(Philadelphia)—If you are of Hispanic origin living in Pennsylvania, the median age that you’ll likely reach is 59.1 years, compared to 79.5 years for all races, according state statistics. And, chances are you’ll die of either heart disease or diabetes, both somewhat preventable through healthy living.

Those eye-opening statistics along with other alarming figures are being used to drive a mass media campaign created by Congreso de Latinos Unidos and the Pennsylvania Medical Society to address health issues related to Latino obesity.

“Many Latinos are at risk for an earlier-than-expected death due to diseases that they can prevent by eating healthier and exercising,” said Julie Cousler Emig, vice president of Congreso’s Health Promotion and Wellness Division. Cousler Emig continued by stating that among Latinos in the Keystone State heart disease is the second leading cause of death, while diabetes is eighth.

Flanked by representatives of the state including Pa. Secretary of Public Welfare Estelle Richman, Pa. Secretary of Health Calvin Johnson MD, and 180th District Representative Angel Cruz as well as Philadelphia City Councilman Juan Ramos and Philadelphia Health Commissioner Carmen Paris, Congreso de Latinos Unidos and the Pennsylvania Medical Society launched A Su Salud today at a news conference held at Congreso offices in North Philadelphia.

Sponsors for the campaign, the Bristol-Myers Squibb Sanofi-Synthelabo Partnership along with the Philadelphia region’s leading health insurer, Independence Blue Cross and Pennsylvania's largest Medical Assistance (Medicaid) managed care health plan, Keystone Mercy, also attended the kick-off ceremonies.

A Su Salud, which means “To Your Health,” is a mass media campaign to address health concerns related to obesity within the Latino communities in Eastern Pennsylvania. In an attempt to reach as many Latinos living in Eastern Pennsylvania, the campaign includes both cable and print components.

Four 30-minute Spanish cooking shows are set to air in March of 2007 on TELEMUNDO via Comcast Cable Network. The show, named “Cocinando con Sabor,” will be hosted by a Latino chef with Latino health professionals appearing as guests to speak about health and fitness topics in a culturally appropriate and compelling manner.

The print media component includes the distribution of 300,000 bilingual recipe and health information booklets throughout eight counties in Eastern Pennsylvania beginning in February, the American Heart Health Month. The newspapers to carry the booklets are El Sol Newspaper in Philadelphia, El Torero and La Crónica Newspapers in Lehigh County and Northampton Counties, and La Voz Newspaper in Berks County, Pa. The educational booklet will also be distributed in more than 500 corner store bodegas, key grocery stores in the targeted geographical area, and health and social service providers. Physician offices and county medical societies have also been given a supply.

In addition, as part of the campaign, free blood pressure and body mass index screenings will be offered at Congreso de Latinos Unidos and other participating health and social service providers across the eight counties, directing individuals to treatment if needed.

“There are serious risks associated with obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease and the statistics for the Latino communities concern physicians,” said Mark A. Piasio, MD, MBA, president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society. “Efforts such as this joint project between Congreso and the medical society must be made to raise awareness and help those at risk live healthier lifestyles.”

• The median age at death for those of Hispanic origin living in Pennsylvania is 59.1 compared to 79.5 for all races. (Pennsylvania Vital Statistics, 2004, p. 89)
• Among Hispanics, diseases of heart ranks as the second leading cause of death, while diabetes is eighth. (Pennsylvania Vital Statistics, 2004, p. 91)
• 54.8 percent of Latino children ages 2-17 in Southeastern Pennsylvania are at risk of becoming obese compared to 41.4 percent of children in the general Pennsylvania population.
• 30.3 percent of Latinos in Pennsylvania never had their cholesterol checked compared to 21 percent in the general Pennsylvania population.
• 35.1 percent of Latinos in Pennsylvania do not participate in physical activities compared to 25.8 percent in the general Pennsylvania population.
• 14.3 percent of Latinos in Southeastern Pennsylvania were diagnosed with diabetes compared to 8.1 percent of the general Pennsylvania population.
• 25.3 percent of the Latino population in the country has hypertension compared to 23.3 percent of the general national population.

Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Inc. (Congreso) is a community-based nonprofit organization located in Philadelphia, Pa., whose mission is to strengthen Latino communities through social, economic, education, and health services; leadership development; and advocacy. Since Congreso’s inception in 1977, Congreso has evolved with the community and expanded into a multi-service organization that offers a comprehensive delivery of services through more than sixty-five programs. Congreso served more than 25,000 individuals in fiscal year 2006 with direct services through four programmatic divisions: Neighborhood and Family Development; Children and Youth Services; Workforce Development Services; and Health Promotion and Wellness. The agency currently employs over 250 bilingual and multicultural employees and has an annual budget of over $16 million.

The patient-doctor relationship has been the priority of the Pennsylvania Medical Society since its founding in 1848. The Medical Society listens to concerns of both patients and doctors to improve the delivery of health care services. To learn more about the Pennsylvania Medical Society, visit its website at www.pamedsoc.org.