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Alyssa Escalante

Articles by Alyssa Escalante

What You Need to Know About the Texas SNAP Food Changes


SNAP EBT

Starting April 1, 2026, Texas recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will have new food purchase restrictions, including no candy and sugary drinks. These changes were made to comply with Senate Bull 379, which passed in June 2025 and is one of three bills under Texas’ “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, prohibiting the use of SNAP benefits to purchase less healthy foods and encouraging the purchase of more nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables. “In August 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service approved a healthy foods waiver that was submitted by Texas and allows the state to implement the SNAP limitations,” according to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. With this in mind, let’s dive ...

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Is AI a Reliable Source for Health Information?


Healthcare and AI

Artificial intelligence, better known as AI, is part of everyday life for many people. In fact, experts say people interact with AI almost constantly or several times a day, from looking up information to creating something to making decisions. That goes for health decision-making, too. “AI is rapidly becoming a key player in many people's medical decisions. According to OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, more than 40 million people consult the platform every day for health information,” NPR reports. Let’s dive deeper into what this means and how trustworthy AI is for health advice. Making the Right Medical Choices with AI?   One in six American adults consult AI chatbots for health information at least once a month, according to a recent study in Nature Medicine. The ...

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Join the 16th Annual Frontiers of Translational Science Research Day


IIMS 2026

The Institute for Integration of Medicine & Science (IIMS) at UT Health San Antonio is announcing its 16th Annual Frontiers of Translational Science Research Day on Monday April 27, 2026. In celebration, the institute is calling for abstracts for posters from researchers that demonstrate the power of translational science, which is the process of using research to develop interventions. Translational science aims to improve health and improve disease outcomes. Abstracts can highlight translational research projects that are complete or ongoing. Selected projects will join a poster session on the day of the event. submit an abstract HERE! Participant Guidelines for Translational Science Research  The deadline for abstract submissions is Monday, April 6, 2026. If ...

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What Does Caregiving Look Like in the United States?


Family caregiver

More than 59 million Americans provide care for an adult with a complex medical condition or disability. When it comes to Latinos, 17% of caregivers in the U.S. are Latino. A recently published report from the Pew Research Center found that lower-income adults with an aging parent, spouse, or partner are more likely to be caregivers than those in higher income tiers. “What we found is that the caregiving burden increases as aging family members get to be 75 and older. And, among Americans with an aging parent, spouse or partner, those with lower incomes are much more likely to be caregivers than those with middle and upper incomes,” according to the Pew Research Center. Let’s dig deeper into this study’s key takeaways that can impact families. 10% of All U.S. Adults ...

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Salud Talks Podcast Episode 46: Survivorship, Screenings, & Prevention: Knowing Your Risk for Colon Cancer


Colon Cancer Podcast

March is recognized as Colon Cancer Awareness Month. In Bexar County, more than half (57%) of colorectal cancers are diagnosed at a late stage, higher than many other Texas counties. Additionally, we see colorectal cancer mortality rates also surpassing Texas averages, along with significant issues in late-stage diagnosis among Latino populations. With this in mind, Salud America! and Precinct 1 Bexar County Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores joined forces to spread awareness when it comes to colon cancer and inform the South Texas community about importance of early detection and prevention. The episode is hosted by Rebecca Jones, PhD, an assistant Professor at the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health San Antonio. Dr. Jones is a researcher who focuses on colon ...

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4 Resources to Share for Kidney Cancer Awareness Month


Kidney Cancer Awareness Month

About 80,450 new cases of kidney cancer will be diagnosed in U.S. men and women in 2026, according to the American Cancer Society. The month of March is recognized as Kidney Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, educate, and promote helpful tools to help people learn more about kidney cancer. With this in mind, let’s look at four free, easy-to-use resources to use and share during Kidney Cancer Awareness Month. What is Kidney Cancer? Kidney cancer is a disease where cells in the kidney grow out of control, according to the CDC. The main types of kidney cancer include renal cell cancer (RCC), transitional cell cancer (TCC), and Wilms tumor. “RCC is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults. It forms in the lining of the tiny tubes in the kidney that ...

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3 Bilingual Resources to Celebrate American Heart Month


American Heart Month banner

During a month that celebrates love, we also prioritize hearts for American Heart Month! This is a time to bring awareness to cardiovascular disease, promote educational resources, and learn more about prevention and heart health. Let’s explore some helpful bilingual resources and tools you can learn from and share with others during American Heart Month. 1. The American Heart Association The American Heart Association (AHA) highlights that more than 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest outside of the hospital each year. With this in mind, it’s important to be trained in CPR. “By giving someone CPR you can double or even triple their chances of survival. Be ready when it matters most. Learn CPR and become part of the Nation of Lifesavers,” the AHA ...

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5 Key Insights on the State of Early Childhood Nutrition


Infant drinking milk

From breastfeeding to solid foods and vegetables, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) address childhood food issues in a new report, Early Childhood Nutrition. The report covers: Breastfeeding Support for Infant Feeding First Solid Foods Healthy Eating Affordability of Nutritious Foods Let’s dive deeper into the report and how it impacts families with children. 1. Most Infants Don’t Receive Full Health Benefits from Breast Milk The CDC report found that only 2 in 5 infants born in 2022 were still being breastfed on their first birthday, meaning that most infants do not receive the full health benefits that breast milk can provide. “Breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for most infants. It helps protect babies and moms from ...

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