Written by Rebecca Budde, SIU School of Medicine
June is the busiest month for travel. Whether you and your family are heading to the Indonesia or Iowa, following a few simple tips will keep you safe and healthy so that you can make the most of your trip.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has the following recommendations for travelers:
Be Proactive
Learn about your destination – Are there health risks or safety concerns there? For example, some areas of the world are more prone to severe weather or natural disasters. If you’re traveling abroad, be aware of the cuisine of other cultures and certain foods that might make you sick.
See your physician before traveling – A doctor who is familiar with travel medicine can inform you of any vaccines that you or your family members may need. Additionally, you may want to seek advice on medications that help with motion sickness if you plan to travel by car or boat.
Share information – The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) suggests letting your neighbors and family members know your vacation dates and location. Give them a list of travel information such as flight times, hotels names and contact numbers. Designate a family member or friend at home to be the contact person in the event that your travel party gets separated. If disaster strikes your vacation location and you have internet access, register at the American Red Cross website www.safeandwell.org so family and friends will know that you are safe.
If traveling internationally, register with the US Department of State through a free online service at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) enables the State Department to better assist US travelers in an emergency
Be Prepared
It’s all in the suitcase – IEMA suggests packing an emergency supply kit with water, snacks, a first-aid kit, flashlight and a small battery-operated radio in case you find yourself in an unfortunate disaster. Pack extra supplies of critical items such as prescriptions and baby formula in case you are delayed. And don’t forget general medications in case you get sick.
Be protected
Be aware of your health – Follow the same guidelines about your health that you should at home: wear sunscreen, limit alcohol intake, don’t drink and drive, follow food safety, wear a seatbelt, wear protective gear if activities warrant, follow laws and customs of the place you are visiting. If you happen to feel ill while traveling, find a doctor who can help. If traveling internationally, you can call your embassy to obtain a list of qualified, English-speaking providers.
To learn more http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/survival-guide
Copyright © SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois