Saheli Study

💉 August is Immunization Awareness Month! Skokie Health and Human Services offers vaccinations for children and adults. https://www.skokie.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=993

Clearing up common misconceptions about heart health is crucial for maintaining a strong and healthy heart. Separating fact from fiction can empower you to make informed decisions. Stay informed, stay healthy!

Source: American Heart Association, American Psychological Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Many individuals struggle to maintain their cholesterol levels, which plays a crucial role in heart health. Understanding the factors that affect cholesterol levels, such as diet and lifestyle, empowers us to make informed choices for a healthier heart. Start prioritizing your heart health today!

Source: American Heart Association

Taking proactive steps now can lead to a healthier future! Did you know South Asians have higher risks for Type 2 diabetes and heart disease? The Masala Study suggests that adopting a Mediterranean-style diet can help reduce these risks. Let's prioritize our health with whole grains, veggies, fruits and more. Check out masalastudy.org for insights!

Our team has attended this event in the past...great health fair!

BE A HEALTH FAIR VENDOR!
If you're a business looking to get noticed, sign up to be a vendor at our annual 2024 Fall Into Health Fair at the Weber Leisure Center! We always get a great turnout and your company would meet hundreds of community patrons in a fun and lively environment! Call or text us today at (773) 569-1208 for more information.

Did you know that Pakistanis may have the highest risk of , , and high cholesterol among all South Asians? , based at Northwestern University in Chicago, is looking into exactly this–investigating the elevated cardiovascular risk in the Pakistani community so we could develop the best prevention and medicine for everyone.
Scientific research should benefit the health of ALL Americans–we need more PAKISTANI Americans involved in research so we can develop the best treatment and prevention strategies for everyone! Consider joining the MASALA study, the first study of its kind, by contacting us via email: [email protected] or phone (773) 548-2723

Not all plant based diets are equal! In the MASALA study cohort, a healthy plant based diet was associated with more favorable cardiometabolic health compared to an unhealthy plant based diet.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316624003468

We want to hear from you. Please consider joining a research registry (like The New Normal) as a way to increase diversity in research: https://bit.ly/4dCjhlk

People of South Asian background are underrepresented in health studies. That’s a problem because it means that the latest prevention and treatments may not apply in the same way.
Join the New Normal Research Match registry to learn more about research studies looking for participants like you! Link 👇🏾https://bit.ly/4dCjhlk

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) Heritage Month! This month is a time to celebrate the diverse experiences and cultures of AA and NHPI people and acknowledge their contributions to our society. As part of (AA and NHPI) Heritage Month we are focused on improving heart health and encouraging diverse participation in research. Please consider joining a research registry (like The New Normal) as a way to increase diversity in research: https://bit.ly/4dCjhlk

Check out what our excellent, super-experienced team members Himali Bharucha and Rency Roy have to say about the importance of improving South Asian wellbeing and how Advocacy starts with us!

It's Tuesdays from the Team time...Tahniat one of our many super-star staff members talks about the benefits of exploration and discovery ...read more to learn how to be recognized!

Time for Tuesdays from the Team... Javed our amazing community liaison explains how research participation can improve knowledge and awareness and guide researchers to better improve community health ...check it out!

It's Tuesday! Time to get to know our wonderful Team!!! Hear from Hema Naik on why YOUR participation in research is important! 🙌

Please stop by our table tomorrow at April 13, 2024 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Weber Leisure Center, 9300 Weber Park Place, Skokie, IL 60077 Our Masala Study Wave B Team will be there joining in the family fun. See this website for more details: https://www.skokieparks.org/events/eid-celebration2024/

Eid Mubarak! Wishing you blessings and joy with loved ones

It's time for Tuesdays with the Team!!! Please meet some of our wonderful researchers working on SAATH, SAHELI, and Masala Study

This National Minority Health Month the HHS Office of Minority Health encourages everyone to Be the for racial and ethnic minority populations. Read how addressing social determinants of health can help eliminate health disparities and learn how you can take action in your community: hhs.gov/national-minority-health-month/

"the inability to parse the health data of Asians in the U.S. leads to widespread clinical misconceptions, barriers to accessing preventive care, and lower rates of screening for disease."
-Namratha Kandula, MD MPH JAMA Network Open
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2816718

Happy National Public Health Week! American Public Health Association

Stop by April 13th and see the Masala Study team at Skokie Park District's Eid festival...

