REGION: Latinos account for more than half of county's swine flu deaths
By EDWARD SIFUENTES – NC TImes, November 21, 2009
Nearly half of the people who have died of swine flu in San Diego County were Latinos, county health officials said.
But it's not their ethnicity that is putting them at risk of contracting and dying from the swine flu, health officials say.
Other health and social factors may be to blame.
Although Latinos make up only a quarter of the county's 3 million residents, they account for 15 of the 33 deaths that were reported in the county as of Friday, according to the county's Health and Human Services Agency.
The disproportionate number of Latinos and other minorities with swine flu, also known as the H1N1 influenza, has been reported in other parts of the country, such as Texas and Boston, where health officials have released preliminary reports on the spread of the virus.
Health officials said it is a troubling revelation, but one that is hardly surprising because of the Latino community's high poverty rate, lack of access to health care and high incidence of certain chronic diseases, including diabetes.
"It is surprising, but it is not surprising, because they are the most likely to lack access to health care," said Dr. Britt Rios-Ellis, a professor of health science at Cal State Long Beach, who specializes in Latino health.
Of the other swine-flu-related deaths in the county, eight people were white, three were black, one was Asian and one was listed as "other."
The race or ethnicity of five people was not known, said Jose Alvarez, a spokesman for the county's Health and Human Services Agency.
Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county's Public Health Officer, said the H1N1-related deaths in the county are consistent with what health officials expected.
Most deaths have been young people with compromising health conditions.
In other words, Latinos make up most of the cases, not because of their ethnicity, but because of medical and social issues that are prevalent in the community, she said.
"As we all know, people of color have a large number of underlying medical problems," Wooten said.
Health officials say the swine flu is especially risky to women who are pregnant, and children and adults who have certain health problems, such as respiratory illnesses, heart conditions and diabetes.
Because of the limited quantity of the H1N1 vaccine, health officials have given priority to these individuals and to those whose households include infants younger than 6 months old.
Latinos made up more than half of the 95 swine-flu-related deaths in Texas as of Oct. 17, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services, but they are only 37 percent of the state's population.
Health officials in Boston and Texas also have noted a disproportionate number of Latinos among the people who have contracted the virus.
In Boston, a third of all H1N1-related cases were Latinos, who make up about 14 percent of the city's population, according to an analysis in August by the Boston Public Health Commission.
Of the 33 deaths in San Diego County, people between the ages of 25 and 64 make up the largest portion ---- 26 deaths, or nearly 80 percent.
Four people were under age 24, and only three were seniors over 65 years old, according to the county.
Most were female ---- 22 ---- and 11 were males.
Nearly all of those whose deaths were associated with swine flu had underlying medical conditions, according to the county.
Rios-Ellis, who is co-director of the National Council of La Raza's Center for Latino Community Health, an organization that advocates for Latino health policies, said the H1N1 flu provides a strong argument in favor of universal health coverage.
She said that another reason why Latinos are especially susceptible to swine flu and other illnesses is that they often work in low-paying jobs that don't provide health insurance or paid sick leave.
Missing work means losing wages and potentially losing their jobs, she said.
"Latinos tend to underutilize the health care system," she said. "It is a result of the fact that they don't have employer-(provided) sick days or health insurance."
Call staff writer Edward Sifuentes at 760-740-3511.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Communicating health care policy with Hispanic media
Health Care Reform: Communicating Policy With Hispanic Media
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 2, Issue 5
NEW YORK, Nov. 20 -- The Association of Hispanic Healthcare Executives (www.AHHE.org) and the National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on Health (www.NHCCH.com) have announced the launching of their social media campaign, which will partner Hispanic media, the country's leading Hispanic professional health associations and Hispanic consumers. The launching of the partnership coincides with the appointment of Mirian Zavala, RN, MS, Doctoral Candidate, as the chair of AHHE's Policy Committee. The social media campaign launch and Ms. Zavala will be introduced at a reception, "Health Care Reform: Communicating Policy with Hispanic Media," on Monday, November 23, 2009, 6:00-8:00pm, at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, 16th floor Sky lobby.
In attendance, and partnering with AHHE and the NHCCH on this initiative, will be the leading national Hispanic health association presidents, including George A. Zeppenfeldt-Cestero, President, Association of Hispanic Healthcare Executives; Suzanne Colin, PhD, President, the Association of Hispanic Mental Health Professionals; Miguel Hernandez, MD, President, the Dominican Medical Association; Norma Martinez Rogers, PhD, RN, FAAN, President, National Association of Hispanic Nurses; Samuel Arce, MD, President, Spanish American Medical Dental Society of NY, Inc., and Luis A. Vazquez, Chairman, National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on Health. The Honorable Joel Rivera, Chairman of the Health Committee for the NYC Council and other elected officials, will give remarks during the event.
