45th Sai Health Fair organized at the Hindu Temple of Atlanta
More than 200 people attended the 45th Sai Health Fair that was organized in coordination with Georgia Indian Nurses Association (GINA) at the Hindu Temple in Riverdaleon October 15.
The Health Fair was organized by Dr. Sujatha Reddy as a tribute to the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and to promote his philosophy of non-violence, community service, and social justice. It was strongly supported by healthcare professionals, nurses, and physicians in nine diverse specialties. It was heartening to see the Georgia Association of Physicians of Indian Heritage (GAPI) also partner with Sai Health Fair in reaching out to the community.
From early morning, people began lining up at the Health Fair for blood tests and also availed themselves of the free consultancy in nine specialties by 17 physicians who were supported by six GINA nurses, labtechnicians, and 30 volunteers.
The GAPI president, Dr. Uma Jonnalagadda; Dr. TulasiVanapalli; and Dr. Reneeta Basu provided internal medicine consultations. Also helping were endocrinologist Dr. Geetha Soodini; GAPI’s former presidents and cardiologists Dr. Sreeni Gangasani and Dr. Devendra Koganti; gynecologists Dr. Padma and Dr. Clarissa Brook; gastroenterologist and past-president of GAPI Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda; orthopedic Dr. Natarajan; general surgery specialist Dr. Nuli Balakrishna; dentistry specialist Dr. Supriti Balyan; and ophthalmologists Dr. Indira Menon and Ravali Reddy.
Dr. Menon also informed about the Bone Marrow Drive. Uma Kaila and Nysha Reddy volunteered and signed up people for the bone marrow registry. This should be helpful in increasing awareness of the need for Asians and Indians to be on the bone marrow registry andhelping patients in need of a bone marrow transplant.
Over 80 comprehensive blood tests were carried out at a nominal fee of $30. The test results helped identify some life-threatening health issues that were immediately notified to the participants. Over 50 EKGs were carried out by Gwinnett Heart Specialists Heart Associates of Stockbridge and Southern Heart Specialists. Over 25 audio screenings were done by Dr. Sridhar Krishnamurthy of Auburn University in Alabama. Half of them were found to be abnormal.
More than 55 bone-density tests were performed by the team of Madhu Siddagunta, Sherly John, and student Alekya under the supervision of Dr. Sujatha Reddy. About 27 were abnormal. These bone density tests helped raise awareness about osteopenia and osteoporosis.
GINA member Vidya Kanagaraj gave stroke information and CPR demonstration while patients were waiting to be seen by doctors. Nurses Jecy Mathew and Ancy Chemmalakuzhy helped with the lab work, while nurses Shahnaz Mulla and Sicily Joseph helped in the triage area.
Ayurvedic treatment consultation was provided by Nagesh Kasam while Madhavi Kasam gave useful guidance on homeopathic treatment. Health andwellness lifestyle coach and nutritionist, Rajitha Bommakanti, provided information and advice on holistic weight loss, nutrition, exercise, and stress management through meditation as well as per their culture, personal preferences, and family support. She shared that she has been using motivational interviewing techniques to empower people to make better lifestyle choices to reduce their risk of developing chronic conditions.
Dr. Uma Jonnalagadda said that she felt delighted and honored that GAPI had partnered with Sai Health Fair for several years. Asians are at high risk for heart diseases and GAPI can offer coronary calcium scoring at low prices in future health fairs, she said.
-Mahadev Desai, pictures by Krish Photography
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