Established Relationships Nurtured During Trip Abroad

Name: Marcus Newton
Lives in: Chandler, AZ, USA
Destination: Balkans
Trip Date: May 28 – June 15, 2014

Founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower at the 1956 White House conference on citizen diplomacy, Sister Cities International is a non-profit, non-partisan organization serving as the national membership organization for individual sister cities, counties, and states across the United States. President Eisenhower envisioned an organization that could be a champion for peace and prosperity by fostering bonds between people from different communities around the world. By forming these relationships, President Eisenhower reasoned that people of different cultures could celebrate and appreciate their differences and build partnerships that would lessen the chance of new conflicts. Sister Cities International advances peace and prosperity through cultural, educational, humanitarian, and economic development exchanges. It serves as a hub for institutional knowledge and best practices in the field of citizen diplomacy.

Marcus Newton, owner of Printing Specialists (an Arizona business for over 33 years), has been volunteering for the organization since 1986 and is currently the Vice President for the Sister Cities chapter in Tempe, AZ. He, his wife, and 16 other members of his local chapter recently traveled abroad to attend the Balkan Sister City Conference in Skopje, Macedonia. They also met with many mayors as they toured other Balkan countries in search of additional future Sister City relationships.

Did you visit any other countries in the area? If yes, which countries?
Macedonia, Albania, Serbia, Turkey, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia-Hercegovina

How did the daily life of the locals differ from the life you live back home?
There was not a noticeable difference among the daily life of the locals from ours. We met many locals and the only difference was language, but we are all faced with similar problems; the only slight difference may be intensity.

Did you eat any local delicacies or interesting foods during your trip?
We had many opportunities to eat the local delicacies and partake in cultural experiences. We were guests at many banquets hosted by various Eastern Europe cities that were often 4-6 course meals that lasted from anywhere of 3-4 hours in length. These lunches/dinners gave us an opportunity to not only converse with the locals, but also taste many of their beloved cuisine, listen and dance to their local music. Almost every day, we ate the local vegetables, meats and drank local beer/wine. In Skopje, we were guests at a local restaurant, in which the owner and chef personalized our menu after the local favorites. He cooked all of our food in a specialized wood oven. This specialized oven was the only equipment in his kitchen. The dishes he created were amazing! While we were in Albania, we did have a fish that only can be found in the great depths of Lake Ohrid of the Balkans. The locals informed us that the Queen of England is known to favor this fish and it is imported from the lake to her table.

How was the weather different than in Arizona? Was it challenging to acclimate?
The weather was absolutely wonderful. The only difference was the high humidity that we are not used to in Arizona. The sun shined every day and the waterway breezes cooled us off. When it was hot, many of our new local friends would help us find an area of “shadow” (that is what they referred to as shade) and joined us for a drink at many of the beautiful cafés.

What was the most memorable experience during your trip?
The beautiful scenery, but most of all the opportunity to meet many new friends.

Did you find any cultural similarities between your destination and home?
Throughout our travels, we have learned that people are very similar no matter where they live. We all have the same problems (family, work, government and etc…). We have all loved, felt pain and laughed.

What was the most surprising thing about your trip?
The most surprising thing about our trip was the beauty of Serbia. Serbia was so clean, green, and blooming with flowers. It was amazing to see how the wine industry has flourished in the Balkan countries. We saw so many miles of vineyards along the Balkan coastline and countryside. We tasted many of the local wines and they were incredible. It was evident that the Balkans are serious about their wine.

What places of interest or activities do you recommend?
Everyone must visit Istanbul, Turkey. It is an intensely beautiful country that is so rich with history. The restaurant, hotel and tourism service is outstanding.

How did your trip impact the way you view life abroad??
That communism was a huge failure and still presents many obstacles for many countries to overcome.

Will you be traveling abroad soon? Be sure you are healthy and fully prepared for your trip by scheduling a visit with a travel health specialist before you go.

