Jayapal, Wilson Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Tackle Alarming Rate Of Heart Disease Among South Asians In The US
India-West Staff Reporter
WASHINGTON, DC – In a bid to address the concerning surge in heart disease cases among South Asians across the United States, Representatives Pramila Jayapal and Joe Wilson have introduced the South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act in Congress. The move aims to raise awareness about the unique risk factors facing this community and provide crucial resources and strategies to combat the deadly trend affecting all communities.
Recent studies have revealed a shocking reality: South Asians in the United States are currently facing a staggering four times higher risk of heart disease compared to the general population. Despite representing only 25 percent of the world’s population, South Asians account for an overwhelming 60 percent of heart disease cases worldwide and contribute to over 50 percent of global cardiovascular deaths, as indicated in a statement supporting the bill.
For Jayapal, this legislation holds personal significance, having witnessed the devastating impact of heart disease within the South Asian diaspora in the country. She stated, “I am fully committed to increasing understanding of heart disease and the unique risk factors in the South Asian community while ensuring that all those affected receive the necessary resources, treatment, and support.”
The bill has garnered widespread support from various quarters, with Neil Makhija, President of Indian American Impact, lauding Representative Jayapal for her dedication in pushing for this crucial legislation. Makhija urged Congress to swiftly pass the bill, emphasizing that “for too long, South Asian Americans have been disproportionately impacted by the devastating effects of heart disease.”
The proposed legislation enjoys significant bipartisan backing, with additional sponsorship from Representatives Ami Bera, Tony Cárdenas, Judy Chu, Yvette Clarke, Gerald E. Connolly, Adriano Espaillat, Brian Fitzpatrick, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Gregory Meeks, Grace Meng, Grace F. Napolitano, Jimmy Panetta, Adam Smith, Mark Takano, Lauren Underwood, and Nydia Velázquez.
Support for the bill extends beyond the political arena, with various associations and civil society groups such as the American Heart Association, Indian American Impact, MASALA Study, and South Asian American Voter Empowerment Texas Education Fund rallying behind the cause.
With heart disease posing a significant health threat to the South Asian community and impacting the nation’s overall well-being, the South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act marks a critical step forward in combating this pressing public health concern. As the bill makes its way through Congress, all eyes are on lawmakers to come together and enact measures that will save lives and protect the health of countless individuals in the United States.
Anil
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Here is how you solve the problem.
1) Mandatory 15 minute brisk walk
2) Limit high oil Indian foods
3) Lose weight and stay within an acceptable BMI
problem solved. We don’t need our representatives to waste tax paid salaries on such issues.
July 28, 2023Fturbbo
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100% of the Indian snacks are made with the palm oil that is imported from Malaysia in wholesale. The reason behind this it is cheap. Palm oil is sell one of the most saturated fat. Added to that is elevated LPA which in itself is an independent risk factor and not to mention Metabolic syndrome which is abdominal obesity, Tyoe 2 pre-diabetes and high carb diet.
July 28, 2023Niranjan Pardasani
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Yes, Peopke of Indian origin have a significantly high rate of Heart disease issues. But this segment of population is also the highest educated and relatively wealthy.
There are many non profit organizations that are tacking these issues -mainly related to awareness of what is causing this, namely the fried (in cheap high cholesterol oil) Indian food and sugar based desserts and high carb rice and Chapattis .
Why do we need a law passed by Congress? So that the congresswoman can get more votes? Aren’t we wasting taxpayer funds on such projects which are mainly intended to generate the congress person get more votes?
July 28, 2023Jayananda Hiranandani
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Vegan diet is a good answer. The exclusion of dairy products, as far as possible, is a good move. My primary care doctor and I discussed my arthritis. I told him about my going vegan, in many areas. He said that connection between arthritis and vegan diet had not been proved. But it helped and a vegan pharmacist friend said that toffu provided calcium.Obesity should be controlled. A disaggregation of the statistics is needed to see connection between diet and life style, and I request Jayapal and Wilson to explore this. Mahatma Gandhi’s advocacy of vegetarianism is worth lookin at.
July 28, 2023VIJAY
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Agree to disagree. Vegetarian diet is killing people in India. Why? It make them diabetic and prone to heart problem. The best diet is BALANCED DIET: ADEQAUATE AMOUNT OF PROTEIN, GOOD COMPLEX CARBS, LOTS OF FIBER, LIMITED SUGAR AND OF COURSE DAILY PHYSICAL EXCERCISE. THERE IS NO SILVER BULLET OF SHORT CUT TO A HEALTHY LEFE UNLESS YOU ARE BORN WITH GOOD GENES.
August 12, 2023CJM
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Comment section in India West is allowing platform for India & Indian people hatters. Most of news organizations in US are not provided any type of comment section. India west should stop comment section immediately for sake of Indian community safety.
July 28, 2023I have hope India West organization consider the issues very seriously 😒😳