George A. Zeppenfeldt-Cestero, President of AHHE, will also be working closely with the national Hispanic professional membership associations to establish a Roundtable of Hispanic Health Association Presidents to insure a unified voice on health issues impacting our community and providing authoritative information to both the media and consumers.
According to Marcelo Rodriguez, President of Inlanet, a leading Hispanic Internet Marketing agency based in New York, "It is of utmost importance that a prominent Hispanic association such as AHHE starts an initiative targeting a community that is growing so fast on the internet - almost 23 million and counting - and by definition is social. AHHE will become a major Hispanic resource on the internet by establishing its presence online where Hispanics frequently turn to for authoritative health resources. AHHE's presence will be displayed on the main social networks, such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube."
Health Disparities Tax American Economy. According to researchers commissioned by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, the combined costs of health inequalities and premature death in the nation cost $1.24 trillion between 2003 and 2006. Patients from racial and ethnic minority communities, who bear a disproportionate share of our nation's health problems, spent nearly $230 billion in excess medical care costs. http://diverseeducation.com/artman/publish/article_13067.shtml
As one of the least likely demographic groups to have insurance, Hispanics might be expected to have high hopes for the current reform efforts. In the nearly two dozen congressional districts with a Hispanic majority, the number of people with health insurance is 16 percentage points below the national average, according to a NationalJournal.com analysis. Hispanics accounted for 15 percent of the nation's population in 2007, but 32 percent of the nation's uninsured.
Financial support for this event is provided by national partner, Aetna, and regional partners, NewYork Presbyterian, North Shore-LIJ, Healthfirst, Healthplex and event sponsors, Fidelis Care/New York, Atlantis Health Plan and Inlanet. Credentialed press may register for the event at www.AHHE.org.
P.O. Box 230832, Ansonia Station, New York, NY 10023 T. 212-877-1615 F. 212-877-2406
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 2, Issue 5
NEW YORK, Nov. 20 -- The Association of Hispanic Healthcare Executives (www.AHHE.org) and the National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on Health (www.NHCCH.com) have announced the launching of their social media campaign, which will partner Hispanic media, the country's leading Hispanic professional health associations and Hispanic consumers. The launching of the partnership coincides with the appointment of Mirian Zavala, RN, MS, Doctoral Candidate, as the chair of AHHE's Policy Committee. The social media campaign launch and Ms. Zavala will be introduced at a reception, "Health Care Reform: Communicating Policy with Hispanic Media," on Monday, November 23, 2009, 6:00-8:00pm, at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, 16th floor Sky lobby.
In attendance, and partnering with AHHE and the NHCCH on this initiative, will be the leading national Hispanic health association presidents, including George A. Zeppenfeldt-Cestero, President, Association of Hispanic Healthcare Executives; Suzanne Colin, PhD, President, the Association of Hispanic Mental Health Professionals; Miguel Hernandez, MD, President, the Dominican Medical Association; Norma Martinez Rogers, PhD, RN, FAAN, President, National Association of Hispanic Nurses; Samuel Arce, MD, President, Spanish American Medical Dental Society of NY, Inc., and Luis A. Vazquez, Chairman, National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on Health. The Honorable Joel Rivera, Chairman of the Health Committee for the NYC Council and other elected officials, will give remarks during the event.
George A. Zeppenfeldt-Cestero, President of AHHE, will also be working closely with the national Hispanic professional membership associations to establish a Roundtable of Hispanic Health Association Presidents to insure a unified voice on health issues impacting our community and providing authoritative information to both the media and consumers.
According to Marcelo Rodriguez, President of Inlanet, a leading Hispanic Internet Marketing agency based in New York, "It is of utmost importance that a prominent Hispanic association such as AHHE starts an initiative targeting a community that is growing so fast on the internet - almost 23 million and counting - and by definition is social. AHHE will become a major Hispanic resource on the internet by establishing its presence online where Hispanics frequently turn to for authoritative health resources. AHHE's presence will be displayed on the main social networks, such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube."
Health Disparities Tax American Economy. According to researchers commissioned by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, the combined costs of health inequalities and premature death in the nation cost $1.24 trillion between 2003 and 2006. Patients from racial and ethnic minority communities, who bear a disproportionate share of our nation's health problems, spent nearly $230 billion in excess medical care costs. http://diverseeducation.com/artman/publish/article_13067.shtml
As one of the least likely demographic groups to have insurance, Hispanics might be expected to have high hopes for the current reform efforts. In the nearly two dozen congressional districts with a Hispanic majority, the number of people with health insurance is 16 percentage points below the national average, according to a NationalJournal.com analysis. Hispanics accounted for 15 percent of the nation's population in 2007, but 32 percent of the nation's uninsured.
Financial support for this event is provided by national partner, Aetna, and regional partners, NewYork Presbyterian, North Shore-LIJ, Healthfirst, Healthplex and event sponsors, Fidelis Care/New York, Atlantis Health Plan and Inlanet. Credentialed press may register for the event at www.AHHE.org.