Sister Cities International
Tempe Sister Cities Chapter
Passport Health blog- Doing Good Globally: Sister Cities International

Theories of international relations extend far back in human history, as far back, in fact, as the 5th Century BC, when Athenian historian Thucydides wrote the History of the Peloponnesian War. Various schools of thought that seek to explain war and peace have since proliferated: be they the realist school of thought, with its focus on states, survival, and self-help; liberalism, with a focus on state preferences and interdependence; neorealism, with a focus on the anarchic international system; constructivism, with an emphasis on collective values and social identities; or even Marxism, grounded in the idea that economic concerns transcend all others. Such theories have filled more pages of books than most students of international relations care to remember. Taking a step back, however, one element is shockingly missing from a discipline that ultimately seeks to explain why some of the most momentous events in human history have occurred, and that missing element is the power of a human connection. Do friendships, memories, or shared smiles and tears have the power to change history? President Eisenhower certainly thought so. In 1956, the President laid out a plan for an organization to lay the groundwork for world peace and prosperity by creating bonds between people from different cities and countries all over the globe. By developing these relationships, he reasoned that people of different cultures could come together, celebrate and appreciate their differences, build strong partnerships and thus lessen the chance of new conflicts occurring. Under this new theory of international relationships, Sister Cities International was born.

The organization’s mission is to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation – one individual, one community at a time – and this mission is just as important today as when the organization was founded over 50 years ago. Via human-to-human relationships, different cultures can celebrate and appreciate their differences, and hopefully remember Kofi Anan’s sage guidance that, “We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race.”

Would you like to take part in promoting a new theory of international relationships with Sister Cities? There are many ways you can get involved: become a partner or state coordinator or simply make a donation, but know that your contribution will help ensure that the organization’s programs continue to grow and connect ordinary citizens in even more parts of the globe.

To make a donation to Sister Cities International, please visit this webpage, and click here to learn more about the organization in general.

Flu season is nearly upon us, and you proactively already have your flu clinic booked (if you don’t have the clinic scheduled, there is still time, but what are you waiting for?)! Your onsite flu clinic is a great opportunity to offer your employees additional protection and help ensure their health and wellness throughout the year by offering additional protective vaccines. So, what other vaccines should you make available to your employees at the onsite event?

Hepatitis B

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B can result in a serious infection that causes an inflammation of the liver, most often caused by a viral infection. Hepatitis B is transmitted primarily through contact with blood or blood-derived fluids, and it can be spread from one person to another. The most common ways it is spread in the U.S. are by sexual contact, contact with blood or other bodily fluids, and sharing needles. In addition, a mother can pass Hepatitis B to her baby during childbirth. Most people do not experience symptoms immediately after coming into contact with the virus and may be unaware they are carrying the disease until they receive a blood test. Hepatitis B can cause short term illness, also known as acute Hepatitis B, leading to tiredness, muscles and joint pain, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and jaundice. Some people go on to develop chronic Hepatitis B which is a long-lasting infection that occurs when the body can’t get rid of the virus. This can lead to more serious complications such as liver damage, liver cancer, and death.

How do I prevent Hepatitis B?

The best way to prevent Hepatitis B and the serious consequences of the infection is by getting the Hepatitis B vaccine. The vaccine is safe and effective and is usually administered over a six month period for a full course of three injections.

Who needs the Hepatitis B vaccine?

People who are at a higher risk for contracting Hepatitis B include health care workers and people whose jobs exposes them to human blood, anyone traveling to or working in areas where the virus is more widespread, and people with HIV infection, kidney disease, or chronic liver disease.

Pneumonia

What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is generally caused by the bacterium Streptococcus Pneumoniae, but this lung infection can also be caused by different types of bacteria, virus, or fungi. You can fall ill with pneumonia as a result of normal, daily life activities; pneumonia is commonly spread by direct person-to-person contact with respiratory secretions (like saliva or mucus) of an infected person. During flu season, the population in general is at higher risk to contract the disease since having a cold or the flu makes it harder for your lungs to fight infection. Pneumonia and its symptoms can vary from mild to severe, and in some cases can be life-threatening. Individuals with this lung infection usually get very sick with a cough and fever and have a hard time breathing.

How do I prevent Pneumonia?

Vaccination is the best way to prevent pneumococcal disease and is especially important because some strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae are resistant to antibiotics. The pneumonia vaccine prevents serious blood, brain, and lung infections and complications.

Who needs the Pneumonia vaccine?

