McMinnville, Ore. – Erika Helm-Buckman of Maple Valley spent January studying in
the Bahamas through a special program at Linfield College.
Helm-Buckman is a senior majoring in exercise science. She is the daughter of Mike
Buckman and Theresa Helm-Buckman of Maple Valley. She is a member the women’s lacrosse
team and Linfield A Capella Club. She took the class Island Health Care: Type 2
Diabetes in the Bahamas. Students were introduced to the social, economic and cultural
influences related to the development of a chronic health condition. Students investigated
the confounding factors that are contributing to the high incidence and prevalence
of type 2 diabetes in the remote areas of the Bahamas. They also examined the current
state of the local health care system while living in remote areas of the Bahamas
to gain a better understanding of the cultural and social influences.
Helm-Buckman was among 130 students participating in on-site study programs through
Linfield College's January Term, a four-week period of concentrated study in which
students and faculty focus their time and attention on a single course. Courses
are available on-campus or at off-campus locations in this country or abroad. The
program is designed to help develop global awareness and insights into major issues
of the times as well as broaden understanding of American society.
Eleven off-campus courses were offered this year and included travel to Costa Rica,
China, Singapore, India, Trinidad and Tobago, Spain, Germany and the U.K.
Posted on February 12, 2012