Nevertheless, they are vulnerable to some common ailments. Something, perhaps the constant exposure to the freezing water, gives them frequent respiratory infections and rheumatism, and the sun burns their cheeks. Ironically, in the midst of so much water, their gas stoves cause devastating fires. The lake is large, and their population small, so the human pollution of the water has made no noticeable impact. Uros families are extended in that married couples set up house near their parents, or in-laws, and continue to eat with them and share many tasks.
Husbands are often deferential to their wives.
Uros men used to fish around the islands at night, but depleted stocks have driven them deeper into the lake, and now they go on three-day missions once a week, leaving their wives in charge of the house, and of the family business. The women rise at dawn and draw water from the lake, then spend the day washing clothes and dishes, untangling fishing nets and making woven sheets of totora for new huts. Once or twice a week, they barter the fish for rice, potatoes and sugar, in mainland markets. Communal work is organized through the islands' governing committees and mothers' clubs, usually linked to charities. Rosa's job as president of Tribuna's Mothers' Club is to distribute donations of food, seedlings and sewing materials among the women and oversee their work on totora sheets and tapestries.