Norovirus, also known as the stomach bug, is surging across the United States. Outbreaks of the virus spiked from 69 to 91 the week of December 5, 2024, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is a significant rise considering the same reporting period over the last several years showed 65 or less outbreaks per week. However, there are a growing number of cases that haven't been reported, adding to the potential for spreading the virus. With outbreaks and cases on the rise, there are several things you should know about the norovirus surge and measures you can take to protect yourself and loved ones from getting sick.
1. Norovirus is a Foodborne Illness
While norovirus is classified as a “stomach bug” or ...
Tis the season for coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, and sore throats. That’s right — it’s winter and the time when illnesses and viruses such as influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) run rampant. When left unchecked, these viruses can cause serious adverse health effects, especially for immune compromised individuals, children, the elderly, and expectant mothers. Luckily, there are vaccinations that can significantly reduce risks for these illnesses. The best way to protect yourself and loved ones against these threats is to stay updated on recommended vaccinations, such as COVID-19 and the flu. Salud America! is partnering with Champions for Vaccine Education, Equity + Progress (CVEEP) to get the word out about the ...
This content is from the "Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos: 2024 Conference Proceedings."
Demographics and Public Policy: Implications for Latino Cancer
Dr. Elena V. Rios is President & CEO of the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) and president of NHMA’s National Hispanic Health Foundation. Inequity in the healthcare system Dr. Rios’s presentation began by focusing on the changing demographics in the US. By 2035, Latino individuals will make up 1 out of every 4 Americans, meaning that the future of the country is intertwined in the Latino experience. The current 63 million Latino individuals in the US make up 19% of the population; however, only 9% of oncologists are Latino, and only 1/3 of those are women. This is important in light of the high ...
This content is from the "Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos: 2024 Conference Proceedings."
Cancer Center Priorities for Addressing Latino Cancer Health Disparities: A Fire-side Chat with Cancer Center Directors
This special session occurred at 9:00 a.m., Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, at the 4th biennial Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos conference. Dr. Yolanda Sanchez is the Maurice and Marguerite Liberman Distinguished Chair in Cancer Research, Professor in the University of New Mexico (UNM) Department of Internal Medicine Division of Molecular Medicine, and UNM Cancer Center Director and Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Sanchez discussed the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center (UNMCCC) and its mission to reduce the cancer burden and overcome the ...
This content is from the "Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos: 2024 Conference Proceedings."
Increasing Diversity in Pediatric Cancer Clinical Trials
Dr. Paula Aristizabal is Associate Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Medical Director of the International Outreach Program, and Quality Improvement Lead at the University of California San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital. Disparities in pediatric cancer Dr. Aristizabal’s presentation covered the demographic shift in the US, disparities in pediatric cancer, inequities in clinical trial participation in pediatric cancer research, barriers to clinical trial participation in Latinos, and strategies to improve recruitment of Latinos to clinical trials. The Latino population ...
This content is from the "Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos: 2024 Conference Proceedings."
Obesity and Cancer: What We Know Now About Individual- and Structural-Level Factors
Dr. Monica C. Serra is Associate Professor and Research Health Scientist in the Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology & Palliative Medicine and the Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies at University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio (UTHSCSA). Obesity and cancer Dr. Serra began by discussing obesity and severe obesity, which have become more common in the US in recent years. In 2011, 27% of adults 18 years of age or older had obesity or severe obesity, and by 2020, 32% of adults 18 years of age or older had obesity or severe obesity. ...
This content is from the "Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos: 2024 Conference Proceedings."
Inclusion in Action: Breaking Open the Leaky Pipeline to Create Pathways & Design Spaces that Improve Representation
Dr. Idalid “Ivy” Franco is Director of Equity, Access, and Inclusion, and works in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard Medical School. The effect of oppression on workforce representation Dr. Franco’s presentation began by looking at the historical context and systemic barriers to recruitment, retention, and professional success of a representative workforce. This historical context started with American slavery, followed by years of segregation, laying a foundation of ...
This content is from the "Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos: 2024 Conference Proceedings."
Using Science to Address Latino Health Disparities Research
Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable, M.D., is Director of the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This plenary session occurred at 8:30 am., Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, at the 4th biennial Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos conference. Health disparities Dr. Pérez-Stable began his presentation by discussing populations with health disparities. While race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status are the fundamental pillars of health disparities science, the intersection of these factors with rural populations, sexual and gender minorities, and people ...
This content is from the "Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos: 2024 Conference Proceedings."
Designing Food Pantries to Improve Food Security Among Cancer Survivors
Dr. Sandi Pruitt is Associate Professor and Associate Director of Community Outreach, Engagement, and Equity in the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. She also serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for Crossroads Community Services. Food security and cancer Dr. Sandi Pruitt’s presentation discussed food security and cancer, best practices and solutions, and a Dallas pantry redesign. The gold standard for measuring food security is the validated US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) survey, which is offered in 6, 10, and 18 question ...
