CHINO HILLS, CA: Periodic health check-ups are an essential ingredient in promoting a healthier lifestyle as they allow for earlier detection and necessary intervention to ensure the well-being of the individual. With the increasing diagnoses of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, it is imperative for individuals to be educated about their health through physical check-ups a few times a year.
Recognizing the importance for early detection and prevention, BAPS Charities organized a Community Health Fair and Children’s Health and Safety Day on Saturday, October 12, in Chino Hills, CA.
Chino Hills Mayor Peter Rogers, Vice Mayor Ed Graham, and Council members Cynthia Moran and Ray Marquez were present to launch the event.
Over 150 health care professionals from various fields and specialties contributed their time and expertise during the health fair. Physicians, pharmacists, dentists, nurses, chiropractors, and specialists in the fields of Ayurveda and herbal medicine, yoga, cardiology, ophthalmology, pediatrics, physical fitness, gynecology, psychology, and psychiatry were among those present.
Over 350 individuals from the local community registered and benefited from this event. Free blood testing was also available on September 29 and over 100 individuals had blood drawn through the free services to screen for diabetes, cholesterol, and other chronic diseases.
A ‘Children’s Health and Safety Day’ was also held in conjunction with the community health fair, advocating the theme ‘An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away’. Participating children were handed organic apples upon entry to reinforce the message of a healthy body and healthy mind. Throughout the day, children and parents participated in educational interactive workshops and activities emphasizing healthy food choices, first aid preparedness, appropriate posture, dental hygiene, and yoga exercises.
The event promoted the collaboration among BAPS Charities and community partners. LifeStream, a blood bank for San Bernardino and Riverside counties, hosted a blood drive, collecting a total of 55 pints of blood from community members.
BAPS Charities’ volunteers also worked hand in hand with local community institutions such as the USC School of Pharmacy and Western University. Both institutions provided a total of 30 medical and pharmacy student volunteers for the duration of the health fair. Ravi Timbawala, a third year USC pharmacy student, said, “This health fair is especially beneficial to those who don’t have insurance, and it gives us a chance to promote healthy lifestyle habits.” USC and Western University student volunteers measured blood pressure, blood glucose, and offered ‘brown bag’ counseling for patients who take multiple medications.
Patients received one-on-one consultations with health care specialists, through which they were able to learn ways to improve or maintain their health. Chino Hills Mayor Peter Rogers commended BAPS Charities and its “spectacular job.” He said, “I am always impressed with the number of health care professionals who come to this facility and the variety of health fair opportunities. We’re very pleased that BAPS Charities does such outreach.”
BAPS Charities aims to create a new culture of preventative health care through interactive health fairs and educational seminars, which supplement government healthcare programs by raising awareness and providing information about alternative healthcare options – free of charge. Chiropractor Neha Patel described the health fair as “a fabulous service for the community” and that “as many people who can participate, should.”
The BAPS Charities Health Fair in Chino Hills is one of 40 such fairs organized by BAPS Charities annually throughout North America. In total, over 2500 healthcare professionals from local communities treated nearly 12,500 patients across the nation. The success of such an event is attributed to the collaborative effort amongst medical professionals within the community to volunteer their time and effort towards such a noble cause.
India Post News Service
Thank You For Your Vote!
Sorry You have Already Voted!