P.O. Box 230832, Ansonia Station, New York, NY 10023 T. 212-877-1615 F. 212-877-2406
Cancer campaign enrolls Hispanic support
AT&T ANNOUNCES CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT “PADRES CONTRA EL CáNCER”
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 2, Issue 5
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 18, 2009 — AT&T has announced that it will launch the fourth annual campaign to raise awareness of childhood cancer and collect donations to support PADRES Contra El Cáncer (PADRES), a nonprofit organization committed to improving the quality of life for Latino children who are battling the disease, beginning November 22. AT&T set a goal of raising $300,000 this year, which would mean a total donation of $1 million to PADRES since the campaign’s inception in 2007.
Throughout the six-week program, donations will be collected at more than 130 AT&T retail locations throughout the Greater Los Angeles area. AT&T is also offering a promotion throughout the duration of the campaign. When customers purchase an LG phone, AT&T will donate $20 to PADRES and the customer will receive a free LOUVER by Louis Verdad designer cap.
“AT&T has been a faithful partner in its commitment to PADRES, the Latino community and in its support of families coping with the devastating effects of childhood cancer,” said Eva Longoria Parker, actress and PADRES national spokeswoman. “We’re thrilled to launch this year’s campaign and eager to reach the $1 million mark. We hope that the community will come together to help us reach that goal.”
Cancer strikes approximately 1,500 children annually in California; nearly 50 percent of those affected are Latino. Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among children under 15 years old and is second only to accidents in most age groups.[1]
“In times like this it’s more important than ever to support organizations such as PADRES that address vital community needs,” said Andy Shibley, vice president and general manager of AT&T’s Greater Los Angeles Area. “AT&T is pleased to hold the campaign again this year and applaud PADRES and its supporters for championing this cause, which has given hope to so many families."
During the 2008 campaign, AT&T donated $200,000 to PADRES to aid in the organization’s mission. To date, AT&T has donated approximately $700,000 to PADRES.
For more information about PADRES, visit www.IAmHOPE.org.
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 2, Issue 5
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 18, 2009 — AT&T has announced that it will launch the fourth annual campaign to raise awareness of childhood cancer and collect donations to support PADRES Contra El Cáncer (PADRES), a nonprofit organization committed to improving the quality of life for Latino children who are battling the disease, beginning November 22. AT&T set a goal of raising $300,000 this year, which would mean a total donation of $1 million to PADRES since the campaign’s inception in 2007.
Throughout the six-week program, donations will be collected at more than 130 AT&T retail locations throughout the Greater Los Angeles area. AT&T is also offering a promotion throughout the duration of the campaign. When customers purchase an LG phone, AT&T will donate $20 to PADRES and the customer will receive a free LOUVER by Louis Verdad designer cap.
“AT&T has been a faithful partner in its commitment to PADRES, the Latino community and in its support of families coping with the devastating effects of childhood cancer,” said Eva Longoria Parker, actress and PADRES national spokeswoman. “We’re thrilled to launch this year’s campaign and eager to reach the $1 million mark. We hope that the community will come together to help us reach that goal.”
Cancer strikes approximately 1,500 children annually in California; nearly 50 percent of those affected are Latino. Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among children under 15 years old and is second only to accidents in most age groups.[1]
“In times like this it’s more important than ever to support organizations such as PADRES that address vital community needs,” said Andy Shibley, vice president and general manager of AT&T’s Greater Los Angeles Area. “AT&T is pleased to hold the campaign again this year and applaud PADRES and its supporters for championing this cause, which has given hope to so many families."
During the 2008 campaign, AT&T donated $200,000 to PADRES to aid in the organization’s mission. To date, AT&T has donated approximately $700,000 to PADRES.
For more information about PADRES, visit www.IAmHOPE.org.
Latinas could be at risk with new mammogram guidelines
Mammogram guidelines are flawed
Baltimore Sun.com, Opinions
I am a physician in practice. I have been reading the new mammogram guidelines from the so-called government panel of experts, and I have been exasperated at the plain old stupidity that marks these guidelines ("New mammogram guidelines fuel contradiction, confusion," Nov. 17). The American Cancer Society recently let it be known that doctors may have been over-treating a lot of early and small breast cancers, causing more harm than good in the process. Their contention is that many of these cancers will actually regress even without treatment and will not reduce the lifespan of afflicted individuals. But the American Cancer Society does not know as yet, and therefore has not clearly defined the characteristics of, the tumors that will regress versus those that will enlarge and spread. In the meantime these guidelines have emerged and caused a legitimate furor.
