With the blessings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and inspiration from Guruhari Pramukh Swami Maharaj, a very successful Health Expo was hosted jointly by BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and Wentwest, the Medicare local in Western Sydney, on Saturday 15 November 2014. The Expo took place at Mandir and over 250 people participated.
The Expo comprised multiple activities happening simultaneously – talks on topical health issues by medical professionals, a health care mini-market where various health organisations had set up information booths as well as separate room for diabetes risk screening.
Addressing participants on the occasion, Dr Lee paid tribute to BAPS and Wentwest for this noble initiative and synergetic coming together of the two organisations in the interest of the community. On his part, Lord Mayor Lloyd commended BAPS for its multifarious social work in the greater Western Sydney region, noting that healthy lifestyles lead to economic development.
An esteemed panel of speakers spoke at the Health Expo and also addressed questions from participants. The speakers included (in order of their presentations):
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Dr Liza Thomas, Conjoint Associate Professor at Westmead Private Hospital and Liverpool Hospital; Associate Professor of the University of NSW and Honorary Senior Lecturer in Medicine at Sydney University. Ms Thomas spoke on the topic of cardiac health.
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Ms Robyn Smith, from the Heart Foundation of Australia. Ms Smith on the topic of risk factors and identification of stroke symptoms.
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Dr Vivek Thakkar, Clinical Sub-Dean at the University of Western Sydney and Consultant Rheumatologist at Liverpool Private Practice and the University Medical Clinics, Camden. Dr Thakkar presented on the topic of arthritis and osteoporosis.
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Professor Glen Maberly, Conjoint Professor of Medicine at the University of Western Sydney; Senior Staff Specialist (Endocrinology) Blacktown-Mt Druitt Hospital and the Senior Medical Advisor for the Department of Innovation. Prof. Maberley spoke on the topic of diabetes prevention and management.
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Ms Michelle Nolan, Healthy Weight Coordinator (Healthy Children’s Initiative) with the Health Promotion Unit, NSW Health. Ms Nolan spoke on the topic of healthy lifestyles.
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Ms Jenine Dawson, Diabetes Prevention Manager with the Western Sydney Medicare Local. Ms Dawson also spoke on the topic of health lifestyles, with particular focus on diabetes prevention and management.
The health organisations that set up booths at the Expo included the Heart Foundation, Diabetes NSW, Go4Fun, Osteoporosis and Arthritis NSW, National Stroke Foundation, Get Healthy NSW, Wentwest and the NSW Health Local Health District.
Wentwest, who worked in partnership with BAPS for this event, is an organisation that is dedicated to providing better health care. Wentwest has continuously supported general practise and allied health as well as a strong and sustainable primary health care system.
Due to the noble cause and involvement of voluntary organisations like BAPS, physicians and other medical professionals volunteer their expertise and time to provide medical care and advice to people who may have limited access to such care. With an emphasis on education and preventive care, such expos prove to be invaluable in promoting healthy living.