special sights and activities, be sure to consider your health.

Think about your age, physical state, medication and the country and season you are travelling in.

Health insurance should be a must; statistics show that traffic and swimming accidents are major causes of travellers' deaths. It is also a good idea to put together a First Aid kit. The following items should be included: Your regular medication, plus a multi-vitamin.

A diarrhoea remedy, e.g. Imodium.

An indigestion medicine, e.g. Pepto Bismal.

Pain relieving tablets for headaches etc.

An insect repellent (pump spray), e.g. "Off.'' An antihistamine for insect bites and stings.

An antiseptic for cuts and grazes.

Cotton wool balls.

Sterile gauze squares or moleskin for blisters.

Cotton bandages, triangular bandage.

Three inch Ace bandage for sprains.

Sun tan screening lotion.

At least six weeks before departing, check with the Hamilton Health Centre Travel Immunisation Clinic in case shots are necessary. Many countries require a number of immunisations, so it's advisable to start early. This way you avoid multiple injections at the same time.

Upon arriving at your planned destination, it would be advisable to practise the following hygiene tips to ensure a safe vacation: Be very cautious of the drinking water; if in doubt ask for bottled soda water. Use this for oral hygiene, and drinking water can be purified by boiling or adding chlorine or iodine. However, check with your doctor if you have a thyroid problem or are pregnant.

Avoid ice in drinks.

Do not eat from street vendors. Be wary of cream, milk, ice cream, raw shellfish, fish, raw vegetables, peeled fruits and under cooked meats or re-heated meat dishes.

If an upset stomach or diarrhoea occurs, drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

Avoid swimming or wading in fresh water streams, rivers, lakes or reservoirs.

You could be infected by schistosomiasis (snail fever), a parasite that can infect you even by standing in the water for two minutes. This can make you sick weeks later.

If contemplating casual sex, please use condoms to avoid sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS.

Lastly, upon returning home, if you become ill, see your doctor and inform him/her where you have been. Diana Simons Supervisor, Child Health Clinic.