UIC Healthy Family Lifestyles
Since October 2014, the University of Illinois at Chicago’s College of Applied Health Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy, and El Valor have partnered to develop, implement, and evaluate a community-based intervention to promote healthy lifestyles. The intervention consist of 2-hour sessions that involve dancing and physical activity, healthy snack preparation, self-management, and goal-setting. Participants are encouraged to identify goals and develop a plan of action to enhance their health. Over 28 families with youth and young adults with disabilities have participated.
The partnership also examines opportunities for participants in the community and assesses the broader community environment. The team is conducting walkability assessments to identify traffic safety for pedestrians. Walking has been identified as an important physical activity and one way in which families participate in the community. This project has been made possible by two grants from The Chicago Community Trust (2014-2015 & 2015-2016) and a Latino Outreach Grant funded by the Department of Human Services. The project is directed by Dr. Yolanda Suarez-Balcazar from UIC in collaboration with Jillian Gonzalez and Luisa Lopez from El Valor.
Is your family interested in joining the program? Please contact Erica Fernandez, Erica.Fernandez@elvalor.net, (312) 666-4511, Ext. 12267.
