Page 51 - DreamScapes Magazine | Fall/Winter 2022

With developing countries such as Mexico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic being among the most popular winter travel destinations for Canadians, both Khatib and Johal are adamant about sharing the following tips, all of which are essential to staying healthy while visiting many sun and sand destinations.
Watch your water intake
One of the most common post-trip complaints heard by both Khatib and Johal involves traveller’s diarrhea, which is typically contracted by drinking or ingesting water containing unsafe levels of E. coli bacteria.
“A general rule of thumb is that hot food is good, and cold food, such as salads, is bad,” Johal says, adding that drinking bottled water, and ensuring that ice is made with safe drinking water, are essential on trips to developing countries.
Because dehydration can be a dangerous complication of trav- eller’s diarrhea, especially for young children, Johal recommends packing oral rehydration salts such as Hydralyte or Pedialyte.
Taking an oral cholera and LT-ETEC diarrhea vaccine two to three weeks before a trip can help to mitigate the risk of diarrhea during travel. “While travellers may want to avoid the out-of-pocket costs
of travel health consultations and vaccinations, a health-related event that could have been prevented through vaccination or educa- tion can significantly impact their travel experience,” Johal says. “Such an impact has a large cost financially, and also on the oppor- tunity to enjoy travel to its fullest.”
THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT
Launched in 2018, a web-based app from TravelRx determines the extent of travel- related health risks ranging from communicable diseases to food and water pre- cautions. Based on the countries, regions and cities visited, as well as planned activities in a given destination, the app generates a cus- tomized risk report that can be downloaded and shared with others. app.travelrx.ca
FALL/WINTER 2022 DREAMSCAPES 51