The 2026 New Year brings about new resolutions for many hoping to adopt a healthier lifestyle like eating healthier or exercising more. Quitting smoking could help, too. With several health problems stemming from smoking including cancer, heart disease, and respiratory infections, why not quit smoking as a resolution? Let’s dive into the facts and benefits of leaving smoking behind in 2025!
Rates of Latino Smokers
49.2 million (19.8%)—or nearly 1 in 5—U.S. adults reported current tobacco product use in 2022, according to the CDC. How does this impact Latinos? About 1 in 13 (7.7%) Hispanic or Latino adults in the U.S. smokes cigarettes, according to the CDC. Cigarette smoking also is more common for Latino men than Latinas. Latino youth can also be targeted ...
Firefighters are at higher risk of cancer than the general population. That is the reason for the new San Antonio Firefighters Cancer Prevention Program. The program aims to better understand and reduce the cancer burden among local firefighters and emergency medical services personnel. It is a partnership of the San Antonio Fire Department, UT Health San Antonio, and Sylvester’s Firefighter Cancer Initiative at the University of Miami. Now the program is featured in an article in San Antonio Medicine, a publication of the Bexar County Medical Society. The article was written by Dr. Rachelle Hamblin, a family medicine physician at Health by Design, the SAFD Retiree Police and Firefighter Clinic; Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez, leader of the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT ...
Last year, the US earned a D+ for preterm birth on the March of Dimes Report Card. The March of Dimes Report Card is an annual report that signifies where states and the rest of the country are in terms of infant and maternal mortality and morbidity. This year, the US is following up its last poor rating with another D+, making it the fourth consecutive year the country has earned the substandard score. Of the births that occurred in the US in 2024, nearly 380,000 babies were born preterm, accounting for every 1 in 10 births, according to the report. Let’s take a closer look at the March of Dimes Report Card and what it means for infant and maternal health in the US.
Preterm Births in the US
March of Dimes, which pushes for better maternal and infant ...
Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez, leader of Salud America! and cancer health researcher at the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio, has been selected for the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA). The award honors individuals who have "demonstrated a significant and lasting impact on improving the lives of older adults, particularly Hispanic older adults," by promoting health and building healthy communities. Ramirez received the award at the 2025 NHCOA Awards Ceremony on Dec. 18, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Watch the livestream of the award ceremony. "I am truly humbled to be selected," Ramirez said. "NHCOA’s work is deeply meaningful, and to be recognized by an organization so dedicated to advancing the well-being and dignity of our ...
About three quarters of Latino children received medical care in the past year, according to a new report from the National Research Center on Hispanic Children and Families. However, the remaining 1 of 4 Latino children had not seen a doctor, nurse, or urgent/emergency care personnel in at least one year. Let’s dig deeper into this report and how it impacts families.
What Does the Report Say about Latino Children’s Medical Care?
The National Research Center on Hispanic Children and Families report found that receipt of medical care in the past year varied by child age. Younger Latino children (birth to age 5) more likely to have received medical care (85%) than older children (ages 6-12, 75%) and teens (ages 13-18, 65%). Children living in families with low incomes were ...
Breastfeeding has many health benefits for both mothers and babies. For mothers, breastfeeding can help speed up the recovery process after birth, reduce long-term health risks, including breast and ovarian cancers, and help with postpartum weight loss due to the extra calories being burned. For infants, breastfeeding contains optimal nutrition for immune protection from illnesses helps with brain development, and reduces risks of chronic health conditions like obesity. Unfortunately, without access to Spanish-language lactation resources, too many Latinas give up breastfeeding too soon. That’s where the Mama Sana Program comes into play. The program offers mothers Spanish-language support to help them navigate the difficult journey that is ...
Breast cancer is a common cancer affecting US women, including Latinas. While breast cancer is very treatable, many Latinas get diagnosed at later stages when the cancer has already spread, resulting in a higher risk of death. The best way to detect breast cancer early is by getting your annual mammogram. However, many women, including Latinas, have dense breast tissue, making it harder to conduct a mammogram and detect cancer. Here are eight things you need to know about breast density and cancer.
1. Dense Breasts Occur When There is Less Fat than Tissue
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) defines dense breasts as a measure of how two types of breast tissue found in the breast compared to the amount of fat tissue. Dense breasts are categorized ...
The Salud America! program, led by Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez of UT Health San Antonio, has received the National Health Award from the National Association of Medical Spanish (NAMS) and the Medical Organization for Latino Advancement (MOLA). The award was given during the MOLA-NAMS Annual Conference in November 2025 in San Antonio. "I am truly humbled and honored to accept this recognition on behalf of our Salud America! program, and the countless storytellers, community leaders, and cancer survivors who walk with us on this journey toward better health for all people," Ramirez said. Ramirez launched Salud America! in 2007 to create data-driven news report, role model stories, and action opportunities for better health for all. "Thanks to our passionate team and network, we’ve ...
The winter holidays are nearing, which means a drop in temperatures and a rise in flu! From October 1, 2024, through April 30, 2025, officials recorded 38,960 flu-associated hospitalizations, according to the University of Minnesota. The first week of December is recognized as National Influenza Vaccination Week, a time to promote and remind others of the importance of getting vaccinated. How does flu season impact Latinos and all people? What preventive steps can you and your family take? Find a Flu Vaccine Near You!
Latinos and Flu Rates
Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs, according to the It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. A 2021 study found that ...
