OCR Text |
Show 185 XV No. 2 (April, 1955), pp. 109-117. English Summary: It is suggested that a study of local conditions precede the planning for any training project in midwifery. In the first place, the social position of the midwife varies considerably from zone to zone; manifestly, her status should be a basic point of reference. In the second place, before a training project be outlined, it would seem advisable to inspect local cultural patterns related to pregnancy, birth and postnatal care. With such orientation, 1) unnecessary conflict with existing cultural patterns might be avoided. Moreover 2) certain elements of the local culture might well be exploited, while 3) others, injurious from our point of view, might be clearly defined and thus more easily combatted. In short, with previous study, a midwifery training program could be planned so as to interdigitate, with minimum conflict and maximum exploitation, with local customs and practices. 1958 Editorial. "Medicos, Curanderos Y Brujos," America Indigena, XVIII No. 2 (April, 1958), pp. 91-94. One of the most prejudicial pre-Columbian survivals preserved, was the treatment of diseases and of certain psychological problems. Such treatment is given by medicine men and witch-doctors. Health care, accordingly, is in hands of untrained practitioners whose treatment is beneficial in some cases, ineffective in many others, the result being a high rate in the demographic sectors. The solution of social problems is very difficult, for doctors because of prevailing poverty permitting small recompense for their services. The editorial goes on to talk about the methods to improve health conditions and that the procedures outlined above will be followed in many Indian communities throughout the continent. Editorial. "Las Supervivencias Pre-Colombinas En Lo Relativo A Alimentacion," America Indigena, XVIII No. 4 (October, 1958), pp. 263-264. Statistics of Mexico and other Indo-Hispanic countries affirm that individual consumption of meat, milk, sugar, and other foods is very limited. However, this is an error, since statistics do not take into account the fact that these foods are not consumed in equal proportion by all the inhabitants. |