Tests flag half of patients at 42nd Sai Health Fair
(Left) Dr. Sujatha Reddy (on the right) with various volunteers at the 42nd Sai Health Fair in 2019.
Sai Health Fair in coordination with Georgia Indian Nurses Association (GINA) hosted the 42nd Sai Health Fair at the Hindu Temple of Atlanta, Riverdale, Georgia, on Saturday, September 28, 2019. Dr. Sujatha Reddy organizes these health fairs as a tribute to the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and also to promote his philosophy of nonviolence, community service, and social justice. The fair was sponsored by Sanguinetti Charitable Organization and also strongly supported by health care professionals, nurses, and doctors.
From early morning, over 200 people attended the Health Fair for blood tests and also availed themselves of the free consultancy in 10 specialties by over 20 committed, dedicated, and widely respected experienced physicians, supported by seven nurses, technicians, and 25 courteous service-oriented volunteers.
Over 80 costs-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 RDx Bioscience. It is noteworthy that results of the blood work are mailed within ten days with instructions. The test results helped identify some life threatening results which were immediately notified to the participants.
Over 62 EKGs were carried out by Atlanta Heart Associates-Stockbridge, and Southern Heart Specialists. Over 20 Audio screenings were done by Dr. Sridhar Krishnamurthy, Auburn University, Alabama. Half were found to be abnormal.
Peripheral Bone Mineral Density screening tests were in big demand. More than 35 bone-density tests were performed by a team of Madhu Siddagunta, under supervision of Dr. Sujatha Reddy. About 15 were abnormal. These bone density tests help participants become aware of osteopenia and osteoporosis.
Advice on Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Smoking, Exercise, and Nutrition was given by Raquel Merced from Southern Regional Hospital. Amruth Ayurveda's Usha Pappu gave useful guidance on Ayurveda treatment.
GINA volunteers and Rajitha Bommakanti (on right).
Lifestyle coach and nutritionist Rajitha Bommakanti of Healthy You Lifestyle Center provided information and advice on holistic weight loss, nutrition, exercise, and stress management through meditation.
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, 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. Six GINA nurses also helped out in the triage area.
Atlanta Dermatology Group provided education on skin-related problems.
Free consultations were provided by medical specialists in internal medicine: Dr. Hymavathi Mikkilineni, Dr. Samara Bellam, Dr. Shylaja Prabhakar, Dr. Sarath Ramineni, and Dr. Srividya Kodoru; cardiology: Dr. Devendra Koganti, Dr. Jeevith Reddy, and Dr. Neelagaru; endocrinology: Dr. Geetha Soodini; Ophthalmology: Dr. Indira Menon; Dentistry: Dr. Supriti Balyan; gastroenterology: Dr. Kavitha Gopal; audiology: Dr. Sridhar Krishnamurthy from Auburn University; Dermatology: Atlanta Dermatology Group; Orthopedics: Dr. Natarajan, and Surgery: Dr. Bala Krishna Nuli, who all interacted with patients through free consultations.
Snacks, fruits, and drinks were provided to all the participants by Crescent Pines Hospital, Stockbridge, and lunch was provided to all the doctors, nurses, technicians, and volunteers by Sai Health Fair.
GINA President Vidya Kanagaraj commented, ”GINA is honored to be able to continue to collaborate with Sai HF 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.”
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 & consultations with medical specialists. We have been hosting Health Fairs for a long time in different venues, and feel proud in serving the community. I also wish to thank the Hindu Temple President Sheela Lingam for her presence and in graciously allowing us accommodation to hold this Sai Health Fair.”
Publicity coverage was carried by Khabar magazine, NRI Pulse, Telugu Patrika, Wownow, Rashtradarpan, Desi Express, and Atlanta Dunia. Ravi Ponangi, Suresh Volam, and Mahadev Desai, helped with the media coverage and digital photography.
[The article above is a Website Bonus Feature, appearing only on the website for November 2019, not in the print/digital issues.]
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