Winter getaway must include health plan

trevor.kenney — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:44:17 +0000

By LORI WEBER

An inherent part of being Canadian seems to be dreaming of getting away from our cold winter weather to find a nice warm spot down south. Just remember, that in addition to sunscreen, cruise wear and a new pair of flip-flops, you have to think about maintaining your health while on vacation. And if you are considering travelling at Christmas or during spring break, your travel planning must start now!

A good place to start preparing for your trip begins at www.voyage.gc.ca, the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada website that gives you a lovely checklist (Before You Leave Canada) of reminders about the variety of concerns you need to address before leaving the country.

In terms of your health needs, plan to take extra copies of your prescriptions and medical certificates, and to bring extra medical supplies and even eyeglasses.

Travel immunizations are important and definitely need attention. Because health concerns are rapidly changing in some areas of the world, the best way to get travel health and immunization information is to book an appointment with the Travel Health Nurse at the Public Health office. While there is a cost for this consultation, this person has the most current information on the immunizations needed in your specific travel area.

At your immunization appointment, the nurse will ask where you are going and, using the latest information available from Center for Disease Control or World Health Organization, may direct you to a variety of injections, vaccinations or medication. Some of these medications will be available through Public Health and the nurse may direct other medications or vaccinations to be administered by your family doctor. The sooner you book your appointment the better as some vaccinations take several months to complete.

Do not show up at a physician's appointment expecting that a family physician will know what you need for a trip to an exotic locale.

As for cost, it is expected that you build the cost of public health travel advice, some medications/immunizations, doctor's visits and other charges into your vacation budget. You will be required to pay for all visits related to travel health (even your physician must charge YOU, not Alberta Health Care for your travel medication/immunization/health advice).

Example of costs you may encounter:

Public Health Travel Advice ($35.00)

Medications/Immunizations from Public Health (medication and costs depend on country and current outbreaks)

Physician visit, if needed for medication that Public Health cannot provide ($50-$150)

But remember, if you are travelling and getting away from minus temperatures for days of sun and sand – it will all be worth it!

Lori Weber is the manager of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Health Centre

This story first appeared in the December 2011 issue of the Legend. If you'd like to see the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Debating immunizations and vaccines

trevor.kenney — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 19:26:58 +0000

Myths and stories abound surrounding the hot topic of immunizations.

If you are looking to debunk some of the myths and try and understand the science of immunization, the presentation, Getting to the Point of Immunizations – Understanding the Evidence and Science Behind Vaccine, is an excellent opportunity.

This free community-focused event will be held Thursday, Apr. 15 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness, room PE250.

The evening is focused on providing health-care providers and the public with evidence-based information around the importance of immunizations.

Speakers from both Alberta Health Services and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will discuss topics such as:

- Immunizations and populations: The impact of vaccines

- The science of immunity - Effectiveness of vaccines, natural disease vs. vaccines, types of immunity, effects of disease vs. side effects of vaccine

- Breaking down the chemistry of vaccine

- Seeing both sides - Alternative perspectives

- The art of critical thinking - How to make an informed decision, risk assessment, evaluating evidence

- Mumps Measles Rubella (MMR) – Safe and effective

Participants will be invited to ask questions and engage in discussion with the speakers panel following the presentations.

Individuals representing groups with alternative views on this issue have been invited to participate but to date have not responded. In the interest of fairness, a number of common questions will be addressed relating to alternative views of vaccinations.

This event is free of charge and no registration is required.

UNews - immunizations

Winter getaway must include health plan

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Debating immunizations and vaccines

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