Health

 

          You might want to make an appointment with a doctor to get an update on your basic vaccinations.  I would strongly suggest that you make sure you have a up-to-date tetanus shot and a measles shot (I think you all have to have that for school).  In addition I suggest that you have as many of the hepatitis shots as you can (A and B), that you consider a typhoid inoculation (shot or live virus),  and that you consult your physician about malaria pills.

 

            We will mostly be in a high and dry area where it is unlikely you will be exposed to malaria.  However, we will be traveling to a tropical area when we visit Tikal and some of the beach areas in Mexico and you may want to have the malaria medication on hand in order to protect yourself.  We will be traveling during the “dry” season so the risk of malaria is less

                                                                              than at other times of year.  If you do chose to take a malaria medication, the

                                                                              Tropical Medicine Department of Loma Linda advises you to take Cloroquine.  It is

                                                                              effective for the variety of malaria in Central America and has fewer possible side

                                                                              effects than the other medication, Larium, which is prescribed for travelers to

                                                                              Africa.

 

                                                                                For those living in the Inland Empire, I strongly recommend that you check with

                                                                              the Tropical Medicine Clinic at Loma Linda.  The clinic is available on most

                                                                              Wednesday afternoons---all you have to do is to call the general information

                                                                              number of Loma Linda University to make sure.  Often times one’s family

                                                                              physician has to either order the vaccinations or will refer you to the health

                                                                              department.  I have found the wait is shorter and the doctors are more

                                                                              knowledgeable at this Clinic.  It may cost a bit more, but it is worth it. I have found

                                                                              the prices very similar to the public health department.

 

                                                                                Current information about health conditions in Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba and all

                                                                              other countries is available through the Center for Disease Control (1-877-394-8747)

                                                                              and their excellent web cite www.cd.gov/travel.  Also check out the World Health

                                                                              Organization cite at www.who.int.

 

            You need insurance to participate in this trip.  I will be asking you for proof of it before we leave.  Again, you have options.  1.  If you are covered by the University of Redlands student insurance, you are covered on the trip.  Remember, however, that the insurance will work abroad in the same way it works here.  You must pay the medical care provided and then seek reimbursement via the insurance.  2.  You could be covered by your family’s insurance.  If you chose this option, make sure you are covered internationally and get the information about what you need to do to receive and pay for care in a foreign country.  3.  You may take an additional travel policy.  We are currently looking into which of these would be best to recommend to the group.  You might want to have this instead of the University insurance (much cheaper). 

 

            In the unlikely event that there is a medical emergency, the University will help you secure the care you need.  Minor emergencies will be handled by me and our contacts in Mexico , Guatemala and Cuba.  Do not worry.  There is good medical care available everywhere and we would do everything in our power to assure that you would get it if you needed it.

 

            Later I will give you a handy flyer addressing what to do in the event of run of the mill health care problems.  I always go prepared for most minor discomforts.  I will also be carrying a emergency medical surgical kit.  In some developing countries the sterilization procedures are not as rigorous as we would like, therefore, this kit provides all the utensils one might need in order to perform surgery and is designed to give to the health care provider in the country.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pat's Packing Suggestions

 

 

General

                I advocate packing as light as possible—we can take two checked bags each, as long as they are under 50 lbs and an additional carry on. Because we are gone so long most people decide to take the maximum number so they can pack easily and have room to bring back what they might find along the way. Here is what I find works:

I usually take a suitcase to pack all the things that I think I will need in Oaxaca; I also pack some things in a traveling pack—the one I have both rolls and I can carry on my back. This is because this becomes the only piece of luggage I use on our trip to Guatemala/Cuba. I have a day pack that I either use for my carry on or I pack inside one of the other pieces: Day packs are invaluable for shorter, weekend trips and carrying stuff on day trips. Our first one of these will be in Mexico City—so make sure it is easily accessible since we will be using it. Finally, I have a carry on for my electronics.

