From the Editors
We started our tour with 1.75 computers (two full computers minus one very much needed but very not functioning space bar) and were told: "normally, you’ll have four computers and then you can all each work on a section and…"
Ahem. We had A computer. That’s cool.
The E’Forum has been, uh, modified by name to: The Bulletin Board. That’s where, in the future, you’ll find all the miscellaneous stuff: volunteer to volunteer communications,. ideas, updates, plans for charlas, seminars, help wanted(s), wish lists, you get the idea. Be creative, be dull, what have you, but be active, at any rate. It’s your vaina.
We wish a healthy and happy bon voyage to our departing past editors: Jae, Aaron, Gerin and Meghan, even though she’s not leaving quite yet, but is just not going to partake of the insanity of coming to this thing anymore.
February and March: the dry season. Everyone’s scratching their bites and rashes. The sun shines (well, then there’s Bocas…) and the claydust blows into the sky. (or you get sucked into waist deep mud) Enjoy your hammocks and neighbors. Don’t forget to write…
De La Jefa
Happy and Safe Carnivales to all of you!!!!
- We have started the year well, but not without lots of changes and for some of you confusion. We only got a budget approved and sent to us about 2 weeks ago. That means the Admin is very busy updating lots of information, creating the budget here in Panama, and doing things they normally do in October or November.
- New PC Director in Washington-Gaddi Vasquez was approved in January. I expect to be able to meet him while in the Country Director´s conference Feb 10-15. President Bush wants to double the volunteers. There should be lots of new activity in Washington in the coming months. Remember we were without a director for over 12 months. It is expected to be an exciting time. New countries. Here in Panama we will not ask to increase our size. We feel and your feelings from surveys are that we are ¨"bien full."
- I continue to be impressed with your work, commitment, your good humor and passion to work and live here. I truly feel that you are excellent PCVs. I am proud of you.
- We are going to migrate from Macs to PCs and a Windows environment with only Microsoft Office Professional 2000 programs. Today we have someone in the office doing preliminary work on the migration and preparing all of the staff for the change. We expect to be in the midst of migration the first 2 weeks of April. Bear with us. There will be nifty new computers for staff and PCVs.. There will be some new rules/policies with this migration from Washington that we will be implementing. Some of those changes for all will be.
- Access to staff computers is not allowed.
- No chat software…NONE…no yahoo messenger, no instant message, no msn messenger, no icq.etc.
- No downloading of music: Napster, Morpheus etc.
- No downloading of any programs.
- No PageMaker. All documents will use Word 2000.
- And of course no porn.
- Office is expanding. What?????
- Are you frustrated by the phone problems? We are too. There has been some weird stuff going on to the office phones. Also C and W had some recent failures with there maintenance on the cellular system and we did not get some messages. We are not ignoring you.
- DUTY OFFICER HAS A BEEPER. IF YOU DON´T WANT TO MAKE THE CELL CALL…USE THE BEEPER.
- My trip home was good. Unfortunately my 88-year-old Mom fell and due to nerve damage is unable to walk. I am hoping this is temporary…but…So I was busy with ordering a wheel chair, looking at remodeling a bathroom to make it handicap accessible, taking her to the doc.etc. I found another use for those computer chairs.we used it as our wheel chair until my Mom got one.
- Communication Tests WHAT!!!!
- Hard to believe that the concept of environmental health is a true reality with an APCD and trainees.
- EAP…. Emergency Action Plan…yeah we are revising it and it will be given to all of you soon. I am hoping that we could do a round of implementation at the IST in March.
- PERMACULTURE…new name for one of our terrific programs.
- CEE… This job of APCD is very hard. The CEE volunteers have been doing a wonderful job of making suggestions and changes. Maria Josefa has helped out a lot. We have begun our search for a new APCD.
- CED… is missing Enoc. He is in Washington. attending Overseas Staff Training and probably freezing.
- Env. Health… is rolling along with more and more of you seeking Greg’s ideas and suggestions for potable water solutions.
- Virtual Office.. has anyone tried it? We will not put the password in the Vaina. Let us know what you think.
- ANAM has given all PCVs permission to enter all the National Parks without paying an entrance fee. We will be providing you with a copy of this very soon.
- AOL Peace Packs… Two PCVs have been approved for them. Neither of those PCVs is in the approved site any longer. We are reluctant to allow these projects to continue. Washington will not allow a transfer to another PCV nor another site. We would hope to not have these situations reoccur.
- PCMO Conference Panama has been selected to host the PCMOs of all the IAP region in June.
