Study: Immigrant Hispanics less stressed, healthier

According to a recent article on CNN, immigrant Hispanics are less stressed and healthier than American-born Hispanics. The study, published in the Du Bois Review: Social Science Research on Race, found that in addition to education and income disparities, higher levels among Hispanics and African-Americans leads to worse health outcomes among those populations.

he study was conducted by Harvard School of Public Health researchers using data from 3,105 adults in the Chicago Community Adult Health Study.

1 in 7 Americans rely on food stamps

An article on CNN discusses the current reality of poverty in the United States. With one in seven Americans on food stamps, the number of food stamp recipients has increased by 16% over the last year. The article includes a video that is entitled, "Unemployed, kids and an empty fridge." The short video shows participants of Witnesses to Hunger - which documents participants' struggles in food insecure environments. The video provides an eye-opening look at how three women struggle to ensure that their children are properly fed and sheltered.

Doctors slash patients' lab-test costs

An interesting article on the CNN website details how a doctor decided to push forward to find an innovative way to help his clients who had trouble paying for expensive laboratory tests. Dr. Doug Lefton connected with LabCorp and PrePaidLab LLC and was able to develop a relationship that helped cut the costs for lab tests dramatically. For example, a lipid panel in Lefton's area can cost close to $150 for someone who is uninsured. Patients can now get the same test for $18. The test results are sent securely to both the patient and the doctor so that both can review the results before the patient's next visit.

Except in New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island, anyone in the U.S. can use this service. There are no income guidelines. In my opinion, this sounds like a win-win for helping the underserved gain access to the tests they need to properly manage their health.