HISPANIC HEALTH

By Hilda Burch

The Rowan County Health Department (RCHD) is committed to the community and is focusing on one of its missions: to prepare valuable information and material that will empower our community to take control of their health and wellbeing.

The fourth Friday of this month, the Health Department is having an event, Salud Hispana. This program is aimed at the rapidly growing Hispanic population that needs access to credible health information.

This month RCHD wants to raise awareness of how an unhealthy diet could be a detriment to health. Therefore, we are offering an educational event to help the community obtain knowledge of nutrition. This health information will help people improve their health and quality of life. Also, informed individuals will be able to share good health behaviors with other people in their communities.

Along with WIC and its valuable staff, RCHD is hosting a monthly educational event for the Hispanic community to participate in. RCHD is giving the community the opportunity to ask questions of their concerns.

The first new and exciting program will help youth and families maintain a healthy weight. It will be held Sept. 25  in the Community Room at the Rowan County Health Department from 12:20 to 12:50 p.m., and it will be conducted by Pam Jordan from WIC and Hilda Burch, Spanish interpreter.

There will be a short health education presentation followed by a longer question and answer session. The event Salud Hispana will present the following themes:

• Child size portion- Distortion, what you’re served, what’s one serving.
• Enjoy small portions at home and at restaurants
• Calories- sugar and beverages.
• Healthy snacks
• How to increase healthy meals

RCHD is where people can obtain needed health information and take care of their health concerns. Not only will the Health Department offer educational information, but motivation to continue with healthy habits. The Health Department can help people improve their health and reach their goals that will bring satisfaction and rewarding experiences in the long run. The Health Department will work together with the community in a number of ways to directly address the critical problems of health in our community. Salud Hispania is one of those ways.

For more information or questions about Salud Hispana call 704-216-8822 (Hilda Burch-Spanish interpreter) or visit RCHD located at 1811 E. Innes St. The Rowan County Health Department website is www.rowancountync.gov/healthdepartment. You may also visit the WIC web site at www.nutritionnc.com.

We look forward to the chance to work with our community on this exciting new opportunity.