You've been feeling a little enferma lately.

 

Something's not quite right, and you're beginning to think it might be time to find una doctora, or maybe a sobandera might be the person to see. When you were a little girl, a sobandera helped your abuelita. But can she help you?

 

It doesn't matter. Perhaps it's your cultura or maybe it's because you don't know what medicina can do for you, but the facts are that you're not feeling well, you don't know what to do, and you're scared. By reading The Latina Guide to Health by Jane L. Delgado, Ph.D., M.S., though, you can get real information, real help, and you can start feeling better.

 

"Latinas are different in subtle ways that have a huge impact on our lives," says Dr. Delgado early in this book.Familia, for instance, means "so much more" to Latinas, but that strength can become a weakness. Stress and expectations based on cultura affect the way a Latina takes care of herself. And some women feel uncomfortable with "today's medicina."

 

But those are only some of the reasons Dr. Delgado wrote this book. As of last year, Latinas account for one of every six women in the United States. Latinas have a higher rate of diabetes than non-Hispanic white women, but a lower rate of other major diseases. Latinas have a higher-than-average rate of cervical cancer, but are less likely to get regular Pap tests. And Latinas struggle with obesity, though Dr. Delgado says they may not need to because their bodies are "built differently."

 

But, back to your feeling enferma.

 

Though she acknowledges that Latinas are often reluctant to seek medical aid due to their culture, Dr. Delgado reassures anxious patients with easy ideas and tips for becoming comfortable with doctors and hospitals. Medical science, she says, is now more relevant to the Latina population and it's more important than ever for Hispanic women to take charge of their health and that of their children. You might be scared to seek la doctora, but there's no reason for that.

 

"One thing's for certain," says Dr. Delgado firmly. "Today's health care system is not your mother's medicina… Aguantando is not what either we or our family members should do." 

 

Filled with empowering advice, an easy-to-use glossary, and solid information, "The Latina Guide to Health" is a good primer for Latinas who need the very, very basics when it comes to health care. And I do mean basic.

 

Author Jane L. Delgado cuts through mythology to present realities about dozens of illnesses and diseases, but her explanations often seem geared to children rather than to grown women. Paragraphs later, she offers more adult-like advice before reverting to simplistic language again. This may either mystify readers or annoy them, depending on what they expect to get from this guide.

 

Still, if you're concerned about your health or looking for useful resources, this isn't a bad book to have around. "The Latina Guide to Health" can only help you sentirse de maravilla again.