UF in Grenada 2019

In our pre-departure class meetings we talked about the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension in Grenada. Many people have a predisposition to these conditions due to family history, diet choices, and not receiving regular wellness checks. However, it was doing the screenings that really opened my eyes to that reality. I took a few blood sugar readings during the health fair and home visits that were in the 300's and one that was even in the 500's. I also took some blood pressure readings that had systolic numbers above 180. Those moments were the times that I connected the topics that we talked about in class. Health education has the ability to save lives and encourage people to take charge of their health. Many people that I talked to were very willing to make changes and make their health a priority, they just never had the knowledge to do it. I was glad that I was able to be a bridge to their health improvement.