Caring for your Mental and Physical Health

Students may want to bring a supply of over-the-counter medications (everything from aspirins and headache medications, to upset stomach and cold medication) that will prove to be of great help should you encounter everyday illnesses while abroad. However, international pharmacies can also be easily accessible. If you are currently taking prescription medication, contact your physician well in advance to receive additional supplies and a signed and dated statement from your physician explaining why you take the medicines and the proper dosage. Take a sufficient supply of your prescription and other medical supplies with you for the duration of your program, as it is usually not possible or advisable to send medication through the mail. 

Keep all medications in original containers! 

Conditions vary from country to country and from year to year. Therefore, it is difficult to make general statements about health precautions abroad. It is important for you to consult a health professional during the required travel medical consultation to obtain up-to-date information on preventative health measures and immunizations for your particular destination. Even if no new shots are required, your standard immunizations such as diphtheria/tetanus, measles/mumps/rubella, and polio may need to be updated. Make sure to bring your previous immunization records and insurance information with you to the appointment.

For immunization recommendations by country/region go online to www.cdc. gov/travel (U.S. Government Center for Disease Control and Prevention). 

In addition to discussing and receiving immunizations, ask about issues such as jet lag, motion sickness, possible infections, limitations that any current health conditions might cause, and any environmental risks such as unsafe food and water. Allergy sufferers should discuss any potential problems such as traveling to areas where growing seasons are reversed (south of the equator), or where local vegetation and diet could cause problems. If you take regular medication, ask the doctor about any adjustments in dosage or schedule that may be appropriate at higher altitudes, on long flights, or in different climates. 

You may obtain immunizations from your family physician or a local travel clinic.  Each of the listed travel clinics requires an appointment for (travel) immunizations. For some destinations, you will need a series of immunizations that could take three to four months to complete, so plan ahead. Call for an appointment at least a month in advance of the first desired appointment date. 

Take a card, tag, or bracelet identifying any condition or allergy that may require emergency care. A Medical Alert bracelet is the most helpful. (IAMAT, 350 Fifth  Avenue New York, NY, 10001.) 

Medic alert is an organization for those persons having particular illnesses or life-threatening allergies. Membership costs $50 per year on the Advantage plan. Among other things,  members receive an identification bracelet or medallion describing the medical problem(s) and a 23-hour phone number that can be called from anywhere in the world to obtain up-to-date information about your medical history. Medic Alert,  Turlock, CA, 95381, 1-800-432-5378 (1-800-ID-ALERT), www.medicalert.org