Promotoras(es): Healthy Mind, Healthy Body

S. PADRE ISLAND (October 1, 2009) Over two hundred people flocked to the Isla Grand Beach Resort on South Padre Island, Texas. Not for some fun in the sun, not to walk the sandy beaches and splash around in the inviting emerald green colored water. But, instead they congregated there for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend the Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies, 4th Binational Conference for Promotores de Salud.

The conference, organized by the Mario E. Ramirez M. D. Medical Library at the UTHSC Regional Academic Health Center, was both educational and a celebration of the work performed by promotores as leaders serving their respective communities. It started with a lively dance, when keynote speaker Dr. Ana Nogales got all the attendees on their feet and moving to the contagious beats of salsa music.  A few minutes of clapping, singing, and dancing supported the conference theme, Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies.

Dr. Ana Nogales, founder and clinical director of the nonprofit organization Casa de la Familia, delivered a moving keynote address to the promotores.  During her remarks, she stated, “As Latina women you have the power to affect change in generations to come, but you must take care of yourself first. You cannot take care of others, without making sure you are healthy in both your mind and body.”  She continued to share images and stories of inspiring women who work to affect change in their communities.

Promotores are community members who serve many functions: certified community health worker, leader, educator, mentor, advocate, translator, outreach worker, to name just a few. Often residing in the very communities they serve, they are highly trusted and it is this trust that allows them to successfully implement programs within their communities.

Attending the conference allowed a glimpse into the world of promotores.  Their hard work and dedication were continuously praised and recognized by speakers at all the sessions. Graciela Reyna, assistant director of the Mario E. Ramirez M.D. Medical Library and an organizer of the conference, provided information on resources available to promotores at their library. Promotores reacted with delight, while learning about the new important health information tools being made available to them in order to better serve their communities.

Rosie Cavasos, of Valley Baptist Behavioral Health Services, spoke clearly about the importance of being grateful for what you have. “Naming at least one thing you are grateful for every day you wake up helps you start the day with a positive attitude.” She also advised, “Take a look at the surroundings of the families whose homes you go into. Observe carefully and ask questions to find out what their needs really are, so that you can better serve them. Take it all in, but fight the temptation to take it home with you. At night before going to bed, again name at least one thing you are grateful for, hug your family and then rest. Maintaining your health is important if you want to continue helping others.”

Adalinda Gaytan, of the Migrant Health Promotion, engaged participants through a quick balloon experiment that delivered a key message. Participants were put into groups of ten and given a bag full of balloons. Each group then tossed the bag into the air and had to make sure it did not fall to the ground. After about five minutes, groups were then given a different bag. This time it was weighted down and after one push into the air by a member, the bag fell to the ground instantly. A second, then third attempt had the same results, which drove the key message to the forefront: “Do not burden yourself by keeping your thoughts, feelings, and emotions inside. If you do, you too will become weighted down and it’ll be hard to get yourself back up.”

Dr. Alberto Treviño, of the Texas A & M School of Rural Public Health, Center for Community Health Development, gave a presentation on SONRISA: A Curriculum for Promotores to Address Mental Health and Diabetes. He explained how the curriculums could be a great resource, free of charge, for promotores to use in the community and advised them to join or form support groups in which they could have open discussions comfortably.

Dr. Beverly Zavaleta, of the Zavaleta Family Health Clinic, closed out the conference. A family physician and yoga aficionado, it was no surprise that she encouraged all to stand, take their shoes off, and learn a few basic yoga positions. From the mountain position to the tree position and carefully using breathing as a relaxing tool, promotores learned new techniques in order to maintain a healthy mind and body. It was a fitting end to a day dedicated to the importance of taking care of oneself.