The Valley Times - July 04, 2018

UTRGV Mariachi, Folklórico Launch Summer Tour Plan With Concert

VOL. I, NO. 50

P.4

|

PSJA Alum Returns Home To Coach Summer Golf Camps

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 2018

Mission Chamber Recognized In Media And Communications Excellence

P.4

|

RGVTIMES.COM

P.5

FREE

Inside

HOW TO SPOT SKIN CANCER

TRAVELING ABROAD WITH MEDICINE PG.7

Hidalgo County Sheriff’s deputies assist an area resident leave their flooded home after recent rains affected many areas of the region.

Pg. 3 & 4

2

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

WWW.RGVTIMES.COM

Congrats, Trump Voters. You’ve Been Vindicated.

BY MARC A. THIESSEN WASHINGTON -- For those conservatives who voted for Donald Trump because of the Supreme Court, congratulations: You’ve been vindicated.

Had Hillary Clinton won the 2016 election, she would have replaced the late conservative Justice Antonin Scalia with a liberal jurist -- giving the Supreme Court a left-wing activist majority for a generation. Because Trump won, Neil M. Gorsuch was confirmed to replace Scalia, securing the court’s 5-to-4 conservative majority.

This week, the dividends of that appointment for conservatives were apparent in two landmark conservative rulings. In National Institute of Family Life Advocates v. Becerra, the high court ruled that the state of California cannot force crisis pregnancy centers to advertise access to abortion to their clients, in violation of the owners’ conscience. And in Janus v. AFSCME, the court ruled that public workers cannot be forced pay union dues to support public policies with which they fundamentally disagree. These were critical 5-to-4 rulings that buttressed the First Amendment freedoms of all Americans.

Trump was able to preserve the status quo before Scalia’s passing. But now, with the news that Justice Anthony M. Kennedy is retiring, Trump has a chance to do something much bigger: He can not only preserve but also expand the court’s conservative majority. If he replaces Kennedy -a swing vote who often joined the court’s liberal bloc on important mat-

ters -- with a reliable conservative in the mold of Scalia and Gorsuch, the president may have transformed the court for a generation.

To do this, Trump will have to break the mold of his Republican predecessors. Over the past three decades, presidents from his party have picked seven justices, and several have turned out to be disappointments to conservatives. President Ronald Reagan picked three justices (Sandra Day O’Connor, Scalia and Kennedy), but only one, Scalia, was a consistent conservative. President George H.W. Bush picked one solid conservative (Clarence Thomas) and one (David Souter) who was not. George W. Bush did better, appointing two conservatives, Samuel A. Alito Jr. and John G. Roberts Jr. But even Roberts disappointed conservatives when he cast the deciding vote to uphold the Affordable Care Act in a stroke of judicial activism. If Trump picks not one, but two reliable conservative justices, he will secure the best record of Supreme Court appointments by any modern Republican president.

Liberals understand exactly what is at stake. That means whomever Trump picks will face a barrage of attacks unprecedented even by the standards of past confirmation brawls. But thanks to the Democrats’ imprudent decisions to break precedent and change Senate rules to confirm lifetime appointments to the federal circuit court under President Barack Obama, and then to filibuster Gorsuch, Senate Republicans need only a simple majority to confirm Trump’s choice. So long as Republican senators stick together, Trump’s nominee will be confirmed.

Already some Democrats are protesting that the Senate should not confirm a Supreme Court justice during a midterm election year. Sorry, the Senate confirmed Obama appointee Elena Kagan in August 2010, just before the midterm elections -- and did so with a bipartisan 63-to37 vote. Democrats are grasping at straws because the timing couldn’t be worse for them as they seek to gain

control of the Senate in November.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has announced that the confirmation vote will take place in the fall, which would put Kennedy’s replacement on the bench when the court’s new term begins on the first Monday in October. Pity the Democratic senators such as Joe Manchin III, W.Va., Heidi Heitkamp, N.D., Jon Tester, Mont., Claire McCaskill, Mo., and Joe Donnelly, Ind., who are running for reelection in states Trump won by double digits. Their political survival depends on being perceived as centrists, and they will now have to spend months campaigning while caught in the crossfire of a liberal-conservative battle royal over a Trump-nominated Supreme Court justice. Vote yes, and their liberal base will be apoplectic; vote no, and their pro-Trump constituents could revolt.

