Numerous risk factors and barriers continue to threaten cardiovascular health in the most affected, most underserved communities in Los Angeles, making heart disease the most significant public health challenge in Los Angeles today. Most urgent, and most critical to people residing in Los Angeles’ multicultural, highly disparate health neighborhoods, is knowing one’s risk and knowing how to manage or lower that risk.
Cardiovascular Risk in Los Angeles: Overview
LA’s demographic is one of the most heterogeneous in the US, comprising substantial portions of the Latinx, Black, Asian, Pacific Islander, and South Asian populations. Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of mortality in these groups, but the disease is preventable through early intervention and health promotion It is imperative to understand the primary rationale for this mortality in these populations: the intersection of socioeconomic status, environment, and genetics with lifestyle or behavioral factors. It is true that there are many primary medical causes that can increase risk factors; however, socioeconomic, and ecological barriers generate far most medical risk, significantly elevating overall risk for the population.
Efforts to Help Prevent Disease: Outcome of Collaboration and Partnership
Health- focused, preventative, educational, screening, and monitoring services developed and implemented by community health activists, universities, and local hospitals, health organizations, and other community structures provide far-reaching collaborative health promotion services to the community: South Asian Heart Health Program at UCLA; Vietnamese and Latino communities provide bilingual health services. These organizations are helping to…
– Spread knowledge about heart disease, and the risk factors involved
– Offer individual exercise and diet regimens and lifestyle changes that can be sustained, and culturally maintained
– Facilitate access to non-invasive remote monitoring, and disease management for hypertension, diabetes
– Empower and provide self-monitoring and self-management training for the same patients to manage the patients’ health and overall well-being with or without the guidance of a medical staff
– Establishing supportive networks that equip families to work and engage with one another in developing healthy behaviors.
Barriers to Preventive Care
There are barriers to access preventive care and some progress continues to be made within the system. Healthy food options, safe outdoor areas, and basic primary care are out of reach for many families due to the socioeconomic inequity. Data show that areas with greater disease burdens are also those with excess poverty or greater rates of uninsured individuals. Language, transportation, and discrimination (particularly for the elderly and immigrants) add to the difficulty of access.
Tips for Reducing Heart Disease Risk in LA’s Multicultural Communities
Awareness of, and access to, the resources needed for prevention are foundational to the cause. The following are evidence-based risk reduction strategies available to individuals and families in LA:
– Have regular screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. Many local clinics and community events offer such screenings for free or at low costs.
– Eat a balanced diet that incorporates fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Family culturally-appropriate recipes can be integrated.
– Participate in regular exercise at moderate levels for a total of at least 150 minutes per week. Fun movement through dance classes or walking groups can be organized and are inclusive.
– Teach and encourage family and friends to recognize the signs of a heart attack and stroke.
– Go to the doctor and provide details, when necessary, to communicate through culturally appropriate practices. It’s important to identify health centers with staff that offer language services and culturally relevant care.
The Role of Policy and Community Advocacy
Collaboration is key to effective prevention. Changes to address the roots of the :- poverty, food insecurity, and unequal health care access work will be supported by the health leaders of Los Angeles, who will be participating in the coalitions of the _UC END-DISPARITIES Center. Community based organizations and Impact Teams prepare residents to teach their neighbors, advocate for urban planning that is more family-oriented and for healthcare libraries, and improve advocacy that saves lives with CPR.
Local health fairs, educational outreach, and prevention screenings can be utilized. Challenges in language or insurance, and simply seeking out updated heart-health advice, a versatile set of resources is accessible in all Southern California. Community engagement and minor lifestyle adjustments will lead to risk reduction for not only yourself, but those you care about the most.
