Huge Turnout at the 34th SAI Health Fair
by Mahadev Desai
PICS.by Vinod Devlia and Mahadev Desai.
Despite the cold and rainy weather The 34th Sai Health Fair in
coordination with the Rotary Club and Ashiana at the Global
Mall, Norcross, Georgia, on Saturday, October 3, 2015, elicited
a very good response with an attendance of over 300
participants. The SAI Health Fair was organized by Dr. Sujatha
Reddy as a tribute to the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and
also to promote his and Dr. Martin Luther King’s philosophies of
Non-violence, community service and Social justice. The event
was sponsored by Rotary Club,and strongly supported by
physicians, Georgia Indian Nurses Association (GINA), health care
professionals and volunteers.
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| GINA participants with Dr.Sreeni, Dr.Sujatha Reddy
and Ravi Chander |
People of diverse nationalities and cultures from all over
Atlanta availed themselves of the free consultancy services
provided by over 25 dedicated physicians representing 12
specialties, supported by over 15 nurses and technicians and 25
service-oriented volunteers who attended to the various health
related concerns of the people after they registered for blood
tests, free EKGs, free glaucoma and vision screenings,
preventive Cardiology tests, free Bone Density tests to detect
osteoporosis and free Consultancy in, Internal medicine, Family
medicine,
Gynecology, cardiology, dentistry endocrinology, gastroenterology,
ophthalmology, orthopedics,
and nephrology/hypertension; dermatology, etc.
Over 90 EKGs were carried out by Commerce Cardiology Group and
by Gwinnett Heart Specialists.
Dr.Samir Vera from Milan Eye Center and Dr.Indira Menon carried
out over 36 Glaucoma and vision screening tests.
Over 50 Vascular screenings were performed by Dr.Saleem Boghani.
Out of these,50% were reported as abnormal.
Pramila Dupahre,MS,RD, a registered Dietician/Nutritionist was
consulted by over ten patients.
More than 49 bone-mineral--density tests, were performed by a
team of Madhusudhana Reddy ;Janet Augustine,R.N.; under the
supervision of Dr.Sujatha Reddy. Out of these 50% were abnormal.
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| Dr. Sreeni Gangasani with a patient |
Performing Blood work |
Over 150 cost–effective, basic quality comprehensive Chemistry
profile of blood tests with HBA1c were carried out at a nominal
fee of $25. The lab work was provided by SYMED LLC in Tucker. It
is noteworthy that the results of the blood work are mailed
within two weeks! The test results help to identify some life
threatening results which are immediately notified to the
participants.
Stroke Risk Factor Education was provided by Mini Jacobs from
GINA.
Snacks, fruits and drinks were provided to all the
participants,and a delicious lunch to all the doctors,
technicians and volunteers by SAI Health Fair. Lunch was catered
by Garuda Vilas Restaurant.SAI Health Fair publicity and
coverage was provided by Atlanta’s digital and print media,
Khabar, NRIPULSE, Atlantadunia, India Tribune and Rashtradarpan.
Vinod Devlia helped with photography services.
GINA’s President Lilly Anickat lauded Dr.Sujatha and said,” It
was an honor and privilege for Georgia Indian Nurses Association
(GINA) to be part of the SAI health fair. Remarkable
contributions of the ten GINA volunteers were very effective for
the smooth flow of the health fair. GINA volunteers helped in
various areas of the health fair such as registration,
phlebotomy and lab works, EKG, bone density scanning, checking
vital signs, health promotion and disease prevention educational
activities, etc. The stroke education led by Mini Jacob and team
was able to heighten public awareness of the importance of
stroke prevention, risk factors and its management, warning
signs, what to do in an emergency situation, treatments, and
patient/family resources. Stroke is a leading cause of death in
the U.S. Also called a brain attack-a stroke occurs when a clot
blocks the blood supply to the brain or when a blood vessel in
the brain bursts.Time is critical in preventing long term damage
so the patient must be taken to the hospital immediately. “Being
part of this event have given me so much pleasure and
satisfaction” said Jecy Mathew-secretary of GINA. Words are not
sufficient to thank and congratulate Dr. Sujatha Reddy for all
her hard work to make this event a success. Mary
Jose-ex-President and advisory BoardChair of GINA along with
GINA’s executive members and volunteers would like to thank all
the volunteers, providers, and all those who were part of the
event one way or other. We would like to continue to collaborate
with SAI Health Inc. again in community service activities.”
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| Atlanta Rotarians. Left: Shiv Aggarwal, Ravi Chander |
Atlanta’s well-known cardiologist and social activist and former
President of GAPI, Dr.Sreeni Gangasani said,” Its always a
privilege and joy serving the community especially the uninsured
or underinsured people whether in the GAPI volunteer clinic or
health fairs. GAPI appreciates the excellent work done by Dr
Sujatha Reddy through SAI health fairs on regular basis in metro
Atlanta. She also helps in the GAPI free clinic which is open in
Global mall in 1st and third Saturday of each month, from 1.00
p.m. to 4-00 p.m. The services include: Dentist consultation;
Lab
work at minimal cost; discounted rate for medications and flu
shots (during flu season); and referrals to specialists at discounted
rates. We wish to help more people in future with these
programs.”
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| Vision screening by Dr.Samir Vera |
Shiv Aggarwal commented, “ Sai Health Fair is doing selfless
service under the leadership of doctor Sujatha Reddy. I feel
happy that SAI Health Fair at Global Mall on October 3, 2015 was
a huge success when over 300 people were serviced by Atlanta’s
leading physicians and dedicated nurses. I am definitely looking
forward to attending more Sai Health Fairs in future.”
Dr. Sujatha Reddy profusely thanked owner/CEO of Global Mall and
President of Rotary Club of Emory Druid Hills President Shiv
Aggarwal and Ashiana’s Zahid for providing accommodation at the
Global Mall. She further thanked GINA President Lilly Anickat;
ex-President Mary Jose; Rotary Club’s members Ravi
Chander, Mustafa Ajmeri; and Ravi Ponangi; supporting sponsors;
the team of physicians, nurses, and dedicated volunteers who
together helped make the SAI Health Fair a big success.
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