Oral

The Hispanic population represents approximately 13% of the United States population (Census, 2000). Census projections estimate a tremendous growth in the proportion of people who consider them self to be Hispanic. Lack of health care, barriers to access and use of care, and linguistic and cultural issues are factors which may influence the disproportional burden of chronic and infectious diseases. The purpose of this session is to highlight the myriad factors related to health and well-being of Latino youth specifically assessing risk and taking action. This session is relevant to public health leaders interested in responding to the health status of youth in the Hispanic community.

Session Objectives: 1.Learn effective communication strategies to engage Latino parents in advocacy for family health 2.Understand the culturally key elements related to parent’s increased knowledge and self-efficacy in asthma management 3.Describe potential reasons for high risk prolonged bottle feeding and iron deficiency anemia among Mexican-American toddlers 4.Present best practice model for working with Latinas to increase their knowledge and behaviors with regard to multivitamins, folic acid and birth defects 5.Identify the “epidemiologic paradox” in relation to nativity and low birth weight outcomes

CE Credits: CME, Health Education (CHES), Nursing