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8 Absolutely Vital Steps to Healthy Travel Abroad

By: Kalynn Amadio 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 updated shots.

Current immunizations recommended for every country are available from the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/travel. The CDC site has great information on the various ways to guard your health while traveling abroad.

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.

Like local water, food can also carry disease for the traveler. The CDC recommends not eating food purchased from street vendors. Dr. Rosenfeld suggests peeling fresh fruits and vegetables, not eating the raw skin. Make sure any food you eat is fully cooked.

4. Take additional medication with you.

There is nothing worse than running out of needed medication while on vacation. Prepare for the unexpected by taking more medication with you than the number of days you actually expect to travel. Delays and the unexpected can happen, so be prepared.

5. Build your own 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. Make a travel insurance investment.

Canceling an anticipated trip is disappointing to say the least. Don't let that disappointment become a financial problem as well. Purchase travel insurance to cover the unexpected, especially for an expensive trip.

7. No swimming in lakes or ponds.

Don't worry about swimming in the ocean or a chlorinated pool. However, you should avoid swimming in local rivers, lakes and ponds. Those same parasites that could exist in the local drinking water will be in still bodies of recreational water as well.

8. Combat mosquitoes.

Make sure you pack sunscreen and insect repellent. Repellent should include DEET in a 20-50% concentration which is acceptable for children over 2 months and adults according to the CDC. Apply your sunscreen first then spray the repellent on your body and clothing. Wear long sleeves and pants when possible to avoid mosquitoes, fleas and ticks. Mosquitoes that transmit malaria are more active at dusk and again at dawn. Those that bite during the day tend to carry dengue fever.

If an injury or unexpected illness hits a member of your traveling party, seek help from one or more organizations that specialize in this type of situation. The International Society of Travel Medicine and the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene both have websites and can give you information on clinics in your area. MEDEX at www.medexassist.com is another organization referenced on the CDC website that is worth checking into.

So be prepared and travel healthy. Enjoy your vacation with no anxiety because you know you've already prepared for the worst. And of course, if you are prepared, the worst will never happen.

Article Source: http://www.lifeweightloss.com

Kalynn Amadio is traveling to South Korea to take part in the World Taekwondo Culture Expo. See Kalynn's martial arts website, Taekwondo-Network to learn the benefits of a martial arts lifestyle. Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service

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