Dental Hygiene Classes

Last year we started Dental Hygiene classes for children sponsored in the ABC program.  We have noticed over the years that we have been focusing on restorative care but have not done enough to hold children and parents accountable in dental care.  After one year we have seen significant improvement and we hope to continue the trend in 2014.  This last Tuesday Cesar and the team headed put to Mactzul II to work with the families there.  Here are some great pics.  We use food coloring dye to make sure they brush all of the food from their teeth.

   Cesar getting busy with the kids.  Cesar definitely has a gift to work with kids, we are glad to have him.

New ABC Communities for 2014

Over the past few months we have been speaking to some new communities about entering the ABC program and we are glad to announce that at least three congregations from the highlands will we be entering in 2014.  Many of you who have visited know these communities, as we have been working with some of them for years. These new communities are Chijtinimit (they have the unforgettable climb from the road up to their building), Chutzurob I and Chuchipaca II.

For those new to our blog or Health Talents International, the ABC Program is a child sponsorship program that we would define as a shared responsibility program designed to build leaders for the church and the community. We encourage the churches to get involved with the child and their family to help keep the child in church and school with the goal of finishing through high school if possible, or to go further than their parents did.

We would consider the program an overall success and have many examples to demonstrate that success, including higher retention rates in schools, less children failing classes, more involvement of the churches and formation of bible classes, numerous graduated teachers, bookkeepers and even a graduated physician.  In addition several churches that have grown by more than 50-100% in size.  And each year we see more positive outcomes and more church involvement in local ministry to the community.  For more information, please see the Health Talents International website (www.healthtalents.org) or write us.

We now have more than 50 children pending sponsors, so please pray about being part of this program or expanding your involvement in the lives of these families.

Here are some photos of our the church buidlings to jog your memory, pictures of our process and pictures of some of the children we would like to mentor to become leaders in their communities and families.

 Chuchipaca - our Saturday clinics

 Oldie but goodie - Chutzurob with Juan who worked with us.  He is doing good, active in the church, started a small pharmacy in his community and we see him about once a month.

 Eastside Group from Colorado Springs in front of Chijtinimit Church (the "small" climb)

 Manuel, Ceci and Martina getting family info

Lisa and Laurie gathering family info after seeing patients

Some kids/teenagers from Chuchipaca

Some kids and moms from Chutzurob

Some Kids from Chijtinimit

Changing of the Guard (water guard)- Tiva Water Filters

On Wednesday of this week Manuel, Tomas, Enrique (Quique), Cesar and I (Kemmel) travelled to Xejox and Chuchuca about 2.5 hours from Chichi to change out some water filters for families in the ABC program.  About half of the families needed a replacement filter cartridge so we took advantage to switch the families to a new water filter.  In the past we have been using the HELPS water filter systems which is a ceramic, activated charcoal filter which works great.  We asked the families how they liked the current HELPS filter and the response was an overwhelming "Utz!" which means good or awesome.  We also asked if they have seen a decrease in gastrointestinal problems in the children and the response was the same - "Utz!"

So we are not changing filters due to not working well, but rather for longevity and convenience.  The TIVA water filter has been donated to TSI by some generous donors and has a lifespan of at least 5 years, so we have no revolving cost of changing out the water filter cartridges.  The TIVA water filter is a super-fine sand based water filter system.  Before placing anything in the field we try it ourselves first, so Enrique and the Dunham's have been trying and the results have been positive (or you could say negative as no new GI issues).  The TIVA Filter was Enrique's first filter and his family is more than happy with the outcome.  It is exciting to see him explain how well it works and he is no pushover.  He is a an army veteran who likes things in order and working well!

Manuel giving the first explanation of the filter

During the demonstation



Atentive crowd - 53 families! 53 water filters

Showing people the superfine sand - seeing is believing

More seeing is believing

Tomas answering questions

And the sand is added to the first filter!

Prepping 53 filters

The common stoic look...

Each family turned in the old so we can save for future use.  Many had changed from white to a light tan which is a result of the smoke from the kitchens impregnating the plastic.  Many still use open fires for cooking in this area, so unfortunately it gives us a reality check to understand what their lungs look like and why women have Chronic Pulmonary Disease as the get older and also why pneumonia continues to be the #1 reason for death in the area.

Checking the list to ensure we do not miss anyone..

We had each of the fathers or mothers (if they were able) put their own filters together in groups of 5 families to each of us.  Then many of the men stepped up and helped the rest.  Community in action!

Cesar in action

Local men taking over the job.


We also met with the parents and the ABC children regarding oral hygiene and talked about the importance of following the techniques given by the dentists to ensure long lasting teeth.  Even many of the parents asked when we would come back for dental cleanings as they wanted their name on the list. 

As talking is not enough, we also took action and had each child brush their teeth and then we gave them a couple drops of dye to see how they did.  Many had to go back and brush some more to get rid of food still remaining on the teeth, but overall they did well and some did very well the first time.  Most everyone cam back the second time with clean teeth with no dye, so we used the example to show the parents that it may be a good idea to send the children back to brush a second time at least one time per day.

Unfortunately, no photos of the dental practice - we get involved and forget about it.

All in a all a good day.

Delivery of ABC Gifts and water filters

In the last couple of weeks,we have continued to deliver replacement water filters and also the Illustrated Bible to various ABC Families.  Here are some pics.

 Mauri prepping for water filter delivery in Macztul VI

Cesar ready to go as well!

Jose Mynor

 Adrianna

Manuel Baudilio

(Manuel had a set back last year but is back in school this year and doing well)

 Pedro and dad Manuel

Pedro

Ignacia

Juan Joel 

Juan Joel and family

Anastascia

 Elias

Esvin Estuardo

Esvin Rogelio

 Gabriela

 Ingrid

 Juana Cecilia

Juana Teresa

Nelson

Samuel, son of Health Promoter Tomas