FEBRUARY 2024 NEWSLETTER

C E-Newsletter

onversaciones de Salud

......sirviendo a las comunidades Hispanas/Latinas/Latinas/Latinas/Afrodescendientes/Indígenas-Latinas y Asiáticas-Latinas.

Febrero

CARTA DE CARMEN ROBLES

NECESITAS AYUDA?

De nuestros corazones a los de ustedes PÁGINA 2

Encuentra tratamiento para el uso de sustancias PÁGINA 6

MES DE LA HISTORIA AFROAMERICANA: ¡Viva la Afrolatinidad!

PÁGINA 4 & 5

Una guía que te servirá para tener conversaciones que pueden salvar vidas.

PÁGINA 7

LA REPRESENTANTE QUE RAPEA PÁGINA 12

PÁGINA 10

Usted tiene el poder de tomar acción para protegerse de enfermedades cardiácas.

PÁGINAS 8 & 9

Amor através de América: Tradiciones del Día de San Valentín en Latino America PÁGINA 3

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¿CÓMO HABLAR CON TUS HIJOS SOBRE EL FENTANILO?

Da el primer paso: ¡Descubra el estatus de su Salud Mental!

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Carmen Robles’ Letter From Our Hearts to Yours February's issue shines a bright light on the vibrant hues of our shared history and well-being. As we delve into Black History Month, we especially celebrate AfroLatinos, acknowledging the profound influence of African American achievements on the fabric of American history—a narrative that intimately entwines with our Latino heritage.

This month, we also turn our focus to the heart, not just as a symbol of love, but as the center of our health. "Give Your Heart Some Love" serves as our rallying cry, urging each of you to embrace wellness with practical advice and steps towards a healthier heart.

In our commitment to the well-being of our families, we tackle the critical issue of fentanyl.

Through open dialogue and equipped with the right information, we can steer our loved ones away from danger. Our message is clear: "We care about you." This care extends to mental health, where we encourage taking screenings and actions to foster well-being.

Love, in its many forms, is the thread that connects us this February. From exploring how love is celebrated across the Americas to fostering love within our families and communities, we embrace the full spectrum of affection.

Let's journey through this issue with open hearts and minds, ready to learn, share, and grow.

Together, we build a community that not only remembers but acts with love at its core.

With all my heart,

Carmen Robles

Director for Conversaciones de Salud

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Amor Across the Americas:

Valentine's Day Traditions in Latin America

Valentine's Day, a day draped in reds and pinks, chocolates and roses, is universally recognized as a celebration of love. But in the vibrant lands of Latin America, this day transcends the boundaries of romantic love, embracing a broader spectrum of affection and camaraderie.

Love for Everyone in Mexico and Ecuador On February 14, Mexico and Ecuador celebrate not just romantic love but the love between all loved ones. Called 'el dia del amor y la amistad' (the day of love and friendship), it's a time to appreciate love in every form.

Guatemala's Celebration of Love Across Ages Guatemala City lights up with the Old Love Parade, where seniors, dressed in bright costumes, parade through the streets, showing that love knows no age.

Secret Friend Tradition Among Children

Unique Valentine's Orchids in Peru In Peru, Valentine's Day is unique with the exchange of orchids, their native flower, symbolizing love and affection, amid the country's festive season.

Children in the Dominican Republic and El Salvador enjoy 'Angelito' or 'Amigo Secreto', a gift exchange that teaches the joy of giving and the importance of friendship from a young age.

September Love in Colombia and Bolivia Interestingly, Colombia and Bolivia celebrate love in September, with traditions similar to those in February, showcasing that love is timeless and universal.

These celebrations across Latin America show the diverse and rich ways love and friendship are honored, from inclusive festivities to unique traditions.

Source: Latinitas Magazine

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¡Viva la Afrolatinidad!

February isn't just about commemorating Black History; it's a month where the Latino community also shines, particularly the Afro-Latinos.

According to Pew Research Center, among the 47.9 million individuals identifying as Black in the U.S., 2.9 million are Black Hispanic, making up 6% of the total. Predominantly residing in the South, these individuals embody a rich blend of Black and Hispanic cultures.

The Afro-Latino identity in the U.S. is complex, shaped by diverse histories and traditions. Often, Afro-Latinos find themselves navigating a world where they don't fully fit into standard racial or ethnic categories.

