Staying Healthy

It’s important to stay healthy on the trip.  We’re going to Honduras to serve, and our bodies are the tools we’ll be using.  So keeping ourselves safe and healthy is important to being effective on our trip.  It’s easy to think that because we’re young and healthy, we don’t need to worry about these things.  But traveling to another country, experiencing a sudden change in climate, working hard, being tired, and being exposed to foreign plants, foods and microorganisms can all work against us.  So it’s important to take extra care of ourselves as we prepare for the trip and while we’re in Honduras.

The top health issues:

  • heat-related illness
  • sunburn
  • dehydration
  • food & water-borne illness
  • allergies

Start preparing now!

  • Take your vitamins
  • Eat healthy – remember your food groups, get plenty of protein and fiber!
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Get plenty of sleep
  • Eating live-cultured yogurt daily for a week or two before the trip may help prevent stomach problems

What to bring:

  • Sunscreen – lots of it!  SPF 30 or above, Water-proof/sweat-proof – look for "Sport" types
  • Antibacterial gels & wipes
  • Medicines for basic needs: aches & pain, allergies, stomach upset, motion sickness
  • Flavored drink packets.  Some come with vitamins & electrolytes.  Try to get sugar-free and caffeine-free varieties
  • Band-Aids and antibiotic ointment

While you’re there:

  • Eat healthy
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Get plenty of sleep
  • Protect yourself from the sun
  • Use sunscreen – lots of it!  Reapply every 4 hours.
  • Wash your hands before eating, use antibacterial soap, gel, or wipes.
  • Drink only bottled water, use bottled water to brush your teeth
  • In restaurants, don’t take ice in your drink, don’t eat fresh veggies or fruit
  • Don’t eat anything that hasn’t been OK’d by team leaders

Links:

 

 

March 7, 2009 | Filed Under Preparing 

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