During Heart Month, representatives from public and private institutions participated in an event aimed at addressing prevention and treatment issues related to cardiovascular diseases.
The UCSC School of Medicine hosted the third meeting of the Intersectoral Board on Cardiovascular Health, convened by Yessenia Arancibia, head of the Cardiovascular Health Program of the Seremi de Salud del Biobío.
Participants included representatives from various sectors, such as San Sebastian University (USS), Andres Bello University (UNAB), University of the Americas (UDLA), University of Development (UST), and Santo Tomas University (UST), along with institutions like Carabineros, PDI, Health Services of Talcahuano and Concepción, the National Institute of Sports of Chile (IND), and the Seremi of Education. This meeting took place in the San Lucas Auditorium at the UCSC School of Medicine.
Mariel Lobos, a professor at the UCSC School of Medicine and the university’s representative at the Roundtable, stated, “The academy aims to contribute to the roundtable with ideas, knowledge, and experiences, collaborating with other institutions, both public and private, to implement concrete and effective actions to improve the quality of life for residents of the area.”
This event, centered around Heart Month, aimed to address issues concerning the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, which remain one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
On this occasion, Dr. Felipe Albarrán, an academic at the UCSC School of Medicine and a member of Prosalud UCSC, presented his research titled “Regarding Vascular Age and Cardiovascular Risk.” This study focused on measuring blood pressure in individuals from the Lenga cove, demonstrating that relying solely on blood pressure measurements is insufficient for predicting cardiovascular risks.
Additionally, Erik Álvarez, Vice Dean of the UCSC School of Medicine, discussed “Puppets Promoting Healthy Living: The UCSC Experience,” where he explained how puppets can be utilized to educate the public on various health topics. Álvarez is the director of the Sixty Little Fingers Company, which has successfully promoted health through puppetry.
Advancing Cardiovascular Health During Heart Month
During Heart Month, representatives from public and private institutions participated in the event that seeks to address issues of prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
The UCSC School of Medicine proudly hosted the third meeting of the Intersectoral Board on Cardiovascular Health, convened by Yessenia Arancibia, head of the Cardiovascular Health Program of the Seremi de Salud del Biobío, fostering collaboration in addressing cardiovascular health challenges.
Participating Institutions and Stakeholders
Various esteemed representatives from both public and private sectors attended the meeting. Notable participants included:
- San Sebastian University (USS)
- Andres Bello University (UNAB)
- University of the Americas (UDLA)
- University of Development (UST)
- Santo Tomas University (UST)
- Carabineros
- PDI (Investigative Police of Chile)
- Health Service of Talcahuano and Concepción
- National Institute of Sports of Chile (IND)
- Seremi of Education
The meeting took place at the San Lucas Auditorium of the UCSC School of Medicine, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative approach in tackling cardiovascular health issues.
Contributions from Academia
Mariel Lobos, a professor at the UCSC School of Medicine and UCSC representative at the Roundtable, emphasized the academic role in addressing cardiovascular diseases. She stated, “The academy seeks to contribute to the roundtable with ideas, knowledge, and experiences to work together with other institutions, both public and private, and thus implement concrete and effective actions to improve the quality of life for the inhabitants of the area.”
By bringing together the expertise from various sectors, the event aimed to create actionable strategies to combat cardiovascular diseases, which continue to represent one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Key Presentations on Cardiovascular Health
The meeting featured significant presentations by experts in the field, shedding light on the latest research and innovative approaches to improving cardiovascular health.
Dr. Felipe Albarrán’s Research Presentation
Dr. Felipe Albarrán, an academic at the UCSC School of Medicine and a member of Prosalud UCSC, presented his enlightening research titled “Regarding Vascular Age and Cardiovascular Risk.” His study focused on the measurement of blood pressure in individuals from Lenga Cove, revealing that relying solely on blood pressure measurements may not sufficiently predict cardiovascular risks.
Erik Álvarez and Educational Innovations
Vice Dean Erik Álvarez shared insights from his project titled “Puppets Promoting Healthy Living: The UCSC Experience.” He discussed how puppetry has been effectively utilized to educate diverse populations on vital health topics. As the director of the Sixty Little Fingers Company, Ayvarez emphasized the potential of creative methods in public health promotion.
Understanding Cardiovascular Diseases: Facts and Figures
| Cardiovascular Disease Statistics | Global Impact |
|---|---|
| Leading cause of death globally | Approx. 17.9 million deaths annually |
| Prevalence in adults | 1 in 3 adults affected |
| Expected rise in death toll by 2030 | Approximately 23.6 million deaths |
| Key risk factors | High blood pressure, diabetes, obesity |
Effective Strategies for Prevention and Management
To combat the rising trend of cardiovascular diseases, it is crucial to implement effective strategies that include:
1. Regular Health Screenings
Encouraging regular health check-ups can lead to early detection of cardiovascular risks, facilitating timely intervention.
2. Healthy Lifestyle Choices
- Nutrition: Consuming a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.
- Exercise: Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week.
- Avoiding Tobacco: Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke.
3. Community-Based Programs
Implementing community education programs can raise awareness about the risks and prevention of cardiovascular diseases, targeting vulnerable populations.
4. Collaborative Approaches
Cross-sector collaboration, as exemplified in the UCSC event, fosters the pooling of resources and knowledge across disciplines, creating comprehensive health initiatives.
Spotlight on Local Initiatives
In addition to the event, local institutions are actively engaging the community in cardiovascular health education:
- Health Workshops: Organized by universities and health services, these workshops address risk factors and promote lifestyle changes.
- Public Campaigns: Efforts like "Go Red for Women" facilitate awareness, emphasizing female heart health.
First-Hand Experience: Community Voices
To add a personal touch to the discourse on cardiovascular health, the event included testimonials from local community members.
Maria Gonzalez, a resident of Lenga Cove, shared her journey with hypertension and the life changes she adopted after participating in health workshops. “Understanding my condition helped me make better choices, and I now lead a healthier lifestyle,” she remarked.
Such stories underline the importance of community involvement and the power of education in transforming health outcomes.
Future Directions: Collaborating for Health
The ongoing conversations from the Heart Month event serve to inspire future actions and initiatives that target cardiovascular diseases. The collaboration among educational institutions, government agencies, and community organizations is promising for enhancing public health strategies.
As cardiovascular diseases continue to be a critical health challenge, the emphasis on prevention, education, and community engagement will remain pivotal in building a healthier society.