Heart disease kills one in five women every year. For Hispanic women, heart disease is the second leading cause of death after cancer.
SAN ANTONIO – Heart disease is the leading cause of death among American women. Heart disease kills one in five women every year.
For Hispanic women, heart disease is the second leading cause of death after cancer.
On Saturday, January 28, a unique session will celebrate all the ways women can take control of their health and reduce their risk of heart disease.
“It’s not something we can ignore,” said Jordan Campos, director of community programs for the American Heart Association.
Seventeen years ago, a group of women in San Antonio discovered that messages about heart health were not reaching the Hispanic population.
They decided to do something about it.
“Our Vestido Rojo committee came together and said, this is my culture, this is my people. This works for us. Let’s put it together,” Campos said.
That’s when the American Heart Association’s Vestido Rojo Women’s Health Conference was born. Since 2006, it has sparked similar campaigns across the country.
“We’re just taking this opportunity to celebrate our health and what it means to be a woman and how we can take control of our health,” Campos said.
Speakers will provide unique perspectives to incorporate into your everyday life, such as how to preserve and cook heart-healthy foods.
A CPR instructor will teach them lifesaving skills and provide a health check. Health advisors will also be on call.
Heart health isn’t the only issue affecting women in San Antonio. Diabetes rates are also high in the Hispanic community.
“We’ll be hearing from the YMCA about diabetes prevention and the steps you can take,” Campos said. “We’re going to have a wellness yoga instructor come in and talk to us about the link between physical and mental health and how that affects your overall health, how you can connect the two and make them work for you, not against you “
Breakfast will be served, followed by fun and interactive activities.
“You’ll see a lot of ladies in matching dresses and red hats, all of that is good stuff. So that part is really fun, and we encourage people to take advantage of our photo booth with their friends,” Campos Say. “Those health checks are a very important factor. I want to emphasize that because a lot of people haven’t seen their doctor in a while. You don’t have a primary care doctor.”
Dental healthcare professionals will be on hand to teach how our dental health is linked to our cardiovascular health.
The 2023 Vestido Rojo Women’s Health Conference is a comprehensive educational opportunity for anyone who is ready to take charge of their own health. Participation is free.
It will be held at the Mays Family Center at the Werther Museum on Saturday, January 28, from 8 am to noon.
To register, email Jordan.Campos@Heart.org or fill out the registration form here.
You can also sign up at your door.
Alicia Neaves of KENS 5 will be the host of the event. She wants to see you there!
