Union Settlement

Despite of its emotional benefits, communication with family members who live abroad can present a large financial burden for low-income foreign-born individuals. The aims of this study were (1) to explore the current technologies available for low-cost communication with family living abroad and (2) to assess the level of awareness and use of low-cost technologies for family communication as well as related information needs among low-income foreign-born individuals. This mixed-methods study included an environmental scan, survey, and focus groups with low-income foreign-born individuals living in East Harlem in New York City. Low-income individuals who have family members living abroad face financial stress with complicated technology choices for communication with family living abroad and they have many information needs. They would welcome interactive and convenient educational tools that (1) build skills for utilization of various technologies and (2) provide decision support to simplify choosing among the vast array of available communication options.

ABSTRACT: A study was made of the defecatory sensation in 130 patients with normal rectums. By means of a specially designed balloon inserted into the rectum, determinations were made of intrarectal pressure, rectal diameter and rectal tension. The desire to defecate was correlated with the levels of these measurements. There was a progressive rise with age in the threshold for these factors. Rectal sensitivity to distention was lower in the constipated patients than in those who were not constipated.