Our recent Latino Expo: Conozca Su Corazón Conference in Las Vegas was conducted entirely in Spanish, providing an opportunity for the local Latino community to learn all about living a heart-healthy lifestyle. The keynote speaker was neurologist Gabriela Gregory, M.D., who explained that stroke is the fourth leading cause of death among Latinos. She is the Chief of Neurology and Vice-Chair of Internal Medicine at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center in Las Vegas and is associated with the Nevada Neurosciences Institute at Sunrise.

Dr. Gregory, at left, noted that those most at risk are likely to be unaware of what a stroke is and the brief window of opportunity to treat it. Stroke is a medical emergency involving the blockage of blood flow to the brain which can be treated with clot-busting drugs that must be administered immediately.

The Expo featured a variety of informational sessions, as well as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training, health screenings and more than 50 vendor and exhibitor booths. Some 200 people attended the event at the East Las Vegas Community/Senior Center on Oct. 22. Sponsors were Humana, Guadalupe Medical Center and Absolute Dental.

A healthy cooking demonstration and tastings were provided by Le Cordon Bleu nutritionist Aminta Martinez and her students. The fast-paced Zumba physical activity session was a crowd pleaser. The Jump for Joy Foundation provided two sessions designed for children, showing kids how to keep their hearts healthy.

This event is part of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Conozca Su Corazón program which connects with Latinos through community centers and other local organizations. Conozca Su Corazón is presented in many venues, ranging from high-profile events like this expo in Las Vegas to small workshops in neighborhoods around the Western States Affiliate.