THIS month's column focuses on advice regarding safe sun care in the snow, advice on vaccinations, the need for cholera vaccination (though not for every traveller) and a timely reminder to be well-informed about the country to which you are travelling.

Q. I'm having my first skiing holiday this year. I know I am fit to ski but what I'm concerned about is protection for my skin from the sun and snow.

A. You need to remember that the snow reflects sunlight back on to your body increasing the amount of ultraviolet 'B' rays which can damage exposed skin.

These guideline will help keep you sun safe on your skiing holiday:

-Wear sunglasses or goggles with UVA and UVB filters to protect your eyes.

-Make sure your glasses or goggles are those with the British Standard Kite Mark/ Number B5 2724 1927, as these will provide the recommended protection.

-A ski hat with ear muffs, a scarf and a high collar jacket will give protection to your head and neck.

-Use a sun screen with SPF 15 or higher on your face, neck, ears and lips.

-If you get sunburn, use an aftersun cream to help moisturise dry effects. Remember nothing will ever repair damage caused to the skin by the sun so prevent it.

Q I though I should have been given an official certificate to say I've had my vaccinations for travel. What is the correct procedure?

A The only official certificate of vaccination you should be given today is the Department of Health Green Certificate as proof of yellow fever vaccine. This can only be issued by your clinic or GP if they are registered as a special 'Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre'.

The certificate is proof that you have had the vaccine and that you will be allowed entry into yellow fever risk countries, such as Central and South America and the Sub Sahara of Africa.

You should also have the vaccination and certificate if you are travelling from an infected country to SE Asia.

If you are also travelling to Saudi Arabia, you are required to have had the meningitis vaccine. The Saudi government require a certificate to prove this.

With relation to other vaccines, no certificates are necessary, though it is good practice for your travel clinic or GP practice to issue you with your 'record card' of vaccinations that you've been given.

Q My surgery told me recently that there was no longer a cholera vaccination. Next year I'm planning on going to work with a voluntary organisation in the Sub Sahara of Africa and they say I should receive this vaccination, what should I do?

A There is a cholera vaccine and there has been one available and licensed in Northern Ireland since May, 2004.

This is a new vaccine and is 80 per cent effective.

The good news about this particular vaccine is that it is oral.

You should take the vaccine's first does at least six weeks before you travel and the second, one week before travel.

Once you purchase this vaccine from your chemist, it can be stored in your fridge.

On taking the vaccine, you should avoid food two hours prior and not eat for one hour afterwards.

Cholera vaccine (Dukoral) is not for every traveller. If you are away for four weeks or more and working where sanitation and hygiene is poor then it would be recommended for you.

Travelling abroad for whatever reason is challenging and exciting, though not without risk to health and safety.

The Travel Health Columnist would encourage you to be well informed about the country to which you are travelling.

You can do this successfully by accessing the Foreign and Commonwealth website.

You will be able to read up to date information regarding political unrest, lawlessness, natural disasters, epidemics, anti-British demonstrations and aircraft safety.

This is provided on a country by country basis, in an easy to read format.

Log on now to http://www.fco.gov.ukand read under Services - Travel Advice.