Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1993. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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Miami Herald; Tuesday, December 14, 1993
Herald Staff
The goal of counseling is to make travelers self-confident and self-reliant, said Dr. Caroline MacLeod of the Tropical Medicine and Traveler's Clinic, who shows clients a video, The Very Healthy Traveler and gives them wallet-size "travel tips" cards.
MacLeod said travel medical counseling should cover:
* Medical history, illnesses, medications.
* Required immunizations, depending on destination and length of trip.
* How to cope with jet lag, and adjust medications across time zones.
* Motion sickness.
* Precautions for drinking water and taking showers.
* Food precautions, as well as instructions for eating a balanced diet despite restricted foods.
* Constipation -- the No. 1 annoying problem of travelers.
* Diarrhea -- the No. 1 common illness of travelers.
* Skin infections, such as fungus and athlete's foot.
* Environmental conditions, ranging from rain forest to high desert. (More than most travelers, Floridians have problems with altitude sickness).
* Malaria.
* How to keep pesky insects away.
* Allergic reactions.
* What to do if bitten by snakes, spiders, scorpions, rabid animals.
* How to care for minor wounds.
* Where to get safe blood transfusions.
* Accident prevention. * Protection against sun exposure. * Aquatic hazards (including parasites in fresh water and pools, swimmer's ear, and hazardous marine life).
* How to prevent sexually transmitted diseases -- "the most common accident of travelers." People often lose their inhibitions while traveling; drink and drugs may contribute. Condoms are not foolproof for preventing STDs, including HIV, HTLV-1 and HTLV-2.
* Information for women of childbearing age, especially pregnant women.
* First-aid items to pack, including antibiotics, pain relievers, water purifiers, insect repellents and rehydration salts.
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