Health
Tips
Health
And Safety
Vaccinations
Physical Examination
Medical Insurance
Health
And Safety
The health and safety of each student is our primary concern, and
we will take every precaution to insure that all opportunities for
accidents and dangers are minimized. However, we will be working
in an environment unfamiliar to most students, and each student
must exercise caution, good judgment, and common sense. We expect
each student to cooperate and obey rules of safety. In addition,
you are required to report any sickness or injury to a faculty member
as soon as possible. Delays may prolong your recuperatory period,
impair your ability to actively participate in the course, and limit
you and your classmate's opportunity to complete your research projects.
Although you may be willing to take risks on your own, each student
must understand that we are part of a team and we can not accomplish
our personal and course goals without the full cooperation of each
student. In the event that anyone on the Field Course sustains a
minor injury, they will be taken to the Medical Clinic in the town
of La Cariari which is located 25 minutes from the Farm. If necessary,
doctors at the clinic will visit the Farm to treat patients. Note:
The phone at the Station will be used for emergency only and incoming
calls from the Costa Rica, 011-506-710-8005 Ometepe Nicaragua 011-505-883-1107
There are poisonous snakes in Costa Rica. Generally, they pose no
significant threat to our work or safety. The snakes tend to avoid
areas heavily traveled by humans which include our trail system.
As a precaution, we have the 24-hour emergency phone number of a
medical doctor and clinic in the nearby towns of La Cariari and
Guapiles. They maintain a complete supply of modern medical equipment,
antivenin, and trained personnel. In the case of serious injury,
the injured party can be taken by car to a hospital in San Jose,
the capital of Costa Rica.
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Vaccinations
Please consult your doctor or public health service regarding vaccinations
and medicines for travel to Costa Rica. You and your personal physician
can make the most informed decisions based on your medical history.
We recommend Aralen (chloroquine) 500 mg, 1 tablet every week starting
one week before departure, continuing during the trip, and for 6
weeks after returning. All persons should have a tetanus booster
every 10 years; 5 years for punture wounds, bites and other contaminated
wounds.
Physical Examination
(Medical Form)
La Suerte Biological Station requires that each student include
with his or her application a standard medical form (or physical
examination results) signed by a physician. The form must indicate
the student's current state of physical health, height, weight,
allergies, heart rate, blood pressure, a list of all prescription
medication the student is taking and will need to take while participating
in the field school, a history of previous medical problems, and
the physician's recommendation as to whether the student 's health
is at risk by participating in the field school. It is essential
that we be informed about your current and previous medical history.
You will not be permitted to participate in the field school unless
all medical and insurance forms are completed.
If you have any special allergies or conditions which might result
in sudden illness (asthma, diabetes, severe allergic reactions to
bee stings) you must inform the faculty during the first day of
orientation. This will enable all field school participants and
personnel to be familiar with medical needs. In addition, if you
require any special medication, you must bring an adequate supply
and keep this medication on your person at all times. All prescription
medication should be kept in the original bottles with the proper
labels indicating dosage. Do not pack medication in your suitcase.
Your suitcase might be lost by the airlines. Keep all medication
in your carry-on baggage during travel.
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Medical
Insurance
La Suerte Biological Research Station provides no health or accident
insurance. All students registered in the course are required to
have active medical insurance during the period of the field school.
Consult with your insurance carrier regarding specific coverage.
Many health insurance policies have very limited coverage outside
the United States and student health insurance may not normally
extend over the summer. Most Universities will allow students to
continue their coverage over the summer at extremely low cost.
It is possible to purchase low cost medical insurance (typically
less than $50 per month) for students traveling overseas. Here are
some established travel insurance companies. Please read the insurance
brochure carefully before purchasing any insurance and make sure
the policy you are buying covers the countries you are traveling
to.
CIEE Council on Int'l Student Exchange - 212-661-1450
TravMed - 800-732-5309
Travel Insurance Int'l - 800-243-3174
Travel Guard Int'l - 800-782-5151
Travel Assistant Int'l -800-821-2828
Int'l SOS Assistance - 800-523-8930
You will need to take your Medical Insurance Regsitration Card and
several insurance claim forms with you to Costa Rica.
Your tuition
payment cannot be used to pay for any medical care you may require
while in Costa Rica. You are responsible for paying for medical
costs whether or not they are covered by your insurance. You should
carry about $150.00, separate from the rest of your funds, in case
your require the services of a local clinic or doctor for a minor
illness or medical prescription.
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