Articles by Rosalie Aguilar-Santos

#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 ...

Salud America! Featured on Careers in Public Health Podcast

April 23, 2019

Dr. Huntley's podcast- PHEC Episode 87 Instagram

Rosalie Aguilar, Salud America!'s national project coordinator, recently joined as a guest on Dr. Charlotte Hughes Huntley's podcast, Public Health Epidemiology Careers. On the podcast, Aguilar spoke about: Salud America!'s focus on Latino health equity. Salud America!'s network of over 250,000 parents, local leaders, health professionals, and school personnel. This network is working to make healthy policy and system changes in their communities. Salud America!'s communications team and its daily content curation strategy. The team creates Latino healthy change success stories and action opportunities to fuel grassroots change. How the team disseminates this content in social media. This includes weekly #SaludTues Tweetchats that reach 8 million impressions on Twitter ...

#BigGive2019 Brings San Antonio Nonprofits Together!

March 25, 2019

On Thursday, March 28, 2019, for the first time ever, Salud America! at UT Health San Antonio will join dozens of nonprofits in raising funds for the health and well being of kids and families in our community! This is the first time in Salud America! at UT Health San Antonio's 12-year history that we're partnering with local nonprofits for the #BigGive2019. What's the #BigGive 2019? The the #BigGive2019 is a 1-day online event expected to bring out thousands of partners in support of local initiatives that have a direct impact on people in San Antonio, Bexar County, and surrounding communities. Why We're Excited to Join the #BigGive2019 This is our chance for us to showcase the healthy changes happening in San Antonio. Here are just a few examples of Salud America! Salud ...

About the Author

Rosalie Aguilar-Santos

Connect with Rosalie: