Bathing with cockroaches

Another interesting day.  In the clinic we had two diabetics with blood sugars in the 170’s.  One of whom I started on a medication (metformin) we had received as a donation from the Junta de Beneficiencia.  It should help with his blood sugar, but I only had a one-week supply to give.  This is why I didn’t want to buy metformin; it’s expensive and not as effective as weight loss.  But this gentleman is thin and has facial lesions (multiple, flesh-colored nodules/papules from 1mm to 6mm in diameter) that make me think something else is affecting his health.  We're hoping to be able to secure more medicine for him.

Today I resolved that all of our diabetics need to receive proper screening, just like they would in the U.S.  Eye and feet exams, urine tests, EKG to check their hearts, cholesterol panel.   If they can’t afford the tests, and ICE can’t pay for them, then I’ll have to ask the Junta de Beneficiencia if they can help.  Or, maybe I can ask my fan base (all 3 or 4 of you!) to chip in.  Actually, that’s exactly what I wouldn’t want to do; whatever we provide down here, it has to be something that is sustainable.  The other problem is what to do after the tests... for instance, what if they have a issue with their eyes or their heart, but can’t afford to go to the mainland to see a specialist?  Then what?  What if they are fine this year but another test next year (one they can't afford) would detect a problem?  I just hope that ICE can continue its work, which means having passionate volunteers who keep the program going!  

This is some of my favorite propaganda from the hospital where I am working part-time... I wasn't really sure how to translate "in this manner also one is cured" so I took some poetic license (just like the bureaucrats who put this stuff up in the first place). 



Dignity - helps the healing



Love - this also cures



Respect - complements the cure

What we could use down here is a little dose of reality, two heaps of accountability, a touch of  something sweet to lure creativity and passion all mixed up in a transparent bowl and seasoned in a culturally-appropriate (and low-calorie!) manner.   

Yesterday afternoon was another one spent at Tortuga bay (of course), body-surfing and enjoying the beauty and peace of the place.  On the way home, I passed the homes of my neighbors, the simple brick walls, tin roofs, stray dogs and dirt yards.  They don’t have much here, and sometimes the seemingly lack of desire to improve things here can be frustrating, but, there isn’t the blind-rush to possess material things that one experiences in the U.S., which is refreshing.  How can we find the right combination of progress, common-sense, and tranquility that translates into a better quality of life?  I know better than to expect an answer for that question!  

My shower mate
victim of da slippah!