Quarantines* and other restrictions on international travel do little to limit the spread of disease, in this case, H1N1flu, when the disease already exists in most countries, says World Health Organization. Nevertheless, public health authorities in some countries, mostly in the Middle East and Asia, are monitoring arriving travelers for symptoms suggestive of H1N1 and […]
Children/Sandy Beaches/Sand Boxes/Illness
August 22, 2009 by
Are there any fun activities left for kids to do, activities that are healthy, safe and wholesome, where parents need not constantly restrain children’s imaginations and exuberance with that annoying, killjoy utterance, “How many times do I have to tell you not to do that?” Can you believe that playing in sand may be […]
Toothbrushes/children/travel/diarrhea
October 25, 2008 by
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 […]
Keeping Kids Healthy When Swimming
July 21, 2008 by
Swimming: The source of many illnesses Most kids’ favorite summer activity is swimming, no matter if it’s splashing in a small backyard pool, or on the beach of a five-star resort. But the reality is that no fun activity is totally safe and healthy. For information on water safety, see TenTips: Waterfront. For avoiding illnesses […]
Staying Warm in the Cold
April 30, 2008 by
Family vacations in snow country can be just as healthy, comfortable, and rewarding as more traditional stays in warmer climes – if you know how to cope with the cold. Here is what you should know: 1. Children do not get colds from the cold. Colds come from viruses. Colds may be more common in […]
Enjoying Tempting Food in Exotic Countries and Not Regretting It Later!
April 26, 2008 by
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 […]
Treating Travelers’ Diarrhea in Children
April 24, 2008 by
Savvy parents can manage most cases of intestinal diseases that occur away from home and recognize the rare case needing immediate medical attention. Here’s how to be a savvy parent: 1. Do not treat intestinal illnesses with only clear or sugary liquids. Vomiting and diarrhea eliminates vital nutrients from the body, mainly sodium and chloride […]
Preparing a Medical Kit for Travel
April 22, 2008 by
A small, customized medical kit can be a real lifesaver when traveling with children. Never leave home without it. 1. Buy or assemble a first aid kit. This is not the same as a medical kit. A first aid kit includes items to treat the inevitable minor illnesses and scrapes children get at home or […]
