While screen time can have some benefits, evidence is mounting of high risks to children’s mental and physical health, according to a new advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General. That is why the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is proposing to refine two objectives to further limit screen time as part of Healthy People 2030. The refinements are to increase the proportion of children ages 2-5 who get no more than 1 hour of screen time a day and increase the proportion of parents who follow American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations on limiting screen time for children ages 6-17. They’re also proposing to add three new objectives. You can comment on the changes by emailing HP2030Comment@hhs.gov. Or you can endorse a comment from Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez, ...
The month of June is recognized as Men’s Health Month. It’s a time to educate, start conversations, and share resources on men’s health. This year’s theme is “Partners in Care: Advancing Men’s Health Through Connection, Education, & Advocacy Across the Lifespan — for Better Lifespans,” according to the Men’s Health Network. “Health behaviors, access to care, and long-term outcomes are shaped by relationships with partners, families, caregivers, friends, and communities,” Men’s Health Network states. “When men are supported through shared advocacy, education, empathy, and connection, outcomes improve not only for men, but for everyone connected to them.” Let’s look into resources you can find and share with others during Men’s Health ...
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Drug Administration (FDA) is considering whether to allow some flavored e-cigarettes on the market, according to new draft guidance.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 ...
A little over 40% of US adults are impacted by obesity, including many Latinos, putting them at higher risk for diabetes, heart issues, and cancer. But when people with obesity try to get help, negative stigma can curb progress. Often, they hear advice from healthcare providers like; “Eat healthier” or “Work out.” While these are key parts of a healthy life, other factors and underlying conditions are involved. When a healthcare provider is quick to dismiss a patient with this advice, it can make the patient feel like they are to blame and may even make matters worse. That’s why the Endocrine Society is launching interactive listening sessions to enable patients and people who have experience with obesity to help shape best practices and clinical ...
November is recognized as National Diabetes Awareness Month in the U.S. 29.3 million Americans have diagnosed diabetes and 9.7 million adults have undiagnosed diabetes as of 2024, according to the American Heart Association. Diabetes self-management education and support can help people with diabetes gain knowledge, skills, and personalized support. “Adults who receive [diabetes education] follow more recommended preventive care practices,” according to the CDC. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of helpful tools and resources to help people explore, manage, and prevent diabetes.
Resources from the American Diabetes Association
For National Diabetes Awareness Month, also known as American Diabetes Month, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) has several ...
Type 2 diabetes has increased at an alarming rate in children, increasing to between 24% and 45% (compared to 1-2% before the mid-1990s), with the average age of diagnosis being around 13 years old, according to research. This can deeply effect young Latinos, as more than 22% of Latino youth and 28.7% of Latino young adults have prediabetes. Many factors contribute to this rise, including childhood obesity, genetics, and diet. Now, researchers from Florida Atlantic University have found that where a child lives can also factor into their risk for type 2 diabetes. Let’s explore this research and see how it impacts children and their communities.
Behind the Research on Diabetes in Children
Researchers for Florida Atlantic University’s ’s Charles E. Schmidt College of ...
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and related grains. It gives dough its stretch and helps baked goods rise. Many common foods contain gluten, including bread, beer, pasta, and cereal. So, why is “gluten-free” become so popular these days? For millions of people, gluten is a medical issue. Celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and wheat allergies require strict gluten-free diets. “When people with celiac disease eat gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley), their body mounts an immune response that attacks the small intestine,” according to the Celiac Disease Foundation. In addition, gluten sensitivity causes symptoms when gluten is eaten. However, it doesn’t cause the antibodies and intestinal damage seen in celiac disease. Additionally, ...
Born in Los Angeles to a Guatemalan mother and Mexican father, Josue Diaz-Melendez grew up in a vibrant Latino neighborhood, shaped by heritage and community. From a young age, Diaz-Melendez had a clear mission—to help his people and all people. That drive led him to pursue dentistry, where he could help people achieve healthier smiles. But he soon saw a chance to transform lives beyond the dentist’s chair.
Making a Switch
Diaz-Melendez worked hard to earn his bachelor’s in biology at the University of Southern California (USC) and later his doctorate in dental surgery at Columbia University. He moved to Philadelphia and began working as a dentist at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, fulfilling his goal of helping people. However, as Diaz-Melendez ...
Dietary and lifestyle patterns can impact your cancer risk, according to a new report from the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR). The report, Dietary and lifestyle patterns for cancer prevention: evidence and recommendations from CUP Global, lists recommendations for dietary and lifestyle patterns for cancer prevention. The list has considerations for breast and colorectal cancer, the second- and third-most-common cancers worldwide. Recommendations include: For overall cancer prevention, follow a healthy dietary pattern, aim to be physically active, maintain a healthy body weight and avoid smoking. In such a dietary pattern, prioritize fruit, vegetables, and fiber-containing foods.
For colorectal cancer prevention, ...
Endorse Dr. Amelie Ramirez’s Comment to Limit Children’s Screen Time in Healthy People 2030
While screen time can have some benefits, evidence is mounting of high risks to children’s mental and physical health, according to a new advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General. That is why the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is proposing to refine two objectives to further limit screen time as part of Healthy People 2030. The refinements are to increase the proportion of children ages 2-5 who get no more than 1 hour of screen time a day and increase the proportion of parents who follow American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations on limiting screen time for children ages 6-17. They’re also proposing to add three new objectives. You can comment on the changes by emailing HP2030Comment@hhs.gov. Or you can endorse a comment from Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez, ...
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