The health and well-being of Latino families matters deeply to Hispanic Federation. That’s why we support organizations and campaigns that not only educate our community about the importance of physical activity and nutrition but also create opportunities for people to get moving. That’s why we have had a long relationship with “¡Vive tu vida! Get Up! Get Moving!”, the nation’s premier Hispanic family physical activity and healthy lifestyle event.
Last month, we headed to Horizon Middle School in Kissimmee as part of their annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. The program included free health screenings, information on nutrition and physical fitness and prize drawings. We were joined by Florida Blue, Herzing University, Florida Dairy Farmers, Florida Technical College, Hispanic Family Counseling, One Blood, Hope and Help, and another nearly 20 private and public organizations helping families to live healthy lives. Orlando City Foundation, the charity arm of the MLS local soccer team, offered clinics to teens. The event was heavily promoted on Spanish-Language media, including Univision Orlando and radio station Salsa 98.1 FM, partners on this community-oriented effort, as well as during previous public events and activities sponsored by Hispanic Federation.
“We see the impact of poor health and poor nutrition every day in our work,” said Bethsy Morales, HF’s Director of Health Engagement. “When our families are unhealthy it affects everything — from their educational attainment to economic opportunities. That’s why programs like this are so important. We can give people information they can use to keep themselves healthy and learn how small changes in nutrition and lifestyle can have a powerful, positive effect on their lives.”
This year’s event was particular significant and relevant due to the number of Latino families directly affected by Hurricane Irma in Florida and Puerto Ricans moving to Central Florida after the impact of Hurricane Maria on the island.
“We know that many of the families arriving from Puerto Rico are confronting challenges that make staying healthy very difficult,” Morales said. “We feel a special obligation to help our people be healthy, especially in light of the social and economic upheaval they're going through.”
