PRACTICAL NUTRITIONAL EDUCATION AND LIFESTYLE IN A HYPERTENSION AND DIABETES GROUP AT THE FAMILY HEALTH REFERENCE CENTER IN THE NORTHERN REGION OF CEARÁ: AN EXPERIENCE REPORT

Abstract

This article aims to report on the experience of implementing Nutritional Education in a group of people with hypertension and diabetes (Hiperdia) at the Family Health Reference Center in the northern region of Ceará. Food and Nutritional Education is an ongoing process aimed at promoting autonomy, lifestyle, and awareness of healthy eating habits, using educational resources and active teaching methods based on the problems of the target audience. A lecture was conducted using concepts and explanations about chronic diseases, focusing on Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension, their main symptoms, how to prevent and/or minimize harm, discussion groups, and playful activities with collective dietary guidance. This enabled users to efficiently understand nutrition through active teaching methods, interaction with other users and professionals, promoting the demystification of food beliefs, greater knowledge and confidence in making assertive food choices in the care of hypertension and diabetes, thus promoting self-care. In conclusion, it is clear that actions including food and nutrition education are important for promoting health, as they are considered an indispensable strategy for the prevention and control of nutritional problems.