Health Campaigns and Saturday Fun

We have been fortunate to host campaigns on Hypertension, Dental, and First Aid. We also had a great Saturday visiting historic sites with our wonderful host family.

We held a blood pressure screening at the oldest elementary school in the city. We screened around 150 adults and encouraged participants to visit their regular doctor.

MPH Student Beth working hard on Hypertension Posters

Our 5 booths for the Hypertension clinic

Another event this past week was a fluoridation project for the children in school. Along with a local dental students, we visited classrooms and drizzled fluoride liquid in children's mouths.

Chris applying fluoride to a child

These teeth were some of the better ones seen during the campaign

All in all, the kids were happy!

Our most recent project was teaching first aid skills to city security guards, the "Serenazgo." 

Preparing for First Aid Campaign

We taught the "Serenazgo" which are city's security guards. They are called for minor emergencies or if neighbors are being too loud. After brainstorming with our local coordinator, Natalia, we decided to cover the following topics for these potential first responders:

• CPR (John and Beth)
• Heimlich maneuver on adults and children (Chris and Emily)
• Trauma (Laurie and Danielle)
• Intoxication and Electrocution (Chris)
• Emergency labor and delivery (Phil)

Phil teaching the most important things for emergency labor

We were interested to hear of some emergency deliveries that some of the Serenazgo had encountered. Phil's lecture was helpful to cover the most important things to do and not do during an emergency labor.

Chris giving Phil a life-saving hug demonstration

John and Beth with Peruvian medical student, Freddy, teaching CPR on home-made dummy

Danielle teaching cervical-spine support while simulating car extrication

While some of the Serenazgo had some experience with these topics, many very grateful for the lessons. We were invited to complete further trainings for the police force. The feedback was so positive that local TV footage was taken of Laurie for the Monday news. FIMRC was also featured live on the radio. It was a fun and productive day.

Laurie speaking to TV interviewer

Group photo with the Serenazgo!

This past Saturday, our host family was gracious enough to show us ancient ruins and beautiful areas around Huancayo. 

Margot (left) and Julia (right) are a dynamic daughter/mother hosting pair, featuring their garden

Beautiful Catholic church

Wari Willka ruins - most recent excavation by Danielle Kurin at UC Santa Barbara
(http://www.fertur-travel.com/blog/2013/the-practiced-craft-of-ancient-peruvian-skull-surgery/8156/)

Chris, Laurie, and Phil on top of ridge overlooking Huancayo and nearby mountains

Hasta luego!