Leeds Beckett University is holding a community programme to give health advice to Black Caribbeans and Black Africans this month.
Dr Maria Maynard, a senior lecturer in public health nutrition at Leeds Beckett University and lead organiser of the event, said it has come about as a result of her research looking at the levels of type 2 diabetes in minority ethnic groups.
'There is a three to four times higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes among Black Caribbeans and Black Africans compared to the general population. We felt it important to offer this drop-in session for people who want to find out more about what changes can be made in terms of lifestyle and diet, and to reinforce existing positive behaviours to help combat those risks. There’ll also be plenty of information around other conditions from cancer to mental wellbeing,' said Dr Maynard.
The session is free to attend and local health care professionals, including nutritionists and dietitians, will be on hand to deliver a range of health checks such as blood pressure and weight.
Dr Carl Hylton, chairperson of Leeds West Indian Centre Charitable Trust on behalf of the community partner organisations, added: 'Our organisations are aware of the key issues covered by this important health session and have initiated continuous support work to spread-the-word to our communities and health professionals.
'We are delighted to be in partnership with Leeds Beckett University to further Black Caribbean and Black African health endeavours and hope that this four-way partnership provides the framework for more health programme collaborations.'
The ‘Good for the head, good for the heart’ session will run from 3-7pm on Wednesday 13 July at Leeds West Indian Centre in Laycock Place, LS7 and will provide information and advice about diabetes, cancer, mental health, HIV/AIDs and sickle cell, with support also for those wishing to give up smoking.