51st Health Fair at Midwest Swaminarayan Temple offers vital services to community
By: Jayanti Oza
The Midwest Swaminarayan Temple in Itasca, Illinois, hosted its 51st Health Fair on Sunday, September 22, 2024, providing essential medical services to those in need. Sponsored by the temple, the Lohana Association of Greater Chicago, the Gujarati Samaj of Chicago, the Kadva Patidar Samaj, and Sahiyaru Abhiyan Chicago, the event aimed to assist individuals who may face barriers to accessing healthcare due to insurance issues.
More than 299 participants benefited from free medical check-ups, facilitated by a dedicated team of over 21 doctors and 110 healthcare professionals who volunteered their time. Registration services were efficiently managed by Narendra Patel, Rajesh Desai, Harmil Patel, Kadamb Thakkar, Dakshesh Modi, and their team. Participants underwent vital health assessments, including measurements of height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse, conducted by Bhavna Thakkar, Nisha Rao, Madhav Bhatt, and Jyotsna Patel. Blood sugar testing and consultations were managed by Kishore Chugh, Tejas Patel, and Arti Thakkar.
Busy blood draw tables saw volunteers, including Sonal Thakkar, Vinu Patel, Daya Bhimani, Varsha Patel, Jyoti Patel, and Kevel Patel, collect samples from 280 patients for testing at the UIC laboratory. Results will be mailed to participants within three weeks. The fair also featured six EKG machines, which were used for patients over the age of 55, with volunteers including Sonal Patel, Dineshri Shah, and others assisting in the operation. Cardiologists Dr. Hetal Gandhi and Dr. Umang Patel interpreted the results for patients.
Comprehensive care was offered through physical examinations by primary care physicians such as Dr. Jayashree Raju, Dr. Yohesh Parikh, and others. Dr. Rutuja Patel provided specialized consultations for obesity and diabetes. Dental exams were conducted by Dr. Shaival Patel, Dr. Maitri Shah, and Dr. Vilpa Patel, while ENT consultations were performed by Dr. Ramesh Patel, and orthopedic consultations by Dr. Nisarg Gandhi.
Educational sessions on nutrition and diabetes were led by Dipti Shah and Sweta Sheth, who also published a diabetic guidance book distributed to attendees. Urine analysis was carried out by Parul Thakkar, Dimple Thakkar, and Krupa Shah. Eye screenings were provided by Dr. Neal Thakarar and Dr. Biren Patel, and flu shots were administered by Sushila Patel, Gita Patel, Namenda Patel, and Narendra Patel. Ayurvedic consultation was offered by Dr. Umangi Patel, and chiropractic services were provided by Dr. Seema Mani.
A major highlight of the health fair was the 3D foot screening conducted by Mr. Krisna Chitturi, who engaged with participants until 2:00 PM, explaining the benefits of the service.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of Jayanti Thakkar coordinating health fairs across the Chicago area, with this being his 51st event—a significant milestone in his commitment to serving the Indian community. The temple team excelled in organizing the event and provided tea, coffee, and light snacks for participants, along with lunch for volunteers. Jayanti Thakkar expressed heartfelt gratitude to all volunteers for their years of dedicated service and support.
Photos and information contributed by Jayanti Oza
- Dr. Ashok Patel (ENT) examining a patient.
- Dr. Biren Patel (Eye) examining a patient.
- Group photo of doctors and volunteers who contributed to the health fair.