A South Bay physician has completed a 500-mile, five-day bike-a-thon through Bay Area communities to raise funds and awareness for South Asian heart disease.

Dr. Tony Singh started his quest in front of El Camino Hospital's South Asian Heart Center last Thursday, Dec. 20.

"Tony was so motivated by the speakers and impressed by the research data that he decided to help in his own unique way to contribute to our mission,'' said Radhika Ramachandran, development director for the center. "His 500-mile long, five-day bike marathon will support our cause and raise funds. We think it's a fantastic way to mark the end-of-the year for the South Asian Heart Center and another milestone for voluntary community participation.''

South Asians have a higher risk of heart disease and are at four times the risk of developing coronary artery disease, which often develops at a young age, according to information collected from the center and an article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association earlier this year.

"As a physician I found the center's research and its focus on identifying the causative factors for coronary artery disease, educating physicians, and creating objective risk prediction tools laudable,'' Singh said. "It's incumbent upon the South Asian community to contribute meaningfully to support this effort, which benefits the entire community.''

For information about supporting Singh. visit southasianheartcenter.org

— Bay City News Service

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