Health Canada has recently posted the following travel advisories:
Reports of Gastrointestinal Illness - in the Dominican Republic - Released: January 20, 2005 Click Here for More
Adjusting to your environment
Click on images below for information.
Be prepared. Your local Travel Clinic can help you plan for a safe and healthy adventure. Enjoy the sun by taking a few simple precautions.
Health Tip
You can still burn if you're not directly in the sun or it's overcast. Get in the habit of applying sunscreen
and dressing appropriately at all times.
What can I do?
Avoid direct sunlight between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Adults & children should use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or greater with frequent application.
Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out and after swimming or sweating.
Wear sunglasses, a hat and other protective clothing.
Check with your doctor regarding the potential adverse interactions of sun with medications.
Be prepared. Your local Travel Clinic can help you plan for a safe and healthy adventure.
When travelling from a cold to warm climate, your body needs time to adjust.
Health Tip
Loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of natural fabrics, such as cotton or linen
should help keep you cool during warmer temperatures.
What can I do?
Drink plenty of fluids.
Avoid alcohol and beverages containing caffeine.
Add extra salt to your diet.
Take it slow and don’t overdo exercise.
Be prepared. Your local Travel Clinic can help you plan for a safe and healthy adventure.
Altitude sickness is caused by rapid ascent to altitudes over 3,000m (10,000 ft.) above sea level.
Health Tip
Under specific conditions, there are medications which are effective in preventing
altitude sickness. Consult your local Travel Clinic or public health unit for advice.
What can I do?
Make your ascent gradually. Take a one or two day break at an intermediate altitude during ascent.
Drink extra fluids.
Don’t overexert yourself.
Avoid sedatives, aspirin, codeine and alcohol.
Be prepared. Your local Travel Clinic can help you plan for a safe and healthy adventure.
Jet lag is common for travellers who cross more than three time zones. Symptoms include fatigue, insomnia, decreased appetite and headache.
Health Tip
You can minimize the effects of jet lag by altering your sleep habits one week prior to departure.
Another way to prepare for the difference in time zones is to control the type of sunlight you're exposed to during
the first few days after arrival. Consult your local Travel Clinic or public health unit for advice.
What can I do?
If possible, try to break up your trip with one day of rest for every six time zones crossed.
After arrival, be prepared to need one day to adjust for every time zone crossed.
Avoid caffeine, heavy meals and excessive alcohol while travelling.
Leave important commitments for 24 hours after arrival.
Be prepared. Your local Travel Clinic can help you plan for a safe and healthy adventure.
One in 20 travellers will experience motion sickness whether travelling by airplane, boat or automobile.
Health Tip
There are several prescription and over-the-counter medications, such as Gravol,
available to relieve the symptoms of motion sickness. Most should be taken at least half an hour
before departure. Consult your local Travel Clinic
or public health unit concerning the appropriate medication and dosage, especially for children.
What can I do?
In a car, the best place to be is the driver’s seat. Second best is a front window seat.
On a bus, sit near the front by a window, preferably one that opens.
On a plane, the seats over the wings or wheels are the most stable.
On a boat, try to get a mid-ship cabin close to the waterline.
Be prepared. Your local Travel Clinic can help you plan for a safe and healthy adventure.
