So, I have kind of explained what I am doing here in Peru. One of my projects includes going and visiting schools and presenting results of a risk behavior and technology survey that was taken in September/October of 2013. The other part is opening an obesity clinic in Cusco. In this post I am going to expand on our progress in these two projects, share a few funny stories, trials/experiences, and blessings along the way.
So first, schools. Stephanie Hedges is here working with me on schools and visiting them, presenting the data and presenting recommendations about how to improve health results in their schools through simple things they can apply in their classrooms now. The point was to give them ideas of things they can do that are theory and research based (meaning- they work) and that would be logistically and financially possible (aka- doesn't require extra dinero- that means money in spanish). The week before this past week we were dropping off results and creating return appointments. This turns out to be very similar to missionary work that I did before coming to Cuzco. Everyone wants us to return, but when we do they are busy and want us to come by another day. Also, addresses in Peru are a challenge some time. A big shout out to Stephanie- we walked high and far to find a few schools (especially Khippu- oh sorry, I mean Khipu... I mean the three different Khippu's that exist in Cusco). And it always happens to rain (I mean pouring rain) every time Stephanie and I go out to find these schools. But we did it! And we have found every one of the 8 schools we are responsible for. Most schools are very receptive to our presentation and are normally interested in english classes. After explaining our purpose- which is to improve the health and decrease risky behavior they realize the reason why we are there. This has been productive in a few of the schools. We have had a few very productive meetings with Principals. One was extremely warm and open. He talked to us about a lot of problems they are having. First, he finds that many of his students have pornography issues. That is something they are working on improving. He also talked to us about how he goes and finds kids at bars and in their home drinking and helps them stop those habits. He also talked about eating behaviors and how many kids are deprived of adequate nutrition. As more mothers are working outside of the home in Peru, the kids are less likely to have a home made meal for lunch and more often than not buying fast food, cookies, soda, etc. which is leading to the growing problem of childhood obesity in Peru. It was a great conversation and we were able to give him some good tools. This next week we have about 3 appointments with schools to present to principals, teachers, and we have even been recruited to participate in a school anniversary activity where our friend Cameron will be presenting a hip-hop performance. It will be awesome and we are excited!
As far as the obesity clinic is concerned it has been all over the place this week. Sometimes Peruvian time varies. Either it is strictly punctual or it is 30-40 minutes after when it is scheduled. This can be frustrating sometimes, but we are getting better at running with it. The doctor we are working with at the clinic is very smart and extremely motivated for us to be successful. I learned this week that recently there was a law pased in Peru about alimentation and marketing unhealthy food as it relates to children. Obesity and malnutritionis a hot topic in Peru right now and an obesity clinic will bring a lot of good press to the clinic. This week a survey was prepared, revised and printed. We recruited 10 volunteers from the clinic to participate and help us take the surveys today (Saturday 5.25). Friday we had a small training and only 2 of the volunteers showed up! Eek! But luckily, this morning more than expected came- 11 volunteers came and we were blessed to have them. First we went to a market in Cusco that is in the more impoverished part of town. It was a cool market with lots of fruits and vegetables and yummy food. They were having a big fair there today so we got a lot of traffic. This was great! Our volunteers were great and worked hard. Part of the survey was taking the weight and height and then calculating the BMI. It was the return for people who were taking the survey. We would then inform them of their BMI category and ask them a few question about possibly participating in an obesity clinic. After working at this market for 2 hours we went to a nicer part of town called Plaza Tupac Amaru where they sell lots of toys, pottery and jewlery. Families were there with their kids and again people were very interested once they found out what we were doing was free. To my suprise the majority of people I surveyed were indeed overweight. And I was asking lots of peole. This week I spent time reading research about the status of Peruvians in the obesity pandemic- and it is true, the obese and overweight population in Peru is increasing and needs to be addressed. Now, this is just me on my soap box for a second- but I think that as American's we have a skewed sense of what obesity means. When we think of obesity we think of individuals who are MORBIDLY obese- aka people who can't stand up or who have a difficult time participating in daily activiyt due to their obesity. But remember- that is not the definition of obesity. There are many obese people who are completley funcitonal and healthy. I think the majority of the Peruvians are in that group- however I do know that obesity can lead to health problems and lifestyle changes. And, unlike American's, Peruvians don't see it as a problem or even something that exists.(ok- off my soap box). Today proved to be a great opportunity to identify exercising and eating well as ways to prevent/ help overcoming obesity. Also, it gave people to just see where they are and invite them to become informed about their health. We will be taking surveys for the next few weeks. I'll tell you how it goes!
So, when I'm not hunting through Cuzco searching for schools or taking the BMI of random strangers, what am I doing to you ask? Well, this happens to be one of my favorite things. Clinica San Juan de Dios is well known for taking in children with special needs whose parents can not afford care or education for their children. In the clinic there are about 25 kids who have disibilities ranging from downs syndrome to only physical impairment due to accident or physical disabilities present since birth. We try to visit them every day- especially during lunch. Most of the kids can't eat lunch on their own and need help. They are understaffed and can always use extra volunteers. This kids are beautiful and are normally in need of love and affection. I love sitting with them, talking with them about their day and giving them hugs and kisses. I am working on my hand-eye coordination skills so that I can become better at feeding those who need help. They brighten my day and I am excited to work with them. Most of them have parent's who live far away. One little boy named Angelito has no arms or legs. He is completely there mentally. This week his parents came to visit. You should have seen the smile on his face. He was beaming and laughing and shouting to everyone to see how proud he was to have his parents there. He is only 3 or 4 years old. But he has a great attitude about life and makes me smile.
This week we also got to go to institute, or bible study, at the church near by. It was fun to meet young single adults in Cuzco and be inspired by their faith. They are strong and valiant. Our teacher was funny. He was probably in his 60's or 70's and kept cracking corny jokes. He also was not afraid to share all of his opinions about what we discussed. We were in Luke 12 and 13 amd talked about being disciples of Christ. It was a good reminder to be a disciple and follow Christ. Also to remember that in everything we do we represent Christ and should do all we can to be obedient and show His love for others by the way we treat Gods children. An hour into the lesson the teacher came to me and showed me his clock. It was 8:30 and he said "it is late, right? Don't you guys need to go?". I figured he knew better what time gringo tourists should be out walking home than I did. So we left, and I think that was the first time I have ever gotten kicked out of institute, haha.
Tonight was a great night, we went out for an early birthday dinner. I am going to wait to write about that later because I have a few more things I will like to post... And this blog is getting to long anyways. Until then, hasta luego!
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