Shiv Mandir of Atlanta serves hundreds at its first Health and Wellness Fair
Active lab. (Photos: Kiran Mudigonda-Shiv Mandir, Atlanta)
Continuing in its effort to serve the Atlanta community, Shiv Mandir of Atlanta in collaboration with SAI Health Fair and Georgia Association of Physicians of Indian Heritage (GAPI) held its first Health and Wellness Fair at Global Mall, Norcross, Georgia on June 3, 2012.
Over 300 people, including South Asians, Caucasians, African Americans, and Hispanics from all over Atlanta took advantage of free health screening, consultation, and tests provided by over 30 dedicated physicians representing 15 specialties. Many were able to consult more than one physician and specialty. Over 60 volunteers of the Shiv Mandir participated.
On one side of the entrance was a stall with a big-screen TV with continuous presentations of Shiv Mandir running on it. The registration desk had four volunteers, all set to register people who had lined up as early as 7.30 am. The hall was partitioned into three sections, and each of the many stations had signage and a minimum of two Shiv Mandir volunteers. Many high school students were among those helping. Snacks were arranged so that participants could break their fast after blood work.
The doors of the hall were opened at 8am after the invocation of Lord Ganesha by Pt. Gyan Prakash Upadhyay. At five triage stations, students from Mercer University took history and vital signs. For a comprehensive blood test including PSA and HBA1c, provided by American Clinical Lab of Stone Mountain, there was a charge of just $25. Over 200 blood samples were collected, and lab results were mailed, many within 48 hours.
Over 120 EKGs were carried out by staff technicians from Cardio Vascular Group, Lawrenceville, Commerce Cardiology Group, Commerce, and North Georgia Cardiology Group, Gainesville and were reviewed on the spot by participating cardiologists. Over 40 glaucoma screening tests and over 50 hearing screenings were performed. More than 31 bone density tests were performed.
AT&T Oasis conducted a bone marrow drive, while naturopathy and Ayurveda expert Dr. Satish Nair of Gentle Awakening gave advice on Ayurveda. Mercer University’s student pharmacists helped with medication counseling, education on various topics, and taking blood pressure.
Many much appreciated volunteers provided compassionate healthcare.
A closer view of some of the volunteers!
Sponsors such as Gautam Joshi of Discount Pharmacy, Harish Thadani of C&A Insurance, and Gladys Paul of Camellia Home Health Hospice spoke with participants. Breakfast for everyone was sponsored by Dr. Supriti Balyan, and lunch for all the volunteers and providers was sponsored by Ravi Medical Supply. Greater Atlanta Telugu Association was also one of the community sponsors and was represented by Satya Narayan Reddy and volunteers.
Dr. Devashish Ray, President of Shiv Mandir of Atlanta, expressed his gratitude for the success of their first health fair, thanking volunteers and committee members, Alok Gupta, Ram Shahani, Dr. Supriti Balyan, Sunny Dudilla, and Shyam Gupta, as well as organizing partners Sai Health Fair (Dr. Sujata Reddy) and GAPI (Abhishek Gaur). “The huge turnout at the event is an indicator that there is a strong need of such health fairs in the community,” he said.
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