With regard to mammograms, doctors and patients have to be careful. This team of government experts has even left breast self examination in the dust, an unwise move. Also breast cancer is highly correlated with obesity and diabetes -- two, chronic and rampant conditions, even in premenopausal women, in this country and across the world. It is well known, in the medical community, that with the higher incidence of obesity and diabetes in Hispanic and African-American women, they are even more susceptible to breast cancer than their white counterparts.
African-American women die in greater numbers from breast cancer, being more likely to have the advanced stages of the disease at diagnosis, and having a greater rate of recurrence and spread. Considering the numerous publications about the racial disparities in medicine, now we are supposed to ignore the inherent increased risk in African-Americans and Hispanics for this disease and postpone getting mammograms in this subgroup until age 50 years?
A diet rich in vegetables and fruits and low in red meat, combined with regular exercise, is protective against breast cancer. Most poor and illiterate women who neither exercise nor eat a healthy diet are therefore at a higher risk than their affluent sisters. Then there are yet to be understood and unraveled environmental factors, like pesticides and plastics that may contribute to the incidence of all cancers.
It is very cynical that women above the age of 75 years, by this panel's restrictions, will probably be denied mammograms as unnecessary for that age group. Women of this age group fall prey to breast cancers all the time, and among the baby boomers, there will be many when they hit this age who will be at a higher risk because of previous hormone replacement therapy, promoted relentlessly in the past by the pharmaceutical industry and mainstream medicine. The more you think about it, the larger the risk pool grows and the more idiotic this panel seems.
We must improve our diagnostic tools to reduce radiation exposure and increase accuracy. We must avoid unnecessary invasive procedures that cause profound anxiety in patients. Agreed. But we must stop dithering. Not only women with genetic susceptibility or those with a family history of breast cancer, whether young or old, whether premenopausal or postmenopausal, a lot more women than this panel would admit, are at risk for all cancers and particularly for breast cancer.
What is staggering is the malpractice risk involved for doctors if they were to follow this expert panel's guidelines exactly as spelled out. If this declaration is one of the results of the Obama administration's endorsement of "comparative efficacy" studies, comparing many medical therapies and diagnostic tools for their cost effectiveness and usefulness, I dread to think of what else is in store for the already beleaguered physicians and patients in this country. I see "one size fits all " guidelines beckoning tantalizingly, a boon to the cost cutters and the care deniers of medicine.
Usha Nellore, Bel Air
Baltimore Sun.com, Opinions
I am a physician in practice. I have been reading the new mammogram guidelines from the so-called government panel of experts, and I have been exasperated at the plain old stupidity that marks these guidelines ("New mammogram guidelines fuel contradiction, confusion," Nov. 17). The American Cancer Society recently let it be known that doctors may have been over-treating a lot of early and small breast cancers, causing more harm than good in the process. Their contention is that many of these cancers will actually regress even without treatment and will not reduce the lifespan of afflicted individuals. But the American Cancer Society does not know as yet, and therefore has not clearly defined the characteristics of, the tumors that will regress versus those that will enlarge and spread. In the meantime these guidelines have emerged and caused a legitimate furor.
With regard to mammograms, doctors and patients have to be careful. This team of government experts has even left breast self examination in the dust, an unwise move. Also breast cancer is highly correlated with obesity and diabetes -- two, chronic and rampant conditions, even in premenopausal women, in this country and across the world. It is well known, in the medical community, that with the higher incidence of obesity and diabetes in Hispanic and African-American women, they are even more susceptible to breast cancer than their white counterparts.
African-American women die in greater numbers from breast cancer, being more likely to have the advanced stages of the disease at diagnosis, and having a greater rate of recurrence and spread. Considering the numerous publications about the racial disparities in medicine, now we are supposed to ignore the inherent increased risk in African-Americans and Hispanics for this disease and postpone getting mammograms in this subgroup until age 50 years?
A diet rich in vegetables and fruits and low in red meat, combined with regular exercise, is protective against breast cancer. Most poor and illiterate women who neither exercise nor eat a healthy diet are therefore at a higher risk than their affluent sisters. Then there are yet to be understood and unraveled environmental factors, like pesticides and plastics that may contribute to the incidence of all cancers.
It is very cynical that women above the age of 75 years, by this panel's restrictions, will probably be denied mammograms as unnecessary for that age group. Women of this age group fall prey to breast cancers all the time, and among the baby boomers, there will be many when they hit this age who will be at a higher risk because of previous hormone replacement therapy, promoted relentlessly in the past by the pharmaceutical industry and mainstream medicine. The more you think about it, the larger the risk pool grows and the more idiotic this panel seems.
We must improve our diagnostic tools to reduce radiation exposure and increase accuracy. We must avoid unnecessary invasive procedures that cause profound anxiety in patients. Agreed. But we must stop dithering. Not only women with genetic susceptibility or those with a family history of breast cancer, whether young or old, whether premenopausal or postmenopausal, a lot more women than this panel would admit, are at risk for all cancers and particularly for breast cancer.
