Combating Stress to Improve the Heart Health of the Latino Community

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Constant or chronic stress can affect overall well-being and may even impact heart health. Chronic stress can lead to increased blood pressure, heart rate and inflammation, which can contribute to developing chronic diseases. The American Heart Association, the leading global voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke for all, today launches a new campaign to help the Hispanic/Latino community protect its overall well-being by addressing common stressors that impact daily lives.

The campaign, called “Protecting Your Well-being Together / Juntos Proteciendo Nuestro Bienestar,” focuses on four key areas that can cause stress: money, work, health and family responsibilities. According to a new report from the Center for Disease Control, the pandemic exacerbated mental health issues, especially for Hispanic/Latinos. Systemic disparities, including lack of access to health care and food insecurity, aggravated by the pandemic, continue to threaten Hispanic/Latino communities. To combat this, the Association has developed actionable tips for each of the four stressors.

The tips are designed to help individuals take small, manageable steps toward reducing stress and improving their overall physical and mental well-being. The American Heart Association recommends taking short breaks during the workday, setting aside time for physical activity, connecting with loved ones and taking control of personal finances.

“The ‘Protecting Your Well-being Together/ Juntos Proteciendo Nuestro Bienestar’ campaign is all about empowering individuals with information, so they can take control of their health and well-being by addressing common stressors,” said Dr. Andrea Iglesias, volunteer expert for the American Heart Association.

“We know that stress can be a major barrier to living a healthy life, but by taking small steps to manage stress, individuals can improve their overall health and reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke.” The campaign is in English and in Spanish to reach and engage Hispanic/Latinos through educational social media efforts, tools and resources shared through the Association’s strategic alliances to reach a wider audience about the importance of taking care of your heart health.

“Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, and it disproportionately affects historically excluded communities,” Dr. Andrea Iglesias, volunteer expert for the American Heart Association. “We need to work together to eliminate these disparities and ensure everyone has access to the resources and support they need to maintain good heart health.”