For all these reasons, Trump’s ap-

pointee is likely to be confirmed. If that happens, Trump will have led one of the most consequential conservative presidencies in modern American history. Not only is Trump expanding the conservative Supreme Court majority, he is also moving at record pace to fill the federal appeals courts with young conservative judges who will preside for decades.

Imagine if it were Clinton making all these appointments. The consequences for human life, religious liberty, the Second Amendment and limited government would have been disastrous.

Instead, the choice of the next Supreme Court justice is in President Trump’s hands. So, to all the conservatives who cast their ballots in 2016 for just this moment -- you did the right thing.

Follow Marc A. Thiessen on Twitter, @marcthiessen. (c) 2018, The Washington Post Writers Group

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

WWW.RGVTIMES.COM

Hidalgo County Judge thanks Governor Greg Abbott for seeking a federal disaster declaration for Hidalgo County after last month’s flooding.

County, Cities Respond To Recent Flooding To Address Resident Needs

As the region recovers from record flooding events, Hidalgo County and the various cities have launched recovery and response efforts to address the needs of those affected by the floods

Hidalgo County Disaster Declaration The Hidalgo Commissioners Court approved an extension of seven days to the local state of disaster declared by County Judge Ramon Garcia. Gov. Greg Abbott, who was in Edinburg for a briefing on the unprecedented, non-hurricane related torrential rain and floods, asked President Donald Trump to sign a federal emergency declaration for Hidalgo and Cameron counties.

Also approved, were emergency appropriation funds totaling $1 million for emergency related expenditures, including pumping equipment and water extraction specifically for the ongoing response to recent severe weather and flooding.

“We know there has been a tremendous amount of suffering and loss of property by many of our residents, we will make available every resource that can be offered by the county the state and the federal government.” Garcia said.

In lieu of the severe floods, the county’s Community Service Agency received approval of an Emergency Management Matrix, which will allow low-income residents to receive some assistance for disaster recovery.

Community Service Agency providing disaster assistance in Mercedes The Hidalgo County Community Service Agency is distributing disaster assistance funds to qualifying low income families in the Mercedes area. Assistance will be provided to 60 families per day from 8:30 a.m.

until 5 p.m. daily. They began helping residents last week and will continue through July 6. No assistance will be provided on the weekend or 4th of July holiday.

Assistance located at the American Legion Post 172, 321 S. Ohio in Mercedes To qualify families must: • Be below 125% of the 2018 Federal Poverty Level • Provide proof of income for everyone living in the home (last 30 days) • Provide government issued form of identification • Provide photographic proof of damage to property and or home • Provide proof of home ownership if claiming damage to home • A copy of a current utility bill Commissioners Court Approves $500,000 for Temporary Positions The Hidalgo Commissioners Court approved $500,000 from the general fund budget in support of temporary positions that will assist in the flood relief and clean-up efforts.

The Court’s action allows to expedite the hiring of workers for the eastern part of the county, represented by Precinct 1 Commissioner David L. Fuentes, said Commissioners Court Executive Officer Valde Guerra.

“As a result of the unprecedented rainfall that we had last week, the county will begin interviewing qualified applicants for these positions,” said Guerra. “The individuals will be interviewed and hired by the respective commissioner.”

Guerra emphasized that these are temporary positions that will end on December 28.

The positions include maintenance, equip-

Continue pg.4

3

4

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

WWW.RGVTIMES.COM

UTRGV Mariachi, Folklórico Launch Summer Tour Plan With Concert

The UTRGV Mariachi Aztlán and the Ballet Folklórico are planning a summer tour to showcase outstanding and award-winning ensembles across Texas, New Mexico and Colorado.

Before they depart, though, both ensembles will perform in a Summer Tour Kickoff Concert, 3 p.m. Saturday, July 7, at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex.

The concert will feature the new all-female Mariachi Azálea, with Mariachi Aztlán and the Ballet Folklórico.

The UTRGV Mariachi Aztlán and the Ballet Folklórico will conduct workshops and performances from July 8 – 16 in Floresville, Texas; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Greely and Lone Tree, Colorado.

