A classic phrase repeated with love by Spanish speakers everywhere is “Barriga llena, corazon contento,” literally translating as full stomach, happy heart.
This adage celebrates food and the feeling of contentment from eating a big meal.
Being full is important, but what we are actually full of contributes to how we feel soon after eating and beyond.
It is no secret that obesity is the underlying culprit for many preventable ailments, most importantly for diseases of el corazon (the heart). Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States.
February is Heart Disease Prevention Month, and Advance wants to share the message it shares all year long with the participants in its health education and food preparation programming.
“We strive to make healthy living attainable for all, and we want the participants of our programs to know heart health does not have to be as stressful as it may seem. It does not have to be hard-core dieting and exercise that require a lot of focus and seemingly relentless dedication, it can be fun and incorporate delicious food” said Advance’s CEO, Jeri Royce.
Advance makes healthy living fun. It serves as a one-stop-shop for health education and provides resources and programming to at-risk and under-served Latino youth, adults, and seniors throughout Maricopa County.
Advance’s health education programs cover many facets of good heart health, including but not limited to, diabetes prevention, oral health care, healthy eating, and cooking classes that focus on using local ingredients, including Advance’s very own fresh garden.
In addition to these local community resources, the Mayo Clinic has a quick tip sheet with eight ways to prevent heart disease, and the American Heart Association has many articles on eating healthy and exercising.
If you’re interested in getting involved with Advance’s health programming, volunteering in the garden, or learning more about its work both domestically and abroad, please have a look at Advance’s upcoming Taste of Advance event, a unique culinary adventure celebrating the diverse and vibrant communities Advance serves.
