Natural Disaster

My island (Tobago) experienced a fatal hurricane on the 30^th September, 1963.  I was not yet born so I asked a colleague of mine to relate her experience because she was a child at that time.  She resided on the north western side of the island. She recounted that it began as a slightly rainy day so she along with her sister left for school as usual.  While at school they learned that hurricane Flora was going to strike so all schools were dismissed.  As little children, they were naïve to the impending danger so they delayed and played on their way home.  By then the wind had gained strength, they witnessed trees bowing to the strong wind and they took it lightly.

She lost her mother at the age of 6 so her dad who was a proprietor came home early and was busy securing the windows and fastening loose galvanize for the eventual onslaught. Neighbors could be heard also reinforcing their windows and roofing.  Heavy rains eventually started and she stated that they saw galvanize flying.  Eventually, there was a loll. Her dad went to the rescue of an old man who was not living too far from them but he refused to leave his home.  Then they began experiencing further effects of the hurricane, their home was not damaged because they lived behind a huge rock, she noted that you could have actually step off from the rock unto their house but neighbors were not so fortunately so they were host to two families for a period of time. 

During the ensuing days, their neighbors returned to their premises to see how they can repair their homes and at nights they return for lodging.  The old neighbor who they tried to assist house eventually caved in on him and he had to be rescued.  He was swollen and was groaning so my friend’s father took him to their home.  He died two days later.

Many persons on the island were not as fortunate as my friend because on the western end of the island, several lives were lost and many homes were totally destroyed.  My friend noted that the event brought the community closer together because there was a greater level of care and concern for each other.  Her school received supplies from other countries but it was felt that they were not seriously affected so they should not receive anything but eventually she and her sister were given a blouse and skirt each.

Public Health Issue

“Childhood obesity is a public health concern” which is growing in alarming proportions. I am observing an increasing number of obese children and I think it is very worrying because it indicates to me that our children are not developing well.  It is the recipe for heart diseases, diabetes, and high blood pressure and poor blood circulation problems developing.  There are many factors contributing to such a crisis. 

• I observe that some parents are over-feeding their children.  Children are given large portions of food.  I am aware of at least four cases where each child is from a single child household. All of the children are excessively obese so it will indicate to me that some parents are allowing children to indulge in large portions in addition to regular snacking.
• There is a proliferation of fast food outlets on the island and children are becoming increasingly attached to fast food. 
• Drinks such as soft drinks contribute bad sugar to children’s diet.
•  Some children are spending too much time in front of the television and the computer as such they are not engaging in recreational activities that will allow them to burn up excessive calories.

Arkansas is one of the states in the US that has passed legislation to protect children against childhood obesity. According to Craig, Felix, Walker & Phillips (2010) childhood obesity has escalated in the United States.  Children are 3 times their weight in the last 3 years. Craig, Felix, Walker & Phillips (2010) noted “recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (2003 – 2006) revealed that roughly 32% of children and adolescents with a Body Mass Index (BMI) for their age above the 85^th percentile.” Craig et al., (2010) cited Ogden et al., who used the 97^th percentile as an identifier of those with greatest body mass for their age.  They reported that 11% of US children and adolescents fit into this category.

In Arkansas emphasis has been placed on improving nutrition and physical education curriculum, positive reinforcement is being used to encourage children to eat healthy and utilize physical activity standards, they have also provided model vending polices and tool kits (Craig, et. al., 2010).

Arkansas had been a pioneer at instituting statewide “BMI screening with” report being forwarded “to parents” from “public school children in grades K through 12” (Craig et. al., 2010).  The article noted that the act has restricted students’ “access to vending machines in public elementary schools; schools must disclose vending contracts and publicly report vending revenues.”  Schools must now create policy pertaining to rules and regulation governing vending.

I think that as a developing country, we need to pass laws to protect our children at schools in order to reduce childhood obesity.  We know that great results can be realized if our parents can also get on board with the measures implemented at schools.  I am familiar with the efforts at many early childhood schools which only allow children to eat healthy snacks – fruits and vegetables.  I realize that our primary schools need to get on board.  Many of our schools have tuck shops and the monies collected are used to support schools.  On the other hand, some schools have a lease arrangement with regards to their tuck shop. I believe I can advocate by writing to the local newspapers, make contributions at forums dealing with healthy development and share on a one on one basis with parents whose children may be at-risk.

Reference

Craig, R. L., Felix, H.C., Walker, J. F., & Phillips, M. M. (2010). Public Health Professionals as Policy Entrepreneurs: Arkansas’s Childhood Obesity Policy Experience. American Journal of Public Health. Vol. 100 No.11.

Childbirth Experience

The birth of my niece.  My sister was 22 years when she gave birth to her daughter.  On what should have been a regular visit to her gynecologist since she was expecting her baby in two weeks time she was given a letter to report to the General Hospital the following morning at 7.00 a.m.  She was not experiencing any pain at all. I accompanied her to the hospital. By 8.30 a.m. she was taken to the delivery room.  The doctor induced labor, however, the nurses were not very pleased because they felt that the natural birthing process should be attempted before inducing labour.  The nurses burst the water bag and my sister began experiencing contractions like every fifteen minutes which then reduced to every ten minutes followed by every five minutes.  The nurses told her if she felt as though she need to free her bowels it is a sign that she was about to give birth. She was given a small incursion to allow for the passage of the baby’s head and in a split second my niece was born.  A bouncing baby girl weighing 8lbs 2 ounces; much to the delight of the entire family. By the following day my sister and her baby were at home.  It was a very smooth process.

I chose this example because I never gave birth and it was the only one I witnessed. The birth process is a very joyous moment for families because it is the bringing forth of life and as such it is  a beautiful opportunity to nurture children’s development and ensure that they contribute meaningfully to society.

Miskito Communities in Honduras

Women generally give birth at home with a midwife, family member, or nurse with a private healthcare practice. Health center personnel rarely attend births, and few women leave their villages to give birth at hospitals or other facilities. The health clinic in Palacios is slightly better staffed and equipped than local health centers. Should the need arise for obstetric care women would need to travel for about 2 hours for emergency by motorized canoe. However, the clinic's capabilities remain limited and underused. For instance, during 218 reproductive histories, no woman reported undergoing an emergency cesarean section delivery there (Arps, 2007). Women experiencing obstructed labor and other complications are referred to regional hospitals for surgery.

In both instances the mothers received assistance in delivering the baby and there were family support. In the case of my sister, there was the doctor and trained nurses to assist her and the delivery occurred in the hospital. However, with the Miskito women their births occurred at home with the assistance of the midwife or nurse.