Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

El Sol’s focus is on measurable changes in knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and skills. Each program addresses chronic disease prevention, management, and education (e.g. Asthma, Mental Health, Depression in Older Adults, Cardiovascular Health, Diabetes, Obesity, etc.).

Diabetes Prevention and Self-Management

  • At baseline, 202 participants received the hemoglobin A1c test. Of these 46.5% (n=94) were had a normal diabetes status, 40.1% (n=81) were prediabetic, and 13.4 (n=27) were diabetic. Most of these participants were 35+years/old.
  • On average participants (n=130) had a lower hemoglobin A1c after attending the diabetes education classes (M=5.931. SE=0.1283), than before the intervention (M=6.126, SE=0.0994, t(129)=2.79, p<0.05, r = 0.24). This difference is both clinically and statistically significant.

Asthma Education, Prevention and Management:

  • 15,124 Outreach Contacts
  • 7,982 Screenings and 813 Children
  • 25 Puppet Shows
  • 1064 home visit contact with asthma action plan
  • 84% high-risk community member were referred to health professional
  • 61 Organization collaborate

Cardiovascular Health:

  • 26% of participants with BMI > 25 reduced their BMI by at least one point (n=176).
  • 54% of participants with a pre-existing diagnosis of hypertension (BP > 140/90) finished the grant year with BP < 140/90 (n=175).
  • Total cholesterol decreased from 198 at baseline to 190 at follow-up (n=176).
  • Triglyceride levels decreased from 170 at baseline to 165 at follow-up (n=176).
  • Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) decreased from 110 at baseline to 105 at follow-up (n=151).
  • 11% of participants with baseline BMI > 25 lost 10 pounds or more and 24% of participants with baseline BMI > 25 lost five pounds or more (n=176)

Healthy eating and active living:

  • Program reached 2,368 participants and 90% of participants reported engaging in beneficial behaviors after intervention.
  • Participants reported significant behavioral changes in areas such as drinking less sugary drinks, eating more fruits and vegetables, being more physically active, speaking to family about healthy groceries, and drinking more water.