Abstract: . . .  local, state, and federal governments can be held accountable for eliminating health disparities. Be prepared to respond to changing needs of the population (e.g., use consumer feedback). Gather feedback from the community to enhance programmatic elements and meet the dynamic needs of the community.  . . .
. . .  Page 23 1 The Impact of Heart Disease on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders These slides were developed by the National Heart , Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) to inform health professionals, students, and community members about the impact of heart disease on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Health planners, administrators, students, and public health officials will find these materials useful as they provide comprehensive information on AAPI sociodemographic profiles, health beliefs and perceptions, . . .
. . .  able to access sources of data, interpret them in useful terms, and identify areas where gaps exist. For instance, information on local demographics may help identify high-risk groups. Develop a cadre of knowledgeable lay counselors. Community members are most qualified to promote heart health. They are aware of the needs and strengths of the community. Establish alliances and coalitions. Collaborations strengthen and sustain health promotion at the community level. Coalitions work best when there is equal representation of community members. Provide culturally . . .
. . .  services consistently: financial, cultural (e.g., language, fear, denial of health problems), and logistical (e.g., transportation, childcare). Address priority issues of concern to the community first (e.g., stress, unemployment, immigration status) and then introduce cardiovascular disease prevention activities for improved health. Recognize and understand that there are myriad of cultural factors that may prevent AAPI communities from securing improved health outcomes (e.g., refugee immigrants might fear authority figures, certain ethnic groups may have differing . . .
. . .  (cont.) Some groups maintain strong ties to traditional diet Micronesia: deaths due to CVD and diabetes have been attributed to poor diet However, some AAPIs continue eating traditional diet despite adaptation to a more Western diet. For example, Southeast Asians tend to maintain strong ties to their traditional diets and native foods in spite of dramatic changes in their food buying practices (Story and Harris, 1989). While information on the eating habits of Pacific Islanders is limited, some information reveal eating patterns . . .
--3000,5,300,3087,31372