Travel Health Tips  
 
When traveling to unfamiliar places remember that your immune system is also unfamiliar with many of the germs, viruses and other illnesses found there. Traveling fatigue such as jet lag or just over exerting yourself can cause your body to become susceptible to sickness. When traveling out of the country it is absolutely necessary to check with the Center For Disease Control (CDC) long before your trip. Get yourself immunized for any know dangerous health threats. You don't want to get ill on your vacation and you certainly don't want to pass on some strange disease to your family, friends or co-workers when you get home.

PREPARE BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Other than getting immunized there are other precautions you should take before traveling. One thing you can do is start a daily exercise regime. If you will be doing any sort of walking or hiking on your vacation start walking or hiking a month or more in advance to prepare your body. Over doing it on your vacation can lead to decrease your immune system making you susceptible to sickness. Even a small cold is a miserable thing to deal with on vacation.

WASH YOUR HANDS
Germs are often spread by contact. When you come in contact with other people, money, and solid items other people touch such as a telephone, table, railing, etc. be sure to wash your hands as soon as possible. It's also important to keep yourself clean. Take showers and change into clean clothes every day, especially in warmer climates.

TREATING WOUNDS
Treat all wounds immediately, no matter how minor you think they are, they need to be covered to protect them from becoming infected. Today there are types of antibiotic resistant infections that are highly dangerous. They can actually lead to death. Don't take any chances.

DRINKING WATER
Don't drink water in foreign countries unless you are certain there is no danger. Research this information before you leave home. Even water that is safe for locals can be different than the water you are used to drinking. Purchase and drink bottled water if possible.
 

FIRST AID KIT
Bring a first aid kit and any medicines you have to take regularly. The latter is more of a reminder as you know if you need to bring meds. Bring your favorite brand of over the counter pain killer and headache pills. Stock your first aid kit with anti diarrhea medicine, and your favorite flu and cold medicines. Often it is difficult to get proper over the counter medicine in foreign countries, especially in countries like Mexico.

LOCK IT UP
Keep your tooth brush and anything you put in your mouth locked so the hotel cleaning personnel cannot come in contact with it. I have heard horror stories about these things from a reliable source. The people didn't have a clue what had happened to them until they got home and viewed their pictures. The personnel actually had the nerve to photograph themselves doing disgusting things with their toothbrush's.  They used the tourist's own camera to take the pictures. You can never be too careful!

INSECT BITES
Bring insect repellant and treat all bites with at least a bandage. Keeping the bites covered will protect them from infection. Cover any exposed skin when frequenting areas that are known to have biting insects. Wear a backpack with an extra set of clothes and some insect repellant if there is a chance you will be exposed to insects.