You can survive your short term
By
Lynn Samaan
Lynn Samaan, former Director of Spiritual Formation and Outreach at the Silverlake Presbyterian Church, has overseas experience in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia .
You may have nightmares of wasting away in the feverish delirium of some unknown tropical scourge. Relax. Most short-termers don't get seriously ill. But a few do, so keep in mind some practical things to help you prevent the worst and endure the most common maladies.
Before You Go
Pack a copy of your medical history, including your blood type, allergies, and any special conditions. If you wear glasses, bring a copy of your lens prescription. Contact lens wearers should check to see if it will be practical to wear and clean their lenses at their short-term location.
Check with your mission about any vaccinations you'll need. You may call your local Health Department for information about specific shots and where to get them. Your doctor can advise you regarding the vaccinations and any side effects. Be sure to keep your vaccinations current when traveling.
The mission agency should also tell you if you need to take a drug which helps to prevent malaria. The most common is chloroquine, for which you'll need a prescription. You need to begin taking this medication before you leave home, so be sure to look into it early.
Health insurance is a good idea. Review your policy and be familiar with the one your mission will have arranged for you.
While Overseas
"Don't drink the water!" That's probably the most common piece of health advice the traveler gets. Keeping healthy involves more than just watching your water supply. But it's really not all that complicated.
Get informed quickly about the particular health hazards in your locale. Every situation has its own set of parasites, insect-borne diseases, and foods to avoid. Make it your responsibility to get acquainted with potential problems that may vary from city to countryside or from season to season. If you know what you're up against, you can relax. It's common sense from there.
The first few days you're there, you may feel a bit ill. Most likely, it's only jet lag. The best way to treat jet lag is to adjust to your hosts' schedule as soon as possible. That means going to bed when they do and getting up when they do, even if you don't feel like it. Sometimes a short nap in the afternoon helps. But don't stretch it out. The sooner you get over your jet lag, the more fully you'll be able to enter into the ministry.
Practice whatever protection and prevention you can. Learn to use mosquito netting. Find where you can get purified water so you don't rot your teeth drinking bottled sodas.
In general, "drink it boiled and eat it hot." What about questionable food and drinks offered to you? It can be a tough choice. If you seal yourself off in antiseptic isolation from the people, you might as well have stayed at home. But if you lay waste to your body by not being careful about what you ingest, you could be in bed the entire time you're overseas. That's of little value. Follow the counsel of your mission leaders.
What if you do get sick?
Don't panic. You probably won't die, though you may feel like you want to. Most overseas maladies have been faced before. Here are some common ones.
Diarrhea can strike for a variety of reasons: food poisoning, viral infection, amebic dysentery, or other causes. You won't know right away what's causing it, and usually no medication is needed.
If diarrhea strikes, be sure to drink plenty of liquids to keep from becoming dehydrated. It's good to drink water with a bit of sugar and salt (and some orange juice, if you have it). Good foods to eat include bananas, chicken, potatoes, and hot cereal. Avoid raw fruits and greasy or highly seasoned foods. If your condition persists for more than four days without improvement, or if other complications follow, you should see a doctor.
Vomiting can hit for all the same reasons as diarrhea, and a few more. Keep calm and keep yourself hydrated by sipping some clear drink. If vomiting goes on for more than a day, or if there are complications, see a doctor.
Short blasts of fever are a common ailment in some parts of the world. Keep a record of your temperature during your fever. Try to keep cool. Take an aspirin or two and rest. If your body heat rises to about 102o F (38o C), get some medical attention right away.
Whatever the problem, keep a cool head. Think through what you would do if you were at home. If something serious occurs, it's better to see a local doctor than to wait until you return home. They're often more familiar with local and tropical illnesses than your own doctor. Trust them.
If you've been ill overseas, it may be a good idea to register your illness with your doctor at home. Report any medical problems or exposure you had to infectious diseases. If you're on malaria pills, remember to take them for six weeks after coming home. And don't forget that you'll experience some jet lag upon your return, too.
Your short term can be a healthy one. Be sure to encourage your supporters to pray for your health. Trust God. Use common sense. You can survive your short term.