Cardiovascular & Diabetes Toolkit

Access the SAPHA - OurHealth Infographic here

EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS

Notable research

1. Diabetes Research, Education, and Action for Minorities (DREAM) Project: This program is a community health needs and resource assessment of the Bangladeshi community in New York City found high rates of diabetes in this population. Further research explored factors that influence physical activity and weight management and barriers to healthcare in this community. 
2. Implementing Million Hearts for Providers and Community Transformation (Project IMPACT): This study identified best practices for adaptation and meaningful translation of evidence-based strategies to improve cardiovascular health in South Asians in primary care clinics in New York City. 
3. The Reaching Immigrants Through Community Empowerment (RICE) Project: This project promoted diabetes prevention among South Asian American immigrants in New York City using a community health worker model approach. 
4. The Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) Study: the first longitudinal study in U.S. South Asians to understand what factors lead to heart disease and guide prevention and treatment of heart disease. The study is now enrolling. 
5. South Asian Healthy Lifestyle Initiative (SAHELI): One of the first healthy lifestyle research programs for South Asians in the U.S.
6. OurHealth Study: Studies health and genetic information of South Asians living in the United States to better prevent and manage cardiovascular disease risk.

PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES 

Apps:

Mobile apps to help track diabetes

• MySugr: This app allows users to track blood sugar levels, carbohydrates intake, and insulin dosages. It also provides insights and feedback on diabetes management.
• Glucose Buddy: Glucose Buddy tracks blood sugar levels, medication, food intake, and physical activity. It also generates reports that can be shared with healthcare providers.
• Diabetes M: This app offers features for tracking blood sugar levels, medications, and physical activity. It also includes a comprehensive food database and provides personalized insights based on user data.
• BG Monitor Diabetes: BG Monitor Diabetes allows users to log blood sugar levels, medication, meals, and physical activity. It provides customizable reminders and generates reports for analysis.
• Contour Diabetes App: Designed to work with Contour blood glucose meters, this app allows users to log blood sugar levels, medications, and meals. It also offers insights and reminders for diabetes management.

Mobile apps to help track CVD risk and management

• Hear Habit: This app helps users track blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and medications related to cardiovascular health. It also offers personalized recommendations for improving heart health based on user data. 
• HeartWatch: Tracks heart rate and activity levels using data from Apple Watch. It provides insights into heart health and alerts users to irregularities in heart rate.
• CardioVisual: This app provides educational videos and animations about various cardiovascular conditions, treatments, and procedures. It can be a useful tool for patients to learn more about their heart health. 

ADVOCACY RESOURCES

Notable political initiative:

1. The South Asian Health Awareness Act: This is a law aimed at spreading awareness about heart health among South Asian backgrounds. Given the resources above, we know that South Asians are at higher risk of heart disease due to factors like genetics, lifestyle, and diet. This act focuses on educating people about these risks and promoting healthy habits to prevent heart problems. It might involve initiatives like campaigns, educational programs, and resources to inform South Asians about the importance of maintaining a healthy heart. 

SUPPORT AND OTHER RESOURCES 

Peer support/ Health management and prevention programs:

1. ‘Lifestyle MEDS’ and ‘AIM to Prevent’  intervention program: South Asian Heart Center has created this program to address the twin epidemics of heart disease and diabetes, in people who trace their ancestry to the countries in the Indian subcontinent. 

Organizations 

1. South Asian Heart Center: A specialized organization dedicated to promoting cardiovascular health among South Asians. They offer resources, educational materials, and programs focused on risk assessment and management.
2. South Asian Health Foundation: This organization provides information, resources, and support for South Asians seeking to improve their overall health, including cardiovascular health education and awareness initiatives.
3. American Heart Association's South Asian Cardiovascular Disease Initiative: This initiative provides culturally tailored resources, information, and tools specifically designed to address cardiovascular health disparities in the South Asian community.
4. National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP): This is a joint program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) focused on raising awareness about diabetes and its complications. While not exclusively focused on South Asians, NDEP provides resources, materials, and campaigns that address diabetes prevention and management in diverse communities, including South Asians in the US. 
5. South Asian Cardio Metabolic Program: This is a program that provides opportunities to South Asians Screening for cardio-metabolic disorders through various advanced blood tests and heart calcium scans. It also has services for prevention, lifestyle counseling, research opportunities and more.