Flu Session at URS

What went well:

We were able to get all the information we wanted across, and actually got good information about resources from the participants. Although only a few people attended, all of them were engaged and participating. The food was a success and praised. :D

What we could do better:

Participants took the conversation in different directions more often than usual, and it was hard to bring them back to the topic. It seems that most people know the basics of the flu, so it was harder to retain their interest. We need a systematic way of driving the conversation back to the topic at hand.

Topic suggestions: diabetes, heart disease, HIV, questions about medical insurance…

Heart Session at URS

Things that went well: We had each patron wash their hands before getting food.  This took about ten minutes, but then they were able to stay seated for the session, eat, and discuss.  Diagrams were useful.  We had question and myth cards in the very begining while people were getting food and getting seated.  This helped presenters figure out what is important to the patrons.  During the second session, people were able to speak their mind, this was a plus.

Things that can be changed:  More flexible sessions, more open conversations and discussions about topics.  Time management is an issue. 

Topics suggestions from patrons: Talks about liver, drugs, and first aid.

HPA axis and STRESS

Schedule: First we had everyone that came in wash their hands and grab a notecard.  They wrote down two things their bodies felt when they are stressed, ie. high blood pressure, diarrhea.  Then everyone got food.  Sat down, started the session with introductions.  Group activity near the end, and supplies before everyone left.

Things that went well:  Kelsey thought the open ended questions of how stress manifests itself in their body was interesting, and people were very willing to share.  Encouraging sharing in the begining was useful for opening up the forum, this way patrons can relate the session back to themselves or someone they know.  Spread out the conversation. 

Food in the begining works well to reduce shuffle in a small room. 

Many people knew a lot about the topic already, which was good, lots of input. 

Things that went poorly: Room was very crowded, Kelsey wants to limit the number to 8, but not 10.  Rearrange or use a different space. 

Topics in the Future:

Kidney issues, vasuclar disease, injury prevention (first aid), arthritis, central nervous system, effects of street drugs. 

thank you, Jennifer, Kelsey and Ying

Dopamine, Depression, and Meditation

Items that people would like to hear more about: Schizophrenia, mental health, joint health, nutrition, which foods have what minerals and vitamins, how to eat well on a budget, sudden climate change and its relation to the body, diet, exericise, HIV/AIDS, foot care, dental care, eye care, religion.

We did two sessions with three people each.  First, we did introductions with each person in the room. Then we did a three minute meditation, and handed out hot tea.  Next we talked about dopamine in the brain, and how some drugs work in the brain, the HPA axis and how stress works on the body. 

Things that could have been better:

Time management is always difficult because when someone has a particular interest or question, we try to give that portion of the session more time.  Visual props could have been better on my part.

Intro for new person before the session, list responsibilities of each presenter.  Go over outline before session starts.  Watch out for medical jargon, or explain vocab.  Talk over the tasks and agree on when to hand out tea/veggies/food.

keep food covered and not on display until serving.  Or we could reserve 10 minutes in the begining for people to get food and settle in. 

*** maybe doing the prentation in the outside room might be easier, more comfortable dynamic. the small room is isolating.  if we’re in the outside room, how are we going to pass out food and items.   pre-do the ziplock bags (put condoms in each bag). 

Things that went well:

I wanted to start the session with hot tea, and wait to serve food until the end of the session to reduce tiny-room shuffle and disturbance.  Also, it ensures time to complete the session, disccusion, and questions.  Discussion of different ways people relax was good because meditation can seem broad/religious/mysterious and explaining the intent behind it was helpful.

Ying, Kelsey, Mike, and Jessica

What’s in a name?

We need ideas for our group’s name!