What is staggering is the malpractice risk involved for doctors if they were to follow this expert panel's guidelines exactly as spelled out. If this declaration is one of the results of the Obama administration's endorsement of "comparative efficacy" studies, comparing many medical therapies and diagnostic tools for their cost effectiveness and usefulness, I dread to think of what else is in store for the already beleaguered physicians and patients in this country. I see "one size fits all " guidelines beckoning tantalizingly, a boon to the cost cutters and the care deniers of medicine.
Usha Nellore, Bel Air
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Latinos with alzheimer's, dementia still undertreated
Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia Are Still Poorly Understood, Undertreated in Latino Communities
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 2, Issue 4
Miami, FL—As National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month kicks off, a leading physician expert on care giving warns that Latinos face gaps in understanding of the disease and barriers to adequate care.
“The significant cost and psychological stress of Alzheimer’s and dementia are difficult burdens for all families,” said Zoë A Lewis, M.D., “but Hispanics, in particular, face unique treatment and care giving challenges that require attention and action.”
Numerous reports show Hispanics may be at the greater risk for Alzheimer’s, while others show they are the least prepared to confront the changing dynamics in care giving. “This was a powerful call to action,” states Zoë A Lewis, M.D. Her organization, Hope through Knowledge, offers community service efforts for aging and end-of-life care. Her new Spanish book , “Espero Que Sepan: La Guía Holística para la Enfermedad de Alzheimer”, ISBN # 978-1602643765 (soft cover), Virtualbookworm Publishing (2009) $18.95, was released last month and will be on sale at the Miami International Book Fair at the South Florida Writers Association Booth, Section D November 13-15th, 2009.
As producer and host of Hospice Radio Blogtalkradio, the November 16th radio program will be dedicated to Alzheimer’s, hosting two renowned authors on Alzheimer’s disease care giving. She will focus on topics covered in the bestsellers, Elder Rage, and Communicating with Alzheimer’s.
Reni Rizzo, Community Education Coordinator from the Alzheimer's Association Southeast Florida Chapter, commented on Dr. Lewis’s efforts and her recent education activism at a community-based presentation in Homestead, Florida.
“Dr. Lewis recognized the fact that older Latinos with dementia overwhelmingly remain living in the community longer, albeit with higher levels of physical and cognitive impairment compared with their non-Latino counterparts in the area. She makes it clear from her work as an internist and hospice doctor, that she understands the needs folks face from diagnosis to terminal care. Latino caregivers care for family members with more complex health, social, and long-term-care needs than are found in mainstream families. The costs for end-of-life care when there are deficits in knowledge are going to be high. We are lucky when she turns out for one of our community events with books in hand, now thankfully in Spanish.”
Dr. Lewis is a Diplomat of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, internist, hospice and palliative care physician, consultant, author, speaker, Alzheimer’s disease education activist, radio show producer and host and Miami, Florida resident. She has been working with Alzheimer’s patients and their families for over fifteen years. Dr. Zoë Ann Lewis was a faculty speaker at the 2009 National Council on Aging, Aging in America conference presenting on dementia and hospice care. Her work was recognized by the NHPCO 2006 guide, ‘Caring for Persons with Alzheimer’s and other Dementias Guidelines for Hospice Providers’. She is a former Harvard Medical School Clinical Instructor of Medicine among other accomplishments. Her dedicated website,www.zoealewis.com, promotes education using the principle ‘hope through knowledge’.
Her first book, “I Hope They Know: The Essential Handbook on Alzheimer’s Disease and Care”, reached number two in online sales in its category on Amazon.com, and received favorable reviews from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Gerontological Nursing, Latin and North American Alzheimer's experts and peers in the fields of music and art therapy. The National Alzheimer’s Association Greenfield Library carries each book.
For more information: www.zoealewis.com/presskit
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 2, Issue 4
Miami, FL—As National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month kicks off, a leading physician expert on care giving warns that Latinos face gaps in understanding of the disease and barriers to adequate care.
“The significant cost and psychological stress of Alzheimer’s and dementia are difficult burdens for all families,” said Zoë A Lewis, M.D., “but Hispanics, in particular, face unique treatment and care giving challenges that require attention and action.”
Numerous reports show Hispanics may be at the greater risk for Alzheimer’s, while others show they are the least prepared to confront the changing dynamics in care giving. “This was a powerful call to action,” states Zoë A Lewis, M.D. Her organization, Hope through Knowledge, offers community service efforts for aging and end-of-life care. Her new Spanish book , “Espero Que Sepan: La Guía Holística para la Enfermedad de Alzheimer”, ISBN # 978-1602643765 (soft cover), Virtualbookworm Publishing (2009) $18.95, was released last month and will be on sale at the Miami International Book Fair at the South Florida Writers Association Booth, Section D November 13-15th, 2009.
