Source: Nextarticles
A vacation overseas is an exciting event. Exotic locations can mean a greater risk for potential health problems and a larger chance of not finding adequate medical services.
Take matters into your own hands and prepare for that travel in advance with Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld of Fox News Channel's list of 8 Travel Tips that will make your excursion safer, happier and healthier.
1. Have current immunizations.
Check with the CDC on the internet at www.cdc.gov/travel and specify which countries you will be traveling, to check on the current immunizations required. This site also has many suggestions on staying healthy during your trip.
2. Only brush your teeth with bottled water.
Because local water can have bacteria and parasites, don't brush your teeth with tap water. If bottled water is unavailable, boiling water for at least 1 minute is long enough to kill any diseases and avoid illness.
3. Don't eat raw fruits and vegetables with the skin.
Local fruits and vegetables can also harbor parasites and bacteria that can make a healthy traveler ill. For that reason, the CDC advises not buying food from street vendors. Dr. Rosenfeld proposes skinning raw fruits and vegetables before eating. Always be sure that your food is cooked fully.
4. Take additional prescription medication with you.
Your vacation should be fun. The anxiety you would undoubtedly feel by running out of necessary prescription medication could ruin good memories of the trip. Do yourself a favor and avoid that anxiety by packing extra medication beyond the number of days you plan to be away. Murphy's Law exists; negate it by being prepared.
5. Take a first aid kit.
Build a first aid kit to pack in your suitcase. A smaller kit that you can keep with you is a good idea as well. In your suitcase kit, include anti-diarrheal medication, mild laxative and anti-motion pills as your destination dictates. You should also include antihistamine and decongestant, anti-fungal and hydro cortisone cream in 1% solution. The kit that stays with you through your day should include anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotic cream and the typical assortment of alcohol pads, latex gloves, band aids and moleskin for blisters.
6. Purchase travel insurance.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could see into the future? But because we can't, buy a cushion of comfort in the form of travel insurance. The more expensive the trip, the more important this investment could be.
7. Avoid swimming in ponds or lakes.
Parasitic and bacterial diseases can exist in lakes and ponds as they can in local drinking water. Avoid swimming in still bodies of water. Swimming in the ocean or in chlorinated swimming pools is okay. But swimming in a local river should be avoided.
8. Prepare for mosquitoes.
Pack insect repellent that contains 20-50% DEET. This level is acceptable for adults and children over 2 months. You can wear pants and long sleeves as well. It's helpful to spray your clothes with repellent too. If you'll need sunscreen, apply it first then use repellent and make sure to wash off before bed. These safety measures will fend off ticks, fleas and mosquitoes. Malaria transmitting mosquitoes are more active at dawn and dusk. Daytime biters tend to pass dengue fever.
Should a serious illness or injury occur to you or a traveling partner, there are several places you can seek help. One such organization is MEDEX, www.medexassist.com. The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene and The International Society of Travel Medicine are two more organizations that offer different areas of help. Check their websites for more information before leaving.
Travel healthy by being prepared. Take pleasure in knowing you are ready for the unexpected which of course means the unexpected can't happen.
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