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Protect Your Familia Against Cancer with Generaciones Resources



The Zero Breast Cancer (ZBC) organization created Generations, a campaign to give culturally relevant information to young adults about how endocrine disrupting chemicals and their impact on health across generations.   ZBC has now adapted Generations educational tools into Spanish with Generaciones.  “At Zero Breast Cancer, we believe that language should not be a barrier when it comes to accessing important health information,” according to ZBC. “Our goal is to educate young adults and other community members about the multi-generational impact of [endocrine disrupting chemicals] and inspire simple actions that we can take to reduce exposure.”  Let’s dive further into these bilingual resources and why they’re important.   Protecting Future Generations   The ...

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8 Big Reasons Liver Cancer Hurts Latinos



Latinos have the second-highest rate of dying from liver cancer among racial/ethnic groups.  Understanding the reasons why this is happening can reveal how to address this suffering and prevent liver cancer among Latinos, which can improve health for the broader population.  “Understanding the causes of Latino liver cancer rates in South Texas and across the nation is critical. We must develop interventions and identify high-risk individuals who may be screened and treated with the best available care,” said Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez, leader of Salud America! and the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health San Antonio.   So, why does liver cancer hurt Latinos in particular?   1. Aflatoxin Exposure  Aflatoxins are a family of toxins produced by certain fungi ...

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How to Show Compassion and Sensitivity While Screening for Social Needs


sensitivity screening for social needs

Many healthcare facilities require healthcare staff to complete regular sensitivity trainings on cultural competency, bedside manner, and similar topics. These trainings can help providers deliver compassionate care for diverse patients. But, as more healthcare systems go the extra mile to create a social determinants of health (SDoH) screening program to care for patients’ non-medical social needs, staff may need additional resources to guide conversations that are often deeply personal for some patients. Here’s how healthcare staff can build rapport with patients and gain confidence in discussing social needs, from housing to income. Put Yourself in the Patient’s Shoes Think about your patient’s demographics. What non-medical barriers to health do they face? What ...

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New Healthy Eating Research Resources Available in Spanish


Latino eating habits

Childhood is a critical period for the development of eating behaviors and habits that last into adulthood. These habits play a vital role in growth, development, and the prevention of obesity and other lifelong, diet-related chronic diseases. Children who live in food deserts and lack access to nutritional food, such as many Latinos, may struggle more with maintaining a healthy weight and developing healthy eating patterns. That’s where Healthy Eating Research (HER) resources can help. One Stop Shop for All Your Healthy Eating Habits HER has produced evidence-based recommendations and best practices for promoting healthy eating behaviors in children ages 2 to 8. This site has excellent resources for Spanish-speaking parents, who may lack access to nutritional guidance due ...

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How to Pick the Right Person as a Screener for Your SDoH Screening Program


SDoH Screening

As more healthcare systems consider implementing a social determinants of health (SDoH) screening program to care for patients’ non-medical needs, we at Salud America! at UT Health San Antonio are sharing important tips in developing such a program. Today, we’re highlighting the role of the screener and how to identify healthcare staff most suited to screen patients for social needs. While there is no evidence-based gold standard for how screening programs should be conducted or who should conduct the screening, lived experiences from clinics that have successfully implemented a SDoH screening program can help healthcare facilities make critical decisions in designing their own screening program. We’ll be exploring the lived experiences of one of these clinics ...

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The State of Liver Cancer in Latinos



We know many types of cancer deeply and disproportionately affect U.S. Latinos.   Liver cancer is a particular problem.   In fact, Latinos have the second-highest rate of dying from liver cancer among racial/ethnic groups, according to the CDC.  Let’s examine the data and unpack this rising crisis for Latinos.   What is Liver Cancer?   The liver has many important jobs in the body. It plays a role in digestion, supporting healthy blood flow, breaking down needed nutrients, and more.  Liver cancer can start at any part of the liver. The most common type of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).   “Liver cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the liver. The liver is one of the largest organs in the body. It has ...

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The Need for Mental Health Resources for Latino Youth



Young Latinos face many barriers when it comes to mental health support and resources.   The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has highlighted ongoing projects and resources that contribute to decreasing the disparities that plague the Latino youth mental health crisis.   “Evidence indicates that Hispanic and Latino youth have pressing mental health needs and are not receiving adequate mental health care,” according to Dr. Joshua A. Gordon, NIMH director, in a blog.   Let’s explore the Latino youth mental health crisis and what resources can help.   Latino Youth Mental Health  The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected youth from minority communities and worsened the disparities experienced by these communities.  Factors like discrimination, ...

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How Many Latinos Graduate College?



About half of Latinos who enroll in a four-year college do not end up graduating, according to a new analysis from ¡Excelencia in Education!  Latinos’ college graduation rate (52%) also is lower than their White peers (65%).   How can we increase Latino college graduation rates?   Let’s dive into to the numbers and explore how to close the Latino education gap, and better support Latino students.    Latino College Graduation by the Numbers  28% of Latino adults (age 25 and older) currently have an associate degree or higher, compared to 48% of non-Latino White adults.  To better understand that gap, the new analysis from ¡Excelencia in Education! highlights 4 measures that track degree completion:  1. Graduation Rate: Total percentage of students who ...

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Connect with Breast Cancer Researchers with ShareForCures



The Susan G. Komen Foundation is working to discover cures for breast cancer faster with ShareForCures.   ShareForCures is a breast cancer research registry that connects researchers with information from people who have or had breast cancer.  “The goal of ShareForCures is to focus on research that will have the most significant impact for people affected by breast cancer,” according to the registry website.   Here’s how you or someone you know can participate in ShareForCures!  Join ShareForCures  Individuals interested in participating in the registry can start by creating a free MyKomen + Health account and complete the ShareForCures registration.  Participants are asked to complete informed consent and medical release forms.  “Information that could ...

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