News Date: Thursday 16th March 2006
Tim calls for action to address health problems effecting Asian community
East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tim Loughton has attended the Parliamentary launch of a high profile initiative by South Warwickshire PCT to raise awareness of the growing incidence of cardiovascular disease and diabetes within the UK Asian population in the hope that Adur and East Worthing will be able to learn from their approach.
In the light of research showing that UK Asians have a higher chance of developing diabetes and heart disease, South Warwickshire PCT has developed a DVD for healthcare professionals and the community. The DVD includes guidance and practical information on how small changes to diet and lifestyle can have a big impact on health.
Tim commented:
"Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease remain two of the leading causes of premature death for all UK adults and the available data suggests that British men and women whose families originate in the Indian sub-continent are even more at risk than their European counterparts. For example, they are approximately 50% higher risk of coronary heart disease, with 20% diagnosed with type 2 diabetes compared to 3% of the general population.
"I hope that the rest of the South East region follows Warwickshire's lead and targets those suffering from high blood pressure and untreated diabetes. If people are encouraged to exercise more and eat healthily then the number of people at risk of dying or developing health complications from heart disease and obesity will fall dramatically."
Note to Editors:
1) The Healthy Living DVD has been developed with the aid of an unrestricted educational grant from sanofi-aventis. Copies of the DVD are available by calling 01737 815361 between 8am and 8pm, Monday to Friday. Calls will be charged at standard call rates.
Tim Loughton MP , 2006
