Huge Turnout at the 41st SAI Health Fair
SAI Health Fair in coordination with Georgia Indian Nurses Association (GINA) hosted its 41st health fair at Global Mall, Norcross, Georgia, on Saturday, March 23, 2019. These Health Fairs are organized by Dr. Sujatha Reddy as a tribute to the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and also to promote his philosophy of nonviolence, community service, and social justice. This fair was sponsored by Sangisetty Charitable Organization.
From early morning, over 250 people came for blood tests and free consultations in 11 specialties provided by over 20 dedicated physicians, seven nurses, technicians, and courteous service-oriented volunteers.
Over 150 basic quality comprehensive chemistry blood profile tests with HbA1c were carried out at a nominal fee of $30 per test. Lab work was provided by RDx Bioscience. Results are mailed within ten days and can help identify some life threatening conditions.
Over 90 EKGs were carried out by Emory Southern Heart Specialists and Cardiovascular Group, Lawrenceville, GA. Over 15 Audio screenings were done by Dr. Sridhar Krishnamurthy, Auburn University, Alabama.
Peripheral Bone Mineral Density screening tests were in big demand. More than 46 were performed by a team of Madhu Reddy and medical student volunteers under supervision of Dr. Sujatha Reddy. About 22 were abnormal. These helped the participants be aware of osteopenia and osteoporosis.
(Left) Susan G. Komen volunteers, Alicia Gibbs and Ronda Gedward. (Photo: Vinod Devlia)
The Susan G. Komen-Atlanta organization’s Alicia Gibbs and Ronda Gedward gave out very useful informational material and advice on breast cancer awareness and mammograms, while advice on diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, exercise, and nutrition was given by Raquel Merced from Southern Regional Hospital.
Stroke risk factor education was provided by GINA President Vidya Kanagaraj and her team. Stroke is a leading cause of death in the U.S. Also called a brain attack, it 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.
Owen Wu, a Georgia State University student doing a premed major did commendable volunteering throughout the Fair.
(Right) Atlanta cardiologist Dr. Sreeni Gangasani with a patient.
(Photo: Mahadev Desai)
Free consultations were provided by specialists
Internal medicine: Dr. Syamala Erramilli, Dr. Shyla Reddy, Dr. Darshan Vyas
Occupational Medicine: Dr. Jay Sampat
Family Practice: Dr. Vijaya Vaddireddy, Dr. Uma Jonnalagadda
Cardiology: Dr. Sreeni Gangasani, Dr. Raji Reddy, Dr.Niraj Sharma, Dr. Lalitha Medepalli, and Dr.Neelagaru
Nephrology: Dr. Vijay Vyas, Dr. Vandana Niyyar
Endocrinology: Dr. Geetha Soodini
E.N.T.: Dr. Shrinath Nadig and Dr. Trushna Rao
Opthalmology: Dr. Indira Menon
Dentistry: Dr. Supriti Balyan
Gastroenterology: Dr. Kavitha Gopal
Gynecology: Dr. Sowmya Reddy
Pediatrics: Dr. Rani Chebrolu
Physical therapy: Ram Shahani
Psychiatry: Dr. Rohini Reddy
Audiology: Dr. Sridhar Krishnamurthy from Auburn University
Snacks, fruits and drinks were provided to all the participants by Crescent Pines Hospital, Stockbridge, and lunch for all the doctors, nurses, technicians, and volunteers was provided by Swapna Restaurant.
Publicity coverage was carried by Khabar magazine, NRI Pulse, Telugu Patrika, Wownow, Rashtradarpan, Desi-express, and Atlantadunia. Ravi Ponangi, Dr. Jay Sampat, and Mahadev Desai helped with the media coverage and digital photography.
GINA Nurses. (Photo: Mahadev Desai)
GINA President Vidya Kanagaraj commented, “GINA is honored to be able to continue to collaborate with SAI Health Fair to serve the community. It’s great to see that we are able to reach more people each time and provide a much needed service to the community.”
(Left) Busy tables. (Photo: Vinod Devlia)
Manoj Barot of Narayan Seva Sansthan (NSS) remarked, “The efforts and coordination by Dr. Sujatha Reddy to put together SAI Health Fair is absolutely remarkable. The services offered by the SAI Health Fair are very vital and could be a life saver for many who otherwise wouldn’t get an opportunity to get a medical checkup. Dr. Sujatha Reddy reminds me of Florence Nightingale who brings the light of hope for many families and especially for parents who are on a visitor’s visa and couldn’t afford expensive medical checkups.”
Dr. Sujatha Reddy thanked GINA, all the Doctors, nurses, technicians, and volunteers for their tireless efforts, for making the Health Fair event a grand success. “I’m glad to see so many people, from all walks of life, come to avail the opportunity to get free screenings and consultations with medical specialists. We have been hosting Health Fairs for a long time in different venues, and feel proud in serving the community.”
Photo Gallery:
Ravi Ponangi
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNCde0XHmwub_2hggcMCYxE22NXmf4RP4SqcOB1P4voNuEjnBIFHn3I31nRQ9JIJQ?key=aWI0dWYxZkRfbTFVc0VUZjlNX1RIcXgtUzJmdHRB
Volunteers: physicians, nurses, other health professionals. (Photo: Ravi Ponangi)
[The article above is a Website Bonus Feature, appearing only on the website for May 2019, not in the print/digital issues.]
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