Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the women who raised us, cared for us, and put our needs above their own. Now, it’s time to take care of her. Whether you're a first-time mom or have a few kiddos under your belt, here are four health and wellness resources for mothers.
1. National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
Launched on Mother’s Day 2022, the National Maternal Health Hotline is a free, 24/7, confidential hotline that supports women, before, during, and after pregnancy via phone call or text. The hotline was designed to help combat maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity crisis in the US by connecting women to counselors, including licensed health care professionals, certified educators, and specialists. These counselors listen to the ...
Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez, leader of Salud America! and the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health San Antonio, was named to Susan G. Komen's Scientific Advisory Board. Komen's 10-member Scientific Advisory Board provides strategic guidance and direction for its research and scientific programs. It also plays a key role in guiding and prioritizing Komen’s global research investment and serves as the executive committee of the Komen Scholars. Dr. Ramirez's appointment is effective April 1, 2025. “I am honored to serve on Susan G. Komen's Scientific Advisory Board. I look forward to being a part of Komen’s extensive activities to address breast cancer and the non-medical drivers of health among people of all backgrounds," Ramirez said.
Dr. Ramirez & Her Health ...
As we continue to deal with COVID-19, the seniors in many of our familias are still at high risk for the virus’ serious health impacts. Between 2020 and 2025, seniors ages 65 and older were among those with the highest rates of death due to COVID-19, accounting for 936,523, or 76%, of all COVID-19 deaths in the US, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine has significantly slowed and reduced cases, many seniors remain burdened by complications from the virus for several reasons. These include vaccine hesitancy, challenges to vaccine access, and the spread of incorrect information about the vaccine. That’s why our friends at CVEEP are reminding seniors and other immunocompromised individuals ...
Getting routine screenings and medical appointments can help prevent cancer, or catch it at earlier, more treatable stages. However, only 51% of U.S. adults age 21 and older say they have had a routine medical appointment or routine cancer screening in the last year, according to the 2025 Early Detection Survey from the Prevent Cancer Foundation. This number is a 10%-point drop compared to the 2024 Early Detection Survey. “While the precise reason for the change remains unclear, top reasons survey participants cited for falling behind on their routine cancer screenings center on [incorrect information or confusion],” according to the Prevent Cancer Foundation. Let’s look into the survey and learn more about how this impacts families and communities.
Reasons for a Lack ...
Cancer is a big concern for firefighters in San Antonio. Firefighting is classified as a known human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Occupational cancer has become the leading cause of death among firefighters. Studies have shown that firefighters face a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer compared to the general U.S. population. Within the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD), more than 70 firefighters have been diagnosed with cancer in the past 10 years, including leukemia to multiple myeloma and cancers of the brain, thyroid, colon, prostate, and testicles. Many cases also go unreported. To help reduce the cancer risk among firefighters and emergency medical services personnel, SAFD, UT Health ...
Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez, leader of Salud America! and the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health San Antonio, joined Coastal Living TV in Corpus Christi, Texas, to share how cancer survivors can join the Avanzando Caminos study. Avanzando Caminos is a study that aims to help cancer survivors. The study aims to enroll 1,500 Latino cancer survivors in South Texas and 1,500 more in Miami to help unpack the behavioral, mental, biological, and medical influences on life after cancer. As part of the study, volunteers share their cancer journeys. "So far, the individuals who've participated have been really grateful. They said, 'I've never had a chance to tell my story about what I went through,'" Ramirez said. "It will help us take a deeper look into how we can help our ...
April is recognized as National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month. This observance was led by the Prevent Cancer Foundation, along with the support of 84 additional organizations, to raise awareness and reduce the impact of cancer on individuals, families, and communities. “We hope it serves an important reminder to the public that they have the power to take charge of their health with lifestyle changes and routine screenings, because early detection equals better outcomes,” said Jody Hoyos, CEO of the Prevent Cancer Foundation, in a previous press release. Let’s dive into what resources are available and how you can speak up for cancer prevention!
Resources for Raising Awareness
One aim of Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month is to raise awareness by ...
A lot can change in the wake of a cancer diagnosis, especially for a daughter. “When a person gets sick, the whole family gets sick, especially in the Hispanic and Latino community ... It is really a family effort when it comes to going through cancer treatment and a cancer diagnosis,” Britney Ortiz said. Being a research assistant in the Avanzando Caminos Hispanic/Latino Cancer Survivorship research study at UT Health San Antonio, Britney Ortiz thought she knew a lot about cancer. But her father's unexpected cancer diagnosis gave her a true understanding of the disease. In a short period of time, Britney went from interviewing survivors about their cancer journey to being a caregiver for a loved one.
A Shocking Cancer Diagnosis
Britney said her father’s ...
The National Eye Institute (NEI) is framing the way for future success in a career in health and science for teens by holding its annual Eye on the Future campaign. Just like 2023 and 2024, the Eye on the Future campaign kicks off with a $2,000 teen video contest. “We created the [contest] because we want to hear from the next generation of scientists (that’s you!) about why science is so important,” according to the NEI website. “And we want to encourage high school students from all backgrounds to learn more about science.” The contest is open until April 20, 2025.
How to Enter the Eye on the Future Teen Video Contest
Interested students in grades 9-12 can enter NEI’s Eye on the Future contest by submitting a 30-second-to-3-minute video showcasing one of three ...
