in USA in 1993. Prevention of these chronic metabolic diseases is cost effective and is probably the only choice for the masses. Even if the risk factors for these diseases are detected early, not all individuals can afford the expensive treatment options. It has been estimated that one third of all the children born in India are of low birth weight (LBW). It has been demonstrated by many studies that these LBW babies are at risk for developing hypertension, diabetes and vascular diseases. One way to reduce this health burden is to develop a strong maternal nutrition program for the pregnant women, so that the number of LBW newborn can be drastically reduced. The general diet of South Asians by and large is very rich in carbohydrates and this puts a great demand on the insulin secretion. It is therefore essential to improve the general diet of the population. Fortification of foods with nutrients is one cost-effective choice. Alternately genetic engineering of better cereals, fruits and vegetable also could be encouraged. Finally it is very well established that life style changes reduce the disease burden of chronic diseases. Life style changes including work place wellness programs should be encouraged to reduce the disease burden in this population. Prevention in whatever way possible is the primary goal to address this epidemic. Awards and Fellowships Fellow, Royal Entomological Society, London. Fellow, International Academy of Clinical and Applied Thrombosis and Hemostasis, USA. Fellow, Indian College of Cardiology, India. Distinguished Career Award, International Union of Angiology, France. Distinguished Career Award, World Clinical Cardiology Conference, 2009 Life Time Achievement Award, 2nd International Conference on Contemporary Biologists, India Paul Harris Fellow, USA Professional Society Affiliations Member Society for Biomaterials, USA Life Member Society for Biomaterials and Artificial Organs (India) Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow Life Fellow The Commonwealth Association For Mental Handicap Developmental Disabilities, United Kingdom Member Indian College of Cardiology, India Founder CEO South Asian Society on Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis (SASAT) Member American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) Member The Biochemical Society, London, United Kingdom Life Member The Academy of Environmental Biology, India Member The New York Academy of Sciences, NY, USA Member American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), USA Member American Society of Hematology, USA Life Member Friends of Vellore, Christian Medical College, India Member American Association of Clinical Chemists (AACC), USA Member National Thrombosis Council, AHA, USA Member International