Empowering women to live healthier lives!
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Latinas
Latinos are the largest, fastest-growing, and youngest minority group in the United States. They are sometimes called Hispanic-Americans. Latino is not a race, but an ethnicity. Latinos are persons of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin. Latinos may be any race. This helps to explain variations in disease rates between subgroups of Latinos.
Like so many people living in the United States, Latinos are challenged by high rates of heart disease, diabetes, and overweight and obesity. Moreover, Latinos face many barriers to good health. Nearly one-third of Latinos do not have health insurance. People who are uninsured are less likely to have a regular doctor or get preventive care, which results in poorer health overall. Latinos living in rural areas can have a hard time getting to a doctor. Cultural and language barriers can keep Latinos from explaining symptoms they are having or understanding the doctor's advice.
Latinas are proud women with strong ties to their families and communities. Many want a better life for themselves and their children. Yet many Latinas are unaware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle and preventive care to overcoming some of the health challenges they face. Reading about these challenges will empower you to take action. You will learn what tests to ask your doctor about. You also will learn more about behaviors to avoid, as well as lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk of disease. You will feel good knowing that you are doing all you can to improve your own health and instill healthy habits in your loved ones.
Health conditions common in Latinas
Content last updated May 18, 2010.
Resources last updated May 18, 2010.
A federal government website managed by the Office on Women's Health in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.200 Independence Avenue, S.W. • Washington, DC 20201
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446 • Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST (closed on federal holidays).
womenshealth.gov
A federal government website managed by the Office on Women's Health in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
200 Independence Avenue, S.W. • Washington, DC 20201