Travel Health Precautions

The booklet "Health Information for International Travel" is published annually by the U.S. government. It specifies the vaccinations required by different countries and includes information on measures for travelers to take to protect their health and facilitate their travel. International travelers should contact their local health department physician at least 4 weeks before departure to obtain the current health information on countries they plan to visit. You can order the booklet 017-023-00184-1 latest edition from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, Washington, DC 20402-9329.

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
Take along a copy of the prescriptions for necessary medicines. Ask your doctor to include the generic name as some trade name prescriptions are not available in foreign countries. Keep medicines in their original labeled container. If you need to take medications containing habit-forming or narcotic drugs with you, carry a doctor's certificate attesting to that fact. These precautions will make customs processing easier, although a doctor's certificate may not suffice as authorization to transport drugs to all foreign countries. Travelers have been arrested for drug violations for possessing items not considered narcotics in the U.S. but illegal in other countries. To ensure you do not violate the laws of the countries you visit, consult the embassy or consulate of those countries for precise information before leaving.

MEDICAL ALERT
Signing up with a medical data service can make traveling less worrisome. If you have allergies, reactions to certain medicines, or other unique medical problems, like diabetes or heart trouble, consider wearing a medical alert bracelet or carrying a medical alert card in your wallet or purse. It's a compact card available at most pharmacies stating any special medical conditions, allergies, and your blood type. For more information contact Medic Alert 800-432-5378 or Med-Fax 213-821-1984.

Leave a copy of your medical and dental records with your family or other contact person.

JET LAG
Most travelers can only manage three time zone changes without feeling jet lag. It's best to get plenty of rest before departure and sleep as much as you can on the plane or rest with your eyes closed. For a few days before departure, if you are traveling west, go to bed a few hours later than you normally would. If you are traveling east, go to bed a few hours earlier. Eat lightly on departure day, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid alcohol. Avoid fat-laden airline fare. Order plenty of fluids but avoid coffee. Try to get some exercise before the flight. Walk around the airport. Avoid sitting down while waiting to board.

Some travelers swear if you diet for four days beforehand, it helps. The first day, have three high-protein meals. On the second day, have only liquids, fruit, and salad. Day three, again the three high-protein meals. Day four, the day of departure, back to the liquids, fruit, and salad but eating lightly.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS
If you live at a low altitude and travel to one that is higher by more than 5,000 feet, you can expect to take 10 to 14 days to adjust to an altitude change. You may tire easily, so reduce physical activity until you become accustomed. Avoid alcohol as it will have more pronounced effects. Altitude sickness symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, and insomnia. Altitude sickness is generally cured by descending to a lower altitude, and if needed, getting oxygen. Severe cases can become life threatening. At the first signs of fatigue, take a break.

SIGHT SAVING TIPS
Take an extra set of eyeglasses in case the first is lost or broken. If you cannot afford a second pair take along an older pair. Take along enough cleaning solutions for contact lenses and spare lenses. Even if you wear contacts, it is imperative that you take along a pair of conventional glasses. Take eye ointment and a good decongestant eye drop, sunglasses, extra batteries for hearing aids, and other health-related items. Carry these and any medicines you need in your carry-on luggage.

SUNBURN
Americans are having a hard time letting go of the idea of a "healthy tan." A suntan is not healthy. Exposure to the sun is the primary cause of skin cancer. It also causes long-term skin damage and premature wrinkles. You should stay out of the sun during the middle of the day between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. or wear protective clothing or a sun block with SPF 15 or higher. It also should be waterproof if you plan to swim. Get one that protects you from different kinds of ultraviolet (UV) rays. Make sure your sunglasses protect your eyes from UV; otherwise you might increase your risk of developing cataracts and retinal damage.

DRESSING FOR TRAVEL
The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT) puts out a climate chart for major cities around the world. It lists high and low temperatures, altitude, days of rain, and information about food to eat and avoid. It is published monthly and is free, but they will ask for donations to help with their work. For a copy write: IAMAT, 736 Center St., Lewiston, NY 14092.

When you know the climate you will know how to dress. For the hottest, you should wear pure cotton and the clothes should be loose-fitting. Light-colored clothes reflect rather than absorb light. Clothes made of cotton/synthetic blends won't crease, are easily washed, and are good for tropical climates. Watch how the natives dress. If they carry an umbrella you can expect rain. In cold areas take long johns, a sweater, and wool ski pants. Wool socks are best. Wear a windbreaker and long-sleeve shirts. Wear a wool cap that extends down over your ears and wear gloves. Consider the wind-chill factor and altitude as the wind combined with cold makes the body feel it is much colder. Limit the amount of clothing you pack, but make sure it is adequate for the climate.

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES
HIV and AIDS and antibiotic-resistant STD's are high risks in some areas of the world. The latter, especially strains of gonorrhea (PPNG), are of concern in the Philippines, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and of increasing concern in the Caribbean and many countries in Central and South America.

To reduce the risk of STD's, travelers should avoid anonymous partners, prostitutes, and other persons who have multiple sex partners. Avoid anyone who has a genital discharge, warts, herpes lesions or any other suspicious genital lesions, AIDS, or evidence of HIV infection; avoid anal contact and genital contact with oral "cold sores." Males should use condoms. Females should use diaphragms and spermicide but also insist male partners use condoms. If any symptoms of STD develop see a physician immediately to receive appropriate treatment.

FINDING MEDICAL HELP
Should you become ill while traveling abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for a list of local doctors, dentists, medical specialists, or hospitals. Consular offices cannot supply you with medication. The International Association of Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT) can provide a valuable service in the unlikely event you become ill while traveling. The group coordinates medical treatment (with set fees) by English-speaking physicians trained in North America or Europe, whenever possible. Membership is free although a donation helps support their work. Membership entitles you to a directory of physicians with their overseas locations, phone numbers, and fees. For information, contact IAMAT, 736 Center Street, Lewiston, NY 14092.

If you have a handicap or disability, there is an information service to help you plan trips in the U.S. and abroad. Contact: Travel Information Service, Moss Rehabilitation Hospital, 12th St. and Tabor Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19141; (215-329-5715).

HEALTH INSURANCE
For travelers who become seriously ill or injured on a trip abroad, getting medical care in foreign hospitals can be costly. Make sure your medical insurance policy provides adequate protection for you and your family while out of the United States. If you wish to get supplemental medical coverage, consult your health insurance company or contact your state insurance association for information on available protection for travelers.

Travel-specific policies written by major insurers like Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Traveler's are available through most travel agencies. Health Insurance Association of America should cover office visits, hospitalization, and outpatient care costs occurring outside the United States. Air ambulance coverage is a plus in case you need medical assistance to return home from overseas. For a 2-week stay, you'll pay from $50 for a single person to $200 for a family. Be sure to ask about maximum payouts, age restrictions, and which services aren't covered. Many international insurance companies offer trip cancellation, and travel accident insurance.

AFTER YOU'RE HOME
If you become ill after you return home, tell your physician where you have been. Most persons who get viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections abroad become ill within 6 weeks after returning. Some diseases may not manifest themselves immediately, such as malaria, so it is advisable to tell your physician where you have been to aid in the correct diagnosis if you become ill.