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NHCOA Salutes Dedicated Community Leader Angel Luis Irene
May 18th, 2013

The National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA) – the leading national organization working to improve the lives of Hispanic older adults, their families, and caregivers wishes local community leader, Angel Luis Irene, a speedy recovery.

As a leader and friend to the entire Latino community, Angel Luis’ service and dedication extend beyond all boundaries. NHCOA applauds Angel Luis for his four decades of community service, including his 9 years as Executive Director of VIDA Senior Centers, the only organization dedicated to serving Latino older adults in the D.C. metro area.

For more information on the Get Well Celebration for Angel Luis Irene on Sunday, May 19, please click here. You may also watch the event live starting at 7 p.m. by clicking here.

The Importance of Earned Leave for Public Health
May 17th, 2013

By Jason Coates, Public Policy Associate

The National Hispanic Council on Aging, the leading national organization working to improve the lives of Hispanic older adults, their families, and caregivers, is a strong supporter of policies that allow workers to earn paid time off to care for their health or the health of a loved one. Earned sick and family leave is beneficial not just for workers, but also public health. Increasing the ability of workers to take time off to recover from illness benefits the public by reducing their risk of being exposed to infection.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infected food handlers were the source of more than half (53%) of norovirus outbreaks, the leading cause of foodborne illness. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that few service workers, including those that prepare and serve food to the public have the opportunity to earn paid sick days. Instead of taking time off to improve their health, these workers put the entire public at risk of illness. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to foodborne infection.

NHCOA applauds places like New York City, San Francisco, and Connecticut that have passed earned sick days laws and places like Miami, Philadelphia, and Orlando that are working to implement an earned sick days policy. NHCOA works with its Hispanic Aging Network to raise awareness of available earned leave benefits. Currently, we are working to collect the stories of Hispanic families who have been impacted by earned leave policies. It is our hope that one day all workers and the people they serve will be able to earn time off to care for their health.

NHCOA urges you to join our efforts to ensure all workers have the right to earn time off to care of themselves and their families and help us promote healthier and happier communities. Call 1-866-488-7379 to learn more.

NHCOA Honors National Women’s Health Week
May 16th, 2013

This week marks National Women’s Health Week, a weeklong observance focused on improving the mental and physical health of women across the U.S. Oftentimes, women put their health second when they have a family to care for or stress factors such as work and school, which may prevent them from eating healthy foods and staying physically active.

Chronic diseases, such as heart disease and HIV/AIDS, can also take a unique toll on women. According to the Office on Women’s Health, every 90 seconds a woman suffers from a heart attack. Additionally, around 372,000 women 65 and older experience a heart attack each year, which makes heart disease the number one cause of death for women in the U.S.

Every year, 50,000 Americans become infected with HIV, and women in particular account for approximately 24% of all HIV diagnoses (womenshealth.gov). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2010 the rate of new HIV infections among Latinas was four times the rate of white women. Because of the need to address all Latino communities, NHCOA’s Act Against AIDS Leadership Initiative (AAALI) is dedicated to reach Latino seniors, their families and their caregivers. In a culturally, linguistically and age-appropriate manner, NHCOA’s Hispanic Aging Network (HAN) has been able to reach a population by providing direct programs for Latino older adults and their families that break through the stigma of HIV/AIDS that exists in the Latino community.

National Women’s Health Week is a reminder to empower women to live happy and healthy lives by taking care of their health. In order for women to take control of their health, they must first take care of themselves by getting regular checkups and preventive screenings, getting active, eating healthy, paying attention to mental health and engaging in safe behaviors (Office of Minority Health). And there’s no better time to start than during National Women’s Health Week.

“Let’s honor the women in our lives by urging them to take care of their health. Start with one healthy behavior today, and step by step we can take care of our greatest asset,” said Dr. Yanira Cruz, President and CEO of NHCOA.

To learn more about National Women’s Health Week and how you can get involved, please click here.

Healthy Diet Tips for Diabetics
May 14th, 2013

Food is a fundamental part of Latino culture. It serves as a reason to gather la familia for meals and friends for fiestas. It also helps keep the sabores of our rich cultures alive and thriving in the U.S. From empanadas to arroz con frijoles, Latin cuisine is as diverse as its population.

