina Propst is currently an active member of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Harris County Medical Society, and the Texas Medical Association. Over the years, she has also contributed her time and expertise through service on the AAP Council on Children and Disasters, the Memorial Hermann Pediatrics Clinical Program Committee, the Texas Pediatric Society’s Committee on Infectious Disease and Immunization, and the Texas Pediatric Society’s Committee on Injury Prevention and Environmental Health. Her involvement in these groups underscores her ongoing commitment to advancing pediatric medicine at both the local and national levels.

Dr. Propst’s Academic Life

Born in New York City to immigrant parents, Dr. Christina Propst grew up bilingual in German and English. She attended the Horace Mann School, where she pursued both academics and extracurricular leadership opportunities. She graduated Cum Laude, competed for four years in varsity track and cross country, served as senior co-captain, was elected orchestra president, participated as a choir leader, and demonstrated her ability to balance academic focus with community involvement.

She later attended Princeton University, where she majored in Politics and completed her pre-medical coursework. She graduated Cum Laude in 1991. As a senior, she was accepted into the competitive Princeton-in-Asia program and spent two years in Machida, Japan, teaching English. While living abroad, she traveled extensively throughout Asia, learned Japanese, and gained a more profound understanding of the region's history and traditions.

Attended Medical School at Tulane University

Christina Propst, Houston, chose Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans for her training. She graduated in 1998 as a member of the top five percent of her class and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society. She also earned several student awards in pediatrics. After graduation, she matched into her first-choice residency program in Pediatrics at Texas Children’s Hospital/Baylor College of Medicine in Houston’s Texas Medical Center, one of the nation’s leading medical training environments.

Honors and Awards

Her achievements include induction into the AOA and receiving the Herbert B. Rothschild, M.D. Award from The Greater New Orleans Pediatric Society. She was also honored with the Janet M. Glasgow Memorial Achievement Citation by the American Medical Women’s Association. These awards reflect her academic excellence and her early promise in pediatrics.

Volunteer Work and Philanthropy

She has given her time to medical relief work after Hurricanes Katrina and Harvey, assisting communities affected by these natural disasters. She has also been active with Moms Demand Action for over fifteen years and with Physicians for a Safer Future for ten years, supporting efforts to prevent gun violence through evidence-based measures.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked to inform and guide the public by sharing accurate information about the virus, vaccines, and treatments. Her contributions to public education were featured in the Houston Chronicle, which covered her work multiple times, including her advocacy for RSV prevention, child safety measures, and pediatric health.

Her philanthropy includes support for the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, the Houston Food Bank, the Periwinkle Foundation, UNICEF, the Multiple Sclerosis Society’s MS-150, Habitat for Humanity, Harmony House, Interfaith Ministries Meals on Wheels, Bike for Houston, the Hermann Park Conservancy, and Trees for Houston. Through these contributions, she continues to impact the lives of children, families, and neighborhoods across Houston and beyond.

Her Personal Life

Christina Propst, MD, welcomed her first child while still in residency, balancing her medical training with family responsibilities. Together with her husband, she has raised her children while maintaining an active pediatric career and consistently serving her community. Recently, she and her husband celebrated their thirtieth wedding anniversary. In her personal time, she enjoys gardening, sailing, traveling, spending time outdoors, and being with family and friends. She also remains committed to volunteer service and to the broader mission of advancing health and safety for children.

Fueling the Future: How Nutrition Shapes Lifelong Wellness

Published on: 11-05-2025

Nutrition is more than just a matter of eating; it is a science that influences every aspect of human life. The foods we choose to consume significantly impact our physical strength, mental clarity, emotional balance, and overall well-being, as well as our longevity. Good nutrition serves as the foundation upon which a healthy and fulfilling life is built. It determines how efficiently our bodies function and how well we can resist disease, recover from illness, and maintain vitality throughout every stage of life.

The Building Blocks of a Healthy Body

At its core, nutrition provides the essential materials the body needs to grow, repair, and thrive. The human body depends on six primary nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. Each plays a unique role in maintaining the body's balance and optimal functioning.

Carbohydrates serve as the primary source of energy, fueling every movement and thought. Proteins build and repair tissues, form enzymes and hormones, and play a critical role in immune defense. Healthy fats are essential for brain function, hormone production, and nutrient absorption. Vitamins and minerals regulate metabolic processes, strengthen bones, and support the immune system. Lastly, water serves as the medium that allows all these nutrients to circulate and function effectively, thereby maintaining hydration and body temperature.

