Health and Safety Abroad
KETTERING'S COMMITMENT TO HEALTH AND SAFETY
The health and safety of our students while on study abroad terms is of the highest importance. Kettering University has established a number of procedures and policies that aim to protect students abroad, your wellness is however, a shared responsibility.
STAYING HEALTHY
During your study abroad term you may find yourself dealing with multiple stresses, both good and bad. You will be adjusting to a new routine and facing a number of differences from your life back home. It is important to stay healthy and good self-care is central to a happy and healthy experience abroad.
Tips for staying healthy:
- Eat healthy food
- Engage in regular exercise
- Get enough sleep
Food and Water
The food in your host country will more than likely be different to the food you are used to. While your stomach is still adjusting it is a good idea to include familiar foods into your diet. Search for western-style supermarkets and purchase foods you would eat at home. You are likely to find restaurants that serve similar foods in bigger towns and tourist destinations. Gradual adjustment to the local diets makes social and usually nutritional sense.
Find out if the local water source is safe for drinking, in most European cities it is. If it isn't, drink bottled water. Alternatively, you can boil tap water for 10 minutes, let it cool, it will then be ready for drinking, cooking and brushing your teeth. In restaurants order bottled water if tap water is unhealthy, be aware that ice may come from tap water and should be avoided.
Contaminated food and water can cause travelers’ diarrhea. Travelers commonly experience this temporary debilitating illness after a few days in a new country. The typical symptoms of travelers’ diarrhea are diarrhea, nausea and bloating, and urgency. In most cases, travelers’ diarrhea usually lasts from three to seven days. It is rarely life threatening. The best way to prevent travelers’ diarrhea is by paying close attention to what you eat or drink or taking medicine like Immodium. If symptoms persist you must seek a doctor.
Some health problems, such as diarrhea, are worldwide; whereas, some diseases like malaria are found only in certain regions. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and the U.S. State Department's Overseas Citizens Emergency Center can give you detailed information about particular regions you plan to visit on study abroad.
Centers for Disease Control
1-800-311-3435
Overseas Citizens Emergency Center
(202) 647-5225
Immunizations
It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up to date. You should inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations for the country/countries you will enter. Visit the Center for Disease Control’s website for more information. While some countries require immunizations for a visa or entry, others do not. These requirements can change according to the health conditions of a particular country. Therefore, it is important to check on a regular basis to see if your host country has requirements. Even if immunizations are not required, you still may want to get them. Be sure to discuss this with your doctor, local travel clinic or county health department. If you will travel to other countries, don't forget to check their immunization requirements as well. The Wellness Center, located in the Campus Center, can provide immunizations and documentation of them.
Prescriptions
Prior to departure, we recommend consulting with your physician and let them know where you are traveling. If you have a pre-existing medical condition you must carry an adequate supply of medication along with your physician’s explanation of the condition, generic and brand names of the medication, and dosage information. Always remember to carry your prescription medication in its original pharmacy container. As a precautionary measure, we advise carrying copies of the prescriptions to avoid any problems at Customs.
If you wear glasses and/or contact lenses, take an extra pair of glasses and enough lenses and solution too.Do not pack medications in your checked luggage, make sure to place them in your carry on
Regular check-ups and health records
Be sure to have a physical and dental check-up before you leave, especially if you are due a check-up while you are away or if you intend on being away for more than one term. This will also give you the opportunity to talk with your health care provider about any general health care precautions you should take. It's a good idea to bring a copy of your medical and dental records with you. If you have any ongoing medical or dental problems, bring a letter from your doctor or dentist explaining how they are being treated. Don't forget the telephone and fax numbers of your doctor and dentist, in case you need to contact them.
Pre-existing conditions
If you have any ongoing medical issue, such as allergies or diabetes, you need to take extra care in preparing for and managing your condition overseas. How will the stresses of the new environment and the study abroad experience impact your health? If you have a disability, how will your needs be met? We recommend that you visit with the Wellness Center before departure just to run through your specific case and receive any last minute guidance.
The food in your host country will more than likely be different to the food you are used to. While your stomach is still adjusting it is a good idea to include familiar foods into your diet. Search for western-style supermarkets and purchase foods you would eat at home. You are likely to find restaurants that serve similar foods in bigger towns and tourist destinations. Gradual adjustment to the local diets makes social and usually nutritional sense.
Find out if the local water source is safe for drinking, in most European cities it is. If it isn't, drink bottled water. Alternatively, you can boil tap water for 10 minutes, let it cool, it will then be ready for drinking, cooking and brushing your teeth. In restaurants order bottled water if tap water is unhealthy, be aware that ice may come from tap water and should be avoided.
Contaminated food and water can cause travelers’ diarrhea. Travelers commonly experience this temporary debilitating illness after a few days in a new country. The typical symptoms of travelers’ diarrhea are diarrhea, nausea and bloating, and urgency. In most cases, travelers’ diarrhea usually lasts from three to seven days. It is rarely life threatening. The best way to prevent travelers’ diarrhea is by paying close attention to what you eat or drink or taking medicine like Immodium. If symptoms persist you must seek a doctor.
Some health problems, such as diarrhea, are worldwide; whereas, some diseases like malaria are found only in certain regions. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and the U.S. State Department's Overseas Citizens Emergency Center can give you detailed information about particular regions you plan to visit on study abroad.
Centers for Disease Control
1-800-311-3435
Overseas Citizens Emergency Center
(202) 647-5225
Immunizations
It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up to date. You should inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations for the country/countries you will enter. Visit the Center for Disease Control’s website for more information. While some countries require immunizations for a visa or entry, others do not. These requirements can change according to the health conditions of a particular country. Therefore, it is important to check on a regular basis to see if your host country has requirements. Even if immunizations are not required, you still may want to get them. Be sure to discuss this with your doctor, local travel clinic or county health department. If you will travel to other countries, don't forget to check their immunization requirements as well. The Wellness Center, located in the Campus Center, can provide immunizations and documentation of them.
Prescriptions
Prior to departure, we recommend consulting with your physician and let them know where you are traveling. If you have a pre-existing medical condition you must carry an adequate supply of medication along with your physician’s explanation of the condition, generic and brand names of the medication, and dosage information. Always remember to carry your prescription medication in its original pharmacy container. As a precautionary measure, we advise carrying copies of the prescriptions to avoid any problems at Customs.
If you wear glasses and/or contact lenses, take an extra pair of glasses and enough lenses and solution too.Do not pack medications in your checked luggage, make sure to place them in your carry on
Regular check-ups and health records
Be sure to have a physical and dental check-up before you leave, especially if you are due a check-up while you are away or if you intend on being away for more than one term. This will also give you the opportunity to talk with your health care provider about any general health care precautions you should take. It's a good idea to bring a copy of your medical and dental records with you. If you have any ongoing medical or dental problems, bring a letter from your doctor or dentist explaining how they are being treated. Don't forget the telephone and fax numbers of your doctor and dentist, in case you need to contact them.
Pre-existing conditions
If you have any ongoing medical issue, such as allergies or diabetes, you need to take extra care in preparing for and managing your condition overseas. How will the stresses of the new environment and the study abroad experience impact your health? If you have a disability, how will your needs be met? We recommend that you visit with the Wellness Center before departure just to run through your specific case and receive any last minute guidance.