Free heart health screening event raises awareness of Heart Month in El Paso

EL PASO, Texas - In honor of Heart Month, the Hospitals of Providence held a free heart health screening event for El Paso.

At the event, Dr. Carlos Loya-Valencia stressed the importance of limiting unhealthy foods.

"Moderation is big," said Dr. Loya-Valencia. "We see our children and it's like, the chubbier they are, the more healthy they are,' which is not necessarily true."

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Doctors recommend that you exercise and limit smoking to maintain a healthy heart.

Dr. Loya-Valencia acknowledged the prevalence of unhealthy foods in the Borderland. However, he said all parents should monitor their children's health.

"That's kind of how we're raised," said Dr. Loya-Valencia. "'Mas gordito, mas bonito.' Right? That's not necessarily true. Because when you're young, you kind of start developing your habits for the rest of your life as well."