Learning About Healthy Travel

Before you head to the airport for your vacation abroad, have you thought about your health? Have you received the necessary immunizations? Do you know whom to call in an emergency? Take this quiz to test your knowledge of healthy travel.

1. International travel may require prophylactic medicines against malaria or a vaccine against yellow fever. How long before departure should you see your doctor?

A. 14 days

B. 10 days

C. 5 days

D. 3 days

2. Hepatitis A can be most readily contracted during travel to which of these regions?

A. Central America

B. Western Europe

C. Eastern Europe

D. A and C

3. Blood clots can develop in the lower leg during extended air travel. How often should you move around to keep your circulation normal?

A. every 15 minutes

B. every 30 minutes

C. every hour

D. every two hours

4. If you become ill while traveling abroad, where should you call for help?

A. your doctor

B. the U.S. Embassy

C. the nearest hospital

D. your health-insurance company

5. What kind of meals can help the body cope with jet lag?

A. those with some fatty foods and complex carbohydrates

B. those high in carbohydrates

C. those high in protein, low in calories

D. those high in complex carbohydrates

6. Low humidity and recirculated air in airplanes can cause dehydration. Which of these beverages hydrate the best?

A. colas

B. coffee

C. alcoholic beverages

D. fruit juice

7. Which of these beverages would be the safest to drink while traveling abroad?

A. bottled water

B. canned/bottled soft drinks without ice

C. hot tea

D. B and C

8. Which of these foods would likely be safe to eat?

A. fresh green salads

B. cold meat plates

C. oranges that you peel

D. rice

9. Which alcoholic beverages are least likely to harbor bacteria?

A. beer

B. wine

C. alcohol mixed with a canned/ bottled soft drink and ice

D. A and B

10. Which of these first-aid items should you always travel with?

A. sterile bandages

B. antibiotic ointment

C. thermometer

D. all of the above

The answers

1. A. See your doctor 14 days before departure. Some vaccines for yellow fever may take up to 12 days to develop antibodies.

2. D.

3. B. Move around every 30 minutes. Movement prevents blood from pooling.

4. B. The best choice is the U.S. Embassy. Embassy staff can recommend English-speaking doctors or the best hospital in your locale.

5. C. The best meals for jet lag are those high in protein, low in calories. Also, limit your intake of alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.

6. D. Fruit juice will help you rehydrate. Caffeinated and alcoholic beverages dehydrate the body by increasing urine production. For optimum rehydration, drink one cup of water for each hour of flight time.

7. D.

8. C. Avoid uncooked vegetables and moist dishes such as rice that could have been sitting at room temperature.

9. D. Mixing alcohol with a soft drink doesn't kill any organisms in the latter. And the ice may be made from tap water.

10. D.