LATV is taking the stigma out of healthcare by featuring relatable stories of Latinx LGBTQ+ Latinos getting real about health. 

It’s been six months since the LGBTQ and Fitness communities unexpectedly lost a soul, Sebastian Morel-Ferreira, a Latino leader who had a cardiac arrest that left him in a coma. 

Thanks to his passion for sports, everyone considered that he was in good health, so his sudden death surprised the world.

He was the healthies of The Pack, quite literally. To reach more people in his community, he founded The Pack —a unique and all-inclusive fitness class that meets in Hunters Point park with a beautiful view of New York City, leading him to become a recognized fitness expert and fitness advisor for the New York Post and Fitness Magazine.

But, how can someone living healthy lifestyle suffer from heart failure? 

“Usually, when someone so young dies of heart failure, it could come from family history or genetic abnormality never found before,” said Dr. Juan Rivera, board certified Internist and Cardiologist. “The best thing to do is to look at the autopsy to see what abnormality would have been present in his heart to cause a heart attack.” 

Checking up on your health is crucial. Although heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women globally, it can be preventable in most cases. 

So, if you’re wondering if you’re at risk for heart disease. Here are some things to keep in mind, according to the American Heart Association. 

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A post shared by Sebastian Morel-Ferreira (@sebastian_fitness)

Anyone can get heart disease, but you’re at higher risk if you:

• Have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes
• Smoke
• Are overweight or have obesity 
• Don’t get enough physical activity
• Don’t eat a healthy diet 

Your age and family history also affect your risk for heart disease. Your risk is higher if: 

• You’re a woman over age 55
• You’re a man over age 45
• Your father or brother had heart disease before age 55
• Your mother or sister had heart disease before age 65

But the good news is there’s a lot you can do to prevent heart disease.

HOW TO PREVENT HEART DISEASE 

• Eat healthy
• Get active
• Stay at a healthy weight
• Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke
• Control your cholesterol and blood pressure
• Drink alcohol only in moderation
• Manage stress

Stay tuned for My Health Agenda updates, a fun and informative segment presented by our LGBTQ+ cast of influencers takes the stigma out of healthcare by featuring relatable and friendly Latinx LGBTQ+ Latinos being real about health.