Health Services
Obesity
Obesity is a serious chronic disease that has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Childhood obesity is of particular concern. Obese children, as young as 12 years old, are being treated for health conditions previously seen in adults aged 40 and over.
For Hispanic and other communities of color, obesity rates continue to be significantly higher than the general population. Obesity is linked to serious health consequences. Those who have obesity are at higher risk for:
Heart Disease
High Cholesterol
High Blood Pressure
Type 2 Diabetes
Sleep Apnea
Social and Psychological Problems such as Stigmatization and Depression
Community members face many barriers to healthy meals and active lifestyles, which can significantly reduce the incidence of obesity. Some barriers include:
Poverty or Economic Hardship
Social Isolation
Limited Access to Healthy Food
Limited Access to Open Leisure Spaces
Lack of Access to Preventative Health Care
47%
Obesity rate in the adult Hispanic population in the U.S.
20.7%
Hispanic children affected by obesity
16.7%
Childhood obesity rate in Indiana
Services Offered
NIHHC works to overcome barriers and address obesity in children and adults through preventative health screenings and educational programs that empower them to make healthier decisions, build healthy habits, and take ownership of their health.
Health Screenings
NIHHC offers a variety of health screenings free of cost or at low cost. Health screenings can help you identify health conditions before you have symptoms, when they may be easier to treat. NIHHC’s bilingual staff will help you understand your results and determine next steps. Learn more >
Education
NIHHC offers educational resources in Spanish regarding information on reducing the incidence of obesity. Resources include informational videos and other informative materials. Learn More >
Referrals
Our bilingual certified Community Health Workers (CHWs) can refer you to affordable and appropriate health care services in our area, including physicians, social workers, and health care facilities. Learn more >
Interpretation Services
Interpretation services are available for health care services. NIHHC’s bilingual staff who are trained in cultural sensitivity and health-related services can assist you with getting access to the health care services you need. Learn more >
Educational Programs
Healthy Hearts
The Healthy Hearts program is an education intervention program that addresses childhood obesity. The program was developed and written by NIHHC’s Executive Director, Liliana Quintero, to teach students in 4th through 6th grades about the heart and the importance of healthy nutrition and exercise. Through lectures and hands-on activities, this program aims to prevent childhood obesity by empowering students with the knowledge needed to make healthier decisions and to become role models for their own families as stewards of good health. Students learn how the heart works; the five healthy food groups and appropriate portion sizes; how the intake of sugar, sodium, and fat impacts our health; how to read food labels; and how exercise can be fun.
Por Tu Familia (For Your Family)
The Por Tu Familia program aims to address risk factors associated with heart disease by promoting the self-management of healthy habits. It is structured through the DEEP (Diabetes Empowerment Education Program) curriculum and offers health education on high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. Por Tu Familia takes a holistic approach in promoting healthy lifestyles in families through emphasis on healthy nutrition and exercise. A health care professional leads the lectures on health conditions, and professional instructors lead fitness and nutrition instruction through group activities, such as Zumba or a cooking demonstration. Parents of students participating in Healthy Hearts are encouraged to attend the Por Tu Familia program.