The voice of South Asian community is missing

DR. JAT SANDHU
DR. JAT SANDHU

 

BY DR. JAT SANDHU
Regional Director of Public Health Surveillance
Vancouver Coastal Health

 

PEOPLE of South Asian descent are at greater risk of developing heart disease and stroke – and at a much earlier age – compared with other ethnic groups, contributing to this is the greater chance of high blood pressure and diabetes. Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) and Fraser Health (FH) want you to keep healthy, and one way to do this is to ensure you have the health care and community services you need.

VCH, FH and UBC’s eHealth Strategy Office are conducting an unprecedented survey called My Health My Community, to learn about the health and well-being of its residents, so that they can plan future programs and services that are more relevant to its residents’ needs. The survey aims to get between 2-4% of the population of the regions. It’s critical to hear from a diverse group of people to ensure everyone is heard and represented.

So far, less than 400 people, identifying themselves as South Asian, have completed the survey. This is about 40% of the goal for South Asian respondents, which would give us an accurate representation of the community.

How to take the survey: The survey is online and is in English. It takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete. You can take the survey here. The survey asks questions such as how often you exercise, how long your commute is and how safe your neighbourhood is. Where you live, work and play affects your health. (www.myhealthmycommunity.org)

Prizes: Complete the survey and you’ll be entered in a draw for prizes such as an iPad! Chances of winning a prize are one in 500.

Survey results: The survey closes June 30. The results will be shared with municipal governments and community groups to help plan future programs and services that are more relevant to our residents’ needs.

Neighbourhood progress: You can view how many surveys have been completed in your neighbourhood, city or town. The survey posts its progress reports on its website https://www.myhealthmycommunity.org/Progress.aspx.

More info: To get a general overview of the survey watch a one-minute video with Punjabi subtitles:
 http://youtu.be/PColBengzuE