“Gof Metgot I Mana’amte Yan I Amot Siha”—a solemn and profound message recently conveyed at a family gathering by Mrs. Josefa Cruz Certeza, known affectionately to her family, friends, and the community of Guam as Tan Pai, by amazing grace, still alive and well at 96 years old.
Josefa Cruz Certeza Read Post »
As a child, Juan Cepeda was exposed to traditional healing methods as he assisted his mother Francisca Quitano Cepeda, a suruhåna with the picking of medicinal herbs and other chores required in the preparation of medicines. An everyday occurrence, patients visited their home seeking help from Tan Francisca, providing Juan a means of learning to identify the different plants and their medicinal purposes. However, it would be many years later before Juan actually practiced the art of traditional healing.
As a child growing up in Saipan, it was a common sight for young Genaro Saralu, to see his mother, a local healer treating her patients. Genaro’s great-grandfather, grandfather, and mother were all healers. Genaro’s mother and grandfather taught him the proper methods and techniques of gathering the plants used to prepare medicine for various ailments, as well as various methods of massage. Genaro also learned to call upon the strength of his ancestors to heal his patients.
Master Suruhåna Tan Regina and Master Suruhånu Tun Jesus Terlaje have treated hundreds of individuals from throughout the island who have sought healing through a suruhånu.
Regina Mafnas and Jesus Salas Terlaje Read Post »
Master Suruhåna Angela Santos Palacios has treated many individuals and is a well-known and well-sought suruhåna.
Angela Santos Palacios Read Post »
Our food choices. As with most communities, the necessity for food is interwoven with cultural and social needs. For the people of the Mariana Island, food is, and always has been, central to the cultural practices and traditions that have shaped daily life in the community.
Health Consequences of Modern Diets on Guam Read Post »
Located in Oka, Tamuning, Guam Memorial Hospital is Guam’s only public hospital, with a licensed bed capacity of 158 acute care beds, plus forty licensed long-term care beds at its Skilled Nursing Facility located in Barrigada Heights. The availability of beds for actual admissions at both facilities necessarily varies in accordance with the availability of fully trained and licensed staff.
Guam Memorial Hospital Read Post »
The historical record of suicide on Guam extends back to the mid-19th century. Father Aniceto Ibáñez del Carmen in his Chronicle of the Mariana Islands recorded 18 suicides between 1861 and 1891, or an annual rate of about 12 per 100,000. The romantic legend, Puntan dos Amantes or “Two Lovers’ Point,” alludes to the presence of suicide in CHamoru society.
Suicide in Micronesia Read Post »
In 1962 the Naval Hospital provided the services of a typical community hospital to active duty members, retirees, and their dependents, and veterans at its current location in Agana Heights.
US Naval Hospital, Guam 1962-Present Read Post »
In 1966, a two-year associate of science degree nursing program began at the College of Guam, the predecessor of the University of Guam. It has since evolved into the current four-year bachelor of science in nursing program.
Nursing Program, University of Guam Read Post »
