http://www.adn.com/2010/07/16/1370318/high-uranium-levels-found-in-wales.html
In the AM I leave on a plane to Whales, AK to work in the clinic as the only physician for 4 days. They do not normally have a provider other than a health aide. The health aides are scantly trained and given a manual to work as midlevel providers. They really do a great job for the minimal amount of training that occurs. I can't imagine trying to keep someone alive in respiratory distress who needs to be intubated, but no one can fly in because of the weather and trying to keep them alive by reading a manual.
Whales used to be one of the larger villages up here, but after the flu epidemic and an outbreak of diphtheria, it's down to about 120 people. It used to be upwards of 2,000.
There is no running water, no trees and if you read the article above, there is a high level of uranium in the water. I may have a healthy glow by the time I leave. I have been asked to bring coffee creamer, medications, saline, gauze and donuts. People don't frequently fly into the village and there is no grocery store. They live off the sea!
In addition, on a clear day you can see Russia from Whales. I sound like Sarah Palin!
wowee, that will be quite an adventure. it's so hard to imagine not having a grocery store!!
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