Several characteristics and perspectives of how Mexican Americans regard health care are presented for health care providers. Following a brief discussion of culture and health, the guide describes the traditional and modern value orientations of Hispanics and the external forces that contribute to their adoption. Four key concepts to understanding interpersonal relationships among Mexican Americans are discussed: dignity, respect, hospitality, and personal interactions. Perspectives of the following five major types of indigenous healers in the Mexican American folk medical tradition are provided: curanderos, yerberos (herbalists), sobadores (folk chiropractors), senoras (professional readers of tarot cards), and parteras (lay midwives). Signs and symptoms generally recognized in Mexican American communities as indicative of illness are listed, along with home remedies involving herbs, vegetables, minerals, and animals. A description of some of the major Mexican American folk illnesses and their folk explanations is followed by an overview of several features which distinguish folk medical systems in general and Mexican American folk medicine in particular. The guide concludes with some general guidelines for providing health care to traditional Mexican Americans. (NQA)