Health Services
Obesity and Chronic Diseases
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 such as heart
disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. Those who have obesity are at higher
risk for other chronic diseases such as:
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, heart disease, and other chronic
diseases.
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
46%
Hispanic adults affected by obesity in the U.S.
26.2%
Hispanic children affected by obesity in the U.S.
15%
Childhood obesity rate in Indiana
48.6%
Adults with heart disease in the U.S.
17%
Hispanic adults with type 2 diabetes in the U.S.
39%
Hispanic adults with high blood pressure in the U.S.
Ofrecemos los siguientes servicios
La NIHHC trabaja para superar barreras y hacer frente a las enfermedades crónicas en
niños y adultos a través de los exámenes de salud y los programas educativos que
empoderan a la comunidad a tomar decisiones más sanas, crear hábitos saludables, y
tomar control de su salud.
Exámenes de Salud Preventivos y Vacunaciones
La NIHHC ofrece una variedad de exámenes de salud y vacunaciones de manera
gratuita o a un bajo costo. Los exámenes de salud preventivos pueden ayudarle a
identificar condiciones de salud antes de que comience a presentar síntomas, y cuando
estas pueden ser más fáciles de tratar. Las vacunas lo protegen de infecciones que
pueden causar o empeorar condiciones de salud crónicas. Los Promotores de Salud
bilingües de la NIHHC lo ayudarán a entender los resultados de sus exámenes y a
determinar los próximos pasos a seguir.
Recursos Educativos
La NIHHC ofrece recursos educativos en español con información sobre cómo reducir
la obesidad y prevenir enfermedades crónicas. Estos recursos incluyen videos, folletos
y otros materiales informativos.
Servicio de Referidos
Nuestras Promotoras de Salud pueden referirlo a servicios de salud locales asequibles
y apropiados a sus necesidades, atención médica primaria, servicios sociales, e
instituciones médicas.
Servicios de Interpretación
Tenemos servicios de interpretación disponible para citas médicas. El personal bilingüe
de la NIHHC está capacitado en sensibilidad cultural y conocimientos en temas de
salud, y pueden ayudarle a conseguir los servicios apropiados.
Educational Programs
Healthy Hearts
Healthy Hearts
The Healthy Hearts program aims to prevent childhood obesity
by teaching students in 4th through 6th grades about the heart,
nutrition, and exercise, empowering them with the tools
needed to make healthier decisions.
• Increase knowledge regarding health issues associated
with high intake of sugar, fat, and sodium in students’ daily
diets
• Encourage ownership of students’ health by self-managing
daily habits and increasing healthy food consumption and
physical activity
• Empower students to become role models for their
families, so together, they can lead healthier lifestyles
Por Tu Familia (For Your Family)
The Por Tu Familia program (“For Your Family”) aims to address risk factors associated with
heart disease by promoting self-management of healthy habits.
• A healthcare professional leads sessions on chronic health conditions such as diabetes,
obesity, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
• Professional instructors lead group fitness activities, such as Zumba or yoga.
• A chef prepares a healthy recipe or a session of reading nutritional labels is facilitated.