Health Symposium
For our health symposium, we had the opportunity to talk to the men and women of the Grenville Home for Seniors. We began by presenting topics such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, and ovarian cancer. We were then able to take and record blood pressure and blood glucose values for the people there. I was so touched by all the older men and women who shared their stories, wanted to seek our advice, and were genuinely excited to have us there. They also took the time right before lunch to entertain us with jokes, songs, and poems.
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I was able to have wonderful conversations with people about their health. It was so encouraging to sit down with people as they shared their concerns and asked for advice. While I know that many people are well educated about their health, I was reminded that health care workers need to be careful about thoroughly explaining things to the elderly. I was talking to one woman who was taking a medication, but she had no idea what it was for. She came to me with the box of the pills asking several questions about it. I am not sure if it was never explained to her or if she just forgot. Regardless, I thought it was sad
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that she was scared to be compliant with her medication because didn’t know why it was needed. Thankfully, once I was able to explain a little bit about it to her, she looked more relaxed. I am so grateful I was able to participate in this symposium, because it gave me a positive experience with the older population in Grenada.