Over 350 benefit from BAPS Charities Health Fair -Atlanta Dunia -

Over 350 benefit from BAPS Charities Health Fair

A recent study conducted by the American College of Cardiology suggests that South Asian immigrants are increasingly at risk for developing various types of cardiovascular disease including high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks, as well as diabetes, and obesity. Health fairs provide an opportunity for early detection and prevention of such diseases which are affecting more and more people every day.

On April 19th, BAPS Charities hosted a health fair at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Lilburn, GA, providing free check ups and numerous tests for over 350 participants.

Over 40 medical professionals including doctors, pharmacists, dentists and nurses carried out more than 13 different types of examinations. Screening exams and blood tests were done for the diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol, anemia, kidney disease and high blood pressure. Moreover, cardiology, nephrology, allergy, immunology, ophthalmology, internal medicine, family practice, gynecology, psychiatry, dentistry, podiatry, physical therapy, Ayurvedic and stress management specialists provided individual consultations.

The chief guest of the Health Fair was Dr. Arshed A. Quyyumi, Professor of Medicine and Director of the Cardiovascular Research Center at the Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Quyyumi stressed that such health fairs help to raise awareness of diabetes and heart disease which are so prevalent in the South Asian community.

This year’s Health Fair also included several seminars which addressed the importance and benefits of a balanced diet and regular exercise in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The seminars shed light on physical fitness, women’s health issues, metabolic diseases and joint pain issues. Additionally, CVS Pharmacists provided blood pressure screenings and information on medications. Emory University students belonging to the South Asian Health Initiative were present to educate participants on the prevalence of heart disease in the Indian community.

Dr. Thomas Chacko, specializing in Allery & Immunology, of Roswell, explained, “Such health fairs help to educate many people about the prevention of illnesses.” Dr. Deepa Nagarajan, an internist from Johns Creek also suggested, “Promotion is the key and creating awareness is important. This health fair helps to educate those that don’t know about high blood pressure, obesity and high cholesterol.”

This is the 12th annual BAPS Charities Health Fair which has benefited hundreds of people and allowed attendees to have their questions answered and concerns addressed through personal consultations with the physicians.

“We are pleased to be able to provide this service to the members of the metro Atlanta community with the help of the Emory University School of Medicine, Georgia Association of Physicians of Indian Heritage, Watson Pharmaceuticals, Upstate Pharmaceuticals and local medical professionals that volunteered their time to make this event a success,” said Anand Mehta, Vice President of BAPS Charities.

This health fair at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Lilburn is one of the 25 such health fairs which BAPS Charities organizes annually throughout North America. Managing 9 charitable hospitals and 11 mobile medical vans in India, BAPS Charities has treated over 2 million patients and regularly provides treatment to villagers living in remote areas. Through various activities such as bone marrow and blood drives, nationwide walkathons and disaster relief operations, BAPS Charities sincerely serves the world by caring for individuals, families and communities.

About BAPS Charities

BAPS Charities is a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit international charity organization committed to sincerely serving the world by caring for individuals, families, and communities. It is affiliated with BAPS as an independent charity and social services arm. The 55,000 BAPS volunteers networked in over 3,300 centers around the world provide over 12 million volunteer-hours of service annually.

Among social service charities, BAPS Charities is a well-respected and trusted name. It has amassed over 50 years of firsthand experience in initiating, managing, and sustaining 160 humanitarian operations throughout the world in such diverse fields as: medical services, environmental services, community services, tribal services, and disaster relief services.

For additional information on BAPS Charities and its international and local philanthropic activities, please visit www.bapscharities.org