Charlas, Charlas, Charlas

The time has come to start giving charlas at the health center here in El Rosario. Each of us will give one charla per week for the next month. Above is Rita presenting her charla on Dengue Fever at the Centro de Salud. Dengue Fever is a virus that is transmitted via mosquitoes and there are roughly a few thousand reported cases each year in Nicaragua. Dengue is much more of a threat here than Malaria. There have been epidemics in Nicaragua since the 1990s and the doctors are very experienced. The virus usually lasts 7 to 10 days during which you are extremely sick. There is not a cure for it so you can only treat the symptoms and get lots of rest. Above, Rita gives a charla focusing on how to prevent getting Dengue to patients waiting for the doctor.

Then it was my turn to give my first charla about the benefits of breastfeeding. The “audience” was quite participatory and seemed entertained. I think it went well and am happy that the first one is over. Now I feel the rest will happen more easily. Above is the first page of my breastfeeding charla. Power point presentations are generally not an option in health centers in Nicaragua, instead we use poster paper and drawing skills.