CHICAGO: The 36th Health Fair held recently at Vashnav Samaj of Midwest Temple (Haveli) in Addison, a Chicago suburb, was a huge success, judging from the response from medical professionals and the public at large.
The event sponsored by the VSM Temple and Indian American Medical Association of Illinois took place in the main hall of the temple, and was sponsored by the VSM Temple and Indian American Medical Association of Illinois
The goal was to provide medical check up to those who may not be able to afford medical services due to insurance and medical coverage problems.
It was a big land mark for Jayantibhai Thakkar for whom this was the 36th Health Fair coordinated by him. The first one was started way back in 1989 and he continued this service for last 26 years in other temples. It is important to recognize his selfless and dedicated work on people’s health checkup by which more than 10,000 patients have benefited so far.
More than 21 doctors and 90 health care professionals provided their volunteer services on this day.
Vital data such as height, weight, blood pressure, pulse were checked for each participant. Volunteers were seen very busy at the blood draw tables. Blood samples of 163 patients were collected and sent to the UIC laboratory for testing. The report would be mailed to each patient within three weeks after a review by the doctors.
Urine analysis was performed by Krupa Shah, Alkaben Patel, Jagdishbhai Shah and other volunteers. Four EKG machines were used to provide EKG for male and females over age 55. These were continually operated by many volunteers including Dr Yogesh Vaidya. The EKG results were read and interpreted to the patient by Cardiologist Dr Samir Shah.
Physical examination and physical consultation were provided by primary care physician doctors. Dental examination and consultation were provided by Dr Neha Sheth, Dr Jagruti Gupta and Dr Nikhar Shah.
Bone density test was performed for women over age of 45. Mammogram and Peps registration was done by Sarah Rao from Xilin Association in Naperville, IL
Eye Screening Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) as well as consultations were part of the health fair.
Chiropractic exam was performed by Dr Falguni Patel. Physical therapy was presented by Dr Saurabh Patel. Hearing testing was performed by Dr Chandra Dachepalli. Many people got benefited. Art Of Living consultation and demonstration and CPR were provided too. Many people received information and consultation in Gujarati.
The Health Fair was well organized and went very smoothly. Many happy faces were seen that they received the medical services they needed at one place without any cost to them.
The Temple provided tea, coffee, batata paua and light food to all patients and lunch for volunteers.
Dr Umang Patel thanked all volunteers on behalf of VSM Temple. Dr Samir Shah of Indian American Medical Association of Midwest and community activist Jayantibhai Thakkar thanked all volunteers for their continued support and selfless services to community.
Jayanti Oza
