CENTRAL AMERICA
The new RVing Frontier!

Article #7 - HEALTH ISSUES:
What about them?

by Jim Jaillet - Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved

In Article #1, CENTRAL AMERICA: You Can Do It!, we discussed the importance of
planning. Another vital aspect of the planning, to experience your trip with NO HEALTH
PROBLEMS!

The first step in the Health Issues involves getting the appropriate medical advice to
minimize health problems on your trip. You should know where to go to get this
information. I went to my County Health Department for advice. They required me to
complete a form identifying my medical history, countries I intended to visit, date of
departure and estimated duration of my trip. Based on the information I supplied, they
then gave me my inoculations and recommended list of pills to take during the trip. Upon
the completion of the visit they provided a form:

                INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATE OF VACCINATION
                as approved by THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
                                            and issued by the
             U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.
                          You should keep this form in a safe place.

The BIG RECOMMENDATION is wait to buy any medications until you get to Mexico.
E.g.: For Malaria prevention the health department recommended I take one-500mg pill
of Chloroquine weekly. A one year supply from Costco costs $177.00! I bought the full
year supply in Mexico for $18.00! If you take prescription medications, you know drug
prices in the United States are obscene! Pharmacies are readily available in Mexico.

Medical insurance coverage remains a personal decision. Only you know your history and
current medical status, needs and financial ability to pay. In my particular situation, I
come from very healthy genes and get my medical needs cared for by The Veterans
Administration which does not cover me outside of the United States. I elected to go
without medical insurance on my trip. My thoughts told me I would personally cover the
financial aspect associated with any illness. Like I said, a personal decision.

A major concern at the time involved what to do in the event of a major illness or
accident? My county health department pleasantly supplied me with the answer to that
puzzling question. They recommended Diver's Alert Network and anyone can  join! As a
single, for only $129.00, I obtained coverage up to $100,000 maximum for evacuation
insurance back to the United States. The insurance covers many other items including
driving your vehicle back to the United States. Check Divers Alert Network insurance at
Divers Alert Network

Request a copy of your dental records, including x-rays, from your dentist to carry with
your medical records. Most dentists should be willing to comply and technically "they are
your records." Keep them in a safe place.


                       (copy the below form for your caravan)

               MEDICAL FORM FOR CENTRAL AMERICA TRIP

Please complete this form. Put it in a sealed envelope with your name on it and give one to
every person in the caravan. The envelopes are not to be opened by anyone unless
needed for your care.Please PRINT legibly! To be returned to the originator at the end
of the caravan.

Your full legal name and mailing address:
__________________________________________________________

Date of birth:_____________________________________

Age:____________________________

Doctors name, location, and phone number:
___________________________________________________________

Medical Insurance &/or Medical Flight Insurance: Company?
__________________________________________________

Policy Number?____________________________

Phone Number?____________________________

Emergency Phone Numbers:
Please list next of kin or someone to notify in an emergency and the person that you want
your possessions and RV to go to if you become disabled. Include two names, relationship
to you, and how to contact them (PHONE NUMBER and address).

1.

2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MEDICAL HISTORY:
1. Do you have any specific medical conditions (ie. Heart, diabetes)?
___________________________________________________________

2. What medications do you take regularly, what dosages?
___________________________________________________________

3. ALLERGIES to medications? Other?
___________________________________________________________

4. List any MAJOR SURGURIES you've had:
___________________________________________________________
5. Do you have a living will or DNR request? (Yes__ No__)
Do you have a copy with you? _______

Where would we find it if
needed?______________________________________________

Finally, a couple of very practical pieces of advice:

* DO NOT GO WITHIN ONE MILE OF A BEACH WEARING JUST SANDALS! THE
SAND FLEA BITES WILL DRIVE YOU INSANE WITH THE ITCHING! ALWAYS
WEAR SHOES AND SOCKS NO MATTER HOW HOT AND HUMID! THE ITCHING
FROM SAND FLEA BITES CAN LAST UP TO ONE YEAR! TRUST ME ON THIS!

* The best itching relief from mosquitoes and other general bug bites:
* small metal containers of Vicks Vapor Rub.
* plastic tubes of a white cream medication by the name of Autun.

Don't miss the next installment " DOCUMENT ISSUES: What about them?" in which I'll
discuss the considerations of preparing your mindset for your journey. Stay tuned and
remember my promise at the beginning of Article #1............. YOU CAN DO IT!

================================================================

Jim Jaillet is a full-time RVer, Adventurer and Author of PANAMA OR BUST - A 343
day adventure in a motorhome!

You can claim your copy of my book for only $19.95 at www.panamaorbust.com

I'd love to hear what you thought of this Article #7, HEALTH ISSUES, What about
them? Please send your comments, questions, and ideas for upcoming articles to me at
jimj@panamaorbust.com

================================================================
Disclaimer: The author in no way can guarantee your safety in Central America. After all
they are Third World countries and not without danger or the possibility of death. You go
at your own risk. The author is only suggesting that with some planning, common sense and
caution you may minimize your potential dangers and be rewarded with countless cultural
experiences.  :)