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This article highlights some of the steps to take in caring for Hispanic-origin patients.

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Mexico

Geography

Mexico is bordered to the North by Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. To the South it is bordered by Guatemala and Belize. To the East is the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. To the West is the Pacific Ocean. The total area of Mexico is 1,972,550 sq. km which is slightly less than three times the size of Texas. The climate varies from tropical to desert and the terrain includes high rugged mountains, deserts, low coastal plains and high plateaus. Mexico is made up of 31 states and has Mexico city as its capital.

History and Politics

Originally inhabited by many different ethnic groups from which you can mention the Mayas, Zapotec, Aztec and others, Mexico, like much of South and Central America, was colonized by the Spanish, being occupied from 1521-1810. Colonization led to both the acquisition of Spanish culture and the loss of great part of the Aztec culture, with the present day culture being a melange of the two. Mexican independence occurred September 16, 1810 and was sparked by the Napoleonic threat to acquire what was then "New Spain". Afraid of losing their emerging culture, the "criollos" (descendants of the Spaniards born in Mexico) and the "mestizos" (descendants of the Spanish and Indian intermarriages) united in a movement known as "Los Insurgentes" which eventually overthrew Spain.

Texas at that time was sparsely inhabited, having been neglected by Spain in the years prior to the revolution. The newly formed Mexican government therefore allowed US citizens to settle there. These citizens did not adopt the Mexican language or culture and in 1829 when Mexico abolished slavery they found they could not enforce the law in the area now known as Texas. In 1835 Mexico replaced their federal system with a centralized republic in an attempt to gain more control over its regions, but this only led to Texas declaring independence in 1836. In 1845, Texas was taken into the US, leading to the Mexican-American war. This ended with the treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo in 1848 and resulted in the loss of Texas and part of California to the US.

Cinco de Mayo, which is commonly thought of in the US as Mexican independence day, happened in 1862 and celebrates the victory of the Mexican army over the occupational French forces. The victorious General, Ignacio Zaragoza was born in Texas, and due to his joint heritage, this holiday is celebrated in both countries. In the US it has also come to represent the accomplishments of the chicano monement, including better jobs and education.

The Mexican Revolution occurred in 1910, a century after independence from Spain. It was sparked by many things, the greatest being the unfair dictatorship of President Porfirio Diaz who had been in power for 31 years. The main leader of this revolution was Francisco I. Madero. This has led to the government of today which is a federal republic operating under a centralized government. It has an executive branch made up of the president and his cabinet, and a legislative branch made up of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies.

Language

Greetings and Displays of Respect

Respect is very important in Latin culture. The way in which a doctor and other health workers greet and address a Latino patient may convey respect or disrespect to the patient.

In the medical culture, a greeting may serve more purposes than just a salutation or welcoming. Sometimes the greeting serves the purpose of clarifying the patient's identity for the doctor. This can be an important part of avoiding medical errors - making certain that the chart or medical record belongs to the patient at the appointment, and that the chart does not belong to another patient who has a similar name.

For instance, a doctor who greets his patient Julio Perez by saying "Hello Julio" may be using the greeting to confirm that the patient is indeed Julio Perez, and not Jaime Perez or Juan Perez who are two of the doctor's other patients.

It may seem appropriate to use only the patient's first name in order to confirm identity. However, greeting the patient by using only his/her first name may convey disrespect for the patient. Greeting Julio Perez by saying Hello Señor Perez conveys respect from the doctor to the patient.

A recommendation to doctors for greeting their patients in a manner that conveys respect while still avoiding patient identification errors is to use a title and the full name, such as saying Hello Señor Julio Perez. Then, after correct patient identification is established (when it is found that the person matches the chart in hand), continue addressing the patient in the most respectful manner throughout the encounter, such as saying Señor Perez.

New 2014: Phrases of Courtesy in Nine Languages: A Tool for Medical Providers

This language learning tool features videos of native speakers saying phrases of courtesy in nine languages, including Spanish. Phrases of greeting, introduction, acknowledgment, departure and for emergency situations in a clinical setting can be played at a normal speed and at a learning speed. The goal of this tool is to provide a jumping-off point for developing rapport in the interpreted health encounter. Read more about the tool... | View Spanish videos

Etiquette

Studies indicate that Hispanics expect a caregiver to show warmth to a patient and family members and should not be strictly business (Zouchay). A physician should be attentive, take their time, show respect, and if possible communicate in Spanish. Some simple phrases are listed above for those who do not know any Spanish. Hispanics also have more respect for care givers if they exhibit confidence.

