REPORT & PHOTOS BY MAHADEV DESAI
Atlanta, GA: Hindu Temple of Atlanta, in coordination with Sai Health Fair, hosted a Health Fair at the Hindu Temple of Atlanta, Riverdale, Georgia, on Saturday, March 30, 2013. The 30th Sai Health Fair elicited a good response with an attendance of over 450 participants. The Health Fair was organized by Dr. Sujatha Reddy as a tribute to the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and also to promote his and Dr. Martin Luther King’s philosophies of Non-violence, community service and Social justice. The event was sponsored by Muthalamada Sneham Charities, Isha Institute of Inner Sciences, physicians, health care professionals and volunteers.
People of diverse nationalities and cultures from all over Atlanta availed themselves of the free consultancy and tests provided by over 42 dedicated physicians representing 14 specialties, supported by three technicians and over 50 service-oriented volunteers. Over 130+ EKGs were carried out by Commerce Cardiology Group, Commerce, GA, and Southern Heart Specialists, Riverdale, GA.
Over 60 Vision and Glaucoma screening tests, were carried out by Emory University Residents Sight Savers Program while audio screenings were done by Dr.Sridhar Krishnamurthy .13 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. Bone Mineral Density screening tests were in big demand More than 31 bone-density tests, were performed by a team of Madhusudhana Reddy , Dr.Deepti Talluri,, under the supervision of Dr.Sujatha Reddy. These bone density tests helped educate the participants especially women about osteoporosis. A bone marrow drive helped enroll twelve donors.
Over 250 cost –effective, basic quality comprehensive Chemistry profile of blood tests with HBA1c were carried out at a nominal fee of $25 per test. The lab work was provided by American Clinical Labs. Inc.in Stone Mountain. Many lined up to consult Naturopathy and Ayurveda expert Dr.Satish Nair of Gentle Awakening, together with Ms. Cathy Padilla.
On behalf of Isha Foundation, Dr.Kalpana Rajdev commented, “Thirteen volunteers from Isha Foundation came to offer volunteer support to help in various areas at the Health Fair including the free group meditation sessions. Everyone was impressed by the hundreds of people served by the health care professionals at the fair. Our intention was to do three meditation sessions but the response was great and we ended up doing five sessions (50 minutes long).”
Marjorie Sen who brought students from Mercer University School of Pharmacy, APhA organization 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.”
On behalf of Emory University School of Medicine, Joon-Bom (Albert) Kim commented, “Thank you again for allowing Student Sight Savers serve at the SAI health fair. It was a great opportunity to serve the community and helping those in needs. I, along with eith other students who volunteered at the fair, was able to screen many people for glaucoma and referred them to appropriate resources.”
Snacks, fruits and drinks were provided to all the participants by Charter Anchor Hospital. SAI Health Fair also provided for lunch to all the doctors, technicians and volunteers.
HTA President Narender Reddy commented, “On behalf of Hindu Temple of Atlanta I’d like to thank all the doctors, volunteers and especially Sujatha Reddy for her tireless efforts, for making the HTA Health Fair 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 and they have been successful every time. 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 imparting religious education (Bala Vihar) to children.”
Dr. Sujatha Reddy thanked Hindu Temple for providing the accommodation and help in staging the Health Fair. She further thanked Mercer pharmacy Students and Emory University’s sight saver group – students, the team of physicians, nurses, and dedicated volunteers who together helped make the Health Fair a big success.
