Health and well-being: how to take care of yourself so you can study and work

Your health is one of your most valuable assets. When you enjoy good health, it is easier to study, work, enjoy your family, and reach your goals. Many health problems can be prevented with good habits: although it is not always possible to avoid an illness, taking care of your body starting now increases your chances of living a long and healthy life.

This topic summarizes what the Ruta de Vida guide, published by IPA-Copan in partnership with Rotary, recommends about taking care of your health, what to do when you get sick, and how the program’s health insurance works.

Habits that will help you stay healthy

Eating

The traditional diet based on corn and beans is a good foundation, but your body also needs other foods. Whenever possible, try to include fruits, vegetables, milk, cheese or yogurt, eggs, and meat, chicken, or fish. You do not need to eat them every day: what matters is adding them to your diet whenever you have the chance.

Sugary drinks and junk food can be enjoyable once in a while, but consuming them frequently increases the risk of cavities, being overweight, diabetes, and heart disease. Enjoy them only occasionally.

Hygiene

A few simple habits prevent many illnesses:

• Wash your hands before preparing food or eating, and after using the bathroom.
• Keep your nails clean.
• Drink safe water whenever possible.

Your teeth and your eyesight

Your teeth should last you a lifetime. Brush at least once a day, even if you do not have toothpaste, and cut back on sugary drinks and sweets. If a dental brigade visits your community, take the opportunity to get a check-up: the Rotary Club of Copán Ruinas brings dental brigades every year and publishes the dates. Treating a small cavity is usually much simpler than pulling a tooth.

If you have trouble seeing clearly, or your head hurts after reading a lot or using the computer, get an eye exam. If you are told you need glasses, keep a copy of the prescription and send it to the program team: if approved, the program’s health insurance covers the cost.

Avoid bad habits

Tobacco, alcoholic drinks, and drugs can harm your health, your studies, your relationships, and your job opportunities.

What to do if you get sick?

Not every health problem requires going to the doctor right away. If your symptoms are mild, you can start by asking a trusted adult for guidance: your parents, your teachers, a pharmacist, or the staff at the health center. They will be able to tell you whether you can take care of the problem at home or whether you need medical attention.

• Flu. Most cases get better on their own in a few days. Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and follow a pharmacist’s instructions to relieve the symptoms.
• Cough. If it lasts several days, gets worse, or comes with a high fever or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.
• Headache. Many are related to dehydration, stress, or lack of sleep. Drinking water, resting, and following a pharmacist’s instructions is usually enough.

Seek medical attention without waiting if you have difficulty breathing, a high fever that does not improve, a serious accident, intense pain, or symptoms that get worse or do not improve after several days. If you have doubts, it is better to ask for advice than to wait too long.

The Fondo de Salud Estudiantil (Student Health Fund)

If you study at a primary school supported by IPA-Copan, or receive a high school or university scholarship from the program, you can receive support from the Fondo de Salud Estudiantil. Its goal is for you to receive medical care when you need it, so that a health problem does not force you to abandon your studies.

What it covers

Serious health problems that affect quality of life or the ability to learn. For example: vision or hearing problems, intense or persistent pain, infectious diseases and cancer, serious skin infections, serious or infected injuries, untreated birth defects, sexual abuse, psychological counseling, dental care that a free service such as a brigade cannot provide, and illnesses that keep you out of school for more than a week.

If the case was approved beforehand by the program coordination, the Fund covers appointments with doctors and specialists, diagnostic tests, care at a clinic or hospital, medications and devices such as glasses or hearing aids, and transportation for the student and one family member when the appointment is in a distant city.

What it does not cover

Minor illnesses that are easily treated or resolve on their own, chronic illnesses where health services cannot offer much improvement, glasses for very mild problems, braces without a severe medical need, pregnancy, services received outside Honduras or Chiquimula, and treatments that cost more than the available resources.

How it works

1. Report your case to the program team. One of your parents or a teacher can also do this.
2. The program confirms that you meet the requirements.
3. They guide you toward the doctor or health center best suited to your situation.
4. The necessary care is arranged.
5. When applicable, the Fund pays the approved expenses or provides reimbursement.

If you need advice or help, write to the program team.

Sexual health and healthy relationships

Sexual and reproductive health includes the physical, mental, and social well-being related to sexuality, and the decisions you make in this area will influence your health and your future. The guide devotes several pages to this topic: contraceptive methods, which can be obtained free of charge at the Copán Ruinas Health Center; what a healthy relationship is and what a true friendship is; machismo; how to prevent sexual violence, and when to seek help immediately.

Two ideas from the guide worth remembering: not every relationship can be saved, and sometimes the healthiest decision is to walk away. And taking care of your health does not only mean avoiding illness: it also means learning about consent and healthy relationships, and surrounding yourself with people who encourage you to grow.

To read that entire section, download the book in PDF and look for the chapter «Cómo cuidar tu salud».