¡Juntos por una Vida Saludable!

Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Program

Can you describe how the LAA's "Juntos por una Vida Saludable" program is bringing together the community? And how it is promoting healthy eating/lifestyle in the Hispanic community?

“Juntos por una Vida Saludable” is a groundbreaking initiative by the Latin American Association, in collaboration with the Hispanic Federation's ¡Juntos por una Vida Saludable! Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Program.

This transformative three-year program combines a CDC-approved lifestyle change curriculum with culturally relevant services. It goes beyond conventional methods by incorporating activities such as Zumba classes, WhatsApp support groups, family-focused dynamics, diverse culinary traditions, and mental health education and referrals. Our holistic approach also includes app-based monitoring to effectively reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

LAA staff, trained by the Emory Center for Public Health Training and Technical Assistance, serve as lifestyle coaches for the National Diabetes Prevention Program - Preventing Type 2 curriculum.

Participants engage in a year-long intervention divided into two stages, designed to foster healthy eating and physical activity habits. The program emphasizes the adoption and maintenance of these habits, ensuring lasting improvements in overall health.

Health Outcomes and Metrics: How does "Juntos por una Vida Saludable" measure success in terms of participant health outcomes, such as weight loss or A1C levels?

Our primary aim is to empower individuals to take control of their health by addressing the key factors contributing to type 2 diabetes. We strive to reduce at least 5% of program participants starting weight, lose at least 4% of their starting weight and log an average of 150 minutes (about 2 and a half hours) of activity each week OR lower their A1C (also known as HbA1C) by 0.2%.

Engagement Strategies: What unique activities, such as Zumba or WhatsApp chats, do you use to maintain participant engagement over the long term?

“Juntos por una Vida Saludable” is all about community! We understand that starting a healthy lifestyle can be challenging, especially for those without prior education on the subject. That's why we make our classes dynamic and engaging. Participants form meaningful partnerships, providing and receiving support, fostering a sense of responsibility, and commitment to health. This sense of camaraderie helps them stay motivated and feel supported throughout their lifestyle changes.

Our programming includes cooking demonstrations, group walks, dancing to Spanish music, and much more, making the journey to better health enjoyable and culturally relevant.

Selection Criteria for Healthy Products: What specific criteria do you follow when choosing healthy food?

In the "Juntos por una Vida Saludable" program by the Latin American Association, we follow specific criteria to promote a nutritious and balanced diet. We prioritize nutrient-dense foods rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein, while being low in added sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats. This includes fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Cultural relevance is key; we select foods familiar and significant to our participants, incorporating traditional ingredients and recipes that are both healthy and culturally appropriate. We emphasize natural, minimally processed foods to avoid added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives.

A vital part of our program is teaching participants how to read food labels. This skill is a game changer, enabling families to make informed choices in the supermarket and select healthier options. By providing this knowledge, we empower participants to maintain a healthy diet independently.

Through these criteria, the "Juntos por una Vida Saludable" program ensures that the food choices we promote are not only healthy but also enjoyable and sustainable for our participants.

Program Community Collaboration: Can you provide an overview of how the "Juntos por una Vida Saludable" program collaborates with local businesses and the community to promote healthy lifestyle changes? What benefits can these collaborations bring to Hispanic businesses, specifically supermercardos, carnicerias, taquerias, and restaurants?

Currently, we do not partner with supermarkets. However, we welcome support for our 'Juntos Por Una Vida Saludable' initiative. If you are interested in collaborating, please reach out to us at thelaa.org. We actively work with community agencies, including clinics, registered dietitians, and other health experts, to support our initiatives.

Educational Methods: What methods does your program use to educate and engage the Hispanic community about the importance of a healthy lifestyle?

We offer dynamic and interactive classes, including cooking demonstrations, group walks, and dance sessions to Spanish music, making health education enjoyable, culturally relevant and budget friendly. Participants form supportive cohorts, fostering a sense of responsibility and commitment to healthy living.

Our curriculum, approved by the CDC, ensures that the information we provide is reliable and effective. We teach practical skills like reading food labels, empowering families to make healthier choices. By incorporating traditional foods and family dynamics, we make the content relatable and applicable.

We also use technology providing app-based tools for tracking progress. Our staff, trained by the Emory Center for Public Health Training and Technical Assistance, serve as lifestyle coaches, offering expert advice and personalized support.

Through these methods, we effectively promote sustainable healthy lifestyle changes in the Hispanic community.

Educational Impact: How should a business owner educate their customers about the benefits of healthy eating, and how can they leverage this understanding to create profitable returns to their business?

A business owner can educate their customers about the benefits of healthy eating by implementing several strategies, ensuring that the approach is both informative and engaging. This can also be leveraged to create profitable returns for the business.

Firstly, providing educational content is key. This can be done through digital or in-person workshops, cooking demonstrations, and social media content that highlight the nutritional benefits of healthy eating. Incorporating this education into the customer experience helps build awareness and encourages healthier choices.

Most importantly, offering choices is crucial. A diverse menu that includes healthy options alongside regular offerings ensures that customers can make informed decisions. Clearly labeling healthy choices and highlighting their benefits

Preserving Cultural Heritage: How do you maintain the authenticity and cultural significance of traditional Hispanic dishes while adapting them to healthier standards?

Maintaining the authenticity of traditional Hispanic dishes while promoting healthier standards is integral to the Latin American Association's program, "Juntos por una Vida Saludable." By incorporating nutritious cultural foods like fresh produce and lean proteins, and encouraging creative cooking methods such as grilling or baking, the program preserves cultural significance while enhancing nutritional value. Community involvement through cooking workshops fosters pride in culinary heritage and ensures relevance to cultural values. Through these strategies, the program effectively balances tradition with health, empowering participants to enjoy flavorful meals while prioritizing their well-being.

Consumer Favorites: Could you share examples of healthy dishes or products that have become favorites among those who have been participating in the program? What makes these choices popular? Because it is just customizing what they already have and know to use and without sacrificing their cultural identity

Participants of "Juntos por una Vida Saludable," have embraced healthy dishes and products that align with their cultural identity while promoting better nutrition. Many have customized traditional recipes, incorporating nutritious ingredients like fresh produce and lean proteins without sacrificing flavor or authenticity. These choices have become favorites because they allow participants to continue enjoying the flavors they love while making healthier choices. Also, the emphasis on budget-friendly options ensures accessibility for all participants, regardless of economic background. By empowering individuals to adapt familiar dishes to meet their health goals, the program fosters a sense of ownership and pride in culinary traditions while promoting overall well-being.

Looking Ahead: What future trends do you anticipate in healthy eating within the Hispanic community, and how should businesses evolve to meet these trends?

We foresee a growing consciousness among families regarding the importance of health and nutrition. As individuals become more informed about the benefits of healthy eating, they will likely share this knowledge within their communities, sparking a collective movement towards healthier lifestyles. This shift will involve making choices that not only benefit their own well-being but also positively impact the lives of their children and the wider community.

Businesses should evolve to meet these emerging trends by offering a diverse range of healthy options that are culturally relevant. This means incorporating traditional ingredients and recipes into healthier menu items and products. Providing choices is crucial, as it allows customers to select options that align with their dietary preferences and health goals. By adapting their offerings to cater to the evolving needs of the Hispanic community, businesses can position themselves as allies in promoting health and wellness while also appealing to a broader customer base.