MEET GLORIA BOISVERT

Q:

Do you think Latino women have fitness and/or nutritional challenges to their heart health that are unique to the Latino community?

A:

I certainly think we do. As a culture we like to enjoy foods that do not necessarily include healthy choices.
We also tend to live a lifestyle that is focused more on the welfare of our family members than our own.

Q:

Have you ever tried substituting ingredients in a typically Latino dish to make it more heart-healthy? If so, which dish and what did you substitute?
(Example: substituting Low-fat yogurt rather than sour cream)

A:

I do it all the time. I like eating a rice and beans dish with what would typically include some type of fried chicken. I use brown rice instead of white and have gone to adding fresh chopped vegetables “sofrito”, along with reduced sodium beans and tomato sauce instead of ham and processed “sofrito”. I bake or grill my chicken.

Q:

What family recipe do you love but know it’s not good for your health? Is there a way to make it healthier?

A:

I’m still trying to figure out ways to make typical dishes healthy.
Pasteles and arroz con gandules along with baked skin pork are a typical holiday meal.

Q:

Do you think there’s a strong awareness among Latino women about the seriousness of heart risks? How do you think your generation is more informed about heart health than your mother’s generation?

A:

As a culture I don’t think we are as aware of the risks as we should.
WI’m not sure we have a clear understanding of what a healthy diet and proper portions involve.
I think we see our family members suffer from conditions like heart disease and diabetes without making the connection regarding how preventable these can be if we make the choice to make modifications.
I remember growing up and being required to clean my plate regardless of whether I was full or not. Vegetables are not a staple of the typical Latino diet.
As a generation we are more informed than out mothers in terms of what is available through media and internet resources. Our application of this information however tends to be what needs improvement.

Q:

How did you find out that your heart health might be in jeopardy? What were you told? Did you have any symptoms?

A:

I began to suffer from heartburn. The heartburn would worsen with exercise or stress. One day it woke me from my sleep and prompted me to visit my doctor. Once we discussed my family history of heart disease I was referred to a cardiologist.
The cardiologist attempted a stress test. After a few minutes on the treadmill my heart showed significant irregularities and I was admitted to the hospital. I was shocked! I felt fine!!! I didn’t even realize I was having heart symptoms!
Within 3 days I dad 3 procedures that ended in cardiac bypass to repair 3 blocked arteries in my heart.

Q:

What’s the most important change you’ve made to your lifestyle to help keep your heart strong and healthy?

A:

My diet for certain. I read labels for everything I eat. I check for sodium and fat content on everything. I measure portions and periodically record what I eat over the course of a few days. I shop mostly on the periphery of the grocery store and avoid pre-packaged food whenever possible.
I exercise at least 5 days a week. I schedule it like any other appointment in my life. One I make for my welfare and that of the ones I love most.

Q:

Latino families are known for being so close knit and often extended. How do you find time for family, work, and fitness? And what is your fitness routine?

A:

I found that to be one of the biggest challenges. I try to schedule my exercise around my family activities.
My children both participate in sports. I will bring my exercise clothes and jog while they practice. I have also joined my local
YMCA which provides activities and games for my kids while I work out.
On weekends we ride bikes, go to parks, play Frisbee or even swim together.

Q:

Do you know your blood pressure and cholesterol levels? How regularly to you have those checked?

A:

Absolutely! I have mine checked every 3 months or so given my heart health.
Before that I would have a yearly physical during which I was given my numbers.

Q:

What advice would you give your mom, sister or best friend to help them avoid having heart problems?

A:

Listen to your heart! If it doesn’t feel right follow up on it. Listen to that 6th sense that tells you when something is not right.
Make small changes in your life. Take a walk, try the stairs, alter your recipes to include healthier choices. Consider portions.

Q:

Who do you Go Red for?

A:

I Go Red for every woman. We all deserve the chance to become informed so that we can make choices that will allow us to be present in the life of those we love.