Randleman Area- 7/29/09 entry

This morning at 6:30 I went back to one of the farms from sunday to recheck the worker who had a Blood glucose (BG) of 300. His fasting BG was 218. I had to tell him that these numbers indicated he is a diabetic. He was devasted, as most of us are when we are told bad news like this. It always breaks my heart to give bad news. I tried my best to answer all of his questions. I taught him how to use a blood glucose machine to check his BG levels at home. We also talked about the "diabetic diet" and how to carb count. He was an incredibly quick learner so this was actually very easy! I went to the local diabetes education program later that day in order to get more information and handouts on diabetes management for him. He went to see a doctor at Siler City Community Health Center the next day.

I went by to see the other 2 diabetic patients on their lunch break to give them a blood glucose machine and show them how to use it. True Track donated some monitors for these patients.

I went to 3 different farms in the Randleman/Archdale area today. Leighanna, from Merce Clinic in Asheboro, came with me to help me out. She shared with the workers a little bit about Merce Clinic and what they have to offer.

Driving back home as images of the farms and the farmworkers flashed in my mind, I realized that I truly enjoyed those hot hours out there on the farm. The workers and farmowners were so grateful for the time I spent with them. They were so thankful for the information, the firstaid kits, the hygiene kits, and the books and tapes to learn English. I realize that this is what I love about working with this population. At the end of the day, no matter how tired, you truly feel appreciated. And that makes all the difference.

Total number served today:

Farmworkers:10

Farmowners/family: 4

# of farms visited: 3

# of follow-up farm visits: 3