Approximately 40% of deaths in Miami-Dade are caused by heart attacks and strokes that is more than cancer, accidents, and AIDS combined. Heart attacks and strokes are often caused by silent conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes, but perhaps an even greater contributing factor includes the lack of public awareness of Miami-Dades number one killer.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez and a special group of physicians in Miami called The Vida Sana Association
have joined forces to take on heart disease in our community.
“Heart disease is preventable through early detection and treatment of conditions such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Unfortunately, many people, especially in the Hispanic community, dont know where to turn for reliable information and treatment. That is why the Vida Sana Association
was formed, to address the health needs of Miami-Dades unique population,” said Alvarez.
Vida Sana Association members, promote heightened dialogue with patients about cardiovascular disease. Dr. Jorge Beato screens a patient for hypertension
The Vida Sana Association
is an organization of healthcare providers dedicated to the well being of Miamis Hispanic community. Its member physicians can be identified by a Vida Sana Association door sticker, which all of the organizations members display proudly in their practices.
“One of the primary reasons why heart disease is under diagnosed and under treated in the Hispanic community,” says Dr. Jorge Beato, a Vida Sana Association
member, “is the lack of provider-to-patient discussion around the disease and the lack of ongoing care. Vida Sana Association
members are trained to engage patients in discussion about their health and are equipped with tools to promote ongoing patient well visits. We are committed to providing a trusted source of care and truly understand the needs of our community.”
To help raise awareness of heart disease and the conditions that cause it, Mayor Alvarez and Vida Sana Association
member physicians will soon launch a public service announcement campaign, which will air on Spanish-language radio throughout the remainder of the year.
“The most important message we want to get out to the community is that heart disease is the number one cause of death, but can be prevented with early detection and treatment. So please see your doctor and get screened regularly. We want to see you around for many years to come,” said Alvarez
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