However, Latinos are 1.5 times more likely than non-Hispanic whites to have diabetes – a chronic condition that can be influenced in part by one’s diet. Therefore, maintaining a healthy diet is critical in the prevention and management of diabetes. Contrary to popular belief, individuals who have diabetes do not have to feel deprived of delicious foods. There are still many options to choose from that are both flavorful and healthy. The American Diabetes Association recommends the following tips for diabetics to maintain a healthy diet:

Eat lots of vegetables and fruits. Try picking from the rainbow of colors available to maximize variety.
Eat non-starchy vegetables such as spinach, carrots, broccoli or green beans with meals.
Choose whole grain foods over processed grain products. Try brown rice with your stir fry or whole wheat spaghetti with your favorite pasta sauce.
Include dried beans (like kidney or pinto beans) and lentils into your meals.
Include fish in your meals 2-3 times a week.
Choose lean meats like cuts of beef and pork that end in “loin” such as pork loin and sirloin. Remove the skin from chicken and turkey.
Choose non-fat dairy such as skim milk, non-fat yogurt and non-fat cheese.
Choose water, unsweetened tea, coffee and calorie-free “diet” drinks instead of regular soda, fruit punch, sweet tea and other sugar-sweetened drinks.
Choose liquid oils for cooking instead of solid fats that can be high in saturated and trans fats. Remember that fats are high in calories. If you’re trying to lose weight, watch your portion sizes of added fats.
Cut back on high calorie snack foods and desserts like chips, cookies, cakes, and full-fat ice cream.
Eating too much of even healthful foods can lead to weight gain. Watch your portion sizes.

By following dietary guidlines you can enjoy healthy versions of your favorite dishes. However, diet is only part of the equation. Following a proven program, such as Salud y Bienestar, which incorporates diet, physical activity and collaboration with medical professionals, can greatly help in the management of diabetes.

NHCOA wants to know, what are your favorite healthy recipes? Feel free to share them in the comments section!

Myth vs. Reality: HIV/AIDS
May 10th, 2013

In 2009, nearly one fourth (23%) of people diagnosed with AIDS in the United States were ages 50+. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that by 2015 that figure will double. Older adults — especially Latino seniors who are at a disproportionate risk — are often disconnected from and overlooked in the HIV/AIDS dialogue. However, it is crucial to involve everyone in the discussion of how to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS. One way of doing this by dispelling common myths seniors may have:

Myth: HIV is a contagious disease, like a flu or common cold.
Reality: HIV is not transmitted through saliva, sneezes, or sweat. Casual contact (shaking hands, sharing utensils, or kissing) doesn’t transmit the virus either.

Myth: People infected with HIV look unhealthy.
Reality: People living with HIV (PLWH) look no different from any other person for several years after being infected with the virus, and may continue infecting others. If untreated after 8 to 10 years, then AIDS will develop, a deadly complication of HIV. On the other hand, those who get treated as soon as possible can have a good quality of life and potentially never develop AIDS.

Myth: Once you are infected with HIV, you will get AIDS right away.
Reality: Those who get tested early, start getting treated upon learning their HIV-positive status, and stick to the treatment, can potentially live the rest of their lives without developing AIDS. Once infected it may take 8 to 10 years to develop AIDS, a deadly complication of HIV.

Myth: Older adults are immune to HIV.
Reality: Anyone can get infected with HIV at any age. In fact, nearly 25% of people diagnosed with AIDS in the United States were ages 50+ in 2009[1].

Myth: There is no point in getting treated for HIV, I will die anyways.
Reality: PLWH who are under treatment can keep their virus (load) count very low, and live their lives with HIV as a chronic disease. In addition, there is evidence that people whose HIV is well controlled with anti-viral medications are also less likely to transmit HIV to others. Therefore, treatment is also a way to prevent the spread of HIV.

[1] HIV Surveillance Report: Diagnoses of HIV infection and AIDS in the United States and Dependent Areas, 2009. http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/surveillance/resources/reports/2009report/

Why Get Vaccinated?
May 1st, 2013

Last week was the World Health Organization’s second annual Global Immunization Week – a time dedicated to raise awareness of how immunization saves lives. As this week of heightened international attention ends, it’s crucial to remember the importance of immunization at any age throughout the year.

Data shows that despite their life saving benefits, Hispanic older adults tend to receive immunizations at lower rates than other non-Hispanic groups. As a result, NHCOA developed its signature Vacunémonos (Let’s Get Vaccinated) program to spread the message of life-long immunizations that prevent infectious diseases in the Hispanic community.

In the dialogue about immunization, it’s also important to consider why people choose to get vaccinated. There are many good reasons, and finding one that speaks to you can help foster the motivation to maintain up-to-date immunizations. Whether you choose to get vaccinated to follow your doctor’s recommendations or to protect your loved ones, each person has their own reasons. What matters most is the common result: immunization.

