Asians are 50% at higher risk of cardiac risk in first generation Asians than the white European population in the UK.
Ravi Bhanot, Trustee from Make It Beat Charity said; “There are various reasons why - main ones being our body shape and diabetes. South Asians tend to gather fat around their stomachs and this extra fat increases insulin resistance so you need more insulin to stabilise blood sugar. Diabetes increases the chances of both Coronary heart disease and heart attack.
Genetics and lifestyle also play a part. Poor diet and smoking increase risk. Lentils, vegetables and oily fish may be good but fried food and high salt intake should be reduced.
Exercise is important - so brisk walking or group dancing is a good idea. Walk for 10 minutes at a time but try to get 150 minutes of exercise per week.”
Ravi Bhanot, celebrating his 60th birthday at The Barbican last week said “With 70% of heart attacks happening in homes it is imperative that we should all know CPR- Coronary Pulmonary Resuscitation-a technique to get the heart re-started.
It may be because courses are in English, have to paid for and are in places not near them that Asians do not attend CPR classes. So our family charity, Make It Beat, have made it easier.
Our CPR training is free, in 4 different Asian languages and training is done at Community Centres where residents live.”
Ravi Bhanot MBE, on his birthday said he would rather not receive a birthday present but if anyone wanted to contribute to Make It Beat Charity they could do so. The charity details are: Make It Beat Charity, Account number 70157421 Sort Code 602230.
Ravi highlighted the usefulness of CPR training at the Barbican with celebrities Paul Chowdhury, Deepak Chopra, Jay Sean, Andy Cole, Michael Owen and Jerry Springer.
Ravi feels that bringing yoga and soe practices of Ayurveda in to the NHS would help people exercise more and have a better mental well-being. Better well being would help lower the risk of coronary heart disease.
To help in well being Ravi launched his new book Everyday Wisdom For Everyone
at his birthday. For a free e copy please email Ravi at [email protected].
