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How to Start Screening for the Non-Medical Drivers of Health


Young latina sdoh screening in hospital clinic healthcare

To truly improve patient and community health, we must address the non-medical drivers of health, such as access to housing, transportation, and food that can make it harder for people to stay healthy. That’s where screening for the non-medical drivers of health comes in. Screening for the non-medical drivers of health is a questionnaire given to patients in a healthcare setting to help providers identify their needs. These include issues like financial hardship, housing, and food. Patients can then be referred to helpful community resources. You can use the new Salud America! Action Pack, “How to Start Screening for the Non-Medical Drivers of Health,” to launch screening in your clinic, hospital, or healthcare system! The action pack, created by Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez ...

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Honoring Latino Military Heroes on Veteran’s Day


Lt. Evita Salles, a Latino Military Personnel for Veteran's Day

Veteran's Day is on Nov. 11, 2024. We at Salud America! are excited to honor all U.S. military personnel, including the Latinos, who have served our country. Latinos in the Military: History Latinos have a “proud and indeed enviable” record of military service that dates back to the Civil War, according to a U.S. Army historical website. About 20,000 Latino serviceman and women participated in Operation Desert Shield/Storm in 1990-1991, 80,000 in the Vietnam War in 1959-1973, and more than 400,000 in World War II in 1939-1945. Latinos have received more than 40 Medals of Honor, according to the Department of Defense. “Whether their heritage can be traced to Spain, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico, or one of dozens of other Spanish-speaking countries or cultures, they’ve ...

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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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Experts to Address Cholangiocarcinoma, a Rare Cancer


Nurse Comforting Patient Receiving Chemotherapy Treatment

In a lifetime, four in 10 US adults will be diagnosed with cancer, according to WebMD. Most of these cancers will be found in the breast, prostate, lung, colon, bladder, kidney, skin, and pancreas. Meanwhile, others may receive a rare cancer diagnosis, such as cholangiocarcinoma, which is a rare form of cancer that affects the bile duct. Due to their low incidence, less is known about these rare cancers and there are fewer opportunities available to change that. To learn more about cholangiocarcinoma, the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation is partnering with the MD Anderson Cancer Center to put on the 2024 Houston Cholangiocarcinoma Symposium: A Gathering of Knowledge, Support, and Hope on Dec. 13, 2024. Cholangiocarcinoma Symposium The 2024 Houston Cholangiocarcinoma Symposium ...

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11 ‘Must See’ Movies that Celebrate Latino History and Culture


Three generation family family sitting on the sofa in living room, watching TV and eating popcorn

When you look up at the movie screen, what do you see?  Do you see someone who looks like you? Do you see someone you can relate to? Do you hear someone who speaks like you do?  Everyone deserves to be represented as the hero of the story, but for decades Latinos and Latino stories have been often left out by Hollywood.  However, some stories have come along to break the mold and rewrite what it means to be a Latino in the film industry.   Pioneers have given Latino movie creators and artists pathways to come up with stories that celebrate and honor the diversity of Latino culture.  These stories offer a deeper insight into the Latino experience and the challenges many must overcome to reach their dreams.  From animated box office hits that uplift to biopics that ...

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Art, Advocacy, and Amor: Celebrating the Legacy of Mary Louise Lopez



Whether with paint on canvas or a friendly chat in person, San Antonio artist Mary Louise Lopez always spread love and showcased the beauty of the human spirit. Mary Louise was a gifted artist in drawing, painting, sculpting, and batiking. The subjects of many of her paintings are indigenous communities of Texas, Mexico, Central America, and South America, where she often travelled and befriended many locals. Mary Louise, who passed away in November of 2022, portrayed the pride and strength of indigenous Latinos with great affection and care, said Irene Peche, a close family-friend. “She sought to capture their dignity and the work ethic by which they lived. There is an honesty in the depictions of her subjects that captures reality, beauty, and hardship without ...

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How Selena Quintanilla-Pérez Continues to Inspire Latinos Today


Selena Quintanilla Perez

As young kids, we all have dreams. Whether it’s a firefighter, a teacher, or an astronaut, we are inspired to do big things. For Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, better known as Selena, she dreamed of being a music artist – and that’s exactly what she did. “She had hopes and dreams just like the rest of us. She had a family that supported those dreams and did what they could to make them a reality. She may have achieved success as a recording artist but she never intended to limit herself,” according to Smithsonian Magazine. To honor Selena during Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s dive into her life, accomplishments, and how her legacy continues to live on in the Latino community. Selena and Her Humble Beginnings The youngest of 3 siblings, Selena was born in Lake ...

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