The federal courts have ruled that overcrowding in California state prisons are making it increasingly difficult for inmates to obtain medical care required under the Constitution.
Programs like Peer Health Education offered by Centerforce are attempting to assist the mainliners at San Quentin with Preventive Care and reducing their risk of acquiring infections like hepatitis, sexually transmitted diseases, and HIV infections, which can lead to AIDS.
Ask On The Line conducted random informal interviews with 19 men on the mainline and asked: What personal health issue is most important to you?
Complete this sentence: I take care of my health because I want to avoid (blank)? What preventive measures are you taking to protect your health? How do you stay healthy?
There was a variety of health concerns.
Joey Barnes, Zakee Hutchinson, and Jesus Flores are all concerned about diabetes
“I exercise, eat vegetables, and maintain a low sodium diet,” said Barnes.
“I am watching my weight. I also have to watch my blood pressure and keep exercising,” said Hutchinson.
Flores takes care of himself by eating less candy and trying to eat more fruit instead.
Kerwin Jackson is concerned about hepatitis. Joseph Demerson is concerned about high cholesterol. Joe Rock is concerned about AIDS. Rocky Williams is concerned about keeping his immune system strong.
“I pray, I wash my hands, and maintain good hygiene,” said Jackson.
“I exercise and watch my diet,” said Demerson.
Williams said, “I eat a lot of nuts and vegetables. I drink a lot of water, I exercise, and I get a lot of rest.”
Rock is committed to always using condoms and having sex with only one person in order to reduce his risk of contracting AIDS.
Eric Boles and Randy Maluenda are concerned about heart and cardiovascular disease.
“I exercise and eat as well as I can,” said Boles.
“I try to get plenty of sleep. I try not to eat too much, but every once in a while, I splurge,” said Maluenda.
Three men are concerned about longevity. Daniel Ho, Larry Ryzack, and Nou Thou desire to live as long as possible and not die in prison.
“I work out. But I also heard on TV that eating less helps people live longer,” said Ho.
“I don’t smoke or drink and I exercise regularly,” said Ryzak.
“I worry about becoming overweight,” said James Cavitt. “I play basketball three to five times a week and I watch what I eat—most of the time.”
“I am concerned about nutrition and diet for health,” said Chris Scull. “I don’t eat a lot of [ramen] soups. I am hungry all the time and I eat whatever vegetables are served [in the dining hall].”
Arturo Lopez’s main health concern is his chronic back pain. “I have to be careful not to exercise too much and take my pain medication everyday. Other than that, I am healthy,” said Lopez.
