Salud (Spa): Guia Para La Salud Integral de La Mujer Latina

First published in 1997, Salud remains one of the most comprehensive health manuals available for Hispanic women, satisfying the medical community's urgent need to address the concerns of Latinas in this country. Delgado is a familiar figure to millions nationwide as a frequent commentator in national media and as the president and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, the country's largest network of Hispanic health providers. Practical, empowering, and engaging, this updated manual is designed to help Latinas become smarter consumers and benefit from health advantages that can enable them to live longer lives. Blending an accessible standard Spanish with true-life health stories that touch upon cultural myths and taboos, Delgado covers a wide range of topics in four sections. ""Being a Latina"" discusses the important role that the family and sense of community can play in Latinas' well-being and provides useful recommendations for choosing the best health plan, treatment, and doctor. The second section, ""Being a Woman,"" analyzes female health issues such as fertility, sexuality, menopause, and pregnancy from a Hispanic perspective. In ""Diseases,"" Delgado explains many of the ailments that affect the Latino community such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, alcoholism, sexually transmitted diseases, and diabetes. Finally, in ""To Live Well"" she highlights useful diets, exercise routines, and medicines and guides Latinas on how to take care of their seniors. Although the book could have had a clearer layout for those who just want to skim or skip sections, the illustrations, advice boxes, and chapter summaries do allow for a quick read. Delgado also provides a list of bibliographical resources and organizations that work on the issues covered, at the end of each chapter. Unfortunately, Delgado assumes that all her audience has access to health benefits when the sad reality is that many Hispanic immigrants lack the money or the proper legal documents to seek treatment. Nonetheless, there is little available literature on this subject that is as well suited to the needs of this audience. Since other available guides for Hispanic women tend to focus on childrearing and pregnancy, Salud is the most comprehensive guide by and for Latinas. Highly recommended for public libraries and bookstores serving Hispanic communities. Carmen Ospina, ""Criticas""