The United States Surgeon General was in Salt Lake City Wednesday to speak to a national convention of Latin American citizens.

By 2020, an estimated 1 in 5 Americans –or 20% of the U.S. population- will be Hispanic.  This growth, coupled with the impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will dramatically change the Hispanic health and wellness landscape.  Historically, pharmaceutical companies and health insurance providers have not focused on the U.S. Hispanic market.  But we are already seeing shifts in the health care sector as providers look to secure their fair share of the 10 million Hispanics newly eligible for insurance.  Their new efforts to reach this population are evidenced by increased investments in highly targeted advertising, health fairs and even community offices designed to cater to Hispanics. 

For the first time ever, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a report specifically on the state of Latino health in the U.S.

Despite recent progress in improving Hispanics’ access to quality healthcare, according to The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, ethnic disparities continue to persist with Hispanics falling further behind other ethnic groups.

Time yourself as you get ready for bed tonight—including how long it takes to change into your pajamas, wash your face, brush your teeth, etc. Statistics indicate that the time you spend as part of your nightly routine might be longer than your next visit to the physician. Specifically, a study in 2013 revealed that newer physicians spend an average of eight minutes with a patient. Perhaps you can attest to this reality, and have experienced the feeling of just walking into a physician’s office when the visit is already over.