Whoa- the CDC is rocking my world, in a good way.

The extremely comprehensive CDC website is awesome. I’ve spent the majority of my time there looking at the children’s section that includes facts about China, facts about the Olympics AND cool stuff to do on the plane! That was unexpected.

The remainder of this post highlights some of the health and safety issues we are to be aware of…

Amy – I know you haven’t used your inhaler since your were in high school, but perhaps now would be the time to bring it? :)

Posted from CDC :

Stay Healthy

• Follow safe food and water practices (see section below).
• Wash your hands with soap and water before you eat, after you cough or sneeze, and after you go to the bathroom. If you can’t wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand gel (with at least 60% alcohol).
• To reduce the changes of heat-related illness:
• Drink plenty of water and eat regularly.
• An adult should drink about two liters of water each day (about eight, 8-ounce glasses) to stay hydrated. In extreme temperatures, two to four 8-ounce glasses of fluid an hour will help keep you hydrated and decrease the risks for heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
• Wear a hat or head covering to prevent sunburn, and wear sunglasses with UV protection to prevent sun damage to your eyes.
• Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher to prevent sunburn, and wear sunglasses with UV protection to prevent sun damage to your eyes.
• Use an insect repellent containing DEET (30-50%) or picaridin (up to 15%).
• Use condoms if you have sex.
• Avoid touching or petting animals, especially birds and dogs.
• Swim only in chlorinated water.

Follow safe food and water practices

Hygiene and safety standards for food and water are different in China from what you are used to at home. Use these tips to help make food choices:

• Eat foods that are fully cooked and served hot.
• Eat and drink only dairy products that have been pasteurized.
• Drink beverages that have been bottled and sealed (water, carbonated drinks, or sports drinks).
• Do not put ice in drinks.
• Eat only fruits and vegetables that you can wash and peel yourself.

Stay Safe

• Don’t drink and drive.
• Wear a helmet when you ride a bike or motorcycle.
• Wear a seatbelt.
• Be careful when participating in recreational activities, including swimming.
• Be careful crossing the street.
• Be careful and stay alert in crowds.
• Follow local laws and customs and Olympic Games security regulations.
• Avoid political protests and rallies.
• Make a photocopy of your passport to carry with you at all times.
• Develop plans for where to meet if you become separated from the group with whom you are traveling.

See a doctor before your trip

You’ll need to decide which travel vaccines and medicines are right for you. A doctor who is a travel medicine specialist or a doctor who is familiar with travel medicine can help. Plan to see the doctor at least 4-6 weeks before you leave to make sure you’ll have time to get all the vaccines you need. Also, take this opportunity to make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations like measles/mumps/rubella and tetanus. To find a list of these vaccines and when it is recommended that you get them, visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines.

CDC does not recommend specific doctors, but you can use the information on the Travel Clinics webpage to help you find a travel clinic in your area.

Pack a health kit

Health products available in China are different from the ones in the United States. They may not be effective for you. Pack your own health supplies to be sure you have what you need, and talk to your doctor to make sure you pack everything for your specific health needs. Items to include:

• Any medicines you take every day in their original containers. (Bring more than you think you will need.)
• Copies of your prescriptions
• Malaria prevention medicine, if you need it
• Antibiotic for travelers’ diarrhea
• Over-the-counter medicines like pain relievers and diarrhea medicine
• Alcohol-based hand gel (at least 60% alcohol)
• Sunscreen (at least SPF 15)
• Insect repellent containing DEET (30-50%) or picaridin (up to 15%)
• Oral rehydration solution packets
• First aid items, such as bandages, gauze, and antiseptic ointment
• Thermometer
• Battery-powered smoke alarm

See other ideas for your health kit on the Travelers’ Health Kit page.

Prepare for an emergency

Register with the U.S. Department of State in case of an emergency.

• The U.S. Department of State provides a free travel registration service to U.S. citizens who are traveling or living in another country. Registration allows a traveler to record information about his or her upcoming trip abroad that the Department of State can use to assist in case of an emergency. See the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Registration site.
• See the Tips for Traveling Abroad page on the U.S. Department of State website for more safety and security tips.

Check your health insurance plan to see if it will cover your health needs abroad.

• Think about purchasing additional health insurance for your trip if your health insurance does not cover you while you are traveling.
• To find a list of possible travel health and medical evacuation insurance companies, visit Medical Information for Americans Abroad (U.S. Department of State).
• For more information, visit the section Health: What You Need to Know in Advance of Travel (U.S. Department of State).
• Be prepared to pay out-of-pocket at the time you receive any medical services while traveling, even if you do have insurance.