By Karunakar Doddamareddy
American Telugu Association (ATA), as a part of the countrywide programs of conducting Medical Health Fairs, Health screenings and Disease Awareness Programs, conducted its Health Fair in Atlanta at the Hindu Temple of Atlanta, GA on Saturday 14th October 2017. This program was successfully conducted by American Telugu Association (ATA) with the help of Sai Health Fair and Georgia Indian Nurses Association.
More than 250 people attended and underwent the process of medical screening with various specialized doctors. The health fair had participants who pre-registered themselves and some participants registering themselves at the counter administered by ATA volunteers. The health fair had various medical screenings and consultations mostly free of cost were performed. Blood Test were performed for a minimal charge and free consultation was given. Complete Blood Count and Sugar, Kidney and Liver Function Test, Electrolytes, Lipid Profile, Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, Triglycerides, Thyroid, HbA1c, Vit D, Folic acid and B12.
Free screenings for Dental, Audio, Glaucoma, BMI and Bone Mineral density were performed. A free Cardiovascular Assessment was also performed and consultation was provided. Qualified Dietitians were there to educate on Diabetic, Nutrition, Hypertension, effects of smoking. All the people who were there also underwent the Yoga session with a professional yoga master. All these medical activities were led by Dr Sujatha Reddy, Dr. Symala Erramall, Dr,Srini Gangasani and various doctors form Healthcare Professionals Southern regional Hospitals. A coordinated effort of 20 doctors who have specialized in various area such as Gynecology OBGYN, Orthopedics, Dentistry, Cardiology, Dermatology. ENT and Internal Medicines graced the event. The event had nurses from Georgia Indian Nurses Association.
The program was not initially conducted with keeping in mind the Telugu speaking people, but the event had enormous response with participants from various parts of country and from all religions. With the rise in medical expenses, some of the participants applauded and praised American Telugu association (ATA) and Sai Health fair for taking the initiative of getting these basic test free of cost.
American Telugu Association Board of Trustees Anil Boddireddy and Venu Pisike monitored the event and told the event is a great success considering the fact that so many people were attended in a short span of time They mentioned “whether it is hurricane IRMA relief efforts, International Women Day, SAT trainings to our budding teenagers, free Software training, Emergency Serveries, health fair or any community activities to help the people, ATA was always the front runner.
American Telugu Association Treasurer and executive Board member Kiran Pasam told the event was very helpful for senior citizens, students and insured / uninsured people. American Telugu Association president Karunakar Asireddy. Thanked all the doctors who volunteered for such a noble cause. He said “As part of many successful Health Fairs conducted in various cities in America, Health fairs were being conducted by American Telugu Association as part of Seva Days in India too in the month of December in various districts of both telugu speaking states. He mentioned doctors from the US ,ATA president elect Parmesh Bheemreddy , various ATA standing committee chairs, Co-Chairs and ATA volunteers will be India to kick off the ATA SEVA days and also be helping performing medical and eye camps.
Karunakar Asireddy along with Kiran Pasham, Anil Boddireddy and Venu Pisike thanked Dr Sujatha Reddy for the efforts on the medical side. They also thanked the Hindu Temple of Atlanta for hosting the event. Last but not the least they thanked the American Telugu Association Regional Director Thirumal Pitta, Regional Coordinators , Prashanth Podduturi, Sravani Rachakulla Sriram Srinivas , Health Committee Co Chair Ramana Reddy Bathula , and other standing committee chairs Shiva Ramadugu , Nanda Chatla, Sridhar T and all the ATA volunteers for making this event a great success in Atlanta.
