health (53)

Many Latinos in the US don't get enough sleep

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A good night's sleep is essential for good health, but many Latinos in the U.S. just don't get enough of it. Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night, but about 1 in 3 Latino adults sleep less than seven hours, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That's on par with the overall U.S. population.

Insufficient sleep, insomnia and disorders such as sleep apnea have been linked to obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes – conditions that can increase the risk of heart disease. READ MORE AT HEART.ORG

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A growing emphasis on mental health care — some of it brought into renewed focus during the pandemic — has led more Americans to seek therapy or other support. But recent data show Latinos are less likely to look for help.

While the number of Black, Asian and white Americans seeking mental health treatment has increased in recent years, the rate for Latinos has barely changed, according to an analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The reasons why are complicated, but a lack of cultural context contributes to the trend.  READ MORE AT THE LOS ANGELES TIMES

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For so many years when filling out forms that asked about race or ethnicity, AMA member Theresa Rohr-Kirchgraber, MD always checked the “other” box because she never wanted to make it seem as though one side of her heritage was more important than the other. Her father is German American and her mother is Mexican American. It took her several more years to understand what those boxes really meant. READ MORE AT THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

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Hispanic people differ widely in their genetic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Now researchers say more precise data collection could help identify distinct risk factors for disease in certain populations. Having a more accurate understanding of genetic ancestry can help identify risk factors for certain diseases — as appears to be the case with brain tumors. READ MORE AT AAMC

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In the abundant selection of fruits that supermarkets have at their disposal, pears are the secret weapon they use to capture their customers. They sell quickly, are available year-round, have more than ten varieties to suit all tastes, and have significant health benefits. Latino consumers buy them 34% more than the average U.S. shopper.

Latino pear consumers are young: seventy-six percent are Millennial and Gen X. These two groups of Latino consumers see pears as a healthy snack in their daily diet. READ MORE AT ABASTO

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Mental health resources in Spanish are increasing

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Latinos and Spanish speakers are getting better access to key mental health services thanks to several recent initiatives. A higher percentage of Latinos in the U.S. have reported symptoms of depression than their white non-Hispanic counterparts since the pandemic began, per the CDC.

Hispanics in the U.S. make up 19% of the population, but only 6% of licensed psychologists in the U.S. identify as Latino, according to the American Psychological Association. READ MORE AT AXIOS

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Latinos in the U.S. and Latin Americans are more likely than others to reconsider the workplace after the pandemic, Marina writes. Two-thirds of Latinos polled in Microsoft’s  say they are now much more conscious about prioritizing health over their work when it comes to going to the office, and 60% say they are considering changing jobs in response. READ MORE AT AXIOS

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Improving Latino Health

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Obesity and diabetes disproportionately affect Latinos in the United States, a group that comprises 18.4% of the population, or approximately 60.5 million people. Latinos are 1.2 times more likely to be obese than non-Latino Whites, according to HHS Office of Minority Health.

Almost 4 out of 5 (78.8%) Hispanic women are overweight or obese compared with 64% of non-Latino White women. Latinos are twice as likely to have type 2 diabetes (17%) than Whites (8%), according to the CDC. READ MORE AT MANAGED HEALTHCARE EXECUTIVE

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Lowering depression rates among Latinos

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Latinos with an unhealthy response to chronic stress, like smoking or constantly eating junk food, tend to report fewer depression symptoms like hopelessness and restlessness in the long run than those with no dangerous coping mechanisms, according to an analysis.

Research has shown that stressors throughout life increase not only the body's wear and tear, known as allostatic load, but also the odds of having depression past age 60. But the study found the link was slightly weakened when Latinos engaged in an unhealthy coping mechanism. READ MORE AT AXIOS

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A year after outbreak, Latinos optimistic

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Latinos in the U.S. were hard hit by the pandemic both financially and personally, but many feel generally optimistic that the worst is behind them, according to a new study by the Pew Research Center.

The study published on Thursday surveyed 3,375 Latinos in the U.S. in March. It comes as coronavirus infections are on the upswing in the U.S. again. READ MORE AT U.S. WORLD & NEWS REPORT

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Many Latino men haven’t gotten vaccinated

 

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Nationally, a third of unvaccinated Latinos say they want to get the shot as soon as possible — a much higher share than unvaccinated Black or white people, according to a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

But many are concerned about missing work because of side effects, have transportation difficulties or mistakenly believe they might have to pay for the vaccine, the Kaiser survey showed. READ MORE AT LOS ANGELES TIMES

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With positive coronavirus cases rising in the city even as vaccine doses become more readily available, some residents have questions.

On Wednesday, a virtual event designed for the Latino community will be held to address questions regarding the novel coronavirus and the vaccines for it. The Illinois Department of Public Health has partnered with community entities such as Rock Valley College to create a safe space for people to ask their questions.

The hourlong event will include panelists Juana Ballesteros, manager of community public health outreach for the Illinois Department of Public Health, and Dr. Mellisa Simon of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. READ MORE AT ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR

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At least 361 Latino men ages 18 to 49 have died from Covid-19 complications in the state of New Jersey. Hispanic men account for nearly half (43 percent) of all confirmed coronavirus deaths among adults under 50, even though they make up just 12 percent of that segment of the population, according to a WNYC/Gothamist analysis.

