It's About Your Heart & Soul
Let's Get Real is a heart health community outreach and education campaign specifically designed to bring valuable information to African-American women living in Hampton Roads in a culturally sensitive way. The goal is to raise awareness and lower risk factors for heart disease among African- American women.

The African-American population in general is at high risk for heart disease. In fact, it is their number one killer. Hampton Roads, which is home to a large African-American population, has the highest cardiac mortality rate in an eight-state region. Let's Get Real approaches heart health awareness in a unique fashion that is specifically designed for African-Americans.

Let's Get Real Advisory Board

Community Outreach Components
The educational component of Let's Get Real is what makes this experience different. The community outreach programs address African-American issues, needs and concerns. Community outreach components consist of:

Cookin' Light
Nutrition seminars feature registered dietitians, who specialize in African-American issues, and local chefs. Together they educate participants on the history of traditional African-American dishes and how to alter favorite recipes so they are heart healthy.

Featured Recipes
Formatted to Print

Chicken Stir Fry
Pecan Crusted Salmon and Spinach
Pork Tenderloin
Smoked Turkey and Sweet Potato Gumbo

Rhythm of Life
Exercise is approached through classes that weave traditional African American dance movements and music into an exciting aerobic workout.

Check Yourself
Risk factor screenings track blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, body mass index, weight, height and blood oxygen levels.

Tree of Life
Knowing your family health history is a key predictor to your own health status. The Tree of Life creates an atmosphere of support and allows participants to share experiences, tips and challenges on family health issues and personal health concerns.

Bon Secours Hampton Roads
Making a Difference
Let's Get Real was created by Bon Secours Hampton Roads in response to a recent epidemiology report that revealed above average rates of high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity in Hampton Roads. There is an undeniable need in the region to raise awareness and educate African-Americans about heart disease.

Funding
Let's Get Real is funded by Bon Secours Hampton Roads, the Bon Secours Mission Fund and the Portsmouth General Hospital Foundation.

Let's Get Real Locations
Let's Get Real events and screenings are conducted at various locations in Hampton Roads including churches and other community gathering sites. If you would like to learn more about Let's Get Real or want to be on the mailing list, call 757-889-CARE (2273).

Community Ambassador
Barbara Ciara, News Anchor for WTKR-TV, serves as Community Ambassador for Let's Get Real. Barbara believes in the power of information to help people improve the quality of their lives. Through her prominence in the community, she will help raise awareness of the risks of heart disease among African-Americans and the importance of the Let's Get Real program.

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