CLEARLAKE >> In conjunction with a Thanksgiving Day outreach event that included a meal for members of the City of Clearlake community, free health screenings were provided at the Clearlake Youth Center by Worldwide Healing Hands.
Dr. Arthur Bikangaga, health screening organizer and team leader, was joined by Dr. Paula Dhanda and several volunteers to check blood pressure and other vital signs and to discuss health concerns with individuals. Additionally, participants received knit caps and socks donated by Worldwide Healing Hands and handmade soap donated by community members.
Assisted by Registered Nurses Kathy Madsen and Zamitley Saroza, the doctors screened 28 people — 18 females and 10 males — ranging in age from 8 to 84 years old. Patients were screened for health problems and were referred for appropriate services depending on their needs, said Dr. Dhanda. The individuals were given written recommendations and contact information for follow-up.
Health issues identified during the consultations included high blood pressure, the need for contraception and family planning counseling, the need for breast and cervical cancer preventative exams, the need for vaccinations including the Gardasil vaccine to prevent cervical cancer, and smoking cessation counseling. The physicians identified patients at risk for domestic violence, counseled an individual with fetal alcohol syndrome, and advised one woman to seek treatment due to high risk for cancer of the uterus.
“Also noted was the lack of knowledge about availability of health care coverage or how to get it,” said Dr. Bikangaga. “This may be a major factor in avoidance of care.”
The physicians plan to conduct similar screening clinics in the future. Informing individuals about health care availability will be emphasized at the next session, Bikangaga said.
Volunteers assisting with sign-in and distribution of written materials and hats, socks and soap included Karna Horn, Wendy McCrae, Michael DelValle, Susan Stout, Irene Lopez, Angelique Fricke, Darian DelValle, Jasmin Clarke and John Paul Clarke.
“Worldwide Healing Hands thanks all the volunteers who gave up time with their families on Thanksgiving Day to participate in caring for members of our community,” said Dr. Dhanda.
For information about upcoming screenings or availability of health care, call Patti Lee in Dr. Bikangaga’s office at (707) 263-1677.
by Susan Stout
Dr. Paula Dhanda is a practicing physician in Kelseyville. She is the founder of Worldwide Healing Hands. She may be reached at 279-8733 or visit http://drspecialtycare.com/ or http://www.worldwidehealinghands.org/.
Published in the Lake County Record Bee: Event provides health screening