I approached the clinic in Iwollo on that fateful day with a sense of boredom, wondering how the day's interaction with the people will be. Within me, I felt it has gotten to that stage where the people view you as that, which comes to make eating unpleasant and life uninteresting. My last two interactions with the people weren't as interactive as it used to be. It lacked enthusiasm probably because what was taught differs from what they like and would prefer to practice. It seemed like I talked to myself.
I walked into the waiting room and found myself surrounded by new faces interjected with one or two familiar faces. God! Let the day be more interactive, I muttered to myself. After the usual greetings, they reluctantly arranged their chairs, set for the day's business. I hadn't gone far into the topic when boom! Cecilia stood up and took over the class.

Cecilia is a native of Awha Ndiagu in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu and has been a regular patient in the clinic for over six (6) years. She was among the first people I discussed with on my first visit months back. I found her intriguing, full of life but stubborn; a staunch believer of whatever thing she accepts. She has diabetes mellitus and is compliant with her medications. During one of our discussions, I enquired about her dietary habits; food likes and dislikes; food frequency as well as other food fads and practices that she may be indulging in. I found out about the herbal and bitter concoctions she takes in a bid to reduce the blood sugar level. I tried to discourage her from such practices and explained the role of dietary management and oral hypoglycemic in reducing blood glucose level. At the end, I wasn't convinced she would comply with my advice. Nwam gee nti! ahu a aburokwa ihe taa, o tego (My child listen, this sickness didn't just start today, I have been with it for years), cut short any further attempt to convince her. I let the matter rest for that day but always brought it up whenever I get the opportunity.

On that day, Cecilia talked to her people for over forty five (45) minutes on the need to listen to what aunty was saying. She told them to adhere to my teachings that her doctor is pleased with her for better control of her blood glucose but she regrets not stopping her herbal bitter concoctions as her kidney has been affected. She held the class spell bound with her testimonies that a pin drop could have echoed round the room. When she was done pouring out her heart, many questions popped up. Some wants to know about appropriate eating practices for different health conditions, the advantages and disadvantages of herbal mixtures, their possible effects on the body system among other things. I was happy that through her report, others have been able to open up and ask questions they have been searching for their answers. Since then, they always come prepared with questions to be answered despite the topic taught.