The Hispanic community, and especially Latinos of Mexican origin, have high rates of type 2 diabetes and, even more dangerous, are at greater risk of contracting this condition, which is closely linked to heart disease. According to data from the Centers for disease controlo CDCHispanics have a 17 percent chance of having type 2 diabetes, which is almost double the risk of the general population, which is slightly higher than 9 percent. And, more seriously, our chances of having type 2 diabetes have been steadily increasing since 1980, while those of Americans overall have remained stationary.
Our Hispanic Federation participates in several initiatives aimed at informing and educating our community about this serious health problem. For example, in collaboration with the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association, we are part of Know Diabetes by Heart. In the website From this initiative there is abundant information in Spanish about diabetes, what we should ask our doctors and how to take care of our heart health if we have type 2 diabetes. Know Diabetes by Heart contains the testimony of Christina Herrera, who made such a recovery from a heart attack that she trains for a 10-kilometer race. For lovers of healthy and tasty food, there is a recipe page of dishes like shrimp aguachile and chia seed crackers, tapado rice, Tex-Mex style shrimp tacos, boneless barbecue chicken wings y italian sauce salad
Our Hispanic Federation also participates in the initiative Taking Action for Our Healthwhose overall mission is to reduce health inequalities affecting Latino communities. Taking Action has a website with abundant information in Spanish and English. In addition to a section dedicated to type 2 diabetes and heart disease, Taking Action for Our Health offers data and guidance on other aspects of Hispanic health, such as cancer screening and emotional health,
In these times of stress, fear and anguish over the persecution, arrests and deportations that affect us and our relatives and friends in the immigrant community, the section Coffee and Chocolate Conversations This website offers practical advice on how to help by organizing small group talks on topics that threaten our health and the health of others,
I invite you to visit these valuable online pages. And if you want more information about our Hispanic Federation, you can consult our websiteor call us at (866) HF-AYUDA or (866) 432-9832.
Celebrate with us the 35th anniversary of the Hispanic Federation, and until the next column!
Frankie Miranda is the president of the Hispanic Federation
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