Thursday, December 3, 2009

"Extreme Age"

Hello from hot Beira. Hope you are all WELL!!

Peter lost his camera so have not been able to take pictures. I am forwarding some beautiful pictures taken by an Austrian colleague of Peter’s. These are from just outside the city. Look at the loads of charcoal on the back of the bikes! Every one cooks on little charcoal grates. What ever happened to the solar cooker idea?? The world needs some smart students to figure it out and market it.  Hey Orono science classes?!

The following is for those 50 plus....One of the med students was doing the problem list for a patient here. He listed as a problem, “extreme age.”  The patient was age 51!!! Huh!!

Hope these photos can be opened OK. All the Best, Emily

Gerald's Photos


Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Spare Stethescopes?

If anyone has an extra stethescope that they would like to donate, I am collecting them for a hospital in Zimbabwe.
I am also collecting embroidery thread for projects in Beira.  Please email me if you are able to help! Thanks!
You know, Peter lost his camera so have not been taking photos. I will try to send some beautiful photos taken by an Austrian. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving. We start our journey on Fri...via NJ to see my Dad. Back to Orono around the 8th. Love to all, Emily

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

World Aids Day

Greetings on World Aids Day..December 1st.  The day was well noted here in Beira, with parades, theater,  and speeches. The theme at the Medical School this morning was Domestic Violence, how it is involved in the spread of HIV, and how to prevent it.
 The ARV drugs are very good and really prolong life, which is the good news.

World Health organization  (WHO) made  a groundbreaking recommendation  today...that is that HIV positive mothers take medication and  continue  to breast feed if conditions don’t allow for safe bottle feeding. Not breastfeeding is  a death sentence for babies in Mozambique. Previously they recommended nursing 6 months , then stopping. A baby can not survive, as formula is not affordable or safe. (The Pediatrician living downstairs is dancing for joy at this reassessment.)

This disease has touched so many, but many are now surviving with medication.

It is raining just now such that many houses in the slum area will have a foot of water in them tonight.

Hope you are all fine . Many Greetings!! Emily