Festival in Silver Spring Focuses On Latino Health Initiative (PHOTOS)

The Ama Tu Vida [Love your health] Festival, an ongoing effort to educate the Latino community about ways to adopt a healthy lifestyle, took place on June 7 at the Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring.

Event-goers received screenings to check their blood pressure, cholesterol, vision, and more provided by local hospitals, community clinics, and health organizations.

“We want to teach people they need to take care of their health. They need to eat healthy. They need to exercise. They need to get some screenings,” said Sonia Mora, senior manager of the Latino Health Initiative.

It’s event’s 10th anniversary and according to Mora is a an ongoing effort to inform, educate and empower the Latino community about the different programs and clinics available in Montgomery County.

This medical assistant from #ProyectoSalud said people are coming here to check sugar levels. #AmaTuVida pic.twitter.com/JthMyt5Pfk

— Aline Barros (@AlineBarros2) June 7, 2015

Organizations like Proyecto Salud, Catholic Charities, Holy Cross Hospitals, Suburban Hospitals and others provided free screenings and follow up informations to all residents.

Entertainment included Zumba, a cultural dance group and live music with Mariachi Monarcas, Sabanero Agrupacion, among others.

Residents can also get a free vision screening. #AmaTuVida pic.twitter.com/lr1NYRczUr

— Aline Barros (@AlineBarros2) June 7, 2015

According to Dr. Lorena Riveros, she has checked more than 50 people today. More than 5 children needed glasses. #AmaTuVida

— Aline Barros (@AlineBarros2) June 7, 2015

Children enjoyed face painting and other activities happening throughout the event.

The event is sponsored by the Latino Health Initiative, part of the Department of Health and Human Services; the Office of Community Partnerships; the Silver Spring Regional Service Center; Montgomery County Recreation; Suburban Hospital and other local organizations.

According to Nestor Alvarenga, community liaison for the Latino community at the Office of Community Partnerships, this event is a way to help residents to learn more about regular checkups.

“It’s an effort to avoid any major health related issues later on,” Alvarenga said adding the event is for all residents and not just the Latino population.

About Aline Barros

Aline Barros is a multimedia reporter and community engagement specialist with Montgomery Community Media. She can be reached at Abarros@mymcmedia.org and on Twitter at @AlineBarros2.

View all posts by Aline Barros