Healthy heart habits for Hispanic Heritage Month

One in three adults in the United States have high blood pressure and 50.6% of Hispanic males and 40.8% of Hispanic females struggle with this. Healthy lifestyle
choices can prevent hypertension and keep your heart healthy, but that does not have to mean giving up your culture and traditions. Hispanic Heritage month is
celebrated September 15 - October 15
Here are five healthy ways to celebrate your heritage and family traditions:

• Food: What we eat is part of our cultural identity. Add color to your plate by eating more vegetables to reduce sodium intake. Nopales can help reduce blood pressure and have many health benefits. Try them in quesadillas as a meat substitute or as a side salad. Replace salt with herbs and flavors like cilantro, oregano, lime and spices.
• Drink: Limiting alcohol can prevent hypertension, but that doesn’t mean saying goodbye to fun and flavorful drinks. Increase your fruit intake by making colorful fresh
juices – just make sure you stick to fruits that are low
in sugar content.
• Activity: Music is a great way to spice up a workout and celebrate your culture. Try a dance class or put on your favorite music and go for a walk. 30 minutes of physical activity a day promotes heart health.
• Family: Our family traditions bring us together. Include your family on your health journey and invite them to exercise and try new recipes with you. Spending time with loved ones can relieve stress, which lowers blood pressure.
• Community: Our neighborhoods and communities shape our culture. Join local health groups and go to community health events. Studies show that if you do healthy activities with people in your community, you will be more motivated.

For more resources visit www.parklandhealth.org/hypertension