Nutrition Education

Newsweek: For Hispanics One Size Does Not Fit All

Full story

Comics and Coloring Books Carry Serious Messages

To spread the word about good nutrition, the Hispanic Health Council has produced several fun and easy-to-understand booklets. One is a coloring book for children called From Farm to Table. The booklets are modeled after fotonovelas, picture books popular in Latin America that use photographs and dialog to tell romantic stories. The books, available in English and Spanish, have been used across the country.

One in Four Hartford School Children at Risk of Being Obese

Hartford schoolchildren are twice as likely as other kids across the country to be obese, and one in four Hartford schoolchildren is at risk of obesity. Click Childhood Obesity in Hartford, CT to read the full report from Connecticut Children's Medical Center.

Puppet Shows Help Hispanic Health Council Promote Proper Nutrition

From The Hartford Courant, January 13, 2009

Photo: Maritza Molina, 4, a pre-schooler at the M.D. Fox Elementary School, gets into the act when asked to show her muscles at a puppet show about nutrition presented by the Hispanic Health Council. (STEPHEN DUNN / HARTFORD COURANT / January 13, 2009)
Click By KATHLEEN MEGAN | The Hartford Courant to read the article.

Meet the Stars of our Shows

Diabetes Prevention:

  Doctor Gonzales
Doña Maria and Rosita Visit the Doctor
“To prevent diabetes we have to eat healthy and exercise at least one hour every day!”

Doña Maria
Doña Maria and Rosita Visit the Doctor
 “Sweetheart, instead of watching so much TV, you can go with me for a walk to the park or ride your bike.”

Junk Food Monster
Doña Maria and Rosita Visit the Doctor
 “I don’t belong to any of the food groups. Candies, salty snacks, greasy food and sodas are part of me. I have too much fat and sugar and not enough of what your body needs.”

Food Access:

Farmer Fernando
Fernando’s Farm
“We grow plants and raise animals so we can have food, clothes, and many other things.”

Mrs. Carrot
Fernando’s Farm
“I’m a good source of vitamin A that helps you have better vision and I grow under the ground.”

  Florinda
Fernando’s Farm
“Eggs come from chickens like me. Eggs are a good source of protein that help you grow strong and healthy.”

  Cowline
Fernando’s Farm
“Cows give you the milk you drink. Milk is also used to make other yummy dairy products.”


Heart Disease Prevention

Happy Heart
“Boom, boom. Remember, when you eat well and exercise, your heart will be happy like me.

Mr. Muscle
Happy Heart
“The key is to keep moving and eat healthy so your heart muscle will be as strong as me!”


Physical Activity:

Coach
Tommy Enjoys Exercise
“Exercise for at least one hour every day. It will help you to prevent some diseases like heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis.”

Tommy and Luisito
Tommy Enjoys Exercise
“To prevent osteoporosis we have to exercise and eat foods that are rich in calcium such as milk, cheese and yogurt at least three times a day.”

Food Safety:

Mr. Chef
Lolita Gets Sick
“Remember to tell mom never to put meats that are not cooked next to the vegetables and fruits.”

Bac
Lolita Gets Sick
“I am bacteria. I’m everywhere, on your books, book bags, toys, kitchen tables, everywhere.”

My Pyramid:

Mrs. Breda
Eat the Five Food Group Way
“Bread and the cereal group give us Carbohydrates! Which give you energy to play basketball, run jump and even learn more. You should eat at least half of your daily grains from whole grain products.”

Milk
Eat the Five Food Group Way
“Milk is part of the dairy group, milk is rich in calcium, which makes your bones and teeth strong!”

Orange
Eat the Five Food Group Way
“Orange is a great source of vitamin C. Oranges help you fight germs and keep you growing strong and healthy.”