Food for Thought

     We are beginning the last two weeks of our Barefoot Doctor School.  Today, Dr. Bjorn Nilson introduced the students to Dr. Joe Nawrocki , a Family Practitioner and Emergency Room physician from Texas.  Dr. Nawrocki has used his medical skills to help people throughout the world in countries such as Myanmar, the Philippines, and Ghana. 

Dr. Nilson introducing Dr. Nawrocki

     The morning started with presentations on their drug assignment.  Over the weekend, each student researched a drug that they will be using in Myanmar, and were given the opportunity to present what they learned to the class, peer to peer learning. Their report included what the drug is used for, its dosage and administration, and all potential side effects of each drug.  It was a challenge for them, but they all did a great job.

Measuring the digestive system

     Gayle Buie, RN, walked the students through a short course in nutrition during the afternoon.  She discussed the process of digestion, and the students used twine to measure the length of the digestive system, a whopping 25 feet!

      Gayle also covered necessary nutrients to the human body, and briefly talked about diseases and conditions caused by poor nutrition.  Dr. Jim Buie and Gayle served a snack that included all of the basic food groups and asked the students to identify which food belonged to which group as they enjoyed the food.
     It was very interesting to learn about the student's nutrition in Myanmar. For example, they only eat two meals a day. And when they eat, there is limited meat because it is very expensive, they have to slaughter an animal for there to be meat, and there is no refrigeration to store the excess meat. Also, they have little to no dairy. Their main staple is rice because it is easy to grow, easy to store, and easy to cook. It is also the cheapest calorie they can produce per acre.

Gayle and Lindsey