Wellness

While in the United States, you may experience physical illness or emotional difficulties as you adjust to living in a new country. In order to make your stay here more enjoyable, we offer the following suggestions.

Fitness Resources at Emory

Keep in mind that moving here may affect your physical health. The climate (and smog) may be very different from your home country, and you may be susceptible to some illnesses because you are "new" and have not acquired the necessary antibodies or resistance to common germs in the area. Try to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, brush your teeth daily, examine your body so that you are aware of any changes, get enough sleep, and practice personal hygiene. All these actions will help you to maintain physical wellness and reduce your risk of becoming ill. (If you want further information about health risks, diseases, and promoting physical health, you can contact the University Health Service clinics at 404-727-7551. For information specifically relating to the AIDS virus, you can call 1-800-342-AIDS or 1-800-344-SIDA for information in Spanish, 8:00 am to 2:00 am, seven days a week.)

As we mentioned in our pre-arrival information, living in the U.S.A. requires some major emotional and psychological adjustments. A few ways to relieve the stress of the new environment include: taking time to relax, seeking out nurturing friendships with people, trying to live life with a sense of perspective and humor, and (if you are so inclined) practicing your religion or finding time to spend in nature. If you are having some trouble adjusting to life in this country, though, please contact us. We can help!