Health Tips for Service
No one understands the fun, the comradery, or the challenges of Peace Corps service better than Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs). RPCVs have experienced a lot of what you are going through now. One of the many things we are good at is supporting each other and you! And we have a number of health tips for service to share with you.
So RPCV Health Crusade decided to collect some helpful health tips for service from RPCVs. Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) can use them to help minimize some of those challenges or maximize those opportunities.
We have been there. It may have been a different year or even a different decade. Some tips are very site-specific while some are more universal. We received tips and suggestions that were not health-related too.
But if we published all the tips that a PCV would like for service, that could require its own data center. Or it might even crash the internet. So we had to be strategic.
RPCV Health Crusade is about our health. Therefore, we focused on the timeless tips specifically on health and health-impacting topics.
RPCV Health Crusade is a volunteer group. We are not claiming to be medical professionals. These tips are opinions and general information from our experiences as RPCVs. We do not offer any legal, financial, medical, or any other type of advice. Always do your own research.
This page will grow and evolve as more health-related tips come in from RPCVs and PCVs. Do you have some great health-related tips to share?
Tips to Navigate Your Health During Service
It may not be as easy as you thought to navigate health needs during your Peace Corps service. There could be challenges. Take ownership of your health during service. Monitor your health. Make healthy choices. Don’t let the little treatable issues become big health problems.
If you have questions or concerns, contact your Peace Corps Medical Officer (PCMO) or your medical doctor from home. Ask for second opinions, when applicable. Don’t try to power through a medical concern. It is better to be safe than sorry. Here are some insider info for PCVs.
Contact Information for Peace Corps-Specific Health Needs
Monitoring Our Health During Peace Corps Service & Travels
Let’s Practice Self-Care During Service and Beyond
Breathe To Combat Stress (Pay Attention to Your Breathing Patterns)
Navigating Peace Corps Service Without Running Water
Watch Out for that Harsh Sun (During Service)
Tips for Your Dental Health Needs
Dental care is sometimes overlooked during service. But many PCVs leave service with a range of dental needs. Some dental problems could be reversed with the right care and effort. But, some problems could result in permanent damage to your teeth or gums if not caught in time.
Are you getting sufficient dental support during service? Let’s share those tips for keeping our mouth, teeth, and gums healthy during service and beyond.
Tips to Tackle Mental Health Needs
Sometimes mental health impacts can become one of the biggest challenges of service. Am I making a real difference? Why don’t I feel productive? Is everyone staring at me? Why am I even here?
Being in an unfamiliar culture and environment may not be as easy as you thought. But it is worth it. Learn how to anticipate and tackle those mental health challenges that crop up during service.
Your Peace Corps Service Matters
What is the Peace Corps Fishbowl?
Navigating that Fishbowl Experience
Trauma Survivors Need Understanding and Support
Managing Stress – Regulate and Release
Managing Stress – Reset and Restore
10 Tips for Staying Mentally Resilient After an Evacuation
What is Culture Shock?
Understanding Reverse Culture Shock
Coping With Reverse Culture Shock
Navigating the Holidays During Service
Tips for Cultural Foods and Nutrition Needs
Food and mealtime are an integral part of your Peace Corps service. It can enhance your experience. Or, it can create problems if you are not safe with it. We collected some tips to help you navigate your way around food and nutrition during service.
Tips to Eat Healthy and Safely During Peace Corps Service
Learn In-Country Dining Rituals
Cooking and Eating with Other Peace Corps Volunteers
More Health-Related Service Tips for You
Learning to manage your mental health helps you better navigate service. And on the flip side, learning how to better navigate service can help your mental health. Some of these tips have direct health connections. And some are insider tips to help lighten the overall stress load of service.
How to Safely Dispose Medication
Collect Your Medical Records Now
Is there an International Gesture for Help?
Tackling Care Package Challenges
Favorite Care Package Items for Peace Corps Volunteers
Health Resources for Evacuated Peace Corps Volunteers
Peace Corps Volunteer’s Access to Menstrual Hygiene Products
The PCV Pre-COS Health Checklist