Exploring Cyberspace Part Two: Ten More Linkroll Additions

This week I continue my cyberspace exploration in hopes of finding even more resources aimed toward health-care issues in the Latin American and Hispanic communities. Once again, this post will serve as an introduction of ten new features in my linkroll, which is located to the left of the screen. Presenting brief, yet critical evaluations of these websites based on criteria implemented by Webby Awards, I will use this post to demonstrate a sense of the multitude of helpful information available on the internet that spotlights minority health issues.

I have chosen to evaluate each recently added item as it appears in alphabetical order in my linkroll. The first link this week comes from the American Diabetes Association, which not only serves as a wonderful tool to find information on diabetes, but also includes a Latino component aimed specifically toward the Hispanic community. With segments such as “Recipe of the Day” and “For Your Family” (“Por Tu Familia”), the site is accommodatingly interactive. Next on the linkroll is the Arizona Department of Health Services Office of Boarder Health. Gathering information about immigration and healthcare, both of which are hot topics this election year, may demonstrate to be essential in understanding the Latin American culture. Although the home page is less than captivating, the large amount of detailed information, including numerous studies, appear to be quite beneficial. Another site with interesting and current data on Latinos comes from the Center for Multicultural Mental Health Research. Even though it could use an update in terms of its appeal, this should not deter visitors from browsing the valuable research and resources tabs. An additional linkroll item that supplies interesting studies is called Health Consequences of Mexican Migration to the United States. One minor drawback is that the data is not as current as would be expected. Another negative aspect is that many of the publications are not offered for download. Overall, MexMaH.com can be used as a stepping-stone to more helpful and current research sites. One of the better additions this week, from the National Center for Farmworker Health, Inc., was a lucky discovery. Not only is it surprisingly full of interesting background information about the organization, but it also includes useful segments like “Monthly Topics” that address issues such as asthma and tuberculosis. The subsequent item is not directly aimed at the Hispanic community but can be functional because it focuses on minority health. Even though it can be helpful, the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities’ lack of organization and appealing design hinders its overall effectiveness. The next adjunct is presented by the National Council of La Raza. This organization states that they are an advocacy and civil rights group, but the health section of their site is definitely worth visiting. Furthermore, because health is not their only concern, visitors may also be inclined to browse other sections, such as Immigration and Education, as well. Padres Contra el Cancer or Parents against Cancer (pictured above) offers one of the most attractive overall experiences. With support from Hispanic stars like Eva Longoria and Beto Cuevas it may appear as if the experience may lack substance. Fortunately, the array of resource links, including government links, proves to be helpful. Next comes an item from the Pew Hispanic Center. Priding itself on research concerning Latinos, the organization exhibits topics such as Politics and Education. The health element under the resources tab is also a practical component. The fact that the site is updated often makes this a great appendage to the linkroll. Lastly, the Office of Minority Health page, which is a constituent of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services site, provides visitors with numerous links to services and campaign/initiative information. Overall, the navigability is both user-friendly and useful. Hopefully my entire linkroll will be a positive asset for my readers as they continue to read my blog. I look forward to making use of these websites in future posts.

Excessive Amounts of Television Ads and Obesity: Precursors for Diabetes among Hispanic Children?

This week I am delving back into the topic of diabetes, which seems at the forefront of health issues for many people around the country, not just Hispanics. Diabetes is a very serious disease that affects people of all ethnicities. The reasons it has become so prevalent among Hispanics and Latinos are three-fold; genetic, socioeconomic and cultural. Anyone with a family history of diabetes is at a higher risk of developing the disease in their lifetime. Although genes can serve as warning signs, they do not set the future in stone. There are many factors that can influence the development of the illness. Diseases such as diabetes can be caused by both genetic and environmental factors. The fact that many Hispanics and Latinos come from low income families affects the amount of resources available to them not only in terms of their healthcare but also in terms of education and nutrition. It seems that these days, more and more organizations are trying to spread the word to minorities about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Not only are groups providing more information, many try to provide free services to underserved communities. For example, Community Health Involvement Project (CHIP), which is a student run organization at the University of Southern California that I am a member of, sets up weekly health sites in locations around the Los Angeles area to provide blood pressure and blood glucose screenings. For those who present risk factors for serious diseases, such as high blood pressure or high blood sugar, a list of local free clinics is made available. These resources are offered to members of the surrounding neighborhoods in hopes of identifying and controlling prevalent but preventable diseases such as diabetes. The culturally influenced lifestyle Hispanics/Latinos adopt has become a major issue that affects the incidence of diabetes. It is difficult for Hispanics to implement the information they are provided if they refuse to change their diets and other unhealthy habits. For many Latinos/Hispanics food is a staple in their culture. In this blog I will discuss current research that may shed a new light on the cultural aspects surrounding diabetes among Hispanics, especially Hispanic children.

