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 White Plains, NY - It’s not every day you can talk one-on-one with medical doctors, ask lots of questions, and be screened for early signs of many medical problems – and do it all in Spanish. But June 8 is “Hispanic Health Day” at the John Paulding School in Tarrytown.
The event, which runs from noon to 4 p.m., offers community members a chance to meet with Spanish-speaking health providers and pick up information to bring home on many important health topics. Phelps Memorial Hospital, sponsoring the program with the county’s Office of Hispanic Affairs, is providing the medical experts and free health screenings.
Attendees can also find out how to make the most of their doctor’s visits by learning about the new “It’s My Healthcare” program. Developed with the help of prominent physicians and health care professionals, this county-generated campaign will distribute brochures (in Spanish of course) filled with helpful tips and checklists about what questions you should ask.
There will also be on-site screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, skin cancer, HIV, dental and depression, as well as breast exams. Computer stations will give Internet access to information in Spanish.
“This is a great opportunity for the Hispanic community to be exposed to a wealth of basic medical information and get to talk to experts,” said County Executive Andy Spano. “Everyone knows how difficult it can be to get the most basic medical information and when there’s a language barrier, it can be almost impossible.”
The county’s Office for Hispanic Affairs and the Hispanic Advisory Board came up with the idea of Hispanic Health Day as a way of encouraging Spanish-speaking residents to search out the information they need and not be afraid to ask.
The event will include exhibits and tables set up by more than a dozen organizations such as the American Heart Association and YWCA’s Encore Plus.
Attendees can learn about nutrition (healthy eating, food calorie content), dental health (prevention and regular check ups) and illnesses like Lyme Disease and rabies. And don’t miss the free lunch.
Co-sponsors include the Tarrytown schools, Open Door, Even Start Family Health Literacy Program and the county's Department of Health. The latter will present information on the It’s My Healthcare program and be available to arrange presentations for community groups. To watch a video or get more information, go to www.westchestergov.com/itsmyhealthcare.
To register for the June 8 program or for more information, call the Office for Hispanic Affairs at (914)995-2476.
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