Page 32 - The Indian EYE 121721

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline DECEMBER 17, 2021 | The Indian Eye 32

aapi Joins rock & roll Marathon in San antonio,

Creating awareness on Healthy living

OuR BuREAu
New York
he Covid pandemic has im-
pacted all aspects of human
tlife as never been before. The
past two years have been challenging
to everyone, particularly to those who
are assigned with the responsibility of
caring for the sick, even as hundreds
of Millions are affected by the big pan-
demic. Physicians and other health
professionals on the front lines of
COVID-19 care have experienced so
many unknowns during the pandemic.
They’ve also put their own health and
the well-being of their families on the
line to provide care.
At this critical juncture in human
history, American Association of Phy-
sicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) the
largest ethnic medical organization in
the country, representing the interests
of over 100,000 physicians of Indian or- n Roll Half Marathon came to life,”
igin, is focusing on themes such as how Vijaya Botla said. “There was great
to take care of self and find satisfaction enthusiasm from our local Indian doc-
and happiness in the challenging situa- tors and a wonderful camaraderie was
tions they are in, while serving hundreds formed. Weekly meetups and training
of patients everyday of their dedicated commenced. We were blessed that
and noble profession, Dr. Anupama Dr. Akil Taher, from Atlanta, Georgia
Gotimukula, President of AAPI said. joining our group and was able to pass
In preparation for the upcom- on his words of wisdom to us through
ing 40 annual convention from June his book “Open Heart” and by even
th
23-26, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas coming to do the race with us in San
with the timely theme that focusses novel way of sponsorship did encour- plishment. Thank you Anupama and Antonio on December 5, 2021.”
on “Heal The Healers” and to create age many Indian doctors and other Jayesh to provide this opportunity.” “It’s been a true privilege me, a
awareness among the public on the community members to register and The Botla Charitable Family young aspiring ‘Plant-based Lifestyle
need for Healthy Lifestyle, AAPI Con- participate in this unique marathon,” Foundation is a non-profit established Medicine Physician’
vention Team led by Dr. Jayesh Shah added Dr. Jayesh Shah. “We were in 2014 by Dr. Ravi and Vijaya Botla To run my first half-marathon with
joined an “Rock and Roll Marathon” lucky to have Dr. Akil Tahir to join us with the intention to give to charita- my Idol, Dr. Taher. He is a living proof
on Sunday, December 5 , 2021 in san as the Chief Ambassador for the run. ble causes that highlight Indian cul- of the power of ‘Whole Foods Plant
th
Antonio, TX. His presence also inspired all of us to ture and traditions as well as promote Based’ Diet and Physical Exercise in
AAPI’s participation at the Mar- join for this noble cause. His message health and wellness in our community. not just recovering from a major sur-
athon was inspired and sponsored by of running with heart touched all of us.” “After a hiatus of 5 years from gery but healing from within for a bet-
the Botla Foundation, which provided Dozens of Doctors and commu- long distance running, I am thrilled to ter and stronger health than before.
a great kick start to AAPI’s wellness nity leaders joined the Rock and Roll announce that I completed running His presenceat the Marathon inspired
theme, pointed to the Six Pillars of Marathon, which had attracted over the half marathon in San Antonio on a us to sign up for the event and support
Lifestyle Medicine: 1. Healthy Diet; 18,000 participants from around the PLANT BASED DIET!” Dr. Akil Ta- AAPI in promoting ‘health & fitness’
2. Being active; 3. Restorative sleep; nation, and made this an inspiring ex- her said. “I ran to support the Ameri- in our community,” stated Dr. Bhoja
4. Managing stress; 5. Have social perience for all. Dr. Ravi Botla, while can Association of Physicians of Indian R. Katipally.
and supportive connections; and, 6. thanking and congratulating all the origin (AAPI) under the leadership Several participants at the Mara-
Avoiding abusive drugs and habits. participants at the Marathon, said, of Dr. Anupama Gotimukula ad Dr. thon had weekly runs at trails to pre-
Planning for joining the Rock “Running with you all is an amazing Jayesh Shah. AAPI has done some pare for the run. The team also got
and Roll Marathon started over three experience. Several friends made their phenomenal charity work here in the the expertise of Pradeep, who had
months ago, says Dr. Jayesh Shah, personal bests today. Hope to contin- US and India. Also a big thank you to recently finished Chicago marathon
Chair of AAPI Convention 2022. Botla ue to do some physical activity (run- the Botla family for their inspirational as the coach. He taught the partici-
Foundation committed a donation of ning/walking/cycling) to improve our support to AAPI,” he added. pants the dynamic exercises before the
$25,000, However, in order to encour- health. On behalf of all our runners “That is why in keeping with AA- run and static exercises after the run.
age Doctors to run, the Foundation yesterday and today, Botla Founda- PI’s 2022 Convention theme of “Heal Dr Bhoja Reddy did a book signing
initially put a caveat that they would tion will donate $25,000 to AAPI, irre- the Healers,” this idea of having these event on Saturday, the day before the
donate $250 for every person who spective of the number of participants. healers finally put their health first by run. Dr.Taher contributed all the mon-
signs up for the half marathon. “This We should be proud of this accom- participating in the San Antonio Rock ey from the book sale to AAPI.

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