Family Life and Kinship Structure

Although Mexican families tend to be Patriarchal, it is the mother who is in charge of health care (Gonzalez-Swafford). Home remedies are passed on from mother to daughter. When a family member is sick, it is a family crisis and often there will be many people to whom the in charge of health care, for more difficult and chronic treatments, it is often important to physician will have to explain the disease process (Davidhizar). Although the mother is the one convince the father that this is necessary.

Adulthood and Old Age

For information on geriatrics and older Hispanic/Latino Americans, see Stanford's Ethno Med Health and Health Care of Hispanic/Latino American Older Adults. This is an on-line learning module, but you can download the module as a PDF and print the cultural profile by filling out a short survey. Additional cultures and geriatric information also available on their site.

Nutrition and Food

Food is often used to cure illness as will be discussed later (Gonzalez-Swafford). Here we list some foods as they are categorized for healing.

Religion

Mexicans are often very religious with the most common religion being Catholicism. The virgin of Guadalupe is considered their patron saint after she appeared to the Indian Juan Diego on December 12 over 400 years ago. This day continues to be celebrated annually with prayers and thousands of pilgrims going to the Guadalupean Basilica where this miracle is said to have occurred.

The Aztec religion, as it was practiced before colonization is all but gone. They believed in a vital force of "tona" that separated living from non-living matter. They were animists with multiple gods. They also had a strong belief in balance and in supernatural powers which can still be seen today in some of the traditional medical beliefs.

Traditional Medical Practices

Traditional medicine in Mexico is based on the Greek belief, brought by the Spaniards, in the four humors: blood, phlegm, black bile and yellow bile. A balance of these is believed to be needed for good health (Reinert). These beliefs were brought over by the Spanish during colonization, and over the years combined with some of the already existing ones to form a belief, which is based on a balance between hot and cold. When someone is sick, it is because they are out of balance, having either too much heat or cold. Correction of this balance is by consumption of foods or herbs of the opposite quality. Hot and cold as far as healing goes, has nothing to do with the actual physical temperature of the food and definitions of this can vary depending on the region in Mexico the individual is from. Awareness of these beliefs is important when prescribing medicine since they too are categorized as hot and cold. For example, penicillin is considered a "hot" medicine and if given for a "hot" disease such as fever it is less likely that the patient will be compliant. Another example is vitamin C which is considered a cold food and therefore inappropriate treatment for a "cold" disease like an upper respiratory tract infection. "Cold" diseases are ones that have invisible symptoms and include earaches, arthritis, stomach cramps and a chest cold. Hot diseases have more visible symptoms and include empacho (indigestion), colico (nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramp), stomach ulcers, fever, headache and sore throat. Since these categories may vary depending on where the patient is from it is often best just to ask if there is any contraindication to taking a medicine according to their beliefs.

Supernatural powers are also believed to cause disease. An example of this is "mal de ojo" or the evil eye (see below). With diseases caused by supernatural forces, non-supernatural cures are not believed to be helpful and often have poor compliance. Therefore it is important to point out the natural cause of the disease and why the prescribed treatment will be beneficial. Another common example of a supernatural diseases is susto (fright sickness).

The main traditional healer is known as a curanderas and is believed to get her power from God. Less used traditional healers include the Yerberos (herbalists) and Sobadores (masseuses). Curanderas view illness in a religious and social context, and are used more for diseases that have a supernatural cause (Fisherman et al).

Traditional diseases

Empacho is a form of stomach upset which is believed to be caused by a bolus of undigested food (Fishman et al). This can happen by eating the wrong foods at the wrong time of the day or eating undercooked foods. Symptoms include anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea bloating, indigestion, and constipation. The most common treatment is massaging the stomach or back, pinching the skin of the back and pulling it until it pops.

Caida de mollera means sunken fontanel and is believed to be caused by pulling a baby away from the breast or bottle too quickly, having the baby fall to the ground or carrying the baby incorrectly. Symptoms include poor suck, irritability, sunken eyes, vomiting and diarrhea. The treatments include pushing up on the baby's palate with a finger, holding the baby upside down over a pan of water and slapping the bottoms of his feet, and apply a poultice to the fontanel.

Susto or fright sickness is caused by a traumatic or frightening experience. Symptoms include lethargy anxiety, depression, insomnia, and irritability. Treatment includes herbal teas, covering the face with a cloth and sprinkling holy water, and spitting a mouthful of water or alcohol into the patients face unexpectedly.

