What does having health care coverage mean to you? The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) wants to know! Since its passing, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has helped over 20 million people attain health care coverage. Over four million Latinos are among those that have gained insurance, lowering the overall rate of uninsured Latinos by nearly 8%. Since the beginning of Open Enrollment, HHS has been asking for people on social media to share their stories on social media how the ACA has benefited them and their loved ones by using the hashtag #CoverageMatters. In order to reduce health disparities, it is critical to address inequities in programs, practices, and policies. Join our site, connect with others, and get involved. People can read what everyone ...
Our nation is facing high rates of Latino childhood obesity, unsustainable dependence on carbon-based energy, and high unemployment. Beyond the known health and environmental benefits of sidewalks and bike lanes, what are the employment impacts of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure? A 2011 study compares 58 projects from transportation and public works departments from 11 cities and found that bike projects create 46% more jobs than road projects without bike or pedestrian components. Projects included, road construction and rehabilitation, building new multi-use trails, and widening roads to include bikes lanes and sidewalks. According to this study by the Political Research Institute (PERI) at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, the “road-only” projects ...
A growing body of evidence shows that children who are physically active are better learners. Latino and all children are more physically active when they have access to safe places to walk and play. Join organizations like, Alliance for a Healthier Generation, American Heart Association, Boys and Girls Club of America, KaBoom!, National League of Cities, Ohio Department of Health, us, and many more in signing the Shared Use Resolution to advance shared use strategies in local communities across the country. Shared use is an effective strategy to make school playgrounds, parks, pools, gymnasiums, and other physical activity facilities open to the public beyond their normal hours so the community can use these spaces to be active. In fact, studies show that 84% more kids are ...
The Health Students, Promising Futures Learning Collaborative is sponsoring a webinar on Thursday, Dec. 15, from 1:00-2:00pm cst to discuss ways to expand health services in schools utilizing funding from Medicaid. The webinar, entitled “How States are Leveraging Medicaid to Expand Health Services in Schools: An Update from the Healthy Students, Promising Futures State Learning Collaborative Webinar,” is free and open to the public. The Collaborative is supported by the U.S. Dept. of Education, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The group is in partnership with the Healthy Schools Campaign and the Trust for America’s Health on this project. In order to reduce health disparities, it is critical to address inequities ...
The soft touch of a crocheted blanket reminds Mercedes Watson of her grandmother, who taught her how to crochet and speak Spanish. Watson, who has put a lot of time and creativity into making many beautiful hand-crocheted blankets, she also is dedicating her efforts toward cancer research will bring healing and unique benefits for Latino health via community resources and patient navigation. Despite becoming pregnant as a high-school senior with her daughter, Ally, Watson overcame many struggles and was determined to continue her education. She earned a master’s degree from San Diego State University. She has gone on to become a medical social worker for Cancer Resource Center of the Desert, Aria Hospice, and Gentiva Home Health. To increase her training, she applied for ...
In the midst of Open Enrollment, which runs through January 31, 2017, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will present a webinar that outlines how people can get the most from the coverage they obtain through the Healthcare Marketplace. This webinar, entitled “Coverage to Care (C2C): A Roadmap to Better Care and a Healthier You,” will be held December 7 from 2:00-3:00pm est. It will provide attendees with overviews of the coverage to care roadmap. The webinar will also explain what health coverage is and how to use it to get primary care and preventive services to help you live a long, healthy life. C2C resources will be discussed. In order to reduce health disparities, it is critical to address inequities in programs, practices, and policies. Join our site, ...
Active bodies are active and productive minds. The Million Mile Month April Community Challenge is a simple, fun and free way to get your employees or members physically active. In order to build a culture of health-free from preventable disease-it is important to build a culture of activity in schools, neighborhoods, and the workplace. 5 Reasons to Get Your Company Signed Up for Million Mile Month It's Free
Reduce healthcare costs and boost productivity
Motivates physical activity and team building
Provides metrics and on demand reports
Quick setup and easy to use (10 min setup) The Million Mile Month was created by Cyberways and Waterways-a non-profit focused on STEM, health, and sustainability programs that use innovative techniques to get kids ...
Medicare, the federal health insurance program for adults age 65 and older and adults with permanent disabilities, is currently in its Open Enrollment period through December 7. Latinos are the largest and fastest growing racial/ethnic group in the United States. Many disparities exist for Latinos and they are likely to have higher risk for certain chronic or serious health conditions, such as diabetes. Having guaranteed health coverage, like what is offered through Medicare, is essential to Latinos going forward. In order to reduce health disparities, it is critical to address inequities in programs, practices, and policies. Join our site, connect with others, and get involved. Here are some things people need to know before enrolling: Review your plan notice. Any ...
Salud America! Guest Blogger
Jefferson Dental Care You've heard it before: Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing are two of the best ways to keep your mouth healthy. But do Latinos and others follow this advice? Actually, 30% of Americans do not brush their teeth twice a day, according to figures from the American Dental Association. Skipping brushing can lead to tooth decay—which disproportionately occurs in Latino children—tooth loss and other serious health problems. “Poor oral health has been linked to chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart attack, stroke, breast cancer and many others,” said Dr. Leslie Renee Townsend, regional dental director for Jefferson Dental Care. “Moreover, at-home dental care is crucial to keeping plaque and tartar from ...
