European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - April 18, 1990, Darmstadt, Hesse                                A amps file staying healthy on the go by Janet d Agostino medical writer common sense should be your guide to Good health when travelling in Europe. Travellers face few unusual or life threatening health risks in Europe As they might while travelling in underdeveloped nations. The risk in Europe from communicable disease is no greater than in the traveler s Home country and no vaccinations Are required. But travel creates stress because of the change in daily routine. The body must Cope with differences in water food and sometimes climate and Altitude. Travellers must wait in Long lines and usually experience disruptions in meal and sleep patterns. Quot travellers think they can do As they do at Home. They do not want to adapt Quot said Assunta Uffer Marcolongo president of the International association for medical assistance to travellers based in Canada. Quot they try to do too much and this is very  sightseers should not Wear themselves out Rushing from one museum to another. They should get enough sleep each Day and take time to rest if they feel tired especially when crossing time zones. The most common health problems when travelling anywhere in the world Are stomach upsets and diarrhoea said Uffer Marcolongo. The world health organization who reports that diarrhoea affects Between 20 percent and 50 percent of All travellers worldwide. Food or water does not necessarily have to be contaminated to cause digestive problems just a change in diet can cause discomfort. People suffering from diarrhoea should drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Children Are especially susceptible to dehydration. In general food and water in Europe Are Safe. Caution May be called for in Southern Europe especially when travelling in Rural areas. Bottled water should be used if there is any question about the Quality of tap water. Unpasteurized milk and any uncooked food apart from fruits and vegetables that can be peeled or shelled might be contaminated and should be avoided. Raw seafood especially should not be eaten Uffer Marcolongo said. Travellers Are prone to accidents because they Are in unfamiliar surroundings and not familiar with local rules and customs. Traffic accidents Are the leading cause of death among travellers according to the who. People planning to drive should plan their routes ahead of time and try to familiarize themselves with the Basic rules of the Road. Travellers usually do a lot of walking and should Wear comfortable walking shoes so their feet won t eating strange foods left and stress caused by fatigue Are two of the greatest threats to a traveler s health3 tire and their Ankles won t twist on the Many Cobblestone streets in Europe. When camping or hiking in Europe travellers should be aware that some wild animals such As foxes carry rabies. Ticks most often found in forests and Fields can transmit illnesses such As Lyme disease and Central european tick borne encephalitis. A vaccine does exist against tick borne encephalitis according to the world health organization. Travellers can protect themselves by wearing Long sleeved clothing and checking their bodies daily for the insects. Travellers who take regular medications should make sure they have an adequate Supply for the trip. They should also know the chemical name for the drug in Case it is lost or stolen and must be replaced while travelling. The International association for medical assistance to travellers recommends that people on medication carry a typewritten prescription from their doctor stating the Trade name manufacturer and chemical name of the drug As Well As the dosage. Commercial names for drugs vary from country to country and a physician or pharmacist in the country where you Are travelling May have a difficult time replacing it said an English speaking doctor in Spain. People who Aren t on regular medication might want to take along Over the counter medications they would ordinarily use for headache allergy or stomach upset. Persons with chronic health problems such As diabetes or asthma should see their doctor before taking a Long trip to ensure they Are in adequate health. Some Advance planning will be necessary to make sure they have the proper medications and supplies for travel. For example diabetics will need to have an adequate Supply of insulin syringes and blood testing equipment. They should also try to get a list of medical facilities in the countries where they will be travelling. Travellers who have a medical emergency can seek assistance from the american consulate in Thi country where they Are travelling. Help in English close at hand by Janet d Agostino medical writer ailing travellers can find English speaking doctors throughout the world by joining the International association for medical assistance to travellers. Membership in the association is free although donations Are appreciated. The goal of the organization is to make competent health care available to the traveler around the world when a medical problem arises. Doctors treat travellers for a set fee and Are available 24 hours a Day. The association is a non profit organization and accepts no fees from the doctors. The organization based in Ontario Canada was founded 20 years ago by or. Vincenzo Marcolongo who was born in Italy but received his medical training in Canada. His interest in assisting travellers began in 1960 while he was practising in Rome said his wife Assunta Uffer Marcolongo. He treated Many travellers from North America but one particular patient prompted him to form the organization. A Young Canadian woman had become seriously ill from pain killers she purchased for a Toothache while travelling in Italy. The drug had caused a drop in the number of her White blood cells leaving her vulnerable to bacterial infection. The Young woman recovered but Only after treatment with antibiotics and blood transfusions. Today she is a composer in Canada. Quot it was such an experience for my husband that he created the organization Quot said Uffer Marcolongo who became presiden when her husband died in 1988. The organization has grown from Small group of doctors interested in the medical needs of travellers to a Large directory of physicians in almost 150 countries. English speaking physicians in countries throughout the world Are sought out in person by members of the association said Uffer Marcolongo. Doctors w to agree to join the association do so because they Quot would like to help travellers Quot she said. Quot when you Are travelling outside your country you Are on your . People living in Europe can join the a a Saniz by writing to International association for i1 assistance to travellers 57 voidets 1212 Gran Lancy Geneva Switzerland. 34 stars and stripes travel Europe april 18, 1990