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Michael J. Coughlin, MS
Director, Health & Human Services

HEALTHY CITY FALL RIVER
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This forum provides an opportunity to expand on and link the mission of Healthy City Fall River with other health and other fields that affect the well being of those who live and work in Fall River.

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NOTE: Mr. Coughlin is currently visiting Funchal, Madeira with his wife and Dr. Odete Amarelo from the Fall River School Dept. as a first step in establishing a "Sister Healthy City" relationship between Fall River and Funchal.

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April 16, 2007 - Funchal, Madeira

We visited the Mercardo dos Lavradores this morning.  This is a mall-like produce and meat market in downtown Funchal.  There are scores of small fruit and vegetable stands with hundreds of varieties of all kinds, colors, and shapes. One Madeiran vendor we chatted with had spent 10 years living in Bristol, England.  He told us how over the centuries, fruits and vegetables from the world over were introduced in Medeira.  All grow well in the temperate Mediterranean climate.  On Madeira they grow 40-50 different varieties of sweet potato and avocado.

 

In the afternoon we journeyed with our escort for the week, Dr. Susana Bradford, up to Monte, a village that overlooks Funchal from 2000 feet above sea level (approximate).  As we climbed, the mist was still in the air, covering peak of cliffs leading up to Monte.  This was an early tourist destination on the island, the site of many “quintas” – the equivalent of a bed and breakfast.  From Monte, one has a breathtaking view of the city of Funchal and the harbor.

 

Some public health related observations about Funchal:

 

  • This is a very clean city.  The provisions for trash removal for example are most impressive with convenient receptacle on every block, at chest level.  Every so often one encounters a full recycling center for cans, bottles, and other reusable waste.
  • Not all is positive.  As in other parts of Europe, public smoking is still very prevalent.  Cigarettes are easily obtained, including in many brightly colored vending machines with no locking devices.  Anyone, including children, can purchase them – at very low prices.

Tomorrow we tour other parts of the island and will report back again in the evening.

 

Mike Coughlin
PHOTOS FROM FUNCHAL
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