Articles by Josh McCormack

Does Pollution and Poor Air Quality Raise the Risk of Coronavirus?

March 26, 2020

Pollution Poor Air Quality Risk Coronavirus

As the current novel coronavirus continues to spread, one fact has become clear: Governments around the globe were not prepared — especially concerning environmental impacts. While there is no direct link between pollution and the risk of developing COVID-19, yet, studies have shown that poor air quality can raise one's susceptibility to disease. Worse, high rates of toxic exposure can lead to poorer outcomes of those illnesses. Disadvantaged groups, including Latinos, are in greater jeopardy as they are the ones who live in the areas with more significant amounts of air pollution. "There's lots of evidence that air pollution increases the chances that someone will get pneumonia, and if they get pneumonia, will be sicker with it," Aaron Bernstein, interim director of the ...

Salud Talks Podcast Episode 24: “Reworking Recycling”

March 25, 2020

Amid a global pandemic, most find themselves inside their homes more than ever. While this is tough for some and easier for others, one thing is apparent: Many are asking some tough questions, including, are the systems that are currently in place operating in the best interest of everyone? One system in question is how our local, state, and federal governments—as well as every citizen in the country—practices sustainability. In January, we sat down with government officials from ReWorks San Antonio, an agency of the city's Solid Waste Management Department, that aims to connect businesses to cost-effective recycling solutions and promote those businesses among consumers who value social responsibility. Check out this discussion on the Salud Talks Podcast, Episode 23, ...

Salud Talks Podcast Episode 23: “Keeping Calm Amid the Coronavirus”

March 19, 2020

Keeping Calm Amid the Coronavirus webpic

As COVID-19 continues to dominate headlines, all of us are experiencing new levels of stress and anxiety. With that in mind, we have something a bit different for you all. Public health workers from the Institute for Health Promotion Research join Salud Talks to share their best practices in how—in the words of another global crisis—they are keeping calm and carrying on. Check out this discussion on the Salud Talks Podcast, Episode 23, "Keeping Calm Amid the Coronavirus"! WHAT: A #SaludTalks discussion about the current novel coronavirus outbreak and ways to stay sane. GUESTS: Ariel Morales - Research Area Specialist Dr. Daniel C. Hughes - IHPR Assistant Professor Research Angelika Aguilar - Research Associate Stacy Cantu - Program Coordinator ...

Coronavirus Highlights Inequities Impacting Latinos, Communities of Color

March 18, 2020

Coronavirus Inequities Communities of Color

Time and again, statistics go to show that communities of color, including Latinos, face a rampant and widespread lack of access to quality healthcare. In this state of emergency that the U.S. faces with the outbreak of the current novel coronavirus, COVID-19, those disadvantages are worse than ever. Disadvantaged groups currently, and will continue to, experience burdens in receiving, affording, and managing medical treatment as the virus continues to spread. “Crises such as H1N1 and COVID-19 provide a mirror for our society and the actions we take — or fail to take,” writes Dr. Richard E. Besser, the president, and chief executive of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, in the Washington Post. “Today, the United States in that mirror is one in which the risk of exposure ...

Surprising Ways that Fire Is Messing with Your Health

March 12, 2020

Sitting around a fire can be a great source of warmth and fun for most; however, it also has the potential to cause a host of health complications. Tiny toxins—PM2.5 (pollution particles measuring 2.5 micrometers or less)—commonly known as “combustion particles” come from these fires and can cause some severe health impacts, research shows. Even worse, those using wood-burning stoves can face some of the worst effects. "We are increasingly concerned about particulate matter air pollution and other forms of air pollution," Dr. Joel Kaufman, professor of environmental and occupational health sciences, medicine and epidemiology at the University of Washington in Seattle, told the American Heart Association. "There's increasing evidence that certain pollutants are associated ...

Salud Talks Podcast Episode 22: “Children in Crisis”

March 11, 2020

Have you ever encountered a child in need? This can come in many forms, including those who need financial, food, or even foster care assistance from the state. While most might think they probably don’t know such a child, experts say that’s likely not the case. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that 51.7% of children lived in households that received some form of government assistance in 2017. Today, Dr. Kathy Fletcher, the President and CEO of Voices for Children of San Antonio, and State Representative of Texas’ 124 district, Ina Minjarez, join Salud Talks to discuss their work with children in crisis, and, what we all can do to provide our community’s children with a brighter future. Check out this discussion on the Salud Talks Podcast, Episode 22, "Children in ...

UPDATE – Coronavirus: Everything Latinos Need to Know

March 5, 2020

Updated 7/15/21 For more than a year, the COVID-19 pandemic has afflicted many. In the U.S., certain local, state governments declared lock-downs and stay-in-place quarantines — efforts geared at limiting the spread of the novel COVID-19. Then lock-downs reopened, then locked down again as cases rose. Across the world, cases and deaths continue, as does public health responses, including vaccines. Governments, businesses, and people continue to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic. Latinos are experiencing worsening health inequities, disparities in exposure, testing, prevention and treatment, and job impact. Latinos are experiencing disproportionately more cases and deaths, too. As equitable vaccine distribution becomes the focus, Latinos aren't getting enough ...

Salud Talks Podcast Episode 21: “Dietary Discrimination”

March 4, 2020

Food insecurity is an issue gripping American families—including those in the Latino community—across the country. These individuals, who live in what experts call food deserts, can lack access to healthy, nutritious meals. Dwayne Wharton, an Independent Consultant with Dwayne Wharton & Partners and the former Director Of External Affairs at The Food Trust, joins Salud Talks to discuss this issue and what progress is needed to ensure Latinos and all Americans have access to healthy foods. Check out this discussion on the Salud Talks Podcast, Episode 21, "Dietary Discrimination"! WHAT: A #SaludTalks discussion about widespread food insecurity impacting countless Latino and all American families GUEST: Dwayne Wharton, an Independent Consultant with Dwayne ...

Latina Communicator Uses Expertise to Advocate for Her Community

February 20, 2020

NEW Latina Communicator Common Sense Latino one

Finding the right message has always been important to Maria Alvarez. That determination is what led her to become a Vice President of Common Sense Media — a national, nonprofit communications network that is "dedicated to helping kids thrive in a rapidly changing world. Independent data on media and technology use and its impact on children's physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development." Alvarez, founded, designed, and continues to lead Common Sense Latino, the Spanish-language-only program of that organization, which creates content for that community specifically. “I’ve been on the ground and in the trenches with these families for over 10 years,” Alvarez said. “So, I know how willing Latino families are in embracing technology, and you see that in the ...

About the Author

Josh McCormack

Connect with Josh: