Free Elgin program promotes healthy living for Latinas

Submitted by Presence St. Joseph Hospital

Attend a free educational program, presented in Spanish, geared toward helping Latina women improve their heart health. The program will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24.

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of death for Latina women. The Madrinas Program aims to change that statistic by sending health educators and ambassadors into the community to help women learn what they can do to make positive lifestyle changes and improve their overall health.

Participants will learn about how to reduce their risk for heart disease and take practical steps to modify their lifestyles. They will receive heart health screenings including blood pressure, weight and body mass index, waist circumference, diabetes risk screening, stroke risk scores, peripheral artery disease screening and hand massages.

The program will include healthy food choices while health experts from the community and Presence St. Joseph Hospital will share info about resources and conduct screenings.

The entire program will be conducted in Spanish led by Aurora Diaz, nurse educator, and participants will hear from Dr. Aga Silbert, director of Women’s Heart Center and inaugural recipient of the American Heart Association 2012 Women of Heart Award. The award is presented to a woman who exemplifies the knowledge, passion, and energy to share heart health advice with women acknowledging her personal commitment to living a healthy lifestyle.

The Women’s Heart Center, which specializes in the early detection and treatment of heart disease, uses advanced cardiovascular lab testing to identify genetic risk factors to help reduce the need for surgery and invasive procedures.

Registration is required for this free program at the hospital’s Airlite Café, 77 N. Airlite St. in Elgin. Call (877) 737-4636.