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South Asian Tailoured Resources

Culturally appropriate diabetes care and prevention strategies for South Asian communities

South Asians in Canada have a 8 times higher likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes than white populations due to factors like genetic predisposition and insulin resistance at lower BMIs. Studies suggest that culturally tailored programs focusing on physical activity and balanced diets can help mitigate these risks.

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Physicians with Interest in South Asians (PISA)

The Canadian Physicians with Interest in South Asia group focuses on fostering a deeper understanding of South Asian health issues among Canadian healthcare professionals.

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South Asian Health Institute (SAHI)

The South Asian Health Institute, hosted by Fraser Health, focuses on improving the health and wellness of South Asian communities through culturally relevant health programs and services.

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Canada Indian Network Society (CINS)

The Canada Indian Network Society is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of Indigenous communities, particularly focusing on improving health outcomes through various programs and initiatives.

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British Columbia Resources for South Asians

The South Asian Communities Health Resources page from the Government of British Columbia provides a wealth of information and resources tailored to the health needs of South Asian communities in the province.

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South Asian Community Hub (SACH)

The South Asian Community Hub (SACH)  offers a range of services to support the health and well-being of South Asian individuals in British Columbia. 

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South Asian Health Research Collaborative

The South Asian Health and Research Council of British Columbia (SAHRCBC) focuses on enhancing the health and well-being of South Asian communities through advocacy, research, and support services. 

Health Centers, Programs, & Initiatives

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South Asian Health Centre Fraser Health Surrey

The South Asian Health Centre by Fraser Health Authority offers primary healthcare services, chronic disease management, and diabetes prevention for South Asians living in Surrey and Delta. In partnership with the Surrey-North Delta Division of Family Practice, the centre collaborates with local physicians, health authority services, and community members to support individuals in managing chronic conditions and improving their health outcomes.

Fraser Health Diabetes Education Program

The Diabetes Education Program, offered in Punjabi at Surrey and Abbotsford by Fraser Health, provides essential resources for individuals managing diabetes.

Inter Cultural Online Health Network Initiatives

The ICON Project website highlights initiatives and resources aimed at empowering South Asian communities in Canada, promoting health and wellness through education, cultural awareness, and engagement. It provides valuable information on mental health, health disparities, and ways to improve access to healthcare services. The project works to create a healthier environment for South Asians, with a focus on addressing community-specific needs and offering culturally appropriate resources.

South Asian Studies Institute (SASI) Programs

The University of the Fraser Valley's South Asian Studies Institute (SASI) offers programs and events aimed at advancing South Asian culture, heritage, and research. The institute hosts workshops, educational initiatives, and community gatherings that engage students, scholars, and the public in discussions and activities to foster a deeper understanding of South Asian experiences in Canada.

South Asian Mental Health & Addiction Counselling

The South Asian Community Health Services (SACHS) provides specialized mental health and addiction support tailored to the needs of the South Asian community. Their services aim to foster understanding, reduce stigma, and offer culturally competent care for individuals struggling with mental health challenges. With a focus on holistic well-being, SACHS provides resources, counseling, and community outreach to promote mental health awareness and recovery.

South Asian Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

The Institute for Mental Health Policy Research at CAMH explores culturally adapted Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to better serve diverse populations in Canada. This approach tailors CBT techniques to align with cultural beliefs and values, enhancing its effectiveness for individuals from various ethnic backgrounds. The research highlights the importance of integrating cultural understanding into therapeutic practices to improve mental health outcomes.

South Asian Health Network Initiatives

The South Asian Health Network (SAHN) works to improve the health and well-being of South Asian communities across Canada. By addressing health disparities, SAHN promotes culturally competent healthcare practices, offering resources and support for various health issues, including chronic conditions, mental health, and prevention programs. Their work advocates for the inclusion of South Asian cultural values in health services and emphasizes the importance of community engagement.

Victoria Diabetes Education Centre - Punjabi Program

The Victoria Diabetes Education Centre provides services in Punjabi at the Royal Jubilee Hospital most days. A comprehensive support for adults, children, and pregnant women with diabetes. Services include individual consultations with diabetes educators, group classes, and pediatric and gestational diabetes programs.

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Healthy Eating Resources

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South Asian Healthy Living Resources

The South Asian Health Institute (SAHI) provides valuable healthy living resources tailored specifically for the South Asian community. These include nutrition guidelines, diabetes management tools, heart health resources, and meal planning suggestions that incorporate traditional South Asian foods. For individuals with diabetes, there are meal plans and recipes designed to maintain healthy blood sugar levels while embracing culturally relevant diets. Additionally, SAHI offers educational materials in multiple languages, including English, Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu, to ensure broad accessibility across the community.

Heart & Stroke Foundation Healthy Living Resources

The South Asian Healthy Eating resource by Heart & Stroke provides culturally relevant tips to help South Asians adopt healthier eating habits. It emphasizes the importance of balancing traditional foods with healthier choices to prevent chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Key recommendations include incorporating more fruits and vegetables, choosing whole grains, and reducing sodium and sugar intake.

Diabetes Canada 7-day South Asian Meal Plan

This 7-day South Asian meal plan from Diabetes Canada offers a culturally tailored approach to managing diabetes through nutritious, diabetes-friendly recipes. The plan is designed to help individuals with diabetes enjoy flavorful meals while keeping their blood sugar levels in check.

