Final DaYz

Greetings Everyone!

I hope all is well and healthy wherever you are...because for the last couple of days I have been the victim of food poisoning and contaminated water. The pain I had was so conflicting and mind boggling that I wasn't able to function properly. The only thought running through my mind was where's the bathroom and whats the fastest route. It was equivalent to having the worst period ever: stomach cramps, gas, constant bowel leakage, and lets not forget the mood swings....Not to be crass but I went to the bathroom at least six times yesterday, mind you that's one day, I've been under the weather for at least a week. This whole ordeal has made me wonder why aren't the simple fundamentals enforced? My sickness could've been completely avoided by simply making clean hands a priority...After my lengthy recovery I notice the lack of care in almost everything: food, hygiene, emissions testing, garbage everything, no one seems to give homage to anything concerning health unless its in regards to money. I feel this posting really relates to one of my previous postings speaking on the example Americans display. We as a nation are viewed across the world and with that comes an image. I realized being here when I introduce myself as American all they see is $$$$$$$$ and more $$$$$$$. Between the media and politics we portray ourselves rather wealthy when in reality is the complete opposite, don't misunderstand me...We are a wealthy nation, however we are a nation in debt that borrows to donate to underdeveloped countries...[yes I did say that right,that wasn't a typo] Its as if we rob Peter to pay Paul, the concept makes no sense. [but anyway I'm losing focus from my point] Our capitalist society/ way of thinking is spreading like wild fire, and the image we're sending is money first compassion later. Thusly the knee jerk reaction is a corrupt economy and poor unhappy constituents all in the hopes for the "American Dream". Now I'm not blaming the US for Nepal's predicament, I am simply analyzing the selected view in which Nepal see's us in. Just a little fruit for thought before I leave. Until next time here's the parasite that took a whole week to clear through my body and its process:

The 411

Greetings Everyone!

GUESS WHAT!?! I officially have 5 days left!!!!! I get to go home woooooooo!!! But before I leave I had to take care of some serious business yesterday, I had to extend my visa so I could leave free and clear. One of the girls left and didn't have her paperwork in order as far as having the proper visa and had to stay longer. Thusly paying $12,000 rupees that's $112 US dollars for the correction, furthermore prompting me to do the same. I went straight to the immigration office and ended up paying $48 for everything. The process seemed a lot simpler than in the US in terms of the mailing process, not to mention all the waiting required. Everything happens at a rapid pace, and plus the workers are a lot nicer than the Embassy of Nepal in the US as well....But anywho the adventures don't stop there, my computer charger decided not to work and therefore causing delays in emails as well as communication with family. So I had to buy a new charger at the bargaining price of $1600 rupees that's $16 US dollars how awesome is that!?! I was so happy I hugged the salesman. [lol] But other than that I've been enjoying the last days until arriving home, I'm getting a tattoo on Thursday and massage on Saturday. Supposedly the massage parlor is very famous due the staff:

          Seeing Hands Nepal is a UK Registered Charity. It was set up in 2005 by British founders Rob and Susan Ainley, and is backed by a global network of volunteers from trustees and members, to professional massage tutors and teachers. It is also linked to the London Institute of Sports and Remedial Massage (ISRM), which helps to induct volunteer tutors and procure equipment and course materials.Operations in Nepal are overseen by the founders, but managed by a local team of experienced staff (including blind members) who have been involved with the project since inception.SHN now employs over 17 staff (including blind therapists and sighted support staff) and as the training programme continues, this number is expected to grow. Efforts are ongoing to develop the longevity and sustainability of the organization, so in future years it can be independently run by the blind, for the blind.

So until next time you can imagine how cool and wonderful my much needed massage is going to be :D !!!!!!

Lamenting

Greetings Everyone!

I hope all is well! As you know my days are numbered, and I am slowly pulling myself together to gracefully go home I wonder....I wonder how the people of Nepal are going to progress? From education and healthcare to culture and tradition. As I advance within this internship I wonder how will Nepalese people and the government change their ways for the greater good.  As an American I feel I can and will never understand the struggle a Nepali will go through simply due lifestyle and conditioning. However, as an American I can give empathy, analysis and assistance, not so much as charity but simply to recover lost culture and regain country pride and strength. Reading through Nepali history, and watching how they became a nation of its own is more enriching then the culture itself. I just wonder, whats next for Nepal???
As an American I feel especially responsible for setting an example for understanding who we are as a nation, to show compassion and resilience within this stay. But, the task gets harder everyday primarily due to that daily challenges. A lot of the citizens here have a misconception that all Americans are rich, stupid and full of animosity towards anyone non American. But that's what is most confusing to me is how Nepali children and younger adults try their hardest to adapt to American culture, learning English, dressing with a more western style , even considering to change most of their traditions. But, what conflicts me most is why they go through all the trouble, most Nepali people will NEVER travel to the US. Believe me, I make no assumptions, I in deed asked all Nepali people I came in contact with....I wanted to know their intentions within the US and most stated " Oh no no I will never travel to the West simply because its way to expensive....So as I stated before I wonder about Nepal, why assimilate to another country standard? Do we hold that much power as a nation ? If so then, we have a lot of responsibilities to attend to...especially since we're donating $27 million. This is just a midnight lament....I just wonder what happens once I leave...do I bring awareness home, or is it an out of sight out mind experience? That's all I have for now but until next enjoy some Nepali culture....


