November 2006

TRIP NOTES

Six planes made the November trip, in near perfect weather both ways. Five planes stayed on the Mulege side and one on the Cadeje side. There were numerous mosquitoes present in Mulege. Stu Macpherson was unable to make the trip at the last minute, due to a carburetor problem.

CLINIC NOTES

The medical clinic was busy. However, with Drs. Weinstein and McFarland, and nurse practitioner Myra Cochran, all patients were seen by the afternoon. Given the large number of patients we see with chronic back and joint pain, weight control issues, and Type II Diabetes, the medical team would like to add an exercise and wellness session to our clinic days. We are looking for volunteers who could organize and run these sessions. Space could be provided in the school near the clinic. The goal would be to provide the following:

• education and practice for exercises (e.g. yoga) targeted at the clinic population with degenerative joint disease and repetitive use conditions
• nutrition education regarding diets helpful for Type II Diabetes and weight control
• elements of dental care and ways of improving dental hygiene.

DENTAL CLINIC

The dental clinic was busy, also, and with ony one dentist. Dr. John Grube and assistant Melodi Willis worked diligently, extracting and filling teeth. Marilyn Zellet did a fantastic job with triage, while hygienist Dale Murnane cleaned teeth. Larry Cochran sterilized dental instruments and taught Scott Gordon and Beth Flynn the secrets of sterilization. Beth Flynn did a great job of straightening out the clinic. All patients were seen and left with smiles on their faces.

OPTOMETRY CLINIC

A much needed and appreciated eye clinic was held in the Cadeje school, with Gerry Groff attending. Teresita, from San Juanico, helped with translation. Adults and children were seen and dispensed glasses, as appropriate.

NOTE OF THANKS

The Office of Lois Capps, and Aide Marcos Lazaro, in particular, deserve a grateful thank you for help in obtaining a multi-entry humanitarian visa for Angel and wife Yadira. Saturday night there was a joyful reunion in San Juanico, at the home of Tom and Sue Smith, for Angel, Yadira and their families, following Angel’s surgery in San Diego.

NOVEMBER VOLUNTEERS

Pilots: Jim Gaskin, John Grube, Larry Cochran, Frank Heintz, Ted Kenney, Scott Gordon
MDs: Eric McFarland, Debbie Weinstein
Optometrist: Gerry Groff
Clinic Coordinator: Marilyn Enns
Dentist: John Grube
Dental Hygienist: Dale Munane
Dental Assistant: Melodi Willis
Dental Helper: Beth Flynn
Nurse Practitioner: Myra Cochran
RNs: Erin Sparks
EMTs: Joel Chappel, Sandy Burney, Thomas Bierkholm, Chris Huntsman
Helpers: Margo Kenney, Linda Weinstein
Interpreters: Marilyn Zellet, Susan Grube, Teresita

DECEMBER TRIP

Next trip will be December 8th. The preptrip potluck will be Wednesday, November 29th at the home of Mark & Terry Harris. Click here for details »

December volunteers, call Melodi at (805) 736-7123.

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