Their unique position brings to light the challenges and beauty of their dual heritage.

Elizabeth Acevedo – Poet, Novelist – Dominican

Interestingly, the term 'Afro-Latino' encompasses a wide range of cultures, stretching from Argentina to Venezuela. This mixedrace group, with its African roots, adds a significant layer to the Latino identity, showcasing a rich tapestry of cultural influences.

Brian Flores – NFL Head Coach, Honduran

Despite the broad terms like Hispanic or Latino, the Afro-Latino community sometimes feels marginalized, pointing out the need for more inclusive and accurate representation. The movement towards recognizing the unique position of Afro-Latinos aims to highlight the importance of embracing this diversity within the Latino community.

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Afro-Latinos have made significant contributions across various fields, from literature and dance to music, drawing heavily on their African heritage.

Their influence is palpable in popular genres like reggae, mambo, and salsa, showcasing the deeprooted African culture within the Latino community.

Bruno Mars- Musician, Puerto Rican-Filipino-Hawaiian

As we celebrate Black History Month, let's also embrace the Afro-Latino community, recognizing their unique experiences and contributions. Their story is a testament to the rich, diverse tapestry of cultures that make up the American identity, reminding us of the importance of inclusion and understanding in our shared history.

Source: CoolAssociateslic

Continue celebrating Black History Month by exploring the rich tapestry of Afro-Latino culture through literature, podcasts, and documentaries. Dive into the powerful narratives with "My Mother Was a Freedom Fighter", a testament to resilience and strength.

Listen to "How I Made It: Ayodele Casel" and "A Spoken History Of The Nuyorican Poets Cafe" to hear vibrant stories of creativity and heritage.

Educate yourself with "AfroLatinos: An Untaught History," a documentary that sheds light on the significant yet often overlooked contributions of AfroLatinos.

Finally, enrich your understanding by tuning into "AFROSAYA The Afro Latino Podcast," where each episode is a celebration of Afro-Latino culture. These resources offer insightful perspectives, deepening your appreciation for the diverse and dynamic Afro-Latino community.

Click here to see more

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If you or someone close to you needs help for a substance use disorder, talk to your doctor or call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at

1-800-662-HELP or go to

SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE IN PREVENTING OPIOID-RELATED OVERDOSES?

Do you know what you can do to help?

Learn more about opioids so you can help people who are most at risk for opioid use disorder and overdose in your community.

Provide tools and information for healthcare professionals working on overdose prevention and treatment.

Help those struggling with opioid use disorder find the right care and treatment.

Increase awareness and share best practices with providers and patients in your community.

As a patient, a healthcare provider, or a member of a community you can ensure that the best information is being shared and understood to prevent overdose deaths.

If you're seeking support for patients, family, and friends, here are additional resources for you.

(Click on each) Managing chronic pain with or in recovery (SAMHSA) Facts and Recommendations for Individuals and Families Facts and Recommendations for Communities Facts and Recommendations for State, Local, and Tribal Governments Mental Health and Addiction Insurance Help Click here to see more

Click aquí para ESPAÑOL

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HOW TO TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT FENTANYL

TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT FENTANYL

FENTANYL 101 Think your child would never encounter fentanyl? You might be surprised. Young people today are under a lot of pressure, and some of them choose to experiment with drugs.

Click here to know more

You can't see, smell, or taste fentanyl, so how can you protect your kids from it?

Talk to them.

TALK TO YOUR KIDS

Drop the f-bomb: fentanyl. Make sure your kids know how common fentanyl is and what to do if they witness an overdose.

Encourage open, lifesaving conversations with your children about fentanyl. Visit this comprehensive website designed for parents, offering a detailed guide on how to approach this critical topic. You'll find everything from conversation starters and resources for support, to recognizing signs of use and what to do in case of an overdose. Empower yourself with knowledge and tools to help protect your family.

Start the conversation today for a safer tomorrow.

Click here to OPEN

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Heart Month

Heart Month is celebrated throughout the month of February.

February is chosen because it is a time when many people reflect on matters of the heart, including love and relationships. It is a fitting opportunity to also emphasize the importance of heart health.

Join Hennepin County throughout the month for a variety of events and celebrations to raise awareness and prevent heart disease and stroke.

