Holiday Health Guide

HOLIDAY HEALTH Guide How to Survive and Thrive Before You Go Medical Care Abroad - Find out the contact details for your home countries nearest embassy abroad in case of emergency. H Consult your GP 4-6 weeks before you go if you have a pre-existing condition requiring ongoing care. Getting Vaccinated Consult your GP about tropical disease vaccinations you may need. H For Africa, Asia and South America, consult your GP early. Some vaccinations need to be administered earlier to take full effect. You may be asked to show an International Certificate of Vaccination. Organise Health Insurance 1 Arrange private health insurance to avoid delays and huge expenses. - If you are travelling between EU countries, get a European Health Insurance Card from your local health office. - Have proof of citizenship with you e.g. a passport or driving licence. What to Pack Travel Health Kit SmariTRAVEL Astihlstamine Antihistamine Antibacterial Cream Insect Repellent with DEET (30%-50%) Antibacterial Hand Wipes Aspirin Mild Laxative Antidiarrheal Medication Sunscreen Aloe Vera Gel Prescription Medication with a copy of the prescription Jet Lag Prior to Flying 1 Get as much sleep as you can the night before. 1 Avoid being over-tired, excited, stressed, nervous, or hung-over. - Book a direct flight that flies during the day time. - Get lots of exercise in the days leading up to the flight. - Try to avoid getting the flu or a cold. These make jet lag worse. Time NASA estimates you need 1 day for every time zone you cross to recover Zones from Jet Lag. A 5 hour time difference = 5 days to get back to normal. Travel Sickness Prevent Feeling Unwell Sit in the front of the car you are travelling in. I Avoid reading. H Keep your eyes fixed on the horizon. I Sit at the most stable part of the aircraft, over the wings, when flying. Avoid, greasy or spicy food. Apply a cool pack of ice to your eyes and neck. Don't Climate conditions can lead to gastrointestinal problems. When you perspire you lose water and salt. Ensure to replace both. Forget Sun Protection Prevent Getting Burnt H Stay in the shade between 10am and 4pm. H Wear a wide brimmed hat and UV protection sunglasses. - Use a daily sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 or higher. 1 Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside. Re-apply every 2 hours. - Do not let yourself burn. 1 Avoid sunlamps and tanning booths. Top Tip To achieve a sun kissed glow, use fake tan instead. Bites and Stings Avoid Getting Bitten Avoid the outdoors at dusk and dawn. Wear light colour clothing so you can see any insects. E Wear long sleeve tops and trousers to cover your skin. I Keep doors and windows closed. Choose air conditioned accommodation. Choose accommodation on the top floor. E Avoid perfumes. Check your body after hiking as ticks can hide in skin folds and hair. + Immediate If you are holidaying in a country where rabies exists, seek medical attention immediately for a bite or scratch from a warm-blooded animal. Action Food and Beverages Foods to Avoid - Street vendor stall food. 1 Salads and raw vegetables. - Undercooked fish, raw fish or shellfish. - Fruit you have not peeled yourself. Safe to Drink Water that has been boiled. I Canned or bottled water and carbonated soft drinks. Tea and coffee made with boiling water. Beer and wine. I Avoid ice Rule of Boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it. Thumb References http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sunburn/facts- about-sunburn-and-skin-cancer http://www.who.int/uv/sun_protection/en/ http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/pack-smart#travelhealthkit http://www.irishhealth.com/article.html?id=2087 http://www.irishhealth.com/article.html?con=237 http://www.irishhealth.com/article.html?con=D229 http://www.irishhealth.com/article.html?con=244 http://www.rishhealth.com/article.html?con=358 http://www.rishhealth.com/article.html?con=167 Hibernian HEALTHCARE www.hibernianhealth.com