Schools are out, and as we head into summer, lots of families are making plans to travel overseas, especially to India. However, how ready are we as far as our health is concerned? Research shows that each day, airlines carry 1.8 million passengers over international borders, and any traveler – human, animal, or pathogen – can cross the globe in less than 12 hours. Visits to India make us susceptible to preventable illnesses such as typhoid, malaria and Hepatitis A.
The Centers for Disease Control and Management is working to educate travellers about taking precautions before they travel, and UNITED SIKHS has partnered with them on “Destination India,” a program designed to spread the information word of mouth through volunteers, known as Health Talkers. More information is available here.
- Health Talkers sign up to talk to their community members about the importance of seeing their providers and being up to date on their health needs before they travel. As a Health Talker:
- You enroll online
- You make a difference by having conversations with people you know. It’s that simple. Share the facts and use your knowledge and personal experience to raise awareness as appropriate
- You receive a free welcome and information kit in the mail
- You get access to a private, online website with other Destination India volunteers
- It’s not time-consuming, and it’s rewarding! 96% of volunteers in HealthTalker programs describe their experience as very rewarding (55%) or rewarding (41%)
Sign up here to become a CDC Health Talker today and protect your community members!
- If you are travelling to India over the summer, prepare for your trip by:
- Seeing your doctor 4-6 weeks before your travel date. Discuss what protection you may need on your trip.
- Taking steps to stay healthy by avoiding bug bites, or being careful of what you eat and drink. Check out this CDC app to help you make decisions!
- In case you feel sick after you return, see your provider immediately and make sure to tell your doctor you recently visited India.
Support the program and sign up today! As a Health Talker, you will make a difference!
For more information contact us at ceed-usa@unitedsikhs.org
Please watch our videos at UNITEDSIKHSTV and follow us our social media Facebook | Twitter | Blog and see how your contribution is making a difference.
Issued by,,
Rucha Kaur
Associate Director,Community Education & Empowerment Directorate, UNITED SIKHS,
Tel:1-718-441-6644
E: ceed-usa@unitedsikhs.org | contact@unitedsikhs.org
