Articles by Rosalie Aguilar-Santos

#SaludTues 11/19/19: Healthy Holidays & Diabetes Prevention Month

November 12, 2019

Over 1 in 3 U.S. adults have prediabetes and of these individuals, 9 in 10 don't even know they have it, according the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Along with age, family history of diabetes, having had diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes), being physically inactive and overweight, there are a number of risk factors that can put someone at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Among Latinos, African Americans, American Indians, and U.S. Pacific Islanders, the chances of developing type 2 diabetes are higher than for those who are non-Latino white. As we prepare for the upcoming holidays, it's also important to be proactive about diabetes prevention during November, Diabetes Awareness Month! On Nov. 19, 2019, let's use #SaludTues , to tweet about ...

#SaludTues 10/29/19: National Disability Employment Awareness Month

October 22, 2019

At least 1 in 6 Latinos in the U.S. live with a disability. Nearly 40% of these individuals are classified as obese, according to the CDC. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This is a good time to reflect on policies and solutions to help communities come together to support disabled individuals through inclusive programs and strategies. We must work to make workplaces, homes, stores, streets and public spaces accessible to everyone. Let's tweet with #SaludTues on Oct. 29, 2019, to share ways to work towards inclusion for disabled individuals and all! We'll also celebrate the accomplishments of disabled individuals and discuss employment opportunities. WHAT: #SaludTues Tweetchat: "National Disability Employment Awareness Month" TIME/DATE: 1-2 p.m. ...

#SaludTues 9/10/19: Promoting a Healthy Weight For All Kids!

September 3, 2019

All kids deserve to live in conditions that are safe a conducive to good health, yet many Latino children live in communities with poor access to healthy food and green space, attend schools that lack opportunities for physical activity, and suffer from adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), which may put them at risk for a number of health conditions, including having an unhealthy weight. Currently, at least 1 in 5 U.S. children are classified as obese. Among Latino and African American rates of children at an unhealthy weight are even higher. September is national childhood obesity prevention month, let's chat solutions and work to create a healthier future for our children. WHAT: #SaludTues Tweetchat: "Promoting a Healthy Weight For All Kids" TIME/DATE: 1-2 p.m. ET (Noon-1 ...

Salud America! Launches Innovations in Transportation Equity Workgroup

August 16, 2019

Our team at Salud America! of UT Health San Antonio is bringing together a new group of transportation, affordable housing, and health leaders from all across the country to promote equity in transportation for Latinos, thanks to a new Innovation, Equity and Exploration (IEE) grant from the Voices for Healthy Kids network! The one-year, $30,000 grant will address equity gaps in the planning of transit, walking, and bicycling projects. Why Seek Transportation Equity for Latino Communities? Many low-income Latinos depend on public transportation. Yet routes are often inaccessible, infrequent, or costly, according to Salud America!'s State of Latino Housing, Transportation, and Green Space research review. Poor planning of transit routes and bike and pedestrian paths often ...

Why Equity in Breastfeeding Matters For Latina Women

August 5, 2019

Mother breastfeeding her baby in hospital room

You've probably heard of the many health benefits of breastfeeding, but did you know that promoting equity in breastfeeding can be just as important? For many women and babies of color breastfeeding could mean a matter of life and death or sickness and health. Breastfeeding also offers economic benefits. Unfortunately, many mothers face barriers to breastfeeding. Breastfeeding in the Latino Community Although 77% Latina mothers start off breastfeeding, this number drops to 21%, 6 months after giving birth. One of the most common reasons for why women stop breastfeeding is the need to return to work or school. Some women may lack support from their family and peers. Many Latina mothers are also faced with a lack of breastfeeding support from health care providers, and ...

SaludTues 8/6: Let’s Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week!

July 30, 2019

Despite the importance of breastfeeding for the healthy development of children, breastfeeding rates remain lower in the U.S. than in many other countries. Among Latinas, many women initiate breastfeeding, however 50% are no longer breastfeeding after 6 months. According to a 2017 research review, Latina Mom and Baby Health, conducted by Salud America! there is now evidence to show that breastfeeding for 1 year or longer can significantly lower a child's chances of becoming obese. Why is it important to promote breastfeeding and how can policy help create a supportive environment? Find out at our next #SaludTues chat! The Impact of Breastfeeding on Latina Moms and Children Despite the vast amount of research that highlights the incredible benefits of breastfeeding, women ...

#SaludTues 7/9: ‘YOUnite Research!’ The Importance of Clinical Trial Participation

July 2, 2019

The importance of clinical trial participation cannot be overstated, especially among minority groups like Latinos. 1 in 6 individuals in the U.S. are Latino, yet only 1% participate in clinical trials. Despite the rapid growth of Latino populations all across the U.S., Latinos continue to lag behind in clinical trial participation. Why should we be concerned with getting more Latinos involved in clinical research trials? Lack of Data on Latinos While scientists continue to learn more about diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's disease and diabetes, through advances in genetics and medical technologies, the data collected is often not representative of the population. This means that new medicine or treatments may not be effective among Latinos, therefore it is crucial to ...

#SaludTues 6/18: Let’s Celebrate Men’s Health Month!

June 11, 2019

Heart disease and cancer are among the leading causes of death for Latino men. Each year over 40% of men in the U.S., are lost to such chronic diseases, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Why do men face higher health risks? Compared to women, men are often less likely to get preventative screenings or checkups. Additionally, certain health behaviors related to diet, physical inactivity, and smoking may lead to increased risks of disease. Certain occupations and exposures may also put men at risk for certain cancers and poor health. Join us this month for #SaludTues at 1 p.m. ET on June 18, 2019, to celebrate and help promote Men’s Health Month! WHAT: #SaludTuesTweetchat: “Let's Celebrate Men's Health ...

#SaludTues 5/7: Let’s Celebrate Healthy Vision Month!

April 30, 2019

Children in states like California, Texas & Florida, which all have large Latino populations are projected to have the highest visual impairment rates by 2060. Many Latino young adults are also at higher than normal risk for visual impairment due to high rates of undiagnosed and improperly managed type II diabetes in the community. Even the types of jobs which many Latinos work can put them at risk for visual impairment at an earlier age than most populations. The good news is there are many ways to protect our eyes and promote good eye health throughout the course of our lives. Join #SaludTues at 1 p.m. ET on May 7, 2019, to tweet about ways to celebrate healthy vision month among your friends, family and loved ones! WHAT: #SaludTuesTweetchat: “Let's Celebrate ...

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Rosalie Aguilar-Santos

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