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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-11-19, Page 15THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19,1997. PAGE 15. Safe southern travel requires pre-planning Canadian snowbirds make an estimated five million trips a year to tropical destinations such as Florida, Mexico and the Caribbean. However, many adventurous travellers are deciding to visit more exotic locations including South East Asia and Africa. According to Dr. Jay Keystone, professor of medicine at the University of Toronto, few travellers are aware of health risks in the tropics, such as mircoscopic organisms, and how to protect themselves from getting sick. However, illness is not the only threat to travellers abroad. Most people don't realize that motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of accidental deaths of travellers in the developing world, adds Keystone. This month, Keystone will speak at the Ontario Science Centre, giving his "Ten Commandments of Safe Tropical Travel," as part of the world premiere of the exhibit Microbes: Invisible Invaders ... Amazing Allies, which runs at the centre until Jan. 4. "If you take a few important common sense precautions concerning climate, food, water, Oxford North hosts 83rd WI convention London Area Women's Institute held its 83rd Annual Convention in Zorra Community Centre, Embro with Oxford North District WI as hostess. Following the formal opening the Anna P. Lewis WI Branch conducted an In Memoriam Service. President Gladys Egleton, in her opening remarks urged everyone to strive for safe and healthy communities. Future of London Chair, Pauline Lindsay, stated this area will consist of two sub-divisions. Resolutions Convenor Dolores Shapton presented three resolutions. One dealt with farm equipment being difficult to see at dusk and evening. One requested the installation of a strobe light on all Ontario school buses thus enhancing their visibility. The last requested each primary school bus in Ontario be equipped with a safety bar, thus enabling a child to be more visible to the school bus driver. The displays, including the FWIO June convention, the Erland Lee, Tweedsmuir History and public relations were reviewed FWIO President Margaret Harris brought greetings and expressed appreciation for the opportunity and honour of being president. Twenty-two countries were represented at the 100th Convention in Hamilton in June. Messrs. Doug Smith and Jack Matheson were this year's Erland Lee award recipients. A book and video entitled "Indebted to the Past" commemo­ rating the recent anniversary is available. All WI members and friends were thanked for support, confidence and involvement. Nominations for two provincial board directors resulted in Willa Johnston elected in Sub-Division 22 and Donna Willows elected for Sub-Division 23. Board directors­ elect nominated were Glenna Ladell for Sub-Division 22 and Donna MacPherson for Sub­ Division 23. During the •afternoon, reports were heard from Children's and insects, you'll greatly improve your chances of staying healthy on your holiday," says Keystone. TIPS FOR HEALTHY TROPICAL TRAVEL The most common problems in the tropics are sunburn, diarrhea and itchiness from insect bites. Here are some simple precautions. Before you leave ✓ Visit your physician and ask for advice about the effects tropical travel might have on pre-existing medical conditions. Your doctor can recommend appropriate medications and whether you require special immunizations or renewal of any childhood vaccinations. Consider buying additional medical insurance for the time you are out of the country. ✓ Contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Canada or the embassy or consulate of the country which you plan to visit to obtain more information on particular threats or precautions for that area. If you are travelling to the developing world, contact the International Association for Hospital of Western Ontario, Western Fair Association, public relations officer, Tweedsmuir History Curator, membership organizer, Erland Lee and Conference '97. Entertainment was provided by Dolores Shapton as "Millie the Moo" and a skit by South Lobo WI Branch "Fashion in Time". Assisting the President Mrs. Egleton in chairing the convention were Mrs. Pauline Lindsay and Mrs. Fran Hyatt, vice-presidents. Song leaders were Marlene Matheson, Evelyn Chute and Betty Walther. Election of Officers for 1997-98, chaired by Mrs. Harris, are as follows: past president, Dolores Shapton; president, Gladys Egleton; vice-chairs, Pauline Lindsay and Fran Hyatt; secretary, Doris Spence; treasurer, Chris Wiffen; assistant secretary, Dorothy Sutherland; public relations, Margaret Armstrong, program convenor, Shirley Towers; resolutions, Dolores Shapton; Tweedsmuir curator, Jean Leitch; assistant curator, Helen VanBrink; membership organizer, Glenna Ladell; and board directors, W. Johnston and D. Willows. At the evening banquet, dinner music was enjoyed by students of Jane McKay. A program of music by the youth choir from Knox Embro United Church commenced the evening program. Recipient of the Maryn Pardy Scholarship Award was Allison Mudge, and the Dorothy Futcher Scholarship was Andrea French. Guest speaker, Donna Lunn from Belmont, spoke about CAPRO (Community Abuse Program in Rural Ontario) asking to create safe and healthy communities. Why does abuse and violence occur? Over 100 trained community facilitators with CAPRO are available to ask key people about any problems. Malls have displays. Assistance is available from the Justice Dept, in investigating violence and completing forms. CAPRO won't turn their back on neighbours in need. They must be helped. Medical Assistance to Travellers for an up-to-date directory of health institutions and English-speaking doctors worldwide. While you’re away ✓ Diarrhea is the most common illness inflicted on travellers by microbes. Drink only purified or bottled water with the seal intact. Ice should also be made from purified water. Purification eliminates any bacteria or parasites that may be present in the local water supply. Carry an antibiotic and Imodium for self-treatment of traveller's diarrhea. ✓ Food spoils rapidly in a tropical climate. Ensure that all food is well-cooked and eaten while it is still hot. Only eat fruits and vegetables which you have peeled and washed yourself. Avoid unpasteurized dairy products, raw shellfish and food from street vendors. Malarial-carrying mosquitoes bite between dusk and dawn. Even Santa Knows The Gift Subscriptions to The Citizen come with a Christmas Card to send to the recipient! $9700 ™re Xm f YEAR (Call for rates to the U.S. & overseas) Please clip & return to "THE CITIZEN" P.O. Box 429, Blyth , Ont. NOM 1 HO or P.O. Box 152, Brussels, Ont. NOG 1 HO | Enclosed is □ $27.00 | I I 1 To: Name1 1 ] Address_________________________________ j J _________________Postal Code_____________ | 11 From______________________________ _____ 11__________________________________________1 Protect yourself from these and other irritating bug bites by using an effective insect repellent. Wear light weight, long-sleeved shirts and trousers after dusk. Wear proper footwear to avoid bites from snakes, sand fleas, ticks and parasites that are found in the sand and soil. Avoid swimming or wading in slow-moving, freshwater lakes and rivers where parasites may penetrate the skin. • In countries where rules of the road are not enforced or are non­ existent, vacationers should avoid travelling in over-crowded public vehicles, by rural roads after dark and on motorcycles. Respect the sun. Intense exposure can cause sunburn, dehydration, premature aging and even skin cancer. Start slowly, and gradually increase your sunbathing each day. Use a sunscreen with a minimum protection of SPF 15 and re-apply it regularly, especially after swimming. When you return ✓ Consult your physician if you have health problems such as fever or persistent diarrhea (more than ten days). If you develop flu-like symptoms within one year of returning home and have travelled to a known malarial area, request a blood test to screen for that disease. For more information on Microbes: Invisible Invaders ... Amazing Allies, please call the Ontario Science Centre at 416-696- 3127.