RN Lolis Rocha, of Oregon Health & Science University checking one of a Somali elder’s blood pressure
High number of the Somali community are finding out that they are unknowingly living with high blood pressure and diabetes as a result of lack of physical activities. Volunteer doctors from different organizations are helping the community to protect themselves from severe outcomes from these diseases. Dr. Dave Griffin, a volunteer Community Podiatrist of DM/PAD Foot & Leg Amputation Prevention in Oregon/SW Washington, Dr. Ejiro Isiorho, a Podiatrist of Corrective Step Foot Health Center, RN Lolis Rocha, the care services program manager of Oregon Health & Science University, and Quete Capuia of Reach Program-Multnomah County, Oregon have recently conducted free testing program at the Somali American Council of Oregon in Portland during which they have seen over 20 patients some of whom were in danger of losing feet or toes or ending up in coma. Those volunteer doctors and program managers have encouraged the community to regularly check the level of their blood pressure and sugar to avoid complications and catastrophic consequences. They also provided them free comfortable walking shoes to help them increase their daily exercises.