“These performances and workshops, presented by both ensembles, will promote UTRGV, celebrate cultural heritage,

showcase our talented students across three states and several cities, and recruit students nationwide to our Fine Arts programs, “ said Dr. Dahlia Guerra, assistant vice president for Public Art. Guerra said many of the students who attend the workshops and performances are first-generation Americans of Hispanic descent and are inspired by the UTRGV Mariachi Aztlán and Ballet Folklórico to be empowered by their culture and to seek higher education.

UTRGV student Nathan Garcia, of Odessa, Texas, first experienced a workshop by Mariachi Aztán in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 2011, when he was in high school.

“Since I first saw Mariachi Aztlán perform in Albuquerque, I knew then that I wanted to go to a university where I could study and also perform the music

that I love,” he said. “I will be the first in my family to graduate from college, and I also had the opportunity to perform with the best mariachi ensemble in the

nation.”

Tickets for the July 7 concert are $5 and are available at http://patron.utrgv. edu/

PSJA Alum Returns Home To County, Cities Respond To Recent Coach Summer Golf Camps Flooding To Address Resident Needs Andrew Cabrera, PSJA North graduate of 2016, has devoted the past two summer breaks to coaching elementary students at PSJA’s Short-Shot Golf Course in Alamo, located on the corner of Cesar Chavez and Business 83.

“I wanted to come here because I wanted to help PSJA out,” Cabrera said.

“I wanted to get kids more involved in golf so they could start at a young age, so when they get to the competitive level, they already know what they’re doing.”

Cabrera served as team captain at PSJA North Raiders during his four years of high school and now plays golf for the Louisiana College Wildcats. He appreciates this summer opportunity available to PSJA students.

“The golf program is very useful because it’s free for the students of PSJA,” he said. “You don’t have to have money to come out here and play golf. Anyone can come out here and learn this great game.”

When Coach Roberto Vela started the Short-Shot Golf Course program five years ago, he did not expect the impact it has made on PSJA students and families.

“Last year we had over 10,000 kids here from all of our elementary schools,” Coach Vela said. “My very first

From pg.3

year we had about twenty students, so it’s grown. This year, we have 137 kids signed up for summer camp, and every day we get three to four new ones committed.”

The PSJA golf course brings in students throughout the year from all district elementary schools to teach them the fundamentals of the support and prepare them for competitive play at the secondary level.

Carlos Salinas, a fellow coach at ShortShot and PSJA Bears graduate is appreciative of having these type of summer programs available for our youth.

“A benefit for them is to be active because usually children go home during the summer break and hang around,” Salinas said. “A lot of them seem to be really energetic because they’re used to being mentally challenged during the day, so they come here and they’re learning something new, something good.”

ment operators, and truck drivers specifically for Precinct 1, which was affected the most due to the heavy rains and floods. Precinct 1 encompasses eastern Hidalgo County from Mercedes to Weslaco, Alamo, Donna, Hargill, the Delta Area and Progreso Lakes. “These job postings are exempt from normal positing positions, given the emergency we have on our hands,” Guerra said.

Pharr Authorizes Funds for Flood Assistance Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission have pledged city funds to the Emergency Repair Account managed by Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc. These funds will be used to directly benefit Pharr homeowners affected by recent flooding.

The grants are $300 and are meant to help with quick fixes like tarps, wet-vacs, small tools and cleaning supplies until insurance or FEMA help arrives. Mayor Hernandez has been on the forefront of these efforts.

If you need to apply for assistance, please submit the following: A completed application that can be submitted online • Identification or Driver’s License • Proof of income.

• Printed photos of damage • An estimate of damages or materials to be purchased

To receive an application, please visit info@ahsti.org or call 956-687-6263.

Pharr City officials have been surveying flooded areas of the community since rains began early this week and have been directing recovery efforts through city staff to assist those most affected.

City of Pharr officials also announce that the city of Pharr will be conducting Damage Assessments for its residents. The Damage Assessment Evaluation will focus on water damage to Pharr residents’ properties. These evaluations will assist in preparation for possible assistance to Pharr residents.