Diabetes Alert Day is a one-day wake-up call by American Diabetes Association to focus on the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of understanding your risk. If you’re South Asian, your risk of Type 2 diabetes increases from the age of 25 years. This is much younger than people from other ethnic backgrounds, such as White European where the risk increases from 40.
The good news is that by doing more physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and eating well, you can reduce this risk.
Find out if you – or someone you love – are at risk for type 2 diabetes by taking the Diabetes Risk Test.
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/risk-factors-type-2-diabetes/diabetes-risk-test

Learn more about South Asians and diabetes risk here: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/06/08/1180880736/asian-americans-are-at-high-risk-for-diabetes-heres-what-can-help

This Vegan Tikka Masala With Tofu And Cauliflower from Meatless Monday looks delicious! Vegan Tikka Masala With Tofu And Cauliflower - Meatless Monday (mondaycampaigns.org)

Great webinar by Endeavor Health dietitians Julie Sanfilippo, RD, LDN and Lori Bumbaco, MS, RDN, CSO, LDN, called Healthy Eating Simplified. They covered what foods help us stay healthy, getting more fruits, veggies, whole grains, and plant based protein, how to incorporate exercise into lifestyle, goal setting, recovering from slips, intuitive eating, how to control emotional eating, maintaining motivation, social support, managing stress all in one hour. Impressive! Check it out and sign up for future events here: https://www.eehealth.org/classes-events/classes-for-you/

Take charge of your health and get screened!

Building off our discussion about Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and the low prevalence of screening in the South Asian community, here is a resource to help you choose what test may work for you. In our communities there is a stigma of “dirtiness”, however, multiple options exist to provide timely and adequate screening.
Colonoscopy: this is considered the gold-standard in colon cancer screening and recommended routinely for individuals over 45 every 10 years. It requires some preparation the day before but allows a direct and clear view of your colon.
Stool Test: this includes the Cologuard and FIT tests, which your doctor will give you a container to collect a stool sample and return. This type of test is usually repeated yearly and is considered less sensitive than the colonoscopy. Nonetheless, it is a great option for those afraid of undergoing a complete colonoscopy.
CT Colonography: a relatively newer option, this allows visualization of your colon through the use of CT scan. This will give allow your doctor to see any irregularities in your stomach and colon.

Choosing the best option should be a discussion between you and your doctor. Make sure to follow-up regularly with your doctor and request information in your preferred language, as these are seen as the biggest barriers in the south Asian community in attaining proper care. We hope you take the next step and have that discussion this month!

Sources:
https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/gastro/colon-cancer-screening/about-colorectal-cancer/screening-options
https://journalofasianhealth.org/index.php/jasianh/article/view/9/29

"Heart attack symptoms can look different in women. Know the signs and call 911 immediately.
Many women don't know that disease is their No. 1 health threat. Help us spread the word and save lives."

Social Media to post:
Join the Alliance for Research in Chicagoland Communities (ARCC) & partners for the March 13 Community Research Learning Exchange in Bronzeville to dialogue, learn, & build connections on community-engaged research. Learn from ARCC Seed Grant partnership, Gloria Dotson-Lewis (Distinctively Me) & Onnie Rogers (Northwestern University Psychology Dept) and breakout discussions led by ARCC partners. Open to community-, faith-based, & public organizations and research partners interested in community-engaged research. Great session for those interested in applying for 2024 ARCC Seed Grants (Community-Research Capacity Building, Partnership Development, Research Pilot- all with deadlines in April 2024). Help us spread the word with this flyer!

Details here & RSVP: bit.ly/register-arcc

Coffee & lunch provided for all. $25 cash card provided to community participants who register & attend

Happy Valentines Day!

Did you know heart health and oral health can be linked? A new program is raising awareness and encouraging heart health screening - including blood pressure measurement and referrals to primary care - at the dentist's office. Learn more at http://spr.ly/6173rGSMV