A recent study shows that Puerto Ricans have the highest chance of chronic illness among all Latino groups in the US, followed by Mexican Americans. In fact, 3 out of 10 Puerto Ricans have chronic illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease.

Overall, Hispanic adults in the US have poorer health than non-Hispanic adults. The study showed that 16.8 percent of Latino adults in the U.S. have fair or poor health ratings vs 11.9 percent of non-Hispanic adults.

Here is an article discussing this study in more depth: http://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/among-latino-groups-puerto-ricans-mexican-american-poorer-health-n594401

While all women are at risk of developing heart disease, Hispanic women have a slightly high risk than average. In fact, Hispanic women are more prone to develop heart disease ten years younger than their non-Hispanic peers.

Heart disease remains the number one killer among women in the US and 1 in 3 deaths can be attributed to it.

Experts suggest simple ways to decrease risks including learning about family history of health problems, eating better and staying active.

To learn more, visit this link: http://www.latinpost.com/articles/116867/20160229/hispanic-women-greater-heart-disease-risk.htm

According to a recent study, US Hispanics are more likely to have diabetes than other segments of the population. Here are some tips to help you prevent or delay diabetes:

1) Set small challenges for yourself that you can achieve. A series of small goals can lead to big improvements.

2) Team up with other people for support.

3) If you are overweight, just try to lose 5-7% of your current weight.

4) Make healthier food choices every day. Choose foods with fiber such as fruits and vegetables.

5) Make the time to prepare healthier foods.

6) Cut down on food portion sizes.

7) Choose water instead of soda or juice.

8) Increase your activity by walking more often.

9) Get active every day.

10) Educate yourself on diabetes prevention. Take ownership for your health.

The first national study of Hispanic health risks showed that Hispanics fare somewhat better than their non-Hispanic white peers in terms of health, even while carrying heavier financial burdens that might limit their access to adequate health care.

The two leading causes of death in Hispanics are cancer and heart disease but Hispanics are 50% more likely to die from diabetes and chronic liver disease than non-Hispanics in the US and are more likely to suffer from obesity.

A doctor associated with the study, Dr. Ken Dominguez, MPH, stated that the increased risk of diabetes and obesity is not genetic but likely associated with socioeconomic factors.

Strangely, American-born Hispanics are unhealthier than Hispanics who were born in other countries. That is partly true because they are more likely to smoke.

For more information, click here: http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/05/health/hispanic-health/