This DeCal examines the interplay of cultural practices, social determinants of health, and public health strategies to address nutritional disparities among Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. A weekly schedule includes topics such as nutritional disparity, traditional dietary practices, and the impact of nutrition on mental health and chronic disease management.
Topics covered will include traditional dietary practices, chronic disease prevalence, mental health and nutrition, food security, and access to healthcare. The course will emphasize the importance of culturally competent care and the role of community health workers in bridging gaps in health equity. By the end of the course, students will have the knowledge and skills to develop recipes tailored to the unique needs of Asian American populations.
The class will be centered around developing healthy recipes from Asian and Pacific Islander cuisines, and weekly assignments will include brainstorming said recipes and creating drafts for them in a cookbook format.