 

                Yes, folks, that is four pieces of luggage to start out with and I know that seems contrary to the advice of packing light—however, it allows the most diversity for taking the best container for each of the trips we take during the 4 months. Don't go out and buy a bunch of luggage!! You can make do with what you have but remember you want to pack enough so you don't have to wash every couple of days—that gets old on a four-month trip. But, you don't want to take things that you aren't willing to have ruined by the laundries (clothes get dingy and anything too fancy gets destroyed). Bring enough, expendable clothing that you like and feel comfortable in, but wouldn't be crushed if it shows the wear.

 

                The weather will primarily be between 75-85 degrees—except when we are in the mountains—when it will be COLD (bring things you can layer) and in the jungle

where it will be HOT (bring cotton light weight).

 

 

Clothing

               In general, people in Mexico and Central America dress more formally than we do here in southern California. The biggest difference is that neither men nor women wear shorts in the city unless you are doing physical activity. I would strongly encourage you to think about this as a matter of respect. Here are my suggestions about what you should bring:

(They are only suggestions and reflect my experiences!!)

 

For the occasional dress up opportunities:

• 1 pr. of nice slacks

• 1-2 shirts with a collar—appropriate for a performance in the City.

• 1 nicer dress or skirt—nothing too revealing

 

For the beach:

• Swim suit

• 1-2 prs shorts

• 1 sleeveless T-shirt, cover up or sarong

 

Most of the time:

• Jeans or pant,s capri's, skirts, dresses—how many --up to you, but 5-6

           additional outfits in addition to the above nice one

• T-shirts or shirts that will wash well—5-7 better without Iogos

           Bring sleeveless, short and long sleeve shirts

• A bathrobe and pajamas—modesty reigns in the homestay

• Socks to fit the type of shoes you bring

 

Coats:

• Bring a good rain jacket that is lightweight and you can layer stuff under

• 1 or more sweater or sweatshirt or fleece gloves and a hat (one warm; baseball cap; sun protection hat—depends on you) Scarves or shawls—something to carry along to have always to cover your head or shoulders in a church

 

Shoes:

• 1 pr of shoes that can go with nice slacks- closed toe -that can go with dresses/skirts that you can walk comfortably in

• 1 pr of tennis shoes

• 1 pr of hiking shoes

• 1 pr of sandals or water shoes (like Keens or Tevas) always have some flipflops you can wear in the shower but don't wear these on the street—Please!!

 

For women especially:

          The type of clothing you bring should be as modest as you can stand—watch out for bringing too many low cut or very short things—this will draw you attention you may not want. You don't have to look like a nun, but the norms about catcalling on the streets of Mexico are a lot looser than they are here so be aware.

 

          Also you will not always be able to find every brand of feminine product you want. I strongly suggest you bring as much of this with you as you can. The products you are use to are expensive and the substitutes don't always work as well. Also your particular brand of make-up or beauty products may or may not be available, but will surely be more expensive.

 

Student Supplies:

• notebooks, pens and other office "necessities" (much more expensive there)

• personal journal

• books for class—how are those groups coming along??

• calendar/date & address book/small pad to carry with you

• leisure reading

 

Medical Kit:

           I will be carrying a more extensive kit with sterile needles and supplies—

all of these are available in country but you might want to have them with you.

 

       PLEASE REMEMBER TO CARRY ON ALL NECESSARY MEDICINES!

 

• Hand sanitizer packets or bottles packed in checked luggage

• anti-diarrhea pills

• pain relievers

• band-aids and anti-bacterial cream

• benadryl

• insect repellent (30% DEET)

• sun screen (very expensive there)

• braces for weak body parts

• All your prescription medicines in a quantity that will last for the trip if possible and

           a copy of your prescription---for ALL medicines

• Contact lenses and extra glasses-- also a copy of this prescription

 

Miscellaneous for Everyone:

• Your personal care kit—make-up, shave etc kits-including hair dryer/curler if used

• Travel towel—super absorbent kind

• Sleep sack (for warmth in the mountains)

• Passport carrier and/or money belt for protecting valuables during travel A computer or tablet; mp3 player; camera; but as few electronics as you can—don't forget chargers and batteries and storage cards Surge protector-Electricity is 110/220 but can be spotty

• Small sewing kit

• Water bottle

• Travel games/cards to break up the long trips

• Swiss army knife—packed in your checked bag

• Small flashlight or headlamp

• Small umbrella

• Phrase books and tour guides