Online Program

290961
African American health spa: Healthy is beautiful


Sunday, November 3, 2013

Lydia Guzman, MPH, RD, San Mateo County Health System, San Mateo, CA
African-American women are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as a result of obesity. Health information alone does not often result in positive behavior change; individuals need to be highly motivated and require social support. Physical appearance is a great motivator for women across cultures. Objective: To develop an obesity prevention intervention for African-American women that motivates dietary and physical activity behavior changes. Method: A three hour intervention “Health Spa” was developed to be culturally relevant to African-American women. Because women of all cultures are highly motivated by physical appearance, we introduce the concept “healthy is beautiful” by relating physical appearance with nutrition and physcial activity. Participants enjoy spa-like activities such as sweet potato facials and a strawberry hand scrubs while being encouraged to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetable with properties known to impact the health and appearance of the hair and skin. They learn the importance of exercise and weight management to reduce the risk of developing PCOS whose symptoms may include excess facial hair, acne, hair loss and infertility. Participants create an individual action plan outlining their personal goals and strategies for change. Results: Participants reported an average of two dietary changes such as incorporating more fruits and vegetables in their diet, drinking more water, reducing the intake of soft drinks and generally making healthier choices. Conclusion: The program generates ethnic pride, motivation, and the community support to facilitate positive behavior changes and reduce the risk of obesity.

Learning Areas:

Chronic disease management and prevention
Diversity and culture
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related education
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
List three ways to motivate African American women to adopt a healthy lifestyle Discuss the association of PCOS,obesity and physical appearance Design a cultually specific obesity prevention program for women

Keyword(s): African American, Chronic Diseases

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I developed the "Health Spa" concept and have been conducting programs for the past ten years in low income communities with great success. I have also conducted train the trainer workshops to share the program with other communities. Curriculum has also been modified for various ethnic groups. I'm a health educator and a registered dietitian with many years of experience working with diverse populations.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.