Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
push you into
wana
in a surge zone in
shallow water. The spines can even
puncture a wet suit.
A sea-urchin puncture can result in
burning, aching, swelling, and discol-
oration (black or purple) around the
area where the spines entered your
skin. The best thing to do is to pull
any protruding spines out. The body
will absorb the spines within 24 hours
to 3 weeks, or the remainder of the
spines will work themselves out.
Again, contrary to popular wisdom,
do not urinate or pour vinegar on the
embedded spines—this will not help.
CUTS
All cuts obtained in the
marine environment must be taken
seriously, because the high level of
bacteria present in the water can
quickly cause the cut to become
infected. The most common cuts are
from coral. Contrary to popular belief,
coral cannot grow inside your body.
Bacteria, however, can. The best way
to prevent cuts is to wear a wet suit,
gloves, and reef shoes. Never, under
any circumstances, should you touch a
coral head; not only can you get cut,
but you can also damage a living
organism that took decades to grow.
The symptoms of a coral cut can
range from a slight scratch to severe
welts and blisters.
All Stings Considered
recommends gently pulling the edges
of the skin open and removing any
embedded coral or grains of sand with
tweezers. Next, scrub the cut well with
fresh water. Never use ocean water to
clean a cut. If you're bleeding, press a
clean cloth against the wound until it
stops. If the bleeding continues, or the
edges of the injury are jagged or gap-
ing, seek medical treatment.
BEFORE YOU GO
In most cases, your existing health
plan will provide the coverage you
need. But double-check; you may
want to buy
travel medical insurance
instead. Bring your insurance ID card
with you when you travel.
If you or your children suffer from
a chronic illness, consult your doctor
before your departure. For conditions
like epilepsy, diabetes, or heart prob-
lems, wear a
Medic Alert identifica-
tion tag
(
&
800/825-3785;
www.
medicalert.org), which will immedi-
ately alert doctors to your condition
and give them access to your records
through Medic Alert's 24-hour hot
line.
Pack
prescription medications
in
your carry-on luggage, and carry pre-
scription medications in their original
containers, with pharmacy labels—
otherwise they won't make it through
airport security. Also bring along
copies of your prescriptions in case
you lose your pills or run out. Don't
forget an extra pair of contact lenses or
prescription glasses.
Contact the
International Associa-
tion for Medical Assistance to Trav-
elers
(
&
716/754-4883
or 416/652-
0137; www.iamat.org) for tips on
travel and health concerns in the
countries you're visiting, and lists of
local, English-speaking doctors. The
United States
Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention
(
&
800/
311-3435;
www.cdc.gov) provides
up-to-date information on necessary
vaccines and health hazards. If you get
sick, consider asking your hotel
concierge to recommend a local doc-
tor—even his or her own. You can also
try the emergency room at a local hos-
pital; many have walk-in clinics for
emergency cases that are not life-
threatening. You may not get immedi-
ate attention, but you won't pay the
high price of an emergency room visit.
7 Words of Wisdom & Helpful Resources
Hawaii is paradise for children:
beaches to run on, water to splash in,
and unusual sights to see. Hawaiians
love keiki, so don't be surprised if local
