Lifestyle Modification to Promote a Healthy Lifestyle and Prevent Non-communicable Chronic Diseases

We are in the midst of an obesity pandemic. The International Obesity Task Force estimates about 2 billion adults, i.e., one-third of the global population are overweight.
In adults, obesity is defined by a Body Mass Index (BMI) of greater than 30, while overweight is a BMI of more than 25. We are in the midst of a global pandemic of obesity resulting from a sedentary lifestyle and the larger portion sizes of unhealthier foods. Several studies have found an association between obesity and disorders of the heart, brain, joints, stomach, and liver, cancers, high blood pressure (HTN), and diabetes (DM) now known as chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Obesity, associated with NCDs such as diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension(HTN), cardiovascular disease, and cancer, results in higher morbidity, disability, premature deaths, and financial burden. 70% of deaths and 75% of medical expenses in the United States result from lifestyle behaviors (Sep '12 New England Journal of Medicine). An estimated $47 trillion is required globally to deal with NCDs by 2030 (Sep 2011, UN). Several studies worldwide are showing the beneficial effects of weight reduction and increased physical activity on slowing the progression of CKD. Low-cost alternatives through preventive strategies instead of expensive therapies are very much needed. only cost-effective solution to this complex global problem, a result of several factors, lies in increased activity and a healthy diet. We educate communities on the preventable link between unhealthy lifestyles and NCDs. We support all other individuals and organizations in their endeavors to deal with this global pandemic.

Over the last decade, we have been actively promoting a healthy lifestyle to prevent various Non-communicable Chronic Diseases (NCDs) like Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol levels, Heart problems, Strokes, Chronic Kidney Diseases, and many other conditions. Several awareness programs have been organized. Newspaper articles have been published. Several collaborations have taken place. We have organized several walks and runs.

Starting in 2015, we organized a 5K Holi Color walk. Health Strides was again a monthly walking program in the community. Poker Walk was started in 2018. All three programs had to be shut down because of the pandemic. However, a very nice program of Virtual Walk emerged during the pandemic in 2020. Participants, individually or as a team, walk or run at their own pace, choice of location or time of the day during the entire month of October for free and log in miles in a link provided to them. This program serves the dual purpose of promoting a healthy lifestyle to prevent non-communicable diseases like heart and kidney diseases and over time has started raising money for Veterans in need. One hundred percent of the collections without any expense is spent on needy Veterans.
Every year, since 2020, we have had over 650 participants annually completing over 51, 000 miles every year. The number of participants has increased every year.

In the Virtual Walk 2022, participants enthusiastically self-reported miles that they walked or ran at their own pace, time, distance, and location of choice. In this global event, 700 participants completed an estimated 55,000 miles in the month of October 2022.
We raised approximately $15,000 for Veterans in need in 2022.

Three hundred backpacks consisting of toiletries, warm socks, gloves, caps, blankets, sleeping bags, and hand warmers were distributed during the Stand Down. Three hundred food packages consisting of non-perishable food items enough for 5000 meals were also distributed during the Stand Down.

There has been great support from the VA Hospital Administration. Our major partners included VFW and the Miami Valley Association of Physicians of Indian Origin. At the community level, the event was generously supported by several individuals and organizations.

Enthusiasm has increased over the years. We look forward to everyone’s continued participation next year in October 2023.

Vision, Mission, and Values of Global Pragathi
Vision

To be leaders in humanitarian efforts globally to mitigate poverty by developing good models at the grassroots level.

Mission

Reduce poverty through improving educational opportunities and quality, empowering women, making youth employable, promoting preventive health, improving infrastructure, and getting everyone on board in the community

Values

Compassion: the most important quality needed to do sustained humanitarian work

Action: we believe in the adage ' Actions Speak Louder Than Words' and translate our ideas into action

Impartial: we help irrespective of caste, creed, religion, regional, linguistic differences, etc.

Harmony: in the communities by making basic necessities of life available to the poor

Collaboration: ultimately make a much bigger impact in the lives of the poor through collaboration