South Asians are up to a 5 times greater risk of developing heart disease at an earlier age. In recognition of this fact, BAPS Charities, in partnership with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, hosted a Cardio-Vascular Screening workshop for the RBC Foundation South Asian Women’s Health Program in Toronto, Canada on Sunday, June 8, 2014.
More than 400 participants, including women and their families, attended this free workshop to assess their risk for heart disease and stroke. Participants were screened for waist circumference, blood pressure, atrial fibrillation and cholesterol levels. Nurses and trained personnel were on hand to conduct screening tests and address health concerns.
Firdaus Ali, Health Promotion Specialist, South Asian Communities, Heart and Stroke Foundation appreciated the BAPS Charities volunteers saying, “This, by far, was one of our largest and perhaps most well-organized screening worshop. On behalf of the Heart & Stroke Foundation, I thank you for your support and look forward to working with all of you on more heart health engagements.”
“BAPS Charities is dedicated to serving families and individuals”, said Lalit Wadhvana, BAPS Charities volunteer. “The one-on-one consultation with nurses and nutritionists at this clinic really helped the participants understand how they can lead healthier lives.”
BAPS Charities also hosts annual walkathons, health lectures, bone marrow registry drives and much more to support the community. BAPS Charities in Canada has raised funds to support the building of the Sick Kids Hospital’s $400 million Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, believed to be the largest child health research tower in the world. BAPS Charities has also contributed to the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre’s Billion Dollar Challenge for personalized cancer care. In addition, BAPS Charities has supported the life-saving work of the Scarborough Hospital Foundation.
