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Josh McCormack

Digital Content Curator, Salud America! Josh McCormack joined Salud America! and its home base, the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health​ San Antonio, in February 2019. Graduating from Texas A&M University with a BA in English Literature, he has previously worked in journalism and publishing. Josh enjoys reading; some of his favorite authors include Stephen King, Omar El Akkad and J.R.R. Tolkien.​

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Articles by Josh McCormack

Latina Communicator Uses Expertise to Advocate for Her Community


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 ...

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Salud Talks Podcast Episode 20: “A Positive Experience”


STE20 Positive Experience Web Pic

When was the last time you noticed whether or not a sidewalk had a ramped curb cut for those in wheelchairs? Or if an intersection had a Soundsystem for the visually impaired? For over 60 million Americans with disabilities, these issues can become an everyday burden when equal access is not a priority for local, state, and federal governments. Worse, it can make the already more difficult aspects of living life even harder for those in that group. Bob Lujano, Information Specialist for the National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability joins Salud Talks to discuss these issues, and how we all can step up to make life more equitable for his community. Check out this discussion on the Salud Talks Podcast, Episode 20, "A Positive Experience"! WHAT: A ...

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Researchers: Drug Side Effect Reporting Systems Lack Thorough Safety Measures


prescription drug side effects

Many severe side effects of prescription drugs are not reported, according to new findings from JAMA Internal Medicine. Moreover, the researchers who completed the study comment that current FDA regulatory practices need reform, especially the process used to report harm caused by medical devices. “Over the last 4 decades, the approval and regulation processes for pharmaceutical agents have evolved and increased in complexity as special programs have been added and as the use of surrogate measures has been encouraged,” the researchers write. “The FDA funding needed to implement and manage these programs has been addressed by expanding industry-paid user fees. The FDA has increasingly accepted less data and more surrogate measures and has shortened its review times.” What ...

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Are Too-Tiny-to-See Particles Polluting Your Community?


Nanoparticles car exhaust pollution

Toxic exposures in the air can trigger severe health problems — worse, certain pollutants are so small that they can enter and harm any part of the body. These microscopic "nanoparticles," emitted from a wide range of products, from candles to cars, can cause numerous illnesses, according to published research. Illnesses include the well-established condition Toxicant-Induced Loss of Tolerance (TILT). Nanoparticles even have resulted in death. "The biggest killer of all never makes the headlines, isn't regulated, and is barely talked about beyond niche scientific circles: it's nanoparticles," according to Tim Smedley, author of "Clearing The Air," in BBC Future. "Nanoparticles can reach, and wreak havoc in, any organ in the body." What are Nanoparticles? Certain ...

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Salud Talks Podcast Episode 19: “Peddling Poison”


Salud Talks Sugary Drinks One Web

When was the last time you drank soda, juice, or other forms of sugary drinks? For most Americans, it is a normal part of everyday life. The problem? These drinks are incredibly unhealthy, more so than some companies would lead consumers to believe, according to Xavier Morales, executive director of The Praxis Project, and Jim Krieger, executive director of Healthy Food America. Check out this discussion on the Salud Talks Podcast, Episode 19, "Peddling Poison"! WHAT: A #SaludTalks discussion about sugary drinks and their harmful impacts on consumers GUESTS: Xavier Morales, executive director of The Praxis Project, and Jim Krieger, executive director of Healthy Food America WHERE: Available wherever fine podcasts are downloaded, including Apple Podcasts, ...

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Salud Talks Podcast Episode 18: “Speak No Evil”


Hattaway Communications Salud Talks Aspirational

How do you convey what is closest to your heart? Doug Hattaway, president of Hattaway Communications, says that the way we communicate can make the difference between positive movement in an issue or those ideas falling on deaf ears. Today, he joins Salud Talks to discuss the strategy his firm uses to fight for positive change — aspirational communication. Check out this discussion on the Salud Talks Podcast, Episode 18, "Speak No Evil"! WHAT: A #SaludTalks discussion about how we speak to one another and how we can do that better GUEST: President of Hattaway Communications, Doug Hattaway WHERE: Available wherever fine podcasts are downloaded, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, Tune In, and others WHEN: The episode went live at 11 a.m., Jan. 29, ...

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Salud Talks Podcast Episode 17: “Trauma-Aware Schools, Part 2: Policy of Tolerance”


Salud Talks Trauma-aware Pt.2 tolerance

Last week, Salud Talks discussed the failing state of discipline in schools throughout the country. Today, Lizzy Perez, director of school leadership at AIM Consulting, joins us again to explain how some schools are implementing trauma-informed care practices — and how it's changing the lives of kids. Check out this discussion on the #SaludTalks Podcast, Episode 17, "Trauma-Aware Schools, Part 2: Policy of Tolerance"! WHAT: A #SaludTalks discussion on how schools can better educate their students, especially in right and wrong GUEST: Director of School Leadership at AIM Consulting Lizzy Perez WHERE: Available wherever fine podcasts are downloaded, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, Tune In, and others WHEN: The episode went live at 5 p.m., Jan. ...

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Salud Talks Podcast Episode 16: “Trauma-Aware Schools, Part 1: Lack Thereof”


Trauma-Aware Schools Part 1 Lack Thereof webpage

Schools throughout the U.S. are failing their students due to harsh, black-and-white discipline practices. That's why this week's guest, Director of School Leadership at AIM Consulting Lizzy Perez, joins us to discuss a new form of educating children about right and wrong: trauma-informed care. Check out this discussion on the #SaludTalks Podcast, Episode 16, "Trauma-Aware Schools, Part 1: Lack Thereof"! WHAT: A #SaludTalks discussion on how schools can better educate their students, especially in right and wrong GUEST: Director of School Leadership at AIM Consulting Lizzy Perez WHERE: Available wherever fine podcasts are downloaded, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, Tune In, and others WHEN: The episode went live at 1 p.m., Jan. 15, ...

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