Subject attracts attention on this forum; I know most expats are already involved in the most diverse areas of volunteering. But some newcomers may be looking. Nutritional education or disseminating healthy diets is strikingly and urgently needed. I don't yet know of local organizations working on this domain. I shall enquire. Now, please let's not engage in comparison misery (whether one should work on child poverty or wife battering or environmental protection), nor on reductionist script such as "'with pauperic budgets they cannot afford spinach and apples, so they're stuck eating sausages and cheese.'' The people with the highest obesity rate on this planet need our help. Each one of us can make a difference. Even on a personal level, in our daily interactions with locals, if we are willing to engage on the topic. We can propagate the discourse, share recipes, etc. Without wanting to sound like a''wise-guy'' I simply wish to call your attention and engagement in helping out with this fundamental health/social problem.
V: Should one have to cancel out the other? I assume the post was aimed at people whom are here, locally, thus volunteering in Cancun would make sense. Mexico is suffering from obesity, no doubt. Great marketing on behalf of many US companies - sad reality for Mexicans. Not sure what is being done here, if much at all. One of my first impressions was the local police force. In one word: DAMN!! Back home and anywhere in the world Ive ever lived, physical health when applying for any type of local service job(medic, fire dept and cop) is one of the two most important parts of applying and being a worker in any of these areas. Im hoping that Mexican schools start promoting healthy alternatives to kids and also incorporate the problem in their teaching plans.
You're right, of course, Rawkus, health education is needed everywhere that fast food and other pernicious influences are present. How many times do you see workers reaching for a coca cola, or energy drink, rather than something that would be nutritional? Here, as in the U.S., there is a strong correlation between poverty and reaching for fast food: it's cheap and calorie packed. The diet of the poor here is much the same, but relies more on tortillas. Still, education could make a difference, provided the healthful alternatives are cheap enough. Those foods which are needed to supply vitamins are often lacking in calories; therefore, they lack the primal requirement of supplying energy. It's a mistaken assumption to assume that no one is addressing this issue: the schools and IMSS both attempt to educate young people on the requirements of good nutrition: imaginative behavior change communication coming from other sources could make an impact, as well, but programs of this type are extremely expensive, and that's why the government agencies usually end up taking responsibility for it. If Cancuna has found a way to do it on the cheap, so much the better!
Rawkus: If what V. really wants is to block discussion, impose his views, in short prevents us from having a chat, then he is succeeding! V. is discouraging me from posting, or even to just reading posts, since he seems to do nothing but write here everyday on every single topic. It's impossible to discuss because Mr. Knows it all shuts us off. I, for one won't waste my precious time in this. With people like him, this forum does not needs others. Good bye folks!!!!!
Because of Good people like you and others, I've decided not to leave. So, getting back to this topic (Let's ignore ....... comments aimed at shutting us off): Aren't there at least 2 distinct levels of volunteer work? One in which we step out to ''work'' of our lives to devote our time and resources. Another in which we engage in helping others throughout the day, while pursuing our daily activities. Disseminating nutritional health requires little effort. By talking with others about healthy foods, or the so-called superfoods, by mentioning the risks of saturated fats and sugar/salt diets, by reminding others of the relationship between fitness and a positive self image, etc., each one of us can collaborate in improving public health.
Cancuna, Are you a doctor or have a background in nutrition? This is something that is very interesting to me, because about a year and a half ago I was finally sick and tired of feeling old and fat. I have since lost about 65 pounds and at 37 am now in the best shape of my life and could NOT imagine letting myself go back down that unhealthy road. I am pretty much obsessed with eating healthy and exercise, but growing up in the south I wasn't taught anything about nutrition in school or at home. I have had to learn it all on my own and I for one welcome any discussion about how to live a healthier lifestyle. It isn't just the locals that can benefit from these things, I think we all should be trying to figure out the healthiest way to live.
Cancuna, There is an International Women's Club here and a few posters on this Forum are members. They do a variety of projects but I think their membership is somewhat fluid. Maybe use the SEARCH function to find more info. I know one gal who is active and will give you contact info next time I see you.