Pharr residents can visit the Development Research Center at 850 W. Dicker Road for a Damage Assessment Evaluation . Pharr residents are asked to bring identification or a City of Pharr utility bill and as many photos as possible of flood damage.

McAllen To Hold Community Sessions City of McAllen Commissioners will host an open meeting for McAllen residents to discuss flooding issues and next steps on Thursday, July 5, 2018, at 5:30 p.m. at the Las Palmas Community Center, 1921 N. 25th St., McAllen.

In addition, city department managers, the emergency operations coordinator and the engineering department will be on hand to discuss the factors that contributed to the flooding and resources available to assist people.

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

WWW.RGVTIMES.COM

5

Mission Chamber Recognized For Excellence In Media, Communications

The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce’s “Go Mission” campaign was honored as one of the best local marketing campaigns in Texas during last month’s Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives annual meeting.

Local Chambers from across the state of Texas convened Tuesday, June 19, 2018 for the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE) Annual Excellence Awards. The awards honor organizations for exceptional efforts in marketing, communications and media outreach.

In the category of Marketing Campaigns, the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce was honored as one of the best in Texas, winning second place for their “Go Mission” shop local campaign.

Awards are judged in seven categories: Outstanding Chamber Map, Outstanding Brochure, Outstanding Magazine or Directory, Excellence in Print or Electronic Newsletter, Outstanding Chamber Website, Excellence in Social Media Marketing and Communications, and Outstanding Marketing Campaign.

“Chambers of Commerce are the voice of business and quite often the

communities they serve,” said Aaron Cox of TCCE. “This highly competitive process demonstrates how these organizations fulfill this task with excellence daily, often with little or no accolades. This award demonstrates the exceptional work carried out by Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce and provides them well deserved recognition.”

The overall competition had more than 200 entries from which the best were judged by panels of experts. “This prestigious honor is cause for the staff, members and community to celebrate,” said Kelly Hall, 2018 TCCE Board Chairman and CEO of the Longview Chamber of Commerce. “This type of recognition is indicative of the great work, creativity and innovation that exists in these chambers, Congratulations to all!”

The Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE) is the professional society of chamber of commerce executives and professional staff in the state of Texas. Established in 1908, TCCE remains a strong, viable organization and the longest standing association of chamber of commerce professionals in

The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce received 2nd Place for Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives Media Awards. Pictured at the awards ceremony are, from left, Mitch Thames, TCCE Chairman Elect; Robert Rosell, Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce President & CEO; Jennifer Nava, Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce Director of Events & Marketing; and RaDonna Hessel, TCCE Past Chairman.

the nation.

As a private not-for-profit 501 (c)(6) TCCE operates with the primary goal of serving its membership by providing excellence in professional development, networking, resource and idea

exchange opportunities and grassroots advocacy information and coordination. Through its publications and other resources TCCE provides operational guidance and leadership to chambers across the state.

STC Receives TWC Grants For Building And Design Technology

Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded a $122,544 grant to the Division of Business, Public Safety andTechnology at South Texas College. Funds will be used to conduct an eight-week training program that will cover basic maintenance of electrical, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) and construction systems.

The Division of Business, Public Safety, and Technology at South Texas College (STC) received a grant from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) for $122,544.

The grant, approved by the STC Board of Trustees, will benefit students by offering comprehensive, academic, and technical programs as well as high demand occupation training that will lead to employment opportunities for students.

Funding will support the college’s efforts in conducting an eight-week training program for students. The program will cover basic maintenance of electrical, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) and construction systems.

Participants will also install basic components utilizing a variety of construction tools and equipment, work from ladders, perform physically demanding tasks, and construct and fabricate basic building components required in the maintenance and up-

keep of building systems.

Participants will be introduced to proper safety practices and will be required to successfully pass the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) exam, which consists of a 10-hour training course by the completion of the 8-week training program.

The high demand occupations related to this training include electricians, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, and installation repair occupations.

Mario Reyna, Dean of Business, Public Safety and Technology says this grant will serve students and the community greatly.

