Sunny Health

When one prepares for overseas vacations, things like itinerary, what clothes to bring, shopping lists, accommodation and flights tend to come to mind. Health is one of the lowest priorities, although it is ever so important. But just think about it, when you fall ill, your holiday is effectively ruined. Furthermore, seeking medical help is far less convenient and possibly more expensive than it would cost back home. Even as you bask in the excitement of preparing for all the fun things you plan to do, don’t neglect your health!

Pack a basic first aid kit

There are a few staples that you should bring on each vacation trip.
- Diarrhoea pills such as Poh Chai pills. Diarrhea is a common problem for travellers due to our stomachs not being accustomed to the local food and water.
- Plasters, in case you get a scratch somewhere. These will be a godsend if your shoes are causing blisters and grazing your ankles.
- Eye drops
- Medicated oil such as feng you
- Antiseptic cream
- Pain-killers, for headaches and menstrual cramps.
- Fever-reducing medication such as Panadol
- Existing medical prescriptions, if you’re on any

Do not assume that you can find these at your travel destination. There may not be a pharmacy near your lodging area.

Be sure to pack sufficient medicine for existing medical conditions to last the whole trip. For other forms of medication, pack enough to last about three days. If your condition does not improve after self-medication, you would have to seek treatment at your holiday destination.

Know where to seek medical help

Note down the locations of the nearest hospitals and clinics to your lodging area, as well as their telephone numbers. If you have allergies, write them down and bring them with you, so that you can inform the doctors.

Obtain necessary vaccinations

Keep up with the news, read up on health risks associated with your destination, and get a jab if necessary before going. And we’re not just talking about flu jabs here. Some illnesses and epidemics from other countries can be fatal, such as malaria, rabies and typhoid fever. Many of these diseases are not restricted to developing or undeveloped countries. It is better to be safe than sorry.

This article has some useful information about travel vaccinations.

Buy medical insurance

When you purchase travel insurance, be sure that it provides medical or injury insurance coverage. Getting medical attention overseas can be expensive and difficult. Familiarise yourself with the terms of the policy and carry with you the relevant contacts of your insurance company in case you need to seek help.

Watch what you put in your mouth

Remember that you are no longer in Singapore, where it is safe to drink from the tap, where food poisoning is virtually a crime that lands its perpetrator with severe penalties possibly including a ban from the food and beverage industry.

Drink only from bottle water. If you wish to fill up your water bottle with tap water, make sure you boil it properly.

To reduce the risk of diarrhea and other food-bourne diseases, consume only food that is well cooked, hot or freshly peeled.

Take extra precautions if you have existing medical conditions

Consult your doctor for advice and go for a check-up if you have serious medical condition. Keep your medication in your carry-on luggage, and not in your check-in luggage, so that you have it with you at all times.

Carry with you copies of your health records, or some form of identification card or tag that states your medical problems and allergies. Should you require medical assistance at your travel destination, this information will be crucial to your doctor.

Register yourself with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The MFA eRegister system is a free service that allows Singaporeans overseas to record important information about their itinerary abroad. The information is accessible to the Ministry, who would be able to contact the traveller in times of emergencies, including illness and epidemics, to get in touch and even provide assistance.

Stay safe and healthy, so that you may enjoy your holiday to your heart's content!