In the USA, indoor plumbing is pretty standard. We can expect hot and cold running water 24/7. But that is a luxury that some Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) do not have. However, it is not all or nothing with running water during your Peace Corps service. Be prepared for a variety of potential water scenarios.…
Read more
Yes, there is an international gesture for help! But don’t jump up and call the police as soon as you see it. They may just want you to check in on them. But if it is someone you don’t know giving you that signal, then you need to get some immediate help. The person in…
Read more
First, gather all the unused prescription medication that you no longer need. Second, check the label to determine what you should do with it. Do you have to dispose it? Or, can you donate that medication? If that medication has expired or was not correctly stored, it needs to be properly disposed. If the medication…
Read more
Many of us have unfinished or expired prescriptions in the house. Over-the-counter medication also expires. It is not safe to keep them around. But do you know how to safely dispose medication? If you flush it or wash it down the drain, it ends up in the sewage system. Pharmaceuticals can navigate through the water…
Read more
Many of us start the year with good intentions. We want to make positive changes. Some of those changes often include making health a priority. Every year, many of us make all sorts of new year resolutions. But are those resolutions achievable or are they too lofty? Do we forget after a few weeks? Did…
Read more
As Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs), we get so focused on our work and on helping others that we sometimes forget about taking care of ourselves. But it is important to practice self-care too. We all need to show ourselves some TLC so that we can be at our best for others. In a nutshell, self-care…
Read more
During Peace Corps service, you can’t expect the typical amenities that you have in the USA. Air conditioning is a luxury. Some Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) serve in areas without electricity or central air. You have to be creative. Some countries are experiencing record heat waves. How do you cool down in the heat if…
Read more
Last year on Sept 10th, President Biden issued a proclamation to officially designate this day every year as the National Day of Service and Remembrance. This day honors the lives lost and heroes who stepped up on 9/11 when terrorists attacked. This is also the day that the country became united in grief and purpose.…
Read more
Paying for medical visits, testing, travel, and medication can be costly. But having to pay for those all at once is a known hurdle for many Peace Corps applicants. For those without insurance or ample financial means, those medical clearance costs stop the applicant from applying for Peace Corps service. Will the increase in medical…
Read more
Health and disabilities go hand in hand. And an inclusive approach helps everyone. Where can RPCV Health Crusade make a difference within the RPCV community that could ripple that forward to benefit even more people? We thought that a good place to start is by improving inclusion and accessibility (A11Y) of RPCVs’ websites and social…
Read more