It may seem foolhardy to think of another global health concern in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, but this one has been with us for centuries: tuberculosis. When it comes to tuberculosis, it’s the proverbial “Good News, Bad News” situation.

First, the Bad News. Tuberculosis (TB) is still the world’s deadliest infection, killing more than 4,000 people daily and infecting almost another 30,000. Even in the United States – estimates are 13 million people have a latent TB infection, which could develop into active TB.

But now, the Good News. Tuberculosis is a preventable and curable disease, and thanks to global efforts during the past 20 years, an estimated 58 million lives have been saved.

World Tuberculosis Day (March 24) serves as an annual reminder that we can beat tuberculosis on a global scale, but the whole world must get involved. Even as an international student, you can play a significant role by being aware of TB,  asking your doctor whether you are at risk for TB, and getting screened before you travel.

 
 

What is World Tuberculosis Day?

World Tuberculosis Day is celebrated every year on March 24, the day Dr. Robert Koch revealed that he had identified the bacteria that causes TB in 1882. The German bacteriologist also discovered the anthrax disease cycle (1872) and the cholera bacteria (1883). His discovery of the TB bacteria opened the possibility of earlier diagnosis, better treatment, and, ultimately, a cure. This year’s theme for World Tuberculosis Day is “It’s Time” — as in it’s time to act on the commitments our world leaders made at the UN High-Level Meeting that occurred back in September of 2018. Those commitments included greater access to prevention and treatment and additional funding to finance research, among others.

World Tuberculosis Day gives everyone a chance to spread awareness and to voice their support for sending committed resources to meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) substantial goals:

 
 

Why is World Tuberculosis Day Important?

Awareness and support of TB treatment and research are still desperately needed. In 2018, an estimated 10 million new cases of tuberculosis were identified. That’s an astonishing number considering many of those who are infected will never know or show symptoms. Tuberculosis is caused by air-borne bacteria that easily infect others, but can remain inactive for long periods of time.

In addition, drug-resistant strains have large gaps between those who are diagnosed and those who are treated. Currently, only 1 in 3 people needing treatment are receiving it. Unfortunately, a more than $1.2 billion funding gap is limiting the development of accurate TB testing and treatment, including the 14 vaccine candidates and 23 drugs in clinical trials.

 
 

Who Needs to Be Screened for Tuberculosis?

You should rely on your doctor’s recommendations regarding screening, but in general, those at highest risk for tuberculosis include:

Even if you meet none of the listed risk factors, you may need to be screened if you will be working with at-risk demographics or traveling. This most certainly includes international students studying abroad. In fact, many schools and programs require TB screening, in accordance with the ACHA’s guidelines.

In addition, if you do become ill, keep an eye out for the symptoms of tuberculosis, which include:

You should seek medical attention and advice whenever you are ill. If you are concerned that you may have contracted tuberculosis, whether at home or abroad, discuss your fears with your doctor. They will recommend screening and treatment if necessary.

 
 

Where Can I Find More Information?

Multiple organizations are collaborating to end tuberculosis for good, and they provide ample resources on their respective websites:

 
 

Key Takeaway

Tuberculosis is a global issue, and there is no shame in being screened, diagnosed, or treated for TB. In fact, until we all take responsibility for our own screening, the disease will continue to spread. Far from being an embarrassing medical test, it is your way of helping to end TB for good.

LewerMark is here to help and protect our schools and students as we work together to end tuberculosis. LewerMark programs typically cover screenings, and all of our plans cover TB treatment subject to the policy guidelines, meaning that students can arrive in the U.S. with peace of mind and the ability to focus on adjusting to their new lives.

 
 

Lounging on the couch to watch television is a dull way to spend the summer months. If you are an international student studying in the U.S. for the summer, there are countless opportunities for some fun in the sun. So, put down that TV remote, get off the couch, and learn how to avoid the summer bummers.

Baseball: The American Pastime

The sport of baseball is considered “America’s pastime” for good reason. Watching this sport is a summer passion for families across the nation. The crack of the bat, the cheering crowds, the sizzling hotdogs, and the ice-cold drinks make baseball a great way to spend a summer day or evening.

Baseball is America’s oldest game, starting in 1839. Today, two divisions of baseball exist: Major League Baseball (MLB) and Minor League Baseball (MILB). MLB is the top professional level, while MILB (and its various classifications) is the level below. Both leagues have teams in numerous cities across the country all with a full schedule of summer games. To attend and become a baseball fan yourself follow this link for MLB or this link for MILB. My tip for the best game day experience—wear a team jersey to the game, try a hotdog with everything on it, and enjoy the sights and sounds. “PLAY BALL!”

Attend A Local Fair

State and county fairs often occur in the summer and are one of the best ways to explore American culture as an international student.

What is a fair? In the 19th century, U.S. fairs were an event to share agricultural techniques and aid in spreading education. (Check out this interesting history of fairs link). While fairs today retain some educational value of the past, they mainly attract people with entertaining attractions including amusement rides, exhibits, car shows, etc.

Attractions at a fair often include:

Follow this link to see fairs and festivals near you.

Visit A National Park

Why did you decide to study abroad? Was it to become more culturally aware? Travel? Learn? Visiting America’s National Parks can fulfill those goals and more. The National Parks are what many consider to be “America’s Best Idea.” Every year, these natural cathedrals attract millions of tourists to their breathtaking landscapes and awe-inspiring beauty.

The most popular parks include:

Visit the National Park Service or the National Park Foundation website to see what parks are near you!

Experience Independence Day

July 4 is Independence Day, the biggest holiday of the summer. This patriotic day honors the 1776 Declaration of Independence of the American colonies from England and is considered the birthday of the nation. This holiday is a time Americans gather with friends and family to celebrate freedom. While this may not be a celebration of freedom for your home, don’t worry, you are encouraged to get involved with the celebration!

Check out these common ways to celebrate Independence Day:

Get Up and Go!

Instead of camping on the couch, optimize the time you have left as an international student. Ten years from now, you probably will not recall a movie you watched, but you will remember an action-packed getaway during the summer you learned about American culture and history. Get up and take advantage of the opportunity for adventure in this expansive country. As you walk across the fairgrounds with a funnel cake in one hand and carnival game prize in the other, you’ll be glad you read this blog.

 

Blood Is Constantly Needed

While driving across town, you might see a sign that reads “Blood Drive Today, Please Donate.” Make no mistake; this is not a simple statement. It’s a cry for help!

Blood banks constantly request and collect donations because hospitals are in an almost constant blood shortage crisis for surgeries and lifesaving transfusions. Did you know only 40% of the US population is eligible to donate blood, yet less than 5% do? Surveys show, the majority of people who avoid donating, do so because of ten reasons.

The need for blood is constant, and maintaining a stable supply is crucial for the preparation of any injury, natural disaster, or tragedy. Blood banks rely on donations to replenish and maintain their supplies to hospitals. Scientists have found ways to engineer many artificial tissues, but blood (which is considered a tissue) is not one of them; it can only be produced by the human body.

 

 

June 14th is World Blood Day

The World Health Organization established June 14th as World Blood Donor Day to raise awareness for the need for blood products. June 14 was selected because it is the birthday anniversary of Karl Landsteiner (1868—1943), an Austrian biologist and immunologist who developed the modern system of blood classification into groups A, B, and O.

The 2019 campaign promotes the slogan “Safe Blood for All.” The mission is a call to action for government, blood services, and health care professionals to increase blood donation through numerous platforms. Goals of the campaign from the World Health Organization include:

 

 

Blood Types

There are eight different types of blood; some are fairly common while others are quite rare and in constant demand. Interestingly, while each blood type has its own unique characteristics, most blood types are to some extent compatible with one or more other types.

The major blood types each have specific matches:

As you might imagine, compatibility is vital, otherwise, the recipient’s body will reject the donor blood, which could be fatal. This fact alone makes it imperative for blood banks to have all blood types on hand and ready – regardless of the scenario that presents itself.

 

 

Requirements

Specific blood donation requirements ensure healthy blood for transfusion. The American Red Cross has the full list of all requirements for donors.

Immunizations Requirements

Immunizations are an important topic when it comes to blood donation eligibility. Individuals who have received an immunization must wait for a specific period until they can donate.

 
Travel Requirements

Individuals traveling to or from the U.S. have separate restrictions for blood donations. For example, travelers to countries with a higher chance of exposure to malaria will not be able to donate for a year. If you are a person under this category, then you are required to bring the travel form with you when donating to allow the blood bank to assess the risk. The form and volunteers will ask the following questions:

 

 

Find a Donation Location Near You

When looking for an opportunity to donate blood, you do not have to look hard. Many local churches, hospitals, community centers, and even libraries host blood drives frequently. All these locations are great ways to get involved, and many do mobile blood drives. You can contact a blood donation center nearest to you to find out additional information. The American Red Cross and Advancing Transfusion and Cellular Therapies Worldwide have donation finders on their websites to assist with locating blood drives near you!

 

 

Make a Difference

American Red Cross needs your help not only today but every day! As we have outlined, there are many ways to step up and get involved in the donation process. Set aside a small amount of time every eight weeks to donate blood; doing so might just save a life. Make your donation meaningful, select a day to donate blood in honor of a person you care for or an event that has made an impact on you. The small time commitment necessary for blood donation can make a huge impact on those affected by shortages. Did this blog debunk your reason for not donating? If so, take some time out of your day and become a repeat donor – World Blood Day is the perfect time to start!

 

 

Jocelyn Elders, a pediatrician, and former United States Surgeon General once said, “You can’t educate a child who isn’t healthy, and you can’t keep a child healthy who isn’t educated.”

Although you probably don’t consider yourself a “child” anymore, the quote relates to you as an international student studying here in America. It is easy to eat instant mac and cheese and hamburgers every day—especially if the foods you are used to in your home country are unavailable—but this can affect your physical and mental well-being while in school. Luckily, there are ways to stay healthy and resources available to you so that you can focus on what you came here for—your education.

You probably know what you should and should not eat to avoid becoming overweight, but food can affect more than just body weight. Let’s take a quick look at how your physical, mental, and emotional health are connected and how to balance and maintain all aspects of your health while you are in school.

 

How Unhealthy Food Affects Your Mood

We know that fast, processed foods seem like an easy solution while you are busy keeping up with class work, making friends and experiencing the culture in the U.S. However, eating an unhealthy diet for a long period of time can affect your ability to function socially and academically.

There is plenty of research linking an unhealthy diet to symptoms of depression over a long period of time. Studies show food can contribute to the development, prevention, and management of mental health issues, from mood swings to depression and anxiety disorders. A study about dietary patterns and depression risk states, “A dietary pattern characterized by high consumption of red and/or processed meat, refined grains, sweets, high-fat dairy products… and low intakes of fruits and vegetables is associated with an increased risk of depression.”

 

Eating Healthy While Studying in the U.S.

If you eat unhealthy food on occasion you will not spiral into a deep depression, especially if you normally eat a healthy diet and exercise—so don’t worry if you ate a cheeseburger or pizza with your friends recently.

However, it is important to be aware of what you are eating on a regular basis and try to maintain a balanced diet. Here are some positive ways to maintain your diet as an international student:

 

Maintaining Mental Balance

Maybe you already eat a healthy diet and exercise as often as you can, but you are still having trouble with the stress of school and feelings of loneliness or being homesick. Please know, you are not alone. There are things you can do to improve your state of mind and resources for you to use.

 

Maintain a Solid Sleep Schedule

Sleep is extremely important. It removes toxins and organizes your brain. A good night’s sleep of at least seven hours will make you more alert in class and less irritable the next day. You will find that you have a clearer head and can have better focus. You also will not become as easily frustrated when a challenging assignment or situation arises.

We know that it can be hard to avoid studying for a test until the late hours of the night, but try your best to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day as much as possible.

 

Avoid Isolating Yourself

Humans need interaction to survive. As an international student, you don’t have to take part in every activity the college has going on, but finding other students with similar interests through events and clubs is a great way to combat feelings of loneliness in a new country and start making friends.

 

Take Time to Breathe

Sometimes taking time to meditate for five to ten minutes or even taking a few deep breaths when you feel overwhelmed can make a world of difference when you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed. You can find guided meditation videos on Youtube if you want to incorporate into your routine.

 

Organize Your Thoughts

You have A LOT going on. Keeping track of everything you need to get done in a week or even a day can be very overwhelming. Take some time to make a schedule and a “to do list” that can help alleviate some of that stress because everything you have to do in the near future is right in front of you. You don’t have to write down every little thing; you may not even accomplish everything on your list and that is completely okay! The important thing is that you have everything down on paper.

 

Ask for Help When You Need It

Remember that you do not have to handle everything on your own, especially when it comes to your health. Your international student advisor is there to help you navigate this transition and wants you to thrive and succeed as a student while in school.

If you are feeling stressed out, lonely, or find that depression and anxiety are starting to affect your well-being, ask your advisor what resources are available to you. They can:

  1. Tell you what the next steps are to get you healthy
  2. Put you in contact with professional counseling services (if available)
  3. Help you understand your options when it comes to getting healthcare here in the U.S.

 

If your school does not provide health insurance plans to international students, feel free to share our ebook “Why Schools Should Provide International Students With Group Health Insurance” with your advisor.

You know the student. The one who has just arrived in the United States with limited knowledge of the culture and is apprehensive of what awaits. English may not be his or her first language and he or she may have trouble expressing their thoughts and concerns. The student may even break down right there at your desk from the stress of trying to juggle everything as he or she seeks an education in our country.

Hexiang Dong, a Chinese international student at the University of Missouri-Columbia, shared details of her battle with serious depression. “When I have problems…I just force myself to deal with it, but sometimes it’s just beyond my emotion ability,” Dong said in an interview with CGTN America, an international language news channel based in Washington, D.C.

Many students like Dong benefit greatly from having professional counselors readily available to them while they are attending college in the U.S.

 

Having someone an international student can talk to

The international student population experiences an array of challenges including language barriers, difficulty making American friends, academics, social distractions, and difficulties in psychological and sociological adjustment to their new environment.

It is important to make international students feel welcome and to do that we must understand their needs. These needs could include anything from navigating student debt to feeling homesick because the food they enjoyed at home is not available.

Some international students cope extremely well right out of the airport gate while others may require a little more support during their transition to a new culture.

As a longtime international student advocate, LewerMark understands the complex feelings these students endure and develops alternatives to help them adapt to their adopted surroundings. For instance, our exclusive partnership with Lifeworks My Student Support Program (My SSP) is designed to help international students who are having trouble acclimating to life in America by matching students with support in their own, native language and culture.

“With a significant number of students choosing to study outside of their home country, this offering is increasingly important for schools to extend to their students,” said Matthew McEvoy, Senior Director of Lifeworks said. “By encouraging international students to seek support in times of need, together we can decrease the stigma and enhance the overall student experience.”

 

Expressing Concerns to Native Speakers Who Understand

International students seeking support want to hear a familiar language because it is much easier for them to express themselves in their native language—as it is for all of us.

Lifeworks easily integrates with existing campus resources and connects students to licensed, professional counselors who speak their native languages and understand the obstacles that come with being immersed in a new culture. The multidisciplinary network of expert counselors can identify presenting problems or needs as they arise.

Immediate support is available in six core languages and ongoing support is provided in more than 60 languages via app, chat, web, telephone and video 24/7. This is beneficial to you as an international advisor because chances are, you do not speak all of the languages that your international students do.

 

Expanding Social Networks and Avoiding Cultural Loneliness

“Cultural loneliness” occurs from the loss of native culture and language. Oftentimes cultural loneliness is not eased by social support in the target country, which may be why international students often lean on and form friendships primarily with those who know their native culture and language for consolation  Patron, M. (2014). Loss and loneliness among international students. Psychology Journal, 11(1), 24-26

Getting help from a professional, licensed counselor who knows the international student’s culture and fluently speaks his or her language can help a student combat cultural loneliness. The counselor can encourage the student to expand their social circle and interact with other students who are not from their country of origin. This social interaction can help keep the student from drifting into isolation from others and avoiding student activities.

 

Reducing the Effects of Homesickness

If homesickness is not addressed, it could snowball into larger forms of depression that can affect the student’s performance. Homesickness can arise from something as simple as missing the food or music from back home.

Although some colleges are trying to incorporate more familiar food choices and diverse cultural events on their campuses, some students still do not feel comfortable in their new environment and feel homesick.

We believe that international students should not have to handle their struggle with homesickness alone and it is an issue that needs to be addressed. Click here to learn more about how homesickness affects international students.

 

Professional Counseling and International Student Health Insurance

“Many health insurance plans offer mental health benefits with meaningful coverage, but the real value to an international student is having the ability to speak with a provider in that student’s native language and when the need is immediate,” said Mike Lewer, President and CEO of LewerMark. “LewerMark’s focus has always been to protect international students with meaningful insurance coverage and high-quality service. Lifeworks focus on preventative support to foster student wellbeing makes this a perfect fit. We are pleased to provide this robust offering to our student population and to continue to improve the lives of students studying at our partner institutions.”

The Lifeworks My SSP program addresses mental health challenges that are not found in traditional health insurance packages for international students, such as:

 

If you are interested in learning more about My SSP and other features of LewerMark’s international student insurance plan, you can contact: Jeff Foot, Ed.D, Executive Director of LewerMark, 800.821.7715, ext. 112 or via email at [email protected].

Welcome back to school, let LewerMark and VSP help you Combat Computer Vision Syndrome

Whether you spend a lot of time on the computer writing papers, searching the web, or watching videos, chances are your body is feeling the effects of spending too much time logged on—dry eyes, tired eyes, headaches, neck pain, blurred vision. Luckily, help is on the way.

 

Here are Six Simple Steps you can take to help minimize the impact of Computer Vision Syndrome:

Keep blinking. It washes your eyes in naturally therapeutic tears.

Remember 20-20-20. Every 20 minutes, spend 20 seconds looking at something 20 feet away, minimum.

Get the right light. Good lighting isn’t just flattering – it’s healthy for your eyes. So, keep bright lighting overhead to a minimum. Keep your desk lamp shining on your desk, not you. Try to keep window light off to the side, rather than in front or behind you. Use blinds and get a glare screen. Position the computer screen to reduce reflections from windows or overhead lights.

Monitor your monitor. Keep it at least 20 inches from your eyes. Center should be about 4 to 6 inches below your eyes. Also, make sure it’s big enough and with just the right brightness and contrast. Adjust the screen so you look at it slightly downward and are about 24 to 28 inches away. Adjust the screen settings to where they are comfortable — contract polarity, resolution, flicker, etc.

Wear those computer glasses. Your doctor can prescribe a pair of eyeglasses just for viewing the computer screen well. If necessary, wear the appropriate corrective lenses while at the computer.

Talk to your doc. Have a comprehensive eye exam by a VSP network doctor. During your eye exam, your eye doctor can check for more than just computer vision problems. They’ll look for signs of health conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. It’s an important part of your overall health routine.

 

If you need to visit an eye doctor, but don’t have vision coverage, consider a VSP Individual Vision Plan which covers exams, frames, lenses and more. Visit Vision Plans to learn more and enroll.

At LewerMark, because we handle insurance for international students, the beginning of the school year is the time we start to see an increase in insurance claims. Some of these first claims will often involve students suffering from gastrointestinal complaints.

One of the biggest adjustments international students have to make when studying in the U.S. is dietary changes. Many students will have gastrointestinal issues after switching from their country’s food to an American culture diet, which is typically higher in fat and sugar. While colleges cannot determine what an individual student can or cannot eat, there are ways to expand the choices for international students so the change doesn’t have to be so abrupt.

 

Dietary Changes Can Lead to Serious Health Issues

For LewerMark, one of the worst cases we have seen occurred when a student from Southeast Asia was diagnosed with acute gastritis after her first week of school. She was initially treated for constipation, but after time, she developed liver problems, sepsis, and pancreatitis. The student was enrolled for one year and four months before returning to her home country. While this is an extreme example, almost all international students will experience some degree of dietary changes.

Because the western culture diet is higher in fat and sugar, these changes can be responsible for health consequences such as weight gain (most common), increased blood glucose levels, increased cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and even mental health problems.  

 

The Typical College Meal Plan

I looked at a few sample menus at different universities, some of the menu choices are:

 

Fajita bar                            Deli Bar                    Fish and chips                  Grilled cheese

Philly Cheesesteak          Cheeseburger         Cheese quesadilla          Mac and cheese

Pasta                                   Desserts like brownies, cookies, & cake        Soda

 

Typical Asian diets revolve around rice, chicken or fish, a wide variety of vegetables, broth-based soups and nuts. These choices don’t usually match what is on the dorm menus of most US colleges.  

 

Almost Every Student’s Eating Habits Change at College

A study in the Journal of International StudentsThe Factors That Influence Dietary Habits Among International Students in the United States – showed that there are several changes to dietary habits such as: skipping breakfast, eating fewer fruits and vegetables, and convenience food consumption. It is important to note these are universal among college-age students and are not specific to international or domestic students. However…  

 

International Students’ Diets Change Even More

International students face several unique dietary challenges such as: the limitation in the food availability and access; and consequences of dietary habit changes specifically related to international students’ dietary habits as a result of adapting to the U.S. culture. There are several factors that may contribute to these changes, including campus environment, individual preferences, and food environment (the place where food is obtained, food prices, community characteristics, restaurant proximity, and store availability). Knowledge of food practices and preferences of international students from various ethnic groups is necessary to provide effective nutrition education to an increasingly diverse population.  

 

7 Solutions for Universities to Offer Familiar Foods

This same study offered these suggestions for universities to facilitate a healthy food environment that is culturally appropriate for international students:

  1. Teach international students about healthy food choices available in the United States.
  2. Work with the food service companies to offer a wider variety of dietary options for international students.
  3. Bring together local farmers’ markets with food service companies on campus. Ethnic food stores could be invited to participate as well; it may be beneficial for all parties to implement a system in which each store corresponds with a day of the week. This fixed schedule would help students remember when they could obtain certain traditional foods, and it would also encourage the merchants to devote one day per week to the success of this endeavor.
  4. Create more access to kitchens. International students would benefit from having a kitchen available in their dormitories.
  5. Increase awareness of international and ethnic food stores in addition to American grocery stores. It is important to let students of all backgrounds, especially internationals, know the array of available food options and be introduced to their new food environment.
  6. Provide shuttle services that incorporate routes to diverse places, including international stores and restaurants.
  7. Partner with area businesses to provide students with more flexible meal plan spending options in which students could use the university food allotment at local grocers and restaurants.

Implementing new dietary programs and practices would be beneficial for both the university and the student body. The university will attract more international students and thus increase its diversity. Plus, both the American students and the international students could benefit from these changes. In the meantime, we can encourage students to seek out new restaurants, grocery stores, and try to make the healthiest decisions they can when it comes to what they eat. In the meantime, we can encourage students to seek out new restaurants, grocery stores, and try to make the healthiest decisions they can when it comes to what they eat.

