Finally out on the farms-- 7/26/09 entry

The Canoy family and their farmworkers (who are like family!)

Some of the items that are given to each farmworker: First Aid kit, Books and cassettes to learn english, resource directory, information about local clinics and the Latino Coalition, also a hygiene kit. (All items donated by local organizations and businesses)

A beautiful tobacco field on the Saunders' farm in Coleridge, NC

My first day on the farms was today! I started out at 3pm and finished up around 10:30pm. I went to 5 different farms in the Coleridge/Ramseur area. I did a Blood pressure and/or a Blood glucose test on 22 workers and 6 farm owners. At each farm I did a quick talk on heat stroke and also handed out the supplies that are pictured above. I also gave 2-3 first aid kits to the farm owners to place on their trucks and tractors so that they can have some first aid kits handy on the field. Today was fun because of the 5 farms that I went to. Two of the farms are owned by my relatives. And the other 3 farmowners are family friends! It was nice to be out and visit with each of them.

During the day, I found 3 workers with diabetes. One of the workers that I tested already knew that he had diabetes. His Blood glucose was controlled but he did not have supplies in order to test his sugar at home. The 2nd diabetic that I found had a Blood glucose of almost 400! He knew he had diabetes but had not been checking his blood glucose. He was only taking a low dose medication that he was given back in mexico and had not seen a doctor to follow up on his diabetes. He had been feeling very poorly and told me that he could barely keep up with the other workers. Now he knew one reason why! The 3rd worker that I found had a Blood glucose level of 300. I told him that I would return and do a fasting Blood glucose level later in the week. I was able to help get an appointment at Siler City Community Heath Center for the two patients with elevated blood glucose levels.

Total number served today:

Farmworkers-22

Farmowners/Family-7
# of farms visited-5