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Mela to host 'healthy' demonstrations
Exercise and healthy cooking demonstrations will be among the attractions at the sixth annual Health Mela in Preston on Saturday.
Professor Ian Gilmore, President of the Royal College of Physicians, and Surinder Sharma, National Director of Equality and Human Rights, Department of Health, will officially open the Health Mela at 10.20am at the Gujarat Hindu Society Community Centre on South Meadow Lane, Preston.
The two guests will also attend a special breakfast meeting to address community engagement issues.
Professor Gilmore said: "The Health Mela is an amazing initiative that goes from strength to strength year on year.
"As President of the Royal College of Physicians, I am proud to be associated with it.
"There is clear evidence that some of our health indicators lag behind other countries because of delays in presentation and engagement with Health Services.
"This can happen particularly in minority communities and is one of the reversible causes of health inequalities.
"As a college we are committed to tackling health inequalities and to celebrating the rich ethnic mix of communities that are served by our several thousand Fellows who are physicians.
"It is a matter of particular pride that Professor Romesh Gupta, who has played such a pivotal role in this initiative, is a Fellow of our college."
Surinder Sharma added: "I am delighted to support and have the opportunity to participate in this exciting, innovative event which is fast becoming an essential diary-date for those involved in the black and minority ethnic healthcare agenda.
"The Health Mela is a wonderful example of how working collaboratively can broaden access to relevant, targeted healthcare information for all of our diverse communities - something which we should all celebrate!"
The event, which is expected to attract hundreds of people, is the only health event of its kind in the UK and acts as a unique partnership between community leaders and health professionals in an effort to encourage greater health awareness in minority ethnic communities.
It also serves as a showcase for Asian lifestyle and culture to boost community links.
The Health Mela is in its seventh year and is particularly aimed at ethnic minorities where the incidence of conditions such as diabetes, heart problems and strokes is high.
However, the event is open to people from all walks of life and is promoted as a fun family day out with refreshments, activities and free parking.
A range of health facilities will be on show to people in the county.
The event will include healthy eating and cooking demonstrations, exercise workshops, free blood sugar, pressure and cholesterol testing and holistic living workshops.
People will also be able to sign up as members of Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and play a part in the future of healthcare in the area.
Professor Romesh Gupta, Chairman of the Lancashire Gujarat Health Users Forum and a Consultant at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, said: "The event plays a major part in developing closer ties between health professionals and the local community.
"It is unique and importantly raises awareness of health issues among communities which traditionally have been reluctant to access health services."
Stuart Heys, Chairman, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "It is an extremely popular event, which is an important part of the annual calendar locally.
"Most local people and their families will on occasions have reason to be cared for in the hospitals in Preston and Chorley and it is essential that our services meet their needs."
Mark Wilkinson, chief executive, Central Lancashire PCT, said: "The PCT aims to improve the health and well-being of everyone in central Lancashire.
"Better partnership and community engagement helps us to achieve this.
"I am delighted that the PCT is once again supporting this important and popular local event.
"We value the opportunity to raise awareness of the health initiatives and schemes we are both supporting as partners and offering ourselves across central Lancashire.
"This event is one of several PCT initiatives promoting health awareness amongst black and minority ethnic communities and is a model of practice that could be used elsewhere.
"The Health Mela provides people with an opportunity to take a greater interest in their own health and promotes closer ties between health service providers in our area."
The Health Mela is organised by the Lancashire Gujarat Health Users Forum with involvement from local health services including Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Central Lancashire Primary Care Trust along with local businesses and voluntary sector organisations.
3:44pm Thursday 7th February 2008
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