In Phoenix, Arizona, our relationship with the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) was recently celebrated at an Open House at Halle Heart Children’s Museum. Members, their families and friends enjoyed tours of the museum and also learned about the American Heart Association’s new Simple Cooking With Heart program which is being implemented across the country.

Simple Cooking With Heart, sponsored nationally by the Walmart Foundation, helps families learn how to prepare easy, nutritious meals as part of their daily routine at home. The success of Simple Cooking With Heart is driven by volunteers who present cooking demonstrations for their friends and local community groups.

There were three different Simple Cooking With Heart demonstrations presented at the NAHN museum event on Oct. 15. As a result, 15 of the 68 guests were inspired to sign up to host Simple Cooking With Heart parties in their own homes.

Many of those attending experienced Halle Heart Children’s Museum for the first time. The museum impresses visitors by creating an educational and interactive experience for children of all ages, empowering them to make lifestyle choices that will create a new generation of healthy kids. There was even a surprise visit from museum benefactor Bruce Halle himself.  While he was there, he welcomed NAHN members and thanked the dedicated American Heart Association volunteers for all of their support.

Simple Cooking With Heart is now part of our outreach programs in Latino neighborhoods around the Western States Affiliate and NAHN chapters in several cities are involved in these programs.

In Phoenix, NAHN is also working to present Check for Life Barber/Beauty Shop Blood Pressure Screening programs in at-risk neighborhoods. Training for five newly recruited Hispanic barber/beauty shop owners and their staff was held on Nov. 7.