A sweeping agreement between labor and the health industry would gradually raise the minimum wage for hundreds of thousands of health workers in California to a nation-leading $25 an hour while ending a years-long battle over dialysis clinics. State Sen. María Elena Durazo, the Los Angeles Democrat who introduced the bill, called her bill “a first in the nation historic investment in our healthcare workforce.”
Category: Health
Posted inHealth
To help others, young Latino Angelenos open up about their darkest moments
Josof Sanchez has worked with youth for decades, serving as a probation commissioner for L.A. County and more recently mentoring youth through a film program at Santa Monica College. His latest project uses film to empower Latino youth to reach other young people and become mental health advocates.
Posted inHealth
Mami & Me: Toddler nutrition begins with introducing solids
During your baby’s development, he or she will eventually be ready to transition from breast milk or formula to solid foods.
Introducing your baby to new tastes and textures is an exciting experience that can be both rewarding and challenging for newbie moms like me. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about how to introduce solid foods to your baby, you’re not alone.
Posted inOpinion
COMMENTARY: The importance of lived experiences in environmental justice tools
The Biden-Harris Administration has allocated significant funds into environmental justice efforts, providing an opportunity to change the outcomes of ZIP codes like mine. Through Executive Order 14008, the Council on Environmental Quality Chair introduced the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) to publish maps highlighting disadvantaged communities. Thus, although CEJST recognizes significant burdens in my tract, such as historical underinvestment, traffic pollution ranking in the 99th percentile, and a lack of green space ranking in the 92nd percentile, my census tract in my city Lawndale is not labeled as disadvantaged because it falls slightly below the low-income threshold at 62%. This census tract is also home to majority Latinos.
Posted inHealth
Doctors advocate fresh efforts to combat Chagas Disease, a silent killer
When Maira Gutiérrez was diagnosed with Chagas disease in 1997, neither she nor her primary care physician had even heard of the malady. She discovered her illness only by chance, after participating in a Red Cross blood drive organized by her employer, Universal Studios. Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas, is transmitted through an insect called the triatomine bug, known as the kissing bug, because it usually bites close to the lips. Chagas disease affects people primarily in rural Latin America, where the insect thrives in thatched roofs and mud walls.
Posted inHealth
Mami & Me: World Breastfeeding Week
Each year, the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) coordinates and organizes World Breastfeeding week.
Amairani Hernandez shares her experience as a first-time mother.
Posted inHealth
Latino community harmed by the underrepresentation of Latina physicians in the U.S.
Despite progress in gender diversity in the medical field, gaps remain for Latina physicians. A new report by the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute reveals that Latina physicians in California and the U.S. are severely underrepresented. It has been shown that physicians who speak Spanish are essential to improving Latino healthcare access and addressing […]
Posted inHealth
Mami & Me: Life after gallbladder removal
A month after my gallbladder removal operation, I am finally beginning to feel like my old self. For the first four weeks after surgery, I was restricted to certain physical activities, such as running, bending over, working out, swimming and avoiding lifting anything heavier than 20 pounds. Now comes the most challenging part of my recovery; acclimating my digestive system to life without a gallbladder.
Posted inHealth
Scholars planning to serve in the Safety Net program by L.A. Care Health Plan
Elevating the Safety net program recruits train and retain highly-qualified primary care physicians for the L.A. County safety net. Currently, Los Angeles County is experiencing a physician shortage that threatens the safety net that provides health care to vulnerable and low-income communities.
Posted inHealth
Mami & Me: My toddler’s first dentist appointment and tips for first-time parents
Here are five easy ways first – time parents can prepare their toddler for the first dental visit. Make it fun, make it flavorful, play pretend, praise and give them positive reinforcement.
Posted inOpinion
COMMENTARY: Latinos, let’s talk about our mental health
18.4% of Latinos struggled with mental health in 2020, but only 35% received treatment compared to the nearly half of white persons who received treatment. Culturally, seeking mental health services still carries a stigma within the Latinx community. Fears of reporting immigration status, being labeled as “loco,” and speaking about personal issues with a stranger contribute to this stigma.
Posted inHealth
Mami & Me: Gallbladder removal through Laparoscopic surgery
Last month, I went to Kern Medical Hospital to have my gallbladder removed, as I had been diagnosed with gallstones and was suffering from gallbladder attacks. My anxiety was through the roof that morning. I woke up three times before my alarm. Although I am not a religious person, I have learned that in situations like this, you must have some hope. As a result, I began praying that I would make it out of surgery alive and be reunited with my family afterward. It worked.