- This past week I received an email that my host mom in the Dominican Republic had died. She was 83 and was really the reason I love the DR and have such fond memories of PC. I last visited with her in October 2000. I stayed with her in the same room while I lived there-ate the same food and felt that nothing had changed between us. I am always family to her and her family. The would always would do anything for me. Since I left the DR in 1968 I returned to visit at 10+ times. A visit to Amantina was always a must. So treasure those host families that take you in and give you whatever you need and that treat you as their children from the beginning. Her grandson wrote me about her. I last saw him in NYC after taking him and his two brothers camping in the Smokey Mountains when he was 8. Such memories.
- Explain expectations for successful projects and develop means of implementing them through improved planning, communication and project monitoring.
- Describe tools and methods that can be used to better understand the community.
- Working through the steps of project planning, develop a potential project for your community, and learn a process that you can replicate in your community.
Each country makes the decision to allow their PCVs and PCTs Internet access. We here have said yes. The present administration says yes, but it is possible that the next director could change that. We feel that the Internet access helps you be better volunteers.
Please continue to be adult in your use of the computers and the Internet. Failure to follow these policies can lead to…. (You know what). Let’s not get to that place. If you are using any of the disallowed software or are downloading any of it then you will be telling us to take administrative action.
I ask all of you to clean out the computers as that information will be deleted by April 1.
YES. We are going to expand into some of the empty space on our same floor. We hope to have that done by April, also. We will be putting in a shower for you and hope to have lockers in the basement. This hopefully will provide you with some badly needed space.
Yes, it is that time again. We will be doing a communication test in the future. In fact we will do three communication tests. 1. We will check to see if the information you gave us on your locator form works. So if you know it doesn’t work or if you have never tried it out. I
strongly urge you to check it out and correct the locator form "cuanto antes". 2. We will be doing a test of how long to get in touch with you
and for you to communicate back to us. I would like to use the Radio as stated in the EAP…EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN. That way we could know if that is working. 3. We will do a consolidation of one province. We are required to this annually.
JANICE
CED News
Hello from C.E.D. Headquarters in Panama,
I hope you are doing well and ready for the festivities of Carnaval. The "Main-Man" is out of the office, at a conference in Washington D.C., until February 25. In the meantime, Enoc can be reached by email. I can be reached in Santiago at 998-2558 or by cell phone at 640-6474.
The site for the C.E.D. conference on March 14-16 has been moved from CEDESCO to the Hotel Gran David in Santiago. Gina, Ann, Marie and Artigas will be helping to organize the event. We considered some more exotic locations, Bocas and San Blas, but decided you would prefer a more business-like atmosphere. An agenda will be put together based on your feedback from the survey. I will email the specifics by February 20th. Don’t forget the hotel has a swimming pool.
The C.E.D. program continues site development. We have received potential site information from a number of you. Thanks. We have groups arriving in May and September, so please let us know of any other opportunities. If you have not already done so, please get your quarterly reports into Enoc.
Last, and most importantly, a big goodbye to my favorite C.E.D. girls Jae, Judy and Princess.
Stay groovy,
Tom
PERMACULTURE PROGRAM NEWS
Happy New Year a todos! I hope your holidays were enjoyable. Lots of news to cover the next few month:
-We have 7 new Permaculture trainees who are doing great and absorbing all the information the trainers are dishing out. Thanks to all the PCVs that hosted the trainees for the weekend visit. Although site annoucement hasn’t happened yet, their sites will be:Charco la Pava, Bocas; Oriente de Risco, Bocas; Alto Guayabo, Chiriqui; El Tigre, Veraguas; Cabuya, Veraguas; Llano Grande, Cocle; and La Jaguada, Cocle.
-Workshops: We have received funds from the CENTER for an Ecotourism conference. Please talk to Remo, Gina, or Kristen Wiebe for more information if you are interested.
Braden and Tanya have prepared a proposal for funds for a pasture mangaement workshop. We should know by end of April if the funds are approved. Bruce has been helping me in a proposal for a beekeeping workshop through the Farmer to Farmer program. If funds are approved, the workshop is planned for July in Tole. Chris and Jane submitted a proposal for a permaculture workshop for Kuna Yala via the CENTER-should know by April if approved.
-Permaculture Program evaluation: The program will receive an evaluation from a PC/Washington CENTER staff and an APCD from the region during April 15-April 30. This is the first evaluation of the program since it has started in 1991. I need your help in organizing the evaluation! We need to decide on what sites will be visited and when. Also, need to develop a list of questions for the evaluators that would provide information that we want to know about the program. PLEASE SEND ME YOUR THOUGHTS on what information should be collected and some questions that could lead to recommendations/ improvements for the program. ALSO, PLEASE let me know if you would be available to be visited by the evaluators during APRIL 16-28. The evaluators will be given time at the Permaculture conference to interview PCVs also. ANY VOLUNTERS WILLING TO HELP ORGANIZE THE EVALUATION?
