Le Me Se Se program helps women of African descent reduce risk of heart disease

Le Me Se Se is an eight-month cardiovascular health and lifestyle improvement program offered through SagePlus. The program provides simple lifestyle changes to improve health and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke for women of African descent in culturally relevant and engaging ways. The program’s curriculum was designed through a partnership with MDH’s SagePlus Program, Stairstep Foundation, Black Nurses Rock-Twin Cities, Messianic Care PLLC, and the University of Minnesota Food Extension Program.

Over 50 women have participated in the program, many recruited through their church. Le Me Se Se sessions include activities and lectures focused on heart health, goal setting, nutrition, and exercise. Sessions were taught by a team that included physicians, therapists, nurses, dieticians, and fitness instructors.

Each participant was connected to a health coach who helped them complete the program. They were given weekly assignments, worked with a cardiac coordinator to reinforce learnings, and participated in weekly exercise programming like Zumba and line dancing.

Luella, a 35-year-old three-time breast cancer survivor, enrolled in the program with a goal to change her eating habits. Both she and her husband struggled with weight and heart issues. She was especially interested in learning how to read food labels and what spices to use that would add flavor but reduce how much salt she used.

“It was really helpful to have an African American food scientist who was familiar with our culture and our recipes give us tips on how to use healthier ingredients,” said Luella.

Luella believes that the lessons she learned through Le Me Se Se paid off. She lost 55 pounds that year by eating a healthier diet and exercising. Her A1C is down and she’s hoping to be taken off insulin at her next doctor appointment. Her husband was also able to lower his cholesterol.

Luella values the advocacy skills she learned from the staff and her program coach, who also motivated her by telling her she is never too old to try anything and inspired her to keep going when it felt hard.

Many of the other women in the program echoed Luella’s comments and mentioned how helpful it was to learn about portion control and how to identify foods high in fiber, low calorie, low fat, and high in protein. The program helped them to learn about their cholesterol numbers and increased awareness of eating habits.

Participants also appreciated the support and sense of community they received from staff and other women participating in the program. It was nonjudgmental and motivated them to keep going. All women in the focus group commented that they would like to see the program continue.

Learn more about the SagePlus program.