In the background, Manci, a medical student, NWU
CHICAGO: Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS) and Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine are conducting a heart disease prevention study for South Asians in the Chicago area.
This study the first of its kind is funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Experts from Northwestern University are working with MAFS to reach South Asians because South Asians have some of the highest rates of heart disease in the world.
The study teaches South Asians about healthy lifestyle and includes information that is relevant to the South Asian diet and culture. The study team helps participants eat better, become more active, reduce stress, and lose weight. The study involves group classes and fun activities. The overall goal of the study is to help Indian and Pakistani community members improve their health habits and reduce their chances of a heart attack.
The success of this study depends on community participation and enthusiasm. MAFS is working to improve the health of South Asians in Chicago and it needs the help of members of the community. People between the ages of 30 to 60 years who do not have any history of heart disease or stroke can participate in this study. People who have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes are at risk for heart disease can also participate in this study. Classes are open to Hindi, Urdu, Gujarati, and English speakers.
MAFS Heart Health Mela was held on March 2. It was a fun event where 30 of the study participants brought their family members and learned about healthy living. There was a Yoga demonstration by instructor Adenia Linker. There was a Healthy Salad Competition where the participants brought their own salad reflecting their expertise learned in the intervention classes.
The judges, Dr Namratha Kandula, MD, a head of the NWU research study, Mrs Santosh Kumar, the Executive Director MAFS, Nalini Gohel, the vice president, MAFS and Hanifa Goder, a teacher judged the salads the participants made for taste, appearance and variety. Four winners were awarded prizes. First prize was $25, second prize of $20 was given to two participants, and third prize was $15.
If you are interested in participating in this research study please contact Himali Bharucha at MAFS Chicago office (773) 465 3105.
Dr Swapna Dave & Himali Bharucha
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