Consulate holds 3rd annual health screening event
CALEXICO — Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District and the Mexican Consulate’s health program Ventanillas De Salud partnered to provide free healthcare screenings and information to a group of guests consisting primarily of seniors.
The event was held at the Consulate Friday morning.
Similar events were held at every border city Mexican Consulate in the United States.
“This is the third annual campaign for Ama tu Corazón (Love Your Heart),” said Consul for Community and Political Affairs Mario Beltran-Mainero. “February, besides being the month of love it is also the month of the heart, and we want to give priority to this important organ of ours. We are here to let people know they must take care of their heart. As you may know in the Imperial County obesity is a big problem and it is also one of the main causes of cardiological problems.
Free glucose level and blood pressure screenings were offered at the event. Imperial Valley LGBT Resource Center offered free smoking cessation kits to guests after a short survey.
“The continuance of Heart Health Month is being promoted to bring heart health awareness throughout the Imperial Valley,” said Frank Salazar, director of marketing and public affairs for PMHD. “In an effort to bring more awareness to the southern region of the Imperial Valley, PMHD along with many other providers to raise la conciencia (consciousness) of heart health,” Salazar said.
“It is not only about eating well that is just a factor of many things, like exercising and checking your blood pressure. It’s about being more mindful of our health and the future,” he said.