Recorded presentation

Tina L. Harralson, PhD¹, Julie Cousler Emig, LSW², Milagros Ortiz², Peter Watts², and Laura A. Lorenz, BA³. (1) Einstein Center for Urban Health Policy and Research, Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, One Penn Boulevard, Wister Tower, 4th Fl. Suite 4442, Philadelphia, PA 19144, 215-951-8470, HarralsonT@einstein.edu, (2) Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 216 W. Somerset St., Philadelphia, PA 19133, (3) Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, Einstein Center for Urban Health Policy & Research, One Penn Boulevard, Wister Tower 4th Fl. Suite 4442, Philadelphia, PA 19144

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among Latinos residing in the United States. Lack of physical activity and knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors can contribute to an increased chance of CVD. The purpose of the “Un Corazon Saludable: A Healthy Heart” exercise and educational program is to empower urban Latinas to take control of their heart health by 1) increasing their knowledge of their CVD risk factors, 2) incorporating exercise into everyday life, and 3) improving diet. This program includes a 12-week bi-lingual heart health educational program and 3 salsa aerobics classes per week. Specific educational modules include: 1) knowledge of heart disease risk factors, 2) recognizing heart attack symptoms, 3) patient/doctor communication, 4) promoting a healthy diet for themselves and their families, 5) importance of physical activity in everyday life, 6) maintaining a healthy weight, 7) preparing low-fat, heart healthy versions of favorite Latino dishes, 8) importance of seeking social support and lowering stress, 9) identifying depression, and 10) empowering women to achieve a healthy lifestyle within the realms of the Latino culture. Outcomes of this culturally competent program will be presented and include: 1) increased knowledge of CVD risk factors measured by pre- and post-testing, 2) improvements in body mass index, blood pressure and waist-to-hip ratio from pre-program to post-program; and 3) improvements in perceived quality of life (i.e., general well-being, depressive symptoms).

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to

• implement a culturally competent exercise and educational program focused on improving heart health, and 2)describe the outcomes of the program being discussed.

Keywords: Latinas, Heart Disease

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation