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These 10 Tips Can Make Your Spring Break a Healthy One

    1. Getting sick while you travel is no fun.  Prepare for a safe and healthy
       trip by getting advice from a travel health professional before
       international travel.  The professional will give you the most up-to-date
       recommendations for malaria, anti-diarrheal medication and immunizations
       for your trip.
    2. Protect yourself from insect bites.  Use insect repellants with 20-35%
       DEET on all exposed areas of skin.  If not staying in an air-conditioned
       room, use a bed net.  The insect repellant "permethrin" can be sprayed on
       clothing and bed nets.
    3. Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 - as recommended by the
       American Academy of Dermatology.
    4. Don't drink tap water or drinks made with ice.  And brush your teeth with
       bottled water.  Bottled water is plentiful in most areas around the
       world.
    5. Eat only hot, well-cooked, foods.  If you eat fresh fruit and veggies,
       make sure you can peel the skins yourself.  Bananas and oranges are
       examples.
    6. Swim in well-chlorinated pools and salt water.  Avoid swimming or wading
       in rivers, lakes and ponds, which can contain parasites.
    7. Be aware of local laws.  Some countries have severe penalties for illegal
       drugs and excessive use of alcohol.
    8. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death and injury among
       travelers.  Wear a seatbelt in the car and a helmet while riding a
       motorcycle.  Travel only during daylight hours.
    9. Take along a basic first-aid kit.  Include medications such as ibuprofen
       for pain relief.  Discuss the options for treatment of travelers'
       diarrhea with a travel health specialist.
    10. Prevent sexually transmitted diseases by using condoms bought in the
        United States.

Have fun, Reesman advises. Spring Break only comes around once a year!

Michelle Reesman, RN is the Executive Director and Co-Owner of Passport Health Colorado. She holds a Certificate in Travel Health from the International Society of Travel Medicine and counsels thousands of travelers every year who are venturing to all corners of the globe. Passport Health Colorado, with offices in Glendale/Cherry Creek, Lakewood, Boulder, Centennial, Colorado Springs, and now Fort Collins, offers immunizations, medications and destination-specific international wellness information. For more information, visit PassportHealthCO.com.

SOURCE Passport Health Colorado