Day 9 - Health Clinics with Mary Anna

Day 9 (December 9th, 2013) Today was an early morning; we were picked up by our driver, Lucius, at 7:15. I did not sleep well the tonight before and wasn’t feeling the best. We arrived at the Health Ministry around 8 and separated into our groups; Amelia and I went with Mary Anna, while Lekei, Ursula, and Dr. Hansen went with Melva. Mary Anna’s husband drove us to the La Clery Health Clinic. He played Caribbean style Christmas music on the way to the clinic – we enjoyed the ride! Upon arrival at the clinic, we met the staff. Mondays are Ante-Natal clinics (pre-natal), so there were several pregnant women at the clinic. Mary Anna gave a presentation to the patients about breastfeeding, while they were awaiting their appointments. After the presentation, we awaited Mary Anna’s clients; she takes referrals from the doctor for nutrition assessments. None showed up; the weather was cloudy and rainy. Mary Anna explained that many people do not go out if it is raining. While we waited, we discussed what she does during her assessments and about the healthcare system in the United States. She knows so much about our country, and I knew so few about hers. I’ve already learned so much, but I am looking forward to researching more about Saint Lucia’s culture and history. We then went to the grocery store and bought lunch from the deli – turkey sub and side salad. We ate in Mary Anna’s office at the Castries Health Clinic. She made us each a banana cake – she is such a wonderful woman. At 2, Mary Anna had an appointment, a referral from the clinic. During her assessments, Mary Anna takes the clients height, weight, blood pressure and blood sugar. She calculates BMI from their height and weight and shows the client on the chart where they fall in terms of underweight, normal, overweight, or obese. She also asks their occupation, history of hypertension or diabetes, appetite, and allergies (I may be forgetting a few). She then has the client explain their food intake schedule – breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner. Mary Anna gives recommendations after the client has given her all the information she needs. I was going to become a nutritionist, but decided against it. Observing the nutrition assessment made me reconsider my decision a bit – but I am NOT going back to school! After the client, Amelia and I were picked up by our driver and the rest of the group and headed back to our rental. Rianna, the owner’s daughter, brought us a plate of fried chicken, green banana salad, rice surprise, mac n cheese, and twice baked potato. They must have had leftovers from their dinner. Amelia and I shared the home-cooked meal – as always, it was delicious. I am hoping to relax more tonight and get a good night’s rest. I am feeling better. Peace, love, Saint Lucia.