From 2009 and 2019, cancer was the top cause of death in the US for Latinos. Now, while new data show that cancer has become the second-leading cause of death in Latinos, only slightly behind heart disease, cancer remains a big threat to Latino health. Every year, heart disease and cancer cause 17% of Latino deaths in the US, according to the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Facts & Figures for Hispanic/Latino People 2024-2026 report. Let’s dive into the key highlights of the report and go over some of the reasons why Latinos are disproportionately affected by cancer.
Cancer Incidence Among Latinos
The American Cancer Society estimates 195,300 cancer cases would be diagnosed in Latinos in 2024 with another 50,400 Latino individuals dying from the disease. Among the ...
While engaging in the recommended amount of physical activity is a key part to lowering your risk factors for certain diseases like heart disease and diabetes, it doesn’t necessarily mean your risk has diminished. A new study published in PLOS One found that even though you exercise, sitting for long periods of time can be detrimental to your health. The study examined the correlation between activity intensity and sitting. Let’s dig into the results of the study and discover ways to combat physical inactivity for a healthier you!
Study Findings on Sitting and Physical Activity
The study, led by researchers at the University of California, Riverside, examined data from adults aged 28 to 49, many of whom spend an average of 9 hours a day sitting. ...
The US is experiencing a maternity healthcare crisis where pre-term labors and infant and maternal mortality rates are up due to a lack of access to prenatal and postpartum care. Many of these women live in areas designated as maternity care deserts. These are areas where pregnant individuals and mothers have limited or nonexistent access to vital prenatal and postpartum health care. Maternal care deserts exist in 35% of US counties — encompassing 2.3 million reproductive aged women, according to the March of Dimes’ annual report, Nowhere to Go: Maternity Care Deserts in the US. According to the report, living in these areas greatly increases their risk for infant and maternal mortality, pre-term labor, and untreated conditions that could harm the lives of the mother or ...
Obesity is one of the biggest modifiable risk factors for cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea. It’s also plaguing the health of Americans, especially in people of color. Latinos continue to be disproportionately affected by obesity with a prevalence of 35% or higher in Latino adults living in 34 US states and territories, according to updated data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Let’s dive into the new statistics on adult obesity in the US, what’s driving it, and what interventions can help address it.
Adult Obesity
All states and territories in the US had an obesity prevalence higher than 20% in 2023, which is the equivalent of 1 in 5 US adults, according to the CDC. The highest obesity prevalence in the US was in ...
Drug misuse continues to be a pervasive problem in the US.
Use of illicit drugs can have disastrous health consequences, especially for disadvantaged populations like Latinos, and can lead to premature death.
While there are methods to combat addiction, lack of information, lack of insurance, and less access to treatment facilities can get in the way of seeking treatment.
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, illicit drugs, and more.
So far, we have covered alcohol, tobacco and ...
Illicit drug use continues to be a pervasive problem in the US. Use of illicit drugs can have disastrous health consequences, especially for disadvantaged populations like Latinos, and can lead to premature death. 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, illicit drugs, and more. So far, we have covered alcohol, tobacco and vaping, and marijuana use among Latinos. In the next part of our series, we’re going to explore the report and find out how using illicit ...
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 ...
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 ...