-Permaculture conference- The Permaculture conference will be held on April 25 and 26th in Boquete. PCVs arrive the night of the 24th (provide your own cena) to start at 8AM on the 25th. We added more time to the conference to give extra time for the evaluators and also technical topics. We will finish the night of the 26th, room provided that night as well as breakfast the next morning. A big thanks to Kate and Anne for helping to secure the lodging and food and for organizing the agenda. They will be sending out a draft agenda for your input. Please rememeber to bring your case study as we have 4 hours scheduled for exchange. Besides the evaluators, we will have Jason Cochron (an RPCV from Panama) who will be doing an evaluation of the promotor system for a PHD over the next 3 years. PLEASE BRING INFORMATION TO SHARE ABOUT PERMACULTURE, we have 2.5 hours to share technical information regarding permaculture. Do an internet search to gather some info. if you don’t have any other source of data.
-A big thanks to Sarah Alger for doing a great job as our PCV leader. She will be leaving us in early March. Remo is scheduled to leave in May. We will discuss the position of Ag. Coordinator during the conference. I have received a request from Yoko to be the new PCV leader.
-I’ll be on vacation during Carnaval week and also Feb.25,26 and March 1st, March 26-29.
-Site visits: Tupile/Mark-Feb.20th, Alignadi/Justin-21, Ustupo/Mary-22, Playon Chico/Jane-27th, Corozal/Fritz-March 12, ElCedro/Zac-March 13, Oria/Lisa-14. Possibly Batata/Kelly March 15th.
-Still on the hunt for new potential sites so please email me with possibilities. Also, the CEE program will be needing 16 sites for September so lets help them out if you have ideas.
-Thanks to all who have been keeping in touch (once per month) and keeping me informed of your travels out of site-emailing your monthly travel schedule is the best way for me. I’ll email you back with confirmation or call you if necessary.
Enjoy and stay safe during Carnavales. Joe
The State of the Program: CEE
In the past few months the EE program has seen some major changes. Apart from being without an Assistant Peace Corps Director (Janice is the interim APCD) and the turmoil that ensued (finding important documents, organizing mountains of educational materials and information) a crack team of volunteers and staff have been hard at work re-designing the program. What does that mean? Well, we have been breaking down the work we do and looking where it fits. Of course, as PCVs we all do things that fit some general PCV category and we all have some special skill or personal hobby that is highly individual. But, even after culling out all of this, we are left with things that fit more or less in the category of ‘community environmental education.’ Even so, each one of those words encompasses a wide swath of themes and this still left us with a nebulous soup.
To have a program that would not have the faults of the one we are closing the door on, we were looking for something that is trainable and that our community partners want from us. As we waded through the debates, some of us found that we might not have signed up for this work, should it be changed in some of theses trials. Nevertheless, we persevered and made a great deal of headway, coming away with many improvements.
Presently we are in the process of hiring a new APCD. Second interviews with Janice for the remaining candidates are now being scheduled. We were previously looking at what was to be a ‘program evaluation’ conjunctively with the Permaculture program. This was to take place in April. However, since we are in this rebirthing state, we think (and PC-Washington agrees) that we could use the help of their program design specialist. This is a great opportunity to architect our work so that it may be exactly what it should be; i.e. wanted by our community partners, focused and trainable.
Perhaps this new acronym will catch on as well as it describes the work we do:
BARCO = Basura, Agua, Reforestacion, Conservacion, Organizaciones.
How could you sum it up better than that?
Dennis
Training News
Hello everyone, I hope you are all doing well.
Following, you will find an explanation about training (PST, IST, PDM and COS). Please feel free to email, call or approach me you have any question or suggestions.
PST
As you may have heard training moved to El Cacao, Valdesa and Caimito in Capira. We have 14 PCTs spread out within the 3 communities. PCTs just came back of their PCVs’ site visit. Thank you to all for hosting them during this past weekend. Out of the fourteen, we have eight going to Ngäbe’s, four to Buglé’s and two to latino’s sites. We are already in week #4, PCTs are working on technical sessions. Next week (#5), they will be reinforcing their language skills and practicing their facilitation skills when they have to present the famous CCP and PPP. Week #6, language will be emphasized along with working with communities (a new session to carry out a community assessment). Thank you in advance to Jae and Anne who will host those PCTs who are going to indigenous sites during our "indigenous site visit to take place from February 24th thru March 1st -- Week #7. Partners’ Conference will take place in CEDESO the 3rd and 4th of March. Therefore, PCTs will be traveling to their assigned site from the 5th thru the 11th. Technical sessions will continue on week #9. Cross sector week will be during week #10. Week #11, we have the Country Director and language interviews. Week #12 will be in the city. Swearing-In will be on Friday, April 5th.