 

   

Reality

Greetings Everyone!

So sorry about the delay in postings, between catching up with power outages and internship duties my plate has been quite full. But I'm here to tell you I am packed full of information. I recently attended a small conference with regards to the public health issues of Nepal, the information I found was alarming as far as comparing how far along the US is in making medical strides. A lot of the issues here are surrounding infections and disease that are acute such as typhoid,tuberculosis, and lung infectioins,where as within the US its more chronic diseases, such as heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. I think the problem spans a lot from lack of true public health. I spoke to the director on the same issues and he stated that workers are set in place to enforce treatment and education for the inhabitants the live within the Himalayas. But based on the number of patients and rate of infections something isn't working.Programs are constantly being initiated to help eliminate some of the problems, but due to lack of funding and  the corrupted government a lot of what their trying to achieve is merely and dream...But what I did find most interesting was how much our US government is funding Nepal. They give Nepal $27 million every year, how crazy is that???!!! And to add insult to injury we give to MANY under developed countries. I have soooooooooo many mixed feelings concerning this matter just for the simple fact of how much we as nation are in debt, where does one even begin to find the money and time to help another place when in fact we are in soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much trouble ourselves. Furthermore, if in fact the US is donating money to Nepal why is there no representative making home visits to see where all this money is being put to work.... 10% of that money alone could take care of the pollution knocking out some of the lung infections here and maybe clearing up some of the smog within the air. The pollution within Kathmandu is so bad everyone wears masks with hopes of protecting themselves further from of the some the already caused damage. Another 20% of that donation could go towards trash clean up, do you know how much unman-aged garbage impacts ones health? Here's a snip-it from Waste Management:

 Much of the health literature on the toxicity of the individual substances highlighted above relates to occupational or accidental exposure and thus generally to higher levels of exposure than those expected from waste disposal methods. Many of the substances, such as cadmium, arsenic, chromium, nickel, dioxins and PAHs are considered to be carcinogenic, based on animal studies or studies of people exposed to high levels. Evidence that these substances cause cancer at environmental levels, however, is often absent or equivocal. In addition to carcinogenicity, many of these substances can produce other toxic effects (depending on exposure level and duration) on the central nervous system, liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, skin, reproduction, etc. For other pollutants such as SO₂ and PM₁₀, air pollution studies have indicated that there may be effects on morbidity and mortality at background levels of exposure, particularly in susceptible groups such as the elderly. Chemicals such as dioxins and organochlorines may be lipophilic and accumulate in fat-rich tissues and have been associated with reproductive or endocrine-disrupting endpoints.

Now keep in mind that 30% of the donation that's $8.1 million just give some perspective. Based on this postings I think I finally found my topic of interest to research! For the longest time I struggled with my topic as far as finding research so thusly within this posting I finally realized what I want to enlighten myself on...Public Health within Nepal. I have sooooooo many issues that need to be address but I guess I'll save the rest for next time...Until then enjoy some really cool pictures!

Paragliding in Pokhara

Monkey Temple [Buddhist Temple]

Paragliding in Pokhara 

Bhaktapur 

A TASTE OF NEPAL

Greetings Everyone!

So today's topic is kind of unconventional,  so heed the warning its surrounding bowel movements....To begin, of Nepal's biggest problems involve diarrhea, and that's due to constant contamination within one's food and water. Because hand-washing isn't apart of a daily routine bacteria is constantly spread from person to person contact or person to food cross contamination. For example, analyzing the bathroom situation, rarely is there toilet paper and soap provided for the process of properly sanitizing oneself. But, I choose this topic particularly because it pertains to my situation, I've had constant stomach issues with my body since I received my vaccinations for the country. My pains range from 4 to 6 hours apart and feel as if someone is consistently punching me in my upper abdomen. I've had diarrhea for about 2 weeks now but it wasn't until yesterday that my body gave me the true pain and misery of what this sickness has to offer... I broke my veggie streak to try a real sample of what Nepal has to offer and it felt like death came knocking at my door. I wanted to do any and everything to empty my stomach even if that meant sticking my fingers down my throat...OMG I've never felt sooooooooo bad. Because, I'm a intern within the hospital they gave me a free consultation, the doctor prescribed electrolytes to re-hydrate my body and return it to its normal state... At first, it tasted awful, so much to the point of vomiting, but within 15 to 20 minutes I was back to my normal state and ready to work... But just think a little Gatorade could have solved all my problems.... 2 hours later I was peeing like a race horse, and to make matters even better, I finally released my lunch and don't plan on eating anything soon....I feel so drained and physically and tired from all the straining and stomach pains. It seems that each week my digestive problems get progressively worse...Furthermore I forgot to include that my medicine cost was about 40 rupees altogether, thats barely a dollar just to give some perspective. But anywho that's all for now until tomorrow, its really late here and my day has been quite long so love, peace, and hair grease until next time!

