1. IN PROGRAMS SERVING AT-RISK POPULATIONS, CULTURAL RELEVENCE MATTERS.
ACFN found that programs and initiatives whose missions are to make an impact on obesity and related health issues in at-risk populations are making program components “culturally relevant” — the key to generating participation, enthusiasm and success.
|
||||
In Gallup, NM, the National Indian Youth Leadership Project (NIYLP) involves Native American children in activities from mountain biking to assisting state search and rescue teams, and teaches healthy eating tips within the context of the traditional Native American diet. The project achieves much of its success through both its location in the midst of Native American communities, and by providing an experience the young people of that community crave, according to McClellan Hall, the program director in Gallup. “We provide culturally appropriate rites of passage for kids, who either elect to be involved or are referred by teachers or counselors,” he said at the Albuquerque event. “Children enter our program as kids but emerge as young adults, more willing to go back to the tribes and make a difference in areas of health and wellness.”
The program has been so successful that it has been replicated in more than 50 sites in 16 states and is the only program serving Native Americans that has been designated a “model program” in the prevention field.
A program in inner-city Baltimore for African-American girls leverages a popular activity, jumping rope, as a vehicle for teaching the importance of regular activity and good nutrition. Called Jump Rope, Eat Smart — JumpSmart, late-elementary and early-middle school girls learn skills and create new routines while learning about nutrition.
“We’re leveraging a rich tradition among African-American youths as a vehicle for teaching the importance of long-term wellness.”
Lisa Lachenmayr, program leader, JumpSmart, Baltimore, MD
The program has spread across Baltimore — volunteer instructors are trained on the curricula, then implement the program in their own communities. More than 850 young Baltimore women have been involved. “We’re leveraging a rich tradition among young African-American women as a vehicle for teaching the importance of long-term wellness,” said program leader Lisa Lachenmayr.
In Chicago, La Rabida Children’s Hospital’s FitMatters program, located primarily in an African-American community, is sensitive to cultural values about food and body image. Nutrition education is rooted in valued traditions of “soul food.” Participants learn to put healthier twists on long-cherished recipes for family favorites such as fried fish and sweet potato pie. Physical activity education, some taught by African-American instructors, varies from Caribbean dance to Gospel aerobics — all while being sensitive to the fact that African-American culture is more accepting of fuller body types.
“FitMatters has a two to three month waiting list of families interested in our approach to family lifestyle change,” said Julie N. Germann, Ph.D., of La Rabida Children’s Hospital. The FitMatters program runs year-round and encourages families to participate for a full year.
In Chicago, Kraft Foods sponsors a program called Salsa, Sabor y Salud in conjunction with the National Latino Children’s Institute for Hispanic families with children ages 12 and under. “The program is successful because its basic structure is reflective of the values of Latino culture,” said Lynne Galia, manager of global community involvement for Kraft. “It works with community partners that have earned the trust of the families they serve. And it engages not only parents as caregivers, but, true to Latino culture, it also engages aunts, uncles and neighbors.” The program is written in English and Spanish and encourages families to share healthy recipes and activities with their friends and neighbors. Kraft also sponsors the program in Los Angeles, Miami, New Jersey, New York and San Antonio.
C.H.A.M.P., which stands for Church/Community Health Awareness and Monitoring Program, fights cardiovascular disease among African-Americans in Baltimore. C.H.A.M.P. addresses treatable risk factors such as high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol through outlets and activities that are particularly relevant to the community. For instance, one C.H.A.M.P. program trains church ministers and cooks to modify menus to serve heart-healthier meals at fellowship events. Another, the annual Health Freedom Walk, follows an “underground railroad” through Baltimore, marketing the event as a journey to freedom from the community’s burden of poor health.
Volunteers from the community are recruited as part of C.H.A.M.P. and trained on health screening and monitoring. “Our volunteers can identify with the challenges faced by their neighbors,” said Ina Glenn-Smith. “That’s why our program works.”
|
||||
In Oklahoma City, OK, a local branch of a federal program called Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health — REACH 2010 — addresses cardiovascular disease, diabetes prevention and other the health priorities of local Native Americans. According to data compiled by the Oklahoma State Department of Health Chronic Disease Service, Native Americans in Oklahoma are three times more likely to have diabetes than non-Hispanic whites of similar age. The Oklahoma Native American REACH 2010 Project conducts multiple activities such as placing trained and certified fitness professionals in schools and tribal communities, and implementing tribal worksite policies that encourage physical activity in various settings. “Our success is providing each of our participating tribes/nations and urban Indian health care center with the right tools and information to develop their own approaches, specific to their needs,” explained Mary Massey-Douglas of the Oklahoma State Department of Health.