Improving Community Health Outcomes
Salsa, Sabor y Salud (Food, Fun and Fitness) Program
The Need
Obesity and related diseases (including diabetes, hypertension, cancer and heart
disease) are rising at an alarming rate. Women and persons of low socioeconomic
status within the Hispanic and African-American minority populations are disproportionately
affected by obesity. Obesity in kids is now epidemic in the United States. The
number of children who are overweight has doubled in the last two to three decades;
currently one child in five is overweight. Particularly alarming is the fact
that obese children now have diseases like Type 2 diabetes that used to only
occur in adults. Cultural factors that influence dietary and exercise behaviors
play a major role in the development of excess weight in minority groups.
How SCI Helps
SCI has several health and wellness programs focusing on the African American
and Latino families. For the Latino population, SCI’s Salsa, Sabor y Salud
offers programming for nutrition and physical education in a culturally relevant,
fun way that engages the entire family. The program specifically addresses the
cultural factors that influence dietary and exercise behaviors. Salsa, Sabor,
Y Salud is offered within the South Lawndale community at 2 local Chicago Park
District facilities where the Latino population resides.
The National Latino Children’s Institute, with support from Kraft Foods, developed the curriculum which incorporates interactive lessons, family food preparation and fun, physical activities in a way that honors Latino traditions—such as gathering the family for meals, el paseo (families strolling together) and involving the extended family in daily life. Over the course of eight weekly sessions, the Salsa, Sabor y Salud program helps families learn small steps to change their daily routines and eating habits that will add up to major lifestyle improvements.
The program is fully bi-lingual, and participants are split into three different groups—adults, children aged 8-12 and children aged 3-7. Each meeting consists of a nutritional activity and a movement activity like dancing. The groups come together at the end of each session for healthy refreshments and a group physical activity. Four key messages are emphasized at all of the meetings:
- eat from each of the five food groups every day;
- eat sensible food portions;
- be physically active every day; and
- take small steps for long-term success
SCI supplements the program by giving participants educational materials to improve awareness of the high risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other obesity related diseases. Health screenings for diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure are also offered at the beginning and end of each eight-week session. We see the positive results the program is achieving.
