Community Programs
ICHA establishes alliances with local communities to develop effective and meaningful initiatives that produce sustainable change through population-based strategies of behavior modification. In collaboration with local organizations and community leaders, ICHA assists communities in implementing sustainable, grassroots cardiovascular disease prevention programs. These community-based initiatives educate individuals to institute lifestyle changes that can lead to dramatic improvements in cardiovascular health.
Nutrition and obesity: ICHA's team of dieticians conducts comprehensive analyses of local diet patterns to provide culture-specific recommendations for a heart-healthy diet. Through community-wide campaigns to decrease the use of unhealthy ingredients, cooking classes focusing on heart-healthy foods, and other programs local individuals learn how to use inexpensive and commonly available foods to cook nutritious meals.
Fitness and exercise: In collaboration with local groups, ICHA assists in developing programs to encourage exercise in the community. ICHA works with local women to craft walking and dance groups aimed at using female solidarity to promote exercise, programs proven to be especially helpful in developing communities with significant rates of obesity and sedentary lifestyle among women. These organized sessions help community members come together to support one another in the common goal of advancing cardiovascular health.