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HeartSmarts
  • Home
  • Ambassador Training
  • Programs
    • Closer to Plant Based
    • Heart of a Man
    • Feel the HeartBeat
    • HeartSmarts en Español
    • Education
    • HeartSmarts Challenge
    • Sprouts Unleashed
  • Ambassador Spotlight
    • Beverly Bruin
    • Dr. Cheryl James
    • Marva Wade
    • HeartSmarts in Haiti
    • Bowery Mission
    • Testimonials
  • Resources
  • In the News
  • Videos
  • Contact
  • Events

HEARTSMARTS HEALTHY HEART CHALLENGE

  

Heart disease is the number one killer of all Americans and impacts black and Latino communities at higher rates. Although there are many reasons for these differences, one of the most important is lack of education regarding heart disease and its risk factors. These risk factors, such as high blood pressure, obesity, unhealthy diet, smoking, and limited physical activity have also contributed to higher coronavirus cases and death rates among black and Latino communities. 

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The good news is that up to 80% of heart disease is preventable and many of its risk factors can be improved through healthy lifestyle changes. Through the HeartSmarts virtual challenge, The Ronald O. Perelman Heart Institute at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center will work with communities to increase knowledge about heart disease in a fun and engaging format. 

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How it Works

¨ Teams led by a HeartSmarts ambassador compete and engage in various heart healthy activities for points.


¨ Participants attend a weekly virtual HeartSmarts class and earn points through activities based on HeartSmarts 7 Steps to a Healthy Heart. Virtual classes will be taught by HeartSmarts ambassadors. 


¨ The teams with the highest number of points win.  

A MESSAGE FROM THE HEARTSMARTS DIRECTOR

Dr. Naa-Solo Tettey

STAYING HEALTHY DURING A PANDEMIC, THE HEARTSMARTS HEART HEALTHY CHALLENGE -DR. NAA-SOLO TETTEY

In march 2020, lives were severely altered by the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic.  As people tried to adjust to the new changes, feelings of fear, anxiety, depression, and anger set in. As the days of social distancing turned into weeks, healthy behaviors were replaced with sedentary lifestyles and poor eating habits. As more people became infected with COVID-19, the data showed a trend of the Black community having higher rates of infection and death. One reason for this is the underlying health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension that disproportionately impact the black community. As a health educator, I felt that it was a crucial time to share the HeartSmarts program and help people focus on their health. As a result, I created the HeartSmarts virtual heart healthy challenge. For seven weeks, participants learned about heart disease, its risk factors, and prevention. They engaged in various activities including a step challenge and healthy meal preparation. 120 participants completed the program. Many lost weight, decreased their blood pressure, improved their diet, and increased their physical activity. Health education and health related activities do not have to stop during a pandemic. Through creativity and resourcefulness, health education programs can provide people with an outlet to engage in healthy coping strategies to emerge stronger and more resilient.

Dr. Tette

HEARTSMARTS HEALTHY HEART CHALLENGE AMBASSADORS

PRAISE REPORTS

HEARTSMARTS CHALLENGE PARTICIPANTS HAVE LOST WEIGHT, INCREASED ACTIVITY, IMPROVED BLOOD PRESSURE, INCREASED EXERCISE, AND IMPROVED NUTRITION

YETKA

 Through hard work, dedication, and the support received through the  HeartSmarts program, Yetka has  reduced her blood pressure, lost weight, increased her activity, and  improved her diet. She is now passionate about health and wellness and  wants to serve as an example to others of what is possible. 


Yetka says: Thank you for this wonderful program.  I've  been a vegetarian for the past 15 years however my diet consisted of  mostly carbs. I removed all salt from my food back in March when my  primary care doctor wanted to write a prescription  for high blood pressure meds. My blood pressure was 154/94. I asked her  to give me three months and she did. When I had my next checkup my  blood pressure was 130/80. Since starting Heart Smarts my blood pressure  has gone as low as 116/69. Moving my body, removing  salt and unhealthy carbs, and eating healthier have been a huge help. 

PAULETTE

OVER 25LBS & 3 DRESS SIZES DOWN! Through hard work, dedication, and  the support received through the HeartSmarts program, Paulette of Team  Strong Hearts has reduced her blood pressure and cholesterol, stopped  taking migraine medication, lost weight, increased her activity, and  improved her diet. She is now passionate about health and wellness and  wants to serve as an example to others of what is possible. 


Paulette says: When I joined HeartSmarts in the Spring, I  did not expect it to be a life-changing experience. I have learned and  incorporated so much, rebuilding healthy habits – exercising every day  and accepting whole, nutrient-dense food  as my medicine. My progress has been slow and steady but I’m seeing the impact of lifestyle changes on my health: My blood pressure is consistently within normal limits.

