Did you know that South Asian people have some of the highest rates of Diabetes and Heart Disease in New Zealand?
As a part of its efforts to address this issue, the Health Ministry launched the Eat Right, Be Active, and say ‘Jai Ho’ campaign at the recently held Diwali celebrations in Auckland and Manukau.
The Campaign aims to raise awareness that
- South Asian people (people of Indian origin, including those from Fiji, South Africa and other regions, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives) have a high risk of developing heart disease and diabetes
- Heart Disease and Diabetes can be prevented by making simple changes to what we eat, how often we are physically active and by maintaining a healthy weight
Recent local research has revealed shocking statistics.
South Asian people in New Zealand have an extremely high risk of developing Diabetes and Heart Disease when compared to the general population.
About 12% of South Asians in New Zealand have diabetes, the second highest rate after Pacific people
South Asian men have the highest rate of heart attacks of all ethnic groups in New Zealand. South Asian women also face an increased risk compared to the general population
Sadly, many South Asian people do not know about the risk they face or realise that it does not have to be this way.
These diseases can be prevented or delayed by doing more physical activity and making simple changes to what we eat. For example, eating less and cutting down on fried foods will help.
No matter what our size or shape is, research shows that we need to reduce the fat we carry around our waistlines in order to decrease our risk of developing Diabetes and Heart Disease.
For more information on Eat Right, Be Active, and say ‘Jai Ho‘, including healthy recipes and physical activity ideas, visit www.jaiho.org.nz
Editor’s Note: The above material was supplied by Ministry of Health, New Zealand
