Alcohol consumption among Latinos is lower than in non-Hispanic whites, according to the National Institutes of Health. But, Latinos who drink are more likely to consume higher volumes of alcohol than non-Hispanic Whites. According to doctors taking a break from alcohol or giving up alcohol consumption completely can be tough, but the advantages to your health and pocket are worth the effort. Here’s what you can expect to happen long-term and short-term if you take a break from alcoholic beverages, according to Prevention: Risk for cancer falls: Drinking alcohol has been linked to an increase risk of liver, colon, mouth and rectum cancer. “The risk increases the more you drink.” More money in your pocket: A night at the bar can be detrimental for your health, but ...
This year’s flu vaccine will be much more effective at protecting people from the virus than last year’s, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, NPR Health reports. Based on “analysis of the most common strains of flu virus that are circulating in the United States and elsewhere found they match the strains included in this year's vaccine” the CDC said. Experts recommend annual flu vaccination for people 6 months or older. Unfortunately, among Latinos only 40 percent gets the flu shot every year. Flu season begins in early October and peaks between December and February. "Get vaccinated, that’s the best way to protect yourself, your family and your community against the flu,” Thomas Frieden, Director of the CDC ...
In the United States heart attacks are the main killer of men and women, especially Latinos who are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease. According to the National Institutes of Health, a heart attack occurs “when the flow of oxygen-rich blood to a section of heart muscle suddenly becomes blocked and the heart can't get oxygen. If blood flow isn't restored quickly, the section of heart muscle begins to die.” Knowing the symptoms of a heart attack and getting help as soon as possible can save your life. The most common symptoms are: Chest Pain
Stomach pain
Shortness of breath
Anxiety
Lightheadedness
Sweating
Nausea and Vomiting If you experience any of these symptoms don’t wait and call ...
According to a new report by the CDC more Americans are smoking less this year compared to 2014, Latin Times reports. The CDC’s Health Interview Survey show only 15.2 % of U.S. adults smoke on a regular basis compared to 16.8% in 2014. “Latinos (10.4%) were less likely to smoke than whites (17.1%) and African Americans (18.1%), the data show.” Among young adults 18-44 the smoking rate was 17%, very similar to the rate among middle-aged adults (16.9%). Among senior citizens the rate was even lower only 7.5%. The current rates show a significant drop compared to 2009 when 20.6% of adults were regular ...
With the growing percentage of Latino students, schools are an important environment to support of a culture of health. Research shows that Latino children are exposed to and consume more unhealthy meals and snacks than non-Latino students, partially because schools with a higher proportion of Latino students tend to have weaker policies regarding access to competitive foods in schools. Additionally, research shows that Latino students engage in less physical activity both in and out of school compared to their peers, partially because schools with a higher proportion of Latino students tend to offer less time for physical activity. Several barriers to physical activity and nutritious food still exist within Latino communities, both in and out of schools. It is important for ...
Expecting a baby is one of the most magical experiences in a woman's life. But do you know how important the first trimester is for your baby and your health? Here are a few of the 19 recommendations for pregnant women in their first trimester from the Someday Starts Now campaign: Choose an obstetrician or health care provider. Make an appointment to be seen before the end of your 12th week.
Start or continue taking prenatal vitamins containing 400 to 800 mcg of folic acid.
If you have had a previous premature baby, let your doctor or midwife know. There are medications that you can take to reduce your risk of another premature delivery.
Stop drinking alcohol, smoking and using street drugs.
Contact your health insurance company about coverage. See the full set of ...
Diabetics are more susceptible to oral infections such as gingivitis and periodontitis than those that don’t suffer from diabetes, Univision Salud reports. Lower flow of saliva among diabetics causes burning sensations in the mouth skyrocketing the incidence of cavities and other infections. And those “who don’t control their sugar levels tend to have more oral health problems, particularly dental gum retractions.” Gingivitis and periodontitis are the most common oral health problems among diabetics, but more serious ones such as Thrush (candidiasis) it's also common. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) recommends: Control glucose levels in the blood
Brush your teeth and use dental floss every day
Visit your dentist ...
Numerous diseases can be detected early with an eye exam. According to a recent report by CBS News “61 million American adults are at risk for losing their eyesight, but only half visited an eye doctor in the past year.” Latino adults, who many lack the financial resources or insurance to visit an eye doctor regularly- are also at risk. Among the diseases that can be diagnosed early with an eye exam are: diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke. "The eye is unique in the body," Dr. Christopher Starr, an ophthalmologist at Weill Cornell Medical Center told CBS News "We can examine blood vessels, we can even examine the brain - the optic nerve is part of the brain - and we can see that in great detail on our eye exams. It's the only place in the body where that's ...
According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) teens below the poverty line are doing better than their more affluent peers in getting the human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV), which protects against cervical cancer, NPR Health reports. The 2014 National Immunization Survey for Teens, shows that “among teenage girls ages 13 to 17 whose total family income was less than the federal poverty level for their family size, 67.2 percent have received the first dose of the human papillomavirus vaccine, compared to 57.7 percent for those at or above the poverty line. For teen boys, it's 51.6 percent compared to 39.5 percent.” One of the reasons for this trend, according to Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of CDC’s National Center for Immunization and ...