Project Design Management (PDM) Workshop
Goal:
Volunteers and Community Member will have opportunities to develop a shared understanding of concepts, strategies, and skills for project design and management and use them with their communities.
Objectives:
Arrival: Tuesday, March
5th by 5p.m.
Departure: Friday, March 8th after
lunch
Participants:
Group 01-02:
Anne, Toni, Lauren, Grace, Kara, John, Sally, Rachel , Karan, Willy, Noelia, Katherine
-
Group 01-01:
Jared, Melissa, Erin, Jessi, Kam, Keith, Robert, Demecia, Rebecca, Kelly, Albert, Lena, Sarah, Emily, Valerie, Scott, Marie
- your community assessment
- sheets, towel and personal items
- a community partner, a leader or a potential one.
- Someone who is motivated to "listen and learn"
- Doesn’t have to be an already established leader–someone who will take the information back and share it (nor does it need to be your "official counterpart"
- Someone who doesn’t have "pena"
- A mover and shaker in the community
Where: CEDESO (entrance to DeCameron right before or after Rio Hato, cocle)
Travel cost: It will be deposited in your account at the beginning of March within your monthly allowance.
What to bring:
Who to invite (based on PCV’s suggestions that participated in previous PDM):
Keep in mind, most of the activities require reading and writing skills-if you will be bringing someone who doesn’t read or write or an indigenous person who isn’t as fluent in Spanish you will be spending a lot of time translating/explaining. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t invite them-just be aware of this beforehand.
IST TIME!!!!!!!!
Group 01-03
Arrival: Monday, March 18th by
5p.m.
Departure: Friday, March 22nd after
lunch
Participants:
Michelle, Nadia, Phillip, Julian, Karen, Jenny,
Jamie, Mark, Carleena, Rachel, Lisa, Sarah, Frederick, Edward, Karlyn,
Justin, Zach and Mary
Group 01-01
Arrival: Tuesday, March 19th by
5p.m.
Departure: Friday, March 22nd after
lunch
Participants:
Jared, Melissa, Erin, Jessi, Kam, Keith, Robert, Demecia, Rebecca, Kelly, Albert, Lena, Sarah, Emily, Valerie, Scott,
Marie
Where: CEDESO (entrance to DeCameron right before or after Rio
Hato,Cocle)
Travel cost: It will be deposited in your account at the beginning of March within your monthly allowance.
What to bring:
- your community assessment
- sheets, towel and personal items
SAFETY
Carnival’s time
Most of you made or are making plans for carnival. It is great! However, socio-economic situation here in Panama is critical. Therefore, crime is taking place in each corner due to the lack of income. As Safety Director, I would like to raise awareness of the higher risk that is out there. You have the control, taking precautions about where and how you go. Remember to have a plan B to leave the place you are, considering the expected and unexpected issues that may arise during these days. Have a good time, but be careful….
PROGRAM NEWS
From Maria Elena
SPA BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2002
(First and Second Quarter)
During the first quarter of the fiscal year we were handling $7,500.00 for funding SPA Projects. Under that quarter (Oct. 01 to Dec. 01) eight projects were approved. For the second quarter (Jan. 02 to March 02) we have 4 more projects approved. Our remaining balance for the second quarter is $2,502.01. From that remaining balance we still have two under the approval process. If these two projects get approved the remaining balance will change to $976.26. Remember that you still have the opportunity to apply during the third and fourth quarter of this fiscal year and your project can be funded under the $15,000 available for those quarters.
The Four Newest Projects approved during the second quarter (Jan 31, 2002):
PCV Project Amount Approved Community
Karan Schreiber Artisan Store/Prod. $1,490.75 Ipetí, Emberá,
Nicolas Enstice Cultural Building $1,499.59 El Capurí, Herrera
Sherry Anderson Artisan Market/Train. $ 380.00 La Soledad de Risco, BT
Allison Pyle Rehab. Health Center $1,477.40 Quebrada Tula, BT
PCVs PROPOSALS UNDER THE APPROVAL PROCESS
Sue Kozacek Trampa Training and Demonstration
Jared Bowman Goats Project
PEACE CORPS PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
The community of Playón Chico and the PCV Jane Apgar submitted a proposal to get PCPP funding for a footbridge project. Right now the Project is under the approval process. Good luck¡¡¡¡¡
Also, remember that the best time to submit your proposal for any PCPP project is during your first year of service (after your IST), otherwise you will have to extend because we are avoiding following up on projects.
