Overseas Travellers Urged To Take Preventative Measures To Safeguard Their Health

Main Category: Public Health
Also Included In: Tropical Diseases
Article Date: 30 Apr 2008 - 13:00 PDT

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The senior doctors from Association of British Hujjaj (UK) have expressed their great concerns about the widespread ignorance amongst British overseas travellers of the necessity of taking health precautions before and during their visit abroad. They are risking their health by not taking the proper preventative measures against the potentially life-threatening diseases.

Doctors have issued a warning to all British families who are planning their trip abroad specifically to south Asian countries and Saudi Arabia during the summer holiday season, that they must take extra care to protect themselves from infectious diseases like Meningitis, Hepatitis and Malaria. They strongly urge the travellers that they must take the required vaccinations before travelling in order to protect themselves and their families.

The doctors specifically reminded that diabetic people who are intending to visit Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah (lesser Hajj) about the high risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose) due to the unusually excessive physical activities being undertaken in hot weather and amongst a large crowded environment. Therefore it is vital that diabetic people must visit their doctor for a pre-travel consultation and medical examination to make sure that their diabetes is well controlled. They need to protect themselves from the sun, dehydration, exhaustion, foot problems, respiratory and bronchial illness.

Travellers on medication should take an adequate supply with them, accompanied by their doctor's note describing the medicine and their medical history.

Remember: Prevention is better than cure. Be safe than sorry.

Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) UK (A.B.H)