Well Rounded

Greetings Everyone!

I hope all is well and good wherever you are! I finally feel comfortable in my own skin where I can safely say I am enjoying what Kathmandu has to offer...Soooooo the last time we spoke I was talking about the medical laboratory and how public health is implemented. But the things I saw transpire throughout the week were just amazing. To begin I saw a kidney stone removal, [just for those who don't know what a kidney stone removal is; basically its a calcium build up within ones urine, now depending on the size and mm of the stone one may or may not be able to pass the stone through urination, thusly for the surgery if passing the stone is difficult]. But the surgery itself was soooooooo cool, the patient was very fragile and in immense pain, the process was about 2-3 hours because the patient had three kidney stones the size ones thumb nail. The doctor that did the procedure was apparently one of the best surgeons in Nepal. He is the head urologist within his association, and travels quite frequent to conferences and meetings. The surgery itself was successful despite the fact that the power went out during the process and the patients blood pressure kept increasing...I also had the pleasure of viewing my very first ultrasound [OMG] seeing another life in that light was so beautiful, I saw the sex [a boy!], heart, liver, and the placenta from the mother. I also got a chance to witness some really interesting x rays....And the news doesn't stop there, I had the pleasure of going to another clinic with the hills of Nepal soooooooooooo beautiful by the way! But, the clinic is newly built and services the people within that region at a more discounted price. The problems range from children with worms to women with vaginal prolapse. Each person traveled far to recieve treatment, and keep in mind that each patient has persisting problems while waiting for the opening of this clinic. In many ways this clinic was a blessing in disguise, the doctors there mostly specialize in internal medicine but doctor in particular happen to have done multiple surgeries in many different sectors of the body like brain, cardiovascular, neuro, ortho, and much more this is a hot commodity within Nepal. But anywho I have sooooooooooooooooooooo much more to tell which I will save for my next posting tomorrow. But I'm really sleepy now and kind of ready to crash, my body's been really sickly lately due to the environment and dietary changes so I'll save that for another posting....But until next time enjoy some of the sites I saw while in the Hills of Nepal!

kidney stones

Kidney Stone Pre-OP

Me Scrubbed in :D 

HEY HEY HEY

Greetings Ladies & Gents

I'm so sorry for the late delay in postings, I've been traveling around the city of Chitwan for the past two days! The adventure was amazing and definitely an experience I will never forget! To begin lets start with the bus ride, oh my god these people have no concept of driving skills here! I think he hit every pothole, ditch, or whatever he could find in the road. The bus ride itself was average, the seats were small, uncomfortable and really compact [but then again what bus is comfortable?]. And lets not forget the bus ride was about 6 hours long, with only two stops in between, so I hope you were awake for both of them.... But each stop had something different to offer, the first stop I experienced my first modern outhouse, thank God I brought toilet paper and soap or else I would've been in a tight fix. The second stop was really cool, the rest stop was set up as a giant cafeteria with all the Nepalese food one can choose from! I ate a fried veggie ball, with veggie chomein SOOOOOO GOOOOOD! But as time passed we finally approached our stop and reached another bus to take us to this extremely luxurious hotel. The hotel provided hot water, food three times a day, AND......toilet paper with soap [not to mention one could flush the tissue paper down the commode].. Awesome RIGHT!? Furthermore we took a small hike and tour through the Chitwan village and their national park to get a preview of what we would be doing for time being spent there. I saw the Narayani River which by the way is BEAUTIFUL, I did a three hour long hike in the National park while in the presence a wild animals [mind you there's no protective barriers], I went canoeing and rode an elephant. Now the elephant ride included a hike through another portion of the Chitwan National Forest sooooooo cool, but I highly recommend bug repellents with lots of deet. The more deet inside, the stronger ones protection against getting bitten. I have a total of 28 bites on my entire body, from my face to my feet. So please please please make sure deet is a huge factor within your repellent because these bugs are relentless! But anywho I did a second trip back to the hospital today, much better treatment than last week. I went to the laboratory and observed their skills and what their methods were as far as testing fluids for pathogens. Very interesting system, each person has their own individual tasks and works on their own time. Its kind of like a divide and conquer systems everyone knows their job, but at the end of the day comes together to balance out all the information. What I find interesting is throughout the hospital there's no public health initiative taken by anyone. Only the Public Health Administrator does most of the promoting and what I find so intriguing about the whole process is, how does one expect a increase in disease control if no one is proactive. I always thought Public Health is group effort by everyone not jut certain sectors of the hospital. But anyway its really late here going on midnight so I heading off to bed but before I went just wanted to bring you all up to speed on everything. So until next time enjoy some pictures from the Chitwan adventure!