Mal ojo or evil eye is caused by a person with a "strong eye" and occurs when someone admires a child without touching them. The cure involves passing an egg over the body and then placing it in a bowl under the child's pillow overnight. If the egg is cooked in the morning then the child had "mal de ojo".

Mal puesto is when someone uses witchcraft to put a bad disease on a person. The hex can be placed by a bruja (witch) or someone who knows about witchcraft. Symptoms can be varied and the cure involves prayers, massages, herbs, making crosses on the arms with olive oil and chili powder, and medicinal enemas.

Traditional Remedies

Problems and Remedies

Fever

Cold water compresses over the head, neck and groins

Tepid baths

Alcohol rub or bath

Lots of liquids

Give teas

Remove clothes

Cough

Herbal teas, especially oregano, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and chamomile (sometimes with honey)

Honey and lemon

Combination teas of several herbs

Diarrhea

Rice water

Increase clear liquids, no milk or food

Herbal teas, especially mint and chamomile

Suero (dehydration solution made of water, sugar, lemon or banana)

Vomiting

Stop all food and give clear liquids such as rice water, 7-up, water and sugar, pedialyte, and fruit juice

Herbal teas, especially mint and chamomile

Suero

Conjunctivitis

Chamomile drops or wash for the eyes

Breast-milk drops in the eyes

Wash with warm water

Special diet (vegetable soup and fresh fruits, carrot juice, or eliminate flour tortillas, bread and sodas)

Skin Rash

Apply cornstarch

Alcohol rub or bath at night

Apply various substances such as baby lotion, water with baking soda amica lemon oatmeal powder, or rub with watermelon shell

If due to allergy, change soap, rinse kids' laundry well, or use cotton clothes

Frequent daily baths

Minor wounds

Wash with soap and water

Cover with bandage

Clean with lemon juice

Minor burns

Wash with or place in cold water

Apply pork lard, cooking oil, or butter

Aloe vera

Raw onions

Apply toothpaste

Egg white

Cooked beans

Experience with Western Medicine in Home Country

Western medicine can be found in the larger cities in Mexico, which is comparable to that found in the United States. Like the United States, patients need money to get this medical care and often the poor will turn to the less expensive traditional medicine. Even among those that can afford Western medicine the traditions of the family are respected and often a combination of Western and traditional medicine is used.

Experience with Western Medicine in the United States

Both cultural and economic factors effect the access of Mexican-Americans to health care in the United States. Only 37% have health insurance (1991, Davidhizar) and yet they use the emergency room twice as much. This is partly due to the fact that they are twice as likely to be poor with 38% of Hispanic vs. 14% of non-Hispanic whites living below the poverty level. It is also important to note that a third of the Hispanic population in the United States are children less than 15 years of age (Mikhail) and should be covered by Medicaid.

Another factor in health care in the United States is the use of the traditional healer. One study showed that 17% of Hispanics sought health care initially from a folk healer with 32% using health care professionals and the rest self-treating. Since it is not only in the initial stage of the disease that a folk healer will be used, the percent that use them overall is even larger. Another interesting fact is that 72% of people who receive care from a folk healer do not tell this to their physician. Although most of the folk cures are harmless and even sometimes helpful, it is important to know if a patient is using a folk cure because some remedies such as greta and azarcon contain lead and can be harmful (Mikhail).
Mental Health
See EthnoMed article: Adherence Barriers to Antidepressants among an Urban Female Latino Population

References

1. Cheng TL, Savageau JA, Bigelow C, Charney E, Kumar S, DeWitt TG. Assessing mothers' attitudes about the physician's role in child health promotion. Am J Public Health. 1996 Dec;86(12):1809-12.

2. Davidhizar R, Bechtel G, Giger JN. When your client in the surgical suite is Mexican American. Today's Surgical Nurse 1998 Nov-Dec; 20(6): 29-35 (39 ref)

3. Fishman BM, Bobo L, Kosub K, Womeodu RJ. Cultural issues in serving minority populations: emphasis on Mexican Americans and African Americans. Am J Med Sci. 1993 Sep;306(3):160-6. Review.

4. Gonzalez-Swafford MJ, Gutierrez MG. Ethno-medical beliefs and practices of Mexican-Americans. Nurse Pract. 1983 Nov-Dec;8(10):29-30, 32, 34.

