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.

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.