HEALTH experts gave advice and information about keeping well to members of the south Asian community.

Leading consultants offered tips on nutritious meals and how to reduce the threat of heart disease which affects a high proportion of the south Asian community, plus advice on early screening to combat cancer.

The health conference was organised by the Mauritian Islamic Welfare Association (MIWA) with the Noor Ul Islam Trust (NUI).

Guests from the groups were joined by Deputy Mayor of Waltham Forest Masood Ahmed, and other Waltham Forest councillors.

A question and answer session followed.

Speakers included Dr Sandy Gupta, consultant cardiologist at Whipps Cross University and St Bartholomew's Hospitals, Dr James Green, consultant urological surgeon and honorary clinician lecturer in oncology, and Dr Majid Katme, spokesman for the Islamic Medical Association.

Dr Green pointed out that the tendency of many people from a south Asian background to delay testing for early cancer detection must be changed.

He said a high proportion of cases could have been prevented or treated at early stages.

According to Dr Gupta, the community should try to cut down meat, spices and salts to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Meanwhile Dr Katme discussed how Islamic teachings such as avoidance of alcohol and pork were beneficial to health.