99TravelSafe.com
5 – Travel Health and Safety!
The Website For The Smart and Savvy Traveler
TO get a list of Western-trained, English-speaking doctors in 140 countries you may contact the International Association for Medical Assistance for Travelers at this number
1-716-754-4883
or their website
Buy adequate and appropriate Travel Insurance.
Check if your medication is legal in the country that you are visiting.
Pack all medication in your hand luggage.
If you are taking prescribed medication take the prescription and a doctor’s letter with you.
Be safe in the Sun. Avoid excessive sunbathing, especially between 11am and 3pm and wear a good quality sunscreen.
Drink plenty of water. If you drink alcohol or use some kind of drugs your body can become dehydrated, especially in a hot climate.
Practice abstinence or safe sex - always use a condom.
Find out the local emergency number and the address of the nearest hospital when you arrive overseas. Your local guide or accommodation manager can help you with this.
Keep all medication and medical bags out of reach of children.
Make sure everyone maintains a healthy diet, which will help everyone adjust to new locations.
Drink plenty of fluid when traveling - you may want to stock up on bottled water or purchase bottled water at your destination.
Watch ice and salads and be careful about water quality.
Stomach upsets are one of the most common travel related illnesses. If a restaurant or its food does not look clean and fresh, don't eat there.
Get plenty of rest. Although you might want to pack in as much each day as possible, remember that children need their rest and the best rest is between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Maintaining a normal bedtime for children means happier, well rested children who can enjoy the activities planned for the vacation. Tired children are more apt to be susceptible to illness.
Parents need their rest and quiet time too. Plan on an early night every other day to keep up with sleep.
Be aware of family allergies.
Wash hands often. Keep pre-moistened antiseptic wipes anduse them before eating.
Do research about your destination. Check with local health department for health concerns to be aware of.
Store food and drinks properly. Bottles need to be washed with soap and hot water. Don't reuse water bottles while traveling - bacteria can start to grow as soon as your mouth contacts the water. Get fresh bottles everyday.
Leftover babyfood should be discarded if baby is fed directly from a jar. Untouched babyfood should be refrigerated or discarded.
Most hotels and resorts will be able to assist you in the event of someone in the family becoming sick or requiring medical attention, including providing names of local health care providers.
If a family member has a special medical condition, check with your doctor to obtain references for a physician to contact at your destination if a problem occurs.
If possible, clean all scrapes and cuts and then treat them with an antibacterial ointment to help avoid infection.
For burns - seek medical attention immediately for severe burns. If the burns are mild, immerse in cool water.
In an emergency try to remain as calm as possible.
If a head injury or bump occurs, watch for symptoms of a concussion, which may include loss of consciousness (even for a second or two), persistent vomiting, lethargy, sleepiness or unequal pupil size. seek expert medical advice urgently!
If you are traveling abroad to seek medical treatment, find out about:
Qualifications of staff
-- Morbidity Rates
-- Success Rates of the surgeon who will carry out the operation, if any.
-- Infection rates
-- Additional treatment in case of complications
-- Extended stay for your family & friends who are accompanying you.
-- Medical evacuation to your own country, if needed!