AMERICAN ON LINE PEACE PACKS (AOL)
The following PCVs have submitted an AOL Proposal: Gina Castinidos, Erin Eichelberger and Melissa Davis. I proceeded to evaluate their proposals by using the AOL Check list criteria to verify that all of them met the basic requirements of the Program. Eventually, they were passed to Janice to be reviewed and signed. The proposals recommended for funding will be sent to Washington, DC before February 8 to be considered for the final selection process.
Keep in mind that Peace Packs will be awarded three times a year: September, February and July which means you MUST submit your proposal TWO MONTHS AHEAD OF TIME so that I can have enough time to evaluate if your community fits the necessary criteria. Please consult with me regarding due dates for proposal submission, doubts or questions.
We are still working on a better rate of internet connectivity for this Program. We are waiting for a proposed plan from Broadband (Wireless Communication Coorporation) that offers antenna instead of cable. Also, we will be talking to the new Gerente de Ventas y Producción of Cable & Wireless, José Reyes. The appointment has been arranged for February 6, 2002 at 2:30 p.m. Wish me luck. Further information will be sent regarding this issue.
PCVs ACTIVITY ARTICLES
I am here to write any article about projects, community activities, PCVs’ activities, Peace Corps events, inaugurations of projects, etc. Just send me the date of the activity, invitees or participants, place, topics or any additional information and I will make sure that the Public Affairs Section of the US Embassy will cover your event.
ONE DAY AUTHORIZED LEAVE
-
CLINICA CHI (ave. Central frente Dairy Queen)
Remember you must call me any time that you are going to be out of your site for just one day which means you leave in the morning and come back to your site at night. If you are going to be out of your site overnight please (more than a day) make sure you call the out of site box or leave a message with receptionist so that your name will be signed into the out of site locator form. I hope this helps clarify when you should call me. For the CEE Volunteers, I am receiving any call when Janice is not at the office to give you support or to get the message of any out of site plan.
CENTER ACTIVITIES
As I mentioned in the last Vaina article, I will be giving some support to the Center Activities. I would really appreciate it if the APCDs would let me know during our regular meetings who will be coordinating each center activity approved. Eventually, I will pass all the forms required to the PCV in charged of the activity. Remember that those forms and their attachments must be submitted one month in advance of the date of the activity. Please attach the following documents (information) to the forms: list of participants, preliminary agenda, hotel quotation, food service quotation, hotel reservation, audiovisual equipment request form (from Dayra), other equipment required, estimates of transportation, meals and lodging costs, cash advances needed to reimburse transportation to HCN participants, to cover food service and any other expenses. Also you must obtain office supplies quotation and submit it with the rest of the documents for approval and preparation of purchase order to buy those supplies. Most of the time, we use Servicio de Lewis at Avenida Balboa because they already have an ID#. The person to contact is Mr. Frank Pimentel, phone No. 212-0791/0796, fax No. 212-0789. If you want I can get the quotation faxed to the office. Post to the event you need to submit the Final list of Participants, the Final Agenda, original invoices of each expense and Final Payment of Transportation, Meals and Lodging. Each invoice must be pasted on a scratch sheet of paper and must indicate detailed payment description in English.. In addition, you need to complete and submit an Activity Report Form.
As soon as you know when you are going to do the activity please contact me for any support. I will keep files of each center activity approved and implemented. Eventually I will pass the information to Orlando for final adm. process. At your convenience, please stop by my office and I will be more than happy to assist you. Also you can talk to Raúl. We are a team!!!!!!!!
SCHEDULE FOR FEBRUARY AND MARCH
I will be on vacation from February 8 to February 13. On February 20 I will be visiting Princess Perry in Toro Bravo, Coclé (PCPP) on February 20. On February 26 I will go to Santa Rosa, Colón and at the end of the month I will be visiting Jae Junkunc to inaugurate her Aqueduct Project in Quebrada de Loro (SPA), Chiriquí.
On March 9 I will be visiting Reed Palmer to inaugurate his Rain Water Storage System Project (SPA) in Agua Fría No.2, Darién.
Curandera’s Notes
We have arrived to the CARNAVALES!!!! And, since there is a warning in the health department of a new suspicious case of hanta, the Medical Office wants you to remember about hanta so you can PREVENT IT.
If by any chance you are planning on going to enjoy the carnavals, please remember not to fall sleep in the grass, because you’ll be exposed to be bitten by an infected field rat and get hanta.
