RETREAT INFORMATION

Teachers

Style of Practice
• The Eight Precepts

Location
• Accommodations & Meals

Costs
• How to Apply
• Dana

Daily Retreat Schedule

Getting to Burma
• Applying for a Meditation Visa
• Arrival Information
• Hotel & Misc.
• Expenses & Changing Money

Health
• Pre-departure
• First-Aid kit
• Staying Healthy
• Illness & Emergencies
• Health Guidelines

Planning Your Trip
• Climate
• Electricity
• Dress
• What to Bring

Emergency Contact in Burma

HEALTH

Health Insurance: The Burmese medical system does not accept payment through any type of insurance. However, there are clinics with Western trained physicians and excellent hospitals in Bangkok, Thailand, or Singapore both of which are only a 1/2 hr flight from Burma.

Pre-Departure Health Preparation
Doctors: Before leaving for Burma, you should have a medical check-up. If you require regular medication, obtain a copy of your prescription and an adequate supply.

Immunizations: There are currently no immunization requirements for entry into Burma except for yellow fever only if you come from an infected zone. However, if you are considering immunizations, you should consult with your doctor several months before your departure.

Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is not as prevalent November - January, as at the beginning of the rainy season in June.

Malaria: This part of Burma is not considered to be a risk area. Due to potential side-effects from the pro-longed use of anti-malarial drugs such as Mefloquine (branded as Lariam in the US) it is not recommended to take during a retreat.

Dentists: See your dentist before you go but, there are dental clinics available if necessary.

Eye Doctor: If you wear glasses or contacts, obtain your prescription before you leave. Take a spare pair of glasses and/or a sufficient supply of contact lenses and cleaning solutions.

Suggested Medical and First Aid Kit
A small medical and first aid kit is advisable. Below are some suggestions:
• Antibiotics The clinic at the forest center will try to have a supply of antibiotics and anti-fungals. However, you may want to bring a course of antibiotics with you (i.e. Amoxycillin).
• Aspirin or Tylenol, Ibuprofen- for fever, pain, inflammation
• Bismuth preparation (Pepto-Bismol), Imodium or Lomotil - for stomach upsets and diarrhea.
• Laxative - During intensive retreats yogis sometimes complain of constipation.
• Rehydration mixture - for treatment of severe diarrhea
• Antiseptic -such as Betadine
• Antibiotic powder or ointment, Band-Aids
• Anti-fungal cream
• Hydrocortisone cream - irritation and swelling from bites, stings, or rashes.
• Monistat or Femstat 3 - for women.
• Eye medicine - eye drops and a general antibiotic ointment for the eyes.
• Insect repellent - Deet Plus or something similar
• Vitamins
• Prescription and Alternative Medicines - Do not expect any of your prescriptions drugs or other medicines to be available in Burma.

Staying Healthy
The center has been designed with the aim of providing the most suitable conditions possible in Burma for extended meditation retreats. In the event of a medical emergency, you would contact the office or the on site clinic doctor.

If necessary, you will be taken to a private clinic or hospital in Yangon that is suitable for Western medical needs. If your condition is serious, arrangements can be made to evacuate you to Bangkok or Singapore where medical facilities are excellent.

Stomach upsets and diarrhea are probably the most common of potential problems. Serious rashes, fungal infections, and dehydration can develop by ignoring basic body care for tropical conditions.

Food and Water
Every effort is made to insure that the food and drinks served to the yogis at the Forest Center will be suitable for foreigners. Special attention is paid to ensuring proper sanitation in the dining hall and food preparation area

Food: At Hse Main Gon, the food will be served buffet style and yogis will have a choice between vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods. If you decide to eat vegetarian it is recommended that you bring an additional protein supplement , since the center may not be able to serve enough high quality vegetarian protein to meet your needs.

Please remember that the voluntary kitchen staff has to cater to over 150 persons daily, they will not be able to take care of any personal food needs you may have.

Water: The Center will provide purified bottled drinking water

Mosquitoes: They bite especially in the early morning before sunrise and in the evening during and after sunset. You can reduce your risk of being bitten by following the guidelines below:
• Keep your body covered with long sleeved shirts, robes, and longyis.
• Use insect repellant (with the compound DEET), or other similar oils to ward off mosquitoes.
• Mosquito nets for sleeping and meditation will be supplied

Personal Hygiene and Body Care
Maintaining a high level of personal hygiene is essential in tropical climates like Burma to reduce the risk of serious health complications.

Prickly Heat: This is an itchy rash caused by sweat trapped under the skin. Treat with a talcum powder like Gold Bond.

Fungus Infections: Untreated fungus infections (especially in the tropics) can cause open wounds and more serious bacterial infections. To prevent fungus infections wear loose clothing, use sandals in the shower and keep problem areas dry.

Dehydration: Excessive sweating in hot weather can result in heat exhaustion. To prevent heat exhaustion, drink plenty of fluids and if necessary replenish the body with special rehydration salt drinks.

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