American Telugu Association (ATA) and SAI Health Fair in coordination with Georgia Indian Nurses Association (GINA) hosted 38th SAI Health Fair at the Hindu Temple of Atlanta, Riverdale, Georgia, on Saturday, 14th October, 2017. The Health Fair elicited a good response with an attendance of over 200 participants. The Health Fair was organized by Dr. Sujatha Reddy. The event was sponsored by AMERICAN TELUGU ASSOCIATION
People of diverse nationalities and cultures from all over Atlanta availed themselves of the free consultancy by over15 dedicated physicians representing 9 Specialties, supported by nurses and service-oriented volunteers.
GINA’s past President Ms. Mary Jose, Jigisha Patel and GINA nurses helped with triage.
Southern Regional Medical Center’s Radiology Manager Elizabeth King and mammographer Pam Garner gave out informational material and advice on breast cancer and mammograms.
Stroke Risk Factor education was provided by GINA President Vidya Kanagaraj.
Over 95 EKGs were carried out by Dr. Subramanyam Bhat’s Office and Emory Southern Heart Specialists.
And over 40 audio screenings were done by Dr.Sridhar Krishnamurthy, Girish Enterprises, and Auburn, Alabama.
Bone Mineral Density screening tests were in big demand. More than 37 bone-density tests, were performed by a team of Madhusudhana Reddy and Akash, under the supervision of Dr.Sujatha Reddy. These bone density tests helped the participants about osteopenia and osteoporosis.
Over 155 cost –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 Symed LLC, in Tucker. It is noteworthy that the results of the blood work were mailed within a week! The test results helped identify some life threatening results which were immediately notified to the participants.
Dedicated, committed and widely respected medical specialists Dr. Subramanyam Bhat and Dr.Annapurna Bhat, Dr.Raju Vanapalli; Dr.Tulasi Vanapalli; Dr.Syamala Erramilli; Dr.Jay Sampat; Dr.Hymavati Mikkilineni; Dr.Supriti Balyan; Dr.Sridhar Krishnamurthy; Dr. Raja Reddy; Dr. Devendra Koganti, Dr. Rao Nadig to name a few, interacted with the patients through free consultations.
ENT Surgeon Dr.Trushna Rao Nadig enthusiastically conducted yoga sessions for the visitors.
Dr.Sundak Ganesan, a Health Scientist at Center for Disease Control and Prevention gave out informative material on healthcare related issues and concerns in different languages like Hindi, Gujarati, English, to the patients. Pharmacist Dr.Sabina Kurian educated patients about medication safety, smoking cessation, nutrition, proper antibiotic use, diabetes, allergies, etc.
Life South’s blood mobile in the Temple’s parking lot collected 16 UNITS OF BLOOD and thanked Dr.Reddy and ATA President Karunakar Asireddy for facilitating the blood drive. American Telugu Association (ATA) President Karunakar Asireddy along with Kiran Pasham, Anil Boddireddy and Venu Pisike thanked Dr. Sujatha Reddy, GINA team, ATA regional Coordinators, Prashanth, P, Sriram S, ATA health Committee Co-Chair Ramana Reddy, Siva Kumar Ramadugu, Sridhar T and other doctors who volunteered for such a noble cause.
Snacks, fruits and drinks were provided to all the participants by Crescent Pines Hospital, Stockbridge and American Telugu association also provided for lunch to all the doctors, nurses, technicians and volunteers.
Health Fair event publicity coverage was carried by Khabar magazine; India Tribune, Nripulse, wownow.com; RashtraDarpan; Desi-Express, Atlantadunia, .Mahadev Desai did the press coverage and digital photography.
Dr. Sujatha Reddy effusively thanked American Telugu Association (ATA), GINA, all the Doctors, nurses, technicians, and volunteers for their tireless efforts, for making the Health Fair event a grand success.
Text and Pics. By Mahadev Desai
