Three Ways to Protect your Health When Traveling Internationally

by Kristen White Blogger Protecting your teenager’s health is a number one priority when they are at home and exposed to the typical colds, allergies and known environments. This becomes even more important when they participate in a program that takes them overseas into a country with a different climate, risks and standards for immunization. Parents and teens should work closely with the agencies that arrange the travel abroad programs to ensure that health considerations are taken into account and the right preparation is accomplished.
 
Vaccinations are required when participating in the gap year programs abroad or any other option where the individual will be going overseas. Every country has a specific list of shots that travelers must be given before they are allowed entry into the area and there must be documentation to prove that this has been done. Teens applying to even the short-term summer abroad programs need to have these done in advance by their physician and submit copies as part of their application while also having a copy to travel with.
 
Allergies are everywhere especially during the high school summer travel programs when flowers and trees are at their peak. Students should carry approved medications with them to handle these symptoms and conditions and the supply should accommodate the time frame they are planning to be away. Specific allergies to food and animals should be listed on the application so the agency can include this in the student’s profile and not place them with host families where this would be an issue. Teens that experience severe allergic reactions should have a multiple epi-pen supply just in case their allergy is triggered and they need immediate assistance to overcome the response. 
 
Another health fact to keep in mind is prescription medications and their supply since students won’t be able to access the local pharmacy and having them mailed may result in delays with regulating agencies.  The best approach is to talk with the physician and explain the situation and ask them for an amount that will get the student through until they come home. This may require additional documentation and steps so it is better to have this conversation early to work through any questions, steps and security issues. The agency should be able to assist based on their experience with health issues and provide their experience and recommendations depending on where the student is headed.
 
Health is important whether you are on vacation, at home or traveling abroad for a global experience so take the time to be prepared for the above situations and any that may be particular to your medical condition. Host families should be fully informed if the student has a health matter that could impact their stay or could be impacted by factors of lifestyle, eating, activities and other triggers. The best preparation is working closely with the program from the beginning you can get the steps and information up front and make the appropriate decisions to protect your own health or that of your teenager.

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Created on Mar 12th 2020 07:02. Viewed 310 times.

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