It’s important that people receive the vaccination especially if they are part of a group that is at a higher risk for getting the infection in the first place. This includes individuals who have sickle cell disease, diabetes, HIV, a compromised immune system, kidney disease, or asthma. In addition, individuals who smoke or reside in a place where people live close together like a dorm or nursing home should get the pneumonia vaccination.

Vitamin B12

What is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is a vitamin naturally found in foods such as meat, fish, and dairy products. B12 is an essential vitamin that is required for the proper functioning and development of the brain, nerves, blood cells, and many other parts of the body. Proper levels of Vitamin B12 protect against memory loss and are useful in boosting mood, energy, concentration, and the immune system. Although most people get enough B12 from a healthy diet, some individuals have difficulty absorbing this essential nutrient and may develop a B12 deficiency. This can damage the nervous system and result in a range of unpleasant symptoms including weakness, tiredness, light-headedness, rapid heartbeat, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, upset stomach, diarrhea or constipation.

How do I prevent a B12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 injections are a good way to treat a B12 deficiency or prevent a deficiency from occurring if you have certain conditions such as atrophic gastritis, conditions affecting the small intestine, or immune system disorders. Injecting B12 allows the vitamin to be delivered directly to the bloodstream so that it’s easily absorbed by the body. B12 plays an essential role in cell metabolism, and many injection recipients report increased energy levels and better memory and concentration.

Who needs the Vitamin B12 shot?

Even if you don’t have a B12 deficiency, it’s still a good idea to consider receiving the injection. These injections can give you added energy to keep you feeling your best, especially during flu season when your body may be particularly run down. Higher levels of vitamins, including B12, in the body’s tissues have been shown to increase antibody production by the immune system following flu shots.

Tdap

What is Tdap?

Tdap stands for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, a certainly unpleasant and potentially deadly combination of diseases. Tetanus causes painful muscle tightening and stiffness all over the body and can particularly affect muscles in the head and neck so you can’t open your mouth, swallow, or sometimes even breathe. Diphtheria can cause a thick coating to form in the back of the throat leading to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, and death. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, causes severe coughing spells, which can lead to difficulty breathing, vomiting, and disturbed sleep. Diphtheria and pertussis are both spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing, and tetanus enters the body through cuts, scratches or other open wounds.

How do I prevent Tdap?

The Tdap vaccine protects not just the recipient but also the wider community by preventing the spread of these diseases from person to person, and, in so doing, offers some protection to the unvaccinated as well. It’s important that people receive this 3-in-1 vaccine and get the recommended booster every 10 years.

Who needs the Tdap vaccine?

Pregnant women should get a dose of Tdap during every pregnancy in order to protect the newborn from pertussis. In addition, caregivers of infants, including grandparents and babysitters, should make sure they have received this vaccination since infants are most at risk for severe, life-threatening complications from pertussis. The Tdap vaccine is also vital for individuals who work in the healthcare industry and have direct contact with patients, as well as people traveling to foreign countries where pertussis is present.

Biometric Screens

What is a biometric screening?

A biometric screening is a key component of a corporate health program, wellness event, or flu clinic. Often times, biometric screenings are the first step in many worksite wellness programs, and successful screenings can set the tone for all future wellness initiatives. These screenings can provide employees with crucial information on current and potential medical issues, allowing them to identify paths for disease prevention as well as improved health and productivity.

How does a biometric screening work?

It’s easy! Height and weight are recorded, BMI is calculated, blood pressure is measured, and basic blood tests that measure cholesterol and blood glucose are performed.

Who needs a biometric screen?

Everyone! Each individual should have basic measures of health, and a biometric screening program for your workforce provides this crucial service to employees and serves as the foundation for future wellness programs.

A flu clinic can be about much more than just preventing the flu (although that is no small feat!). By making additional vaccines and services available to employees, you can promote a healthy workplace all year round!

Tell us, are there other vaccines or services that you think could make an onsite flu event even more beneficial to employees?