5. Mikhail BI. Hispanic mothers' beliefs and practices regarding selected children's health problems. West J Nurs Res. 1994 Dec;16(6):623-38.

6. Reinert BR, The health care beliefs and values of Mexican-Americans. Home-Healthcare-Nurse (HOME-HEALTHC-NURSE) 1986 Sep-Oct; 4(5): 23, 26-7, 30-1. (17 ref)

7. Zoucha RD. The experiences of Mexican Americans receiving professional nursing care: an ethnonursing study. J Transcult Nurs. 1998 Jan-Jun;9(2):34-44.

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Mexico is bordered to the North by Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. To the South it is bordered by Guatemala and Belize. To the East is the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. To the West is the Pacific Ocean. The total area of Mexico is 1,972,550 sq.

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A glimpse in traditional healing methods in the Hispanic culture.

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Connecting Modern Medicine to Traditional Healing: Dr. Cheo Torres at TEDxABQ

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A timeline of the Hispanic ethnic group throughout history in the U.S.

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1836

On the February 23, Mexico's, Antonio Lopez Santa Anna, takes possession of San Antonio.

On March 6, day 13 of the siege, Santa Anna's forces breach the Alamo defenses. All the defenders of the Alamo, 189 men, are killed.

On April 21, after joining forces with Sam Houston's army, Juan Seguin defeats the Mexican army in the Battle of San Jacinto-a battle that lasted all of 18 minutes.

1846

In April, Mexico and the United States go to war over disputed territory.

On June 14, Military Commander of California Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo is awakened by an angry mob of Anglo settlers-forcing him to sign the Articles of Capitulation to make California an independent republic.

1895

Cuban rebels stage an insurrection, led by the poet Jose Martí.

1898

On February 15, in Havana Harbor, Cuba, an explosion destroys a U.S. battleship-killing 266 men aboard. The United States subsequently declares war on Spain. The war lasts 13 weeks.

The Cuban Revolutionary Party (Partido Revolucionario Cubano) strikes a deal with the U.S. Congress; in exchange for the rebels' cooperation with U.S. military intervention, the United States promises to leave Cuba at the end of the war.

The United States acquires Puerto Rico through war and claims it as a territory.

1901

Under the Platt Amendment, the United States limits Cuban independence as written into the Cuban Constitution. The United States reserves the right to build a naval base on Cuba and enforces that Cuba cannot sign treaties with other countries or borrow money unless it is deemed agreeable to the United States. With these parameters in place, the U.S. government hands the government of Cuba over to the Cuban people.

The Federación Libre de los Trabajadores (Workers Labor Federation) becomes affiliated with the American Federation of Labor, which in turn breaks from its prior policy of excluding non-whites.

1910

The Mexican Revolution begins as a revolt against President Porfirio Diaz. The railroads that had once served as a means for trade and development now serve as the main escape from the violence of the revolution.

1917

Puerto Ricans are granted U.S. citizenship.

In February, Congress passes the Immigration Act of 1917, which enforces a literacy requirement on all immigrants.

On April 6, the United States declares war against Germany, joining WWI.

With many able-bodied American men off to war, "temporary" Mexican workers are encouraged and permitted to enter the United States to work.

In May, the Selective Service Act becomes law, obligating Mexican immigrants in the United States to register for the draft even though they are not eligible.

1932

The United States government begins to deport Mexicans. Between 300,000 and 500,000 Mexican Americans would be forced out of the United States in the 1930s.

1943

On August 23, Macario Garcia becomes the first Mexican national to receive a U.S. Congressional Medal of Honor, yet is refused service at the Oasis Café near his home in Texas.

Prompted by the WWII labor shortage, the U.S. government launches an agreement with Mexico to import temporary workers (braceros), to fill the void in agricultural work.

1944

D-Day invasion of Europe on June 6.

The Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 is passed, providing settlements for veterans. Mexican American veterans, however, have trouble receiving these benefits.

Operation Bootstrap, a program initiated by Puerto Rico to encourage industrialization and to meet U.S. labor demands, fuels a large wave of migrant workers to the United States.

1948

Dr. Hector Garcia, a witness to racial injustice, begins holding meetings for Mexican Americans to voice their concerns, and in March they establish a new Mexican American movement: the American GI Forum.

This group gets national attention after a Latino soldier killed in action, Pvt. Felix Z. Longoria, is refused burial in Texas. Then-Senator Lyndon B. Johnson, appalled by this blatant bigotry, makes arrangements for Longoria to be buried at the prestigious Arlington National Cemetery.

