La Vida Sana, La Vida Feliz – An innovative wellness program for Latinas

In the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago, 35 percent of adults are overweight, exceeding the national average of 24 percent. Only 33 percent of adult females in Humboldt Park are moderately active and 30 percent of residents do not understand nutrition guidelines. In response to this crisis, a Federally Qualified Community Health Center in Chicago and a grassroots community organization collaboratively developed the La Vida Sana, La Vida Feliz (Healthy Life, Happy Life) program to respond to this community's needs.

The program's objective is to promote a healthy weight in Latinas who face several barriers to weight loss such as access to healthy foods, time, economic resources, family commitments and motivation. The program was specifically designed to address such issues. The goals are to reduce the BMI, cholesterol, waist and blood pressure of participants, increase nutrition and fitness knowledge, provide access to healthy foods and activities and provide motivational support. Project activities are conducted by Promotoras de Salud to ensure interventions are culturally competent. Throughout eight sessions women learn about nutrition, exercise and stress management, participate in discussions about body image and depression and set bi-weekly goals for themselves. Participants receive calendars of free healthy activities offered by program partners, facilitating access to physical activities and healthy food resources.

Pre- and post-tests measure knowledge and behavior change, cholesterol and self-efficacy. Weight, waist and blood pressure measurements are taken at three points and three- and six-month follow-up is performed. Since 2007 over 400 women have participated in this program.