Denver Area Youth Services

1240 W. Bayaud
Denver, CO 80223

The El Alma Saludable (Healthy Soul) project seeks to: reduce the proportion of obesity and overweight through healthier diet intake and increased participation in regular physical activity; reduce the frequency of complications caused by Type 2 diabetes through healthy blood sugar levels and increased self care; and enable the target population to be more proactive in addressing prevention and health issues for themselves and their families through use of community services and increased knowledge of preventive health. The project is a collaborative effort with Sisters of Color/Hermanas de Colores and Clinica Tepeyac. The project targets Latino families in the Denver neighborhoods of Sun Valley and La Alma, and in the nearby neighborhood of Original Aurora, focusing on female heads of household, middle school teens and their family members.

The project involves educational outreach through “home health parties”, intergenerational cooking/nutrition groups, and disease management groups. Promotoras conduct monthly home health parties that focus on the prevention of diabetes and weight management, and involve the distribution of educational materials; discussion on the direct relationship between mental health, self-confidence, body image and physical health issues; and diabetes screening. Participants are encouraged to engage in ongoing physical activity groups, such as walking groups, family and youth sports leagues, dance groups, and youth-centered activities. A five-week, intergenerational cooking/nutrition class is also offered so participants can learn more about culturally appropriate healthy cooking, and the benefits of making small changes to existing Mexican-American diets. Disease management groups are established for diabetics and their families. These six-month sessions focus on better self-management, and encourage members to plan and prepare healthy meals, monitor food intake, and monitor for signs of dangerous blood sugar levels. Referrals for case management services are provided, as needed. Other activities include generalized community outreach, dissemination of educational materials and program flyers, annual fitness and outreach events, and clinic tours.