Myth: Vaccines are linked to autism. Truth: In 1998 there was a scientific paper that linked the MMR vaccine to autism. These claims were refuted, and the paper was retracted. There have since been several other studies examining the relationship between the vaccine and autism, but no link has been found, according to Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. It’s easy to see how incorrect information is spread, disseminated, and accepted. These falsehoods can be dangerous and, when it comes to public health, deadly. And with social media at the epicenter of the threat of incorrect information, it’s never been more imperative to learn how to be better prepared to recognize and correct it. That’s why mySidewalk, an online data visualization platform, ...
The month of October is Health Literacy Month, making it a great time to explore equitable health resources for Latinos and all people. Health Literacy Month was founded by Helen Osborne, M.Ed, OTR/L in 1999. Today, Helen works to helps professionals communicate health information in ways that patients and the public can understand. “By collectively working to improve health literacy, we’ll create a more equitable world where everyone can access high-quality care and achieve positive health outcomes,” according to the Institute for Healthcare Advancement (IHA). Let’s dig deeper into the importance of Health Literacy Month and how you can take action for health literacy.
What is Health Literacy?
Health literacy can be defined in two ways, personal and organizational ...
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and related grains. It gives dough its stretch and helps baked goods rise. Many common foods contain gluten, including bread, beer, pasta, and cereal. So, why is “gluten-free” become so popular these days? For millions of people, gluten is a medical issue. Celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and wheat allergies require strict gluten-free diets. “When people with celiac disease eat gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley), their body mounts an immune response that attacks the small intestine,” according to the Celiac Disease Foundation. In addition, gluten sensitivity causes symptoms when gluten is eaten. However, it doesn’t cause the antibodies and intestinal damage seen in celiac disease. Additionally, ...
To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, the Prevent Cancer Foundation hosted an Instagram Live on prevention and cancer screening featuring Dr. Derek Rodriguez of the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health San Antonio. On behalf of the Salud America! program, Dr. Rodriguez chatted with Kyra Meister, Prevent Cancer Foundation’s Senior Communications Manager, about the importance of preventative measures like screening and cancer survivorship. Watch on Instagram Live as the two talk about preventative health measures to better understand and detect cancer, health gaps that impact care, and cancer survivorship. Watch Now! WHAT: An Instagram live video focusing on cancer screening and survivorship WHERE: Available on the Instagram accounts of the Prevent Cancer ...
There’s a lot of good that’s come out of the digital age, including telehealth, which allows physicians to meet with their patients from a distance. However, the digital age can also pose health risks, especially for young children. Excessive screen time in children is linked to a higher risk for heart-related complications, including heart disease, according to a new study by the American Heart Association. Let’s go over the study’s key findings and find ways to determine what’s a healthy amount of screen time for your loved ones.
Key Study Findings: Screen Time and Heart Disease Risk
The study examined excessive screen use using data from a group of 10-year-olds in 2010 and a group of 18-year-olds in 2000, according to the study news release. To ...
Latinos continue to be a growing population in the US. However, at 19.5% of the population, Latinos only comprise 6% of all physicians, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Fewer Latino physicians to meet the growing population can lead to worse health outcomes for Latinos, who rely on physicians that look and sound like them to build trusting patient-doctor relationships. To shine a light on this issue, National Latino Physician Day occurs every Oct. 1 during Hispanic Heritage Month to honor Latino physicians and share the need for more. Let’s go over how National Latino Physician Day came to be and why Latino physicians are integral for closing the gap on health differences for Latinos and all people.
How Did National Latino ...
Blood Cancer United, formerly known as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), is hosting a free Spanish-language event in San Antonio to educate and empower those in the community to learn about cancer types that affect Latinos. The event, “Aprendiendo Sobre Los Cánceres Que Afectan a Los Latinos y Cómo Enfrentarlos,” is set for 5-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, at Paesanos Lincoln Heights, located at 555 E. Basse Road, San Antonio, TX 78209. Dinner is free! Registration is required. REGISTER FOR THE EVENT!
About the Event on Latino Cancer Latinos are a dynamic, rising population. But cancer threatens the future health of Latinos and the entire U.S. population. The Spanish-language cancer event in San Antonio will cover topics about: ...
September is recognized as National Healthy Aging Month. With this in mind, the National Eye Institute (NEI) has provided six important resources to spread awareness and educate the community about eye health and aging. “Getting older doesn’t have to mean losing your vision. While some vision changes are a normal part of getting older, vision loss related to eye diseases and conditions can be prevented,” according to the National Eye Institute. Let’s dive deeper into these six resources. 1. Browse and Share Articles and Fact Sheets on Eye Health and Aging NEI’s National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP) offers several articles and fact sheets related to eye diseases and conditions. Topics include managing medications, vision changes, glaucoma, and ...
Hispanic Heritage Month is a month when we celebrate the milestones and achievements of Hispanic and Latinos. Some of those individuals overcame countless hurdles, such as health issues, societal unfairness, and mistreatment to carve out a better path for future generations. One of the ways we honor the past is to preserve the future. Hispanic/Latino cancer survivors can honor those who came before them by paving the way for future survivors by joining the Avanzando Caminos Hispanic/Latino Cancer Survivorship Study at UT Health San Antonio. JOIN AVANZANDO CAMINOS!
What Is the Avanzando Caminos Study?
The Avanzando Caminos Hispanic/Latino Cancer Survivorship Study takes a deeper look at some of the factors that survivors experience that may influence long-term ...
