Health Travel Tips for Spring-Break Vacationers and Others Heading for the Beach

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ST. PAUL, Minn., March 15 /PRNewswire/ -- March is the month when the most serious cases of cabin fever strike adults and college-students alike. As Minnesotans escape to warmer climates for spring break and annual winter get-a-ways, a few basic tips can help keep travelers healthy while on vacation.

According to Dr. Peter F. Bornstein, a United Hospital physician and the director of the Travel Medicine Center at St. Paul Infectious Disease Associates, before taking a trip travelers should consult a physician regarding existing medical conditions. It is a good idea to carry copies of prescription orders and a letter stating the need for prescription medications, and pack extra medication in carry-on bags in case of unexpected delays or lost luggage.

To avoid food illnesses, vacationers who travel outside the United States should not eat raw food, salads, uncooked vegetables, unpasturized milk, and milk products such as cheese. Instead, they should eat only food that has been cooked and is still hot, or fruit that they peel themselves. Dr. Bornstein advises all travelers to live by a simple rule, "Boil it, peel it, cook it or forget it."

If chlorinated tap water is not available, travelers should only drink canned or bottled carbonated beverages, beer, wine and boiled water drinks like coffee.

Contaminated water is a problem when swimming too, and may result in skin, eye, ear and certain intestinal infections, particularly if the swimmer's head is submerged. To stay healthy in the tropics (including Mexico and the Caribbean), travelers should only use chlorinated pools and unpolluted beaches.

"Swimmers should avoid freshwater streams, canals, and lakes, as well as beaches that might be contaminated with human sewage, or animal feces," says Dr. Bornstein. Vacationers should also never swim alone or when under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and never dive head first into an unfamiliar body of water.

"Wading barefoot on the beach can expose vacationers to parasite and fungal infection, as well as puncture wounds, cuts and bruises," warns Dr. Bornstein. He recommends beach-goers wear some kind of aquatic shoe even when wading. "It is also important to avoid jellyfish, stingrays and other forms of aquatic life. If someone is stung by a jellyfish or stingray, rub the area with sand and soak it in salt water, which will stop the venom cells from releasing more toxin," Dr. Bornstein says.

Even though the warmth of the sun may feel good, and vacationers want to go home with a great tan, basking unprotected in the rays is not healthy. Not only does it age skin, it also increases the risk of skin cancer. According to Dr. Bornstein, "A SPF 15 sunscreen should be the first line of defense, and vacationers should try to stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when its rays are the strongest."

Basking in the sun for too long can also cause heat exhaustion. This ailment can be avoided by consuming enough water to replace lost fluids and eating salty foods. "Drink because you know you should, not because you feel thirsty," Dr. Bornstein recommends. "Maintain a pace that allows your body to adapt to the heat." Cotton clothing that lets air pass through and sweat evaporate is recommended in hot or humid climates.

Vacationers hampered by motion sickness should try eating light, simple food before travel to help keep a queasy stomach calm. Good ventilation and loose, comfortable clothing can help too. A longer-term prevention for motion sickness in travelers over age 12 is a medicated patch, which can be placed behind the ear and will provide relief for up to 72 hours.

"Travelers also have to be careful because some areas of the tropics have malaria-carrying mosquitoes," says Dr. Bornstein. "There is medicine available that travelers can use before, during or after a trip to prevent malaria infection so be sure to consult your doctor." It is also a good idea to use repellents and other general protective measures, including wearing long-sleeve shirts, pants and hats in mosquito-infested areas. Apply repellents to clothing, shoes, mosquito nets and other gear, but never use repellents on wounds or irritated skin. Medical attention should be sought if an insect bite or sting causes redness, swelling, bruising, or persistent pain.

Dr. Bornstein also suggests travelers check out these reliable sources on Internet:

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control travel information at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm
• U.S. State Department travel information at http://travel.state.gov

If travelers require medical care outside the United States, the local embassy can usually provide the names of reliable English-speaking physicians and hospitals.

Web site: http: //www.allina.com

CONTACT: Bronwyn Schaefer Pope of Allina Health System, 651-220-8517