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-Editorial
The Calexico Wellness Center proudly hosted a special event focused on heart awareness on February 21st at the De Anza Senior Apartments located at 233 4th Street in Calexico. The event, titled “Festival Del Corazon,” provided attendees with valuable information and tips on how to maintain a healthy heart through proper nutrition and exercise.
Senior citizens residing in the historic De Anza Hotel were recently treated to a wealth of valuable information from various agencies and medical professionals. The event aimed to empower the elderly residents with resources and knowledge to enhance their overall well-being.
From assistance programs to health screenings, the seniors were grateful for the opportunity to access vital information that could potentially improve their quality of life. Many expressed their appreciation for the initiative, highlighting the importance of staying informed and connected to support services in their elder adult years.
Blanca Morales, Executive Director of Calexico Wellness Center, said that the goal is to win the hearts and minds of the community so they can take care of their health so they are not dependent on medication.
“This is about having the community together and the resources we have in the Imperial Valley to alert people you need to take care of your health so our motto is hearts and minds and be proactive with any heart disease,” Morales said.
The event comes at a fitting time, as February is recognized as Heart Awareness Month, shining a spotlight on the importance of heart health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Taking steps to improve heart health can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and other related conditions.
The keynote speaker was Dr. Sonia G. Ponce, a highly accomplished physician, who received her medical degree from the University of Utah School of Medicine. Following her graduation, Dr. Ponce pursued further medical training and completed an Internal Medicine residency and Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship at the renowned University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center. Additionally, she honed her research skills during a fellowship at the University of California San Diego.
“We will talk about how we can reduce the risk of having a heart attack or a stroke and how to modify our lifestyle to improve our health like having a reasonable diet and exercise,” Dr. Ponce said.
Dr. Ponce’s dedication is exemplified by her certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine. Has served as an Assistant Adjunct Professor of Family Medicine and Public Health at the University of California San Diego, School of Health Sciences. Furthermore, Dr. Ponce holds admission privileges at both Scripps Mercy Chula Vista and Scripps Mercy San Diego, where she continues to provide exceptional medical care to her patients.
The participating agencies included: Area Agency on Aging, Comite Civico Del Valle, Lideres Campesinas, Access To Independence, IV Transit, Imperial County Health Department, Ventanilla De Salud, Accent Care, Listos California, Barrons Enterprises, Calexico Wellness Center, Innercare, Sure Helpline Crisis Center, Coalition For A Tabaco Free Imperial County, Health Insurance Counseling And Advocacy Program,
