OVER the past 12 months this column has given health advice on many
destinations - from Kenya with its beautiful sunrises and sunsets, to the
Dominican Republic with its white sandy beaches.

Now we are starting the New Year with a general travel check-list; then in
subsequent issues we are giving Northern Ireland Travel News readers the
opportunity to submit their own travel health questions and worries.

Before you go
Just as you close up your home to travel abroad check your house is locked
and secure. Have you cancelled the milk and newspapers? Have you made
arrangements for your pets if you have any to be looked after?
Vaccinations are best administered four to six weeks prior to travelling.
This way you are clear of any unpleasant side-effects but today vaccine
side-effects are rare.

Check up as to whether you need malaria tablets too. Remember to take these
one to three weeks before you travel, all the time you are away and for up
to four weeks after you return home.

Make sure your passport, visa, money, insurance and EIII form (if needed)
are in order.

Remember to add a first aid kit to you luggage and any personal medication
you may need. All of this is best carried in your hand luggage (be aware
though that scissors etc will not be allowed on board).

Sun creams, sunglasses, camera, camcorder, a good book, small toys or books
for toddlers, antibacterial wipes and perhaps a warm jacket or jumper are
all necessities that make you holiday easier.

While away
On a holiday - whatever type you have planned it is a time to relax, rest
and refresh. There are a few things to take into consideration to help this
much-needed break run smoothly though.

Be safety conscious and be aware of the following: emergency exits in your
place of accommodation, take note of where fire extinguishers are located
and check that your balcony is safe.

Check out the swimming pool too. Is it clean and do you know where the deep
and shallow ends are?

Take care if you plan on driving abroad. Know the safety standard of any
vehicles you may hire.

If you plan on participating in water sports then make sure your insurance
would cover this should you be unfortunate enough to have an accident and
require medical attention.

When you dive abroad you must seek professional instruction and ensure all
your equipment is safe for use.

As cute as foreign animals may be, it is best to leave well alone. Rabies is
still a worldwide disease and some of these animals could be carrying it!
If you are mountain climbing make sure you are fit enough. Know your limits,
be safe, properly dressed and acclimatise slowly.

If you plan on taking in sights and travelling about find out where the
recommended zones are and where the 'no-go' areas are.

Always practise good personal hygiene abroad, and that's where the wipes
come in handy.

Drink only bottled water to be safe and ensure the seal is intact and avoid
ice in your drink.

All food should be thoroughly cooked and try to avoid buying food from
street vendors.

It is very important to be 'sun wise' when in hot countries or skiing.
Always wear a cream with a sun protection factor of no less than 15. Cover
up with a hat, t-shirt and pay particular attention to young children.
Avoid getting tattoos abroad and piercings as you don't know how clean the
needles are.

Practice safe sex using only condoms that come with the British Standard
kite mark.

Keep together with your group, family or friends and have an action plan
should you get separated when out.

At home
Hopefully your holiday will have been all you planned and safe and healthy.
If you do come home and feel unwell see your GP immediately and inform
him/her that you have been away and where you have been travelling. Even if
you do receive medical treatment abroad it is best to check with your own
doctor at home that you are fully recovered.

If you wish the writer to address any of your travel health questions then
send them in writing to Helen Johnston, Travel Health Advice, Northern
Ireland Travel News, Unit 1, Windsor Business Park, 16-18 Lower Windsor
Avenue, Belfast, BT9 7DW.

Staying safe and healthy abroad is essential, so get the information you
need prior to travelling. Below are some useful website addresses that are
highly recommended and contain excellent, up-to-date, reliable travel
information.Log on to:www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
www.fco.gov.uk
www.travelhealthdoctor.co.uk