52nd Sikh Aid health fair offers free flu shots, free lab tests and health screenings for all ages at local Gurdwara in North Carolina

Charlotte, NC, USA – With concerns that the ‘Swine’ flu pandemic continues to spread worldwide this Fall, UNITED SIKHS Carolina Sikh Aid Team, in collaboration with Gurdwara Sahib of Charlotte,organized its second health fair this year and provided free flu shots, free lab tests (Cholesterol and Diabetes) and free health screenings for the public.

The fair, which was held on 1st November, 2009, at the local Gurdwara, is part of our ongoing effort to engage, educate and empower the community through health initiatives.

The free health screenings provided were for:

• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Sleep Disorders
• Women Health
• Lab tests – Cholesterol, Blood Sugar
• Dental
• Diet/Nutrition
• Vision
• Orthopedics

Health information on different topics was provided in English and Panjabi.

In some countries, up to 70% percent of the flu viruses being sampled are the  H1N1 (‘Swine’) flu virus. In an effort to educate the community about the virus,  UNITED SIKHS invited a representative from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Health Department, Susan Jones, to speak at the health fair. She gave valuable updates on the state of the H1N1 virus and its effects. She also spoke about various prevention methods and resources being provided by health department to contain the spread of virus.

Despite the inclement weather, approximately, 30 members took advantage of free flu shots and blood tests.

The fair was very successful in encouraging community members to utilize local health care resources. Balbir Kaur, who took advantage of flu shots, said, “The health fair is a wonderful way to serve uninsured community members.”

Pawanjit Singh, UNITED SIKHS Director,  and Susan Jones discussed ways to further educate the local community through different community outreach programs. Pawanjit commented, “Collaboration is critical, especially in the event of a disaster and other health emergencies. We will continue to foster the ongoing relationship with the local health department, and thank Susan for joining us.”

UNITED SIKHS would also like to extend special thanks to the Gurdwara Sahib of Charlotte for hosting the health fair, and for sponsoring the lab tests. Gurdwara Sahib President, Dr. Surenderpal Singh Mac continues to encourage community outreach.

UNITED SIKHS would also like to extend our gratitude to Dr. Jaspal Singh and Dr. Suneet Kaur for sponsoring free flu shots, and to all other doctors and volunteers for their cooperation in organizing this event.

You may read about a previous community service project by UNITED SIKHS at https://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-14-07-2009-00.htm