Health

With any change in environment, the body needs to make adjustments. The following tips are recommended to help you in making these adjustments and in staying healthy.

Before You Arrive

• It is very important that you come to Prague rested, and in good health to begin with.
• Eat a healthy diet and exercise long before you get to Prague!!
• In Prague you will be walking a lot, so get in good physical shape before you come. Start at least 2 months before you arrive in Prague or begin your travels. Whenever you have a choice between walking or driving, walk. Take the stairs. Park in the farthest parking spot.
• Have a pair or two of comfortable walking shoes, but be sure to break them in BEFORE you get to Prague. You won't want to deal with blisters when you have to keep walking. Podiatrists recommend good padding under your feet with a 1-1 1/2 inch rise at the heel. Your feet will be walking on cobble stones and concrete; without the padding you could develop muscle pain or even shin splints.
• If you are prone to chronic ailments (ear infections, urinary tract infections, etc), bring medication for these ailments.
• If you have Diabetes, Allergies, or any other condition for which you need to bring syringes and serum, notify your doctor and insurance company to be sure you have documentation to carry with you through airport security.
• Make sure you make the Institute staff, faculty, and if needed (as in the case of a serious asthma attack) your fellow students, aware of what they would need to do if you have a seizure or attack for which you carry medication which needs to be administered. This includes such things as an allergic reaction to the sight of blood, anxiety attacks, life-threatening allergies to nuts, bees, etc. Always carry these medications with you at all times.
• If you have ever had a serious asthma attack, bring an inhaler. Because Prague is a medieval city with buildings many centuries old, sometimes the dampness can incite a dormant asthmatic reaction.
• If you are prone to anxiety attacks, please let us know, and if known, what sort of things can incite a reaction.

While Traveling

• Drink lots of water! You will be walking a lot more than you are probably used to and need to stay hydrated no matter the season. We recommend buying a refillable water container so that you are not contributing to the landfills with lots of plastic bottles. Bring a water bottle carrier or a clip to clip on to a handbag or have a backpack with a pouch for a water bottle.
• After riding on public transportation, wash hands before inserting in mouth, nose, eyes or another person’s hand. Don’t share water bottles. If you have a contagious ailment (cold, flu, pink eye, etc) wash hands frequently and don’t touch other people or their things.
• Don’t get too drunk-most European beer is stronger than American beer-it has a higher alcohol level. If you have an accident and it is determined that it happened because you were intoxicated, then the insurance will not cover your medical costs. Obviously, you are also more likely to have an accident if you are intoxicated.
• If you have a cough, sore throat, congested breathing or other flu-like symptoms for more than two days, immediately go to a clinic. You can contact HTH for the nearest clinic in whatever city you are. All visits are covered 100% by your medical insurance. Be sure to purchase additional medical insurance coverage for travel in Europe before and after the program dates (this is required).

Safety

Traveling requires an awareness especially when you are dealing with airport changes, transfers, catching connecting trains or busses in order to stay safe. Follow these recommendations to help ensure a safe trip.

While Traveling

• Give yourself plenty of days ahead of departure to pack, get all your business completed (paying bills, setting up forwarding mail, etc) so that you are focused on your actual traveling. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport so that you are not rushing. Accidents are more likely under these conditions.
• Make sure important documents (passport, driver's license) and money (cash, credit cards) are stowed away in well-protected or hidden places (in a neck-bag, fanny-pack, or secret compartment).
• Use good judgement when talking with strangers. Don't give out your address of where you are staying or the address of the Institute.
• If travelling alone, do not fall asleep in the waiting areas of airports, train stations, or in train compartments. If you have a sleeper on the train, make sure your important items are well-protected.
• Wherever you travel, know that pick-pockets can strike, so be aware of who is around you, avoid crowded places, never leave your handbag under your chair or table, don't be loud to draw attention to yourself, don't wander intoxicated, don't show large bills, after changing money at an ATM—put your money away, look around you, and proceed.