The first presentation focused on the heart disease in women. It is he leading cause of death worldwide. However, the disease often presents differently in women and men. Grace Geevarghese, a cardiology nurse practitioner at Northwell Health System, discussed about the various sides of heart disease affecting women. Every year more women die of heart attack than those with cancer. Two out of three women have one or more higher risk factors which increase with age. The size and structure of heart is different for women and men. A woman’s heart and blood vessels are smaller and muscular walls are thinner than that of men which make them susceptible for higher risks. Build up of plaque which is the combination of fat, cholesterol calcium, and other substances from the blood obstructs the blood flow in the arteries that lead to coronary artery diseases. Though the hormone estrogen gives women with some protection, menopause marks a significant hormonal shift due to the decline in estrogen levels. Consequently, risk for heart disease in postmenopausal women increases. Ms. Geevarghese detailed the early symptoms, ways to diagnose and methods of treatment.
Human trafficking, a serious global public health crisis issue and violation of human rights, was the topic of the next presentation by Northwell Health, the largest private healthcare system in New York State. Wilonda Greene, the Senior Program Manager of Human Trafficking Education, Advocacy, Response and Training Program Institute of the Community Wellness and Health talked about the sex and labor trafficking that happen around us and around the world. People who are vulnerable due to various factors including abuse and neglect, intimate partner violence, substance abuse, LGBTQ+, runaways, homeless and other marginalized, or due to family factors are among those victimized through force, fraud or coercion by culprits for profitability. She said up to eighty-eight per cent of the victims seek medical care while being trafficked. However, these individuals are often misdiagnosed and miss the signs due to lack of training and knowledge of the clinicians. Ms. Greene educated the audience about the wide range of red flags, ways to gather information through appropriate screening, and means of taking action and partake in reducing the criminal exploitation and human life.
Dr. Narendra Singh, a renowned expert in pulmonary medicine, critical care, and sleep disorders, discussed obstructive sleep apnea—a common yet potentially serious condition characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. He highlighted that this disorder is a significant public health issue, affecting an estimated 25 to 30 million adults in the United States. However, only a small percentage of individuals receive a formal diagnosis, leaving many at risk for complications such as metabolic disorders, cardiovascular conditions like heart attacks, fatty liver disease, gestational diabetes, memory deficits, and even glaucoma. In his presentation, Dr. Singh covered key aspects of the condition, including visible symptoms, screening methods, diagnostic tests, and available treatment options to manage and mitigate its impact.
In recognition of the contributions INANY as a professional nursing organization of Indian American nurses in New York, the organization was awarded two grants in the past years. One for $10,000 and another one last year for $16,800 out of the funds allocated for Asian American Pacific Islander communities. In collaboration with Coalition of Asian Families and Children, INANY has been making strides to mitigate the ill-effects of anti-Asian hate incidents in New York. Everyone in the community has at some point in American society has had discrimination in many forms including physical and verbal assaults, bias, threats, bullying and so on. Its Grants and Research Committee has been educating the public, especially the community, to embrace responsibility as a bystander to extend helping hands without compromising self-safety. Dr. Anna George, Dr. Shyla Roshin and Dr. Solymole Kuruvilla presented an interactive training program focused on five different strategies known as 5-D interventions. The goal is to empower the participant to use one or more of the strategies if they witness hate-related incidents.
Annie Sabu, the chair of educational and professional development committee moderated the day’s program. Those attended received four free continuing education credit hours, breakfast, lunch and evening coffee and snacks. Dr. Anna George and Dr. Shyla Roshin thanked Agape Trinity Insurance for sponsoring the part of the program and acknowledged the grants received. Assistance from Anto Paul Aininkal, Dr. Anna George, Dr. Shila Roshin, Usha George, Grace Alexander, Roshan Mammen, and Dr. Jaya Thomas made the charitable event a meaningful and successful one.