Programs

Increasing Physical Activity

A 2012 study found that physical inactivity has become more deadly – and more costly – than smoking. Research also shows a link between physical activity and cognitive benefits like memory and focus. In many developing countries across the world, industrialization and urbanization are bringing significant lifestyle changes and reducing opportunities for physical activity.  Alarmed by the rising incidence of chronic disease and obesity, there is an essential need to create community programs focused on physical activity, which include fitness, sports, active recreation, and mindful movement, which are meant to improve the well being of a community. 

We aim to create access and remove barriers to physical activity programs for community members by creating more options and amenities that include dance, yoga, organized running/walking groups, and football/soccer.

According to BMC Public Health, poor communities in low and middle income countries are experiencing a higher burden of chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) due their nutrition intake. Most food is low cost, high energy dense street foods, processed foods and fast foods. 

We aim to educate communities about the benefits of healthy food practices for an improved well being by conducting nutrition classes for community members, school children and street food vendors. This will help us gain a better understanding of the socio-cultural context of food beliefs and practices and of nutrition-related NCDs in urban poor communities.

Breaking Barriers to Health and Wellness

The importance of wellness is improving the overall physical and mental wellbeing of an individual and their community. Focusing on screening a community for medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, various cancers and mental health, will help educate individuals about various medical conditions.  One of the most important ways to improve the health of a community is by consistently making them aware of medical conditions through various wellness programs (screening events, nutrition classes, physical activities, etc.). 

Wellness programs inspire and assist community members on how to make important behavior changes.  Research shows that the benefits of wellness programs include improvements in physical activity; higher fruit and vegetable consumption; lower fat intake; and a reduction in body weight, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure.  We aim to build, sustain, and grow these critical wellness programs to benefit the overall community.