DIVERSITY AND HEALTH

The United States, a nation of immigrants, is blessed with a number of diverse cultures. Just witness the multi-lingual exchanges that take place on a daily basis in ethnic neighborhoods around the country and you will testify to the rich blend of traditions found no where else. This beautiful array of international cohesiveness is often taken for granted at dinner tables where Europe meets America, China meets Latin America and Africa joins the Caribbean. For example:

Chop suey today…. Rice and Beans tomorrow…. Spaghetti and meatballs on Sunday….and for the rest of the week, meat and potatoes.. Sounds good doesn’t it!

For many of us, exotic foods from different countries have become a regular edition to our diet. But are the ingredients in these foods causing health hazards? Not long ago bacon and eggs with fried potatoes and a glass of milk was considered a healthy American morning meal. Not anymore. For Latinos, fried bananas, coconut rice pudding and mama’s homemade flan were often-considered necessary toppings for a succulent meal of pork chops adorned with yellow rice. Not anymore.

Every ethnic group has a staple of foods that defines them as a nation. As more and more cultures take root in the diversity of America. The intake of foods from one nationality to another may bring with it health hazards for some communities.

In this Images/Imagenes special on diversity and health, Dr. Debbie Salas-Lopez of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and Laura

W. Lagano, MS., RD of the New Jersey Dietetic Association join host Miguel Perez and a panel of experts to discuss the issue of cultural eating habits in the Asian, African American and Latino communities that are causing a high rise in diabetes and other related illnesses. Learn about healthy foods available in restaurants that you can eat and still enjoy the diversity of a well-balanced meal with an international flavor.