About the Author

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Catherine Stewart

Catherine Stewart is a digital content curator for Salud America! and its home base, the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health San Antonio. She is a graduate of the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland College Park, and hopes to utilize her skills to help people find their voices and inspire change in their communities.

Articles by Catherine Stewart

Report: Cancer Is Second-Leading Cause of Death for Latinos in US


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From 2009 and 2019, cancer was the top cause of death in the US for Latinos. Now, while new data show that cancer has become the second-leading cause of death in Latinos, only slightly behind heart disease, cancer remains a big threat to the health of the US population (19.5% Latino). Every year, heart disease and cancer cause 17% of Latino deaths in the US, according to the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Facts & Figures for Hispanic/Latino People 2024-2026 report. Let’s dive into the key highlights of the report. Cancer Incidence The American Cancer Society estimates 195,300 cancer cases would be diagnosed in Latinos in 2024 with another 50,400 Latino individuals dying from the disease. Here are some key facts from the American Cancer Society report: Among ...

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Make Increasing Physical Activity One of Your New Year’s Resolutions


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What is your New Year’s Resolution?  One of the most popular resolutions is engaging in more physical activity.   Moving matters for your health in many ways, so it’s no wonder that increasing physical activity makes it to the top of the goal list for many people every year.   However, being more physically active is easier said than done.   Let’s explore some of the health benefits of physical activity and go over some ways to keep you motivated throughout the year.   Physical Activity Benefits Against Cancer  There is a slew of reasons that exercise is good for ... well, everything.   Countless studies have shown that getting your recommended weekly exercise can greatly reduce your risk for at least eight types of cancer, including bladder, breast, colon, ...

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Seven Things to Know About the Norovirus Surge


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Norovirus, also known as the stomach bug, is surging across the United States.  Outbreaks of the virus spiked from 69 to 91 the week of December 5, 2024, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  This is a significant rise considering the same reporting period over the last several years showed 65 or less outbreaks per week.   However, there are a growing number of cases that haven't been reported, adding to the potential for spreading the virus.  With outbreaks and cases on the rise, there are several things you should know about the norovirus surge and measures you can take to protect yourself and loved ones from getting sick.  1. Norovirus is a Foodborne Illness While norovirus is classified as a “stomach bug” or ...

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Stay Updated on Vaccines into the New Year


Worried mother hugging her sick daughter with a bad cold

Tis the season for coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, and sore throats.   That’s right, it’s winter. The time when illnesses and viruses, from influenza (flu) to COVID-19 to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), run rampant.   When left unchecked, these viruses can cause serious adverse health effects, especially for immune compromised individuals, children, the elderly, and expectant mothers.   Luckily, there are vaccinations that can significantly reduce risks for these illnesses.  The best way to protect yourself and loved ones against these threats is to stay updated on recommended vaccinations, such as COVID-19 and the flu.   Salud America! is partnering with CVEEP to get the word out about the importance of staying vaccinated during the winter ...

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Study: Sitting a Long Time Could Cancel Out the Benefits of Physical Activity


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While engaging in the recommended amount of physical activity is a key part to lowering your risk factors for certain diseases like heart disease and diabetes, it doesn’t necessarily mean your risk has diminished.   A new study published in PLOS One found that even though you exercise, sitting for long periods of time can be detrimental to your health.   The study examined the correlation between activity intensity and sitting.  Let’s dig into the results of the study and discover ways to combat physical inactivity for a healthier you!  Study Findings on Sitting and Physical Activity  The study, led by researchers at the University of California, Riverside, examined data from adults aged 28 to 49, many of whom spend an average of 9 hours a day sitting. ...

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Dr. Amelie Ramirez Addresses Cancer, Prevention at San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium


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Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez, leader of Salud America!, appeared alongside other breast cancer experts and oncologists at the 2024 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.   The San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium is an annual conference that delivers important on breast cancer research, therapy, biology, diagnosis, and prevention for an international audience of thousands of virtual and in-person attendees.   During the symposium, physicians and researchers learn by attending lectures given by experts in clinical, translational, and basic research, discussions, forums, and presentations, including poster presentations.  While in attendance Ramirez brought awareness to the need for more cancer prevention and getting information out to groups that lack participation in clinical ...

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How the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline Helps Latinas and All Mothers


Worry Young Mother Holding Newborn Baby On hands And Talking On Cellphone

Every year an unprecedented number of pregnant women in the US suffer mental hardships.  The American Academy of Medicine (AAMC) estimates that 1 in 5 women endure a mental health or substance use disorder during a pregnancy and up to a year after birth.   In fact, mental health conditions are one of the leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).   What’s more, 80% of these deaths are preventable.  That’s why the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) created the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline.   Let’s dive into the hotline, how it helps Latinas and all mothers, and what HHS is doing to get the word out about it.  What is the National Maternal Mental Health ...

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Report: Over a Third of US Counties Are Maternity Care Deserts


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The US is experiencing a maternity healthcare crisis where pre-term labors and infant and maternal mortality rates are up due to a lack of access to prenatal and postpartum care.  Many of these women live in areas designated as maternity care deserts. These are areas where pregnant individuals and mothers have limited or nonexistent access to vital prenatal and postpartum health care.  Maternal care deserts exist in 35% of US counties — encompassing 2.3 million reproductive aged women, according to the March of Dimes’ annual report, Nowhere to Go: Maternity Care Deserts in the US.  According to the report, living in these areas greatly increases their risk for infant and maternal mortality, pre-term labor, and untreated conditions that could harm the lives of the mother or ...

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New UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital Set to Open


New Multispecialty Research Hospital at night.

After years of anticipation, the brand-new UT Health San Antonio hospital is set to open its doors to the public on Dec. 10, 2024.  The UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital is the first of its kind.  Serving patients in South Texas, the hospital aims to be a hub for innovative therapies and treatments for cancer and other diseases while granting visitors access to experts in their fields of study.   Let’s break down all the details about the new UT Health San Antonio hospital and how it will serve Latinos and all people in The Alamo City.  New UT Health San Antonio Hospital   The new $472 million facility stands at eight stories tall to house advanced interventional radiology, a specialized intensive care unit and an integrated imaging center ...

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