AHA/ASA Community Program Helps African Americans Cut Heart Disease, Stroke Risk
Posted on: Thursday, 5 October 2006, 15:00 CDT
DALLAS, Oct. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- African Americans have the highest risk of heart disease and stroke of any ethnic group, yet far too many are not taking the steps they need to reduce their risk of these largely preventable diseases. That's why the American Heart Association and its division, the American Stroke Association, have developed a community-based cardiovascular health program for African Americans called Search Your Heart.
"Many African Americans are unaware of the risk surrounding heart disease and stroke. The Search Your Heart program is a fun and interactive way to introduce healthier lifestyles to our community," says Clyde W. Yancy, M.D., FACC, FAHA, FACP, Medical Director, Baylor Heart and Vascular Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, and American Heart Association volunteer.
"Nationally sponsored by AstraZeneca, Search Your Heart reaches African Americans through churches and community venues and helps them build healthy habits into their daily lives. Participants in Search Your Heart learn about:
* how heart attack and stroke occurs, * warning signs and risk factors, * physical activity, and * nutrition
Reverend Brenda Cash reports that several things in her life have improved because of Search Your Heart. "These sessions have awakened the congregation to the urgency to become healthy. And, I found that I have a cholesterol problem. I had no idea and never thought to have it checked. Now I am aware of the need to exercise and read food labels to maintain a healthy diet. I have lost seven pounds, and this only the beginning."
More specifically, the program teaches participants how to fit physical activity into their daily routine and even provides flavorful recipes that are low in cholesterol and saturated fat.
"Improving physical activity and nutrition are particularly important for African Americans because these healthy behaviors can help prevent or control high blood pressure, diabetes, and being overweight, which are more prevalent among blacks as a whole," says Dr. Yancy.
To receive a Search Your Heart toolkit and to bring the program to your community, call (800) AHA-USA1 or visit http://www.americanheart.org/searchyourheart .
American Heart Association
CONTACT: Toiya Honore of American Heart Association, +1-214-706-1456, ortoiya.honore@heart.org
Web site: http://www.americanheart.org/http://www.americanheart.org/searchyourheart
Source: PRNewswire
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