Huge Turnout at the 37th SAI Health Fair
Mahadev Desai
Pics. by Vinod Devlia and Mahadev Desai
The 37th Sai Health Fair in coordination with Georgia Association of
Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPI) and Georgia Indian Nurses Association
(GINA), in the Global Mall, Norcross, Georgia, on Saturday, April 1,
elicited a very good response with an attendance of over 200 participants.
The exemplary SAI Health Fair was spearheaded by well-known physician, Dr.
Sujatha Reddy and was organized 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 also sponsored by Paramount Software Solutions and strongly
supported by Sangisetti Charitable Foundation, physicians, health care
professionals and volunteers.
On a crisp Saturday morning, people of diverse nationalities and cultures
from all over Atlanta attended the Sai Health Fair and availed themselves of
the free consultancy and tests services provided by over 20 dedicated
physicians representing 12 specialties, supported by over 15 dedicated
nurses and technicians and 35 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;
ENT;dermatology;preventive Cardiology tests, free Bone Density tests to
detect osteoporosis and free Consultancy-Internal medicine, Family
Medicine,cardiology,dentistry,endocrinology,gastroenterology,opthalmology,orthopedics,
and nephrology.
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| GINA Volunteers |
Over 90 EKGs were carried out by Commerce Cardiology Clinic and by Gwinnett
Heart Specialists.
Atlanta ophthalmologist Dr.Indira Menon carried out Glaucoma and vision
screening tests.”
Audio screenings (hearing tests were done by Dr.Sridhar Krishnamurthy,
Girish Enterprises, Auburn, Alabama.
More than 40 bone-mineral--density tests, were performed by a team of
Madhusudhana Reddy and Sicily Joseph. Out of these, only four were normal.
Rests revealed osteopenia and osteoporosis.
Over 150 cost –effective, basic quality comprehensive Chemistry profile of
blood tests with HBA1c were carried out at a nominal fee of $30 per test.
The lab work was provided by Sy Med, Tucker, GA. It is noteworthy that the
results of the blood work are mailed within ten days! The test results help
to identify some life threatening results which are immediately notified to
the participants.
Stroke Risk Factor Education was provided by GINA nurses. 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.
An interesting and informative stand to spread awareness on ‘Cell phone
usage and its negative effects’ was set up by South Forsyth High School
students Sahithi Boddireddy;Swetha Pasumarti and Pranavi. Cell phone texting
is known to cause distraction and even accidents and death. In addition cell
phones can spread bacteria and also overuse can cause psychological
problems.
Dermatology consultation was provided by students from Emory University
Research Group.
Clinical nutritionist and life-coach Geeta Mehrotra advised on diabetes;
hypertension; smoking, exercise and healthy diet.
Snacks, fruits and drinks were provided to all the participants by Crescent
Pines Hospital, Stockbridge. Swapna Restaurant provided delicious lunch to
all the doctors, technicians and volunteers.
SAI Health Fair publicity and coverage was provided by Atlanta’s digital and
print media, Khabar; Desi-Express; NRIPULSE; Atlantadunia; RashtraDarpan and
India Tribune; Anjali Chhabria of TVAsia, and Greater Atlanta Telugu
Association (GATA). Vinod Devlia helped with photography services. GINA’s
Secretary Jennie Mathen lauded Dr.Sujatha and said, “37th SAI Health fair
conducted at the Global Mall, Norcross, GA was a grand success. The Georgia
Indian Nurses Association (GINA) played a major role in triage, lab draws,
keeping the flow, stroke education, and bone density scanning. There were
approximately 15 GINA members that devoted time for community service. It
was a very rewarding experience to give back to our Indian community.
Dr. Sujatha Reddy profusely thanked Ashiana Restaurant, Global Mall. She
further thanked GINA President Vidya Kanagaraj; supporting sponsors; the
team of physicians, nurses, and dedicated volunteers who together helped
make the SAI Health Fair a big success.