These events include acupressure for stress relief, Zumba, healthy cooking classes, a community walk, and more. Don't miss out!

Click here to see more

Heart Safe Communities Sudden cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, at anytime, to anyone.

And it's almost always fatal. Cardiovascular events, including cardiac arrest, are the second-leading cause of death in Minnesota, responsible for almost 20% of deaths.

The Minnesota Department of Health, the American Heart Association, the Minnesota Ambulance Association, the Minnesota Resuscitation Consortium, and others have partnered to promote Heart Safe Communities, an effort to 1 million heart safe Minnesotans prevent death from sudden cardiac arrest by: Increasing community and public awareness Placing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) wherever people live, work and play Educating the public on how to administer CPR Click here to see more

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Heart Vascular Health Guide This guide can help you manage your cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight by making small, gradual changes that will add up to an overall, heart-healthy lifestyle.

Click here to download this Guide AVAILABLE IN: ENGLISH AND ESPAÑOL

ME SO

GIVE YO T R UR A E H E

V O L

The Live to the Beat campaign is led by the CDC Foundation and the Million Hearts® initiative.

The Live to the Beat campaign aims to help adults take steps to prevent heart disease and stroke.

In this website you can know more about: Exercise Eating Healthy Blood Pressure Blood Sugar Cholesterol Stress Smoking Pulse Check Click here to see more

Need to lower your cholesterol?

TLC (therapeutic lifestyle changes) is a set of tools you can use to get results. This easy-to-read booklet is designed to help you make the lifestyle changes that will lower blood cholesterol and reduce your risk for heart disease.

Click here to DOWNLOAD TLC booklet

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Take the First Step: Discover Your Mental Health Status Today!

In our busy world, checking in on our mental health is crucial. Online screenings are a fast and simple way to see if you might have symptoms of a mental health issue, such as depression or anxiety. These conditions are common, treatable, and recovery is possible.

A few clicks can provide insight into your mental health and whether you might need help from a professional.

Click here to Take a Mental Health Test You can find DEPRESSION, ADHD, PTSD, ANXIETY, EATING DESORDERS tests an MORE DISPONIBLE TEST DE DEPRESIÓN EN ESPAÑOL CLICK AQUÍ DISPONIBLE TEST DE ANSIEDAD EN ESPAÑOL CLICK AQUÍ

If a mental health screening shows you might have a condition, it's time to act. Sharing your results with someone you trust or a mental health expert is a good first step. They can fully assess your situation and guide you on how to improve. The website is for learning, not emergencies. For urgent help,

call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or text "MHA" to 741-741 for the Crisis Text Line.

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THE REP WHO RAPS Minnesota lawmaker gets ready to drop another rap album

One state representative is getting ready to start the new session at the Minnesota State Capitol this week and drop a new album.

Rep. María Isa Pérez-Vega, who serves St. Paul and West St. Paul, released her new rap album on Monday, “Unlock the Chamber.”

“Hip-hop, debate, politics, it’s all part of the same culture,” Pérez-Vega said.

The rep who raps says her first session at the State Capitol last year influenced her music.

“Art is a part of our agenda and how much I’m working as an artist, as a lawmaker,” Pérez-Vega said.

The St. Paul native says she’s been rapping since she was 11.

Click here to see more

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GOT ANY COMMENTS? Please send to afrolatino.news@yahoo.com

CONTACT INFO Click here

EDITOR OF THIS ISSUE: PAULINA LOPEZ- VALENCIA

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE

SUPPORTED BY: NEW GENERATION CHURCH Reverend Victor A Martinez

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C E-Newsletter

onversaciones de Salud ...serving the Hispanic/Latinx/Latine/Latino/Afrodecendientes/IndigenousLatino and Asian-Latino communities.

CARMEN ROBLES’ LETTER NEED HELP?

From our hearts to yours PAGE 2

Find Substance Use Treatment PAGE 6

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: ¡Viva la Afrolatinidad!

Take the First Step: Discover Your Mental Health Status Today!

PAGE 4 & 5

An easy-guide to encourage life-saving conversations.

PAGE 7

THE REP WHO RAPS PAGE 12

PAGE 10

You have the power to take action to protect yourself against heart disease.

PAGE 8 & 9

Amor Across the Americas: Valentine’s Day Traditions in Latin America PAGE 3

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HOW TO TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT FENTANYL?

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