McMeen Elementary

Weekly Message from Nurse Miriam

05/03/23, 10:02 AM

May is nationally recognized as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Did you know that the continent of Asia consists of 51 countries!? Countries in East and Southeast Asia are more commonly known as Asian, such as China, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Less commonly know as Asian are regions like Western Asia, which includes countries such as Turkey and Syria, Central Asia, which includes countries such as Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, and South Asia, which includes countries such as India and Afghanistan. Examples of countries in the Pacific Island region are Philippines and Guam. 

According to the United States Census Bureau, in May 2022, 20.6 million people in the U.S. identified as Asian, Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. There have been many amazing people that have contributed great to the United States and the entire world who identify as Asian, Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. As you all know, I like to highlight individuals who have had an impact in the world of health. Meet Katherine Luzuriaga, MD:

Katherine Luzuriaga, MD was named one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2013. Dr. Luzuriaga is a board certified Filipino American physician and pediatric immunologist. Dr. Luzuriaga was a member of a team of researchers who developed a breakthrough in a "functional cure" for newborns who develop AIDS after it being transmitted to them by their mother via birth.  You can read more about this amazing Filipino American doctor here.

If you'd like some ideas on how you and your family can celebrate this month of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage, you can click on this link from the website of Boys and Girls Clubs of America. 

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Nurse Miriam