More than 300 attend the American Diversity Group fair.
By Surekha Vijh
SILVER SPRING, MD: It was a hot summer day and a regular Saturday, but it was different. One of the oldest Hindu temples in the metropolitan area, Shri Mangal Mandir in Silver Spring, Maryland, took to a wonderful cause of health care for its people. It hosted a second part of the community health fair on July 16, providing medical advice in various medical fields.
A dozen doctors specializing in various health fields provided cost-free services, conducted free screenings for bone density, blood pressure, blood glucose, BMI , HEP B and HEP C, lipid profile, CO, ultrasound of veins, glaucoma and eye checks for prescription glasses.
More than 300 people took advantage of this free health fair held at the lower lever of the Mandir premises, the area normally used for langar or free community meal and lectures and yoga classes.
It was once again successfully organized by the American Diversity Group like many previous health fairs to provide basic health care needs for the community with leadership from Mayur Modi. Shri Mangal Manider Health Care team and community members helped diagnose ailments with prevention and by taking care of ailments at their initial stages with early diagnosis.
Among the tests taken by the people, there were 86 bone density screening, 85 Glaucoma screenings, 70 Vision screening, 200 consults with doctors discuss the lab exams, and 28 ENT audiology screening.
Before conducting proper tests, blood samples were taken from about 200 people on July 9. All routine blood tests like CBC(anemia, white blood count), CMP( electrolytes, kidney functions, liver functions tests), Cholesterol(lipids profile), HgA1C(For diabetes), TSH (thyroid), PSA(prostate cancer screening) were performed.
All of the blood tests results were reviewed by internists, cardiologist, diabetes specialist, Gastroenterologists, urologists (kidney, prostate), gynecologist (female), pulmonologist (lung specialist). Hearing tests were done by ENT specialists, eye and glaucoma check-ups by ophthalmologists and prevention of blindness specialists, dental and oral hygiene, dental implants specialists, and also acupuncture and pain management specialist and bone marrow donation were also done.
Information about colon, breast, prostate and other cancer screenings provided will help our community to diagnose them early and prompt treatment.
Bone density screenings to check for osteoporosis (thinning of bones) and to prevent bone fractures were well attended by our community was provided by Asian American HealthInitiatives.
There were many patients who diagnosed their ailments for the first time. Priest Dinendra Mukherjee from Washington Kali Temple had no idea that he was suffering from thyroid. After the tests, he discovered that the cause of ill health was thyroid. He said now he is going to get the treatment.
The community seemed to appreciate having all these specialists providing services. Sonal Patel, in charge of the registration, said there were very positive comments about the personal care and attention from the attendees. For both days combined about 500 people in the community were served for their basic health care needs.
Local Montgomery county executives and Maryland state officials were also present to support the event.
Rainbow Adult Care services, Transamerica life and Health insurance company and an anonymous devotee (Prabhu Premi) were among the main sponsors, besides Shri Mangal Mandir, the health team of doctors, volunteers, organizers and the American Diversity Group.