Preparing Yourself for Health Risks Before Traveling on an Exotic Adventure

If you're planning on traveling overseas on an exotic adventure, be sure to get the necessary inoculations and educate yourself about the health risks of the country you're visiting before you depart. Falling ill with an ailment that could have easily been prevented, will only ruin your trip and could easily continue for awhile while you're back at home.

1. Visit the website for The Centre for Disease Control, www.cdc.gov
This comprehensive website lists all of the necessary vaccinations you'll need and also outbreaks of every destination worldwide.

2. Schedule an appointment with a Travel Clinic to get all of your vaccinations and any necessary medications, i.e. antibiotics, malaria profolyaxsis, etc. Ideally, set up your appointment 4-6 weeks in advance as some vaccinations take time to become effective.

3. In most developing countries, it's best to only drink bottled water. Also avoid ice cubes, unless you're certain they're made from purified water.

4. Don't eat raw fruit or vegetables unless they've been peeled, or washed in purified water.

5. Do not brush your teeth with tap water.

6. Carry a small first aid kit with you with some standard medications, ie. antibiotic cream such as Neosporin; hydrocortisone cream for inflammation; glycerin suppositories for constipation; an antidiarrheal remedy such as Imodium, oral rehydration Benadryl for allergic reactions.

7. Carry a copy of any prescriptions you may have. If your prescription medications are lost or stolen on a trip, be sure to have a copy of the prescription. Ask your doctor to indicate both the brand name and the generic name of the drug, as medications abroad will vary. Be sure to tell the pharmacist overseas the condition that is related to the prescription.

8. Be sure to have a good insect repellent. Take extra precautions during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

9. Protect your skin with minimum 30 SPF sunscreen and wear a wide brim hat

10. Be sure to have supplemental medical insurance that includes emergency evacuation. The last thing you will want to think about is not having the proper coverage if something unfortunately goes array on your adventure.