Most people know from news reports that meningitis is serious and contagious, but not much more than that. Here are a few things to know as schools open their doors for a new school year.

Meningitis is an infection resulting from the inflammation of the meninges which are the delicate membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. While meningitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, bacterial meningitis is the most common, is often the most severe, and can quickly become life-threatening, spreading easily through human contact (like through coughing, sneezing, or even kissing).

While people of any age can contract meningitis, college students and teens tend to be particularly susceptible because of their tendency to live or congregate in close quarters where there is a much higher risk of infection. This is especially true for first-year college students who opt to live in dormitories, as well as those students in boarding schools. And without a watchful parent around, students can become seriously ill with roommates and friends being unaware—and vulnerable.

The symptoms of meningitis are not easy to spot since the disease may come right on the heels of a flu-like illness. Bacterial meningitis symptoms may develop within hours, while viral meningitis may take a few days to develop.

The hallmark symptoms of meningitis are fever, a severe headache, and stiffness in the neck. Additional symptoms include:

Meningitis can be spread through close contact such as:

Ten to 15 percent of cases lead to death, while another 19 percent live with permanent disabilities. Because meningitis can be so serious, immediate medical care is essential and should be diagnosed and treated immediately. Meningitis is an emergency that is best evaluated by an emergency department.

But don’t fret just yet; meningitis vaccines have proven to be particularly effective in preventing most forms of meningitis and has become required by many states and for students entering the country. Additionally, the American College Health Association recommends that schools provide access to this vaccine or that students seek to get it themselves.

The vaccine can be given to teens and young adults between the ages of 16 and 23 years. If your school or your child’s school does not require the vaccine, it is still highly recommended. The National Meningitis Association, a nonprofit organization working to protect families from the potentially devastating effects of the meningococcal disease, has several stories that underscore the danger of meningitis, many of which could have been prevented with a vaccine. During the past 10 years, meningitis outbreaks have become more frequent, making the vaccine even more important.

The vaccine typically costs between $65 to $85 and is often covered by insurance or provided by the school. LewerMark covers the vaccine under the wellness portion of our student insurance.
For more information, please visit:

https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/downloads/17-275138A-MeningococcalDis-FS.pdf

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/Pages/Meningococcal-Disease-Information-for-Teens-and-College-Students-.aspx

LewerMark teams up with Lifeworks to help unique mental health issues faced by international students

 

The term is coming to an end. You sit at your desk in the International Office and the following situation presents itself. A student has been reported vomiting frequently in their housing unit. When asked about the vomiting, the student complains of stomach problems due to the food and resists help from campus resources or suggestions to go to the hospital. The student is a second-year student from Asia, but that is all the staff report outside of an English given name. The student has agreed to meet you, their international advisor, and is now ready to see you…

I greatly admire the commitment international students have to leave their families and culture to study in another country. During my 17 years in academia, I’ve counseled my fair share of international students experiencing homesickness, trying to learn a new culture or the finer points of English idioms.  What does feeling under the weather mean anyway?

BUT every so often, there is a student who needs much more help. She or he may be a high risk for self-inflicted harm.  Whether the situation is an assumed eating disorder, extreme depression brought on by cultural isolation, or the student has contracted an STD and cannot deal with the thought of living with it; the amount of skill, cultural insight, or language transfer may exceed what you or your campus resources can offer.

These—and more complex and dire—situations for advisors in offices serving international students or students studying abroad are why LewerMark’s partnership with Lifeworks is important for you and your students. Lifeworks has licensed counselors who are cultural experts, linguistically matched to the international student population. Their counselors have a minimum of a Master’s degree in a counseling-related field and a minimum of five years’ experience. They are available 24/7 with counseling in 60-plus languages and digital content in Simplified Chinese, Korean, Spanish, French, Arabic, and English through app-based features like chat, e-mail, or phone. This service is known as the International Student Support Program, ISSP for short and higher education campuses that have our insurance plans will have this campus-integrated service providing a layer of support that many of schools do not have the resources to deploy.