If you are looking for a reason to get vaccinated, here are ten good ones, courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

Diseases that are preventable with vaccines have not disappeared
Vaccines help maintain your health
Vaccines are just as important for overall health as diet and exercise
Vaccination can be the difference between life and death
Vaccines are safe and effective
Vaccines will not cause the disease that they are meant to prevent
Young and healthy people can also get sick
The diseases that are preventable with vaccines are expensive to treat
When an individual gets sick, their loved ones are also exposed to the disease
Your family and co-workers need you

NHCOA wants to know: why do you choose to get vaccinated?

Working Together to Improve Health Among Diverse Communities
April 30th, 2013

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is urging Americans to acknowledge health disparities affecting millions within our racially and ethnically diverse population and recognize the benefits that health care reform will bring to these communities.

Health is a common denominator among every community, and it is one that brings our nation together. As we close the month of April, let it serve as a reminder to all of us that without good health, our overall wellbeing would be extremely affected. NHCOA encourages you to take precaution and start healthy habits to keep yourself from developing chronic diseases.

“Our health is one of the most precious gifts we have. With good health on our side, we have an easier time accomplishing other important life activities. Each day we must work and be intentional about nurturing and loving our mind, body, and spirit to care for one of our greatest assets. Caring for our health occurs in health care settings but even more so in places where we live, work, learn and play, all of which are important to one’s ability to be healthy,” said Dr. Yanira Cruz, President and CEO of NHCOA.

In order to help close the gap on health disparities many diverse communities experience on a daily basis, NHCOA welcomes the recent enhanced Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) in Health and Health Care announced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Minority Health. According to HHS, the CLAS Standards help organizations and health care professionals improve the quality of care and aim to reduce health disparities in diverse communities. The updated CLAS Standards provide guidelines for health care organizations that are culturally and linguistically appropriate for the patients they serve. For example, Spanish language access is crucial for the majority of immigrant Hispanics (61%) who are Spanish-speaking dominant.[1] Additionally, linguistic barriers make economic security during old age difficult for many Hispanics. The new description of the standards’ Communication and Language Assistance provides a rule that for adequate service, health care organizations and providers should communicate with their patients that the option of language assistance is available.

NHCOA is hopeful that the enhanced CLAS Standards will help close the health inequities that have been occurring for decades in diverse communities, one of them being obtaining and affording health care. In 2010, one out of three (33.3%) Hispanics between the ages of 18 and 64 lacked a usual source of medical care,[2] and a similar number, 30% lacked health insurance.[3] In addition to the disparities impacting all ages in the Hispanic demographic, Hispanic older adults face particular health challenges of their own. These challenges include access to quality preventive care, like vaccinations, screening for colon cancer and visits to the dentist.

However, thanks to the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) health insurance expansions set to take place in January 2014, Hispanics, who are particularly affected by lack of health care coverage due to linguistic and cultural barriers as well as immigration status, will stand to noticeably benefit from these expansions.

“We urge you to find out what your state is doing as part of the Affordable Care Act. Keep reaching for your best possible health. Let us imagine a nation in which everyone – regardless of race, ethnicity, immigration status, gender, sexual identity or income – has an equal opportunity to live a healthy and dignified life,” added Dr. Cruz.

Every day, NHCOA works to close the gap on health disparities in the Hispanic community. NHCOA actively teaches, empowers and raises awareness on the need to improve the lives for one of our nation’s most vulnerable groups.

Find out what you can do to support the wellbeing of our diverse communities: http://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/actnow/

For access and information on the National CLAS Standards, please visit https://www.thinkculturalhealth.hhs.gov/index.asp

[1] http://www.pewhispanic.org/2012/04/04/iv-language-use-among-latinos/

[2] http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/hus11.pdf

[3] http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/hus11.pdf

This Spring: ¡Actívese!
April 26th, 2013

Physical activity is an important component of maintaining good health and is essential in the prevention and management of diabetes. Since diabetes affects Latinos at a higher rate than non-Hispanic whites, it’s important to do some type of physical activity for at least 30 minutes each day. However, a common deterrent to exercise is the misconception that it’s boring or must be take place in a gym. In reality, physical activity can be fun, entertaining, and done at any time or place.

Caring for one’s salud y bienestar (health and wellbeing) is a daily responsibility. As the weather continues to warm up, now is the perfect time to break away from the mundane by being active outside. Below are a few suggestions to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine now that spring has arrived:

1. Walk: Enjoy the sunny weather by taking a walk. You can start by taking a walk with your family after dinner. To increase your walking routine, you can opt to walk to your destinations when possible, rather than drive or take public transportation. Walking not only has health benefits, but can help save money too.

