Close X
Monday, November 25, 2024
ADVT 
Health

South Asians In US More Prone To Heart Attacks, Diabetes

IANS, 24 Jul, 2015 01:26 PM
    South Asians in US are more prone to heart attacks and diabetes when compared to other ethnic groups, it was highlighted at a health congress here.
     
    The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) has highlighted various preventive healthcare initiatives at the First World Congress on Preventive Healthcare 2015 in Houston, Texas.
     
    Aimed at creating global awareness about preventive healthcare, the three-day Congress held July 10-12 was part of the North American Bengali Conference (NABC) 2015, organized by Tagore Society of Houston.
     
    The Congress highlighted that one American dies every 40 seconds in the US from cardiovascular diseases. A disproportionate burden of this risk is seen in the 3.4 million South Asians who live in the US.
     
    The risks for heart attacks and cardiovascular death can be up to five times higher for South Asians when compared to other ethnic groups.
     
    The total number of people with diabetes is projected to rise from 171 million in 2000 to 366 million in 2030.
     
    In 2012, 29.1 million Americans, or 9.3 percent of the population, had diabetes and 13 percent of Asian Indians had diabetes.
     
    While South Asians have a one in three lifetime risk for developing diabetes, total costs of diagnosed diabetes in the US in 2012 were $245 billion.
     
    Dr. Sumita Chowdhury, chairperson for the Congress, appealed to the South Asian community to help conquer the epidemics of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes by joining the the South Asian Cardiovascular Registry.
     
    Bringing together all stakeholders in healthcare to formulate a shared vision towards prevention of disease, the Congress was intended to create sustainable measures for prevention that can be adapted worldwide and integrated into the fabric of life.
     
     
    The forum was a way to evaluate the factors contributing to the increased disease risk among South Asians and help to formulate awareness campaigns to help modify risk factors that are specific to this ethnic group.
     
    AAPI President Dr Seema Jain, highlighted various initiatives taken by the largest ethnic association of medical professionals in the US, in America and in India for preventing health risks and bringing the best healthcare to millions of people.
     
    An estimated 1.2 million physicians of Indian origin working around the world have made enormous contributions to the world of healthcare, she said.
     
    Jain pointed out that Indian-Americans constitute less than one percent of the population in the US, but they account for nearly nine percent of the physicians in the country.
     
    Serving in almost all parts of America, they are estimated to provide healthcare to over 40 million patients in the US, she said.

    MORE Health ARTICLES

    Why Do Dry Eye Cases Peak In April?

    Why Do Dry Eye Cases Peak In April?
    Dry eye -- the culprit behind red, watery, gritty-feeling eyes -- strikes most often in spring due to a surge in airborne allergens, a study says.

    Why Do Dry Eye Cases Peak In April?

    South-Asian Women In Canada At Risk Of Later Stages Of Breast Cancer

    South-Asian Women In Canada At Risk Of Later Stages Of Breast Cancer
    "Research has long suggested minority groups are among the least likely to be screened for breast cancer, impacting their survival rates and outcomes," said Ophira Ginsburg, scientist at Women's College Research Institute in Canada.

    South-Asian Women In Canada At Risk Of Later Stages Of Breast Cancer

    Fasting At Night Reduces Breast Cancer Risk

    Fasting At Night Reduces Breast Cancer Risk
    A decrease in the amount of time spent eating and an increase in overnight fasting reduces glucose levels and consequently may reduce the risk of breast cancer.

    Fasting At Night Reduces Breast Cancer Risk

    Experts Warn Pets Can Cause Illnesses, Especially In Immunocompromised Owners

    Experts Warn Pets Can Cause Illnesses, Especially In Immunocompromised Owners
    TORONTO — Pets are a wellspring of love and joy for their owners. But they can also be a source of disease and should be chosen with care if someone in a household has health problems, some experts suggest.

    Experts Warn Pets Can Cause Illnesses, Especially In Immunocompromised Owners

    Sugary Drinks Hamper Body's Normal Stress Response

    Sugary Drinks Hamper Body's Normal Stress Response
    Do you always pick up a soda can from the refrigerator every time you feel a little stressed? This could be because sugary drinks may relieve stress in humans by disrupting the body's normal response to stressful situations.

    Sugary Drinks Hamper Body's Normal Stress Response

    Most Provinces Close To Targets For Surgical Wait Times But Parts Of British Columbia and Nova Scoti

    Most Provinces Close To Targets For Surgical Wait Times But Parts Of British Columbia and Nova Scoti
    TORONTO — A new report says wait times for key surgeries have held stable for the past five years, even though there have been substantial increases in the number of surgeries being done in some cases.

    Most Provinces Close To Targets For Surgical Wait Times But Parts Of British Columbia and Nova Scoti