KEY POINTS:
Good health is the crucial ingredient to successful and happy travels. Ideally you should see your family doctor or a general practitioner in the planning stages of your trip and then again just before you go to get the all-clear for your health. Any specific requirements you may have for your personal wellbeing can then be addressed in good time and with all the information up front.
Visit the Travel Doctor's website at www.traveldoctor.com.au. (This is an Australian site but it has good general information on health issues for specific international locations. The equivalent New Zealand site is www.traveldoctor.co.nz.)
It does a fantastic booklet containing valuable info about altitude sickness (for trekking and hiking) as well as general medical stuff on infectious diseases, such as typhoid and malaria.
Read up on the symptoms of the major health problems so you can recognise them in yourself and others if need be. There is also a comprehensive list of everything you need for a good medical kit.
Obtain a prescription for broad spectrum antibiotics and take these with you as well as general tablets and remedies for diarrhoea and tummy problems. Pack water-purifying iodine tablets if you're hiking or trekking in wilderness areas. Be sure to include basic Band-Aids (you'll need them for blisters), gauze and antiseptic cream. Even though it will probably seem quite bulky, the best thing that can happen is that you drag it all over the world and never have to use it. That's you triumphant at the summit...ha!
What's in girlo's medical kit?
It's always the pharmacy stuff that takes up the most space in a bag. And often a lot of it doesn't get used, but this stuff is critical. In a health crisis, clothes aren't so important. You can always make do. But here are a few must-have items for your medical kit:
Mosquito repellent: Approaching sunset in mosquito-prone climates and areas (especially where malaria is a known problem), this stuff, whether as a roll-on or spray, is a must.
Tea tree oil: The natural antiseptic for cuts and small grazes.
Arnica: The remedy for bruises, sprains and muscle aches. Use the cream plus the homeopathic tablets that sit under the tongue as a fasttrack method to reduce swelling and pain from bruising injuries.
Apply as soon as possible after injury for best results.
Panty-liners: These are great for a long day of travelling and in conditions when you will be without a shower for a time. Think: overnight train trips, car rides through desert regions.
Wet wipes: For face, hands and general hygiene on the road.
Antibacterial handy wipes: My absolute essential for hands, especially before eating anything.
Echinacea: Immune system drops; just 15 to 20 drops in juice or bottled water three times a day at the onset of cold or flu will do the trick. Do this for three to four days or until symptoms fade.
Gastrolyte powder: For tummy upsets. Great for replacing electrolytes if you get Delhi Belly... or Beirut Belly.
Add to bottled water and drink two to three times daily.
Cotton buds: Useful for general personal and medical care.
Sunscreen: This is really something you must never be without. Go for SPF 30+ and a water-resistant gel-style sunscreen (the creamy ones can be a bit pore-clogging).
The Girlo Travel Survival Kit by Anthea Paul, Allen & Unwin, $32.99.
HOT GIRLO TIP
If you (or your travel partner) become really ill and are either (a) not getting better and (b) possibly getting worse, and if it's after-hours, high-tail it to the nearest five-star hotel, if there is one relatively close to the stricken person.
Good hotels usually have a house doctor who is on-call 24-7 for guests, although they are often in private practice so you could possibly even telephone them, once you have their details.
These doctors are really well regarded and usually experienced in diagnosing and treating travel illnesses.
Don't delay. The sooner you get a diagnosis, the sooner you'll be in recovery and able to keep on rolling.