Traveler Climbs Mount Kilimanjaro and Discovers New Passion while Teaching Abroad

Name: Jennifer
Originally lived in/traveled from Denver, CO; now living in Moshi, Tanzania
Destination: Tanzania
Trip Date: February and March, 2014

Tanzania is home to Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. At 19,341 feet (5,895 meters) above sea level, it is also the highest free standing mountain in the world. An estimated 25,000 people climb Mount Kilimanjaro each year. In our interview below, Jennifer shares her climbing adventure and personal discoveries made while in Tanzania.

What was the purpose of your trip?
I was in Tanzania to climb Kilimanjaro and to do volunteer work.

Did you travel alone, with family/friends, or with a group?
I climbed Kilimanjaro with Alpine Ascents International and volunteered with Cross-Cultural Solutions.

Do you have any previous experience with travel abroad?
Yes, I have traveled extensively and recently lived for a year in Bologna, Italy.

How did the daily life of the locals differ from the life you live back home?
In Moshi, most people live on less than $2 per day. People live with hardships such as lack of running water and electricity and high rates of HIV. They do not have many material things and so their joy comes more from experiences: visiting with family and friends, tending to children, making crafts, learning something new. They have the biggest and warmest smiles I have ever seen. They remind me that I don’t need security, status or things to be joyful.

Did you eat any local delicacies or interesting foods during your trip?
I ate a lot of fresh tropical fruits! The mango, pineapple, and watermelon in Tanzania are delicious. On the coast and in Zanzibar, I enjoyed lots of fresh seafood. I also came to enjoy ugali, or cornmeal porridge, which is a staple in East Africa.

How was the weather different than in your hometown?
Tanzania is on the equator and has a tropical climate. There are not four seasons, only a wet season and a dry season. I was there during the ending of dry season and the beginning of wet season. The rains are magnificent. When it rains, the streets become rivers of mud!

What was the most memorable experience during your trip?
Climbing Kilimanjaro was memorable because I made it to the summit but then developed HAPE – high altitude pulmonary edema. Climbing down the mountain with fluid in my lungs was far more difficult than climbing up, and was probably the most physically challenging thing I have ever done, and I have run marathons and climbed many other mountains. The other memorable experience was teaching high school during my volunteer placement. I was supposed to be doing health-related work, but this school really needed a teacher and they asked me if I would be willing to give it a shot. I tried it and loved it! The kids were amazing. I had such a great experience I am going back for at least another 6 months.

Did you find any cultural similarities between Tanzania and Denver?
People are people everywhere. Tanzanians love to laugh – they tend to have well-developed senses of humor. I would find myself joking around with the directors of my school as if they were my girlfriends back home. Sometimes I would marvel at how different our lives were. One of the directors was married when she was 14 to a man 30 years older who already had 3 wives, but we could still establish great rapport and working relationships, which were/are evolving quickly into genuine friendships.

What was most surprising about your trip?
I was surprised how much I loved teaching. I have never envisioned myself as a teacher – I always thought I would find the experience of a room full of children overwhelming. But these kids touched my heart every single day. I think I learn more from them than they do from me.

What places of interest or activities do you recommend in Tanzania?
Tanzania is a great country in Africa to visit. It is a poor but stable country, with over 120 ethnic tribes living peacefully alongside one another. Moshi is at the base of Kilimanjaro, which is a very impressive mountain – the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. Even if you don’t climb to Kili’s summit, you can still enjoy scenic day hikes at its base. There are numerous game parks in the area: Serengeti, Tarangire, and my personal favorite, Ngorongoro, which is considered by many to be the 8th wonder of the world. You also shouldn’t miss the Tanzanian coastline, which has miles and miles of undeveloped beaches. The beaches of Zanzibar are not to be missed either. They are busier than the beaches on the mainland, but they are some of the most beautiful I have ever seen. The sea there is mesmerizing; it is varying shades of turquoise, and changes color throughout the day and depending on the weather. When I was in Zanzibar, I just wanted to sit and watch the water all day long!

Did you visit any other countries in the area? If yes, which countries?
I did not visit any other countries but when I return, I would like to visit Kenya, Malawi, and Rwanda. I feel like I could continue to explore sub-Saharan Africa for the rest of my days and never run out of things to learn, places to see, people to meet.

