2009 April: Luton Community Event | Bury Park Jamia Masjid, Luton

Click Here for Photo Slideshow

On 5th April the MDA organised a health awareness event in Luton.  This was MDA’s first event in Luton and eight GP’s were on hand to help.  The purpose of the event was to increase awareness of different medical problems that commonly affect our Asian community, particularly vascular diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.  Short lectures were given by Dr Shahidur Rahman (in Bengali and English), Dr Talib Mearza and the MDA Chairman Dr Asim Safdar, who also chaired the event.

Dr Rahman, who is a local GP Partner from Luton, spoke about heart disease and ways to reduce the risk of this global health problem.  Particular emphasis was put on the modifiable risk factors such as physical activity, cholesterol, diet and weight control, smoking, blood pressure and ways to adapt a healthier lifestyle.  The audience of about 60 people was taught the basics of heart disease and the signs to look out for in a heart attack.  This was followed by a short Q&A.  The second lecture was given by Dr Mearza who spoke about diabetes and why this is a big problem in our South Asian community.  Finally, Dr Safdar discussed the role of smoking in vascular disease and the importance of smoking cessation in reducing risk.  According to current statistics, smoking is a particular problem in the Bangladeshi community with 40% of Bangladeshi men smoking compared to the national average of 26%.

The lectures were followed by individual health checks for all in which the age, gender, BMI, blood pressure and sugar levels were recorded and used to calculate each patient’s cardiovascular risk.  A few were found to be potentially diabetic and were advised to see their GPs for a fasting glucose test.  This was followed by necessary advice on the appropriate steps needed to reduce any future risk. 

Overall, this was a very productive and informative day which was extremely well received by all those who attended. The MDA has been warmly received and invited back to come again.