1961

On April 17, 1,400 U.S.-trained Cuban exiles invade Cuba-within 72 hours, Fidel Castro's forces easily defeat the Bay of Pigs Invasion.

Aspira (Aspire) is founded to promote the education of Hispanic youth and acquires a national following, serving Puerto Ricans wherever they live in large numbers.

West Side Story is made into a film; the role of Anita goes to a Puerto Rican, Rita Moreno, who takes home an Academy Award for her performance.

Rafael Leonidas Trujillo, dictator of the Dominican Republic, is assassinated in a C.I.A.-backed plot.

1966

Striking workers are subjected to physical and verbal attacks throughout their peaceful demonstrations, and on March 16, the Senate Sub-Committee on Migratory Labor held hearings in Delano.

March 17, the morning following the hearings, Cesar Chavez sets out with 100 farm workers to begin his pilgrimage to the San Joaquin Valley. After 25 days, their numbers swell from hundreds, to an army of thousands.

On Easter Sunday, the state capital is finally in sight. With public sympathy mounting and the spring growing season upon them, growers finally agree to meet with union representatives.

1968

On March 6, a walkout is planned and coordinated among East L.A. high schools. Approximately 10,000 students peacefully walk out of four schools and are joined by parents and supporters. Police are sent to maintain order-and things get out of hand.

Following the police riot, on March 7 the students walk out again. The walkouts continue for two weeks until the demands are met.

Just days after the opening of the HemisFair in San Antonio, Chicano high school students stage walkouts-first in San Antonio, then in 39 towns across Texas, eventually spreading to nearly 100 high schools in 10 states.

Jose Angel Gutierrez is the mastermind behind much of this activism.

1970

Herman Badillo is elected into the U.S. House of Representatives, making him the first Puerto Rican to serve in Congress.

In Crystal City, Texas, Jose Angel Gutierrez forms a political party, La Raza Unida ("The United Race").

Elections in April see an unprecedented victory for Chicanos. Gutierrez is elected county judge and La Raza Unida controls not only the school board, but city and county government as well.

1974

Willie Velasquez of San Antonio organizes thousands of voter registration drives across the Southwest, encouraging the Latino population to vote.

He notices, however, that the problem is not the number of Latino voters, but the electoral system. He later would file voting rights lawsuits-never losing a case.

Congress passes the Equal Educational Opportunity Act to create equality in public schools by offering bilingual education to Hispanic students.

1980

In the spring, Fidel Castro announces that any Cuban who wishes to leave may do so. Shortly after this declaration, a ramshackle armada sails from South Florida to the port of Mariel.

Over a period of five months, more than 125,000 Cubans arrive in South Florida.

The newly arrived Cubans are quickly branded as mentally ill or criminal, following a CBS News story. Although only 4 percent are from mental hospitals, more than 25,000 have criminal records.

The media perpetuates the stereotype of mentally ill or criminal in shows and movies, such as Miami Vice and Scarface.

The English-only campaign comes roaring back, with Emmy Shafer again at the helm. In the 1980 election, voters approve the ordinance to end official bilingualism.

1996

Proposition 187 is ruled unconstitutional, on the grounds that only the federal government has the authority to regulate immigration. Eliseo Medina spearheads the movement to file lawsuits against Proposition 187.

Medina becomes the first Mexican American Vice President of the Service Employees International Union.

2003

Hispanics are pronounced the nation's largest minority group-surpassing African Americans.

CHLI is the premier organization founded by members of Congress to advance the Hispanic Community's Economic Progress with a focus on social responsibility and global competitiveness.

2010

With no new comprehensive federal immigration policy in place, states began to enact their own.

In April, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signs the broadest and toughest anti-illegal immigrant law in U.S. history. The legislation, SB-1070, cracks down on anyone harboring or hiring undocumented immigrants and gives local police unprecedented powers.

Marco Rubio, a second-generation Cuban American, is elected U.S. Senator from Florida.

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1836 On the February 23, Mexico's, Antonio Lopez Santa Anna, takes possession of San Antonio. On March 6, day 13 of the siege, Santa Anna's forces breach the Alamo defenses. All the defenders of the Alamo, 189 men, are killed.

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This only describes some of the health problems faced by Hispanics in the U.S.

