Montemorelos University’s health model community project among the top ten models in Global Obesity Forum
October 18, 2012 – Montemorelos, Nuevo Leon, Mexico…Benjamin Garcia/IAD
A health model submitted by the Health Science department at the Adventist-operated Montemorelos University in Montemorelos, Mexico, was chosen as one of the ten best health models following this year’s Global Obesity Forum, held in New York, June 27-29. The announcement came earlier this month as participating organizations to the forum were notified.
The “Best-in-class Montemorelos ADELANTE con 5 pasos” or translated as AHEAD with Five Steps model was presented by Dr. Zeno Charles-Marcel, then director of the Health and Sciences department at Montemorelos Univeristy.
Dr. Zeno Charles-Marcel of Montemorelos Unversity presents his methodology of the Montemorelos ADELANTE con 5 pasos” health model during the Global Obesity Forum held in New York City, United States, June 2012. The health model was recently named among the top ten community based projects in the prevention of obesity education. Image courtesy of Montemorelos University.
The model, Dr. Charles-Marcel explains, is a bio-psycho-socio-spiritual approach to better the health culture in the community through eight strategies for a healthier lifestyle: water, rest, exercise, sunshine, air, nutrition, temperance and hope. These eight strategies follow five practices or simple steps: move, drink water, eat vegetables and fruits, be disciplined and share, he adds.
Since 2010, this model has been adopted by Montemorelos’ local government, the university and the Adventist Hospital La Carlota with the help of students and faculty in the School of Health Sciences, Psychology and Communication. More than 1,400 students in 18 schools, some 1,000 women in 18 fitness groups, dozens of daycare facilities, several large companies reaching more than 3,000 individuals, have taken part in the program. In addition, events in public places as well as through the communication media and special social marketing strategies in the community.
During his presentation, Dr. Charles-Marcel was joined by Health Director for the Montemorelos Municipal District Dr. Roel Cea and Community Service Program Coordinator Gener Aviles.
“This was an exceptional opportunity to gather international experts from different fields to share ideas and make strides in prevention,” said Dr. Charles-Marcel.
The forum was organized by the EPODE International Network (Ensemble, Prévenons l’Obésité Des Enfants), a not-for-profit organization which calls for global perspectives, solutions and commmitments to solve obesity and non-transmitted diseases worldwide. The network is led by Dr. Armando Barriguete, former health assessor of Mexico’s government,
The forum gathered scientific experts in different fields related to the obesity issue, leading institutions like the World Health Organization, European Commission, political leaders and corporate representatives in the fight against obesity. The 25 most successful implemented community programs in the prevention and decrease in obesity and related diseases were highlighted during the forum including projects from countries like Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, France, Greece, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia and Spain.
To view more “Montemorelos ADELANTE con 5 Pasos” health model, visit its Facebook here