Dr. Liliana Rojas-Guyler

Dr. Rosas-Guyler spoke on the health status of the Latino community. Drawing on her vast experience and knowledge, she explained the health disparities that exist today. She explained that they can be compared t those of others of the same socio-economic status. These are due to language issues, poverty, lack of insurance, transportation and education. One of the most interesting facts that she described was the Hispanic health paradox. Is is best described as new Latino immigrants being in relatively better health than those who have been here five years or more. There are many reasons this can exist but I think the main reasons are the quality of food and stress that must exist from entering and earning to navigate an entirely new culture. Other reasons that have been given are discrimination, substandard housing and lower paying jobs. I also have to agree that the sense of belongingness has to lend itself to mental health as discussed. That is to say, the higher the sense of belonging, the better the mental health. The questions that I have after all of this discussion is what can be done to help with the health issues that are occurring in the community? How can we better educate and help local Latinos to better navigate the health system?