• Cultural awareness and communication may improve health care for Latinos in North Carolina.doctors desk with sphygmomanometer image by Keith Frith from Fotolia.com
  
  According to the Latino Health Coalition, North Carolina's Latino population is one of the fastest growing in the country. Latinos may have faced difficulty attaining proper health care because of language barriers and other cultural differences. However, by being aware and sensitive to possible cultural differences, the health care system is able to overcome these issues and provide proper care to every individual.
  
  

Breaking Down the Language Barrier

• For an individual who does not speak English it may be intimidating to go to a hospital where he is asked to fill out lengthy paperwork in English. Additionally, it may be difficult for the patient to communicate symptoms and for the doctor to communicate treatment. Employing individuals who can translate or who are at least able to translate key medical phrases is important to ensuring proper communication. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's (UNC) Health Science Library's website has several resources that list key medical phrases in both Spanish and English.
  
  Alleviating the language barrier may make individuals feel more comfortable and ensures that communication is effective. Printing brochures, pamphlets, and other medical documents in Spanish would further facilitate communication and understanding.
  
  

Cultural Awareness

• Most cultures do not handle illnesses and medical care in the same way. Communication between a doctor and patient may not be the same in all cultures. This may lead to misunderstanding between the doctor and patient. For medical professionals it is important to be culturally sensitive to these differences in order to ensure that the patient feels comfortable as well as fully understands the situation and possible solutions. UNC'S Health Science Library's website also provides resources for understanding these subtle cultural differences.
  
  

Patient Education

• Empowering the Latino population with knowledge regarding their own health is a useful tool in creating understanding between patient and doctor. If a patient enters into the hospital or clinic with prior knowledge, the visit may be less intimidating. Additionally, if an individual knows the symptoms of certain diseases he may be able to prevent and receive treatment for the issue before it becomes too severe. Making sure to educate all students is crucial in patient education, but it is also helpful to provide online resources in Spanish or offer classes at community centers.
  
  

Outreach

• Reaching out to the Latino population, in terms of providing classes and free services in Latino areas, builds trust between the Latino population and medical field. Outreach creates a flow of communication between doctors and patients, and allows the Latino population to see medical professionals in a less intimidating setting. Individuals may be more likely to go to the doctor if it is a familiar person they already trust. Offering services in Latino communities also alleviates issues of transportation and taking time off work.
  
  

Latino Leaders in the Medical Field

• Having Latino leaders in the medical field can provide an advocate for Latinos to ensure that their medical issues are voiced.