Combatting stress to improve the heart health of the Hispanic/Latino community

New American Heart Association campaign focused on common stressors: money, work, health and family responsibilities

2023-06-19

(Press-News.org) Embargoed until 8am Eastern Time on Monday, June, 19, 2023

DALLAS, June 19, 2023 — 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.[1] 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 Protegiendo 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.[2] 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 Protegiendo 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,[3]” 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.”

The Association is encouraging everyone – individuals, community leaders, local health care practitioners - to take part in the campaign and to share tips with their community, friends and family members. By working together to reduce stress, we can all improve our overall health and well-being. For more information on the campaign, visit www.heart.org/stress.

Additional Resources:

Available multimedia is on right column of release link. Spanish news release Feeling loved, optimistic or happy as a teen may lead to better health in adulthood Social isolation and loneliness increase the risk of death from heart attack, stroke Psychological Health, Well-Being, and the Mind-Heart-Body Connection: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association Monitoring Your Blood Pressure at Home | American Heart Association: Control de la presión arterial en casa | American Heart Association AHA 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal Resources for building healthy habits ###

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

[1] Chronic stress can cause heart trouble | American Heart Association

[2] MMWR, Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Prevalence of Stress and Worry, Mental Health Conditions, and Increased Substance Use Among Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, April and May 2020 (cdc.gov)

[3] Global Responses to Prevent, Manage, and Control Cardiovascular Diseases (cdc.gov)

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Combatting stress to improve the heart health of the Hispanic/Latino community

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