South Asian Healthy Lifestyle Initiative (SAHELI)
SAHELI is one of the first healthy lifestyle research programs for South Asians (Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan and Nepali ) in the U.S.
South Asians are underrepresented in heart disease prevention research even though they have a very high risk compared to other ethnic groups in the U.S. Our goal is to understand the best ways to lower heart disease risk in South Asians.
In 2013, SAHELI was awarded the Community-Engaged Research Partnership Award by the Alliance for Research in Chicagoland Communities (ARCC).
“I had a great experience with SAHELI study and it's team. I learned a lot from the materials and learned how to be fit and healthy. They have a lot of good information like eating brown rice and bread instead of white and avoid sweets and fats. I applied to my family whatever I learned and now my family members are also aware of this information which they were not before.”
-Sadaf, SAHELI study participant
The SAHELI study team had a wonderful free community health screening event held at the Balaji temple in Aurora on August 3rd, 2019.
SAHELI RESEARCH STUDY UPDATES
september 2024
SAHELI study results were featured in JAMA! Check out this great article below about South Asian cardiovascular disease. Click on the link below to read the article!
Check out our “Publications” tab to find out more about what we have learned from the SAHELI study: https://www.sahelistudy.org/publications
november 2023
Dr. Kandula presented preliminary study results to SAHELI study participants! Click on the link below to watch a recording of Dr. Kandula’s presentation! SAHELI Study Power Point presentation with audio
NOVEMber 2019
SAHELI study was featured in the Chicago Tribune! Check out this great article below about South Asian cardiovascular disease. They also interviewed one of our participants! Click on the link below!
February 2019
Please share our SAHELI infographic with family and friends! Knowing these facts can save your life!
Click below for a printable version.
May 2018
Congratulations to Dr. Namratha Kandula whose work with SAHELI and MASALA studies was highlighted in the American Heart Association Scientific Statement "Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in South Asians in the United States: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Treatments".
ENROLL iN THE masala STUDY!
MASALA is the first long-term research study identifying factors that lead to heart disease in South Asians living in North America.
Do you identify as Pakistani?
Speak and read either English or Urdu?
Are you 40-84 years old?
Are you free from history of heart attack or stroke?
Do you live in the Chicagoland area?
If yes, then you may be eligible to participate in the MASALA study! . .
Heart Disease is Preventable!
“Before SAHELI, I did not know that I had any health problems. SAHELI helped me to become aware of my diabetes. Being part of the study has improved my health and my sugar has now decreased. My body feels invigorated and refreshed.””
