09.03.2014 Yap

Today was a roll up your sleeves and get to work day. Some of the  Public Health staff helped to decorate my office with pictures to brightened it up. Am starting to analyze a database on teen pregnancy. In the past, I have worked with databases with thousands of entries. The island has a population of just upwards of 11,000. Everyone knows everyone here. Found out about a trail to hike for my weekend excursion, and hope to see some new birds. There is no bird book anywhere to  be found, including the library or visitor center. But I was given a  draft of a brochurefrom the visitor center  that has a list of names.

Here are a few more local pictures:

Fire station and truck.

 

 

Police station. Met a couple one evening while walking. They see helpful and friendly.

 

 

 

 

 

  Post office:

 Restaurant. Have not tried it yet but maybe will save it for a weekend treat.

 

 

Local signs around town and around the hospital. There is a big effort to encourage people to not only eat healthy, but eat local, just like at hoime.



Some older women go topless, as seen in this picture taken in the hospital lobby. There is a good chance she may be from one of the outer islands.

 

This includes betelnut. It seems like everyone chews, doctors and nurses included. This is going to  be one of my health initiatives. Betelnut is associated with oral cancer, but it is also a stimulant. They mix it with tobacco from cigarettes, lime, and sometimes vodka. You can buy it everywhere.

 



The dentists must be very busy:

 

 

 

Yap Hospital entrance.

 

 

My view while walking to the hospital. It takes about 20 minutes frommy apartment to the office. A very pleasant walk.

More health related signs, focusing on healty lifestyle and diet.
Diabetes is a major problem on the islands.

 

 

 

General store. There are several stores that have a little of this and a little of that, all within walking distance of my apartment. This is a large store that also has furniture. I love going inside to browse and have made my grocery and household purchases going here and there. The trick is to remember who has what, but for now I am in no particular hurry and enjoy the walking.