As producer and host of Hospice Radio Blogtalkradio, the November 16th radio program will be dedicated to Alzheimer’s, hosting two renowned authors on Alzheimer’s disease care giving. She will focus on topics covered in the bestsellers, Elder Rage, and Communicating with Alzheimer’s.
Reni Rizzo, Community Education Coordinator from the Alzheimer's Association Southeast Florida Chapter, commented on Dr. Lewis’s efforts and her recent education activism at a community-based presentation in Homestead, Florida.
“Dr. Lewis recognized the fact that older Latinos with dementia overwhelmingly remain living in the community longer, albeit with higher levels of physical and cognitive impairment compared with their non-Latino counterparts in the area. She makes it clear from her work as an internist and hospice doctor, that she understands the needs folks face from diagnosis to terminal care. Latino caregivers care for family members with more complex health, social, and long-term-care needs than are found in mainstream families. The costs for end-of-life care when there are deficits in knowledge are going to be high. We are lucky when she turns out for one of our community events with books in hand, now thankfully in Spanish.”
Dr. Lewis is a Diplomat of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, internist, hospice and palliative care physician, consultant, author, speaker, Alzheimer’s disease education activist, radio show producer and host and Miami, Florida resident. She has been working with Alzheimer’s patients and their families for over fifteen years. Dr. Zoë Ann Lewis was a faculty speaker at the 2009 National Council on Aging, Aging in America conference presenting on dementia and hospice care. Her work was recognized by the NHPCO 2006 guide, ‘Caring for Persons with Alzheimer’s and other Dementias Guidelines for Hospice Providers’. She is a former Harvard Medical School Clinical Instructor of Medicine among other accomplishments. Her dedicated website,www.zoealewis.com, promotes education using the principle ‘hope through knowledge’.
Her first book, “I Hope They Know: The Essential Handbook on Alzheimer’s Disease and Care”, reached number two in online sales in its category on Amazon.com, and received favorable reviews from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Gerontological Nursing, Latin and North American Alzheimer's experts and peers in the fields of music and art therapy. The National Alzheimer’s Association Greenfield Library carries each book.
For more information: www.zoealewis.com/presskit
Hispanic patients kept from life saving transplants
Physician Bias Might Keep Life-saving Transplants From Black And Hispanic Patients
ScienceDaily, Nov. 9, 2009
Physician bias might be the reason why African Americans are not receiving kidney/pancreas transplants at the same rate as similar patients in other racial groups. Dr. Keith Melancon, director of kidney and pancreas transplantation at Georgetown University Hospital and associate professor of surgery at Georgetown University Medical Center, and colleagues explore this phenomenon in the November issue of the American Journal of Transplantation.
Medicare coverage for people needing a simultaneous kidney/pancreas transplant has increased in the past decade. In July 1999 Medicare made the changes as a conscious effort by the government intended to address racial and economic disparities that existed. But increased Medicare dollars have not translated into more access for African Americans or Hispanics.
"Our research raised the possibility of racial bias on the part of physicians who might incorrectly assume that African Americans are type 2 diabetics when in fact, they would metabolically meet the criteria for type 1 diabetes," said Dr. Melancon. "Since this is a transplant that is most often performed in type 1 diabetics, their doctors might not even raise the possibility with their black patients. Also, health care providers might incorrectly predict worse outcomes for black patients, despite research that shows they do about as well as other racial groups."
Dr. Melancon's group took a look at the national transplant list before and after the Medicare changes in July 1999. Of the patients already listed for transplant, African Americans were 27% less likely to be recommended for a kidney pancreas transplant than Caucasians. Hispanics were 25% less likely to be recommended. After the Medicare changes African Americans were 28% less likely to be recommended for kidney/pancreas transplant and Hispanics were 31% less likely to be recommended.
"So, the situation for African Americans and Hispanics actually got worse instead of better," said Dr. Melancon.
The benefits of a kidney pancreas transplant are the list is much shorter; 2200 compared with over 80,000 for a kidney alone, according to the United Network of Organ Sharing. Patient survival and kidney graft survival are better in kidney pancreas transplants.
"I don't think the medical community has been aggressive enough about kidney/pancreas transplant, especially in African Americans who are assumed to have type 2 diabetes. When a person has type 2 diabetes and they are obese, the benefit of a kidney/pancreas transplant is often outweighed by the risks of surgery which are higher in an obese person. So they are not offered the transplant. There is also a population of people with diabetes who are sort of between type 1 and type 2. This procedure would work for them too. But I think the medical community is, in some cases, making assumptions about the African American and Hispanic population that they are not making with other racial groups."
A kidney/pancreas transplant is the only current, reliable way to give diabetics normal glucose and insulin levels 24 hours a day. It's not technically a cure, but it does eliminate the medical problems associated with diabetes.
Adapted from materials provided by Georgetown University Medical Center, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.
