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Þ Þ Þ Þ Þ No9  No9  No9  No9 Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü

December 2010                                                                                                                            

 

A SPECIAL AMIC NEWSLETTER

 

AMIC’s Star Member Association: The Armenian American Medical Society of California (AAMSC)

 

I-      A First: the Health Care Festival on November 6, 2010.

 

Last May, on Saturday May 1, 2010 to be exact, the Armenian American Medical Society of California (AAMSC) celebrated the 25th anniversary of its foundation. Their gala dinner was a great success. Info-Flash published a special issue on the event.

Today’s Info is to inform our readers of the innovations that AAMSC brought to its activities during the year.

All our member American Armenian medical associations organize annually health fairs; the need for such an activity stems from the lack of  universal free medical coverage something which exist in Europe and in Canada. In previous issues Info-Flash informed its readers each time an association was to organize such an event. This year however, AAMSC, on November 6, launched its first annual Glendale Health Festival. It was in fact a Festival, because for the first time, there was collaboration with the City of Glendale and other local organizations. Judging by  Dr. Vicken Sepilian’s (AAMSC’s president) letter of thanks to all the organizing committee members, to the volunteers, supporters and friends, the event was a big success.  

"An estimated 1200 to 1400 people participated to the festival. Over 400 attendees received cardiovascular disease screening tests, blood pressure and cholesterol measurement, which were provided at 3 different stations, and another 350 received diabetes screening by getting their blood glucose levels examined... More than 200 eye health exams were performed. One hundred and three women qualified and received vouchers for free mammography. Fifty four women received free Pap smears for cervical cancer screening and approximately 12 individuals underwent prostate cancer screening.

More than 500 individuals took advantage of the medical consultations and met with various health care professionals ranging from medicine, surgery, pharmacy, nutrition, dentistry, chiropractics, mental health and more. Two hundred free flu vaccines were administered. Approximately 75 individuals participated in various educational lectures and demonstration on Exercise and Nutrition 101 and Preventing Colon Cancer... Last but not least, 700 healthy and balanced meals were served..." The event had 19 sponsors, large media coverage and the presence of the current Glendale Mayor, Mr. Ara Najarian and previous Mayors and other local officials.

AAMSC knows how to organize big events! Congratulations to all and each individual who helped and made of the "community a better place," as Dr. Sepilian writes.

The ribbon cutting ceremony

 

II-    "Your Health," TV Show

 

AAMSC has for some been hosted a groundbreaking TV program "Your Health." Since its inception, physicians, pharmacists and nurses, have participated to the program. On December 7, 2009, the program moved to USArmenia Worldwide Television Network. It airs on Mondays from 7:30 to 8:00 pm. It is hosted by Dr. Vicken Sepilian, AAMSC’s President.

The show presents healthcare professionals whose areas of practice cover the entire spectrum of allied health care, and is a dynamic resource for viewers interested in improving their health. The program emphasizes the importance of preventive care and focuses on ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The show provides an opportunity for the Armenian community to address their concerns with the counsel of bilingual health care professionals. The show also provides viewers with information about the AAMSC and its activities in California and Armenia. The AAMSC encourages individuals to contact local social workers to learn whether they are eligible for health insurance. AAMSC doctors and nurses encourage their patients to get the insurance they deserve, and to see a physician regularly for the care that they need.

 Guest physicians have discussed such topics as gastroenterology, lung cancer, pain management, heart failure, swine flu, glaucoma, thyroid disorders, and asthma, among others.

 "The AAMSC is constantly striving to give patients access to information about their healthcare concerns. Through this television program, they are reaching out to the community who may not have the resources to get their questions answered, and encouraging them to seek the healthcare they deserve.

"The AAMSC member physicians are experts in their fields, and have a tremendous amount of insight to offer to the viewers," says Dr. Sepilian. "The AAMSC owes them a debt of gratitude for taking time out of their busy schedules in order to make these "house calls" for those patients who ask for their advice through our program."

 

 

 

We encourage others to send to Info-Flash details about their health care events.