Many Latinos feel guilty spending time and money on personal health. They feel selfish putting their own health care ahead of their family's needs. The opposite should be true. The American Diabetes Association is here for your family, but we want to bring the message home that you should take care of your diabetes or prevent yourself from developing it, for your family's sake too. Your family needs you to be healthy and feeling your best, so that you can be there for them. That's why the new name for ADA's Latino Initiatives health campaign is Por tu familia — or "for your family" in English.

Diabetes is an urgent health problem in the Latino community. Their rates of diabetes are almost double those of non-Latino whites. Getting information to the community about the seriousness of diabetes, its risk factors and those who may be at risk, and ways to help manage the disease is essential.

Materials targeting the Latino community, available in English and Spanish, are an integral part of our outreach efforts to help improve the quality of life for Latinos with diabetes. From books to brochures, our publications will give you information on topics ranging from cooking with a Latin flair, to being more physically active, to maintaining a healthy weight.

To request your free copy of our Latin Flavor in the Kitchen Recipe Sampler and to receive a free guide on type 2 diabetes (request ADA Channel number 2), call 1-800-DIABETES (342-2383). Bilingual representatives are available to take your call.

Community-based activities are another important part of Por tu familia. Through fun and informative workshops and activities, community members can learn more about diabetes, the importance of making healthy food choices and being physically active on a regular basis.