Successful Networking Event:

Southern California AMHPers

 Would like to Move It!

Yorba Linda, California- March 19, 2011

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The American Muslim Health Professionals (AMHP) hosted its 4^th Annual Networking Luncheon in Southern California. This year's theme aligned with First Lady Michelle Obama's initiative: Let's Move: Faith and Communities, launched in December 2010. Mrs. Obama called upon faith communities to pledge to reduce the incidence of childhood obesity. Despite the antagonistic and Islamophobic atmosphere in Yorba Linda, the luncheon attracted about 100 healthcare professionals including the keynote speaker of the event, Herb Shultz, the Director of Region IX of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). AMHPers enjoyed a rich program full of healthcare trivia, outreach, networking, and, perhaps most importantly, attendees made the pledge to promote healthy living in the communities.

Dr. Faisal Qazi, a Southern California Neurologist and AMHP Vice President called the meeting to order by informing fellow healthcare professionals of the event's agenda. Dr. Yasir Shareef, an Arizona Neurologist and AMHP board member kicked off the afternoon with an informative presentation about AMHP's past, present and future. In his presentation, Dr. Shareef shared AMHP's work since its inception. Dr. Shareef also highlighted some of AMHP's recent achievements where AMHP's president and vice president were both invited to the White House to celebrate the historic passage of the US National Health Care Act. Dr. Shareef concluded his presentation by highlighting the organization's involvement with the "Let's Move" Initiative. Rabia Akram, AMHP's President, committed the organization to the initiative when she met Mrs. Obama at the White House last November. AMHP committed to encouraging its members and the American Muslim community at large to walk at least 10,000 miles this year by setting up walkathons; host at least one farmers' market in a local community; participate in 2 summer feeding programs for children; and encourage the Muslim community to start living healthier lives by signing up for the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award. 

In an interactive session, Mr. Herb Schultz shared facts about the costs and benefits of the Health Care Act of 2010.  Aside from discussing health care reform, Mr. Schultz also discussed the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. In a discussion on diabetes he asked, "Can we prevent diabetes without medications? Absolutely, positively YES-- by diet and exercise."Mr. Shultz also used himself as a living example of a health success story when he shared his personal account on how he, a middle aged man, lost 40 pounds by diet and exercise. At the end of his presentation, Mr. Shultz opened the floor to a question and answer session before he concluded by encouraging the attendees to rally around AMHP's mission and to voice his support for the Let's Move initiative.  

AMHP presented the "Courage and Understanding Award" to two individuals: Dawar Naqvi, president of  the American Muslims Job Network (AMJN) and founding board member of the Yorba Linda Islamic Center and to  Christy Wimber, Senior Pastor at the Yorba Linda Vineyard Church. These individuals reached out to AMHP to coordinate an interfaith initiative that provides Health Care consultations to the community. The initiative is intended to bring both Christians and Muslims together despite the recent anti-Muslim demonstrations in the city. Hadi Hassan, a Yorba Linda resident and longtime AMHP activist accepted the award on their behalf.

 "This event was a true success and one of the best AMHP networking events I have ever attended," said Iyad Afalqa, a member of AMHP Task Force on Healthcare Affordability.

Further information regarding the Let's Move and other AMHP initiatives can be found at