It is important that group leaders and individuals preparing for mission take time to adequately prepare for their health (or the health of their group members) before the planned trip. This includes:

• spiritual, mental and emotional health preparation
• assuring that each missioner will be as physically well as possible during mission
• taking precautions while in mission
• awareness of symptoms that may be related to the mission upon return home.

Spiritual, mental and emotional health
 

International travel and mission work can be stressful. Attention must be given to assessing and preparing for the stresses of traveling long distances by air and overland, getting enough sleep, eating differently, and conditions of poverty and mission living that exist in many lands. Good mission formation, daily prayer and faith exercises and processing our reactions upon return can go a long way in helping each other work through our experience.

Assuring that each missioner will be as physically well as possible during mission
 

Prevention and precautions are the two most important strategies for physical health during mission. Vaccinations and food and water precautions are the best ways to prevent infectious (communicable) diseases. All mission travelers should have a copy of their current up-to-date immunization record. We recommend the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website for the most up-to date information on travel health and recommended vaccines.

International Health Regulations require Yellow Fever Vaccine for travel to certain countries in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America. Meningococcal Vaccine is required by the government of Saudi Arabia for travel during the Hajj.

Taking precautions during mission
 

It is necessary for the mission traveler to take food and water precautions during global mission. Take precautions to assure that water is safe. Clean soda cans prior to consuming contents; do not use locally produced ice cubes in drinks. Boiled/filtered water from a reliable clean source is acceptable. Consume only beverages from sealed bottles or cans. Do not consume raw vegetables that have been washed in local water source. Vegetables should be cooked. Fruits that have an intact skin that can be peeled are usually okay to eat.

Traffic and pedestrian accidents are another risk for the foreign travelers. Take care when walking; be aware of the rules of the road and traffic patterns. Take care when crossing highways and roads. Take precautions if riding in trucks or other vehicles where there are no seatbelts. Do not travel with or display items of value while on public transport. If traveling outside of a familiar mission area, be sure to travel with someone or let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.

Leave valuables at home. Refrain from traveling with large amounts of cash, expensive jewelry and electronic devices. Assure that luggage and hand carried items remain in your possession. Make additional copies of your passport to leave at home and in a safe place. Report lost or stolen passports immediately.

Check the US State Department website for warnings, travel bulletins, etc. Register your travel with the US State Department.

Awareness of symptoms that may be related to the mission upon your return

The incubation period for infectious diseases varies from a few hours to several days. If you are ill upon return, contact your doctor and report your travel itinerary. Mental and emotional stress related to mission can also become evident on return; this is usually minor. If symptoms persist, professional care may be needed to work-through the re-entry process.

Be prepared. Take precautions during mission. Report illness on return.

• Check with your current health insurance provider to determine coverage for travel vaccines and accident/illness while traveling.
• Are you pregnant or is your immunity compromised due to illness such as diabetes or HIV? If so, please see your physician prior to travel.
• Obtain a complete, current Immunization Record. Get recommended vaccines.
• Check The Center for Disease Control's Website for travel recommendations and precautions for your destination.
• Schedule an appointment with your doctor or travel medicine clinic at least 4-8 weeks prior to travel.
• Follow food, water and other health precautions while on mission.
• If you become ill on return, seek medical care and report your travel itinerary to your doctor.