Close X
Saturday, November 2, 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

    Want To Lose Weight? Eat Little, But Often

    Want To Lose Weight? Eat Little, But Often
    Eating little could help those on a diet aimed at healthy weight loss -- but it can invite health hazards too. Eating six times a day is best, according to new research.

    Want To Lose Weight? Eat Little, But Often

    Green Tea, Red Wine Reduce Cold, Cough Risk

    A study by the University of Auckland showed on Friday that eating flavonoids, found in green tea, apple, blueberries, cocoa, red wine and onions can significantly reduce the risk of catching colds and coughs.

    Green Tea, Red Wine Reduce Cold, Cough Risk

    Canada Drops Visa Ban For Liberia Now That Country Has Been Declared Ebola Free

    Canada Drops Visa Ban For Liberia Now That Country Has Been Declared Ebola Free
    TORONTO — The Canadian government says it will again issue visas to people from Liberia, now that the West African country has been declared Ebola free.

    Canada Drops Visa Ban For Liberia Now That Country Has Been Declared Ebola Free

    Prepare Yourself To Overcome Jetlag In Jiffy

    Prepare Yourself To Overcome Jetlag In Jiffy
    Hydrate yourself well and eat light for a day or two before you take a long flight to ensure that you arrive at your destination fabulously fresh.

    Prepare Yourself To Overcome Jetlag In Jiffy

    How To Keep Skin Problems At Bay

    How To Keep Skin Problems At Bay
    With acne, heat rash and dryness becoming common skin problems during the summer season, make sure to avoid touching the face frequently and carry essentials like hydrating cleanser, moisturiser and hand sanitiser, says an expert.

    How To Keep Skin Problems At Bay

    Fat Or Fiction? Dispelling Myths

    Fat Or Fiction? Dispelling Myths
    Still struggling to come to grips with the notion that fat is good for you? It's time to distinguish between good from the bad and take the best pick.

    Fat Or Fiction? Dispelling Myths