Castro is a retired charter driver and lives in Cortez Hill.
When I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes, and weighed 228 pounds at 65, I was referred to a pre-diabetes class held at San Diego American Indian Health Center. With a combination of Western medical screening, focused education, exercise and Native spirituality, I began planning a proper diet. Ultimately, at age 70, I reduced my weight to 158 pounds, and am no longer pre-diabetic, and reduced my blood pressure. Diabetes is one of the highest health disparities facing Natives.
According to the American Diabetes Association, factors contributing to the high rates of diabetes in American Indians and Alaska Natives include genetic, environmental and behavioral issues, which may include a genetic predisposition toward insulin resistance, exposure of fetuses to hyperglycemia during pregnancy, sedentary lifestyles, obesity and the effects of living in environments that are stress-producing, from both a social and physical standpoint.
The knowledge and experience I gained through the program has also helped me live with Parkinson’s disease. An improved diet and knowledge of nutrition have helped me manage the symptoms from this disease, especially reducing the tremors.
I collaborated closely with health care professionals at San Diego American Indian Health Center who understood the delicate balance required. They provided me with evidence-based medical care while simultaneously respecting mind, body and spirit. This comprehensive approach not only enhanced my physical health but also addressed the emotional aspects of my condition.
I learned about this health center more than 20 years ago by word of mouth from friends. My affiliation with my Native American heritage has always been a source of strength and personal identity. I have also encountered numerous health challenges. It is through this personal journey that I have come to appreciate the invaluable resources provided by the San Diego American Indian Health Center and the harmonious relationship between traditional customs and Western medicine. American Indians have always used the herbs and plants around them as medicine. Treating the whole person is at the heart of American Indian tradition. Today, I am sharing my personal account to shed light on the profound impact these resources have had on my life, enabling me to achieve a sense of equilibrium and healing.
At the center, I discovered a community that not only comprehended the unique health challenges faced by Native Americans but also celebrates our cultural heritage. One of the most significant resources offered was the cultural sensitivity and traditional values woven into contemporary health care practices. This approach acknowledges our Native traditions, which have been passed down through generations and that possess the potential to be potent tools in promoting overall well-being.
Our Native American culture provides a comprehensive approach to healing. Officials at the center consider not only the physical aspect of health but also the emotional and spiritual dimensions. They encouraged me to reconnect with these practices and acquire knowledge about the traditional herbs through the center’s healing garden, ceremonies and healing methods that have been an integral part of our culture for centuries. The Native Elders monthly meetings have afforded me the opportunity to connect deeply with my Native tradition. When I learned of an elder group called the Wisdom Gatherers, I began attending the monthly meetings on Saturday mornings. The group has developed strong friendships, and we provide support for one another.
While traditional values have played a pivotal role in my personal journey, it is crucial to underscore the significance of Western medicine and recognize the potential for these two approaches to complement each other. When Western medicine is utilized in conjunction with respect for the whole person, it can provide a comprehensive and compassionate approach to health.
Many misunderstand the difference between urban and tribal American Indians. Tribal Natives receive care on their reservation, while those of us who were relocated to different geographic locations across the United States are not near our reservation, and for that reason urban American Indian clinics were created to provide care for us.
The advocacy efforts of San Diego American Indian Health Center underscore the significance of ensuring equitable access to health care resources and culturally sensitive care for all Native Americans and our other underserved communities.
It is my sincere hope that individuals within our urban Native American and other underserved communities can also access the resources and support required to obtain quality and affordable health care. By acknowledging the power of traditional values and advocating for culturally sensitive care, we can strive towards a future where Native Americans and our other underserved communities receive the health care they rightfully deserve — one that values their cultural traditions and respect for spirituality, and addresses their unique health challenges. Together, we can find healing, balance and a brighter future for all who seek care.