When these nutrients are consumed in the right proportions, they create harmony within the body. However, imbalances—whether through overeating, nutrient deficiencies, or excessive consumption of processed foods—can disrupt this equilibrium, leading to fatigue, poor immunity, and chronic health issues.

Nutrition in Early Development

The journey to lifelong health begins even before birth. A mother’s diet during pregnancy influences the development of her baby’s brain, organs, and immune system. After birth, breastfeeding provides infants with essential nutrients and antibodies that help protect against infection and promote optimal growth.

As children grow, their nutritional needs evolve. Proper nutrition supports brain development, learning capacity, and physical growth. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy helps children build strong bones and muscles. Establishing healthy habits early on can also prevent obesity and diet-related diseases in adulthood. Encouraging balanced meals over processed snacks fosters a positive relationship with food that can last a lifetime.

The Adolescent Years: Nutrition and Transformation

Adolescence is a period of significant physical and emotional transformation. During this stage, the body requires more energy and nutrients to support growth spurts, hormonal changes, and increased activity levels. Iron, calcium, and protein become particularly important to support muscle and bone development.

However, teenagers often develop poor eating habits, such as skipping meals or relying heavily on fast food and sugary beverages. These choices can lead to nutrient deficiencies and fatigue. Promoting mindful eating and educating young people about nutrition helps them make informed choices that support optimal performance, concentration, and long-term health.

Nutrition in Adulthood: Maintaining Balance

Adulthood presents a different set of challenges. Busy schedules, work stress, and lifestyle demands can make healthy eating difficult. Yet, this stage is crucial for preventing chronic diseases that often develop silently over years of poor nutrition.

A balanced diet rich in fiber, antioxidants, and lean proteins supports heart health, maintains metabolism, and stabilizes energy levels. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats—such as those from avocados and olive oil—help reduce inflammation and regulate cholesterol levels. Moderation is key, as excessive consumption of processed foods, sugars, and alcohol can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.

For adults, nutrition is not just about preventing disease, but also about sustaining optimal performance. The right foods can enhance productivity, mental clarity, and emotional well-being. Hydration also becomes a daily necessity, as even mild dehydration can cause fatigue and cognitive decline.

Aging Gracefully with Proper Nutrition

As people age, their metabolism slows, and muscle mass naturally decreases. This makes calorie control and nutrient density essential. Older adults should focus on protein intake to preserve muscle strength, calcium and vitamin D for bone health, and omega-3 fatty acids for brain and heart function.

Digestive efficiency also declines with age, making fiber-rich foods essential for maintaining regularity and gut health. Since the sensation of thirst diminishes over time, seniors should consciously preserve hydration. Proper nutrition in older adulthood not only extends lifespan but also improves quality of life—supporting independence, energy, and mental sharpness.

The Link Between Nutrition and Chronic Diseases

Scientific research consistently shows that nutrition plays a decisive role in disease prevention. Chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer are strongly linked to dietary choices. Diets high in processed foods, saturated fats, and added sugars increase the risk of inflammation and metabolic disorders.

On the other hand, nutrient-rich diets abundant in whole foods can help regulate blood pressure, manage cholesterol levels, and stabilize blood sugar levels. The Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, fish, olive oil, and whole grains, is a prime example of how a balanced diet can significantly reduce the risk of disease.

Nutrition also impacts mental health. Studies have linked deficiencies in vitamins B12, D, and omega-3 fatty acids to depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. A diet rich in these nutrients supports brain function and emotional stability. The gut-brain connection further demonstrates how a healthy gut microbiome, nourished by fiber and probiotics, can positively influence mood and mental clarity.

The Role of Lifestyle and Moderation

While nutrition forms the foundation of health, lifestyle choices reinforce its benefits. Regular physical activity, sufficient sleep, and stress management complement a balanced diet. Overeating, even of healthy foods, can still lead to weight gain and health problems. Portion control and mindful eating encourage awareness of hunger and fullness, reducing the likelihood of overconsumption.

Moderation is key to a sustainable diet. Eliminating certain foods often leads to frustration and relapse. Instead, focusing on balance allows for occasional indulgences while maintaining nutrition goals. Building habits such as meal planning, cooking at home, and reading food labels helps people stay in control of their diet and make informed choices.

