Healthcare workers are constantly on the go. But it’s important for them to have access to infection control training and information on issues like whooping cough. With this in mind, the CDC’s Project Firstline developed Infection Control Micro-Learns – a series of guided discussions on infection control that can be easily incorporated into team meetings facilitated by an experienced team member with infection control expertise. These short, easy-to-understand learning opportunities can help healthcare workers recognize and minimize infection control risks to protect themselves, coworkers, and patients from infectious diseases. Let’s explore the topic of Whooping Cough (Pertussis).
What Does Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Look Like?
Whooping cough, formally known as ...
Among all the people in Texas, 12.1% have a disability, according to data from the 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) via the Texas Workforce Investment Council. But who makes up the disabled population? Which disabilities are the most prevalent and in which communities? What resources are available to these individuals, their families, and caregivers? Let’s explore the answers to reveal the state of Texans with disabilities.
Demographic Data: State of Texans with Disabilities
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines disability as a condition that impairs either the body or the mind, making it more difficult to perform day-to-day activities or tasks. There are many different classifications of disability, including vision, ...
You can share your voice to influence health by filling out the 2026 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) from the South Texas Area Health Education Center, which is headquartered at UT Health San Antonio. The CHNA is a brief, anonymous survey that asks South Texans to share their experiences, needs, and priorities related to health and wellbeing. “Your input helps shape health strategies, services, and partnerships in our communities,” according to the South Texas AHEC program. take the community survey!
Why is the CHNA Survey Important for South Texas?
The CHNA survey can help healthcare professionals better understand what is happening in the communities by gathering information about several factors: health concerns
access to care and services
social ...
The US has an aging population, as the number of US adults aged 65 and older is set to increase from 58 million to 82 million by 2050, according to the Census Bureau. With aging comes many challenges, including cognitive decline. For example, as you age, your mind may take longer to recall names or words. Sometimes certain parts of the brain shrink, affecting memory and overall function. That’s one of the reasons that the Demography & Economics of Aging Coordinating Center (DECC) was created by the National Institute on Aging (NIA). The DECC is headquarters for 16 centers, including the San Antonio CAPAS Program at UT Health San Antonio, to help advance research on aging and Alzheimer’s disease. Let’s meet the centers and how they are working ...
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering whether to allow some flavored e-cigarettes on the market, according to new draft guidance. However, any new vape flavors could only be marketed to adults. Under the new guidance, the FDA may approve vape flavors like “mint, coffee, tea and spices like clove or cinnamon,” but it “will continue rejecting sweet or fruit-flavored products” that appeal more to teens, according to HealthDay, a news agency. FDA states that certain e-cigarette flavors can help facilitate adults switching away from tobacco cigarettes and increase quit attempts. However, public health leaders warn of harm. “Allowing any flavors on the market benefits only corporations and harms public health,” Kelsey Romeo-Stuppy of Action on Smoking ...
In November 2024, Texas Governor Greg Abbott executed a new policy via executive order directing state hospitals to ask patients about their citizenship status and report responses to Texas Health and Human Services. The policy was a response to the increasing number of undocumented individuals getting health care at hospitals, claiming that it created a financial burden on Texas taxpayers. As a result of this policy, Texas hospitals are seeing fewer undocumented individuals, according to a recent analysis by The Texas Tribune. Let’s review the data and what it means for Latino health care across Texas.
Undocumented Immigrant Hospital Visits in Texas
Prior to the executive order, Texas hospitals received 30,000 visits from undocumented immigrants, according to the ...
Hey San Antonio, ready to quit smoking?! Join the Quitxt Study in English or Spanish to take a powerful step toward quitting smoking. The study features Quitxt, a free bilingual text messaging program that helps Latino young adults in South Texas to quit smoking. Quitting smoking can help you save money and help with more independence, better fitness, better breath, and better health. "No matter where you are on your quitting journey, our Quitxt Study is here to help you every step of the way," said Dr. Patricia Chalela, study leader and tobacco researcher at UT Health San Antonio. QUIT SMOKING WITH QUITXT!
What Is the Quitxt Study?
The Quitxt Study aims to understand the impact of Quitxt, UT Health San Antonio's bilingual, evidence-based text messaging smoking ...
Good health is important for all people! With this in mind, Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez, leader of Salud America!, is sharing an important comment to focus on many aspects of health for Latinos and all people as part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2027-2031. Endorse Dr. Ramirez’s comment here. Comments must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. May 2026 UPDATE: 81 Salud America! members submitted comments in support of Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez’s comment to prioritize many aspects of health and research for Latinos and all people. Endorese the Comment
Endorse Dr. Ramirez’s Comment on the NIH-Wide Strategic Plan
Dear NIH leaders, As the leader of Salud America!, an organization that promotes health improvement ...
Cancer is a rising health threat for all people. Latinos have a heavy cancer burden due to non-medical drivers, such as a lack of reliable transportation, housing, and food, to challenges with getting screening and care. Also, too few Latinos are able to push for fair cancer research. That’s where the Latino Cancer Patient Advocate Training Program comes into play. Since 2024, the program has turned cancer survivors into patient leaders who are sitting on committees, helping with drug development, and creating materials to help Latinos. The Salud Talks podcast caught up with some of the former trainees who are putting what they learned into practice. Podcast host Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez, leader of Salud America! and director of the Institute for Health ...
268 People Commented to Urge the FDA to Reconsider Allowing Flavored E-Cigarettes
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering whether to allow some flavored e-cigarettes on the market, according to new draft guidance. However, any new vape flavors could only be marketed to adults. Under the new guidance, the FDA may approve vape flavors like “mint, coffee, tea and spices like clove or cinnamon,” but it “will continue rejecting sweet or fruit-flavored products” that appeal more to teens, according to HealthDay, a news agency. FDA states that certain e-cigarette flavors can help facilitate adults switching away from tobacco cigarettes and increase quit attempts. However, public health leaders warn of harm. “Allowing any flavors on the market benefits only corporations and harms public health,” Kelsey Romeo-Stuppy of Action on Smoking ...
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