Franklin Park, NJ: On March 14, 2025, the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin's New Jersey chapter (AAPI-NJ) hosted a vibrant Holi celebration at the Spice Rack restaurant. The event uniquely blended cultural festivities with a critical focus on raising awareness about heart disease and stroke prevention within the South Asian community.
Key Facts:
- Event Date: March 14, 2025
- Location: Spice Rack restaurant, Franklin Park, NJ
- Donation: AAPI-NJ contributed $10,000 to the South Asian Community Health Initiatives (SACHI) program
The celebration featured a presentation by Dr. Sanjukta Sanyal from Medicor Cardiology, who emphasized the importance of early detection of atrial fibrillation and discussed the 'Watchman' procedure as a preventive measure against strokes. This initiative reflects AAPI-NJ's commitment to integrating cultural events with health education to address prevalent health concerns in the community.
Attendees, including approximately 100 physicians and their families, participated in traditional Holi celebrations, enjoying music, dance, and Indian cuisine. The event also honored distinguished guests such as Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh and Dr. Sudha Parikh. AAPI-NJ President Dr. Sudha Nahar and Chair of the Board of Trustees Dr. Rachana Kulkarni led the festivities, reinforcing the organization's mission of community engagement.
AAPI-NJ reaffirmed its dedication to community health initiatives, stating in a press release:
"NJ State AAPI has been committed to education and community engagement throughout the year, regularly organizing impactful programs on key healthcare topics. These initiatives aim to empower physicians and the community with the latest medical advancements, preventive care strategies, and professional growth opportunities."
The $10,000 donation to SACHI underscores AAPI-NJ's ongoing efforts to support health initiatives that cater to the South Asian community. These initiatives aim to empower both physicians and the broader community with knowledge of medical advancements and preventive care strategies.
By intertwining cultural celebration with health education, AAPI-NJ is taking a proactive approach to addressing health disparities, particularly the higher prevalence of heart disease and strokes among South Asians. This unique initiative fosters a sense of community while promoting life-saving preventive measures.
Do You Know? South Asians are four times more likely to develop heart disease than the general population and are often diagnosed at younger ages with more severe complications.
Key Terms:
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Atrial Fibrillation: An irregular and often rapid heart rate that increases the risk of strokes, heart failure, and other heart-related complications.
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'Watchman' Procedure: A minimally invasive procedure that reduces the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation by closing off the left atrial appendage where blood clots commonly form.
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SACHI (South Asian Community Health Initiatives): A program dedicated to addressing health disparities and promoting wellness within the South Asian community.