The Power of Mindful Nutrition

Mindful nutrition means paying attention to what, when, and how you eat. It encourages eating slowly, savoring flavors, and listening to your body’s signals. This practice not only improves digestion but also fosters a positive relationship with food. It helps prevent emotional or stress-related eating, a common issue in today’s fast-paced society.

Cooking meals at home can also enhance mindfulness. Preparing food from scratch allows individuals to connect with their ingredients, appreciate freshness, and control portion sizes, as well as the use of ingredients like sugar and salt. In turn, this promotes greater awareness and respect for the nourishment food provides.

A Lifelong Commitment to Health

Nutrition is not a short-term effort or a seasonal trend—it is a lifelong commitment. The choices we make daily influence how we feel today and our overall health in the years to come. Investing in good nutrition early yields lasting benefits, including sharper cognition, stronger immunity, reduced disease risk, and improved longevity.

Every meal presents an opportunity to nourish the body and mind. Choosing whole, natural, and balanced foods is a simple yet profound act of self-care. As the saying goes, “You are what you eat,” and the truth of that statement becomes more evident with age. By honoring the essential role of nutrition, we empower ourselves to live not just longer, but better—healthier, stronger, and more resilient through every stage of life.

Clear the Air: Effective Strategies for Managing Allergies and Asthma Naturally

Published on: 10/15/2025

 

Breathing is one of life’s most fundamental actions, yet for millions of people living with allergies and asthma, it’s not always easy. These conditions often overlap, affecting quality of life and making simple activities—like walking outdoors or cleaning the house—a challenge. However, with the proper understanding and approach, managing allergies and asthma can become less overwhelming and more empowering.

How Allergies and Asthma Are Connected

Allergies and asthma share more in common than most people realize. Both conditions involve the immune system reacting to substances it mistakenly identifies as harmful. For someone with allergies, exposure to triggers such as pollen, pet dander, or mold can cause sneezing, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion. In people with asthma, the exact triggers can cause inflammation in the airways, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

This condition is often referred to as “allergic asthma,” in which allergens directly provoke asthma symptoms. Understanding this link is key to managing both conditions effectively. When allergens are controlled, asthma flare-ups can often be prevented or significantly reduced.

Recognizing and Reducing Triggers

The first step toward managing allergies and asthma is learning what sparks your symptoms. Common culprits include environmental irritants like smoke, dust mites, mold spores, and seasonal pollen. Even household cleaning products, perfumes, or weather changes can exacerbate breathing problems. Keeping a symptom diary is a helpful way to track patterns and identify specific triggers over time.

Once you know your triggers, you can take steps to minimize exposure. For example, wash bedding weekly in hot water to kill dust mites, use HEPA filters in air purifiers, and keep pets out of sleeping areas. During high-pollen seasons, it’s best to stay indoors during early morning and evening hours when pollen counts are highest. Minor lifestyle adjustments, such as these, can have a significant impact on both daily comfort and long-term health.

Medical Management and Modern Treatments

While lifestyle changes are crucial, medical treatments remain the cornerstone of managing allergies and asthma. For allergies, over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal sprays can provide quick relief of symptoms. For persistent or severe allergies, allergists may recommend immunotherapy, commonly known as allergy shots, which gradually desensitize the immune system to allergens over time.

Asthma, being a chronic condition, usually requires ongoing treatment. Quick-relief inhalers provide fast action during flare-ups, while long-term control inhalers help reduce inflammation in the lungs and prevent attacks. Newer biologic therapies, prescribed for severe asthma, target specific immune pathways to improve breathing and lessen the need for steroids. Consulting with a healthcare professional helps ensure that each treatment plan is tailored to an individual's specific needs and medical history.

Lifestyle Choices for Healthier Lungs

Healthy lungs depend not only on medication but also on lifestyle habits. Regular exercise strengthens respiratory muscles, boosts circulation, and enhances lung efficiency. However, it’s important to choose activities that don’t overly strain the airways—swimming, walking, and yoga are excellent low-impact options. Warming up before exercise and avoiding outdoor workouts on high-pollution or pollen days can help prevent exercise-induced symptoms.

