Month: June 2014

 

Have you wondered, “How do you make Armenian Lavash?”  Wonder no more!  While in Yerevan, Armenia, University of Utah students visited Parvana Restaurant and were able to see the entire process.  Lavash is so tasty- thanks Armenia!

On our final night together as a group, we went out to dine at Parvana Restaurant.  Delicious food abounded, and just when we thought things could not get better, the music started.  After weeks of work, we took a moment to reflect on 2014 and look forward to 2015.

After our final day of research and outreach, we were able to stop by Tsaghkadzor, Armenia’s version of Park City, to debrief and prepare for data entry and all that follows.

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Once again we ventured to the “Hole in the Rock” where upon squeezing through said hole one’s wish is then granted!  Who made it through?

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Today was one of the best health fairs of this trip so far.  Everyone was warm and receptive, providers and patients.  I finally understood what was meant by people you when they talk to you, as I had my arm and face pet by a sweet older lady.  I gave her a big hug at the end of explaining my handout and her face lit up. Another man my heart broke for.  As he walked in to the clinic his arms and hands shook from Parkinsons.  He asked me for the nervous diseases, which I couldn’t help him with and by the time I tried to find a doctor he was gone.  Later Telyn came by with him and said he wanted to hear about nutrition.  I explained my handouts to him, and he asked if there was anything he could do to help his condition.  With a heavy heart I said no, but a good diet will keep him healthy.  He was grateful and kept saying thank you and shook my hand.  After I felt so moved I gave him a hug which he seemed pleasantly surprised by.  It is these moments which I know why I love being in this field. I hope even though I couldn’t help him much, just showing that I cared will give him hope to find more help.

Giumri: the fourth destination for our outreach here in Armenia. The road leading us there was well traveled and worn, as if foreshadowing the state of some of the buildings whose rubble stands as a witness of the destruction that the earthquake of 1988 left in its wake. Our bus driver was confused of the whereabouts of the polyclinic we would be serving. This led to an extra tour down some of the side streets where we could see some of the humble circumstances in which many of the inhabitants of the city live. Arriving 30 minutes late to our destination, those in my bus hurried in to set up their portions of the program. Tina, Ryan Matthews, and myself quickly rearranged the nurses break room in to our own personal assessment chamber where we would be making our best effort to educate the population on blood glucose levels and the risk factors associated with their elevation. Though the town landscape was weathered and seemingly standing-offish, the people in the clinic were the exact opposite. There was nothing but smiles and gratitude for our presence there. The people that we were able to serve were receptive to whatever information we had to give them. As a team we are really starting to hit our stride. The presenters are spot on with their preparations and delivery, the surveys are being completed according to the goals set, and the outreach tables are helping the population to understand the information presented to them. The interpreters have become an extension of the work that we have set out to accomplish, and many friendships have developed through our interactions. It is evident according to the many thanks that we were receiving that our efforts in Giumri were worthwhile. I look forward to hearing about the further success of Armenia Global Health groups in the region. With only one outreach left our Armenian adventure is rapidly coming to a close.

What a good day. I found meeting at the medical school to be very helpful. We went into a good amount of time talking about consenting the surveys. I thought that was some good advice as it will help solidify how important the information is when we are speaking with the people at each of the health clinics. Talking about things it makes me think where this program will be in 5 or10 years. Will there be more people involved and what other health programs will be implemented? It is really neat to think that our group helped move it forward.The activities today were sweet as well. I was really impressed with being so close to Mt. Ararat. The dungeon hole was also a very unique experience. The event of the evening was the ballet at the Opera House. I was skeptical going into it. I have never been to a ballet and I never thought I’d enjoy one. I was really impressed. The dancing was fantastic, the music was riveting and the skills required by the performers were astounding. I really enjoyed the different types of dances thrown into the mix. The outfits were bright and colorful and I could sense the rich tradition and sense of pride the performers conveyed to the audience. It has been so neat to have a little insight and peek at the culture and traditions.