Whether you have been on the U.S. mainland for 500 years or five hours, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich cultural traditions that connect us to one another and have endured through the generations.
These practices are not only enjoyed by our families, community and society at large, but can also help to address health concerns experienced by many Hispanics. Some of these conditions are more well known than others, such as type 2 diabetes, arthritis, maintaining a healthy weight, and asthma. Other conditions that impact Hispanics more often but are overlooked include liver disease, cervical cancer, and tobacco and nicotine product use among Hispanic youth.
As a first line of defense, the Hispanic tradition of strong family ties can support healthier living and help prevent chronic diseases. This close-knit social structure is a source of strength through life’s ups and downs. Extending this family support system to include helping each other make healthier lifestyle choices around food and physical activity, as well as tobacco, alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverage avoidance, can make an important difference. Traditional foods and dishes that incorporate fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as time-honored staples such as beans, corn, and squash, provide essential nutrients and are low in unhealthy fats and sugars. Finding ways to incorporate more of these healthy options into everyday meal planning can help weight management, prevent illness, and improve overall health. When it comes to physical activity, popular activities like soccer, dancing and Zumba – a combination of Latin dance music and aerobic exercise – provide opportunities to help strengthen the heart, increase stamina, alleviate feelings of depression and anxiety, and maintain a healthy weight. The key is to make these passions part of a person’s regular routine. As a start, these activities can be enjoyed at local community centers, churches, dance venues or at home by simply moving while watching television or listening to music.
While healthy traditions and activities are a strong foundation, reaching a healthier future also requires efforts throughout our public health and health care systems to ensure:
- Access to comprehensive health insurance and a usual source of care from trusted providers.
- Health promotion and disease prevention strategies, interventions, programs and materials (in both English and Spanish) that resonate with Hispanic heritage, communities and families, incorporate cultural nuances for each community, and enhance understanding and adoption of healthy behaviors.
- Research on Hispanic health to better understand the unique health strengths, needs, and challenges that can inform targeted interventions and policy decisions.
- Long-term, meaningful partnerships between the larger public health community (government, healthcare providers, health insurers, and other stakeholders) and trusted Hispanic community organizations, clinics, and leaders to foster an increase in the uptake of healthy habits.
- Investment in local Hispanic-serving organizations and community health workers, also known as promotores de salud, to bridge the gap in trust between the larger health care system and communities.
- Access to affordable, healthy foods in Hispanic communities, including farmers’ markets, community gardens, and nutrition assistance programs to help pave the way to healthier eating habits.
- Access to places where families and people of all ages and sizes can enjoy physical activities.
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time for everyone to celebrate and reaffirm the culture and traditions of the Hispanic community. It is also an opportunity to reflect on how these cultural strengths can be leveraged to address health concerns and promote healthier lifestyles. By integrating more culturally-based health services into our health systems, we have the opportunity to reduce the prevalence and impact of chronic disease, improve the quality of life for individuals and families, and help ensure healthier lives for current and future generations. For more information on ways to support your and your family’s health and wellbeing, or to find a health provider near you, please contact the Su Familia National Hispanic Family Health Helpline at 1-866-783-2645.