A nutrient-rich diet also supports lung health. Foods high in antioxidants, such as leafy greens, citrus fruits, and berries, combat inflammation and oxidative stress. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts have been linked to improved asthma control. Staying hydrated helps thin mucus in the airways, making it easier to breathe. Together, these simple changes can enhance your body’s natural resilience.

The Importance of Indoor Air Quality

Because most people spend the majority of their time indoors, maintaining clean air at home is essential. Pollutants such as smoke, mold, and dust can accumulate and exacerbate both allergies and asthma. Investing in a quality air purifier with a HEPA filter can significantly reduce airborne allergens. It’s also wise to keep humidity levels between 30% and 50% to prevent mold growth and dust mite proliferation.

Regularly cleaning vents, vacuuming with HEPA-filter vacuums, and using natural cleaning products can reduce chemical irritants. Avoid using air fresheners or candles that release volatile compounds, as they can trigger respiratory discomfort. By creating a cleaner and safer home environment, you provide your lungs with the fresh air they deserve.

Helping Children Breathe Easier

Children are particularly susceptible to allergies and asthma, and early management can significantly impact their long-term health. Parents should watch for signs such as frequent coughing, wheezing, or difficulty keeping up with physical activities. Pediatric allergists can perform tests to identify specific sensitivities and develop treatment plans tailored to children.

At home, parents can help by maintaining a clean and allergen-free environment. Using mattress covers, washing stuffed toys regularly, and keeping pets out of bedrooms can help reduce exposure to allergens. Educating children about their condition—such as how to use inhalers properly or recognize early warning signs—empowers them to take an active role in their own care. Schools should also be informed so that staff can respond appropriately during emergencies.

Managing Stress and Emotional Health

It’s easy to overlook how emotions influence breathing. Stress and anxiety can tighten chest muscles and trigger asthma symptoms. Incorporating stress-relief techniques into daily routines, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or gentle stretching, can help calm both mind and body. Studies show that individuals who manage their stress effectively tend to experience fewer asthma flare-ups and report a better overall quality of life.

Sleep is another crucial factor. Allergies and asthma can disrupt sleep, leading to fatigue that weakens the immune system. Keeping the bedroom allergen-free, using hypoallergenic bedding, and maintaining consistent sleep routines can improve both breathing and recovery overnight.

When to Seek Professional Help

Even with diligent management, symptoms may worsen unexpectedly at times. Signs such as constant coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath that do not improve with medication require a medical evaluation. Severe episodes that interfere with speaking or cause blueness around the lips or fingertips are emergencies and need immediate care.

Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers ensure that treatment plans remain effective and that adjustments can be made as needed. As symptoms evolve, adjustments to medication or lifestyle habits may be necessary. Staying proactive and communicating openly with doctors helps keep allergies and asthma under control.

Protecting Childhood: Building a Safer Future Through Gun Violence Prevention

 

Published on: 10/06/2025

 

Gun violence has tragically become one of the leading causes of death among children and adolescents in the United States. Each year, thousands of young lives are lost to shootings—whether intentional, accidental, or self-inflicted. For every child who dies, many more suffer life-altering injuries that leave lasting physical and psychological scars. Families are left shattered, schools are traumatized, and communities struggle to heal. This growing crisis demands more than sympathy; it calls for bold, evidence-based action to protect children and secure their right to a safe and healthy future.

Unlike illnesses or natural disasters, gun violence is entirely preventable. The problem lies not only in the prevalence of firearms but also in cultural, legal, and social factors that make guns easily accessible to children and those at risk of violence. Understanding gun violence as a multifaceted public health issue—one that intersects with family dynamics, education, and mental health—is essential to crafting meaningful and lasting solutions.

Treating Gun Violence as a Public Health Emergency
 

To prevent pediatric gun deaths, the nation must treat gun violence with the same urgency it gives to other major health threats. A public health approach emphasizes prevention, research, and community engagement rather than punishment or blame. It focuses on understanding the factors that lead to gun-related harm and implementing strategies to stop them before they occur.

This model has proven successful in addressing other safety issues, such as seatbelt use, smoking cessation, and drunk driving. Similar strategies—rooted in research, policy, and education—can drastically reduce firearm injuries. Key to this approach is data: collecting accurate statistics on gun deaths, injuries, and circumstances enables experts to identify trends and tailor interventions. For too long, federal restrictions limited gun violence research, but renewed funding now provides an opportunity to craft policies grounded in evidence rather than ideology.

