By
Erin Coulehan
Dr. Jennifer Salinas’s journey into health disparities began in the heart of the Northeast United States, where she was born and raised. After earning a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Salinas spent five years working at a hospital in the region. It was there that she witnessed firsthand the striking inequities in healthcare access, where many individuals faced barriers to necessary resources and information, ultimately resulting in preventable hospitalizations. These experiences ignited her passion for addressing health disparities, particularly in underserved communities.
Her path then led her to Texas, where she felt a strong calling due to its unique positioning as a crossroads for research on Latino health, given the state’s large Latino population and its proximity to Mexico.
“I felt like Texas was kind of central,” she reflected. “It’s still essential to the research being done on Latinos in the U.S. and Latin America.”
Dr. Salinas has dedicated nearly two decades to studying health disparities along the U.S.-Mexico border, an area that often gets overlooked in health research. For her, the border region is a focal point of study, as it is not only geographically central but also rich with cultural and historical ties that impact the community’s health outcomes. Her work, deeply rooted in epidemiology, has explored the complexities of how environmental, cultural, and systemic factors influence health. Recently, she has shifted towards prevention-focused initiatives, particularly in the areas of physical activity and nutrition, to help address chronic diseases before they take hold.
The health issues in El Paso, where Dr. Salinas has spent much of her career significant and tied to metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, liver disease, and hypertension.
“The biggest issue here has to do with metabolic diseases,” she noted. “We have a lot of diabetes and uncontrolled hypertension, and the Texas-Mexico border has one of the highest rates of liver cancer in the United States.”
In El Paso, diabetes is a growing health challenge, affecting the community at higher rates than the national average.
The city’s predominantly Hispanic population faces unique hurdles when it comes to managing and preventing diabetes, with socioeconomic factors, limited healthcare access, and cultural influences playing key roles. Many residents struggle with barriers like lack of health insurance, limited access to nutritious food, and fewer healthcare resources, making it harder to stay on top of their health. Combine that with high obesity rates and lifestyle choices – like a diet high in processed foods and a lack of regular exercise – and it’s no surprise that diabetes has become a major concern.
But there’s hope.
By focusing on improving healthcare access, offering better education on diabetes prevention, and promoting healthier habits, the El Paso community can work toward a future where diabetes doesn’t hold so many people back.
For Dr. Salinas, addressing these issues starts with accessible and sustainable lifestyle changes. She emphasizes the importance of walking – a simple yet powerful activity that can have profound health benefits.
“Walking is something everybody can do,” she said. “You don’t need special shoes or equipment, just a comfortable pair of shoes and a water bottle.”
She advocates for even small increments of walking, such as breaking it into 10-minute sessions throughout the day. Research has shown that 7,000 steps a day can help manage insulin, reduce inflammation, and regulate hormones, all of which help mitigate the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes.
Walking, Dr. Salinas explains, is not just a physical activity but a tool for mental well-being as well. “It gives you time to decompress, focus on yourself, and take a break from the stressors of daily life,” she added. The benefits of spending time outdoors – whether it’s feeling the sun on your face or getting fresh air – are undeniable.
While physical activity is key, Dr. Salinas also emphasizes the importance of making sustainable dietary choices, without the negativity often associated with dieting.
“It’s not about completely overhauling your diet or punishing yourself for eating something you enjoy,” she explained. “It’s about finding healthier versions of the foods you love.”
For example, swapping out fatty ingredients in traditional dishes like enchiladas or choosing healthier snacks can make a significant difference.
Her advice isn’t about perfection – it’s about balance and self-compassion.
She also challenges the culture of food negativity, where people often feel guilty for indulging.
“We all slip up, and that doesn’t mean we’ve failed. It just means we need to get back on track,” she said. The key is fostering a healthy relationship with food, free from judgment, and focusing on what food can do for your body: nourish and energize.
Dr. Salinas’s work is a powerful reminder that small, consistent efforts – like walking more and making healthier food swaps – can lead to big improvements in health.
For her, wellness isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating sustainable, positive habits that support both physical and mental health.
“Take care of your mind and your body,” she concluded. “It’s not a guarantee that you’ll avoid disease, but it certainly gives you a better chance.”