Although I have a family history of high cholesterol, my numbers are all within normal range, no statin therapy. I suffered with chronic, debilitating migraines for  more than half my life. For the first time in many moons, I’m off  medication and have had no break-thru attacks since February. I am losing weight and inches – down 25 lbs and 3 dress sizes since January. I am so grateful to Dr. Tettey for creating the program  and making it available virtually; to  Ambassadors Cynthia Mason and  Traci Audena for their phenomenal support and coaching, and to all the  participants for their love and support. 

LUGENIA

Through hard work, dedication, and the support received through the HeartSmarts program, Lugenia has  reduced her blood pressure, lost weight, increased her activity,  and improved her diet. She is now passionate about health and wellness  and wants to serve as an example to others of what is possible. 


Lugenia says: I was pre-diabetic, high cholesterol and  prescribed prevastatin. My blood pressure was so high at one time that  immediately after vitals were taken the nurse wanted to call an  ambulance to take me to the hospital. I have made the  necessary adjustments to my lifestyle through HeartSmarts. My blood  pressure is no longer high.  I am focused on movement, plant based  living, and my health!

JEANNETTE

OVER 40lbs LOST! Through hard work, dedication, and the support received  through the HeartSmarts program,  Ambassador Jeannette Wells has reduced her blood pressure, lost  weight, increased her activity, and improved her diet. She is now  passionate about health and wellness and wants to serve as an example to  others of what is possible. 


Jeannette says: When I started the virtual heartsmarts  edition in September 2020 I made the change to more vegetables and  fruits, less meat and fish came a little later. Gradually I lost some  weight but not consistently. My cholesterol was very  high, my doctor prescribed medication. I told her I wasn't going to  take because I wanted to give my new way of eating a chance. She agreed,  at that point we became a team. The @heartsmarts Moving Closer to Plant  Based course taught by Dr. Tettey literally  tipped the scales. 3 months without eating any meat reduced my weight  and cholesterol. My doctor was convinced. I must admit the combination  of eating whole fresh food , exercising, bonding with the team, reading  very interesting books, virtual cooking with  a chef, and experimenting with recipes has drastically improved my  health. 

Adding whole food and omitting the oil, salt and sugar .  All to make a winning combination of weight loss better blood work  results and feeling great. 

TESTIMONIES AND SUCCESS STORIES

CLAUDETTE

CLAUDETTE

CLAUDETTE

After experiencing weight gain, I was wondering what to do until I received a phone call from Dr. Tettey asking me to join the HeartSmarts Challenge. When I joined the group I did not know how it was going to work out, I was a size 20, my clothes could not fit I was going to give away my clothes but thank God I did not. The first week I started the program I measured my waist, weight, and blood pressure and they were the same. In the second week, I realized my numbers began to drop. I continued to walk some days 20 miles others 17 miles. I started to see more improvement of my blood pressure, waist line, lost inches, and my weight has gone down. My diet has changed, I am eating on time and consuming less carbs and diligently get my steps in. Even at work I take my lunch hour to walk and 12 blocks in the city using the stairs instead of elevator. One thing I know there is a lot of temptation, at work as an essential worker, a lot of places donate all kinds of pastries, but I leave that alone and eat an apple. Thank God for HeartSmarts.

KEVIN

CLAUDETTE

CLAUDETTE

When  I started the HeartSmarts Healthy Heart challenge, I weighed 228 pounds. A lot of this weight was  weight that I gained after the death of my father in 2018. As a black  man, we tend to not deal with tragedy and trauma in an effective way.  The loss of my father had a tremendous effect on me, which led to my  weight gain. I  always made the excuse that I never had enough time to work out. When  the coronavirus pandemic forced everyone in the New York/New Jersey  area into lockdown, I could no longer use my daily routine as an  excuse to not take care of myself. I decided to join the HeartSmarts Challenge and give it my all.  After  having the second highest total steps among the individual  competitors, I lost 20 pounds and now weigh  207 pounds.  On  the last day of the challenge, I ran my first 5K marathon. This challenge allowed me the time and  the structure to heal myself. I will be eternally grateful for being a  part of the first HeartSmarts challenge.

DONNA

CLAUDETTE

KIMBERLY

The HeartSmarts Heart Healthy Challenge came about when I was discharged  from Sloane Kettering having had Breast Cancer, metastasis to the spine.  On 3/11/2020, I had surgery, a laminectomy with fusion of my L4 and L5  bones. Discharged from the hospital 3/15/2020, I had difficulty with  ambulation. The discharge instructions were, to be careful, for I was at  risk for fall and not to bend, lift or twist. The week prior, to the start of the Challenge, I had 26 staples  removed from my back. There were days I experienced periods of weakness.  At times it was necessary for me to use a cane to ambulate.  Presently,  I am at 270,900 steps and moving strong. The   first week of the challenge, I was barely able to do 1000- 2000 steps per day. 

