Health and Study Abroad

One of the most worrisome problems for international travelers is how to deal with illness or other health emergencies in a foreign country. You will be under psychological and physical stress. However, the health risks in most countries are fundamentally no greater than those in the United States, provided you use common sense and follow these safety guidelines.

1. Read and carefully consider documents that relate to health, safety, and environmental conditions in your host country     before you go.
2. Assume responsibility for all elements necessary for personal preparation.
3. Maintain appropriate insurance policies and abide by conditions imposed.
4. Obey host country laws and regulations.
5. Be aware of local conditions when making daily choices and decisions.
6. Behave in a manner that is appropriate and respectful of the rights and well-being of others.
7. Accept the consequences of your own decisions and actions.

Ask your physician for a letter that describes your medical condition, if any, and lists the generic name and dosage of each prescription that you require. Take sufficient amounts of all necessary prescription drugs with you, including birth control pills. You will also want to have an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses (including the cleaning solution), as well as a copy of the prescription. Be sure to pack a small first aid kit, which should include, but is not limited to, the following:

• insect repellant
• rubbing alcohol
• thermometer
• band-aides
• Pepto Bismol, Antacid, Tums, etc
• Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Midol
• Cough and cold remedies
• Antibacterial ointment (such as Neosporin)
• sun-screen, and aloe for sunburn
• re-hydration salts

Above all else, take care of yourself, and learn to read the signs and signals that your body is sending. The differences in climate, food, water, and bacteria common to an area can affect your health. Some common health problems are: colds, sore throats, the flu, hair loss, weight loss, and the inevitable gastrointestinal problems. Because your body does not have a defense against many of the “bugs,” you will probably have more ailments than normal. In time, however, your body will acclimate itself, and you will begin to feel better.

If you don’t get enough rest, you will be run down, your resistance will be lowered, and you will be more likely to become ill. Make time for adequate rest, avoid dehydration by carrying plenty of bottled water, and get the nourishment and vitamins your body requires.

****As a general rule, you should never drink tap water, or use ice cubes made with tap water! Drink bottled water as a precaution, and bring a small travel water filter, or water disinfectant, with you. Boiling water has the same effect as filtering. Beer, wine, and bottled or carbonated beverages are generally safe to drink, although it is a myth that alcohol “kills” germs. ****

Immunization
Before you go, as a precaution, have a routine medical and dental check-up. Ask your doctor about required immunization. You may not be allowed to enter a country if you don’t have the proper immunization. Furthermore, you may not be allowed back into the United States if the Department of Health and Human Services requires a shot you didn’t obtain. No immunization are currently required for travelers to Western Europe. For travel in Africa and Asia, however, country-specific immunization may be necessary.

Personal health inventory
These are some potential issues affecting your study. Which ones concern you? Have you made preparations to avoid problems?

• ability/disability issues
• allergies
• contraceptives
• culture shock
• dental care
• dietary concerns
• emergency resources
• exercise
• eyeglass prescription
• gender-specific health care
• health advisories
• hepatitis protection
• insurance
• medications/supplies
• psychological issues
• re-entry shock
• regional health issues
• sexuality
• sleep patterns
• smoking

A special note:
Contact The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for more information.

Be well.