Jersey City Medical Center Served Heart-healthy Breakfast to Latino Leaders, to Make a Point

The "Tu Corazon Latino" New Jersey Health Equity Breakfast presented by the American Heart Association was filled with foods that are good for the ticker.

Only skim milk was served with coffee. The correctly-proportioned "mini-bagels" were whole grain. The omelet station offered only egg whites.

The empanada also made an appearance. Normally a fried disc of dough filled with some combination of meat or cheese, Thursday's empanadas was baked.

"We need to be role models," said Vicky Coll, regional director for Latino Health Equity in New York and New Jersey. Coll collaborated with the hospital's nutrition department on the menu.

Health officials, community educators, members of the clergy and others present at the breakfast were encouraged to get involved in sharing information about good nutrition and talking to their constituents about heart health.

According to 2006 statistics, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death among Latinos.

Christopher F. Irizary, president and CEO of North Hudson Community Action Corp., attributed cardiovascular health issues in the local Latino community to food choices, lack of exercise, and economic distress.

"We have to start to realize that our bodies are important and we need to take care of them," said Irizarry, who is also a Union City commissioner.