FOTOESTIMA PROJECT: A BEAUTIFUL WAY TOWARDS HEALTH PROMOTION

Introduction and Targets: Photography does not simply play a registering role, but may have a great capacity of changing the way people recognize themselves, which bridge the gap between them and the outward world. The major aim is to set up photo shoots that rescue the individual self-esteem, memory and identity. Discuss with the scientific community the value of emotional a social health and how photography can be used on it. Methods: Qualitative work, experience report. Results and Conclusions: The FotoEstima Project was created by medical students as a conclusion work to Health and Society discipline on 2014, its activities were initiated on 2015 in partnership with an ONG that helps women that have been through difficult time. The Project has two different moments, which one marked by a visit. During the first one the students form small groups with specific responsibilities: get to know those women and their needs; make their hair and makeup, extolling their beauty; make a photo shoot using them as models; and talk about ordinary health problems in their communities. On the second visit they receive their pictures and discuss with the students about the way they used to see themselves and how important it is to have self-esteem. Accomplishing these activities the team expects to have improved women health by working their emotional and social questions. It is essential to encourage students to participate of extension projects that allow them to treat the whole person, not only the disease, giving the student a complete education about what really is being healthy.