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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Over the last several years, cities across the US have taxed sugary drinks to reduce the consumption of these beverages and prioritize the health of their communities. In 2018, Seattle joined this wave of cities in placing a tax on sugary drinks. At 1.75 cents per ounce, the tax was created to disincentivize the consumption and purchase of sugary drinks and improve community health. But did it work? A recent study published on the JAMA Network sought to answer this very question by comparing the health of children within the taxable area to those in neighboring areas. This is what they found.
Sugary Drink Tax Studies
Studying the relationship between the sugary drink tax and health is nothing new. In fact, previous studies on taxes have pointed to a ...
Many Latino children have pressing mental health needs but are not getting adequate mental health care, studies have shown. COVID-19 didn’t help, either. The pandemic heightened social isolation, dependence on smartphones and social media, and mental health issues among young people. Meanwhile, opportunities declined for physical activity – a proven method for treating disorders such as depression and anxiety. Loss of physical activity can harm physical, emotional, social, and mental health. This is why a PhD student at Michigan State University is offering a free online program geared to increasing physical activity to improve mental health in Latino children between the ages of 7 and 11.
About the Physical Activity Program
The program is part of a ...
You’ve probably heard the expression, “Get your steps in,” but just how many steps are needed to make a difference in your health? The average American takes anywhere from 3,000 to 4,000 steps a day, which equates to 1.5 to 2 miles, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, the CDC suggests that most adults should aim for at least 10,000 steps, which is equivalent of walking 5 miles, a day to maintain a healthier existence. If walking 5 miles a day puts a spring in your step toward a healthy lifestyle, just how many steps would it take to lower your risk for type 2 diabetes? A recent study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism looked at Fitbit data collected from 5,600 participants in the All of Us research ...
National Healthy Weight Week is recognized on the third week of January every year and focuses on achieving and maintaining healthy weight through healthy eating, physical activity, optimal sleep, and stress reduction. Obesity affects more than 40% of Americans, placing them at higher risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Latino adults and children have among the highest rates of obesity. With this in mind, let’s explore resources that can help you start achieving a healthy weight and improve your health!
Get Help Changing Your Habits for Healthy Weight
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) provides a guide, “Changing Your Habits for Better Health,” in English or ...
