Manitoba Pharmacists

Everyday,pharmacistsworkinginhospitals improveyourhealthandsaveourhospitalsmoneyby: •Reducinglengthofhospitalstay •Preventingmedicationerrors •Reducingharmfuleffectsof medication •Preventinghospitalre-admission www.cshp-mb/hospital-pharmacists-trust-value LEARNMOREAT: FalkPharmacy 44MainStreet,Carberry,MB,R0K0H0 Ph:(204)834-2426 Fax:(204)834-3327 Cell:(204)476-0457 JasonFalk Owner/Pharmacist 06 YOUR HEALTH YOUR PHARMACIST YOURPersonal&Friendly Pharmacyin St.JamesforOver50Years 1772NessAve.atHamptonSt. 1772NessAve.atHamptonSt. email:brathwaitespharmacy@hotmail.com www.brathwaites.ca |204-888-6093 FreeCity-Wide Delivery BlisterPackaging Available LikeusonFacebook A Travel health information can be complex and confusing, but your pharmacist can help you have a healthy holiday. Travel Tips Avoid holiday health risks By BArreT ProcySHyn t this time of year, many of us start to think about taking a vacation from winter. If you are travelling to a foreign country, a little more preparation is involved than just booking a plane ticket and digging out your passport. Travel- ling to some countries can put your health at risk. However, by being prepared you can significantly limit your risk and have an amazing holiday. Some advice for averting common ailments: hepatitis a and B Hepatitis A and B are commonly found in de- veloping countries, Mexico and in various desti- nations throughout the Caribbean. Hepatitis A is a liver disease most often passed on through con- taminated food, drinks or the water supply. It can even be found in swimming pools at a five-star resort. To limit exposure to hepatitis A, do not eat raw unpeeled fruits, vegetables or shellfish. Drink only bottled water and skip the ice cubes outside of trustworthy establishments. It is also impor- tant to practice frequent hand washing. Hepatitis B is a serious liver disease spread by contact from blood or other bodily fluids. A simple yet effective and long-term solution to hepatitis A and B is vaccination. A combined hepatitis A and B vaccination called Twinrix has proven to be very safe and effective. Twinrix is administered in a series of either three or four doses which can provide protection for 15 to 20 years. At least two doses should be given before travel. If you have had Twinrix in the past, check with your pharmacist to find out if booster doses are needed. traveller's diarrhea Traveller's diarrhea occurs in up to 40% of travellers to less developed countries. Most of- ten, traveller's diarrhea strikes in the first week of travel, which could ruin a dream vacation. To avoid it, remember to boil, cook or peel your food. Avoid street vendors if possible, and only drink bottled or carbonated beverages. To protect yourself against the bacteria that cause traveller's diarrhea, the Dukoral oral vaccine is a great op- tion. Dukoral does not require a prescription and it provides protection for up to three months. If you have already taken Dukoral within five years, only one booster dose is needed. If you do get traveller's diarrhea, immediate self-treatment is necessary. Antibiotics can be prescribed to decrease the severity of an attack. It is very important to stay hydrated, by consum- ing carbonated drinks, canned juices, safe water and salty soups. Oral rehydration packages mixed with water are also effective. Always avoid caffein- ated beverages. Travellers can also take loperamide (Immodium) to stop diarrhea as long as fever or bloody stools are not present. It is also a good idea to pack Pepto Bismol tablets in your suitcase, as they have been shown to shorten the length of a traveller's diarrhea attack. typhoid fever Typhoid fever is a life-threatening illness affect- ing more than 20 million people each year in the developing world. It is contracted by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the unseen Salmonella typhi bacteria. Typhoid fever is more common in areas where sanitation is likely to be poor, so when travelling to Asia, Africa or Latin America, you may be at risk. An oral vaccination called Vivotif provides protection from the bac- teria and its symptoms, which include sustained fever, stomach pains, headache, loss of appetite and significant weakness. Travelling to more remote countries may put you at risk for malaria, yellow fever and other rare but serious diseases. Travel health informa- tion can be complex and confusing, but your pharmacist can help you have a healthy holiday. If you are planning a trip, vaccinations are an extremely important insurance policy. Ask your pharmacist about vaccines and other products that can help ensure your family is protected. ■ (Barret Procyshyn is a pharmacist at the Dauphin Clinic Pharmacy) Travel Health Checklist • Vaccinations updated for area of travel (visit www.travelhealth.gc.ca) • Sunscreen & Aloe Vera • Bug spray (for remote Areas) • Loperamide (Generic Immodium) • Pepto Bismol Tablets • Pain relievers (Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen) • Oral rehydration packages (Gastrolyte) • Hand-washing solution or wipes • Prescription medications & medication list • Travel health insurance documentation

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