South Asians are facing an epidemic of diabetes and heart disease. By 2010, it is projected that South Asians will comprise 60 percent of heart disease patients in the world. South Asians also develop heart disease much earlier than most other ethnic groups with an estimated 50 percent of heart attacks occurring in people less than 55 years of age. Fortunately, health care providers have recently identified some of the causes for the high incidence and severity of this condition in South Asian people. With early screening, health education and positive lifestyle changes, South Asians can live longer, healthier lives.

South Asian Wellness Task Force

The Palo Alto Medical Foundation's (PAMF) PRANA (PRevention & AwareNess for South Asians) wellness program was developed by the South Asian Wellness Task Force, a committee of physicians, dietitians and community members led by PAMF internal medicine physician Ronesh Sinha with the assistance of PAMF researcher Latha Palaniappan to educate South Asian patients about risk factors and ways to lead healthier lives.

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