April 2004 Food for thought - Saheli to hold talk on obesity A major threat to American safety and health emerged in the last decade or so, and has become a problem of magnum proportions for society. That threat is obesity, and it is a far larger killer and a more dangerous enemy than any war. Three hundred thousand people die each year in the US, due to obesity-related causes. According to expert sources, a third of the adult American population is overweight, and an additional third is considered obese. Fifteen percent of youngsters of ages 6 to 19, and 10 percent of children 2 through 5, are considered seriously overweight today. Obesity is a serious, chronic disease. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of hypertension, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and even some cancers.

While most of us may not fall into the ‘obese’ category and probably need to shed a few pounds here and there, obesity can, and does, creep up over a long period time. Understanding the problem, contributing factors and health consequences, and effective dietary practices, are important in keeping an early check on obesity and preserving good health.

On Saturday, April 10, 2004, Saheli- Friendship for South Asian Women, a non-profit organized under the India Association of Greater Boston, will hold a free lecture and discussion on “Understanding Obesity”, featuring a talk by guest speaker Dr. David Ludwig, Director of Obesity Program at Children's Hospital, Boston. Nutritionist, _Chandra Ganapathi, Director of HESSCO Elder Services, will address the audience on healthy dietary practices.

The talk will be held at the Burlington Public Library, from 3-4 p.m.

All are invited to attend.

Breaking the Silence. Saheli holds seminar on domestic violence.

Domestic violence. A dark silent secret, running through the veins of what is otherwise a flourishing, respected community in the Greater Boston area - the South Asian community. Yes, despite all the successes and strides that the community has made, and despite all perceptions to the contrary, domestic violence against South Asian women continues to surface time and again, like a recurring virus.

In 2003, Saheli received calls from victims of domestic violence at the rate of three calls each week, for many months. Saheli, which is a non-profit organized under the India Association of Greater Boston, believes that this problem within the community is seriously underreported. And it is never obvious who the victims of domestic abuse are, although between 2002 and 2003, dependent wives of H1B visa holders have been the largest group seeking help and support from family violence, neglect, severe mental and physical abuse, and lack of economic support.

Shame, fear, economic dependence and lack of information all lead to a silence, which allows for the problem to continue for years before it is addressed. Most victims have no idea where to go and whom to turn too. Reaching to out to these victims, and connecting them to resources – shelters, legal and economic resources, and emotional support, is critical. That is where Saheli – Friendship for South Asian Women steps in.

On April 17th, Saheli will hold a discussion at the Cambridge Public Library at 45 Pearl Street, near the Central Square T stop, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., to raise awareness about domestic violence in the South Asian community, and of resources available to victims. Featured speakers include Anita Raj, Ph.D. BU School of Public Health, who will speak on "South Asian Immigrant women at increased risk for domestic violence: Why? What can we do?". Dr. Gouri Banerjee, Ph.D. and co-founder of Saheli, will speak on "Reaching out with resources, information and support." Monica Modi Khant of Vakili Legal, and Manisha Bhatt of Greater Boston Legal Services, will speak on recent legal and immigration changes that affect all South Asian women.

All are welcome.

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