2. Play with the kids: Spending time with your family is important, so try making health a family priority by staying active together. You can play fútbol or ride a bike with your kids or grandchildren outside to enjoy the weather. Additionally, introducing them to physical activity at a young age will help instill in them the importance of a healthy lifestyle so that they continue to stay active throughout their lives.

3. Swim: Once summer heats up, take time to cool off in a swimming pool. You can swim laps, take a water aerobics class, or just doggie paddle around the pool to get moving. Water exercise is fun and provides a great workout, especially since the water has natural resistance properties.

4. Dance: The spring and summer will bring more outdoor fiestas. These gatherings and celebrations often include the opportunity to dance with family and friends. While dancing to your favorite salsa or merengue may be fun, it’s also good exercise in disguise.

5. Gardening: Flowers and trees are in full bloom, and gardening is a low-impact physical activity that reaps beautiful benefits. Planting new flowers, managing the garden, and creating floral arrangements can help you ease into physical activity.

These options and many more can help you stay active and take advantage of the warm weather. Remember that physical activity and a healthy diet can help prevent and manage diabetes, in addition to helping you lead a fuller life.

World Immunization Week: Proteja su Mundo – ¡Vacunese!
April 24th, 2013

This week marks the World Health Organization’s annual World Immunization Week – a time dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of immunization and its life saving benefits. WHO estimates that immunization averts an average of 2-3 million deaths each year. Additionally, diseases that once claimed many victims, such as polio, have been eradicated in the U.S. and several other countries thanks to proper immunization. But despite these and other benefits, millions of people around the world are still not fully immunized with routine vaccines, due to both lack of resources and knowledge.

A dangerous myth that permeates our society is the belief that vaccines are only necessary for babies and children. In reality, they protect people of all ages against infectious disease. Immunization prevents illness, disability, and death from vaccine-preventable diseases including diphtheria, measles, pertussis, pneumonia, polio, rotavirus diarrhoea, rubella and tetanus. Overall, the benefits of vaccines outweigh the minimal risks, which are often minor and temporary.

Data shows that Hispanic older adults experience a high level of disparity in adult vaccinations, which is why the National Hispanic Council on Aging developed Vacunémonos (Let’s Get Vaccinated) – a culturally, linguistically, and age sensitive initiative that aims to increase adult vaccination rates among Hispanics. The initiative reaches and engages Hispanic seniors, their families, and caregivers through one-on-one outreach via promotores de salud (lay health workers) and a locally-focused bilingual communications campaign.

When Vacunémonos participants were asked why they chose to receive vaccines, their responses ranged from protecting family members to maintaining one’s own health. There are a multitude of reasons why people choose to receive vaccinations. While each reason is valid, it’s the outcome that is truly important: vaccines save lives.

STD Awareness Month: Infórmese. Hágase la prueba. Involúcrese.
April 23rd, 2013

April is STD Awareness Month, which is the perfect time to have open and honest discussions about the alarmingly high STD infection rate in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are an estimated 20 million new STD cases each year, which result in $16 billion in treatment costs.

Among the long list of sexually transmitted diseases is HIV, which is the virus that causes AIDS. What was once considered a disease that only affected a small subgroup of the population has become an epidemic in the Hispanic community in recent years. In 2009, Latinos represented about 16 percent of the U.S. population, but accounted for 20 percent of the new HIV infections. Additionally, the rate of new infections among Latinos is two and a half times as high as that of white men and the rate for Latinas is more than four times that of white women.

While the conversations surrounding HIV/AIDS have become more open in recent years, older Americans are still mostly overlooked. However, the past three decades have taught us that HIV/AIDS does not discriminate in who it infects. In 2009, people ages 50 and older represented 23% of AIDS diagnoses in the U.S. In the Latino community, the rates of HIV/AIDS among people ages 50 and over were five times higher among Hispanics compared to non-Hispanic whites.

In an effort to spread awareness of HIV/AIDS and its impact, NHCOA joined the CDC and several other national organizations in the Act Against AIDS partnership. NHCOA focuses on HIV/AIDS education and prevention efforts for Hispanic older adults, their families, and caregivers. By providing linguistically, culturally, and age-appropriate education materials, NHCOA’s goal is to empower Hispanic older adults to spread the HIV prevention message to families and youth by capitalizing on the high level of respect and regard they have within the community.

Overall, the facts speak volumes and confirm that HIV/AIDS cannot be ignored, especially within the Hispanic community. NHCOA urges you and your loved ones to use STD Awareness Month to find out your status. There are HIV and STD testing centers across the country that can deliver fast and secure results. So this month: infórmese. Hágase la prueba. Involúcrese.