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The incident of malaria has been a resurgence in several parts of the world. Stay away from wet, mosquito-breeding grounds and use a good insect repellent in roll-on or spray form. Better still, consult your doctor prior to travel and take a course of anti-malaria medication if you are heading for a malaria-prone area. Yellow fever shots before travel to certain parts of Africa and South America are mandatory, and if you plan to stay for long in an area prone to water-borne diseases, anticholera and typhoid immunization is recommended, as is a malaria prophylactic. Guidelines on Coping If you are unfortunate enough to fall ill while traveling and need to call a doctor, there are some guidelines on coping with the situation. Check the credentials of the doctor and get a second opinion if in doubt. Do not agree readily to any surgical procedures except in an emergency. Minor ailments such as slight stomach upset will cover with time and rest. I recall a night in a strange city when much beer, wine and seafood had been consumed. I remember it even more vividly because of the stomach upset that followed. As with most ailments, however, the condition was not serious and was set right quickly with a dose of self-medication. Treating Emergencies The following are some common ailments that you may encounter: Burns: These should be treated immediately by running cold water over the burn. Seek medical attention for severe burns, especially if they are blistered or peeling. Sun stroke: This occurs in extremely hot weather, when perspiration fails to get rid of excess body heat. The victims pulse and body temperature increase significantly and the person becomes irritable, lethargic and restless, and may even throw up. He or she should be undressed, wrapped in a wet cloth and fanned, or be transferred to an air-conditioned environment. Ice packs should be places at the armpits and groin. However, the body temperature should not be brought below 102°F (39°C) as the victim may go into shock. Medical attention should be sought if symptoms persist or unconsciousness occurs. Forst
bite: This usually occurs on fingertips and toes.
The affected area becomes numb, turns white and cannot be moved.
The damage penetrates from the skin to the tissue, which eventually
runs the risk of gangrene. Forst bite usually occurs when temperatures
drop below 20°F (-7°C). Bathe the affected area in warm
water. Do not rub the area or apply heat to it. Dry it and wrap
in sterile gauze. Try to get the victim to hospital immediately,
keeping the affected limb raised. Bleeding: Wash off the blood and raise the part above the victim's head to reduce blood flow. Cover the wound with sterile gauze. Soak up the blood and bandage loosely. Apply pressure continuously to stop the bleeding. Seek medical attention if the bleeding does not stop. Nose bleeds: Bleeding of the nose occurs when nasal membranes are irritated by chilly or dry air. This usually occurs at high altitudes. Pinch your nose above the nostrils and breathe through the mouth until the bleeding stops. If bleeding persists, continue to apply pressure while holding ice to the bridge of the nose. Do not blow your nose or aggravate the blood clots by picking at them. Snake bites: Make the victim lie down as still as possible, thereby preventing the spread of poison in the body. If a limb has been bitten, bandage it close to the bite and position the bandage between the bite and the heart. Raise the bitten limb to the level of the heart, keeping it as still as possible. Do not apply ice. Transport the victim to the nearest hospital. Sprains: Avoid moving and get plenty of rest. Apply ice to the sprained area and then wrap it with an elastic bandage. Keep the sprained limb elevated. Requirements of a First Aid Kit
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