Health Fairs and TV Stars

Phew, what a day. We ventured out to Alonso Yanes, a little community that is known for the woven baskets made of grass that are crafted there. Rafa again accompanied us – he is, in a word, awesome. Not only did he help us out with a few translations and crowd control, he also moonlights as a DJ and is going to school to study design. Jason gave his First Aid charla, which was a big hit. One woman bravely volunteered to demonstrate how to tie a sling after Jason’s instruction, and despite an ENORMOUS height difference, she successfully put Michael’s arm in a sling. Today we got our studies going in full swing, which meant obtaining consent from the people who showed up to the health fair and explaining what all we were collecting the data for. Considering that we had different consent forms and procedures for our two different studies, and this was the first time we were doing vision screenings and glucose checks, we managed to get everything accomplished pretty well. Our efforts were captured on film when Canal Tres (Channel Three) showed up with a camera crew to document the health fair. We’re on the lookout for Michael’s Mexican television debut now after his interview today. The crew also recorded a lot of action shots of the rest of us – Jason, performing a cardiac exam like a real doctor, Lauren, checking glucose like a pro, and me, wrapping a tape measure around waists and hips while measuring height and weight, or basically giving the appearance that at our health fairs, we also give free hugs! It was a lot of fun though, and we saw and screened over 50 people. From 10 until 3 we were scrambling, putting on our charlas, trying to screen everyone and collect all of the data properly, while also addressing the Pandora’s box unleashed by, “Do you have any questions?” We performed vision screenings as well, and handed out lots of recommendations to go to the Lion’s Club clinic for glasses. We are hoping that many will follow through with the clinic to receive their free glasses, and that our intervention will then directly result in some good!

I think we all have been struck by how nice and welcoming everyone in the SMA region has been so far. While out in the communities, the people are so kind, even though they are often a bit shy around us Americans at first. In our house, all of the inhabitants, whether part of Alex and Kelly's family or just other guests renting a room, have all been very inclusive and friendly. We feel very much like part of their family (and it is often hard to keep track of who is family living here, guests living here, family visiting here, others visiting here). The people we have met in the different organizations we are trying to work with as well have been great people, and we are very fortunate to be able to work with them here.

We’re off to another community tomorrow, and planned on getting a full night’s rest… however, it seems that there is another celebration of sorts (still unclear whether religious in origin at this time), and the fireworks have begun, with eruptions every 45 minutes or so. The dogs have also been especially active this evening, so we can only imagine that the two will join forces in their nighttime melody-making!