The British Heart Foundation has launched a new radio campaign in Birmingham to encourage the African Caribbean community to lead a healthy lifestyle to protect their heart health.
Over a third of African-Caribbean men (38%) and 32% of African-Caribbean women have high blood pressure – the biggest known cause of disability and premature death in the UK through stroke, heart attacks and heart disease.
Now the BHF is targeting the African Caribbean community via a series of adverts which are currently broadcasting on Birmingham's New Style Radio 98.7.
The advert campaign, called Rhythm and Rhymes, uses humour and souka to raise awareness of heart health issues such as diet, exercise, reducing salt intake, and also to promote the BHF heart helpline.
They urge listeners to think about the importance of eating a balanced diet and keeping to a healthy weight to reduce the chance of developing heart disease.
Ali Orhan, Project Manager at the BHF, said: “People of African Caribbean descent are at high risk of having high blood pressure which could lead to a stroke or a heart attack.
"The campaign is one of many initiatives being developed by the BHF to help raise awareness amongst the community. We’re asking African Caribbean people across Birmingham and the West Midlands to take a moment to think about their lifestyles and the food they eat.
“It is possible to eat healthily and still enjoy delicious traditional foods. It’s just a matter of knowing how to make small adjustments to your cooking methods and portion sizes.
“Building exercise into your every day life by walking or cycling to school is also a quick and easy way to get fit and active.”
For further information visit www.bhf.org.uk/rhythm
