Georgia Indian Nurses Association, in coordination with Sai Health Fair, hosted SAI Health Fair at the Atlanta Christian Assembly Building 3 in Decatur, Georgia, on Saturday, June 21, 2014. The 32nd Sai Health Fair elicited a very good response with an attendance of over 350 participants. The exemplary SAI Health Fair was spearheaded by well-known physician, Dr. Sujatha Reddy and was organized 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 also sponsored and strongly supported by Sangisetti Charitable Foundation, physicians, health care professionals and volunteers.

People of diverse nationalities and cultures from all over Atlanta availed themselves of the free consultancy and tests services provided by over 22 dedicated physicians representing 13 specialties, supported by over 30 nurses and technicians and 25 service-oriented volunteers who attended to the various health related concerns of the people after they registered for blood tests, free EKGs; free glaucoma and vision screenings; preventive Cardiology tests, free Bone Density tests to detect osteoporosis and free Consultancy in, Internal medicine, Family Medicine, cardiology,chiropractice,endocrinology,gastroenterology,opthalmology,orthopedics,nephrology, ,psychiatry, and physical therapy.
 

Some of the Emory Univ.Students(Opthalmology)

Many, including elderly and disabled people, lined-up as early as 7.30 a.m. Majority of them wanted to consult specialist physicians as well as have blood tests.The spacious and well- lighted halls and rooms had neatly laid out tables, and comfortable seating arrangements for the attendees. The physicians, nurses and volunteers treated all with cheerfulness, courtesy and dignity and in a relaxed manner.
Over 150 EKGs were carried out by Gwinnett Heart Specialists and Commerce Cardiology Group,Commerce,GA.
Emory University School of Medicine, carried out over 65 Glacoma screening tests of which 8 were referred for glaucoma follow up. Michael Rothschild, who is a 4th year student and also President of the Ophthalmology Interest Group commented,” We are providing free glaucoma screening to members of the community. This is really important thing for us to be doing because glaucoma is the number one preventable cause of blindness in the U.S.and it is easily prevented. All it takes is the knowledge and positive screening to prevent blindness. We are thrilled to participate in SAI Health Fair and to get this wonderful experience serving this wonderful people.”

Lilly Anickat,GINA President Mary Jose,Dr.Reddy and Betsy Augusthy

Thirty five audio screenings(10 found to be abnormal) were done by Dr.Sridhar Krishnamurthy from Auburn University,Alabama.More than 40 bone-mineral--density tests, were performed by a team of Madhusudhana Reddy , Vasantha Bandari,Janet James, and Jolly Vinomon. 60% were found to be abnormal.
Over 150 cost –effective, basic quality comprehensive Chemistry profile of blood tests with PSA, and 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. It is noteworthy that the results of the blood work are mailed within a week! The test results help to identify some life threatening results which are immediately notified to the participants.
Stroke Risk Factor Education was provided by Joshua Dunn and Lovely Shine from Emory Stroke Center. Stroke is a leading cause of death in the U.S Also called a brain attack, a stroke occurs when a clot blocks the blood supply to the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Time is critical in preventing long term damage so the patient must be taken to the hospital immediately. For good health, proper nutrition is very important. Many were given nutrition tips at the booth manned by nutrition dieticians Girish and Manju Patwardhan and Bhumi Patel.
Dr.Todd Gibson, an Atlanta Chiropractor and yoga practitioner rendered chiropractic care to sixteen patients who had active migraine, active frozen shoulder, limited spinal range of motion,vertigo,sinus congestion, and other health problems. He commended Dr.Sujatha Reddy,”

I am very humbled, and at the same time "proud" to have been invited to the Sai Health Fair this year. As a health care provider and Doctor myself, it has become known in the field that Doctors and Nurses of Indian heritage can have a greater mastery of the Holistic aspects of health care as a rule, because of the nature of the cultural heritage and legacy, and great examples of compassionate soul. My heartfelt thanks to Dr. Sujatha Reddy for leading by her example, embodying the qualities of Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King across the barriers of race, creed, caste, class, social status, or income. She is truly an inspiration to everyone concerned. This Fair could not have happened without the coordinated efforts of many many volunteers.”
Dr.Saleem Boghani said that he was pleased to see that many who came to him for ultrasound screening of carotid artery and abdominal aorta  for atherosclerotic disease, were having this scan done for the first time.
Georgia Council for the Hearing Impaired(GACHI) also participated in the Sai Health Fair.
Snacks, fruits and drinks were provided to all the participants by Charter Anchor Hospital, GINA provided delicious lunch to all the doctors, technicians and volunteers.

SAI Health Fair publicity and coverage was carried by Atlanta’s digital and print media; as well as Anjali Chhabria and Anwar Ajmeri of TV Asia. In addition, Presidents of several local Associations also helped to notify their members about the Health Fair.
  GINA’s President Mary Jose lauded Dr.Sujatha and said, “This was GINA's first Health Fair and the best community services of the year 2014 in coordination with SAI Health fair. It was a great success. There were more than 350 community members who benefited from this fair including uninsured, under insured and poor . I am so humbled and honored to be a part of this organization and event to further our mission and goals. We strive for uniting all Indian nurses and nursing students of Georgia under the umbrella of NAINA .(National Association of Indian Nurses of America), and to spur our excellence in nursing practice in health care through the empowerment and renewal of professional and cultural identity of all nurse of Indian origin/heritage and to optimize their contribution to individuals, families and communities.
Under the support and coordination of Dr. Sujatha Reddy "the Health Fair angel"  we were able to provide many specialty services from diagnosis( lab, EKG, Audio gram, body fat analysis, Glaucoma screening, Peripheral vascular Ultra sound, Bone density scan, ),detection and prevention of health related problems and evaluation of and education on stroke risk  factors.”
Dr. Sujatha Reddy profusely thanked John Cherian for providing accommodation at the Atlanta Christian AssemblyHall. She further thanked GINA President Mary Jose, Emory School of Medicine students, supporting sponsors; the team of physicians, nurses, and dedicated volunteers who together helped make the SAI Health Fair a big success.