Diabetes Care Community South Asian Recipes

The Healthy South Asian Meal Plan for Diabetes by Diabetes Care Community provides a comprehensive guide to diabetes-friendly meal planning tailored to South Asian diets. It focuses on incorporating traditional foods while maintaining balanced nutrition, emphasizing low-glycemic index foods, and healthy fats, which are key to managing blood sugar levels.

My Heart Matters - South Asian Diabetic Recipes

The Cart2Table: South Asian page on My Heart Matters offers a wealth of healthy, culturally relevant recipes designed to promote heart health and diabetes management. It focuses on meals that incorporate traditional South Asian ingredients while offering practical tips on how to make them more heart-healthy, providing a balance of flavors and nutrients that can be tailored for diabetes prevention and care.

Eat Right Ontario South Asian Recipes

This South Asian recipe resource, provided by Eat Right Ontario, offers a healthy and diabetes-friendly dish designed to cater to the dietary preferences of South Asian communities.

Healthy Recipes from the Canadian Dietitians Society

You can help your patients prevent and effectively manage diabetes with healthy food choices and the support of the Dieticians of Canada.

Healthy Recipes from the BC Dietitians Association

Join the British Columbia Dietitians in preventing diabetes via healthy eating. Here they present tasty and healthy recipes to help you better manage your health.

Diabetes Canada Recipes
 

Explore a variety of healthy, diabetes-friendly recipes designed to support balanced nutrition and improve overall health. Diabetes Canada's collection offers meal ideas for various occasions and dietary preferences, all aimed at helping manage diabetes through the power of nutrition.

Diabetes Canada South Asian Food Guide

The Healthy South Asian Cuisine, Anyone? article on the Diabetes Canada website highlights how traditional South Asian dishes can be adapted for healthier lifestyles, especially for individuals managing diabetes. It emphasizes the importance of using culturally familiar ingredients in diabetes-friendly ways, offering suggestions on how to balance flavors while reducing sugar and fat content.

Diabetes UK Tips for South Asian Flavour with Diabetes

The Flavour Toolbox from Diabetes UK is a helpful guide for cooking delicious, diabetes-friendly meals by incorporating various herbs, spices, and flavorings. It offers practical advice on how to enhance the taste of food without relying on added salt, sugar, or fat, helping people with diabetes enjoy food that’s both nutritious and flavorful.

The 5 K's of Healthy Eating videos

"The 5 K's of Healthy Eating with Dr. Arun Garg" is a comprehensive guide that emphasizes the essential principles of a balanced diet, focusing on key components such as keeping meals nutritious, knowing portion sizes, incorporating variety, maintaining regular meal timings, and keeping hydration a priority to support overall health and well-being.

The Basics - Diabetes Canada Tips for South Asians

Key tips include eating regular meals, limiting sugars and fats, increasing fiber, drinking water, and staying active. A personalized meal plan and active lifestyle can help control blood sugar levels and reduce long-term health risks.

North India and Pakistan Diets

People of North Indian and Pakistani descent are at higher risk for diabetes due to genetic factors affecting insulin function. Eating a healthy diet can help manage this risk by promoting better blood sugar control and overall health.

South Asian Vegetarian Recipes - Singapore Inspired

South Asian cuisine is a treasure trove of vegetarian and vegan delights, offering vibrant flavors and healthy options. Explore dishes like Potato & Pea Pilau, a colorful rice dish that’s vegan on its own or can be paired with eggs for extra protein.

South Indian Vegetarian Recipes

Explore South Indian healthy vegan and vegetarian recipes. Join me on an international culinary journey, from eggless bakes to Instant Pot and Air Fryer recipes. Going vegan or vegetarian has never been easier or more delicious—let's make plant-based cooking enjoyable and flavorful together!

South Asian Vegetarian Diabetic-friendly Recipes

Discover a variety of diabetic-friendly recipes on Tarladalal’s site, featuring healthy Indian dishes designed to manage blood sugar levels without sacrificing flavor. These recipes are crafted with low glycemic index ingredients, focusing on nutritious, satisfying meals that cater to those with diabetes. Whether you’re looking for breakfast ideas, snacks, or main dishes, these recipes offer a range of options that are both easy to make and beneficial for diabetes management.

Diabetic-friendly Indian Recipes

Piping Pot Curry offers a collection of diabetic-friendly Indian recipes that focus on low-glycemic ingredients and healthy alternatives, helping manage blood sugar levels while still delivering delicious, flavorful meals. From comforting curries to healthy snacks, the site offers easy-to-make dishes that cater to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian and vegan options.

The Glycemic Index Food Guide

The glycemic index (GI) ranks carbohydrate-containing foods and drinks based on how much they raise blood sugar levels after consumption. Foods with a high GI cause a quicker and higher spike in blood sugar compared to those with a low GI.

Glycemic Index versus Glycemic Load

Harvard Health explains the concepts of glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL), which are measurements used to assess how foods affect blood sugar levels. GI ranks foods based on how quickly they raise blood sugar, while GL accounts for both the quality and quantity of carbohydrates in food.

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Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin

GAPIO, a nonprofit founded in 2011, unites 1.4 million physicians of Indian origin across 57 countries to advance global healthcare, reduce inequalities, and promote affordable, quality care.

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South Asian Network Supporting Awareness & Research

SANSAR promotes cardiovascular health among South Asian communities in Canada through awareness, research, and education, addressing their heightened risk of heart disease and diabetes.

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Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

ICMR is to generate, manage, and disseminate new knowledge, focusing on the health issues of vulnerable populations, while promoting research innovations and translating them into public health solutions.

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