Office of Latino Affairs to hold nutrition focus group

The Office of Latino Affairs is currently working on a focus group regarding health that is geared toward Hispanic students. It is being developed through a faculty member at the University of Dayton as well as public health students, who have been conducting research.

The group will hold discussions about nutrition and health problems that are relevant for the Hispanic population, according to Julia Acosta, Director of the Office of Latino Affairs. Specifically, attendees will be able to test their own levels of cholesterol, blood sugar, and body fat.

Ideas for the focus group were proposed by Andrea Flores Del Mar, a graduate of the public health program at Wright State University. She will be representing the YMCA at the focus group, which is offering a prevention program on diabetes, which disproportionately affects the Hispanic population.

There is much that is unknown about the Hispanic community in regards to health, according to Flores Del Mar. “We’re trying to reach out to them and understand their needs,” she said.

Additionally, a potential nutrition class is being developed, which is intended to “promote and provide for the community,” said Acosta.

The class, if developed further, would be an informational session for those with personal interest in health and nutrition, according to Acosta. It would also be a collaborative effort with other entities like the YMCA.