Health Advice for Travellers

The Moat House Surgery runs a Travel Clinic on a Friday afternoon - you can telephone to make an appointment on 01487 824033. The Receptionist will require a few details of your holiday when making the appointment, such as destination, type and date of travel. This will allow our nurse to prepare travel literature for your information (which will be given to you when you attend your appointment). We cannot stress enough the importance of allowing plenty of time before your trip to get all your recommended vaccinations. Please also note that some of the vaccinations recommended will be chargeable - the nurse will inform you about this prior to your course of treatment.

(Extracts from Health Advice for Travellers by SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals - full leaflet obtainable from the surgery, please ask the nurse during your consultation).

Whether you are travelling for pleasure or travelling for business, you'll make the most of your time abroad if you take a little time to plan ahead. The checklist below will help you take care of your overseas health. A little time spent now might save days of misery later.

Before you go…

 Always consult your surgery as early as possible - preferably 8 weeks before you travel - especially if you're going somewhere tropical. Vaccinations always take a while to become fully effective. Travel Agents selling short notice holidays will not stress this.

 The Department of Health booklet, Health Advice for Travellers (T6) is available from post offices and travel agents as well as from some public libraries - we hold a supply here at the surgery. It contains some useful advice and information. If you are travelling within the European Union, form E111 at the back of the booklet explains how you can get medical treatment in EU countries. It will also be required should you need treatment.

 Keep records of any injections your surgery has given you before you go.

 It is sensible to take a medical kit, especially if you are going to a remote destination. A few basics like calamine lotion for sunburn, an antiseptic cream, insect repellent, painkillers and anti-diarrhoea tablets should guard against most mishaps.

 If you are already taking medication for an illness, be sure you have adequate supplies for the time you are away. Always carry medicines in your hand luggage on an aircraft.

 Tell your doctor if you might be pregnant.

 

On the aircraft

 Reduced air pressure in an aircraft can cause discomfort - especially if you wear tight clothes and shoes. Travel in loose clothes and try to walk around the aircraft when you can.

 The dry atmosphere - especially on a long flight - can cause dehydration. Drink little and often, but remember that alcohol itself causes dehydration and won't make you feel any better!.

 If you have recently suffered certain illnesses - like a peptic ulcer or, more seriously, a heart attack - air travel might not be a good idea at all. Ask you doctor first.

 Some travellers use mild sleeping tablets on long flights. These do help you sleep, but might not be advisable for the elderly or those with respiratory problems.

 

If you intend to travel again remember that protection through vaccination can be kept up to date, so keep a record of your vaccinations and contact the surgery when your boosters are due as this can be much more convenient than starting the course again!.

 

 

 

DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS AND AIRLINE TRAVEL

 

Check list before travel

  1. Discuss pre-existing medical conditions with a GP or nurse.
  2. Purchase a pair of travel compression stockings if recommended.
  3. Do not consume large quantities of alcohol prior to the flight.
  4. Avoid sedatives which may make you less mobile during the flight.

 Check list on the aeroplane

  1. If you are wearing compression stockings, ensure they are correctly pulled up to below the knee.
  2. Every hour exercise the calf muscles, either by bending your feet up and down whilst in the seat or walking round the aeroplane.
  3. Drink half a litre of water every hour.
  4. Avoid excess of alcohol during the flight.

 

High Risk Passengers

Some passengers are at much greater risk of developing a clot in the leg than others. The older you get, the greater the risk. If you have had a clot in the leg before, then you are more likely to develop a clot if you fly. If you have had recent surgery, particularly major surgery, your clotting system has been activated and this may increase the risk of developing a clot.

 

If You Worship the Sun - Don't sacrifice your skin

 

  • Skin cancer is the second most common cancer in the UK.
  • The number of new cases increases every year and has doubled in the last 20 years.
  • The cause of skin cancer is nearly always over exposure to ultraviolet radiation - from the sun or a sunbed.
  • Ultraviolet radiation is reflected off light coloured surfaces, especially water, sand and snow - this increases it's strength.
  • You can still get sunburn through light cloud or under shallow water - protect yourself when swimming.

Protect yourself and follow the sun safety code:-

COVER UP - with loose, cool clothing to keep the sun off your skin. Wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim and sunglasses.

PROTECT CHILDREN - they are particularly vulnerable. Sunburn during childhood can lead to skin cancer in later life. Keep babies out of the sun completely.

SEEK SHADE - especially during the hottest part of the day, from 11am to 3pm.

USE A SUNSCREEN - SPF 15 or higher on any exposed skin. Use it an hour before going outside and reapply it frequently and generously.

BE AWARE OF YOUR SKIN - If you have a mole that is changing size, shape, colour, itching or bleeding - see your doctor. If skin cancers are treated early, they should cause you no further problems.

 

 

Extract from Health Education Authority Fact Card "Sun Know How"

 

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