MIRAMAR WOMEN DESIGN THEIR HEALTH PROGRAM

Dr. Armida Sanchez turned to the women of Miramar to investigate their health needs before planning a health program. The women responded by describing their worries and illnesses. They expressed their need to know more about their bodies and their diseases in order to better care for themselves, to prevent future illness, and wanted to learn how to negotiate with the local health system.

Dr. Sanchez had been conducting community health programs for many years, but this was the first time the women themselves were so extensively consulted and participated in the design of a program that directly addressed their needs. In March 2009 Dr. Sanchez begins two-day (4-6 hours a day) monthly seminars on the following topics:

• Nutrition I—Groups of nutrients—Proteins, Vitamins, Minerals, and Carbohydrates.  This will include cooking with local foods.
• Nutrition II—Digestion.  Designing menus for special dietary needs
• Chronic degenerative diseases—causes, symptoms care, relation to emotions and life problems
• Diabetes—Complications, biology, care and emotional aspects
• Dental Health I—Understanding the mouth and teeth.  
• Dental Health II—Prevention of dental problems
• Women’s Health—Special needs of women from menarche to the later years.
• Family Violence and the Culture of Violence

All workshops are designed to be interactive and include physical exercise, conversation, and active feedback. The local clinic doctor participated in order to meet the participants. Women who have been trained as health promoters in Miramar will help with the workshops and provide translation into Mixtec. 

The project will be evaluated when complete measuring the women’s increase in health knowledge. We are happy to share the entire project plan with any one who is interested or might be interested in providing financial support.
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HEALTHY WOMEN MAKE HEALTHY FAMILIES!