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Press Release

Embargoed Until: Tuesday, May 5, 2015, 1:00 p.m. ET
Contact:

The first national study on Hispanic health risks and leading causes of death in the United States by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that similar to non-Hispanic whites (whites), the two leading causes of death in Hispanics are heart disease and cancer. Fewer Hispanics than whites die from the 10 leading causes of death, but Hispanics had higher death rates than whites from diabetes and chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. They have similar death rates from kidney diseases, according to the new Vital Signs.

Health risk can vary by Hispanic subgroup. For example, nearly 66 percent more Puerto Ricans smoke than Mexicans. Health risk also varies partly by whether Hispanics were born in the U.S. or in another country. Hispanics are almost three times as likely to be uninsured as whites. Hispanics in the U.S. are on average nearly 15 years younger than whites, so taking steps now to prevent disease could mean longer, healthier lives for Hispanics.

"Four out of 10 Hispanics die of heart disease or cancer. By not smoking and staying physically active, such as walking briskly for 30 minutes a day, Hispanics can reduce their risk for these chronic diseases and others such as diabetes," said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. "Health professionals can help Hispanics protect their health by learning about their specific risk factors and addressing barriers to care."

This Vital Signs report recommends that doctors, nurses and other health professionals:

Work with interpreters to eliminate language barriers when patients prefer to speak Spanish.

Counsel patients with or at high risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, or cancer on weight control and diet.

Ask patients if they smoke and, if they do, help them quit.

Engage community health workers (promotores de salud) to educate and link people to free or low-cost services.

Hispanic and other Spanish-speaking doctors and clinicians, as well as community health workers or promotores de salud, play a key role in helping to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate outreach to Hispanic patients.

The Vital Signs report used recent national census and health surveillance data to determine differences between Hispanics and whites, and among Hispanic subgroups. Hispanics are the largest racial and ethnic minority group in the U.S. Currently, nearly one in six people living in the U.S. (almost 57 million) is Hispanic, and this is projected to increase to nearly one in four (more than 85 million) by 2035.

Despite lower overall death rates, the study stressed that Hispanics may face challenges in getting the care needed to protect their health. Socio-demographic findings include:

About one in three Hispanics have limited English proficiency;

About one in four Hispanics live below the poverty line, compared with whites; and

About one in three has not completed high school.

These socio-demographic gaps are even wider for foreign-born Hispanics, but foreign-born Hispanics experience better health and fewer health risks than U.S.-born Hispanics for some key health indicators such as cancer, heart disease, obesity, hypertension, and smoking, the report said.

The report also found different degrees of health risk among Hispanic by country of origin:

Mexicans and Puerto Ricans are about twice as likely to die from diabetes as whites. Mexicans also are nearly twice as likely to die from chronic liver disease and cirrhosis as whites.

Smoking overall among Hispanics (14 percent) is less common than among whites (24 percent), but is high among Puerto Rican males (26 percent) and Cuban males (22 percent).

Colorectal cancer screening varies for Hispanics ages 50 to 75 years.

About 40 percent of Cubans get screened (29 percent of men and 49 percent of women).

About 58 percent of Puerto Ricans get screened (54 percent of men and 61 percent of women).

Hispanics are as likely as whites to have high blood pressure. But Hispanic women with high blood pressure are twice as likely as Hispanic men to get it under control.

"This report reinforces the need to sustain strong community, public health, and health care linkages that support Hispanic health," said CDC Associate Director for Minority Health and Health Equity, Leandris C. Liburd, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.A.

Through the Affordable Care Act, more people than ever qualify to get health care coverage that fits their needs and budget, including important preventive services. To learn more, visit HealthCare.gov, CuidadodeSalud.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 (TTY/TDD 1-855-889-4325). Translation services are available.

According to HHS data, the uninsured rate has dropped across all race and ethnicity categories since passage of the Affordable Care Act, with the greatest declines occurring among Hispanics where the uninsured rate dropped by 12.3 percentage points, resulting in 4.2 million Latino adults gaining coverage.

Vital Signs is a report that appears on the first Tuesday of the month as part of the CDC journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The report provides the latest data and information on key health indicators. These are cancer prevention, obesity, tobacco use, motor vehicle passenger safety, prescription drug overdose, HIV/AIDS, alcohol use, health care-associated infections, cardiovascular health, teen pregnancy, and food safety.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

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Press Release Embargoed Until: Tuesday, May 5, 2015, 1:00 p.m. ET Contact: The first national study on Hispanic health risks and leading causes of death in the United States by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that similar to non-Hispanic whites (whites), the two leading causes of death in Hispanics are heart disease and cancer.