Trusting God, I continued to be determined in my resolve to stay  committed to my fight to better health. My Heartsmarts Ambassador,  Dr. Jennifer Lendore,  was a chief supporter. My physicians are amazed  at  my rehabilitation. 

KIMBERLY

KIMBERLY

KIMBERLY

 Prior to joining this program I have inconsistently been taking control  of my health and trying to stay active. I would brush things off to the  next day or become discouraged.This program has really motivated to keep  active not only to be a contributing member for the teams I am leading  but with the help of this challenge it has motivated for me to want to  get up and more (to get my steps in). It feels good to be apart of a  community where we are all after the same goal and to get moving.  To  date I have lost 2 inches from my waist and have looked more toned. Who  would of know from walking/ and being active can come with these  results. I am very happy to be apart of this program and very grateful  to lead some great teams. 

VERROL

KIMBERLY

CLAUDIA

When I was first introduced to this discipline, I  gladly accepted and started to participate on a gradual basis. I pledged  to do only 6000 steps per day, and trust me, this was a great feat to  me because I used to drive everywhere.  When I was introduced by my Ambassador Cutie  Stone to the program and the team effort involved I recognized this as a wake up call  to get my health in a priority mode. In  addition, the weekly manuals from Dr. Tettey filled with nothing but  very smart and common sense factual information to obtain and maintain a  healthy heart and lifestyle boosted an effervescent desire in me to be  healthier. I am thankful for this program implemented by Dr. Tettey 

CLAUDIA

KIMBERLY

CLAUDIA

I have been inspired to move and keep moving!  It is not as  difficult as I thought it would be.  I am not a brisk walker, but I can  stroll, it's as easy as putting one foot in front of the other.  When I  started out in this program, I was barely doing 6,000 steps of  purposeful walking. Now, after 5 weeks and encouragement from my  teammates and ambassador, I easily complete 15,000 - 20,000 steps. I have had cardiac  bypass surgery, so I am aware of the importance of healing, exercising,  and strengthening my heart.  In addition to walking, the  information that has been provided is invaluable. It has heightened my  awareness of what I THOUGHT I knew. 

In the following months, my intention is  to increase and maintain my target goal gradually.

HeartSmarts Challenge Participants

    HEARTSMARTS HEALTHY HEART CHALLENGE VIDEO

    FEEL THE HEARTBEAT DANCE CHALLENGE

    REFLECTIONS FROM A HEARTSMARTS AMBASSADOR

    BEVERLY BRUIN-HEARTSMARTS AMBASSADOR

    During  this COVID-19 pandemic season, I have been extremely moved by the loss  of five dear friends that I've known for the past 45 years. As time  progressed,  I was further jarred by the astounding statistics that  reflected the fact that Black and Brown people were reaching an all time  higher ratio of deaths as a result of contracting the COVID virus than  other groups of people.  Considering  the fact that I am a Black woman, with heart disease and an immune  system that is easily compromised, I became extremely concerned about  not only doing all that lies within my power to increase my intake of  herbs and vitamins to boost my immune system, exercising and raising my  level of consciousness to eat even more greens and foods that would also  boost my immune, but to offer knowledge to my people of color that  would offer assistance in improving their lifestyle choices during this  epic season in all of our lives.

    This  strong desire to offer some healthy support was nurtured by a personal  drive and passion which became actualized through a YouTube presentation  wherein I was able to share my personal feelings and health tips,  supported by a simple, yet powerful video presentation, that showed how  we can take the simple concept of eating salad, which is so healthy and  full of nutrients and antioxidants, strongly needed to support ones  immune system, and discover some quick and interesting ways to combine  fruits, vegetables and nuts to enjoy as a healthy meal, as opposed to  only eating a small amount of salad with ones main meal or entree.

    A  further exciting opportunity presented itself through NY Presbyterian  Hospital as I qualified as a trained Ambassador to be one of 10, chosen  to teach a pilot, 7 Week Heart Health Challenge to volunteers throughout  the New York Area. What an honor to use the power of my voice as a  Black woman. With years of experience teaching about the prevention of  heart disease, a culprit of the corona virus, and my powerful testimony  of having had a massive heart attack, it meant everything to be personal  amongst Black and Brown people like myself, who have chosen to seize  the moment and opportunity to learn how they can be proactive concerning  the improvement of their health, through making lifestyle changes  concerning their daily diets and become more conscious about moving,  through stepping and other physical activities. 

    Together  we are growing individually and being supportive of one another through  the excitement that is emerging from the team spirit that has been  formed as the volunteers became grouped together as teams of five  persons. Climaxing recently, together we have successfully accomplished  achieving over 25 million steps, in a four week milestone, as a huge  testimonial from the group of 100 volunteers. We have validated that a  made up mind can yield lifestyle changes that reflect the importance of  changing our behavior and habits regarding food choices and becoming  more physically active. We have collectively actualized the significance  of choosing to eat to live rather than living to eat.

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