Caribbean Health Projects

Caribbean Diaspora Healthy Nutrition Outreach Project

Based on available food, geography and other factors, many Caribbean cultures maintain diets heavy in fats, sugar and sodium. These ingredients can cause greater risk of obesity, which can result in major health complications such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and stroke. To address this issue, NSU MD and our partners are developing a targeted, culturally appropriate educational communication campaign focused on improving nutrition among the Caribbean immigrant population. Based on the National Institutes of Health’s Go, Slow, Whoa materials, the campaign will use a traffic light pattern to help people select healthier alternatives.

GO foods are commonly described as “whole foods”, meaning that they’re generally the least processed and are the lowest in salt (sodium), added sugars and/or unhealthy fats. Examples of GO foods may be: fresh fruits and vegetables and whole-grain foods.

SLOW foods are in between GO and WHOA foods and include sweetened (including flavored) 1% milk, refined-grain foods and fruit with added sugar.

WHOA foods are generally the most processed and are highest in unhealthy fats, added sugars, and/or salt. These include candy, cookies, chips, fast food, fried foods, ice cream, soft drinks and sugary cereals.

The initial phase of this research project is supported by a grant from the NSU Quality of Life Council. Community partners include the Florida Department of Health in Broward County, Broward Regional Health Planning Council, YMCA, Children Services Council, Family Nutrition Project – Broward Division, Broward County Libraries, and Broward Sheriff’s Office.

Social Determinants of Cancer Project

Expanding on our health equity focus, NSU MD plans to create the first community-based registry to collect epidemiologic and social determinants of the most prevalent malignancies in Caribbean immigrants. This will catalyze the development of targeted interventions for disease prevention, cancer screenings and education that align with Caribbean culture and ethnic preferences. Our goal is to build the infrastructure to communicate best practices in cancer care, diagnosis and prevention to healthcare providers and patients in our local communities.

Long term, this project will support a statewide and coordinated system of cancer care for the Caribbean diaspora aimed at improving health behaviors, infrastructure, access, and collaboration among academic and community-based services.