2022 Celebrations of the Center:

PRESIDENT’S  REPORT


Dear Friends:

The following is a brief report of the Zoom meeting held on Thursday, April 7, 2022. The meeting was anchored by Mr. Pankaj Parikh, VP, and hosted by Mr. Niranjan Patel, Secretary. Proceedings of the meeting were placed on YouTube by Mr. Jagdish Patel, VP-PR. Thanks to all.

The meeting started with a prayer by Mr. & Mrs. Pulinbhai & Jayshreeben Bhatt. 

 

1 (a) Dr. Devendrabhai Brahmbhatt’s Presentation:

 

While welcoming members, President recounted lectures by doctors in varied specialties organized by our Center in the past. Today’s lecture was by Dr. Devendrabhai Brahmbhatt, Vascular Surgeon, who was introduced by President. Dr. Brahmbhatt is a seasoned specialist in vascular diseases and wound care with experience spanning over four decades. (profile attached). President thanked our member Mr. Girish Patel for recommending Dr. Brahmbhatt for today’s lecture. 

 

Dr. Brahmbhatt discussed at length the causes of peripheral vascular diseases in lower extremities resulting from obstruction in arteries carrying blood from the heart and in veins carrying blood towards the heart. Hardening of arteries could be due several factors including high cholesterol, plaque buildup, diabetes, tobacco use, weight problem, family history and lifestyle. Vascular problems in lower legs are aggravated due to the distance between heart and lower legs compared to lungs and brain. Symptoms of vascular problems are evident from the examination of skin, hair and nails. 

 

Dr. Brahmbhatt recommended several exercise for minimizing circulation problems. Walking is best compared to resting. He urged Zoom viewers to see a doctor when there is an ulcer, gangrene, or discoloration of nails or skin. In addition to the problems stemming from the clogged arteries and veins, he also discussed about lymphedema involving lymph nods. Cold, instead of warm, feet may indicate poor circulation. Doppler device and use of tight socks were recommended. 

 

There are different tests to evaluate poor circulation, e.g., PVR/ABI test. ABI of 1.00 to 1.29 is considered normal, 0.4 – 0.5 mild to moderate, and 0 – 0.4 abnormal indicating severe obstruction. Stents may be used to cure clogged portion. Heavy smoking and poor circulation may necessitate amputation. 

 

Dr. Brahmbhatt also discussed about venous insufficiency, which causes swelling in legs; and varicose veins where valve doesn’t work. He recommended to see a wound specialist if a wound is not heeled. 

 

Dr. Brahmbhatt’s down-to-earth and lucid presentation was revved by about 300 viewers (175 Zoom logins). Interesting and informative Q&As followed. We thank Dr. Brahmbhatt and appreciate his valuable time spared for seniors despite his busy schedule. He was gracious to provide his cell number 516 770 9650 for viewers’ queries. Considering his time constraints, viewers are requested to text instead of call him. 

 

(b) Musical Program:

 

Singer Ms. Minaz Shaikh from Baroda entertained viewers with Bollywood songs, Gujarati Geets and a Garba Ramzat. The musical program was arranged through Ms. Suhagben Mehta, who has frequently introduced talented artists to our Center. Suhagben, the President of SAWAO and the pioneer of the Ganesh Mahotsav in New York, has under her belt a coveted award of Top 20 Global Women of Excellence 2022. She is an active community leader. Thanks Suhagben. 

 

Starting with a Ganesh Stuti, Minaz unleashed a barrage of songs including Ye Sama sama Hai Ye Pyar Ka, Aage Bhi Jaane Na Tu, Dil To Hai Dil, Tune O Rangeele Kaisa Jadu Kiya, Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh, Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai, Kisi Raah Mein Kisi Mod Par, Tere Mere Milan Ki, Chura Liya Hai Tumne, સાંવરિયો રે મારો સાંવરિયો, પાન લીલું જોયું ને તમે યાદ આવ્યા, followed by a Garba Ramzat. 

 

Viewers appreciated Minaz’s melodious voice and beautiful songs. 

 

(c) New Members:

 

We welcome the following new members:

 

 

(d) Announcements:

 

(i) President mentioned that our Thursday’s programs normally consist of a presentation by a speaker followed by a musical program except occasionally members’ programs or a drama were arranged. Members were requested to suggest any other type of programs they would like for Thursdays. Members were also requested to suggest names of speakers who could be invited for Thursday’s presentations. 

 

(ii) Pankajbhai Parikh, VP, provided highlights of the forthcoming Mother’s Day program at Antun’s, Hicksville on Sunday, May 15th. Details were given in a WhatsApp message. About eighty six rooms for 175 members have been filled for the Alaska cruise. 

 

A Vote of Thanks by Mr. Pulinbhai Bhatt. 

 

2. The Computer Class:

 

Prof Rajasekhar Vangapaty is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Computer Technology Course for Senior Members
Time: This is a recurring meeting 4/10/2021 10:30 am EST  

Join Zoom Meeting
https://indiahome.zoom.us/j/98114126485

Meeting ID: 981 1412 6485
Passcode: 991155

 

3. The Arts Class: