By Ebba Ritzen
Heart Research UK recently teamed up with Leeds Beckett University, the University of Leeds and Feel Good Factor to host an African and African-Caribbean community health event in Chapeltown, Leeds. The aim of the event was to raise awareness of the importance of nutrition, and to empower people in the community to make healthier food choices. Leeds Beckett University describes how traditional foods are central in the diets of UK Black Africans and Black Caribbeans, but free resources on healthy eating and nutrition in the UK include a very limited number of traditional African and Caribbean foods. It can therefore be difficult for GPs and health and social care organisations to support Black Africans and Black Caribbeans to improve their health.
At the event, visitors were given recipe cards of healthier versions of traditional African and Caribbean beverages, dishes, and snacks, such as ackee and saltfish, goat curry and jerk chicken. The recipes have been created by researchers at Leeds Beckett University and the University of Leeds, in collaboration with members of the local community. The dishes were prepared for people to sample during the event.
Heart Research UK’s Healthy Heart Coaches carried out blood pressure, cholesterol and body composition checks and also provided lifestyle advice where needed. This included advice on diet, physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption.
In total, 42 health checks were carried out and 20 people were referred to their GP due to high cholesterol or high blood pressure. 17 people were found to have high or very high blood pressure and 16 people had raised cholesterol levels, putting them at an increased risk of heart disease.
Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion and Education at Heart Research UK, said:
“We’re really pleased with how the event went, a great collaboration between important stakeholders in Leeds and a positive step towards creating a healthier community.
“It’s clear that these kinds of initiatives are needed in communities, shown by the number of people whose health checks resulted in them being referred to their GPs.
“Hopefully we’ll be able to host many more events like this one in the future, making great use of funds donated to us by the public.”