BY MAHADEV DESAI
Photos by Mahadev Desai

IThe 18th SAI Health Fair, held at the Hindu Temple, Riverdale, Atlanta, on Saturday, April 26, 2008 elicited a huge response. The HTA Health Fair, as a tribute to all the Mothers, was, as always, spearheaded by well-known Macon-Atlanta physician, Dr. Sujatha Reddy and was organized to promote Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King’s philosophies of non-violence, community service and social justice.

Over 200 people of diverse nationalities and cultures from all over Atlanta availed themselves of the free consultancy and tests services provided by 30 dedicated physicians representing 14 specialties, 14 nurses and technicians and over 45 service-oriented volunteers who attended to the various health related concerns of the people after they registered for blood tests, free EKGs; free glaucoma screenings; audiogram- hearing screenings, preventive Cardiology tests, free Bone Density tests to detect osteoporosis and Free Consultancy in homeopathy, dermatology, endocrinology, Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Pediatrics, Podiatry, EN T, gastroenterology, urology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, dentistry, Physical Therapy.

The spacious and well- lighted Temple educational bldg. had neatly laid out tables, in adjoining rooms, where over 155 EKGs were provided by Southern Heart Specialists, Riverdale for males and Cardiovascular Group, Lawrenceville, GA for females.

Dr.Pooja Mehta, a Cardiology Fellow from Emory University School of Medicine carried out the Cardiovascular Risk Assessment tests.

Over 25 audiogram tests were conducted by Sridhar Krishnamurthy, Girish Enterprises, from Auburn, Alabama, half of which showed abnormal hearing problems.. Glaucoma screenings were done by Dr. Indira Menon from the Eye physicians and surgeons, Decatur, Georgia. Bone- density tests were in big demand About 47 plus bone-density tests were performed by.Madhusudhana Siddagunta, Roger Allen and Ms.Atharisa Varahabhatla, under the Supervision of Dr. Sujatha Reddy. 24 were found to be abnormal. .And over 163, cost –effective, basic quality comprehensive Chemistry profile of blood tests with PSA, HBA1c, and Sickle cell prep. Were carried out at a nominal fee of $15 per test. The lab work was provided by Medical Center of Middle Georgia Lab., Macon. It is noteworthy that the results of the blood work were mailed within 48 hours! The test results helped identify some Life threatening results which were immediately notified to the participants. Education and advice on diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking and exercise was presented by Clinical nutritionist Reecha Ravula. Dr.Tulasi Vanapalli informed the attendees on weightloss and Yoga exercises and Dr.Rohini Reddy gave helpful hints on stress management. Rod Gunn manned the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) drive to recruit much needed donors for life-saving marrow transplant.

Ms. Kathleen Hughes, a Preventative Health Coach, who participated for the first time said that she was very impressed with the big turnout. She represents a wholefood nutrition company based in Memphis, Tennessee, which makes Juice plus capsules and gummies. “We encapsulate fruits,vegetables and berriesthat have been thoroughly researched, showing that Juiceplus is bioavailable, improves and enhances the immune system, it reduces DNA damage, and raises antioxidant levels.It is not a substitute for fresh fruits and vegetables but a nutritional bridge. I truly feel happy to be present here today.”

Mrs.Madhavi Kassam, of Georgia Classical Homeopathy, is a regular participant in SAI Health Fairs. “Harmony in body and mind ensures good health. Imbalance in this harmony causes health problems. At SAI Health Fairs, more and more people are coming for consultations because Homeopathy is holistic and the remedies prepared from vegetables, minerals, chemicals, animal products and nosodes are without side effects,” she said.

Janssen Phrmaceuticals arranged for the complimentary continental breakfast, whereas Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Co. provided delicious lunch for all the participants, both breakfast and lunch was catered by Tropical Cafe Smoothies. SAI Health Fair publicity and coverage was provided by NRI Pulse, Khabar magazine, India Abroad, Little India and Atlantadunia.com. In addition, Presidents of several local associations also helped to notify their members about the Health Fair. Digital video and Photography services were provided by K.C.Patel and Mahadev Desai.

Dr. Sujatha Reddy thanked Hindu Temple President Dr. Ravi Sarma and the board for providing the accommodation to stage the Health Fair and also Ramada Inn and Forest Pharmaceuticals for providing accommodation and dinner respectively for out-of-town nurses She further thanked Janssen Pharmaceuticals, supporting sponsors; the team of physicians, nurses, students and dedicated volunteers who together helped make the Health Fair a big success. The mission of the SAI Health Fairs is to create an awareness of the importance of preventive health care among the public-detection, prevention and cure. “Cure the patient today and protect the community tomorrow. Too often we hear of illness that could have been prevented if it had been detected earlier” is the guiding motto.