Here are a
few tips to help you adjust.
- Take it easy for the first few days or a week. Your body
will need to rest if it is to adapt to local conditions.
- Get enough sleep.
- Wash your hands often and avoid rubbing your eyes in order
not to come in contact and be infected with various viruses.
- Medication for headaches, colds, upset stomach, minor
injuries, and other ailments is readily available in the United
States. It is not always advisable to bring medication from home
into the United States since some restrictions apply. The
pharmacist at any drugstore can assist you in finding medication
for your needs.
- If you are going to a warm area, wear a hat on sunny days to
avoid sunstroke, use sunscreen to protect your skin against
sunburn, and drink a lot of liquids (nonalcoholic and without
caffeine) to prevent dehydration.
- Contact your international student adviser to find the
location of the nearest medical clinic. Most universities
maintain a health clinic on campus.
Most colleges and universities in the United States have a clinic,
an infirmary, or some other form of health care service for
students, though usually not for their families. The "health fee"
the student pays each term goes toward providing such services.
Therefore, the services provided are often free or offered at a
greatly reduced cost. Usually, however, university health services
are limited to minor and emergency care. In case of a serious health
problem, the university normally refers the student to a medical
facility in the community, and the student, or his or her insurance,
pays the costs. Your college or university should send you materials
that discuss health care services and fees involved. If you do not
receive such material, be sure to write and ask your international
student adviser for this information before you leave your home
country.
If you are traveling with your spouse and/or family, you will need
to find another source for medical care. Care for the family is
available from doctors in private medical practice or through
community medical clinics. It is a good idea to establish a
relationship with a doctor shortly after you arrive in the United
States so you will have ready access to medical care if you, your
spouse, or your children should become ill.
Family doctors (also called "primary care physicians" or "general
practitioners") provide medical care for the whole family, as well
as deliver babies. Many doctors specialize in family-related areas.
For example, obstetricians specialize in prenatal care and deliver
babies. Often, an obstetrician is also a gynecologist, a specialist
who treats women. Pediatricians care for infants and children.
Family doctors often refer patients to specialists for treatment of
particular conditions. Ask friends, the student health service, or
the international student adviser for recommendations of doctors in
your community. When you telephone for an appointment, ask how much
the doctor charges for services. Make sure you know which medical
services your health insurance covers and which it does not. For
more information on types of health care plans and health insurance,
read the section on "Health Insurance." |
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