ANMF Sponsors Health Fair for Nepali Community in New York / New Jersey

         

Health Fair
20 May 2007

On May 20, 2007, ANMF, NY/NJ Nepali Doctors and the South Asian Health Initiative sponsored a health fair for local members of the Nepali community. The fair, held at the Satyanarayan Temple in Elmhurst, New York, offered free health check-ups for blood pressure, diabetes (glucose), TB, women's health, health information and much more.

• Blood pressure checkup
• Random glucose test
• Weight check
• Health education and information on healthy lifestyle and importance of screening tests, plus information on help available even if you do not have insurance or visa status
• PPD test
• Dental screening
• Mental health screening

The last three were provided by Asian Health Initiative. It was great. Many people were detected to have high blood pressure and high blood sugar, and there were a lot of PPD positives. It was surprising to note people with blood pressure of 150/100 mmHg and blood sugar of max. 477 mgm. They were not in the least aware of it and would have continued with neglect until they ended up in the emergency room with complications. The one person with very high blood sugar level was advised to go to ER. He needed to be reassured not to worry about insurance and visa status.

       

Dr. Rekha Hamal and Dr. Binod Shah (both are Directors of ANMF) took the lead in organizing this important service for the Nepali community. Many local Nepali community organizations were also very supportive and helpful.