Through my research I discovered that Latinos tend to suffer from heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Additionally, they tend to be non-smokers. [Please note:  All information on this page came from contacts unless otherwise noted.]

Heart Disease - Heart disease is generally caused by a poor diet and lack of exercise. A poor diet signifies that one is eating too much fat, not eating a balanced diet, or eating excessive foods. Worries and stress caused by job insecurities, family problems, financial concerns, and difficulties associated with adjusting to life in the United States were also believed to contribute to heart disease. Additionally, many Latinos associate prevention with avoidance behaviors.  They know what they should not do to stay in good health, but not what they should do to be healthier. Also, recently immigrated Latinos are less likely to take the steps necessary to prevent heart disease because of issues related to their culture that promote their culture. For example, when Latinos go food shopping they often purchase such items as meat for frying and fatty soups because they are attempting to preserve their customs (Moreno, 437).

Cholesterol - Most Latinos understand that high cholesterol is a dangerous disease that often results in death. Most Latinos are unaware of the normal or high blood cholesterol values. However, they do show interest in obtaining this knowledge and are aware that seeing a doctor, exercising more often, and making dietary changes can help achieve a healthy blood cholesterol level (Vittucci, 41).

High Blood Pressure - Latinos tend to associate high blood pressure with worries, stress, problems, failure to keep calm, and being nervous. They tend to use signs and symptoms to describe high blood pressure. Controlling anger, using garlic, exposure to cold temperatures , and drinking alcohol were believed to be effective remedies for controlling high blood pressure (Flores, 121).

Smoking - Latinos usually associate smoking with cancer. They are well aware of the detrimental effects of secondhand smoke. Many do not smoke or do not permit others to smoke in their homes because they do not want their family’s health to be affected by secondhand smoke (Russell,170).