Helping you stay on the road to good health. Wherever the road takes you.

Whether you're a visitor to Kauai or about to travel abroad, make your trip a safe one by being aware of health risks at your destination. Remember that planning ahead is the best way to guarantee a healthy and fun trip.

Visitors to Kauai

Kauai is a paradise known for the sun, the sea, and all things natural. To make sure your stay in paradise goes well, be respectful of the power of these natural forces to avoid injury and illness.

• In Hawaii, ocean safety is very important. If advised not to swim — don't. Heed the international signage at local beaches alerting you to rough sea conditions, rip currents, jellyfish and high surf.
• When hiking the wilderness, be sure to check in with park rangers first. It's not uncommon to get lost in an unfamiliar environment. And make sure to wear appropriate shoes!
• A word of caution about the sunshine: it is much stronger than many visitors are accustomed to on the mainland. Use sunscreen and reapply liberally all day long. Protect children with sunblock containing zinc oxide or the latest in "sun suits" that block harmful rays. Hats and sunglasses are also a must.

Additional Resources:

• Visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Web site or for more advice contact your travel medicine doctor on these and other topics such as heat exposure, water sports injury, stinging marine life, diarrheal illnesses, and the medical aspects of scuba diving. For general visitor information, visit the Kauai Visitor's Bureau.

Kauai Residents Planning to Travel Overseas

Planning to take a trip overseas? Don't take your health or access to healthcare for granted. Be aware of the health risks unique to your destination. Some countries still have problems maintaining a sanitary water supply. Other countries have diseases or parasites that Americans may not normally be exposed to. Plan ahead before international travel to prevent health problems before they occur, so you can have a fun and safe trip.

At Kauai Medical Clinic, several physicians are members of the International Society of Travel Medicine and are available to discuss travel concerns with patients. There are well-established preventive measures for almost every health issue that falls under the scope of Travel Medicine. Here are some steps you can take to prepare for your trip:

• Educate yourself about health risk in the country you are visiting. What are common diseases? What insects are there and what would happen if you were bitten? How can you protect yourself from insect bites? Your travel medicine doctor will have educational material that will prepare you for your trip and your destination.
• Immunize yourself to those diseases found in that country. Your travel medicine doctor will have access to all the current diseases and outbreaks in various areas of the world and will advise you accordingly. Plan to seek advice four to six weeks before you depart on your trip to allow adequate time for immunization. This immunization process may take a few weeks, so it is important to allow your body time to adjust before you travel and give yourself time to obtain prescriptions.
• Have fun while visiting your destination, but be cautious. Remember that many countries are not equipped to handle serious trauma. The last thing you want is to be in need of medical care in a foreign country. Also, things may not always be necessarily safe in other countries. Americans expect the government to regulate the safety of boats, equipment and vehicles. In many other countries, there is no government regulation.

To seek specific health advice for your plans, make an appointment with a physician at Kauai Medical Clinic, by calling 245-1500.

Public health agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), have set up guidelines and health information for the international traveler and can provide general health information about your destination.