Editing Physical Health

'''GENERAL ADVICE:'''

* Exercise and eat well.

* Take vitamins.  Generic vitamins are available at local pharmacies.  Multi-vitamins are hard to find, so you will probably have to buy separate packets that fit your needs.  Brand-name vitamins are usually quite expensive.

* Because your body can be worn down from work, stress, weather, etc., you may need to be more aware than usual of things like your menstruation cycle, iron intake, vitamins, etc.

* Birth control pills (known in Indonesian as “KB”) are available and relatively affordable; in many cases, you don’t need a prescription.  Because birth control pills are usually meant for married Indonesian women, beware of potential sensitive questions, stares, or confused looks at the local pharmacy.  It’s best to walk in, specifically ask what you want, pay, and get out in an efficient manner.  A popular general brand is “Microgynon,” but check with your general practitioner or gynecologist (overseas or in Indonesia) about what works for you.  Women often bring their own pills from overseas, but this can be expensive and insurance companies may not allow you to purchase several packs at once.