Auckland based Arogya Mantra has organised a free check-up for Diabetes in South Auckland on Saturday, July 5 from 10 am at 141 Kolmar Road at Hunters Corner, Papatoetoe in South Auckland.
Kritika Satija a qualified Physiotherapist and Jignal Bhagvandas, a medical student at the University of Auckland who established the ‘Mantra’ last year, said that the forthcoming free service has been organised in conjunction with the New Zealand Diabetes Foundation.
“The Foundation will bring their mobile ‘Diabetes Van’ with volunteers and resources. They will screen people for pre-diabetes and diabetes and offer HBa1c testing on the spot. Such testing is not available at many GP clinics. We hope that the members of our community will utilise this opportunity fully because the rate of diabetes among Indians in New Zealand is shockingly high,” they said.
According to them, the screening will take up to seven minutes per person and free of cost.
Persistent apathy
“Indians suffer from poor cardiovascular health, aggravated by an imbalanced life style, characterised by over work, not-so-healthy food and a lack of exercise. Despite the presence of several sports clubs and avenues to remain physically fit, there is an inexplicable apathy,” Kritika said.
Jignal quoted surveys, which showed that cardiovascular disease and diabetes were two major killers that affected people from South Asia, particularly the Indian Sub-Continent.
“Arogya Mantra hopes to fulfil an apparent need for a programme that was more than a physical fitness class, focused on the members of the Indian community,” Krithika said.
Healthy pursuits
“Our programme aims to incorporate healthy living and healthy choices into your everyday life. Keeping fit is just one part of the equation to a healthy body and mind. This is why we also aim to educate our members on different diseases, healthy lifestyles and the health system. Ailments including high sugar, high cholesterol and high blood pressure are all silent diseases that are ticking time bombs. However, these can easily be prevented with a bit of exercise, better diets and knowledge about good health and the health system,” Jignal said.