ScienceDaily, Nov. 9, 2009
Physician bias might be the reason why African Americans are not receiving kidney/pancreas transplants at the same rate as similar patients in other racial groups. Dr. Keith Melancon, director of kidney and pancreas transplantation at Georgetown University Hospital and associate professor of surgery at Georgetown University Medical Center, and colleagues explore this phenomenon in the November issue of the American Journal of Transplantation.
Medicare coverage for people needing a simultaneous kidney/pancreas transplant has increased in the past decade. In July 1999 Medicare made the changes as a conscious effort by the government intended to address racial and economic disparities that existed. But increased Medicare dollars have not translated into more access for African Americans or Hispanics.
"Our research raised the possibility of racial bias on the part of physicians who might incorrectly assume that African Americans are type 2 diabetics when in fact, they would metabolically meet the criteria for type 1 diabetes," said Dr. Melancon. "Since this is a transplant that is most often performed in type 1 diabetics, their doctors might not even raise the possibility with their black patients. Also, health care providers might incorrectly predict worse outcomes for black patients, despite research that shows they do about as well as other racial groups."
Dr. Melancon's group took a look at the national transplant list before and after the Medicare changes in July 1999. Of the patients already listed for transplant, African Americans were 27% less likely to be recommended for a kidney pancreas transplant than Caucasians. Hispanics were 25% less likely to be recommended. After the Medicare changes African Americans were 28% less likely to be recommended for kidney/pancreas transplant and Hispanics were 31% less likely to be recommended.
"So, the situation for African Americans and Hispanics actually got worse instead of better," said Dr. Melancon.
The benefits of a kidney pancreas transplant are the list is much shorter; 2200 compared with over 80,000 for a kidney alone, according to the United Network of Organ Sharing. Patient survival and kidney graft survival are better in kidney pancreas transplants.
"I don't think the medical community has been aggressive enough about kidney/pancreas transplant, especially in African Americans who are assumed to have type 2 diabetes. When a person has type 2 diabetes and they are obese, the benefit of a kidney/pancreas transplant is often outweighed by the risks of surgery which are higher in an obese person. So they are not offered the transplant. There is also a population of people with diabetes who are sort of between type 1 and type 2. This procedure would work for them too. But I think the medical community is, in some cases, making assumptions about the African American and Hispanic population that they are not making with other racial groups."
A kidney/pancreas transplant is the only current, reliable way to give diabetics normal glucose and insulin levels 24 hours a day. It's not technically a cure, but it does eliminate the medical problems associated with diabetes.
Adapted from materials provided by Georgetown University Medical Center, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.
Latinos target of American Heart Association campaign
The American Heart Association Launches Go Red Por Tu Corazon at the Latin GRAMMY Awards
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 2, Issue 4
The American Heart Association unveiled its Go Red Por Tu Corazon heart health awareness initiative at the 10th Annual Latin GRAMMY® Awards to educate Hispanic women about their threat of heart disease and to empower them to make life-saving choices for themselves and their families.
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Hispanic women and, according to the American Heart Association, Hispanic women are likely to develop heart disease ten years earlier than Caucasian women.
"Go Red Por Tu Corazon is designed to tap into cultural traditions as a means to a healthier lifestyle, and provide Hispanic women and their families with the tools and resources needed to enjoy good heart health," said Luz Marina Prieto, M.D., assistant professor of clinical medicine for the division of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism for the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami. "Our goal is to encourage Hispanic women to protect their hearts so they can be there for the ones they love."
To put heart disease center stage, the American Heart Association has collaborated with one of the biggest Latin cultural events of the year, the Latin GRAMMY® Awards. Go Red Por Tu Corazon kicked off with the support of attending artists and 2008 Nuestra Belleza Latina winner, Melissa Marty, who will be reporting live from the "green" carpet and asking stars, guests and viewers to make a pledge for better heart health in the Latino community.
"After losing my grandmother to heart disease, I knew I had to make heart-healthy changes in my own lifestyle and encourage my parents and brothers to do the same," said Melissa Marty, 2008 Nuestra Belleza Latina winner and Go Red Por Tu Corazon supporter. "I'm proud to be able to share my experience and inspire other Latinas to do the same and improve their heart health."
To provide life-saving education beyond the awards show, a series of video segments featuring Melissa Marty, Latin GRAMMY® attending artists, and fashion expert Martin Llorens will be available throughout the month on Univision.com, Keyword: Go Red Corazon.
In launching Go Red Por Tu Corazon, the American Heart Association has strengthened its commitment to preventing heart disease amongst Latina women. By focusing on family and cultural traditions, Go Red Por Tu Corazon hopes to promote a healthy lifestyle within the Hispanic community.
Since its inception in 2004, Go Red For Women has helped raise awareness of the No. 1 killer of women and inspired millions to make heart-healthy changes. Powered by American Heart Association research, Go Red For Women provides women with the tools and resources to beat this largely preventable disease.
