The past two days we have been running a free clinic to provide a check-up for people; the check-up includes a patient intake form, height, weight, BMI, blood pressure, pulse, temperature and blood glucose. We mostly see high blood pressure and high blood glucose because diabetes and hypertension are very prevelent in Belize due to the lack of exercise, cheap food and lack of knowledge about food.
The clinic has been pretty successful in my eyes. Yesterday it started off a little slow, but more flyers got handed out today. With each patient we take their vitals, tell them the healthy ranges and then send them to an education table where there is information about all of the areas that we are testing. All of the people seem very interested and receptive of our information. If their BP or glucose is really high we suggest going to the doctor as soon as possible or coming back and seeing us next week to see if it is consistently high or if it just happened to be high while they saw us. If the case if extreme we will call a taxi, provide the fees and get them to the hospital. Only one case like this happened yesterday; the woman had a low blood pressure, very irregular heart beat and her sugar was not right either. She said she felt terrible which included vomiting for the past two days. We quickly got her a taxi and got her to the hospital.
Yesterday after the clinic we went to the pool to cool down and to catch some sun. While we were laying out the staff yelled at us to come up the the third floor terrace area because there was a fire. I was shocked when we got up there, the fired was spreading so rapidly right in the downtown area next to one of our favorite bars/hangout places. It was pretty sad; someones home was ruined and a shop was ruined. I am pretty sure it was an electrical fire and no one got hurt, so that is good.
Last night we went to karaoke night but not too many people were singing. But, by midnight or so the place was packed and everyone was dancing, having a great time. I am so thankful that all of us get along so well and have so much fun with each other. As much as we are here to help and learn about another culture I think I have learned so much just from dealing with different people and building relationships with people that I just met a few days ago. I really like getting to know everyone and learning about their lives.
Today after work we went to the pool again; it was the nicest day we have had here so far. It was incredibly hot this morning but some of the humidity seemed to go away in the afternoon. It was the first day I have been here that is hasnt monsoon-ed! After the pool I passed out and took a nice nap. We had chicken and rice for dinner and I tried some fried plantains, they were pretty good. I am also in love with bananas here; I tried one at home about a month ago and thought it was terrible but here they are soooo delicious. I bought one today for 10 BZ cents which is a nickle at home...cant beat that! I also tried papaya but was not too impressed.
The other night after dinner we were talking about traveling pertaining to every one's dream place to visit. Marlin had mentioned that he is obsessed with india and their culture. So, I found all of Mikes pictures from when he was in india and showed marlin; he loved them!! So, thank you mike! You just made this man very happy. Then after dinner Adma found out that her uncle passed away so we just kind of hung out with her and talked for her for a few hours. Marlin told me all about their customs and how they deal with death. It was very interesting; they dont have funeral homes here. The bodies go to the morgue where they are embalmed and cleaned up. But after that they go to the families house where they stay for a day or two. Marlin said family is there 24/7 with lots of food and drinking. We talked about our families a lot and told stories about grandparents and family members. It was a good way to distract Adma.
It is amazing to me how I have only been here for a week and I feel like I am actually part of this family. They are amazing and they just genuinely care for the people that they welcome into their home. And their kids are quite funny too...today sunita who is 4 was sitting with us at dinner and Adma was talking about how she always welcomes the neighbor kids over but sometimes she just needs them to leave and for her to relax. I made the comment “ yeah, you just need some peace and quiet sometimes.” Sunita looked at me as serious as can be with a little sass and said you can go upstairs to get peace and quiet ( my room is upstairs). It was quite hilarious.
Tomorrow we are going on the ATM adventure which involves hiking, cave swimming and treading and also some mayan ruins. It should be awesome. There are 5 of us going!! But, for now I need some sleep! I will let you know how the adventure goes tomorrow!
Good night all!
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