Using Lay Health Educators to Map Local Nutrition and Physical Activity Resources for Latinos

Poor nutrition and lack of physical activity are clearly linked to heart disease. Studies suggest that compared to Whites, Latinos consume more grams of fat per day and do not engage in regular physical activity. The nutrition and physical activity habits of Latinos are the result of a complex interaction of factors. Thus, developing Latino-specific interventions that increase access to nutrition information and opportunities to engage in physical activity are critical to reversing obesity and its co-morbidities among Hispanics. The National Council of La Raza (NCLR), in partnership with three community-based organizations (CBOs), tested and evaluated an intervention to better equip Latinos with the resources necessary to improve their food choices and engage in regular physical activity.

NCLR trained promotores de salud (lay health educators) in three cities to conduct environmental scans to identify nutrition and physical activity resources available to, and accessible by, Latinos. Information gathered included: types of food products available locally, quality and price of products, restaurants that offer healthy options, and locations to engage in physical activity. A resource guide was then developed and disseminated to community members during promotores-led heart health sessions and cooking demonstrations which used products obtained from sources in the guide.

Evaluation data was collected through post-tests which measured the usefulness of the information and participants' intent to change as a result of receiving the information. The project's results will be used to create additional programs, inform policy development, and increase our understanding of the nutrition and physical activity-related practices of Hispanics.