CHICAGO: The 39th Health Fair held on Sunday, September 18 at Midwest Swaminarayan Temple in Itasca, a northwest suburb of Chicago, was a grand success providing free medical checkup for more than 413 participants.
The near five hours fair sponsored by the temple, Lohana Association of Greater Chicago (LAGC), Gujarati Samaj of Chicago (GSC) and Kadva Patidar Samaj (KPS), was conducted in the main hall and dining hall of the temple.
‘The goal was to provide medical check up to all those who may not be able to afford medical services due to insurance and medical coverage problems,” said Jayanti Thakkar, one of the main organizing spokesmen.
More than 18 doctors and 100 healthcare professionals provided their volunteer services on this day. Registration and front desk services were provided by Bharatbhai Thakkar, Naliniben Shah, Bhupendrabhai Thakkar, Nareshbhai Dekhtawala, Bhartiben Desai, Kamlesh Shah and Alpeshbhai Thakkar.
Vital data such as height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, were checked for each participant. The blood sugar testing and consultation were provided by Kishore Chugh, Vivek Patel, Urvashi Thakkar and Rajesh Chotalia.
Volunteers were seen very busy at the blood draw tables. Blood samples of 413 patients were collected and sent to the UIC laboratory for testing. The report will be reviewed by doctors and blood report will be mailed to each patient within three weeks.
Urine analysis was performed by Dimple Thakkar, Alkaben Patel, Harshida Parikh, Khushi Thakkar and Vineet Patel
There were 5 EKG machines were used to provided EKG for males and females over age 55 and continually operated by many volunteers. The EKG results were interpreted to the patient by Cardiologist Shailesh Zaveri.
Physical examination and physical consultation were provided by primary care physician doctors including Dr. Ashok Shah, Dr. Jayashree Raju, Dr. C. M. Modi and Dr. Vijay Patel.
Dental examination and consultation were provided by Dr. Priyanka Patel and Dr Neha Sheth.
There was nutritional, diet and diabetes education. Karishma Thakkar conducted demonstration for Hand on CPR and taught many people how to save a person’s life in a critical situation
Bone density test was performed for women over age of 45. The bone density testing was performing by Jigna Thakkar and Carla Zang. Mammogram and Peps registration was done by Harshita Mehta and Sarah Rao, from Xilin Association in Naperville. Oby/Gyn services and bone density consultation was provided by Dr. R. Gardi
Eye screening and consultation were provided by Dr Parag Majmudar. Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) consultation was provided by Dr Ramesh Patel.
Chiropractic examination physical therapy and hearing testing were also part of the health fair. Many people received information and were offered consultation.
This year, Flu shots were also provided and about 300 flu shots were administered to patients.
This is the 27th year that Jayantibhai Thakkar is coordinating Health Fair in various temples in Chicago land area (1989-2016). This is his 39th Health Fair providing his continued services to the Indian Community.
The Temple provided tea, coffee, gotta and light food to all patients and launch for volunteers. Jayantibhai Thakkar thanked all volunteers for their continued support and services.
Jayanti Oza