HANTA VIRUS PULMONARY SYNDROME
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a serious and, often deadly, respiratory disease that has been found mostly in rural areas. The virus is carried by rodents and passed on to humans through infected rodent urine, saliva, or droppings.
In Panama, we have 11 blood tests of confirmed cases, 3 diagnosed by empydemilolgy nexus. All cases were related to Los Santos province, especially in Las Tablas area. On the investigation carried on by the CDC Atlanta center it has found to be a new strain.
Who is the carrier?
In Panama, the rodent that carries Hantavirus is the "Cañera and Arrocera Enana." Their usual habitat is rural areas and now they have emigrated looking for food and shelter because of the ecological changes that has occured in the Azuero region. These rodents love to nest in humid and damp places where they can find food. The rodents are only the carriers and they do not develop the sickness nor has it been documented that there is animal to animal transmition, not even if a cat eats an infected rodent.
How does people get infected?
People get infected by inhaling the dry mist from urine, saliva or dust from feces. Breathing in the virus is the most common way of becoming infected; however, you can also become infected by touching the rodent mouth or nose and after handling contaminated materials. A rodent’s bite can also spread the virus.
Hantavirus in not spread from person to person. You cannot become infected by being near a person who has hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. The virus is able to survive in the environment (for example, in contaminated dirt and dust), but is sensitive to ultraviolet rays and can only survive for 4 hours and can also be killed by most household disinfectants, such as bleach or alcohol. However, the virus can survive up to 2 weeks inside the body of a dead carrier rodent, that is why is so important to know how to handle these dead bodies.
Which are the symptoms?
The symptoms usually appear within 2 weeks of infection, but can be as early as 3 days to as late as 6 weeks after contamination. The first symptoms are general and flu-like: fever (101-104 F), headache, abdominal, joint, lower back pain, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. However, the most important symptom of this is difficulty in breathing that quickly progresses to an inability to breath, and it is caused by fluid build-up in the lungs.
If any combination of the symptoms described, especially difficulty in breathing appear after direct or indirect exposure to rodent, contact your PCMOs immediately and be sure to mention your exposure to rodents.
No cure or vaccine is yet available, the sooner after infection medical treatment is sought, the better the chance of recovery.
How can we prevent the infection?
To minimize the risk for hantavirus infection, follow these precautions:
before occupying abandoned or unused rooms, open them up to air out for at least 30 minutes. in Inspect for rodents and do not use this areas if you find signs of rodent infestation.
Beware of fans and air conditioners in areas where there are HPV cases.
Wash your utensils with clorinate water (2 drops of Clorox (5%) in one liter of water) before and after use.
If you sleep outdoors, check potential campsites for rodent droppings and burrows.
Do not disturb rodents, burrows, or dens.
Avoid sleeping near woodpiles or garbage areas that may be frequented by rodents.
Avoid sleeping on bare ground, use a mat or elevated cots if they are available.
Store foods in rodent-proof containers and promptly discard, bury or burn all garbage.
If you catch a mouse in the mouse trap, put on plastic gloves and mask and then pour a small amount of Clorox in the body of the dead mouse, then pick it up and put it in a plastic bag and bury it far from your house and in a hole that is at least 2 feet deep.
DENGUE UPDATE
In the beginning of the year, there has been a raise in Classical Dengue cases all over the country. This is related to persisting rainy season.
What is concerning about this is that there has already been 7 cases of Hemorrhagic Dengue Fever. Three in Arraijan, one in Chorrera, one in San Miguelito, one in the Tocumen area and last one in Panama Metro (City).
Please help your communities to cover the water they collect from the rain, not to leave garbage out of place, and to be carefull with any car tires or containers left outdoors because they could turn to be a breeding place for mosquito Aedes Aegypti. Remember the mosquito Aedes Aegypti loves to live in clear, clean water.
When your community is more aware of this problem, helps you to be safer.
Malaria Prevention
Recently, a Returned Volunteer (RPCV) who had served for 2 years in West Africa died from malaria. She died in the United States four weeks after her Close of Service and 10 days following her departure from country. The Office of Medical Services is saddened by this case and has extended its most sincere sympathy to the Volunteer’s family. This tragic death is a reminder of the importance of being personally vigilant in adhering to all recommended anti-malaria measures and why Peace Corps takes such extensive steps in providing training, materials and prophylactic drugs against malaria for all Volunteers and Trainees.
