Staying Healthy on Program

This may be a repeat of something published earlier but it doesn't hurt to mention these things again.

Medications:

• You, not your leaders, will be responsible for administering any medications you need.
• Keep any medication you need with you in your carry-on, not in checked luggage, in case it gets lost.
• Don't stop medication you take regularly just prior to travel or during travel.
• If you are prone to headaches or upset stomach, keep medication for these ailments with you.

Dehydration:

• Dehydration is the most common health condition during the program, especially if your itinerary includes hot regions.
• It's important for you to pay attention to how much water you are drinking - drink lots of it!
• Keep water bottle with you at all times. Find out ahead of time if tap water is safe for each country.
• It it is, refill your water bottle regularly. If tap water is not safe, be prepared with some extra money to buy bottled water if you need to.
• Water will be provided with meals. Always make a point of drinking a glass (or two or three, or four) of water at meals.
• Avoid caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea or soda. They can make dehydration worse.

Eating Well

• Sometimes travel can affect the appetite. You may not feel hungry or might eat less than usual because you aren't used to different kinds of foods.
• To stay healthy, you need to eat well, even if you find you don't feel hungry at meal times.
• Look at meal times as nourishment times; ask yourself what you can put in your body to keep your energy up.
• Try to eat a balanced diet of protein-rich foods as well as whole-grain bread, pasta or rice, and fruits and vegetables.

Homesickness

• Homesickness is a natural response to being away from home for any length of time.
• Always remind yourself that homesickness passes. You will usually feel better the next morning.
• Participate in all activities; the more fun you have, the less time you will have to feel homesick.
• Reach out to others in your delegation; you're probably not the only one who is homesick.
• Talk to your leaders; they are there to support you.
• Avoid calling home; calling home makes homesickness worse.