“The construction industry is in dire need for well-educated and trained individuals to help them meet the demands of a booming economy,” says Reyna. “This grant will promote the industry to the community and recruit interested individuals in three

areas – electricians, HVAC and construction management. These three technical professions will support the industry to continue the rapid expansion that will continue into the foreseeable future.”

The Building and Design Technology department will be managing the grant. The funding period will be from May 15, 2018 to May 14, 2019.

For more information, contact Irma Rosales, Construction Supervision Program Faculty, at 956-872-5673 or email at imrosales@southtexascollege.edu.

6

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

WWW.RGVTIMES.COM

Correa To Tell ‘The Real Stories of Starr County’

The Museum of South Texas History, a museum chronicling the heritage of South Texas and Northeastern Mexico, invites the public to hear Jesus “Chuy” Correa’s presentation of “The Real Stories of Starr County” on Sunday, July 8, at 2 p.m.

Jesus “Chuy” Correa Martinez, born in CD. Miguel Alemán, Tamaulipas, Mexico, developed a high level of curiosity early in life, which lead him to his true love – history, especially the history of the area surrounding his beloved Starr County, Texas. His investigations of factual history have taken him throughout the region on both sides of the border, and he has spent many years compiling this wonderful look at how people came to this area, why they stayed, what they dreamed of and, with great effort and enterprise, built along the banks of the Rio Grande River.

Mr. Correa’s works have been previously published in the “History of Cuidad Miguel Aleman, Tamaulipas”

Jesus Correa

(2002), “A History of Christopher Columbus” (2005), and “The History of Roma, Texas” (2009). His purpose for this book is to continue the compilation of the written stories and histories of the area, all intended to bridge the ages between the citizens who reside in the area today and their ancestors, by providing the real facts of that histo-

ry. We hope you enjoy this trip through the last four and one half centuries of the area we know as Starr County, Texas, the communities, and the next milestone in Mr. Correa’s legacy.

Correa’s works have been previously published in the “History of Ciudad Miguel Aleman, Tamaulipas” (2002), “A History of Christopher Columbus” (2005) and “The History of Roma, Texas” (2009). Copies of “The Real Stories of Starr County” book will be available for purchase at the Museum Store.

Sunday Speaker Series is included in the fee for regular museum admission.

FRIENDS of the MOSTHistory are admitted free as a benefit of FRIENDship.

The Museum of South Texas History is located in downtown Edinburg at 200 North Closner Boulevard on the Hidalgo County Courthouse square.

Hours of operation are from 1 p.m.–5 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday. For more information about MOSTHistory, including becoming a FRIEND, visit MOSTHistory.org,

like us on Facebook, follow on Twitter, find on Google+ or call (956) 3836911.

VOL. I, NO. 26

Now is the time to prepare for the high temperatures that kill hundreds of people every year. Extreme heat causes more than 600 deaths each year. Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable, yet many people still die from extreme heat every year.

Take measures to stay cool, remain hydrated, and keep informed. Getting too hot can make you sick. You can become ill from the heat if your body can’t compensate for it and properly cool you off. The main things affecting your body’s ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather are: High humidity. When the humidity is high, sweat won’t evaporate as quickly, which keeps your body from releasing heat as fast as it may need to.

Personal factors. Age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug and alcohol use can play a role in whether a person can cool off enough in very hot weather.

Those who are at highest risk include people 65 and older, children younger than two, and people with chronic diseases or mental illness. Closely monitor people who depend on you for their care and ask these questions: • Are they drinking enough water?

• Do they have access to air conditioning?

• Do they need help keeping cool?

People at greatest risk for heat-related illness can take the following protective actions to prevent illness or death: • Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. Contact your local health department or locate an air-conditioned shelter in your area. Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. If a home is not air-conditioned, people can reduce their risk for heat-related illness by spending time in public facilities that are air-conditioned, and using air conditioning in vehicles.

• Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device during an extreme heat event.

• Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.

• Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.

• Don’t use the stove or oven to cook—it

|

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 2018

will make you and your house hotter.

Even young and healthy people can get sick from the heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather: • Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when the sun is hottest.

• Wear and reapply sunscreen as indicated on the package.

• Pace activity. Start activities slow and pick up the pace gradually.

• Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more. Muscle cramping may be an early sign of heat-related illness.

• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

If you play a sport that practices during hot weather, protect yourself and look out for your teammates: • Schedule workouts and practices earlier or later in the day when the temperature is cooler.

• Monitor a teammate’s condition, and have someone do the same for you.

• Seek medical care immediately if you or a teammate has symptoms of heat-related illness.

• Learn more about how to protect young athletes from heat-related illness by taking this CDC course.

• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent heat-related illnesses.

• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Everyone should take these steps to prevent heat-related illnesses, injuries, and deaths during hot weather: • Stay in an air-conditioned indoor location as much as possible.

• Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty.

• Schedule outdoor activities carefully.

• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen.

• Pace yourself.

• Take cool showers or baths to cool down.

• Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.

• Never leave children or pets in cars.

• Check the local news for health and safety updates.

|

WWW.GOODHEALTHGUIDETX.COM

FREE

8

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

TRAVELING ABROAD WITH MEDICINE If you’re planning to bring your prescription or over-the-counter medicine on your trip, you need to make sure your medicine is travel-ready.

Many travelers must carry their medicines with them across international borders to treat chronic or serious health problems. However, each country has its own guidelines about which medicines are legal.

Medicines that are commonly prescribed or available over the counter in the United States could be considered unlicensed or controlled substances in other countries. For example, in Japan, some inhalers and certain allergy and sinus medications are illegal. Also, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has strict narcotics laws that have landed many travelers in prison.

While rules vary from country to country, there can be serious consequences if you violate the laws of the country you’re visiting. These consequences can range from confiscation (removal) of your medicine, which could harm your medical treatment, to stiff penalties, including imprisonment on charges for drug trafficking. To avoid medicine-related issues during your travel, follow these tips from CDC Travelers’ Health.

Before You Go Check with the foreign embassy of the country you will be visiting or passing through to make sure your medicines are permitted in that country.

Be aware that many countries only allow taking a 30-day supply of certain medicines and require the traveler to carry a prescription or a medical certificate.

If your medicine is banned at your destination, talk with your health care provider about

alternative medicine or destination options, and have your doctor write a letter describing your condition and the treatment plan.

The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) provides general information about country regulations for travelers carrying medicines that are made with controlled substances. It’s important to note that INCB may not have information from all countries or territories.

Make an appointment with a travel medicine specialist or your health care provider to get needed vaccines and medicines at least 4 to 6 weeks before you leave.

If you plan to be gone for more than 30 days, talk to your doctor about how you can get enough medicine for your trip.

Sometimes insurance companies will pay for only a 30-day supply at a time.

Ask your doctor about any changes to taking your medicine once you’re in a different time zone. Medicines should be taken according to the time since your last dose, not the local time of day.

Ask how to safely store medicine and check whether it needs refrigeration. Keep in mind that extreme temperatures can reduce the effectiveness of many medicines.

Pack smart and put your medicines in your carry-on luggage.

You don’t want to be stuck without them if your suitcase gets lost!

Bring enough medicine to last your whole trip, plus a little extra in case of delays.

Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Ensure that they are clearly labeled with your full passport name, doctor’s name, generic and brand name, and exact dosage.

Bring copies of all prescriptions, including the generic names for medicines.

Leave a copy of your prescriptions at home with a friend or relative in case you lose your copy or need an emergency refill.

Pack a note on letterhead stationery from the prescribing doctor (preferably translated into the language understood at your destination) for controlled substances, such as marijuana, and injectable medicines, such as EpiPens and insulin.

Buying Medicine at Your Destination Don’t plan on being able to buy your medicines at your destination. They may not be available, and if they are, they may not meet US quality standards.

In many developing countries, counterfeit drugs are a big problem.

If you must buy drugs during your trip in an emergency, there are ways to reduce your chances of buying counterfeit drugs: Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate. They should be able to connect you with doctors and pharmacies that can help you find reliable, quality medicines.

Buy medicines only from licensed pharmacies and get a receipt. Do not buy medicines from open markets.

Ask the pharmacist whether the drug has the same active ingredient as the one you were taking.

Make sure the medicine is in its original packaging.

Look closely at the packaging.

Sometimes poor-quality printing or otherwise strange-looking packaging will indicate a counterfeit product.

9