Surviving Is Not Enough: New Study to Boost Mental Abilities in Cancer Survivors


yoga latina hispanic mindfulness mental abilities in cancer survivors

A big challenge for cancer survivors is a disruption in "cognitive functioning." Stress can contribute to lapses in attention, memory, and other mental abilities that can limit a survivor's daily activities and ability to work. To help, researchers from UT Health San Antonio and UT San Antonio will test a 6-month therapeutic Yoga program — along with supportive text messages and dietary guidance — to improve cognitive functioning in 35 Latina and 35 non-Latina breast cancer survivors. The pilot project, "Surviving is Not Enough: Enhancing Cognitive Function in Cancer Survivors through Movement and Introspection," is led by Dr. Daniel Carlos Hughes, a researcher at the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health San Antonio, and Dr. Joseph Houpt, professor of ...

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We’re Hiring a Research Scientist!


ihpr research scientist senio job position ut health san antonio

Are you passionate about public health? The Institute for Health Promotion Research (IHPR) at UT Health San Antonio — home to the Salud America! program — is seeking a qualified senior research scientist with expertise in public health research. The position will focus on two IHPR projects: Avanzando Caminos (Leading Pathways): The Hispanic/Latino Cancer Survivorship Study Avanzando Equidad de Salud: Latino Cancer Health Equity Research Center Apply here for the senior research scientist position. “Our goal is to find a passionate research scientist who can help us plan, coordinate, analyze, and produce scientific content for clinical and regulatory documents on these two important research projects,” said Dr. Amelie Ramirez, director of the IHPR and chair of ...

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Busting Cancer Myths in 9 Different Languages


cancer myths

“Don’t stand too close to a microwave – you’ll get cancer!” “You use antiperspirants? Don’t you know that causes cancer?” We’ve all heard these claims. But are they true? Thanks to the Cancer FactFinder, an online resource examining myths and misinformation about cancer, you can determine what is fact and what is fiction. The Cancer FactFinder Led by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Zhu Family Center for Global Cancer Prevention, and the Center for Cancer Equity & Engagement, the Cancer FactFinder provides accurate and reliable information about what does and does not cause cancer. The resource is available in 9 different languages, including English and Spanish, because health misinformation affects everyone, especially Latinos. Users ...

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Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez to Help Lead $46 Million NIH Project to Move Discoveries into Practice


amelie ramirez ut health san antonio Clinical and Translational Science Awards CTSA

UT Health San Antonio, including Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez, and seven regional collaborators will leverage $46 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) over the next five to seven years to translate scientific discoveries into therapeutic benefits for human health and well-being. A key focus will be reducing health disparities among Latinos (particularly Mexican Americans), active military personnel, and veterans. Dr. William L. Henrich, president of UT Health San Antonio, recently announced the funding from the NIH Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Program. Henrich thanked partners including The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School and College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at San Antonio and the Texas Biomedical Research Institute for ...

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8 Big Reasons Liver Cancer Hurts Latinos



Latinos have the second-highest rate of dying from liver cancer among racial/ethnic groups.  Understanding the reasons why this is happening can reveal how to address this suffering and prevent liver cancer among Latinos, which can improve health for the broader population.  “Understanding the causes of Latino liver cancer rates in South Texas and across the nation is critical. We must develop interventions and identify high-risk individuals who may be screened and treated with the best available care,” said Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez, leader of Salud America! and the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health San Antonio.   So, why does liver cancer hurt Latinos in particular?   1. Aflatoxin Exposure  Aflatoxins are a family of toxins produced by certain fungi ...

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The State of Liver Cancer in Latinos



We know many types of cancer deeply and disproportionately affect U.S. Latinos.   Liver cancer is a particular problem.   In fact, Latinos have the second-highest rate of dying from liver cancer among racial/ethnic groups, according to the CDC.  Let’s examine the data and unpack this rising crisis for Latinos.   What is Liver Cancer?   The liver has many important jobs in the body. It plays a role in digestion, supporting healthy blood flow, breaking down needed nutrients, and more.  Liver cancer can start at any part of the liver. The most common type of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).   “Liver cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the liver. The liver is one of the largest organs in the body. It has ...

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Dr. Amelie Ramirez Wins AACI Cancer Health Equity Award


Amelie Ramirez of UT Health San Antonio health equity Systemic and Behavioral Change

Dr. Amelie Ramirez, leader of Salud America! at UT Health San Antonio, has won the 2023 Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI) Cancer Health Equity Award. The award recognizes exceptional leadership in promoting health equity, mitigating cancer disparities, and advocating for diversity and inclusion at a cancer center. Past winners are Dr. Robert A. Winn of the VCU Massey Cancer Center and Dr. Electra D. Paskett of Ohio State University. Ramirez, nominated by the award by former Mays Cancer Center Director Dr. Ruben Mesa, will be recognized at AACI's annual meeting Oct. 2, 2023. "I am honored to receive the AACI Cancer Health Equity Award. It recognizes the hard work we do at the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio to promote health equity, study new ...

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Watch Webinar: How to Systemically Address Social Needs in Healthcare Settings



Latinos face inequities in social determinants of health (SDoH), from housing to healthcare, making it harder to achieve health equity. Watch the UT Health San Antonio webinar — “How to Systemically Address Social Needs in Healthcare Settings” — which was held at 11 a.m. CST on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, to explore how healthcare settings can care for patients' medical and SDoH needs. Panelists from UT Health San Antonio, Nemours Children's Health, HOPE Clinic in Houston, the American Cancer Society, and Genentech unpacked SDoH screening, a strategy that clinics, hospitals, and healthcare systems can use to check patients for social needs and connect them to needed resources. This is a part of a webinar of a series, “Let’s Address Health Equity Together.” The ...

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Connect with Breast Cancer Researchers with ShareForCures



The Susan G. Komen Foundation is working to discover cures for breast cancer faster with ShareForCures.   ShareForCures is a breast cancer research registry that connects researchers with information from people who have or had breast cancer.  “The goal of ShareForCures is to focus on research that will have the most significant impact for people affected by breast cancer,” according to the registry website.   Here’s how you or someone you know can participate in ShareForCures!  Join ShareForCures  Individuals interested in participating in the registry can start by creating a free MyKomen + Health account and complete the ShareForCures registration.  Participants are asked to complete informed consent and medical release forms.  “Information that could ...

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