Tagged: MD

The Preservation of Panamanian Indigenous Tribes

 

Panamanian Indigenous Tribes pic

Panamanian Indigenous Tribes
Image: anywhere.com

Manuel Marquez, MD, shares his love of travel and history as a tour director and travel guide. Prior to entering his current profession, the Harvard graduate spent more than 25 years as a primary care physician, medical director, and executive officer with the Southern California Permanente Medical Group and Buenaventura Medical Group. Throughout his career, Dr. Manuel Marquez has supported numerous organizations, including Native Future, a group dedicated to the support of indigenous tribes in Panama.

Established in 2004, Native Future works alongside three indigenous groups – the Wounaan, the Ngabe, and the Bugle – with the goal of improving education and protecting land rights. In addition to preserving the cultures of these native peoples, the organization strives to ensure that the precious ecosystems on which they reside are not lost to exploitative industrialization.

The land rights initiatives established by Native Future have enabled the high school graduation of a Wounaan man, whose testimony aided in the approval of Panama Law 72 to protect native land. The organization has also helped the Wounaan people map their lands and document their protection efforts against clearcutting and other damaging practices.

Thanks in part to the assistance of Native Future, three Wounaan communities have received government-approved titles; six more are awaiting recognition.

Packing for International Travel

International Travel pic

International Travel
Image: whatsgabycooking.com

A certified tour director, Manuel Marquez, MD, has guided travelers through numerous countries across South America, North America, and Europe. Manuel Marquez, MD, has also embarked on many international trips of his own and has accumulated a knowledge base not only of the destinations themselves but also of the necessary logistics a traveler should consider to make the most of their trip.

When visiting international destinations, there are a multitude of variables to consider. Packing can be especially challenging for someone who is not familiar with the climate or temperature of a new destination, so research is helpful. Travelers should also be aware of whether they should bring a power adapter, familiar toiletries, or other necessities that may be difficult to find in a particular location.

Most travelers also prefer not to be taken by surprise when it comes to clothing. It’s not necessary to bring an entire wardrobe; in fact, many find it helpful to choose numerous outfits for a trip and then bring half of what they have laid out. Items that should make the cut are those that the traveler can wear multiple times and layer to create different outfits.

The traveler should also take care to include clothing for different settings. Experienced travelers know to bring one nice outfit and at least one pair of sturdy shoes for every trip, regardless of itinerary.

Bulky items are best worn on the plane, and absolute necessities belong in a carry-on. This is true for medication, a change of clothes, and anything else one could not live without if luggage does not arrive at the same time as the plane. This may not happen, but it is always good to be prepared.

Two Wine Myths Debunked

Wine Myths pic

Wine Myths
Image: winemag.com

Manuel Marquez, MD, has over 25 years of medical industry experience as a family practitioner, medical executive, and researcher. Outside his professional life, Manuel Marquez, M.D. enjoys a wide variety of leisure pursuits, including as an avid wine enthusiast.

There are almost as many opinions about wine as there are wine connoisseurs. With that said, it shouldn’t be surprising that there are many misconceptions about the age-old beverage. Here are two myths about wine that have been debunked by sommeliers.

Some hold to the notion that the bigger the price tag, the better the wine. This can be true, but it’s not a hard and fast rule. There are many factors that determine the price of a wine, such as if it is sold by a well-known vineyard or if it has been endorsed by a celebrity – neither of which have any real impact on the quality of what’s inside the bottle. Conversely, some wines from lesser known vineyards (often imported vintages) can offer a great deal of quality for the value. An Argentine Malbec, for instance, is a $10 red wine that delivers quality far beyond the price tag.

Another area of common misinformation is the best serving temperature of wines. One belief is that the best way to serve white wine is ice cold. This goes hand in hand with the misguided idea that red wine is best enjoyed only at room temperature. In truth, no wine should be served ice cold. Conversely, no wine should be served at room temperature. The ideal temperature for white wine is approximately 40 degrees Fahrenheit. In the same vein, it’s perfectly fine to refrigerate red wine, as it will age much faster at room temperature, which may severely affect its taste.

Tips for Beginning Bowlers

 

Beginning Bowlers pic

Beginning Bowlers
Image: bowling.about.com

Having worked as a paraeducator for special-needs children in the Ventura County, California, public schools, as well as a physician and a tour director, Manuel Marquez, MD, is experienced in a range of professional fields. Outside of his work life, Manuel Marquez, MD, enjoys numerous sports, including bowling.

Bowling is a great leisure activity, but for those looking to become a little more proficient at the sport, the barriers to entry may seem daunting, particularly in terms of learning the basics. Fortunately, it’s not as difficult as it looks. Here are just a couple of basic tips for bowling novices.

One of the most important but most basic concepts is visualizing your shot before you take it. It’s important to relax, breathe deeply, and focus on exactly where you want the ball to go. Use the arrows to help guide your shot.

It’s also important to choose the right ball. Picking one that’s too heavy can lead to a sore arm, but one that’s too light may not give you the pin action you want. Most men typically bowl with a 14-16 lb. ball, while most women use a 10-14 lb. ball. Go with the heaviest ball that can give you the speed you want.

Bowing is a simple skill to learn but a difficult one to master. With practice and proper form, however, your game can improve significantly over time.

Beautiful Yosemite

Yosemite pic

Yosemite
Image: nps.gov

Manuel Marquez, MD, has over 25 years of experience in the medical field as a family practitioner, medical executive, and researcher. As someone who loves to travel and experience new places, Manuel Marquez, MD, is currently pursuing a career as a certified tour director. He has taken groups on tours to numerous places, including Yosemite National Park in California.

Yosemite, located in central California and stretching through the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain chain, consists of over 1,200 square miles of breathtaking scenery. For centuries, it was inhabited by the Ahwahneechee people. During the mid-1800s, Europeans started trickling into the area. Visitation dramatically increased in 1907 with the construction of the Yosemite Valley Railroad.

Yosemite National Park has several areas that interest visitors including Yosemite Valley, the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Glacier Point, the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, and Crane Flat. At each destination, visitors have the opportunity to marvel at their surroundings and learn about the natural world. Numerous visitor centers and museums located throughout the park offer visitors opportunities to enrich their experience.

Yosemite Valley, accessible by car or bus year-round, is home to several world-famous waterfalls. The waterfalls are best viewed in the spring (May and June) during the annual snowmelt. Tunnel View provides a spectacular vantage point to view the entire valley including the towering El Capitan and Bridalveil Falls with Half Dome in the background.