Food Safety in Patanatic Guatemala Mc Kenzie Baker

Food Safety in Patanatic, Guatemala Mc. Kenzie Baker

Patanatic, Guatemala

Objectives ● Many families our team assessed did not have access to clean water. ● Many families didn’t eat a large variety of food groups: ○ Fruits and vegetables are hard to acquire ○ Fruits and vegetables are expensive ● Many patients in the clinic expressed signs and symptoms of GI infection.

Patanatic Health Clinic This clinic was the only health clinic in the area. Some residents would have to travel great distances to get to the clinic, or to the centro de salud in the area. Two nurses permanently work there, but a lot of the medical care is given by volunteers that come to the area.

Patanatic Health Clinic Ana and Sonia, thee two nurses that work at the clinic, could be compared to LPNs we have here. Because of their mostly lack of resources, patients were usually treated with alternative and creative therapies. If the patient needed a great amount of care, the would be referred to a more specialized facility or the hospital in Solola, which is about a 20 minute drive from Patanatic.

Patanatic Health Clinic These are donated glasses that are distributed to community members in need.

Clean Water Families were able to install portable water filters through the local school system and health clinic

Guatemalan Diet Many families did not consume a large variety of foods. Their main dishes courses consisted of beans, rice, a corn drink, red meat, and corn tortillas. While these foods are good to consume in moderation, we stressed the importance of a whole, well rounded diet that included water, fruits, and vegetables.

Guatemalan Diet Guide This is the national diet guide of Guatemala. It seemed that the community made a small effort to maintain a healthy diet, but was lacking in education on the right foods and categories. There were also other barriers to obtaining healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables including transportation and money.

Cooking techniques Many families use a fire stove to cook meals in their homes. Sometimes these stoves would not vent outside properly, causing respiratory illness and chronic symptoms.

Suggestions I would suggest that the local health clinic provide standard education to patients and community members regarding eating and obtaining healthy foods.

Learning Experiences I was not prepared for the strong sense of welcoming the community members gave us, cooking us meals every day and expressing genuine interest in our efforts. Their community bond is so strong, and everyone is a neighbor. I was also able to continue practicing in my spanish speaking ability, while is so valuable in the healthcare field.