Leading Cancer Research Centers Reinforce Importance of Safe, Effective HPV Vaccination to Prevent Cancer


Hispanic mom kids hpv vaccination

Today, the Mays Cancer Center at The University of Texas San Antonio Health Science Center, along with 61 National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Cancer Centers with leading national organizations and the University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center have endorsed a joint statement urging the nation’s health care systems, physicians and other health care providers and professionals, parents, and caregivers, and the public to promote and choose human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for cancer prevention. HPV vaccination is safe and works to prevent six types of cancer (oropharyngeal, cervical, anal, vaginal, vulvar, and penile). Recently released National Immunization Survey (NIS)-Teen data show no gains in HPV vaccination over the last few years indicating urgent ...

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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by Sharing Your Cancer Survivorship Story


Avanzando Caminos Banner

Hispanic Heritage Month is a month when we celebrate the milestones and achievements of Hispanic and Latinos.  Some of those individuals overcame countless hurdles, such as health issues, societal unfairness, and mistreatment to carve out a better path for future generations.  One of the ways we honor the past is to preserve the future.   Hispanic/Latino cancer survivors can honor those who came before them by paving the way for future survivors by joining the Avanzando Caminos Hispanic/Latino Cancer Survivorship Study at UT Health San Antonio.  JOIN AVANZANDO CAMINOS! What Is the Avanzando Caminos Study?  The Avanzando Caminos Hispanic/Latino Cancer Survivorship Study takes a deeper look at some of the factors that survivors experience that may influence long-term ...

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4 Guidelines You Should Follow to Protect Outdoor Workers from the Heat


Tired Sweating Construction Worker On Building Site Under Sunlight

Year after year, scorching temperatures rock countries across the globe.  With the last few summers some of the hottest on record, weather and health experts alike are warning people about the dangers of prolonged exposure to heat.  The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) are advising individuals, organizations, and companies on how to navigate the heat waves.  The latest guidance and report issued by the organizations focuses on the health and safety of manual laborers, particularly outdoor workers, who are exposed to heat conditions.  “Heat stress is already harming the health and livelihoods of billions of workers,” said Dr Jeremy Farrar, WHO Assistant Director-General, Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Care. ...

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27 Epic Ways to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month


national hispanic heritage month (2)

Hispanic Heritage Month is here! This annual U.S. observance, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, celebrates the histories and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. We at Salud America! invite you to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in these epic ways. 1. Learn How Hispanic Heritage Month Began U.S. Congressmen Edward R. Roybal of Los Angeles and Henry B. Gonzales were among those who introduced legislation on the topic in 1968. President Lyndon Johnson implemented the observance as Hispanic Heritage Week that year. Did you know which U.S. President turned it from Hispanic Heritage Week to Hispanic Heritage Month? Learn more here. 2. Find Out Why Hispanic Heritage Month Starts on Sept. 15 Sept. 15 is ...

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Dr. Derek Rodriguez Shares Passion for Research Following Childhood Cancer Diagnosis


Derek Rodriguez

Since coming to the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health San Antonio, research scientist Dr. Derek Rodriguez has gotten to live his dream.   From a young age, Derek had dreams of becoming a doctor and attending medical school.  That dream took a turn when his health did.   At 8 years old, he was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of childhood cancer.  Derek’s experience inspired him to pursue cancer research and ultimately led him to a position with the university, where he serves as program manager for the Avanzando Caminos study, which aims to improve the Latino cancer survivorship journey.  “I am now serving my community as well as those that are cancer survivors, so it’s pretty much a full circle moment,” he told Salud ...

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Arte, Belleza y Amor: Celebrando el Legado de Mary Louise Lopez



Ya fuera con pintura sobre lienzo o con una charla amistosa en persona, la artista de San Antonio, Mary Louise Lopez, siempre transmitía amor y mostraba la belleza del espíritu humano. Mary Louise fue una artista de talento en dibujo, pintura, escultura y batik. Los temas de muchas de sus pinturas fueron las comunidades nativas de Texas, México, Centroamérica y Sudamérica, lugares a los que viajaba con frecuencia y donde iniciaba fácilmente amistad con muchas personas locales. Mary Louise, quien falleció en noviembre de 2022, de cáncer de páncreas, retrató el orgullo y la fortaleza de los latinos nativos con gran cariño y cuidado, dijo Irene Peche, una amiga cercana de la familia. “Ella buscaba capturar su dignidad y la ética de trabajo con la que vivían. Hay ...

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Help Researchers Learn About the Latina Breast Cancer Experience


Female patient listening to doctor in medical office.

Despite cancer deaths declining, cancer continues to be a top cause of death among Latinos and all people in the US.   One of the most prevalent forms of cancer is breast cancer.  Every year, 240,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Many of these women are Latina.  What’s more, breast cancer is the top cause of death among Latinas.   That’s one of the reasons that a researcher at Liberty University is looking for Latina breast cancer survivors to participate in a research study.  Let’s explore the research study and discover ways to contribute to research to ensure better breast cancer outcomes for Latinas and all women.  Research Study on Breast Cancer  The study aims ...

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Navigate Alzheimer’s with These Resources for Kids!


Child and grandma hug and bond in living room together

Navigating a family member’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis is difficult.  But what about some of our younger and more vulnerable family members who may lack the resources needed to open up and talk about the disease?  Otskuka, a pharmaceutical company focused on advancing patient care, is following up ion the narrative of its original video with an interactive video series geared toward helping children adjust and recognize the changes in their loved ones.   Let’s dig into the interactive video and how families can use it to engage their youngest family members.   Interactive Alzheimer’s Video  The interactive video experience Time With Josh introduces viewers to Josh, a boy who has a special relationship with his grandma, who is showing signs of memory loss.  The ...

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How Education Level Impacts Mortality



In the last 15 years, U.S. mortality rates have leveled off or worsened, according to a new report from the National Institutes of Health. One of the lesser-known reasons for this trend is educational level. “Notably, research has found that mortality is [better] among people with a higher level of education,” according to NIH. Let’s dig deeper into this research and what it means for our communities. What Research Found on Educational Levels      The NIH cites a recent study, published in JAMA Health Forum and led by Boston University School of Public Health. The study examined U.S. mortality rates by educational attainment before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Along with data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics and the U.S. Census ...

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