[PHP-6] Health Education & Lifestyle Program (HELP) - A Culturally-Defined Prevention Program
Asantewaa Gail Harris, Alliance of African American Artists and Art Forms, Brooklyn, NY
Alliance of African American Artists and Art Forms, 220 Carlton Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11205
Authors: George X. Lov, DOM, Queen Afua, Asar Hapi, PhD
Problem: The inclusion of natural health professionals and their unique strategies are critical to a comprehensive approach to identifying and solving health problems for people of color.
Methods: A community based arts organization has forged unique partnerships with those in the "healing arts" who promote wellness and healthy living. Diabetes, Arthritis, Heart Disease, Hypertension and Cancer are viewed as lifestyle related diseases. Monthly outreach activities occur at selected culturally defined events to reach our targeted audience. One of HELP's most promising program components is the 21 Days to Wellness series. 21 Days to Wellness is a prevention and self treatment program designed to address lifestyle related causes through workshops on nutritional information and behavioral changes, guided meditations, exercise and movement strategies. We are also finding considerable success in stress reduction using Tuina, an ancient Chinese massage technique. Tuina improves circulation, releases tensions and stagnant Qi (trapped energy).
Observations: There is an emerging partnership of natural health professionals and artists/cultural workers within communities of color who want to ensure that current and future generations are healthier, happier, and more productive. These partnerships are without institutional support and must be better recognized and affirmed.
Recommendation: Health professions should examine and recognize culturally defined partnerships as resources in efforts to eliminate health disparities for people of color.
