Amig@s – let’s taco ’bout  hearth health in the Hispanic community

I was talking to my grandmother the other day about heart health.

She has been struggling with cardiovascular problems for some time now, and that is something that makes me pull my hair out.

Possibly because I do not know anything about it, and she is 80 years old. So, you can imagine the stress and anxiety on my part.

Because of this, I’ve done some reading in the last five years and found crazy things about it.

I’m sure you know more about it than I do, but just in case,

Did you know that?

Cardiovascular disease is the #1 cause of death among Hispanics in the U.S.

Crazy right?

So let’s taco ’bout this today.

Three Insights

Just so you know, I’m not a doctor; I’m sure you already know this.

But here’s something I know that can help you.

When working with my community (Hispanic patients).

Understanding our eating habits reveals insights into my grandmother’s heart problem.

And yes.

Trust me when I say this.

The food we consume as Hispanics is a huge huge problema, and we do not even know it.

Here is why.

Traditional Hispanic cuisine runs deep, really deep in our culture, and to be honest.

I still do not get the big thing about it, but it does.

It’s about heritage, family bonds, and traditions passed down through generations.

But here’s what you need to know.

Many of our crazy dishes pack high levels of sodium, saturated fats, and our enemy number one… SUGARS.

As a matter of fact.

This morning, my grandma gave me two arepas con huevos and coffee.

A traditional breakfast dish.

One, I could not resist that it technically becomes a problem because of the way that it is cooked.

Now, these are NOT just ingredients in our Hispanic world.

They’re key factors that can affect my community, your patients’ (Hispanics) heart health.

But here’s a quick secret for you so you can be part of the solution.

Do NOT tell patients (us) to give up our traditional foods.

Instead, try to find a way to guide us toward heart-healthy versions of the dishes we cherish.

Again, I still do not get the food thing traditions that we all do, but maybe it is because I’ve been here in the US for about two(+) years.

Anyways, here is your mission.

Help Hispanics discover how small tweaks to family recipes can potentially help them avoid health issues.

With simple things, such as.

Cutting back on salt or swapping whole grains can make a big difference for their hearts.

All while keeping their cultural identity intact.

In other words.

Next time a Hispanic patient shares their favorite recipe.

Take this tiny moment and “miracle” to explore food recipe modifications together.

Believe it or not.

This actually shows you value their traditions while caring for their health.

So give it a try.

Here is something that keeps me up at night.

When Hispanic patients face language barriers and can NOT find service that “gets” their culture.

Guess what happens?

We tend to wait until small health issues become big problems before seeking help.

This is bad news.

Unfortunately, heart health does not wait until it’s an emergency. But here is the thing, my friends, I’ve seen what actually works.

When clinics partner with bilingual staff and team up with ​local Hispanic organizations​, magic happens.

Trust builds.

Awareness grows.

Patients start to show up before problems get serious.

Which is a beautiful thing, so let me give you an example.

Something as simple as having heart health materials in Spanish, and I mean actually culturally relevant Spanish.

Not just Google Translate. Please avoid this at all costs.

When patients see materials that speak their language and understand their culture.

They feel seen and respected, but most importantly.

They come back for those crucial check-ups.

So think about it.

Isn’t this the kind of care you’d want your own family to receive?

My guess, a big freaking yes from you! So, let’s make it happen together for my community.

Here is something interesting that I’ve noticed after years of working in healthcare.

In our Hispanic culture.

Family is NOT just important; it truly is everything.

We are 100% chismosos, and health decisions are NOT just a solo choice.

It is a family chisme and decision.

So, here’s a game-changer for you to take advantage of.

When you bring the whole family into healthcare conversations, something happens.

Let me show you.

Instead of having one patient sitting alone in your office.

Imagine the abuelita, the tía, the mamá, and even the kids all there together.

Trust me, that is how it works…

When everyone understands the goals.

The whole family plans healthy meals together or decides to take evening walks as a group.

That’s when real, lasting change happens.

Think about it this way.

One person trying to eat healthier alone is tough, but a whole family transforming their eating habits together?

It’s a powerful thing that will push a traditional dish out of the table in a ‘heart” beat, but do not take my word for it.

Read more about this ​here​.

Two Actionable Steps

Mis amig@s,

If you want to know one of the most effective ways to reach Hispanics.

Get this.

When you set up health workshops, don’t just make this about simple medical facts.

The best thing to do is to turn them into community gatherings.

Think of this.

As health “platicas” or conversations, where learning feels natural and welcoming.

Take my friends at ​Zocalo Health​ and ​Suvida Healthcare​; they are doing a great job when engaging Hispanics.

Now, here’s a little secret; they are not applying yet, which you can do.

Bring in respected local Hispanic leaders such as pastors, business owners, and community advocates.

The good thing is this.

When people see familiar faces leading these conversations, they’re more likely to come and actually engage more.

And here’s my favorite part.

Make food the star of the show; instead of just talking about healthy eating, demonstrate it.

Simply show people how to make their favorite dishes heart-healthy.

Maybe have some abuelitas sharing how they’ve adapted their traditional recipes.

Trust me about this.

When people see that healthy can still be delicious, they usually tend to go all in.

It’s natural.

Here’s a practical tip that can transform your practice.

When it comes to heart health resources.

Simply speaking two languages is NOT enough; you have to do more than that and go above and beyond.

We (Hispanics) need to speak to the heart of our culture.

What do I mean by this?

Simple.

Create a collection of materials that work in both Spanish and English but don’t just translate.

ADAPT, and yes, please adapt.

Think colorful recipe guides that feature familiar ingredients.

Educational handouts that reference cultural values and quick tips that make sense in our households.

And do NOT forget to make everything shareable.

Because that simple piece of paper with advice is NOT just staying with your patient.

It will be discussed over Sunday dinner, shared at church, and passed around at family gatherings.

This is just the Hispanic way.

One Piece of Advice

Building trust among Hispanics is like making Arroz con Pollo.

It requires patience, and trust me, it can NOT be rushed.

While this delicious dish is found throughout all Latin American countries.

Each country and families brings their special touch, which they can only make.

For example.

My sister makes the best Arroz con pollo in the whole wide world, and I’m pretty sure it is way better than the one your sister makes. #LOL

Now, healthcare services are similar.

We share a language, but we bring unique needs and traditions from our countries.

Understanding this is crucial.

So make every interaction count, because soon enough, we will bring our whole familia to your practice.

Hasta la vista, amigos ✌🏽

Let’s taco ‘bout this edition