JAINA Convention 2015 07 Atlanta GA

SR No.: 527538
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA
Publication Year: 2015
Total Pages: 124
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, USA_Convention JAINA, & USA
File Size: 25 MB

Page 119

"WELLNESS" IN THE JAIN DICTIONARY
Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC) in 2012 was challenged by Sarva Mangal Family Trust "SMFT" to measure the health profiles of the members in Southern California and what can be done to improve? It was a pilot project to get mass involvement in the wellness.
2015
JAINA Convention
It was observed - Incidence of Heart Disease is 4 times greater in South Asians compared to Caucasians. 50% of South Asians with Heart Disease are under the age of 50. Every third diabetic in the world is Indian. Risk of Type 2 diabetes is four times higher in Indians. Nearly half of Indians have Central Obesity. South Asians have inherited genes with high risk of diseases, Poor diet, and Bad lifestyle choices! Some of our top priorities are Family, Career, Academics, Social and Cultural involvement.
What happened to Nutrition and Physical activity? Our Diet consisted of refined Carbohydrates and saturated fats with minimal raw vegetables and fruits. We have adopted sedentary life with minimal physical activities. Based on a lead from South Asian Heart Center in Northern Califomia the study was conducted. Dr. Jayesh Shah and Dr. Nitin Shah supervised the team of medical and non-medical volunteers for a six-month study from May to November of 2012. More than 500 people voluntarily participated in the study that has resulted into great awareness of Wellness at JCSC.
Participants had their Biometrics (height, weight, BMI, Heart rate and BP measured) and blood tests to measure blood Lipid Profile and Glucose were performed on day 1 and also after six months, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D were also measured at six months. First ever Website of Wellness for Jains has been developed for mass communication and connectivity including storing health data within HIPPA Guidelines. Most of the data are
available on www.JCSCwellness.org.
"The overall disease burden in
a given population generally undergoes a more dramatic reduction when a large segment of the population adopts small improvements in health behaviors than when a small segment of the population adopts large improvements." Dr. G. Rose
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The results were eye opener - 62% were overweight, 48% at risk of Heart Disease, 42% Pre-diabetic, 15% diabetic. Jains wellness score is similar to the bottom 30% of income strata of Americans.
It did raise many questions Is Wellness of members as important as religious activity? Do Religious and Wellness
activities co-exist? Can we offer appropriate healthy meals at all temple sponsored events? Should we as Jains do something? Do nothing and let our 25-45 years age group pass same (genes) diet habits and life style to next generation? Cycle can repeat as
has been for long time.
So it was decided to execute a community initiative for longer and healthier life and alert those who are at high risk as early as possible. We took following actions for six months:
1.
Doctors to alert pre-Diabetic, and at greater Cardiac Risk people
2. Help reduce high stress; common among immigrants
3.
Recommended "Healthy Meals" at all temple sponsored activities with at least 35% meals should have
35% less calories - basically reduce fried food, sugary sweets and add fruits plus high protein items such as Greek Yogurts.
4.
Exercise, yoga classes and walking clubs were sponsored.
Lectures from health experts were arranged and Dietitians made recommendations of super foods and proper healthy recipes.
6. Cooking demonstrations were held
5.
Jainism World of Non-Violence
1. Developed a website connecting all activities
2. Emails were sent weekly
3. Health guide and weekly challenges were made for Exercise, Nutrition, Stress Management and proper rest
4. Offered services to measure BP, Heart Rate, Weight and calculate BMI every other Sunday.
Results at the end of 6 months:
1. Total loss of weight 2-6% for 202 participants while 88 gained 1-5% and net result was 1.67% total BMI reduction for the group (1.53% for female vs 1.81% for male members).
2. HDL, LDL, Triglycerides were documented. Glucose and AIC results pointed out that roughly half are at risk of pre-diabetics or diabetics.
3. Vitamin D-71% were deficient - Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorous. Vitamin D deficiency causes pain, hormone problems, muscle and bone weakness, calcium deficiency and more. Essential for women of every age.
4. Vitamin B12 - Only 5% were deficient, Vitamin B12 helps make blood cells and maintains a healthy nervous system and Reduces risk of anemia. Vegetarians have a higher risk of developing anemia and should take a supplement
We used the following tools:
We surveyed the participants at the end of six months and learned that wellness should be important for religious organizations to help its congregation. Involvement of second generation Jains are very important. Healthy Cooking classes should be offered and food served at Jain Centers must change.
When "1"
From Challenger's (SMFT) observation - Board of Directors/Trustees and Executive Committees of each Center must be involved and take drastic steps to improve health of its community. Remember Buddha Philosophy - "A healthy Mind can only be in Healthy Body"
is replaced By "we"
Even "Illness" becomes "Wellness"
JAINA has agreed to form Wellness Committee to preach and promote Wellness.
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