Knowing Your Numbers Could Save Your Life

Free Heart Screenings Target Spanish-Speaking Community

Heart disease is a concern for many adults. It is the second leading cause of death for the Hispanic/Latino population. Fortunately, heart disease is preventable for most people with the proper precautions.

Heart disease doesn’t always come with symptoms so it is important to be aware of your health risk. Programa Puente, a Spectrum Health Healthier Communities program, is raising awareness and educating Spanish-speaking people in Kent County on what their ideal heart screening test numbers should be to decrease their risk of getting heart disease. Knowing actual versus ideal numbers allows individuals to address specific risk areas they may have and learn what lifestyle changes are needed to prevent heart disease.

Programa Puente invites Spanish-speaking adults ages 18 to 59 to receive a free heart screening on Friday, July 26 or Saturday, July 27, from 7 a.m. to 11:20 a.m., at 75 Sheldon Boulevard SE, Grand Rapids, 2nd Floor. Screenings will last 15 to 20 minutes.

The screening tests will check:

Blood pressure
Cholesterol level
Glucose level
Body mass index

Test results will be reviewed at the appointment. If the results are not normal for a healthy heart, referrals may be made for follow-up care or education.

Call 616.391.6199 to schedule an appointment with a Spanish-speaking representative.

Programa Puente is focusing on heart education as a result of a community health needs assessment which was conducted in partnership with the Kent County Health Department, community organizations and several non-profit community hospitals, including Spectrum Health.

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system, based in West Michigan, offering a full continuum of care through the Spectrum Health Hospital Group, which is comprised of 10 hospitals including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital; 130 ambulatory and service sites; 975 advanced practice providers and employed physicians including members of the Spectrum Health Medical Group and West Michigan Heart physician groups; and Priority Health, a health plan. Spectrum Health is West Michigan’s largest employer with 20,000 employees. The organization provided $204 million in community benefit during its 2012 fiscal year.