About Us
Heart of a Giant Foundation
HGF
About Heart of a Giant Foundation
At Heart of a Giant Foundation, we are committed to reducing the impact of heart disease worldwide. We strive to become the leading partner in detecting, diagnosing, and managing cardiac risk factors. Our multi-level intervention programs empower individuals to take control of their health. Join us now to impact communities affected by heart disease significantly.
Our Vision and Mission
Our vision is clear: to ensure that every individual in the community has access to effective heart health education, superior healthcare assistance, and community resources, enhancing their overall health, quality of life, and the management of their heart conditions and related risk factors. We strive to achieve this vision by:
Our mission is to proactively identify heart-related risk factors in at-risk population groups, provide them with the support and knowledge they need to become self-reliant, and advocate for managing and living with their health conditions.
Raising awareness about risk factors and symptoms of cardiac conditions;
Promoting regular health check-ups, screening, and early diagnosis;
Providing culturally intelligent and responsive services;
Improving patient-provider relationships;
Enabling access to improved care and better health outcomes;
Empowering patients and caregivers, and
Promoting advocacy and self-advocacy.
Some Tough Truths About Heart Disease
Heart disease remains the No. 1 cause of death both in the US and the World, with staggering statistics highlighting the urgency of our mission:
18 million+ lives are lost to heart disease globally each year.
655,000+ deaths occur in the US annually due to heart disease.
495,000+ individuals suffer from high blood pressure-related casualties every year.
Despite these alarming figures, only about 49% of Americans are aware of their heart health status, underscoring the critical need for increased education and awareness.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common heart condition that has been identified by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a leading risk factor for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and vascular dementia.
According to a recent study conducted by the Boston Public Health Commission, one out of every four adult residents in Boston reported having hypertension. The study also found that the percentage of hypertension was higher for Black (36%) and Latino (27%) adults compared to White adults (20%). Neighborhoods with predominantly Black people, such as Mattapan, Dorchester, or Roxbury, had hypertension rates ranging from 34% to 42%.
More About Us
Eager to learn more about our efforts and impact? Visit our News and Insights Page. It's a space where we share blogs, insights, stories, and project updates. Our blog isn't just about posting articles; it's a platform for engagement. We love interacting with our readers in the comments section, fostering a community of like-minded individuals passionate about advancing the world of heart health.
Join us at Heart of a Giant Foundation as we work with our communities, supporters and partners to turn the tide against heart disease, one heart at a time.
News and Insights
Disclaimer:
The information shared on this page is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for any medical issues.
FATHER’S DAY SPOTLIGHT: HOW DADS CAN SET A POSITIVE EXAMPLE FOR THEIR CHILDREN’S HEART HEALTH
As we honor and appreciate fathers for their powerful roles, it’s important to recognize their impact on their children’s health. Dads have a unique opportunity to set a positive example by promoting healthy lifestyle habits that can shape their children’s well-being for years to come. Let’s explore the importance of fathers in fostering heart-healthy habits.
Leading by Example
It’s common knowledge that children often learn by observing their parents. When it comes to health, fathers can lead by example by adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle. By prioritizing their well-being and engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress effectively, and prioritizing sleep, fathers can demonstrate to their children firsthand the importance of caring for one’s heart health.
Encouraging Physical Activity
Active fathers can inspire their children to embrace physical activity as a regular part of their lives. Engaging in outdoor activities, playing sports, going for family walks or bike rides, or simply enjoying active playtime together can instill a love for movement and exercise in children. These activities promote heart health, foster family bonds, and help create cherished memories!
Cooking Nutritious Meals
Dads who take an active role in meal planning and cooking can help to ensure that their family’s diet is wholesome and heart-healthy. By involving children in meal preparation, dads can teach them about nutritious food choices, portion control, and the importance of a well-balanced diet. This hands-on approach promotes a positive relationship with food and cultivates healthy eating habits from an early age.
Promoting Emotional Well-being
Fatherhood extends beyond physical health and encompasses emotional well-being too. Dads can create a nurturing and supportive environment that encourages open communication, emotional expression, and resilience. By fostering positive emotional health, fathers contribute to reducing stress levels and promoting a healthier heart for both themselves and their children.
Photo by Zach Vessels on Unsplash
Being a Health Advocate
Dads can take an active role in their family’s health by being advocates for regular check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive screenings. By staying informed about health guidelines and ensuring their family receives appropriate medical care, fathers prioritize their loved one’s well-being and set a strong foundation for a heart-healthy future.
There’s no way to oversell the unique and powerful impact fathers can have on their children’s well-being. By incorporating healthy practices into their own lives and engaging their children in the process, dads can instill lifelong habits that promote heart health and overall wellness. This Father’s Day, let’s celebrate dads who are making a difference in their children’s lives by prioritizing heart health. Through active play, shared healthy meals, open communication, or healthcare advocacy, fathers can shape their children’s attitudes and behaviors toward their well-being.
Photo by Joice Kelly on Unsplash
Remember, every positive step you take as a father contributes to your child’s understanding and practice of heart-healthy habits. Embrace the opportunity to be a role model, inspire your children, and create a legacy of heart health that will impact their lives for years to come.
Happy Father’s Day!
Testimonials
Our Supporters
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Community Organizations
The Heart of a Giant Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 84-2900386. Donations are tax-deductible.
