Occupational Hazard: Manchester therapist finds obesity and diabetes rife in West Bank …
Article published: Tuesday, March 31st 2009
While the war raged in Gaza a small group of British therapists were in the West Bank delivering free care to those in need.
In January, five volunteers made the trip to Palestine to treat residents and refugees. They used acupuncture and osteopathy to help with a range of ailments both physical and psychological.
During the nine-day trip, organised by World Medicine in collaboration with MAP (Medical Aid for Palestinians), the volunteers treated over 250 patients.
The therapists reported a surprisingly high percentage of those treated suffered with obesity and diabetes. One of the therapists, Jess Buck, said, “this is down to the nature of their diet with lots of oil, bread and sweet foods as well as their, to put it politely, constrained lifestyles.”
According to the therapists the psychological and emotional problems were less evident, unless you were able to hear people’s life stories. However, Jess continued, “people harbour a tremendous sense of injustice which often shows in their faces. Irrespective of the political situation in Israel and Palestine, there is no doubt that the daily life for Palestinians is incredibly hard.”
Those who went said that, due to the situation in Gaza, there was a definite tension but people seemed very pleased they were there.
Jess said “I was ready to come home when I did, but a lot was achieved and I feel very strongly that I would like to return and continue where we left off.”
Organisers MAP are now considering a visit to Gaza where they believe the need is even greater.
More: Manchester, News
Comments
No comments found
The comments are closed.
