Health and Wellness programs

ellness program continues to be comprehensive, supportive of people community oriented which reflects internationally recognized program standards for diabetes prevention and management from the United Nations and the International Diabetes

We recognize that people’s lifestyle choices are substantially shaped by the environment in which they live, work, and play; the resources at their disposal, and the sense of control they have. Our Health and Wellness clubs provide health education, peer support, opportunities to form healthy habits alongside family and friends, and support for efforts to create a healthier community environment, all of which are integral elements to being able to choose a healthy lifestyle.

Children’s club: The weekly children’s club was well attended

Over time we’ve noted that shopkeepers have begun to showcase healthy food options such as packages of nuts and fresh fruits and offer them at a competitive price. The local school also held a festival this year with the parents and children to celebrate healthy foods grown in the community.

These are examples of positive changes at the community level that support individuals to adopt a healthier lifestyle. It is an approach that has been found to be more effective in the long run than conventional programs aimed at individual self-control.

The Youth club met monthly where they created a safe and welcoming space to talk about their dreams, concerns, fears, and hopes. Together alongside the Bienestar health promoters and volunteers, they awareness, confidence, and an appreciation for

Themes of self-worth, gender equality, human rights, healthy relationships, physical development, substance use, physical activity, nutrition, and mental health were woven throughout the sessions.

At one workshop on physical development and menstruation, the youth received reusable menstrual kits that have been generously donated by a volunteer from Canada over the years.

As with other themes, the youth and workshop facilitators had valuable discussions about the links between individual and community actions and environmental stewardship.

Achievements 2022: On average 16 youth regularly attended the Youth club meetings. They demonstrated substantial interest and knowledge development based on their enthusiastic attendance, group presentations and level of discussion.

The adult Health and Wellness programs are aimed at women and People living with Diabetes (PLWD) and other chronic diseases such as hypertension They include health education, cooking classes, a healthy snack, setting individual goals opportunities for sharing and problem solving, and celebrating successes.

The goal is empowerment health knowledge and uptake of healthy behaviours, capacity to effectively support each other and work together to solve health barriers beyond individual control.

The participants also have access to low-cost quality medications, annual medical consultation including laboratory testing for diabetes related A1C, kidney and heart function, monthly fasting blood sugar, blood pressure, weight, and foot health checks, as well as home visits with the primary diabetes health promoter.

The women’s club is an important contribution to family health given the critical role that they play in Guatemala (and globally) in household management including child development, hygiene, food and nutrition, and food production.

The People living with Diabetes club is all about peer support, health education, ongoing encouragement, and timely intervention. It is key given that people live with diabetes 24/day yet only see a physician a few times a year.

The exercise program took place Monday – Thursday and included walking, Zumba, cardio, and stretching sessions. On occasion it was led by the scholarship recipients as part of their leadership development. There was decreased attendance by the adults this year which they attributed to a lack of free time, periodic bouts of illness, and the increased need to work extended hours given greater household poverty.

Achievements in 2022: The programs were well attended with an average of 20-30 people in attendance at the monthly clinics, and 90% of the people living with diabetes taking advantage of the annual medical consultation. The exercise program was also well attended by the children and youth with an average of 12 -16 participants.

Of the 29 people who are living with diabetes, 12 are receiving and managing their own insulin. This is a major achievement in Guatemala where there are widespread taboos about the use of insulin, costs are exorbitant, availability is unpredictable in the pharmacies, and there is a widespread lack of access to

International volunteers contributed greatly to all of the clubs this year. While sharing their skills and knowledge, they closely with the Bienestar staff and community members, learned Spanish, and gained a better understanding of the culture and history of the people, particularly as it related to the recent civil war and rebuilding of a more just and equitable society.

Evaluation comments by program participants centred on the following outcomes: better able to cope with daily challenges, having better control of their health, learning new information, and enjoying recreation opportunities. There were also recommendations to expand the recreation program to reach a larger audience and to increase subsidies for medical care including medications.