Today, we had lectures on infectious diseases and chronic diseases in Brazil. We had to pick a lecture to attend, and I chose the one about chronic diseases. The speaker was Dr. Sheila Alvim, and the lecture was on the first longitudinal study of adult health in Brazil: ELSA. She focused on the study design of the project in her presentation. ELSA is a longitudinal study that focuses on contributing significant information about evolution and progression of chronic diseases in Brazil. We took a trip next door to the building where follow up examinations such as ultrasonography, electrocardiogram, clinical and anthropometric examination were measured. It was very interesting to see the data collection stage of an ongoing study.

After class, we visited Mercado Modelo with Professor Edna. The purpose of this visit was to practice what we had learned in Portuguese class through conversation with the sellers. It is located at the bottom of the elevators near Pelourinho. The building was originally a customs house built in 1861; nowadays it contains more than 250 stalls filled with arts, crafts, and souvenirs that represent Bahia and Brazil. I bought meaningful items that would serve as reminders for the great time I had Bahia; these were some of the items I purchased

As I was walking down each stall looking for more items to purchase, I felt a wave of sadness because I was reminded our time in Brazil was coming to an end. I will forever cherish the experiences I had in Bahia, until next time! Ate Logo!

Dammie O.M