Hispanic Women S Health Issues

Hispanics and the Future of America presents details of the complex story of a population that varies in many dimensions, including national origin, immigration status, and generation. The papers in this volume draw on a wide variety of data sources to describe the contours of this population, from the perspectives of history, demography, geography, education, family, employment, economic well-being, health, and political engagement. They provide a rich source of information for researchers, policy makers, and others who want to better understand the fast-growing and diverse population that we call "Hispanic." The current period is a critical one for getting a better understanding of how Hispanics are being shaped by the U.S. experience. This will, in turn, affect the United States and the contours of the Hispanic future remain uncertain. The uncertainties include such issues as whether Hispanics, especially immigrants, improve their educational attainment and fluency in English and thereby improve their economic position; whether growing numbers of foreign-born Hispanics become citizens and achieve empowerment at the ballot box and through elected office; whether impending health problems are successfully averted; and whether Hispanics' geographic dispersal accelerates their spatial and social integration. The papers in this volume provide invaluable information to explore these issues.

Latina Health in the United States identifies and offers an in-depth examination of the most critical health issues that affect Latinas’ health and health care within the United States. In this comprehensive resource, the contributors examine a wide variety of topics that address Latina women’s health concerns such as sexual and reproductive health issues; chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes; the impact of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; mental health issues; adolescent health; and rural and migrant occupational health. Latina Health in the United States is a unique guide to the health and well-being of the women in our country’s fastest growing population. "This edited volume is a much-needed and timely collection, comprehensively mapping out the issues most central to Latina health today. The collection raises not only issues central to research and scholarship on Latina health, it also serves as a guide for future policy decisions in regard to Latina health. Latina Health in the United States stands as a definitive collection for years to come." –Natalia Molina, associate professor of ethnic studies, University of California, San Diego "An extraordinarily valuable volume detailing and analyzing the complex realities of Latina health in the U.S. and the social, cultural, and economic factors that influence them. Essential reading, written by the best in the field, for health workers, public health professionals, educators, students, and other caregivers." –Ruth Sidel, professor of sociology, Hunter College, and author, Keeping Women and Children Last: America’s War on the Poor

Written by Dr. Jane L. Delgado, the nation's leading expert on Hispanic health, The Latina Guide to Health features cutting-edge medical information and advice for all Hispanic women. With a deep understanding of what it means to be a Latina in the U.S. today, Dr. Delgado offers practical advice on the health issues women face, separates myths from facts, and answers questions about what to do. She thoroughly discusses concerns for Latinas, including higher rates of arthritis, cervical cancer, depression, and diabetes, and the greater likelihood of being overweight. She also points to the good news: Latinas have lower rates of heart disease, stroke, and breast cancer, and live longer. The Latina Guide to Health provides advice on: Understanding the medical system Preparing for an annual wellness visit Developing healthy eating habits and an exercise program Keeping good health records Caring for children and other loved ones Nurturing your spirit through healthy relationships and faith Authoritative and accessible, this invaluable guide includes an extensive quick-reference health section, five essential tools to help Latinas keep track of their health, and sidebars, charts, and website resources throughout.

Sweeping in scope, Health Issues in the Latino Community identifies and offers an in-depth examination of the most critical health issues that affect Latino's health and health care within the United States. This resource offers a comprehensive approach that informs and promotes the advancement of the practice, program planning, research, and public policy to improve health care of all Latino citizens.

In the United States, some populations suffer from far greater disparities in health than others. Those disparities are caused not only by fundamental differences in health status across segments of the population, but also because of inequities in factors that impact health status, so-called determinants of health. Only part of an individual's health status depends on his or her behavior and choice; community-wide problems like poverty, unemployment, poor education, inadequate housing, poor public transportation, interpersonal violence, and decaying neighborhoods also contribute to health inequities, as well as the historic and ongoing interplay of structures, policies, and norms that shape lives. When these factors are not optimal in a community, it does not mean they are intractable: such inequities can be mitigated by social policies that can shape health in powerful ways. Communities in Action: Pathways to Health Equity seeks to delineate the causes of and the solutions to health inequities in the United States. This report focuses on what communities can do to promote health equity, what actions are needed by the many and varied stakeholders that are part of communities or support them, as well as the root causes and structural barriers that need to be overcome.