Joy Williams, Chief and Maria E. Cepeda HPR II:

Obesity Prevention in the Hispanic Community

Department of Health and Senior Services, Office of Minority Health

Abstract:

One of the major priorities for the Office of Minority health is to identify health issues; to assist in departmental policy development; and recommend strategies to reduce the increased incidence of obesity in Minority Communities. Obesity has been linked to many chronic diseases that are affecting the Hispanic Community in Missouri such is diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer and some mental health issues. To document current situation, we conducted seven focus groups in the Hispanic Communities around the state: Springfield, St. Louis, Kansas City, Milan, Marshall, Columbia and Jefferson City. The goal of these small focus groups was to identify and develop viable, culturally sensitive strategies and alternative, which address the obesity in the Hispanic population. This session will address the opportunities and constraints that Hispanic Community has experience, how current health policies eating and physical activity habits, and strategies that foster positive quality of health.