A Series of Six Programs
Nuestra Salud: Lesbianas Latinas Rompiendo Barreras
(Our Health: Latina Lesbians Breaking Barriers)
By Teresa Cuadra, MD & Suzanne Newman

Nuestra Salud is a compassionate, peer-based, Spanish-language video series aimed at promoting preventive care and wellness for Latina Lesbians. Each video is made up of vignettes, stories, and anecdotes told and shared by women who have faced challenges within the health care system, have gained knowledge through their struggle and are now ready to share their experiences with others. Professionals in the field add their insights and put these issues in a broader context. All programs subtitled in English.

Cuestión de Equilibrio (A Question of Balance): Mental illnesses have many causes, but the stresses of living in a society where they are not fully accepted - as women, as lesbians, as Latinas, and even as immigrants - may have made the women in this film especially susceptible to depression and related problems. Yet they have found the support and courage to overcome. 32 Minutes.

Mi droga Preferida (My Drug of Choice): Addiction can take many forms and have serious consequences for anyone, but Latina Lesbians may face extra burdens in confronting the issues that led to addiction, and in finding supports within their families and communities. 37 Minutes.

Cuidado Preventivo (Preventive Care): I don't go to the gynecologist because I feel uncomfortable. Why should I go to the doctor if I'm not sick? What are my partner's rights if I'm hospitalized? 14 Minutes.

Autoexamen del Seno (Breast Self-Exam) What's the use of a breast self-examination? How will breast cancer affect my life? What can I do for someone who has cancer? 13 Minutes.

Sexo Protegido (Safer Sex and STDs) What is a sexually transmitted disease? What does protected sex mean for a lesbian? If I'm HIV-positive, what kind of sex life can I have? 14 Minutes.

Violencia Doméstica (Domestic Violence): Is there domestic violence between women? What are the signs of an abusive relationship? Is there help for me? 18 Minutes.

This series was conceived by Teresa Cuadra, a physician at New York's Beth Israel Medical Center, and one of the founders of a lesbian clinic there. It was produced in collaboration with Suzanne Newman, a filmmaker with extensive experience in Spanish-language video and television production.

124 minutes
© 2002
Purchase $490 DVD
Order No. QA-909

Reviews
"A powerful educational tool that encourages women to ask questions, share experiences, and discuss sensitive health issues." Steve Albert, MPH, and Dawn Harbatkin, MD

"Splendid! You've taken difficult subjects and treated them thoughtfully, with compassion and warmth. The messages are equally relevant to all viewers and patronize none." Robert G. Newman, MD, Continuum Health Partners, New York

"As a non-gay Latina I found the videos really shattered some stereotypes. I didn't realize how ignorant I was about certain issues." P. Rodriguez, United Way

Related Films
Our Own Best Advocates: Encourages breast self-examination for women with disabilities, using whatever arm and hand mobility they have, or working with family, partners, or personal care assistants.

Second Opinion: Several women, as well as the authors of the well-known book, Our Bodies, Ourselves, examine the unequal ways in which women are often treated by the medical system.

Menopause: Examines the myths and misconceptions about menopause as well as its realities; both conventional and alternative therapies are discussed.

Not Just Surviving: Four women who have been living with Spinal Cord Injury for as long as 30 years discuss topics that include rehabilitation, healthcare, sexuality, parenting, menopause, and how to live day-to-day with hope.

Different From You: As a result of the 'deinstitutionalization' of mental patients, people with mental illnesses now make up a majority of the homeless in many areas. This video explores the problem through the work of a compassionate physician who cares for mentally ill people living on the streets and in inadequate 'board and care' facilities in Los Angeles.

To rent or purchase this film, please visit the Icarus Films website

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