BAPS Health Fair inspires wellness & prevention
The thought of periodic health check-ups is daunting for many. Recognizing the need to promote early detection and prevention, and making access easy, BAPS Charities organized the 15th annual community health fair in Lilburn, Georgia on Saturday, June 23, 2012.
Over 110 volunteer healthcare professionals participated, including specialists in various fields, and personal consultations were provided to over 800 visitors.
Dr. Manisha Kapasi, a physical therapist, emphasized awareness: “By educating patients within the community we can help them realize what they can do to improve their health.”
All of the participants received preliminary physical exams. “High sugar intake, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure can be fatal,” said Dr. Amita Parikh, a primary care physician. “Many patients that I saw today were not even aware that they had these problems. By coming to the BAPS Charities Health Fair, we were able to screen these patients so they can be aware of these risk factors. We can guide and educate these patients to prevent future health problems.”
Indian Cooking and Nutrition exhibit.
“I originally came as it is an affordable way to meet with a primary healthcare physician,” said Ashra Chagni, a health fair participant from Dunwoody, Georgia. “They told me that I was at risk for high cholesterol .... It was convenient and helpful to be able to talk to the nutritionist at the health fair and learn what I could to lower my cholesterol.”
Many people in the United States do not seek healthcare for fear of not being able to afford it. BAPS Charities aims to create a new culture of preventative health care among South Asians and the greater community through interactive health fairs and educational seminars, which supplement government healthcare programs by raising awareness and providing information about alternative healthcare options.
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