An article presented February 19, 2008 on Reuters.com discussed the findings of a study that suggests that the numerous amounts of fast food ads on Spanish-language television have an impact on obesity among Hispanic children. The study conducted by Johns Hopkins Children's Center reviewed 60 hours of television aired between 3-9pm on Univision and Telemundo (whose logo can be seen in the graphic above). Researchers found that the channels aired an average of three food commercials per hour, one-third of them targeted to a child audience. Nearly half of all the food commercials were promoting fast food. Researchers acknowledge that their study does not claim that television is the sole cause of obesity among Hispanics. However, they do believe that it is an important topic to address in every household. This study highlights the everyday implications that culture may have on Spanish speaking communities. Unfortunately, researchers did not compare their data to what is being aired on English-language television. Also, it would be interesting to see how many of those commercials are of American based companies such as McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Domino's Pizza. The important thing is that families become aware of the messages that are being brought into the home through television, which is an important aspect of many American children's lives.

Many people may ask, "What is so important about studying everyday influences on obesity?" A recent article presented on HealthDay.com discusses a study that has linked obesity to early risk factors for diabetes among Hispanic children. The study conducted by the Joslin Diabetes Center recruited 38 Hispanic children between the ages of 10-18. What researchers found was that the children with higher body fat percentages showed early signs of insulin resistance, as well as inflammation of the blood vessels. In this study researchers were concerned with the development of type II diabetes in participants. Normally, the pancreas produces sufficient amounts of insulin which serve to control the transport of glucose from the blood to the cells of the body. In type I diabetes patients, the body's own immune system destroys the cells that would normally produce insulin. Alternatively, people with type II diabetes either do not secrete enough insulin or the body does not efficiently use the insulin that is being secreted. The latter is defined as insulin resistance. When the body does not recognize insulin, the glucose is not transported to the cells in the body to provide energy but instead remains in the blood stream. This accounts for diabetics' high levels of glucose in the blood. Through research, it has been suggested that being over-weight or obese can have a severe impact on insulin responsiveness in the body. Also, losing weight and maintaining an active lifestyle can improve the body's ability to recognize and use insulin efficiently. Additionally, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are associated with obesity, are linked to diabetes as well.

The take away message in all of this research is that everyone, not just Hispanics/Latinos, need to take control of their health and their family's health. It is important to learn and teach families how to adopt a healthy lifestyle at an early age. It is time to stop acting irresponsibly and believing that children can and should eat whatever they want. The fact is that if children are educated about eating healthy at a younger age, it will become easier for them to successfully implement these lessons throughout their lives. It is important for every family to be aware of the risk factors and causes of diabetes, but especially those ethnic groups that are at a higher risk of developing the disease (e.g. African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Japanese Americans). Websites such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities, offer families wonderful resources that may help in their battle against unhealthy lifestyle choices.

An Exploration of Cyberspace: Ten Linkroll Additions

This week I continue my exploration of cyberspace in search of exceptional resources aimed toward my topic of interest; health care issues in the Latin American and Hispanic communities. This post will serve as an evaluation of the ten new items I have added to my linkroll. These evaluations will be based on criteria per Webby Awards and Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA).

As an extension of a larger website, the Latino resources web page of the Alzheimer's Association satisfies many of the criterion listed by both Webby and IMSA. The content, both educational and engaging, is accompanied with interactive features such as, "What's Happening to Grandpa?". This allows for a comprehensive look at the growing incidence of Alzheimer's in the Latino community. The Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities, which is a partner of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (pictured on the right), presents a website that is, although informative and educational, visually lacking. The site offers several web pages for various minority groups, including Latinos. Every web page includes helpful links to fact sheets about prevalent diseases in each subsequent community. The Hispanic Dental Association web site offers several useful links and resources concerning dental hygiene in both English and Spanish. Unfortunately, the site could be aesthetically more pleasing in terms of navigation (i.e. the hyperlinks are poorly organized and can be misleading). One benefit of exploring an organization's web site is that it allows the visitor to explore the possibility of becoming more involved in the cause by applying for membership. The Hispanic Health Council, which boasts more than 25 years of serving the community, definitely has the credentials to put forth an effective web site. Unfortunately, the lackluster appearance and rather boring design overpowers the interesting studies presented. Through much navigation and frustrated exploration, the Latino Health Institute website came up short in terms of relevant information. The less than interactive design of the site made the overall experience unmemorable. Like many of the websites on this list, Medline Plus provides a Latin American web page in conjunction with their main website. The large array of useful links including healthy Latino recipes and recently updated "Current News" section redeems the average looking design of the site. Once getting passed the overwhelming amount of graphics on the homepage, the National Alliance for Hispanic Health site was surprisingly well developed. The site presents excellent, as well as up to date, resources (i.e. Health News). The National Latino Behavioral Health Association provides useful information and links to outside sources. The fact that it has not been updated for two years hinders the effectiveness of the site. The unappealing page layout/design would also benefit from an update. Salud En Accion displays some excellent publications that are helpful in understanding public health promotion and health research among Hispanic populations. They offer a long list of scientific articles, which are relevant and useful in understanding the aforementioned fields. The Latino Organization for Liver Awareness website exhibits useful information for those seeking resources on diseases affecting the liver. They also have an updated list of support group meetings. The main problem with this site is the lack of links in sections such as the "Resources" tab.

After last week's frustrating episode searching for blogs, I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of helpful websites dedicated to the health concerns of the Latin American and Hispanic communities. I look forward to implementing these sites along with others in future posts.