Strong Heart Study - Arizona

02/13/2026

Let’s meet Charm, the Misciñ Koji! 🐗We can be heart healthy like her by eating plenty of fiber.

Dietary fiber, found in plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, protects heart health by lowering LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, reducing blood pressure, decreasing inflammation, and helping manage weight. Soluble fiber binds to cholesterol in the digestive system, preventing its absorption. A high-fiber diet significantly lowers the risk of cardiovascular and related diseases. 

* Misciñ Koji means javelina or collared pecary 🐗 in the O’odham Language

02/11/2026

Here is Darwin, the Hawañ! 🐦‍⬛ We can be heart healthy like her by eating a diverse diet.

A diverse, colorful diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is crucial for heart health, reducing risks of cardiovascular disease by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. A varied intake ensures a wide spectrum of nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber, which protect arteries and reduce inflammation.

*Hawañ means raven 🐦‍⬛ in the O’odham Language.

02/06/2026

Here is Heavenly, the Judum! 🐻 We can be heart healthy like him by getting enough sleep.

Getting enough quality sleep is essential for good heart and brain health. Sleep disorders make it difficult to get the sleep you need to stay healthy. In fact, they have been linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Research tells us how sleep disorders and poor sleep can hurt your heart health:
* Poor sleep can cause major cardiovascular disease risk factors including obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes.
* Insufficient or irregular sleep can negatively influence diet, stress and other lifestyle factors that can raise the risk of cardiovascular disease.
* Excessive daytime sleepiness, which is a symptom of many sleep disorders, including hypersomnia, can lead to a greater risk of cardiovascular disease.
* Sleep deprivation and sleep disorders have also been linked to increased inflammation in your body, which can also elevate your risk of cardiovascular issues.
* Poor sleep and sleep disorders can cause depression and other mental health issues, which can hurt your heart health

🐻 Judum means bear in the O’odham Language

02/05/2026

As Indigenous people, animals play an important role in our cultures. 🐻 Our team was able to visit the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center to learn more about their mission and the animals who live there. We also found out what heart healthy habits the native animals around us have!

Every week for American Heart Month ♥️, we will be sharing an animal, its traditional name, and its heart-healthy habit!

Check in tomorrow for our first one! ☀️

01/15/2026

12/31/2025

Happy New Year wishes from the Strong Heart Study Arizona team!
Blessings from:
Mary, Sharon, Tanya, Diane, Celina, Sunny, Sam and Nicole

*Not pictured: Cynthia and Roberta

12/24/2025

Ske:g No:ji Wuino!* 🎄 🕊️

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season!

*Merry Christmas! in the O’odham language

10/31/2025

Chukud tash!! 🎃 🦇 👻 stay safe and have a fun time

08/26/2025

Today is Women's Equality Day, commemorates the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment, which granted U.S. women the right to vote. The day also serves to acknowledge to gender equality, with organizations and communities hosting events to celebrate progress, discuss challenges, and promote future advancements in women's rights. 

08/25/2025

Ske:g Tas ☀️ ‘A:ñi ‘ap cegig Muñ! 🫘 ‘A:ñi ‘añ ‘ab ‘amjed Onk Akimel O’odham. 💦 Dova ‘ep em ñei! 👋🏽 *

*Translates to Hello, my name is Muñ (Pinto Bean)! 🫘 I am from Salt River. See you later! 👋🏽 in O’odham

08/21/2025

Muñ’s legs were on fire 🔥 at her reformer pilates class this evening! Thank you for making sure she got the most out of her workout at desert mvmt 🌵💕

08/20/2025

Did you know today is National Potato Day? There are so many ways to make a meal delicious with Potatoes. Or even French fries and potato chips. Happy eating 🥔🍽