Members of London’s Asian community are being urged to have their lungs checked at the Gunnersbury Park Mela on Sunday 12th August.
British Lung Foundation staff will be on hand all day to carry out a quick and basic test which can detect early warning signs of lung disease.
Parts of the South Asian community are particularly at risk of developing respiratory diseases:
- Bangladeshi men have the highest smoking rates in England (44% compared to the general population average for men of 27%). Indian (23%) and Pakistani men (26%) are similar to the average. (Smoking is an important cause of lung disease)
- East African immigrants, most of whom are Asian in ethnic origin, are 62% more likely to die from respiratory diseases than the average population.
- Among adults, south Asians are most likely to consult their GPs for respiratory infections.
BLF spokesperson Anita Salhan says: “It’s really important for everyone to get their lungs checked so that any potential problems are picked up early. Sections of the Asian community are especially at risk, so we’d urge people visiting the Mela to come and see us.”
Councillor Nigel Sumner, Ealing Council's Cabinet member for Health and Community Well Being, says: "The London Mela is a wonderfully diverse and colourful cultural event. The market stalls also provide an opportunity for the community to learn about local issues, including important health information relevant to the South Asian community. I welcome the British Lung Foundation's support of the Mela and support them in their campaign to help improve people's health and well being."
Throughout the day, the British Lung Foundation will be trying to raise awareness about lung disease by handing out information at their stall.
There’ll also be competitions for adults and children alike to take part in!
