The HEALTH FAIR

 At each of our three locations (Pocohil, Chicua, and Xepocol), our women's team presented a HEALTH FAIR consisting of eight stations for the women:

(1) THE SOLAR OVEN STATION: Jean Marconett prepared two pots of food, one with veggies and one with beans and placed them in the solar oven. When the food was done, each woman received a plate of food along with some training on how to easily make their own solar oven. The Mayan women were amazed that they could cook something so d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s without stirring it or paying any attention to it.

(2) SAFE WATER STATION:
Jean Marconett also showed the women how to easily purify their water. Our team brought three 1 liter bottles of water and some WapIs- Water Pasteurization Indicators. The bottles were H2O filled and included a glass tube with some soybean wax inside. These bottles were sprayed black on the outside and were lying on a shiny back surface (they could be placed on the roof too) at this station. They are to be set in full sun, and as soon as the wax melts, the water has been hot enough (149 degrees F – 65 Degrees C) to kill all bacteria and is safe to drink. This show-and-tell performance was extremely important because Sandy Guyse, who has become our team's water expert, has found that the stream and the wells are contaminated with e-coli.

(3) THE MICROSCOPE AND WATER STATION:
Sandy Guyse was in charge of showing the women the microscopic difference between pure and unpure water, further reinforcing the fact that just because the water looks okay doesn't mean it really is.

(4) BLOOD PRESSURE STATION: Carol Haug and Janet Komadina were in charge of the blood pressure table. The Mayan women could get their blood pressure checked, along with a brief explanation of the numbers and what they might do if their blood pressure was too high or too low. Mostly, the blood pressure readings were quite good (it's all those hills!). If anything, a few were a tad low according to our blood pressure experts,

(5) EYE TESTING STATION:
Lynn Guenette was in charge of the eye glass table. Anyone could come and check out reading glasses to see if they could see better. Our team brought along over 200 pairs of reading glasses abd over 120 pairs were distributed. Those who could afford to pay a small sum for the glasses did so, but if not, no one was turned away. The community members could also get sunglasses for a small cost.
(6) TOOTHBRUSHING STATION: Suzanne
Greenleaf was in charge of giving demonstrations on correct tooth brushing techniques and flossing techniques. After the demonstration, mothers (and children) were each given a toothbrush and dental floss.

(7) FAMILY PHOTO STATION: Susan Waughtal took pictures of families and individuals, and for 1 quetzal, the families could get an actual photo with the photo printer that Susan brought with her. Susan was VERY popular with the families.

(8) CERTIFICATE STATION: Lastly, the women stopped by the spot where Julie Rodakowski stood ready to present them with their completion certificate, congratulations from the team, a hug, and with a small bag of goodies (hotel bottles of shampoo and conditioner, soap, and other tidbits).

(text by Julie Rodakowski / pictures by Susan Waughtal)