Health Tips

Planning a trip or vacation? Here are a few health tips which may keep you safe and happy while visiting Canada.

Consult your local health care professional
Book a consultation period with your local clinic or physician at least six to eight weeks before departure. This visit should include any immunizations required. If you already have an existing condition, be sure to have all your medications prescribed and carry a copy of your prescription with you at all times.

Use plenty of sunscreen
If you are planning on spending a lot of time at the beach, bring along plenty of sunscreen. Also make sure to bring hats, sunglasses and anything that will protect you from the harmful UV rays of the sun. The sun can liven up your day, but it is also very dangerous if you are overexposed to it. Drinking plenty of water will keep you from dehydrating.

Use insect repellent
In Canada, insects are bothersome more than anything else. Use a good insect repellent (containing DEET) to ward off insects. If you are camping or fishing you may want to consider using a mosquito net.

Protect your feet
Avoid walking around with your bare feet. Proper footwear can protect you from cuts and reduce the risk of tetanus infection. If you choose to walk around barefoot, you also risk picking up bacteria and infections from direct skin contact with sand or soil contaminated by animal excrement.

Ensure that your water is purified
Canada has some of the cleanest drinking water in the world, but occasionally there is a risk of contamination in the water. For this reason it is best to purchase bottled water. Contaminated water is one of the leading causes of diarrhea. Drinking bottled or boiled water and carbonated beverages is your best defence.

Consume well-cooked food
This is true for every country in the world; ensure that your food is well-cooked and you will save your digestive tract from problems. The most important foods to cook well are chicken, pork, seafood, fish and beef.

Wash and peel fruits and vegetables
The skin of fruits and vegetables, especially leafy vegetables like lettuce can hold bacteria and chemicals. Make sure that you wash and peel all fruits and vegetables. Also rinse them off after you have cut them with a knife.

Travel Health Insurance
You should have travel health insurance because without it, you are completely vulnerable to all the possible accidents and maladies that you may encounter, be it your fault or not. Coverage is important to protect yourself from all these unforeseen occurrences.