"This is the second SISTERS presentation I’ve attended, and I’ve learned so much for me and my family—I hope Señora Belem will share more information with us. I’m personally going to look for more people to attend SISTERS’ classes."

 –“Maria,” home health party participant

Vida Balanceada:  Diabetes self-management program that provides:

• exercise programs
• participatory nutrition education
• and promotora education to help individuals achieve the ability to manage their diabetic, pre-diabetic or obese conditions by themselves.

Staff: Kathryn Harris, Belem Gonzalez

Because Latinos have an alarming rate of diabetes– Hispanic women are affected by diabetes at a far greater rate than are White and Asian women–SISTERS started to provide intergenerational outreach and education to Latino families to prevent diabetes and obesity.

Our groups focus on better health through exercise and healthy eating. Organized walking groups provide structure and social support for regular exercise among Latin@ participants.

Home health parties focus on preventing diabetes and reducing obesity through improved eating habits. Diabetes information and nutrition education frame our platicas (conversations) in these parties, which ultimately promote food as medicine, and food as health. Sometimes participants cook a tipico meal together, improving nutrition by substitutions like heart-healthy olive oil for lard.