Asthma UK takes part in Health Awareness Day
25 September 2008

Information and guidance on asthma was made available to more than 200 people at a Health Awareness Day organised by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.

The Hindu organisation hosted the special day at the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in London earlier this month to raise awareness on some important health conditions in the UK such as asthma.

Although incidence of asthma in South Asian communities is lower than in the white population, South Asian people are three times more likely than white people to have an emergency hospital admission for their asthma. Therefore, early detection of asthma, amongst other health conditions, could help prevent serious consequences.

Vikki Knowles, Clinical Lead at Asthma UK, attended the event and conducted a seminar on health issues and services for people with asthma. More information and guidance was made available at an Asthma UK stall.

Essential guidance and awareness on other health issues that might particularly affect British Asians was also provided on the day. Several other charities including the British Heart Foundation, Diabetes UK and Stroke Association were in attendance, while a number of pharmacists, chiropodists and optometrists were also on hand for consultation.

The event was inaugurated by the Mayor of Brent, Councillor Ralph Fox, together with Mr Mark Easton, Chief Executive of Brent PCT, and Yogvivek Swami, Head Sadhu at the Mandir.