Spring Break
Hispanic TV urges health
NORA COBB For The Red & Black
Issue date: 11/15/07 Section: News
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"Hispanics see telenovelas as a form of entertainment - they don't want to be preached to," said Acosta-Alzuru. Immigrants are more likely to pay attention to health messages because novelas represent a connection with their country of origin.
"They grow up watching these novelas," said Acosta-Alzuru. She said Hispanics are more likely to heed health warnings coming from family.
"There is not an emphasis on preventive-care screenings like in the American culture," Rodriguez said.
Hispanics are the minority with the highest rate of uninsured people. Rodriguez said Hispanics, especially Mexican-Americans, are almost two times more likely to contract diabetes due to obesity, four in 10 are uninsured. Immigration laws may make some Hispanics reluctant to go to the doctor.
Rodriguez, who still is analyzing her data, found regular exposure to story lines such as "Amarte Asi" increase the number of Hispanics who take action or at least have the intent to control their diabetes. Rodriguez's next project with Telemundo will concentrate on the importance of worksite safety.
"They grow up watching these novelas," said Acosta-Alzuru. She said Hispanics are more likely to heed health warnings coming from family.
"There is not an emphasis on preventive-care screenings like in the American culture," Rodriguez said.
Hispanics are the minority with the highest rate of uninsured people. Rodriguez said Hispanics, especially Mexican-Americans, are almost two times more likely to contract diabetes due to obesity, four in 10 are uninsured. Immigration laws may make some Hispanics reluctant to go to the doctor.
Rodriguez, who still is analyzing her data, found regular exposure to story lines such as "Amarte Asi" increase the number of Hispanics who take action or at least have the intent to control their diabetes. Rodriguez's next project with Telemundo will concentrate on the importance of worksite safety.
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