Why empowering healthy choices is important for Arizona’s Latino communities

By Karina Hernandez | Advance Community

I’m often asked about why it’s important for individuals to have access to culturally appropriate information about nutrition, physical activity and oral hygiene. The bottom line? It’s essential for tackling health disparity and improving health outcomes in underserved Latino communities. My community.

Health disparities persist in underserved Latino communities, often rooted in limited access to resources, economic barriers and a lack of culturally relevant health education. These challenges disproportionately affect an individual’s well-being, making it vital to provide them with the tools they need to make informed, healthy decisions. As a community health educator at Advance Community, an organization committed to building a world where every person is thriving and has a promising future, I’ve seen firsthand how culturally appropriate health-related education can lead to transformative health outcomes.

Latino culture is deeply rooted in traditions that revolve around food and family gatherings. My role is to integrate culturally relevant lessons into health programming — lessons that celebrate these rich culinary traditions while introducing healthier preparation methods that preserve their essence.

For instance, I might teach ways to modify traditional dishes by reducing sugar and fat without compromising flavor. Framing these adaptations within the context of cherished family recipes makes them more meaningful and encourages greater participation.

Nutrition is a critical component of overall health, yet many families in underserved Latino communities face barriers such as food insecurity and limited access to fresh produce. Teaching people about nutrition in a culturally sensitive manner equips them to make healthy food choices, even in challenging circumstances. Our programs include hands-on workshops where participants learn to read food labels, prepare balanced meals and understand portion control. These workshops are paired with discussions about traditional diets, ensuring the content feels relatable and actionable. We even visit grocery stores and show families how to put what they learn into practice.

The key to improving health outcomes in underserved Latino communities lies in empowerment. When individuals understand the “why” behind healthy choices, they’re more likely to adopt and sustain them.

Education programs that respect cultural nuances and address systemic barriers have the power to break cycles of poor health and create lasting change. By investing in culturally appropriate health education, we can empower the next generation to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives — one informed choice at a time.

Editor’s note: Karina Hernandez is a community health educator at Advance Community in Phoenix. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.