How did your trip impact the way you view life abroad?
I would say the trip deeply impacted me – I moved to Tanzania in June! The biggest impact was the realization of how rewarding cultural exchanges can be. I shared my skills and knowledge with some local schoolchildren, and they taught me about hope, resilience, and courage. Some of my kids have HIV, yet they do not complain. They come to school on time, with their clothes pressed and smiles on their faces, ready to learn. I am humbled by their example.

Are you planning a trip to Tanzania or another country? Be sure you are healthy and prepared for your adventure by scheduling a visit with a travel health specialist before you go.

Passport Health Global
Passport Health blog: Safari Enthusiasts, Get These Vaccinations for Tanzania
Cross-Cultural Solutions

The acts of giving and helping others are tremendously powerful. Not only does charitable giving open one’s eyes to a new perspective on life, but it also increases human feelings of connectedness by providing the knowledge that you, a single individual, put your unique talents to work to make a direct impact on the life of another human being. Volunteering time and talents and charitable giving allow us all to recognize that we have the power to effect change; what can be more fulfilling than realizing we all have the ability to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Dr. James Jackson is a remarkable individual who put his experience and talents to work to effect change. Dr. Jackson describes himself as “the happiest man in the world.” However, his work as an international economic consultant in developing countries put him in direct contact with the unhappiest of situations in which people were impoverished, sick, and dying. Tragically, Dr. Jackson learned that many of these sick patients in developing countries often were denied care because the most basic medical supplies and equipment were not available to local clinics. After seeing this exact situation play out before his eyes during a trip to Brazil, Dr. Jackson was moved to action to provide relief to such people. When he returned to the U.S., Dr. Jackson began collecting medical supplies and storing them in the garage of his Colorado home. Within a month’s time, he was able to amass enough supplies to fill a cargo container; he shipped this to Brazil, and the rest is, well, history.

WATCH this video to learn more about how Project C.U.R.E delivers health and hope.

From this beginning that centered on the commitment of one individual to make a difference, Project C.U.R.E. (Commission on Urgent Relief and Equipment) has grown to be the largest provider of the highest quality donated medical supplies and equipment to developing countries around the world. Not only is the organization notable for the quantity of supplies donated, but it is equally noteworthy for its constant innovation including efficient and accurate inventory systems, supply chain management, expert management of logistics, and strong in-country relationships. Since its founding, Project C.U.R.E. has reached patients and families in over 130 countries, delivering health and hope to the world’s most needy people. To meet these needs, the organization has expanded within the United States and currently maintains large distribution warehouses in Arizona, Colorado, Texas, and Tennessee. It operates over 400,000 square feet of warehouse space in 17 US cities, receives 26,000 types of donated medical supplies and equipment, and hosts more than 17,000 volunteers each year to sort, inspect, inventory, and pack supplies for delivery all over the globe. Operating on 1.6% administrative overhead, Project C.U.R.E is one of the 20 most cost-effective nonprofits in the US. More information and statistics about Project C.U.R.E. can be found in the organization’s annual report.

Project C.U.R.E.’s mission and services are indispensable in the modern world. The resource gap between the rich and poor is staggering, but Project C.U.R.E.’s donations help to fill the health gaps in developing countries by giving doctors and nurses the health tools they need to deliver quality care and medical services to their communities. As a result of the compassion, dedication, and hard work of thousands of volunteers across the US who give and coordinate the shipping of life-saving medical supplies every week from the Project C.U.R.E.’s warehouses, thousands of people are alive today who otherwise would not be.

With the help of so many dedicated and passionate supporters, Project C.U.R.E is able to continue delivering health and hope around the world, and Passport Health is proud to be able to provide support to this organization that is doing so much global good. Passport Health recently donated gloves, syringes, thermometers, and other medical supplies to support Project C.U.R.E.’s important, life-saving global work, and Passport Health looks forward to continuing to support Project C.U.R.E. in the future.

Barbara Bush once wisely observed, “Giving frees us from the familiar territory of our own needs by opening our mind to the unexplained worlds occupied by the needs of others.” Passport Health encourages you to put your talents to work in the service of others; not only will you expand your personal horizons, but you also have the opportunity to add value to society via individual good work.

To make a donation to Project C.U.R.E., please visit this webpage, and click here to learn more about the organization in general.