A Walk Through the Community: Stories Behind the Health Surveys

Today we traveled to a smaller community, to gather some information/statistics for Global Brigades. Going into this trip, I was most worried about walking through the community and completing health surveys. I do not speak Spanish (besides the very basic), so this task felt very daunting. How could I approach these people, that I didn't know, and talk with them about such personal topics - in a language I am not fluent in?! 

Thankfully, the survey was available for download on our personal devices in both English and Spanish. This was very helpful with trying to learn how to communicate properly and effectively with this population, while also asking the specific questions that we were wanting to know. We also had a nurse and paramedic with us, who were fluent in Spanish and acted as an interpreter for us - they were a HUGE help! 

There were not many people out in the community, as it was a Monday and a majority of them were probably at work - and the children at school. Our effort was not wasted, however, we were able to take in all the beautiful agriculture and scenery around us. There were different fruits in the trees (some of which I had never heard of) as well as beautiful flowers and plants. There were also chickens and a turkey roaming in one of the yards - which I learned are called "Pollo" and "Pavo" in Spanish! 🐔🦃 This was truly a great time to learn more Spanish words and do my best to speak them. Olivia and the paramedic that went with my group, Angi, were so patient and willing to help me learn - I was very appreciative for that!

During our time in this particular community, we met a very welcoming and friendly family. The woman whom ran the house was 56 years old, and cared for her mother (who also lived there) who was 98 years old. As soon as the woman knew why we were there, she welcomed us into her yard and gave us the warmest smiles. Her mother was out there, sitting in a hammock. 

Sorri (56 years old) talking with myself and Olivia

The younger woman, had 3 children, all by cesarean section; which we learned is a more commonality, as they are far away from the closest hospital, so it is easier to schedule the procedure and know that the doctor (and equipment) will be available when needed. 

I did some research on this, as it was something that really stuck out to me. In this radio interview, with a woman named Carolina Vasquez, she talks about how cesarean sections are pushed onto women, over natural/vaginal births, because the physicians can control the circumstances - and it brings in more money. Despite her story originating in Venezuela rather than Panama, I felt like it still applies - as other research reports this as a common issue across Latin America. In the interview she states: 

That has prompted a kind of strong-arming by doctors who coerce worried mothers into surgery, said Vazquez. “Ignorance makes women easy prisoners of medical manipulation,” she said. “There’s a deification of medicine here — doctors behave and are treated by patients as demi-gods who know everything.” 

Why so many c-sections in Venezuela? - The World from PRX. (2016). The World From PRX. https://theworld.org/stories/2016/08/02/why-so-many-c-sections-venezuela 

Sorri was very open and willing to discuss her life with us. She told us about taking care of her home, her family, and living off the garden she takes care of. She had a tree in her front yard, where she grew what she called mountain apples (in English). I looked these up, and they are called Marañón de Curazao. They are grown on trees in warm and humid tropical climates. The trees themselves can grow up to 50 feet tall. She let us try one fresh off the tree. It was so delicious! It tasted like an apple mixed with a plum, and a little hint of bitter pomegranate. She then gave us a bag of them to take back with us to the resort.

Marañón de Curazao - Mountain Apple

Sorri was telling us about her concerns and struggles with the current medical care access that they have in her community. She told us that the clinic within their community has a nurse on staff every day of the week - but a doctor is only on staff once a month. If they need to see a doctor during other times, they have to travel to a town further away; and even then, the doctor typically only sees 15 people a day there. She shared that she believes that the nurse informs certain members of her community the days that the doctor will be available, before telling anyone else - because it is always the same people who get to see the doctor. Her suggestion to fix this, was that the physician should be in the clinic four days a week and should keep the supplies and medication that are needed on hand for most/all situations. 

Sorri tells us that she does not have a car, that can transport her and her mother, so they must take the bus. One way on the bus, is $125 for both of them - making a round trip $250. This imposes great financial burden on her family, as she does not work. And, if they cannot see the doctor in that town, then again, they must travel even further - worsening that financial burden even more. 

She reports that there are no medications kept at the medical clinic in her community, not even Tylenol. If someone needs medication, they will have to travel to the next town and see if they have it available. If it is not available there, they must then travel to the city to get it from the main pharmacy or hospital. Tying back to the severe financial burden this places on her and her family. 

Baldomera (98 years old) with Mrs. Lisa and I

Her mother, Baldomera, was 98 years old. She shared with us that she gave birth to twelve children. All of these births took place in the mountains, with no medical professionals, only her husband to help her and cut the umbilical cord. She reports that shortly after giving birth naturally, she went right back to homesteading; caring for her family and her home. She tells us that she lived the same way as her daughter - living off the land that is available to them, and caring for/loving those around her. When we asked her what her secret was to still looking good and moving around so well at her age, she said "tienes que disciplinar a tus hijos" or "you have to discipline your children". 

This specific interaction today is something that I will hold near to my heart forever. It truly made me realize how much I take for granted in my day-to-day life. They lived within such simplicity, but they were so kind, inviting and sweet to us. They welcomed us onto their land, and fed us their food - without even knowing who we were. This was such a beautiful gesture - and no matter what happens the rest of this week, this moment taught me so much. 

When we returned back to the resort, we put together bags for the adults and children that we will see in the clinic tomorrow. These included dental care items and feminine supplies for the adults. We organized medications for the pharmacist for tomorrow - and packed everything up that we will be needing to take with us. 

For dinner we had chicken (on the bone) and plantains. I had never had a plantain before, and I typically do not eat any meat off the bone - but I ate both of them (again with that whole stepping out of my comfort zone thing 😅). To my surprise, they were both very good! After dinner, we had a presentation from Global Brigades, met and talked with the doctor we will be working with tomorrow, and even played some Panama trivia. 

Tonight I hope to get more sleep than the past two (about 5 hours total, between the two) and not get so many bug bites 😬. Tomorrow we will complete our first day at the clinic. While I am nervous, I am so excited to meet and connect with more people here - and learn about their culture and care that they are receiving. 

Stay tuned... 🌎