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Gynopedia Plus 3 More Essential Health Resources for When You're Traveling

Going through a health crisis while traveling abroad? If so, having reliable health resources for travelers is a must.

Need some health-related material to read about while traveling, or want to be better prepared in case of a medical emergency while abroad? If so, knowing about reliable online health resources comes in handy.

What is Gynopedia?

Gynopedia is an online resource similar to Wikipedia but provides information strictly related to women’s sexual and reproductive healthcare across the globe. So, if you’re traveling to another country and need a healthcare provider or service, or have health-related questions specific to the part of the world you’re in, Gynopedia’s got you covered. The site is categorized by location, but also provides a general list of online references related to sexual and reproductive women’s health.

Pros and Cons of Gynopedia

As with many online health websites, pros and cons exist when using Gynopedia. Pros are you can find women’s healthcare information in other parts of the world — so when you’re traveling and not familiar with the area you’re in, Gynopedia provides local health information at your fingertips. And, the website offers links to other health-related sites you may find useful.

However, there are drawbacks of using Gynopedia. Contributors (writers) aren’t well screened, so just about anybody can add information to the site. You might be getting women’s health information from writers with no medical background. Contributors to the site aren’t paid, which could make it difficult to get qualified professionals to add content.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a government resource that provides you with reliable, up-to-date traveler’s health information. On this site you’ll be able to choose travel destinations anywhere across the globe — and get information pertaining to vaccines, staying safe and healthy on your trip, what to pack to stay healthy, travel health notices for that destination, and precautions to take after returning home. However, you may not have access to more specific information about recommended health clinics, services, pharmacies, and providers.

U.S. Department of State

Having a medical emergency while abroad? If so, check out the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs site. A U.S. embassy consular officer can help you find appropriate medical services, and assist with transferring money from the U.S. to pay for those services. On the site, you’ll find links to locate doctors and hospitals abroad, contact the American Citizen’s Services Unit at the U.S. embassy or consulate, and find air ambulance or medical evacuation companies in other countries.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website provides you with health safety tips for international travel. The site may not help you locate specific health service offices or providers, but is packed with useful information to keep you safe and healthy on your trip. This online FDA resource also contains links to additional health-related travel information.

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