Reducing Diabetes and Heart Disease Among U.S.-Mexico Border Communities

University of Arizona: Southwest Center for Community Health

Topics:
Cardiovascular Health | Diabetes | Nutrition & Physical Activity for Adults | Nutrition & Physical Activity for Youth | School Health

Researchers are working to increase the capacity of communities along the U.S.-Mexico border to deliver more comprehensive programs for reducing diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. Among the programs developed is a “one-stop screening” program where women receive comprehensive chronic disease screening during a single medical visit. During the same visit, lay health workers (promotoras) teach the women about diabetes control. Researchers also created a school-based program that resulted in nutritious school meals and increased students’ participation in physical activity. To supplement these activities, community groups brought about changes in school nutrition and physical activity policies and in planned recreation and walking areas. Community members also encouraged some changes in the types of foods sold in nearby stores. Researchers have disseminated this prevention model to other Arizona-Mexico border communities and are conducting ongoing evaluation.

 

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