In 1991, mefloquine (250mg WEEKLY) became the drug of choice for malaria prophylaxis in Peace Corps countries with chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum malaria (CRPF). An extremely effective and safe anti-malarial drug, mefloquine can be taken by most individuals without significant side effects or medical complications. Since 1991 and the widespread use of mefloquine prophylaxis in Peace Corps, there has not been a death from malaria in Peace Corps Volunteers/Trainees (PCV/Ts) serving in countries with CRPF; that is, until now. Reports of cases of mefloquine-resistant malaria (in PCV/Ts serving in Africa) have not been substantiated. Rather than failure of mefloquine, cases of P. falciparum malaria appear to be the result of failure of the individual to be compliant with taking a prophylactic drug. Alternative prophylactic drugs for CRPF, such as doxycycline (100 mg DAILY) and Malarone (1 tablet DAILY) are also effective, although the opportunity for non-compliance, whether accidental, intentional or associated with illness, is much greater, as these drugs require daily dosing.
In light of this tragedy, OMS wants to reinforce its message that malaria is a serious, infectious parasitic disease — a disease that should not be taken lightly and a disease that can be fatal. Rigorous adherence to a malaria prevention program is not elective; it is mandatory. Unlike some host country colleagues, PCV/Ts have neither immunity nor partial immunity to the malaria parasite. Therefore, PCV/Ts must take measures, both physical and pharmacologic, to control their exposure and reaction to the malaria parasite. As a rule of thumb, all PCV/Ts in countries with malaria should consider themselves as having a "sub-clinical infection " with the malaria parasite. Therefore, regular, prescribed use of prophylactic anti-malarial drugs is necessary to keep that "sub-clinical infection" under control. Skipping doses of a prophylactic drug can lead to serious medical consequences, as the major functions of the drug are 1) to CONTROL the malaria infection while an individual is in a malarious area and 2) ELIMINATE the malaria infection once the individual has left such an area.
If you feel that you may have signs and symptoms of clinical malaria, CONTACT YOUR PCMO AND GET MEDICAL HELP. Interim self-treatment with Fansidar (or Malarone) for Presumptive Malaria is just the first in a series of critical steps in the proper management of this condition; other steps include, 1) thick smear malaria slides, 2) physical assessment, 3) symptomatic medications and, possibly, 4) drug serum levels. Regardless of the reason for your symptoms, do not ignore them and do ask for help
The recommendations for malaria prophylaxis and self-treatment by OMS are based on the most recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CDC is the most widely respected, international public health organization in the world. It sets the standard by which other health organizations are judged. CDC’s staff is constantly investigating epidemics and monitoring medical crises throughout the world. OMS works closely with CDC to the benefit of Peace Corps Volunteers and staff alike.
OMS cannot endorse guidance for malaria prophylaxis that is not consistent with CDC guidelines. PCV/Ts who might consider following recommendations for malaria prevention from other organizations, especially non-medical ones, should seriously consider the source. Is the source medically credible? Does this source meet the standard of CDC? Making the wrong choice about taking appropriate measures for malaria prevention or following the wrong advice can be disastrous, if not fatal.
Finally, we encourage all PCV/Ts to contact OMS or your Peace Corps Medical Officers with any questions or concerns you may have about malaria, malaria prevention and malaria treatment.
NUEVO MEDICO
AVISO PARA LOS VOLUNTARIOS DE VERAGUAS
Queremos informarles que hemos cambiado de clínica para la atención de los Voluntarios en la ciudad de Santiago, ahora el médico es:
Dr. Enrique Chí
Tel. 998-4905
Spanish Language
Hi to Everybody
Términos o Modismos Panameños
1. Acabangar: Estar triste por la partida de alguien. Estar triste cuando se termina una relación amorosa.
Ejemplo: María está acabangada, porque su novio terminó con ella.
2. Amarrar la cara: Ponerse seria(o) o enojada(o).
Ejemplo: Josefina amarró la cara cuando su mamá le dijo que no podía salir en todo el día de la casa.
3. Andar como el moco: Comportarse como un bobo.
Ejemplo: ¡Uff cuaándo va a llegar a la tienda!, si anda como el moco.
Ejemplo: Vas a tener que acompañarlo, a él no le van a cambiar ese pantalón, si él siempre anda como el moco.
4. Arrastrar la manta: Estar de mal humor.
Ejemplo: Hoy ni le hables que anda arrastrando la manta.
5. Berrinche: Olor a orina. Disgusto o rabieta fuerte. Discusión, pelea, lío.
Ejemplo: El chiquillo formó un berrinche en la tienda, porque la mamá no le compró el barquillo.
Ejemplo: Allá atrás en el patio hiede a berrinche.