Research has shown that international students face multiple mental health challenges, but are generally less likely to reach out early for campus-based support and guidance. However, if an international student wants to reach out for support, he or she likely will use their smartphone in some manner. According to a Gallup Poll Survey, 68 percent of young adults aged 18-29 text as their primary form of communication.

Our goal at LewerMark is to be a trusted companion to our partner schools striving to support international students to graduate and contribute to their global community. Unlike some insurance programs, we WANT students to use the ISSP because it can:

For our partners, the student waiting outside the door will face a professional prepared to manage the situation with a wealth of professional skills and the added knowledge that ISSP is there to assist.

 

International Student Support Program extended to nearly 20,000 international students across the United States

CHICAGOMarch 28, 2018 /PRNewswire/ – TELUS Health , a leading organization in international student support, and LewerMark Student Insurance, an innovative health insurance company, announced a partnership to extend support to more than 100 U.S. colleges and universities. Beginning in the fall 2018 academic year, TELUS Health International Student Support Program will be included as an important feature of LewerMark’s insurance offering for international students.

“We know international students are more likely to experience stigma associated with mental health and, as a result, are less likely to reach out for support,” said Matthew McEvoy, Senior Director, TELUS Health . “With a significant number of students choosing to study outside of their home country, this offering is increasingly important for schools to extend to their students. By encouraging international students to seek support in times of need, together we can decrease the stigma and enhance the overall student experience.”

The International Student Support Program provides students with 24/7 access to support that will enhance international student success. The platform, which integrates with existing campus resources, connects students to professionals and counselors who speak their native languages and understand the unique cultural challenges faced by students living abroad. Immediate support is available in six core languages, and ongoing support is provided in more than 60 languages via app, chat, web, telephone and video.

“It was a natural fit for us to partner with TELUS Health to meet the needs of international and study abroad students,” said Mike Lewer, President and CEO of LewerMark. “Our focus to protect international students with meaningful insurance coverage and high-quality service, combined with TELUS Health focus on preventative support to foster student wellbeing, makes this a perfect fit. We are pleased to provide this robust offering to our student population and continue to improve the lives of students studying at our partner institutions.”

Campus administrators who are interested in learning more about the International Student Support Program and other features of LewerMark’s international student insurance plan can contact: Jeff Foot, Ed.D, Executive Director of LewerMark, 800.821.7715, ext. 112 or via email at [email protected].

About LewerMark 
LewerMark is a division of The Lewer Agency, a national Managing General Agent, Managing General Underwriter, and Third-Party Administrator dedicated to providing custom-designed health insurance solutions for international and study abroad students as well as employee benefits plan solutions to business owners of all sizes. Family owned and operated on the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri, Lewer has more than 60 years’ experience designing health insurance, retirement and estate planning, as well as comprehensive group benefits solutions tailored for the specific needs of each individual customer. For more information, please visit www.lewermark.com.

About TELUS Health
TELUS Health is a leading North American human resources consulting and technology company with global reach, delivering solutions that integrate both the needs of organizations and their people in employee assistance, health and wellness, benefits and retirement planning and pension administration. The Company is a leading provider of employee assistance programs and administrator of retirement and benefits plans, and has a growing presence in the North American market for absence and disability management solutions. Through strategic HR consulting, innovative plan design and comprehensive technology solutions, the Company is powering positive change in progressive organizations by helping clients solve complex workforce problems, increase employee productivity, reduce costs and improve their competitive position. Established in 1966, Lifeworks serves approximately 20,000 clients, ranging from small businesses to some of the largest corporations and associations. With more than 4,000 employees in offices across North America, TELUS Health provides services to organizations across North America and around the globe. For more information, visit Telus.com.

*Telus Health formerly Lifeworks.

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