Recently, I fell
ill. For a development practitioner in the field this can be a nightmare. Take
if you are in a very remote area and you do not have access to an antihistamine
after suffering an allergic reaction. Aside from emergencies, many expat
development practitioners often take very poor care of their own personal
heath. In a past field experience, area expats knew who to come to get items of
comfort during times of illness. My close family and friends know that I do not
travel without certain items no matter where I go. I am not saying this too
boost my knack for what I call FIRR- field illness risk reduction (Yes, I have
made up a new acronym, as if we needed another one) FIRR calls for an elaborate
packing list but I prefer to be prepared. Obviously the amount of supplies
depends on the duration of the field posting. I tend to carry 6 months of
supplies. Whenever possible I do try to buy products in the field or host
country but this is not always possible and when it is many products are almost
double the cost as they are imported.
Many celebrities
take Oprah Winfrey for example, publicize their favorite things. These celebrities annoy me because it’s all
about commercialism and not about practicality for normal people, let alone
your average expat development practitioner. A colleague of my brought this to
my attention recently while using and looking at the items I refuse to be
without in the field and suggested I share my field favorites. Here they are!
1) Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps All-One
This soap have
hundreds of uses: Laundry, shampoo, body, face wash, dish soap, and even
toothpaste. I always have a least a bar (easier to carry) and the travel liquid size on me and have used
them for everything. They come in plenty of aromas as well. I like the original
peppermint because it cools the skin in an extremely hot area after bathing.
2) Probiotic
Probiotics are
live microorganisms that may confer a health benefit on the host. This was a
recommendation my doctor suggested to me. I always stomach issues in the field
and they are not pleasant. As soon as I feel one of those awful cramps or
sprint holding my tummy to a place to go, I grab this stuff. Although they kill
all bacteria good and bad, they can help you become regular and help in the
creation healthy bacteria of the digestion tract which is very important after
an upset stomach (usually caused by unhealthy bacteria). When it comes to
selecting a brand make sure the product does not require refrigeration. They
are also found in fermented foods added with active live cultures, such as in
yogurt so if you can get them this way it is better. And for those of up
allergic to lactose they help you digest lactose easier. Also, the more strains
the better-think millions and billions. Ask your doctor which strains are right
for you. Your tummy will thank you later. I use Jarrod and Culturelle mostly due to the cost.
Sometimes I feel
really low on energy or I am not eating a well balanced diet. These products
come in single serve packets. Amazing Grass in its basic form is powdered
wheatgrass you can mix with water or juice (orange, pineapple or mango). While
I am partial to the wheatgrass I recently transitioned to Green Vibrance
because my diet has almost 0 veggies and I wanted something to help supplement
this loss to my nutrition and it is working so far. They really give you energy
and contain probiotics. Green Vibrance
has: organic grass juices and freeze dried greens. The packets aids: nutrition,
digestion, circulation and immunity and additionally benefits all body systems. Green Vibrance addressing some very basic and essential biological
requirements and provides trace nutrients that should help each cell to
function at peak efficiency.
4) Pack towels
These are possibly
the thinnest most absorbent towels I have ever used. I always carry an extra
large for bathing, medium for hair and small for face/hands. These are
available at your local sporting goods stores (REI or EMS). I even found a few
on clearance for $11. In the field I must travel under 15 kilos for the flights
and I save space wherever possible and a large beach towel is NOT in my bag.
Pack towels also can withstand harsh hand washing, dry fast and feel good on
the skin unlike normal towels dried in the sun without fabric softener.
5) Body Oil
When I cannot find
lotion without chemicals and fragrance I opt for body oils. This oil can be
used for after bathing for dry skin and for hair. I also like to add a slight
fragrance of my choice for a special touch. Neutrogena body oil, Bio Oil and
Body Shop oils are all excellent choices but you can also use the oil of your
choice, olive oil for example.
These products
deserve their own post. Ever wanted to green your period? Before I served in
the Peace Corps in 2007 I purchased my first Glad Rags and have been using them
ever since. They are reusable cloth menstrual pads. They have inserts you can insert
based on your cycle. You soak and wash them after use. I personally soak them
in hot water with Dr. Bronner’s and tea tree oil and let them dry in the sun.
Sea Sponge tampons are harvested sustainably, are easy to use, very absorbent,
painless to insert and are SO cheap (2 for $10). After use, you clean them and
I like to soak them in a hot water tea tree oil solution and air dry them. I
have learned that traditional pads/tampons do not allow air to get to you as
they are layered with plastic(think about it), also they are bleached with a
number of chemicals (do you want this down there?!) and not to mention the
environmental waste. Given all the cons of traditional pads I wanted a
change. Yes, this took a little while to
get used to but the process for me has been empowering. I am doing my part to help
the environment while living healthily. Some people use gloves when cleaning
their products and this is okay but not a requirement. Remember to wash your hands during the entire
length of your cycle and when handling the products, as you should anyway. Once
you get in a rhythm using them it doesn’t take a lot of time out of your
schedule. I used to think my body was disgusting and that was because that was
what I was taught. In truth the mystic of the female body is alluring and I
took control of my period!
7) Tea Tree Oil
I use this as a
disinfectant mostly when cleaning other products mentioned in this post. But mix a few drops in a water solution and
it can also be a facial toner or disinfectant for when you have wounds. I also
add a few drops to my conditioner to help fight dandruff. Always comes in
handy!
8) The Buff
What originated as
a fad of the reality show Survivor, the buff has now made it big with
adventurers everywhere! I use this when it is really hot out. I dip it in water
and put it on my head. Also use it as a head band and for covering in a
conservative area and winter running. Literally there are 100 uses for the
Buff. Some come treated with bug repellant helpful when sleeping and bugs are
flying around your face. Look at REI or
EMS or any other sporting goods/travel store.
I tend to stay in
a lot of hostels and hotels when I travel. That means sometimes there are dirty
sheets. Sometimes I find myself without a sheet at all. The dream sack is
perfect fort these times. The only drawback is the cost (from $25). In the past
I have used a nice sheet and sewed it along the side to make a dream sack. I
also carry a travel pillow always with a removable case for washing.
10) Baking Soda
This can be used
as deodorant (rub on underarms), toothpaste and whitener, baking, or for upset
tummies (mix with 2 ounces of warm water and drink). Carry a travel size
container. This stuff is so cost effective (<90 cents).
11) Tums,
Alka-Seltzer and cough drops
Tums is hard to
find in many places (pepto as well). I use this for antacid and when I need to
take pills that are harsh on the tummy (anti-malarial and parasite meds). Also
it helps me with nausea. Alka-Seltzer can be found locally (Panadol) but is a
great alternative to baking soda for tummy issues but with the bonus of
Aspirin. Cough drops (Ricola and Halls) are handy for areas where you develop
coughs aside from colds or respiratory illnesses. I get coughs in areas with
lots of dust. Ricola is harder to find but is my preference.
Have any field or
travel favorites? Send your picks to: arield85@hotmail.com
Coming soon Part 2.
-a-
