Popular health fair benefits from student volunteers and group meditations
Dr. Sujatha Reddy (center), organizer of the SAI health fairs.
(Photos: Mahadev Desai)
The 30th Sai Health Fair was held at the Hindu Temple of Atlanta, Riverdale, Georgia, on Saturday, March 30, 2013. Over 450 participants came to the event organized by Dr. Sujatha Reddy and sponsored by Muthalamada Sneham Charities, Isha Institute of Inner Sciences, physicians, health care professionals and volunteers.
Over 42 dedicated physicians representing 14 specialties, with 3 technicians and over 50 volunteers provided more than 130 EKGs (by Commerce Cardiology Group and Southern Heart Specialists), 60 vision and glaucoma screening tests (Emory University Residents Sight Savers Program), and hearing screenings (by Dr.Sridhar Krishnamurthy). Thirteen students from Mercer University helped with taking blood pressure and performing triage as well as educating patients about medication safety, smoking cessation, nutrition, proper antibiotic use (Rho Chi's Get Smart program with the CDC), diabetes, allergy, etc. More than 31 bone-density tests were performed (Madhusudhana Reddy, Dr. Deepti Talluri, under the supervision of Dr. Sujatha Reddy). A bone marrow drive enrolled twelve donors. Dr.Todd Gibson, a chiropractor and yoga instructor, helped patients.
Over 250 blood tests were carried out at a nominal fee of $25 each (American Clinical Labs of Stone Mountain). Naturopathy and Ayurveda expert Dr. Satish Nair of Gentle Awakening and Ms. Cathy Padilla served a large number of people. Dr.Kalpana Rajdev noted that thirteen volunteers from Isha Foundation helped in various areas including the five free group meditation sessions, each 50 minutes long. "We passed our educational material to approximately 200 individuals seeking information about yoga and health," she said.
Marjorie Sen brought students from Mercer University School of Pharmacy, APhA organization, and commented, “This was their fourth time participating in SAI health fair, and students really enjoyed it and look forward to coming again. As students go through their courses and leave," Marjorie said, "we are finding these health fairs so valuable that we are introducing new students to the experience who will continue participating. Also, Mercer has a diverse student population, and many are South Asian: several who came this time were from Bengal, Gujarat, Hyderabad, and Pakistan. We are glad to give back to our community through health education (drug disposal, diabetes, nutrition, etc.), to represent pharmacy as a professional option, and to provide translation for patients with questions."
On behalf of Emory University School of Medicine, Joon-Bom (Albert) Kim commented, "Thank you again for allowing Student Sight Savers to serve here. It was a great opportunity to serve the community and those in need. Eight other students and I screened many people for glaucoma and referred them to appropriate resources. We look forward to serving again at future SAI health fairs."
Some of Dr. Reddy’s participating physicians, nurses, and volunteers.
Snacks, fruits and drinks were provided to all participants by Charter Anchor Hospital. SAI Health Fair also provided for lunch to all the doctors, technicians and volunteers. HTA president Narender Reddy said, "Our community recognizes that HTA not only provides a facility to meet the religious and cultural needs of our community but also focuses on serving the community through programs like health fairs, yoga classes, and education (Bala Vihar) for children.” Dr. Sujatha Reddy thanked HTA and all the volunteers for making the Health Fair a big success.
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