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Preventing Injuries

 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), injuries are the leading cause of preventable death in travelers. 

 

Motor vehicle accidents are the most important cause of trauma/accidents.  Seat belts, and car seats or booster seats for kids, are extremely important and should be used whenever possible.  Avoid traveling at night.  Motorcycles and bicycles are particularly dangerous and should be avoided, but if you use them, make sure you wear a helmet. Do not mix alcohol and driving! 

 

Drowning in water is a common cause of death, especially in children. You should closely watch your children around water. Wear lifejackets when participating in water sports!

 

Sun Protection

 

Exposure to the sun can cause acute and chronic injury to the skin, including skin cancer. Protect yourself:

 

  • Use a sunscreen (SPF of 15 or greater): apply to all exposed skin surfaces 30 minutes prior to the sun exposure; reapply periodically, according to the product specifications

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  • Use a sunblock (containing titanium dioxide, talc or zinc oxide): use for body surfaces that have a high degree of sun exposure (i.e. ears, nose, lips), to prevent solar radiation from reaching the skin

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  • Minimize sun exposure: stay out of the sun
    when the sun's rays are most intense (between 10 am and 2 pm); wear a hat, long-sleeved shirt, long pants and sunglasses with UV light block when you are out in the sun for long periods of time

Food and Water Safety

 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common cause of illness in travellers. It is generally caused by eating or drinking food or beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, or viruses, and sometimes from swimming in contaminated water. Prevention includes vaccination and:

 

  • Safe food and water practices: always wash your hands before eating and drinking; only eat food that has been well cooked and is still hot when served; avoid uncooked foods; brush your teeth with purified or bottled water; avoid swimming or bathing in polluted water.

 

  • Water treatment: drink only purified water that has been boiled or disinfected with chlorine or iodine, or commercially bottled water in sealed containers.

Safe Use of Mosquito Repellents

Insect repellent containing DEET (n, n-diethyl-m-toluamide) is considered the most effective against mosquitoes, fleas, biting flies and ticks. DEET is a safe product when used properly.
 

  • Apply small amounts to uncovered skin. Larger amounts DO NOT offer more protection (it is not about quantity, but concentration of DEET)

  • Do not use repellents on wounds or irritated skin

  • Repellents containing 30 – 35% DEET will last 4-6 hours if not washed off

  • Do not apply repellent to children’s hands as they might put them in their mouth or rub their eyes

  • If a reaction occurs (redness, rash) wash the skin with water and soap and see a doctor. Keep repellents out of the reach of children. Swallowing the repellent may cause death.

  • If possible use physical barriers such as mosquito netting, long sleeves, pants.

Traveller's Health Kit

  • Health history including your blood group and the name, address and telephone number of your next of kin

  • First Aid booklet

  • Assorted bandages, cotton, tape, safety pins, scissors and tweezers

  • Sunscreen lotion (SPF of 15 or greater)

  • Analgesics and antipyretics (e.g. Aspirin, Tylenol)

  • Antihistamines (if required for allergies)

  • Any prescription or over-the-counter drug normally used at home

  • Calamine or similar lotion

  • Antacid tablets

  • Motion sickness medication

  • Mosquito net and repellent

  • Water purification materials

  • Medications for diarrhea (e.g. Imodium) and antibiotics if recommended by your physician

  • Oral rehydration solution (e.g. Gastrolyte)

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Antibiotic ointment for hard to heal cuts and bites

  • Thermometer

  • Extra pair of glasses/contacts (or prescription for)

  • Address and phone number of your accommodations at your destination

  • Address and phone number of the Canadian embassy in your destination country

  • Proof of your insurance coverage

  • Copy of your immunization record

 

When people travel to places in different time zones, their “biological clocks” are still in their home zone and may take some time to adjust it. The “biological clock” are the hormones that control brain activity, sleep, hunger among other things, and the discomfort of trying to adjust to a new time frame is called Jet Lag.

 

Symptoms of Jet Lag: daytime sleepiness, fatigue, insomnia, irritability, headaches, hunger in odd hours and disorientation; those who travel from West to East suffer more than those going the other way

 

What can help?

  • Before flight: avoid overeating and drinking alcohol, try scheduling arrival with day light hours as you will need to be active on arrival (clearing customs, hotel check in, transportation, etc.)

  • During flight: increase intake of fruit juices and other non-alcoholic beverages; try to sleep during the night time of your destination

  • After flight: adopt the local routines and time (however, if you are staying one or two days, consider keeping you home schedule); go outdoors for the sunlight helps you stay awake; consult your physician about short active sleeping aid (they are useful on arrival to help you sleep on time); stay hydrated

Jet Lag

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