This blog was published as part of a collaboration between Salud America! and the Prevent Cancer Foundation in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Did you know that Latinos have a higher risk of liver cancer than the overall U.S. population? In fact, 1 in 5 people with liver cancer in the United States are Latino. They also are often diagnosed at later stages and are more likely to die of liver cancer than other adult populations in the United States. Latino men are 53% more likely to be diagnosed with liver cancer than men overall, and Latinas are 72% more likely to be diagnosed than Latina women overall, according to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health. “While liver cancer rates are decreasing or staying the same in ...
Dental hygiene and education are important parts of our daily life. However, nearly 26% of adults and 46% of children have untreated or restored dental caries (better known as cavities), according to the CDC. October is National Dental Hygiene Month, a time to not only honor dental hygienists, but also raise awareness and promote good oral hygiene. Let’s take a look into some resources that can help educate families and communities when it comes to oral health and hygiene.
1. Mouthy Health
Mouthy Health, created through the American Dental Association, provides resources like tips on choosing a dentist, nutrition, nicotine use, and paying for dental care. Mouthy Health also has steps and tools on daily dental routines. The website’s Find-a-Dentist tool allows ...
As we celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Salud America! is having important conversations about how breast cancer trends impact communities and populations in South Texas and beyond. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Latinas and top cause of cancer-related death among Latinas. With this in mind, Salud America!’s Salud Talks Podcast collaborated with Dr. Marcela Mazo Canola, breast medical oncologist at the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio, and Dr. Angel Rodriguez, senior medical director of oncology for Natera, to discuss new technologies to care for people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. This episode is hosted by Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez, director of the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health San ...
Flooding accounts for about 11% of all billion-dollar weather and climate disaster events in the U.S., according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. That makes it important to have a plan to deal with severe weather, storms, and flooding. “Prepare for floods by getting flood insurance, gathering your disaster supplies, and staying informed on potential weather alerts,” the Texas General Land Office states. Let’s look at how you can gear up when it comes to severe weather locally and protect your familia, neighbors, and communities.
1. Know Your Risk & Staying Informed amid Potential Flooding
During times of severe weather and potential flooding, it is important to stay informed and know what is happening in your area. Staying up to date with ...
Become a politician? Work in a health ministry? As a young girl growing up in Colombia, Dr. Marcela Mazo Canola wasn’t sure exactly what she wanted to be — but she dreamed of making a difference for people. Today, Mazo Canola is helping others as a breast medical oncologist at Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio and contributing to research to improve cancer and health outcomes for Latinos and all populations. “Although I’m in a different career that I love very much, I guess I still ended up doing something similar to what I was dreaming of when I was a little girl,” she said. During Hispanic Heritage Month, Salud America! is highlighting heroes in healthcare and throughout the community who strive to make a difference. Let’s take closer look into Dr. ...
The Institute for Integration of Medicine & Science (IIMS) and the UTSA College of Health, Community and Policy announced the winners of the 2026 IIMS Community Engagement Small Project Grants program. Seven community-academic partnerships from South Texas, focused on topics from men’s health to caregiving, each have been awarded a $5,000 grant. The aim is to translate research into public health benefits. Grants are available to newly developed or current partnerships with projects focused on research/assessment, education/training, and/or dissemination/communication of research results, program features, or policy implications.
Dr. Erika Brigmon, Gabrielle Capesius, and Lacy Lichtenhan
“Arts for Justice: The Story of Firearm-related Violence from a Youth ...
“Para bailar La Bamba se necesita una poca de gracia.” There’s a strong chance you’ve heard this song, “La Bamba,” on the radio, on TV, walking through the grocery store, or somewhere else at least once in your life. While there are several different versions of this song, one of the most well-known was recorded by Ritchie Valens, a rock ‘n’ roll icon who had a short but impactful career. During Hispanic Heritage Month, Salud America! is celebrating Latino trailblazers, historical figures, and inspirational stories. This year we are highlighting the career and contributions of Ritchie Valens, a Mexican American singer and songwriter who blazed a trail for rock musicians for decades to come.
Ritchie Valens: Early Life Before Fame
Richard Steven Valenzuela ...
Our life experiences can shape who we are and what we strive to be in the future. This can certainly be said about Dr. Antonia Novello, the first woman and Latina to be appointed as Surgeon General in the United States. During Hispanic Heritage Month, Salud America! is celebrating Latino trailblazers, historical figures, and inspirational stories. This year we are recognizing Dr. Antonia Novello, a physician and public health administrator with a strong legacy for promoting health for all.
What Was Early Life Like for Antonia Novello?
Antonia Novello was born Antonia Coello in 1944 in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. As the eldest of 3 siblings, Novello experienced health challenges early in her life. “As a child, Novello ...
Whether it’s in hospitals and clinics, out in the community, or online, there are many Salud Heroes who have helped improve health for all the people in their communities. During Hispanic Heritage Month, Salud America! recognizes figures both throughout history and today who serve as health role models. Let’s look at 10 Salud Heroes who have championed Latino health.
1. Dr. Jose Celso Barbosa
Dr. José Celso Barbosa Alcalá, also known as José Celso Barbosa, was the first Afro-Latino to obtain a medical degree in the United States. Born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, Barbosa valued education. He graduated in 1880 from the University of Michigan Medical School as the valedictorian of his class, becoming the first Puerto Rican to earn a medical degree in the continental ...
