Health Education

Reaching out to families to prevent diabetes

MayView Community Health Center

In 2001, a family made a gift to PAMF and with it, expressed their desire to help meet the needs of the underserved in our community. The staff of our Education Division responded by helping to establish a bilingual, family-based diabetes and weight management program at the MayView Community Health Center in Palo Alto.

MayView is a not-for-profit clinic that has served the health care needs of primarily low-income, uninsured Latinos and their families since 1972. The program, called Sweet Life with Diabetes, was offered to MayView patients who were already diagnosed with or most at risk for, type 2 diabetes.

One out of four Latinos has diabetes -- many without realizing it. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mexican Americans are twice as likely to have diabetes as non-Latino whites. Even more alarming is the fact that type 2 diabetes is becoming more common among Latino children and adolescents. By adjusting their diet and activity levels, many people with diabetes increase their chances of living longer, healthier lives.

From September 2001 through September 2002, community health worker Gloria Cahuich and registered dietitian Lydia Guzman, MPH, presented an educational program designed to improve glucose control and quality of life for type 2 diabetics through diet, exercise and weight management. Based on progress reports, the program was a success: 75 percent of the participants ate more regular meals; 80 percent added a healthy snack to their meal plan; and all participants increased their activity level. Follow-up calls and visits are helping participants stay on track with their new, healthier lifestyles.

Collaborating on the MayView project was just one highlight for the Education Division during 2001 and 2002. "We have formed an alliance with the Palo Alto Unified School District to address adolescent issues, and our teen Web site had more than 35,000 'hits' in December 2001," said Janet Lederer, R.N., MSN, Vice President, Education Division. "We have many education programs for our patients and the community, and the education gifts we receive help in the expansion of these programs."

Back to top