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, ...
Cancer is a big health issue for Latinos and all people. That’s why Dr. Amelie Ramirez, director of Salud America! and the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health San Antonio, partnered with the Mays Cancer Center to create the Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos (ASCL) biennial conference. Read the proceedings from the 2018, 2020, and 2022 ASCL Conferences. The 2024 ASCL Conference on Feb. 21-23, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas, welcomed over 280 prominent researchers, physicians, healthcare professionals, patient advocates, and students from across the globe to address cancer health disparities among Latinos. Conference sponsors included: platinum supporters Amgen, AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, Genentech, and Gilead; silver supporters GMaP Region 3, ...
With cancer still rising in the US Latino population, UT Health San Antonio leaders and national cancer experts have published an online book with innovative recommendations to reduce Latino cancer. The book, "Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos: 2024 Conference Proceedings," highlights results of the same-named conference that brought 300 researchers, advocates, and survivors to San Antonio in February 2024. A follow-up conference is planned for Feb. 18-20, 2026, in San Antonio. Included in the book are promising research findings on Latino cancer and strategies for new research covering the entire cancer continuum, from advances in risk assessment, prevention, screening, detection, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and policy. “Our book, Advancing the Science of ...
Did you know that smoking one single cigarette can burn 20 minutes off of your life expectancy? This is according to a UK-based study, which also found that smokers lose about the same number of healthy years as they do total years of life. “Thus smoking primarily eats into the relatively healthy middle years rather than shortening the period at the end of life, which is often marked by chronic illness or disability,” according to the study. While the study focused on the UK, life expectancy and smoking are big issues in the US, too. Today, there are over 480,000 US deaths each year caused by smoking and smoke exposure, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Let’s dig deeper into this issue.
Smoking and Life Expectancy
In the UK, ...
Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez, leader of Salud America! at UT Health San Antonio, was chosen as a 2024 recipient of the annual John P. McGovern Lectureship Award in Health Promotion by the Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health. Ramirez delivered her McGovern Award Lecture on Nov. 4, 2024. Watch the full lecture on YouTube. “We need to do a better job in listening to and hearing our community members about they are truly seeing, feeling,” said Ramirez, who also leads the Institute for Health Promotion Research and community outreach at the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio. “What are those concerns that they have?" watch the lecture
Dr. Ramirez & Her Health Promotion Research
Ramirez is an internationally ...
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 ...
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 ...
This content is from the "Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos: 2024 Conference Proceedings."
Demographics and Public Policy: Implications for Latino Cancer
Dr. Elena V. Rios is President & CEO of the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) and president of NHMA’s National Hispanic Health Foundation. Unfairness in the healthcare system Dr. Rios’s presentation began by focusing on the changing demographics in the US. By 2035, Latino individuals will make up 1 out of every 4 Americans, meaning that the future of the country is intertwined in the Latino experience. The current 63 million Latino individuals in the US make up 19% of the population; however, only 9% of oncologists are Latino, and only 1/3 of those are women. This is important in light of the high ...
This content is from the "Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos: 2024 Conference Proceedings."
Cancer Center Priorities for Addressing Latino Cancer Health Gaps: A Fire-side Chat with Cancer Center Directors
This special session occurred at 9:00 a.m., Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, at the 4th biennial Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos conference. Dr. Yolanda Sanchez is the Maurice and Marguerite Liberman Distinguished Chair in Cancer Research, Professor in the University of New Mexico (UNM) Department of Internal Medicine Division of Molecular Medicine, and UNM Cancer Center Director and Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Sanchez discussed the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center (UNMCCC) and its mission to reduce the cancer burden and overcome the tremendous ...