For free heart-health tips and recipes from the American Heart Association and to learn more about Go Red Por Tu Corazon, please call 1-888-474-VIVE.
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 2, Issue 4
The American Heart Association unveiled its Go Red Por Tu Corazon heart health awareness initiative at the 10th Annual Latin GRAMMY® Awards to educate Hispanic women about their threat of heart disease and to empower them to make life-saving choices for themselves and their families.
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Hispanic women and, according to the American Heart Association, Hispanic women are likely to develop heart disease ten years earlier than Caucasian women.
"Go Red Por Tu Corazon is designed to tap into cultural traditions as a means to a healthier lifestyle, and provide Hispanic women and their families with the tools and resources needed to enjoy good heart health," said Luz Marina Prieto, M.D., assistant professor of clinical medicine for the division of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism for the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami. "Our goal is to encourage Hispanic women to protect their hearts so they can be there for the ones they love."
To put heart disease center stage, the American Heart Association has collaborated with one of the biggest Latin cultural events of the year, the Latin GRAMMY® Awards. Go Red Por Tu Corazon kicked off with the support of attending artists and 2008 Nuestra Belleza Latina winner, Melissa Marty, who will be reporting live from the "green" carpet and asking stars, guests and viewers to make a pledge for better heart health in the Latino community.
"After losing my grandmother to heart disease, I knew I had to make heart-healthy changes in my own lifestyle and encourage my parents and brothers to do the same," said Melissa Marty, 2008 Nuestra Belleza Latina winner and Go Red Por Tu Corazon supporter. "I'm proud to be able to share my experience and inspire other Latinas to do the same and improve their heart health."
To provide life-saving education beyond the awards show, a series of video segments featuring Melissa Marty, Latin GRAMMY® attending artists, and fashion expert Martin Llorens will be available throughout the month on Univision.com, Keyword: Go Red Corazon.
In launching Go Red Por Tu Corazon, the American Heart Association has strengthened its commitment to preventing heart disease amongst Latina women. By focusing on family and cultural traditions, Go Red Por Tu Corazon hopes to promote a healthy lifestyle within the Hispanic community.
Since its inception in 2004, Go Red For Women has helped raise awareness of the No. 1 killer of women and inspired millions to make heart-healthy changes. Powered by American Heart Association research, Go Red For Women provides women with the tools and resources to beat this largely preventable disease.
For free heart-health tips and recipes from the American Heart Association and to learn more about Go Red Por Tu Corazon, please call 1-888-474-VIVE.
Latino physician honored
Dr. Eliscer Guzman From The Mount Sinai Hospital and Mayor Bloomberg Among Comunilife Honorees!
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 2, Issue 4
On October 30th, Comunilife recognized these five outstanding personalities of the New York City community as it celebrates its 20th Anniversary. Dr. Eliscer Guzman received this prestigious acknowledgment for his vision to provide unique services through the Community Diabetes and Cardiovascular Care Program in association with the Mount Sinai Medical Center.
It is the second recognition in a week that honors Dr. Guzman's commitment with the community. Last Friday, he received the National Hispanic Corporate Achievers (NHCA) Award for the success of the Cardiology and Diabetes Center in the Manhattan area, a facility that serves to the most vulnerable Latino community in the city.
About Dr. Eliscer Guzman
Cardiologist and long-time practitioner of Internal Medicine in New York, Dr. Guzman has actively focused on community education to reduce the diabetes epidemic among Latinos and teach diabetics and their family members how to manage and control the disease. Dr. Guzman is clinically affiliated with The Mount Sinai Medicine School and has distinguished himself through his accomplishments of helping the community address their cardiovascular health conditions. Dr. Guzman is the Founder and Medical Director of the Cardiology and Diabetes Care Center.
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 2, Issue 4
On October 30th, Comunilife recognized these five outstanding personalities of the New York City community as it celebrates its 20th Anniversary. Dr. Eliscer Guzman received this prestigious acknowledgment for his vision to provide unique services through the Community Diabetes and Cardiovascular Care Program in association with the Mount Sinai Medical Center.
It is the second recognition in a week that honors Dr. Guzman's commitment with the community. Last Friday, he received the National Hispanic Corporate Achievers (NHCA) Award for the success of the Cardiology and Diabetes Center in the Manhattan area, a facility that serves to the most vulnerable Latino community in the city.
About Dr. Eliscer Guzman
Cardiologist and long-time practitioner of Internal Medicine in New York, Dr. Guzman has actively focused on community education to reduce the diabetes epidemic among Latinos and teach diabetics and their family members how to manage and control the disease. Dr. Guzman is clinically affiliated with The Mount Sinai Medicine School and has distinguished himself through his accomplishments of helping the community address their cardiovascular health conditions. Dr. Guzman is the Founder and Medical Director of the Cardiology and Diabetes Care Center.
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