In nearly every community across the country, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is working to increase access to affordable, quality health care. For Latinos, an estimated 8 in 10 who were previously uninsured qualified for Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP), or lower costs on monthly premiums through the Health Insurance Marketplace. To date, over 4 million Latinos (ages 18-64) have gained health coverage, lowering the overall uninsured rate among Latinos by nearly 8%. Also, over 913,000 Latino adults 19-26, who would have previously been uninsured, now have coverage under their parents’ plans. Getting health insurance is an important first step for overall better health. Once you have your coverage, how do you make it “work” for you? The U.S. Centers for ...
Southern California schools are about to get help and funding from an unexpected source, a local grocery store. According to a recent article, the ALDI grocery store has recently partnered with Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) to invest in 15 Southern California area schools to improve overall wellness environments through grants and technical assistance for the 2015 to 2016 school year. The investment from ALDI of $175,000 will go towards helping the schools expand and implement school wellness programs like AFHK's Game On program, and engage community members, parents and ALDI employees to promote wellness at school and home environments. In 2011, the company helped schools through partnering with AFHK in Chicago and hopes to continue to expand and benefit the more than 11,000 ...
A new study from researchers from the University of Adelaide studied over four hundred South Australian children ages 9 to 10 in various socioeconomic status and found that 91 % of students were missing daily recommended amounts of vegetables. The study also found that intake of sodium, sugar and saturated fat were excessive, which can lead to diet-related health risks. The researchers suggested that parents swap out nutrient-poor foods that are high in fat, sugar or salt for healthier fresh foods like high-fiber fruits and or vegetables, noting that these small changes are important as daily eating habits can be taken into adulthood. To learn more about this study, click here. Copy & Share on Twitter: What future habits might you be packing in your kid's lunch? ...
U.S. Latinos have gained 2.6 years in life expectancy in the past 14 years, and live longer than whites and blacks, according to new CDC data, the Washington Post reports. Latinos have the highest life expectancy of the three groups: 81.8 years. This shows the "Hispanic paradox," in which Latinos have good longevity despite tending to have lower income, less education, less health coverage, and much higher rates of certain health conditions, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. Reasons for Latino longevity are unclear. Some experts cite Latinos' lower rates of smoking and drinking alcohol, or that they work more physically demanding jobs and are more fit. Some credit the population's younger age, compared to the white and black populations. Some say ...
Austin, Texas (34.83% Latino population) is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. It is a rich and diverse city, complete with a thriving economy that has attracted a large number of new residents. According to data from the Internal Revenue Service, the total household income these new residents bring is $2,359,803,000. With this new growth comes changes; for many long-time residents of the city, these changes have them concerned. A local community group is now looking to bring light to the challenges faced by the city’s established Latino community. Gilbert Rivera is a longtime East Austin resident and president of the Rosewood Neighborhood Contact Team, a group of residents and property owners in the Rosewood neighborhood of Austin invested in the development and ...
A new study from researchers from the University of Adelaide studied over four hundred South Australian children ages 9 to 10 in various socioeconomic status and found that 91 % of students were missing daily recommended amounts of vegetables. The study also found that intake of sodium, sugar and saturated fat was excessive, which can lead to diet-related health risks like high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. The researchers suggested that parents swap out nutrient-poor foods that are high in fat, sugar or salt for healthier fresh foods like high-fiber fruits and or vegetables, noting that these small changes are important as daily eating habits can be taken into adulthood. To learn more about this study, click here. Copy & Share on Twitter: What future habits might ...
New research centers in Harvard and John Hopkins and USC will work to address research in hopes to improve health in communities overburdened by pollution and environmental factors. The Maternal and Developmental Risks from Environmental and Social Stressors Center (MADRES) will recruit and research 750 mother -infant pairs from low-income urban hospitals in the Los Angeles area over three years to determine how environmental factors impact child weight, and how psychological stress and behavior risk factors impact the mother's weight gain before and after pregnancy. Pollution was been shown to be a key factor in pregnant rats gaining weight within a recent study. Latino's are often faced with higher risks for obesity, explained Keck School of Medicine professor, Carrie Breton, ...
Working together to discuss actions to reduce obesity in children and adolescents, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) hosted a roundtable discussion with government representatives, nongovernmental organizations and private sector groups. The discussion focused on the Plan of Action for the Prevention of Obesity in Children and Adolescents, drawing on actions to help healthier options become the easier options. A few key points discussed were taxes on sugary beverages and junk foods, protecting children from unhealthy marketing, and food labeling, along with policy and programs for healthier foods and water access for schools and increased physical activity in schools. To see all groups and participants involved, click here. Copy & ...
According to researchers from the American University in Washington, Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) behaviors may be reduced with healthier living habits. Reducing screen time, drinking more water and making time for exercise were all recommendations by lead study author Kathleen Holton, who explained in a recent article that all kids who follow these healthy habits will benefit. Researchers studied and compared data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Sleep Foundation, recommending children to exercise at least one hour a day, no more than two hours of screen time and reducing the consumption of sugary beverages. Latino kids are more likely to drink sugary beverages than their white peers, having ...