The analysis found that Latino men in New Jersey died at seven times the rate of white men, twice the rate of Black men and 4.5 times the rate of Latina women. READ MORE AT NBC NEWS

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The Capstone College of Nursing recently received a $1.7 million grant for the purpose of increasing the number of Latino nurses with bachelor's degrees. The grant is aimed at recruiting 80 Latino registered nurses with associate degrees and getting them on the track to receiving a bachelor's degree in nursing from The University of Alabama.

The College of Nursing will admit 20 students over a four-year period to meet the desired goal. The Health Resources and Services Administration Nursing Workforce Diversity program is funding the grant and efforts to recruit the nurses. READ MORE AT THE CRIMSON WHITE

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The nation's Hispanic aging boom

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"We are witnessing an Hispanic Aging boom," said Jane L. Delgado, PhD, MS, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, the nation's leading Hispanic health advocacy group. "Hispanics are one of the fastest growing segments of older adults; however, community resources are not meeting the needs of our population. The partnership announced today seeks to change that by supporting new PACE programs in Hispanic communities so that all have access to quality care," added Dr. Delgado.

PACE is an innovative model of care for persons 55+, often bringing together Medicare and Medicaid funding, and centered on the belief that it is better for the well-being of people with chronic care needs to live and be served in the community whenever possible. READ MORE AT PR NEWSWIRE

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8602426701?profile=originalHispanic and Latino people in the U.S. have a high risk of heart pumping problems that can lead to heart failure, but most who have these disorders don't know it, a recent study suggests.

Researchers examined heart ultrasounds for more than 1,800 Hispanic/latino adults in four U.S. cities and found about half of them had cardiac dysfunction that put them at increased risk for heart failure, a chronic disease that happens when the heart can't pump enough blood to keep the body healthy.

But fewer than 1 in 20 of these patients with cardiac dysfunction knew they had a problem, the authors report in the journal Circulation: Heart Failure. READ MORE AT FOX NEWS LATINO

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Heart disease remains the No.1 killer of Latinas

8602425078?profile=originalFebruary is American Heart Month. Heart disease continues to be the No. 1 killer of Hispanic women in the U.S. In fact, more women die of heart disease than all forms of cancer combined. Unfortunately, the killer is not as easy to see, and may be difficult to identify for Latinas and their families.

¡Help break the barrier of heart disease by making heart healthy choices for you and your family!

Latina women play a very important role in the family. They are the gatekeepers for their families’ well-being and health and often put the needs of others before their own. Let’s empower women to take care of their health first so they can be there for their loved ones.

As women, they are at greater risk of heart disease and stroke. Currently, some eight million women in the U.S. are living with heart disease, yet only one in six women believe that heart disease is her greatest health threat. READ MORE AT HOLA ARKANSAS

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By Frank A. Diaz

   It’s interesting to see the state and federal unemployment rates announced each month.  The rate inches upward or downward by fractions of a percent, but that movement makes a big difference.  I wouldn’t claim that NLEI makes such a big dent in the unemployment numbers, but we are trying to help people get ready for good jobs in allied health. 

    We’ve scheduled two of our professional training programs in April and May.   If you or someone you know is exploring new career options or looking for a mid-career switch, you should consider NLEI, the National Latino Education Institute.

    NLEI (formerly Spanish Coalition for Jobs) is Chicagoland’s leader in educational, vocational and employment services for Latinos, with an emphasis on training for medical support and administration. The Institute also provides preparation for the GED test and English as a Second Language.   NLEI also has several satellite centers, including west suburban Aurora. 

   Our Phlebotomy Program opens two sessions, on April 30th during daytime and on May 7th in the evening.  Phlebotomists are responsible for drawing blood samples for laboratory testing, blood donations and analysis.  Phlebotomists work as part of a medical team at hospitals, clinics, commercial labs and blood banks.  Following an externship with hands-on practice, students are then eligible to test for the NCCT certification exam. 

   Medical Assistants are in high demand in today’s health care market, and demand is expected to continue rising. Our program begins on May 13th and includes hands-on training in lab procedures, health sciences and medical law and ethics. Graduates are eligible to earn Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification by taking the national certification exam from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

  Veterans of the Armed Forces are strongly encouraged to enroll in NLEI’s Medical Assistant program using their Montgomery GI Bill education benefits.  Our Employment Services staff is available to help graduates (upon completion of their requirements) find job vacancies and prepare for interviews, with a placement rate above 80 percent. 

   Space in these programs is limited and registration closes soon.  Whether you’re exploring new career options or looking for a mid-career switch, consider NLEI and discover your future now! 

   For more information, call NLEI at 773-247-0707, extension 257.                             #

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Latinos outlive non-Hispanic whites in the United States by four years on average, and the disparity is even more striking in some states, according to a new report from Measure of America, a project of the Social Science Research Council.

In the Washington, D.C. metro area, for example, a Latino baby born today can expect to outlive a non-Hispanic white baby born on the same day by eight years. (That same baby will outlive an African-American baby by an incredible 13 years.)

Latinos live longer despite being less likely to have health insurance than whites, facing higher barriers in access to medical care, and experiencing higher poverty rates – a contradiction that has led researchers to dub it the "Hispanic mortality paradox." READ MORE

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