The coronavirus pandemic is causing fear and hoarding of groceries. But it's also inspiring beautiful acts of kindness around the nation. Kindness and equity can be rare during times of panic. Coronavirus, or COVID-19, is a serious condition that demands our attention. Smokers are uniquely susceptible. But, even amid an unusual disease outbreak, people and organizations are showing that kindness is instrumental in caring for people and promoting survival and health equity in tough times. "At a time of so much fear and uncertainty, these acts of kindness — for those committing and receiving them — are a desperately needed balm," says Latina writer Helen Ubiñas of the Philadelphia Inquirer. "A unifying act of humanity that reminds us that we are all in this ...
Sitting around a fire can be a great source of warmth and fun for most; however, it also has the potential to cause a host of health complications. Tiny toxins—PM2.5 (pollution particles measuring 2.5 micrometers or less)—commonly known as “combustion particles” come from these fires and can cause some severe health impacts, research shows. Even worse, those using wood-burning stoves can face some of the worst effects. "We are increasingly concerned about particulate matter air pollution and other forms of air pollution," Dr. Joel Kaufman, professor of environmental and occupational health sciences, medicine and epidemiology at the University of Washington in Seattle, told the American Heart Association. "There's increasing evidence that certain pollutants are associated ...
Updated 7/15/21 For more than a year, the COVID-19 pandemic has afflicted many. In the U.S., certain local, state governments declared lock-downs and stay-in-place quarantines — efforts geared at limiting the spread of the novel COVID-19. Then lock-downs reopened, then locked down again as cases rose. Across the world, cases and deaths continue, as does public health responses, including vaccines. Governments, businesses, and people continue to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic. Latinos are experiencing worsening health inequities, disparities in exposure, testing, prevention and treatment, and job impact. Latinos are experiencing disproportionately more cases and deaths, too. As equitable vaccine distribution becomes the focus, Latinos aren't getting enough ...
Nicholas Acuna used to suppress his culture growing up. But Acuna’s Peruvian heritage broke through and shines ever so brightly today, represented by the Llama artifact that sits on his desk to help him reconnect to his parents’ native land and reinforce his drive to reduce health disparities among Latinos. Acuna, a native of Bloomfield, N.J., is already gaining great research experience in promoting smoking cessation and other areas. While currently a master’s of public health candidate studying epidemiology at Rutgers University, Acuna is also involved in research to increase quit-smoking rates among correctional populations. He also helped research plant genetics, as well as mental health among older adults. To further his experience and education, Acuna applied for ...
Mounting health concerns over teen vaping recently led the U.S. Congress to raise the purchasing age for all tobacco products—including e-cigarettes—from 18 to 21. Now a national ban on many flavored e-cigarette products went into effect on Feb. 6, 2020. The ban covers a number of what some health experts call "kid-friendly flavorings," such as mint and fruit. Still, other flavors, such as menthol and tobacco flavorings, remain legal. The prohibited products won't be allowed to return to the market until or unless they get clearance from the Food and Drug Administration. That agency review could take months or years. By May 2020, U.S. e-cigarette companies will have to receive approval from the FDA to determine whether they're allowed to stay on the market. A big ...
As the fate of the Affordable Care Act currently hangs in the balance and won't be decided until at least 2021, the amount of people with no health insurance coverage continues to rise. Latinos especially lack health coverage, which jeopardizes their health. "Going without coverage can have serious health consequences for the uninsured because they receive less preventive care; and delayed care often results in serious illness or other health problems," according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. "The financial consequences of not having insurance [can also lead] to difficulties paying medical bills and higher rates of medical debt among the uninsured."
What's the Fate of the Affordable Care Act?
The Affordable Care Act (ACA), or Obamacare, took effect in 2010. The U.S. Supreme ...
Cancer has long overtaken heart disease as the top killer of Latinos. Latinos have higher rates than their peers for many cancers. Latinos also experience cancer differently—from genetics to the environment to healthcare access. To raise awareness on World Cancer Day (Feb. 4), let’s use #SaludTues on Feb. 4, 2020, to tweet about the latest progress in cancer research, the importance of cancer screening, and tips for prevention and survivorship! WHAT: #SaludTues Tweetchat: Let’s Say No to Cancer
DATE/TIME: Noon CST (1 p.m. ET) Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2020
WHERE: On Twitter with hashtag #SaludTues
HOST: @SaludAmerica
CO-HOSTS:Susan G. Komen (@SusanGKomen), Public Health Maps (@PublicHealthMap), Arroyo Vista FHC (@ArryoVistaFHC), Action Smoking & Health ...
Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez, director of the Institute for Health Promotion Research (IHPR) at UT Health San Antonio and a leading health promotion researcher, has been named to the Women in Cancer Research Council of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). The council organizes the activities of the members of the Women in Cancer Research group, including fostering career development and recognizing scientific achievements. They also advise AACR leadership on issues of concern to investigators. Ramirez will serve on the council for a three-year term starting December 2019. “I’m very excited to serve the AACR in this role. I hope to advance our role in cancer research across the continuum from the lab to survivorship,” Ramirez said. She is professor and chair of the ...
Amid mounting health concerns over teen vaping, the U.S. Congress voted on Dec. 19, 2019, to raise the purchasing age for all tobacco products—including e-cigarettes—from 18 to 21, the New York Times reports. President Trump is expected to sign the measure on Dec. 20, 2019. Experts say raising the purchasing age will reduce the number of people who begin smoking at very young age. Nearly 9 out of 10 smokers started smoking by age 18. The rule is also a response to deadly health concerns over teen vaping. The CDC announced in December 2019 that 54 people died and 2,506 cases of lung-related illnesses had been reported due to vaping. “Raising the tobacco age to 21 is a positive step, but it is not a substitute for prohibiting the flavored e-cigarettes that are luring ...
