Study: Sitting a Long Time Could Cancel Out the Benefits of Physical Activity


Bored woman working as a manager in a business making eye contact while annoyed and tired in her office desk

While engaging in the recommended amount of physical activity is a key part to lowering your risk factors for certain diseases like heart disease and diabetes, it doesn’t necessarily mean your risk has diminished.   A new study published in PLOS One found that even though you exercise, sitting for long periods of time can be detrimental to your health.   The study examined the correlation between activity intensity and sitting.  Let’s dig into the results of the study and discover ways to combat physical inactivity for a healthier you!  Study Findings on Sitting and Physical Activity  The study, led by researchers at the University of California, Riverside, examined data from adults aged 28 to 49, many of whom spend an average of 9 hours a day sitting. ...

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San Antonio Zumbathon Aims to Raise Money for Cure to Stomach Cancer


Diverse people in an active dance class

Stomach cancer is a fairly uncommon type of cancer. Yet, every year, 26,000 new cases of stomach cancer are diagnosed in the US, causing the deaths of 11,000 people (42.3%), according to Debbie’s Dream Foundation, a national organization for stomach cancer awareness and fundraising. For National Stomach Cancer Awareness Month in November, Debbie’s Dream is hosting a Zumbathon fundraiser in San Antonio among other events nationally. Zumbathon Fundraiser Get ready to sweat for a good cause! The new San Antonio Spurs basketball training facility is about to be decked out in periwinkle for a very special Zumbathon fundraiser. The fundraiser is set for The Rock at La Cantera, located at 1 Spurs Way in San Antonio, on Saturday, Nov. 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. CT. Check in for the ...

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Study: Latina Breast Cancer Survivors Don’t Get Enough Physical Activity


iverse women participating in breast cancer awareness race for a cure together

Breast cancer survivors were less likely to meet physical activity guidelines than women without cancer, according to a recent study in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. In addition, certain survivors, including Latinas, also had low rates of physical activity. “Low physical activity participation among breast cancer survivors may be related to various clinical, demographic, and socioeconomic characteristics,” according to the study. Let’s dive into this research and what it means for Latina breast cancer survivors. Physical Activity and Survivorship Setting fitness goals with physical activity is an important part of breast cancer survivorship. “Research shows that getting to and staying at a healthy weight, eating right, and being physically active ...

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State of Latino Obesity


Portrait of a latin beautiful woman smiling while coming to the doctor's office for a medical check-up

Obesity is one of the biggest modifiable risk factors for cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.  It’s also plaguing the health of Americans, especially in people of color.   Latinos continue to be disproportionately affected by obesity with a prevalence of 35% or higher in Latino adults living in 34 US states and territories, according to updated data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Let’s dive into the new statistics on adult obesity in the US, what’s driving it, and what interventions can help address it.   Adult Obesity  All states and territories in the US had an obesity prevalence higher than 20% in 2023, which is the equivalent of 1 in 5 US adults, according to the CDC.  The highest obesity prevalence in the US was in ...

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The State of Marijuana Use Among Latinos


Farmer inspects cannabis plants in field.

Overuse of drugs, like marijuana, can heighten one’s risk for certain diseases, especially among disadvantaged populations such as Latinos.   The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released its annual report on the state of mental health and substance use in the US.   Based on results from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States covers mental health and substance use, including tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs, and more.  In part three of our series, we’re going to explore the report and find out how the use of marijuana impacts Latinos.   Marijuana Use among Latinos  Marijuana can be consumed in many forms.  These include smoking, vaping, dabbing waxes, shatter, or ...

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Dr. Amelie Ramirez Helps Lead New Project to Improve Heart Health in South Texas


Dr. Amelie Ramirez san antonio women's hall of fame

A team of researchers at UT Health San Antonio, including Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez, is among four teams from across the United States that have been selected to launch community engagement centers on heart health thanks to a generous contribution from the American Heart Association and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. A total gift of $20 million from the American Heart Association and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation will support the four teams of scientists and community leaders to engage in historically underrepresented groups and research efforts aimed at reducing health inequities and improving community health. Led by UT Health San Antonio’s Vasan Ramachandran, MD, FACC, FAHA, and Amelie G. Ramirez, DrPH, MPH, the COmmuNity eNgagEment for building Capacity, Trust, and Ownership ...

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The State of Alcohol Use Among Latinos


Depressed man sits at the table, holding hand on his head. A bottle and a glass of whiskey stand in front of him.

Overuse of alcohol is among the top risk factors for chronic diseases, especially among disadvantaged populations such as Latinos.  The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released its annual report on the state of mental health and substance use in the US.   Based on results from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States covers mental health and substance use, including tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs, and more.  In part two of our series, we’re going to explore the report and find out how consumption of alcohol impacts Latinos.   Alcohol Use among Latinos  Alcohol consumption and overuse is still a pervasive problem with a reported 134.7 million alcohol users aged 12 or older ...

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The State of Tobacco and Vaping Use among Latinos


Doctor snapping cigarette in half.

Use of tobacco is one of the biggest modifiable risk factors for major and chronic diseases.  The prolonged use or overuse of tobacco and nicotine continues to wreak havoc on populations, especially disadvantaged populations such as Latinos, putting them at higher risk for these diseases.   The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released its annual report on the state of mental health and substance use in the US.   Based on results from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States covers mental health and substance use, including tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs, and more.  In part one of our series, we’re going to explore the report and find out how using tobacco and nicotine ...

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Get Moving Toward a Healthier You!


Family walking in the park

Physical inactivity is one of the leading risk factors for many diseases, including cancer, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).   Physical inactivity has a 25.3% prevalence in the US, where about 60% of adults say they are physically inactive as of 2020, according to the CDC.  That’s why the CDC launched a campaign to get people moving.  Active People, Healthy Nation is striving to help 27 million Americans be more physically active by 2027 and getting 10 million adults and 2 million young people to meet the minimum aerobic physical activity guideline.  Salud America! is stepping up to help by partnering with the initiative's Moving Matters campaign to get the word out.  Let’s dig into some of the short-term and long-term benefits of regular physical ...

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