1. Monitor the U.S. State Department advisories on violence. These are the most authoritative reports on the subject. Popular resorts that cater to foreigners appear to be safer than cities near the U.S. border. For the latest information, see: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html 2. Update your vaccinations. Hepatitis A vaccine, for example, was recently added to […]
Toothbrushes/children/travel/diarrhea
Children old enough to brush their own teeth may be exposing themselves to diarrheal illnesses via their toothbrushes, especially when traveling in areas where such illnesses are common. Here is the theory: Children often place their toothbrushes on sink counter surfaces when finishing brushing, or in the middle of brushing if something more interesting catches […]
Obtaining Safe Water and Other Beverages When You Travel
When you travel, drinking lots of water helps you stay fit – as long as the water is fit to drink. Being well hydrated helps counteract some of the vagaries of travel: fatigue and jet lag, altitude, and hot and cold environments, to mention a few. Minimal dehydration occurs even before you feel thirsty, subtly […]
Enjoying Tempting Food in Exotic Countries and Not Regretting It Later!
1. Wash your hands frequently and before you eat. While this is hardly breaking news, compliance remains poor. Proper hand hygiene (it’s no longer called hand washing) interrupts transmission of most diarrhea-causing micro-organisms. Such organisms abound in areas of poor sanitation. You acquire organisms via your hands, by touching doorknobs and money, and by shaking […]