CHICAGO: The high incidence of diabetes and liver disease among South Asians has prompted the Indo-American Center to launch two health education programs this March in the West Ridge and Rogers Park neighborhoods and the greater Chicago area.
In the US, people of South Asian descent are 7 times more likely to have type 2 diabetes than the general population. Another disease that affects the greater Asian American population is liver disease, and unfortunately, the Hepatitis B virus is the #1 cause of liver cancer among Asian Americans. Sadly, many Asian Americans have never even been tested for the virus.
The Center wants to change the trajectory of these diseases with programs that empower community members to take their health into their own hands. Starting in March, it is looking to sign up South Asians in the greater Chicago area to receive free cell phone messages that will help them improve health behaviors known to prevent diabetes.
In addition, classes on Hepatitis B started March 12 through June 30 for any adult (regardless of race/ethnicity) interested in learning more about this virus that affects 1 in 12 Asian Americans. Both programs will be located at the Indo-American Center at 6328 N. California Avenue, Chicago, IL 60659.
Sign up for either program with Shikha Sharma at (773) 973-4444×113 or ssharma@indoamerican.org
Madhu Patel
