Corazon Feliz a.k.a. the Happy Heart program is coming to an end.
The project started way back in July when we arrived in the far away communities at 6a.m. to give blood tests (to check people's cholesterol and glucose levels), to check blood pressure and to calculate B.M.I. Many people were unaware of their health situation and didn't know they suffered from Hypertension or were in high risk zone for having a possible heart attack or stroke. Some people who were stick thin and who you wouldn't suspect of having heart problems, had blood pressures of 190/80....a lot of fried food, a lot of manteca and pure carbohydrates in their diet.From there, we started the 6 month program teaching 2-3 promoters from each of the 6 communities about heart disease, how to prevent such sicknesses, how to take blood pressure and to calculate BMI. Those same promoters went back to their communities and replicated the info. Through the interactive talleres about nutrition, exercise, eliminating stress and by conducting blood pressure and weight controls every 15 days, I am happy to say that over 80% of the participants have lowered their blood pressure or lost weight. (ultimately lowering their risk for heart disease and reducing malnourishment).
People now say no to manteca! (very common to cook everything in fatty Crisco like substance)
People now practice ZUMBA....Latin aerobics!
People now are more aware of their blood pressure and health conditions.
People now know to fill their plates with colors/vitamins instead of just rice.
People now have their own vegetable gardens.
People now have happier hearts!
Las Mercedes 1, one of mi querida comunidades that participated in the Happy <3>
1 comment:
Congratulations! See, you really are making a valuable difference in the lives of those you come in contact with in your Ecuadorian communities. Be proud of all you've accomplished- I am.
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