Physical Wellness

Physical wellness is about being in tune with your body, addressing chronic and pop-up conditions early, and when necessary making a plan to help you maintain optimal health while participating in your experience. Team SAO is here to help you find resources relevant to health in your host setting, but we and any provider can only do this if you let us know what you might need. The research on your destination that you do prior to participation will ensure that the program you choose is one that allows you to maintain optimal health. 

While this section is focused on physical wellness, we encourage you to approach your global experience holistically -- or whole-istically.  Ideally your takeaways from the experience will impact all the dimensions of wellness in some way.

For information related to health matters such as International Health Insurance, immunizations, medical reports and general tips for staying health before and while traveling, please visit the Your Health page.

Physical Wellness Tips

  • Before you leave, get prepared with your medications, vaccinations & a first aid kit.
  • Be aware of potential health risks where you are traveling such as bugs, altitude, sun exposure, air pollution, etc.
  • Wear comfortable, properly fitting shoes.
  • Make sure to get enough sleep.
  • Have an exercise routine. Early morning might be best since your day will be easily filled up with learning and exploring.
  • Limit alcohol intake. Always drink responsibly.
  • Avoid uncooked food from street vendors. Make your own food if you can.
  • Be mindful of a balanced diet but don't let it stop you from trying new foods.
  • Drink plenty of water. Carry a water bottle with you all the time.
  • Wear sunscreen daily.
  • Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often.
  • Recognize your body’s warning signs such as fatigue and take them seriously.
  • Speak up when you need help.

Maintaining health and wellness start before your travel. It is important to research the country and city in which you will be studying to be aware of any health concerns that may be present and actions you can take to mitigate the risk. Likewise, you should be aware of your health to take proper care of yourself and to stay well and healthy abroad.

For more information related to practical health matters before you go such as meeting with your healthcare professionals, planning for medication and immunizations, please visit the Your Health page.

Resources

Student Health Service* ​- Provides high quality primary health care, prevention, health education, and pharmacy services to enhance student living and learning.

University Counselling Center* - Students can engage in private or group counseling sessions, wellness workshops, have access to trauma and self-care resources, diversity resources, resources for allies and much more. 

International SOS - Provides health and security coverage to Pitt student, faculty, and staff traveling for University-related studies or business.

Allegheny County Health Department – Provides vaccines including travel immunizations.

The Center for Disease Control – Provides country-specific information about required or recommended immunization and medications, and travel preparation tips.

World Health Organization - Is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health.

Your Health Abroad - State Department – Provides country-specific health, safety, and security information.

Apps

ISOS Assistance - One-click dialing to the closest ISOS Assistance Center and medical and security travel advice before and during trips. Available for Android and iOS.

CDC’s TravWell - Provides destination-specific vaccine recommendations, a checklist of what you need to do to prepare for travel, and a customizable healthy travel packing list. Available for Android and iOS.

My Travel Health - Is based on technologies licensed from the Mayo Clinic and designed to help travelers safeguard their health before, during and after travel. Available for Android and iOS.

Articles and Blogs

Before You Travel Tips – CDC – Things to consider before you head out on your next adventure

Are You Fit to Travel? – World Nomads - 8 Things to Check before you go

Vlogs, Videos and Podcasts

Tips for Safe and Healthy Travel Abroad - Scripps - San Diego Health host Susan Taylor talks with Saima Lodhi, MD, about what overseas travelers can do to have a safe, healthy and enjoyable trip. (25 min)

 

Your health and wellness during your program have a direct impact on your academic success and cultural adaption. If you are struggling with health issues, you may miss classes, be less involved in the local communities, and not have a positive cultural experience. Prepare for a safe and healthy study abroad experience by following recommendations from Pitt study abroad office, your program provider and host institutions, and from CDC and other reliable sources. 

For information about related to health matters while you are traveling such as environmental risks, food and water and jet leg, please visit the Your Health page.

Resources

University Counselling Center* - Students can engage in private or group counseling sessions, wellness workshops, have access to trauma and self-care resources, diversity resources, resources for allies and much more. 

International SOS - Provides health and security coverage to Pitt student, faculty, and staff traveling for University-related studies or business.

The Center for Disease Control – Provides country-specific information about required or recommended immunization and medications, and travel preparation tips.

Your Health Abroad - State Department – Provides country-specific health, safety, and security information.

Apps

ISOS Assistance - One-click dialing to the closest ISOS Assistance Center and medical and security travel advice before and during trips. Available for Android and iOS.

CDC’s TravWell - Provides destination-specific vaccine recommendations, a checklist of what you need to do to prepare for travel, and a customizable healthy travel packing list. Available for Android and iOS.

CDC’s Can I Eat This? - Helps you prevent traveler’s diarrhea and other illnesses you might get from contaminated food and water. Available for Android and iOS.

iHydrate  - Tracks your daily water intake – Available for iOS.

Sleep Cycle - Sleep Tracker - Tracks your sleep and sleep patterns and helpful in combating jetlag. Available for iOS.

MINDBODY - Lets you find and book fitness classes run locally, wherever you are in the world. Available for iOS.

My Travel Health - Is based on technologies licensed from the Mayo Clinic and designed to help travelers safeguard their health before, during and after travel. Available for Android and iOS.

Happy Cow – Helps you find vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants. Available for Android and iOS.

Articles and Blogs

8 Ways to Prevent Sickness or Injury During Travel - CDC.

Staying Healthy Abroad – AIFS – Tips on how to stay healthy abroad and what to do if you get sick.

How to Stay Fit & Healthy While Studying Abroad - Go Overseas - 10 ways to balance adventure and wellness so you can stay healthy and fit while studying abroad.

How to Stay Healthy While Traveling - The New York Times.

Vlogs, Videos and Podcasts

How To Stay Healthy While Traveling -  Mind Over Munch. (12 min)

 

After travel, you might return home with health issues. Fortunately, most after-travel illnesses are mild, such as a head cold or an upset stomach. However, other travel-related illnesses may be more serious, and symptoms may not show up until long after you get home.

The CDC recommends that you seek medical attention if you are not feeling well after your trip, whether you have diarrhea, skin problems, trouble breathing, or other issues. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. This information will help your doctor consider infections that are rare or not found in the United States. Some details to include:

  • Your vaccination history
  • What you did on your trip (activities, excursions, etc.)
  • How long you were gone
  • Where you stayed (hotel, dorm, homestay)
  • What you ate and drank
  • Whether you were bitten by bugs or bitten, scratched, or licked by animals
  • Whether you swam in fresh water
  • Whether you received health care abroad
  • Any other possible exposures to infections like sexual encounters, tattoos

Resources

After Travel Tips – CDC – Recommendations on measures to take if you are not feeling well after your trip.

Student Health Service* ​- Provide high quality primary health care, prevention, health education, and pharmacy services to enhance student living and learning.

University Counseling Center*- Students can engage in private or group counseling sessions, wellness workshops, have access to trauma and self-care resources, diversity resources, resources for allies and much more.