In order to stay healthy in the tropics you need common sense, good luck and a healthy body. A few extra precautions will make tropical living a more pleasant and healthy experience.
Malaria-carrying mosquitoes bite between dusk and dawn. Insect repellents: DEET or Skin-So-Soft (Avon), are recommended. Bed nets are provided. Speak with your health care provider regarding anti-malarial medication.
Proper footwear can protect the traveler from injury, insects, and parasites which are found in the sand and soil.
To avoid dehydration participants should drink LOTS of water. Purified water will be provided at all times. Canned or bottled "carbonated" drinks and beverages made from boiled water are safe. Ice should be made from purified water.
Food spoils rapidly in a tropical climate, especially meat, poultry and dairy products. With the high humidity and temperature of the tropics, food becomes an excellent culture medium for high bacterial growth. Therefore, even light contamination can lead to dangerous bacterial levels within a few hours. All host families will have received proper food-handling information.
Avoid un-pasteurized milk and food from street vendors.
Eat only fruit and vegetables which you peel and wash yourself, or your host family prepares for you...cook vegetables which cannot be treated in this way.
Do NOT swim or bathe in slow moving or "still" water
The sun in the tropics is MUCH more intense than what we’re used to stateside. Be sure to apply sunscreen (SPF 15 +) continuously throughout the day. BHBH recommends the use of a wide brimmed hat or baseball cap.
rev 9/19/07