6. Bocacho: Persona o un niño que ha perdido uno o más dientes delanteros. Agujero que queda en un artículo, al cual se le ha desprendido un pedazo.
Ejemplo: La esposa de Pedro está bocacha.
7. Bocón: Persona que habla mucho, que exagera mucho o que alardea.
Ejemplo: Juan me cae mal porque es un bocón.
8. Bote, dar un: Dar un aventón.
Ejemplo: Me puede dar un bote hasta la tienda.
9. Brujulear: Andar por ahí dando vueltas sin ningún objetivo.
Ejemplo: José estuvo brujuleando toda la noche y casi no durmió.
10. Buco: Montón de algo. Proviene del término francés bucou.
Ejemplo: Mi mamá trajo buco sandías.
11. Burundanga: Comida que no es particularmente nutritiva.
Ejemplo: La niña está comiendo mucha burundanga y después no quiere la comida.
12. Cacharpa: Automóvil viejo o deteriorado.
Ejemplo: Mi papá tiene una cacharpa, es por eso que mi amiga no quiere que le dé el bote.
13. Cafá: Golpe corto y seco en la cabeza, asentado con los nudillos.
Ejemplo: Si sigues molestando y no me dejas leer te voy a meter un cafá.
14. Calungo: Persona que no tiene vello en el cuerpo o cara.
Ejemplo: Ese hombre está calungo en el pecho.
15. Calle, está dura la: La situación se presenta difícil.
Ejemplo: ¡Mira que la calle está dura!, todavía Manuel no ha conseguido trabajo.
16. Camarón: Dinero recibido por hacer un trabajo ocasional. Trabajo eventual.
Ejemplo: Bueno, ahora mismo el no tiene un trabajo permanente, el hace camarones.
17. Carrazo: Automóvil costoso.
Ejemplo: mi vecino se compró un carrazo.
18. Carretilla, hablar como: Hablar rápidamente y sin parar.
Ejemplo: Yo no le entiendo casi nada porque ella habla como una carretilla.
19. Casisito: Diminutivo de casi.
Ejemplo: Casisito que lo atropella el carro.
20. Cinco, coger un: Tomar un descanso.
Ejemplo: Voy a coger un cinco aquí debajo de este palo(árbol).
21. Cobre, se le salió: Persona que por sus acciones reveló su origen humilde, baja calidad o poca altura. Revelar malas cualidades encubiertas.
Ejemplo: Al momento de la discusión se enojó tanto, que se le salió el cobre.
22. Cocobolo: Muy calvo. Que tiene la cabeza pelada al rape. Árbol de las selvas del Darién.
Ejemplo: Pedro está cocobolo desde hace diez años.
23. Coima: Dinero dado para sobornar.
Ejemplo: El policía aceptó la coima porque es corrupto.
24. Comearroz: Hijo(a).
Ejemplo: Ayer fui a la casa de María y me dí cuenta que tiene otro comearroz.
25. Comieron, se lo: Lo estafaron, lo engañaron.
Ejemplo: Le vendieron un carro en cinco mil dólares, con la máquina dañada, ¡se lo comieron!
26. Compa: Compadre Amigo. (Pal, crony, comrade. Name used to express kinship between father and godfather).
Ejemplo: ¡Berta, ahí viene el compa a buscar al ahijado! ¡Oiga compa! ¿A cómo tiene esas naranjas? (¿Cuánto cuestan las naranjas?).
27. Culei: Refresco. Proviene del producto Kool-aid.
Ejemplo: Anda a la tienda y compra un culei de uva.
28. Culicagado: Niño. Persona inexperta. Pobre, que no tiene nada.
Ejemplo: -¡Que va a saber ese chiquillo de responsabilidad paterna, si es un culicagado! -Sofía en lugar de fijarse en Víctor, quien tiene fincas y ganado, se fijó en Juan que es un culicagado.
29. Cupo: Espacio o puesto disponible.
Ejemplo: No pude matricular a mi hijo en esa escuela, porque ya no había cupo.
30. Chaneado(a): Arreglado, bonito, limpio reluciente. Proviene del término inglés shine.
Ejemplo: El compa ya está bien chaneado para la fiesta.
Práctica
De acuerdo al contexto, complete estas oraciones, con los siguientes modismos: Burundangas, coger un cinco, amarró la cara, comearroz, arrastrando la manta.
1. Hoy mi mamá anda______________________, asi que ni me le acerco.
2. Voy a sentarme aquí, a____________________, mientras espero a los dueños de la casa.
3. Voy a comprar___________________en la tienda.
4. Cuando le dije que no estaba invitada a la fiesta, enseguida________________________.
5. El mes pasado María tuvo otro__________________.