Promoting Safe Firearm Storage and Awareness
 

One of the most effective steps in preventing child firearm deaths is ensuring that guns are stored securely. Safe storage means keeping firearms unloaded, locked, and out of reach, with ammunition stored in a separate location. Research consistently shows that when families follow these precautions, the risks of accidental shootings and suicides among children drop dramatically.

Parents, guardians, and caregivers hold the most significant responsibility for creating a secure environment. Pediatricians and healthcare professionals can play a crucial role by inquiring about firearm access during medical visits and providing resources for safe storage and disposal of firearms. Public education campaigns—similar to those promoting smoke detectors or car seats—can normalize conversations around firearm safety without stigma or judgment. Protecting children begins at home, with responsible ownership and proactive safety measures in place.

The Role of Legislation and Policy Reform
 

Strong, evidence-based firearm laws are among the most effective tools for reducing pediatric gun injuries and deaths. States that have enacted universal background checks, mandatory waiting periods, and child access prevention laws have consistently reported lower firearm fatality rates among minors. These measures do not eliminate gun ownership but ensure it is accompanied by accountability and responsibility.

Child Access Prevention (CAP) laws, in particular, have proven powerful. They hold adults legally responsible if a child accesses a firearm and causes harm. The existence of such laws encourages secure storage and helps prevent tragic incidents of unintentional shootings. Likewise, red flag laws—allowing temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others—can prevent suicide and domestic violence. Effective policy reform requires cooperation among lawmakers, public health experts, and communities to strike a balance between safety and individual rights.

Addressing Mental Health and Emotional Well-being
 

A crucial but often under-discussed component of gun violence prevention involves mental health. Many firearm deaths among young people are suicides, frequently occurring impulsively during moments of distress. Adolescents struggling with depression, anxiety, or trauma may turn to firearms as a means of escape, especially when guns are easily accessible at home.

Promoting mental health support and early intervention is vital. Schools should implement programs that teach emotional resilience, coping skills, and conflict resolution. Access to mental health care—counseling, therapy, and crisis services—should be expanded, especially in underserved communities. By removing the stigma around mental illness and providing safe spaces for youth to express their feelings, society can prevent countless tragedies. A caring conversation, timely intervention, or secure firearm can make the difference between life and death.

Community-Led Solutions and Education
 

Preventing gun violence is not solely a task for policymakers—it’s a collective effort that starts at the community level. Local initiatives, schools, and nonprofit organizations play vital roles in shaping safer environments for children. Community-based violence prevention programs, mentorship opportunities, and after-school activities provide positive outlets for youth and reduce the risk of involvement in violence.

Education is equally powerful. Teaching children about gun safety—what to do if they encounter a firearm, and why guns should be treated with caution—can prevent accidental shootings. Schools can partner with law enforcement and healthcare professionals to host workshops for both parents and students. Building trust between communities and local authorities also ensures that people feel safe reporting concerns before violence occurs.

The Influence of Media and Culture
 

The media plays an undeniable role in shaping how young people perceive guns. From movies and video games to music videos and social media, firearms are often depicted as symbols of power, heroism, or rebellion. This glamorization can desensitize children to the real-world consequences of gun use and violence. To counter this, parents, educators, and media creators must collaborate to promote critical thinking about the content children consume.

Encouraging responsible portrayals of guns in entertainment can help shift cultural norms. Instead of glorifying violence, storytelling can emphasize the human cost of conflict, empathy, and nonviolent solutions. Just as media campaigns helped change public attitudes toward drunk driving and smoking, they can reshape how society views firearm responsibility and safety.

Moving Forward Together
 

The fight to prevent pediatric gun violence is not about politics—it’s about preserving the lives of children and protecting families. Every stakeholder—parents, lawmakers, teachers, healthcare workers, and community leaders—has a role to play. Solutions exist, but they require unity, compassion, and a shared commitment to safety.

By combining education, responsible legislation, safe storage practices, and mental health support, we can create a culture where children grow up without fear of gunfire. The goal is not to eliminate firearms but to eliminate preventable loss. Each step toward prevention brings us closer to a future where every child has the chance to live, learn, and dream freely. Protecting childhood is not just a moral duty—it’s a national responsibility that defines who we are and what kind of future we choose to build.