for business and education purposes, for vacation and adventure has increased dramatically.

It is important to realise that each traveller and each trip is unique.

The role of the health care provider is to personalise pre-travel advice; the travellers general state of health; the proposed itinerary; and the anticipated activities should be considered. These factors should be integrated into a thoughtful risk assessment; culminating in the necessary recommendations pertaining to vaccines, malaria chemoprophylaxis, immunocompromised statis, travellers diarrhoea, and a traveller's medical kit.

Hazards of travel may be prevented if travellers are advised to follow certain simply guidelines.

1. Always seek advice before an international trip, even if you've travelled to the destination previously. Health conditions change rapidly.

2. Take your malaria tablets as prescribed before/during/after your trip.

3. Take personal precautions to protect yourself against insect bites. Some infections caused by insect bites are not preventable by vaccines or drugs.

4. Assemble a personal traveller's kit -- suitable for your destination. Your doctor of the Health Department Travel Clinic can advise you on specific items to include.

5. Be prepared to purify your own water if bottled or boiled water is unavailable. Remember, ice cubes are a potential source of contamination.

6. Take appropriate dietary precautions. Avoid raw and uncooked foods especially meat, seafood and salads. Avoid food from street vendors. Select fruits with thick skins that you peel yourself.

7. Do not walk barefoot outdoor except at poolside or on beaches. Wearing shoes can prevent infection from parasites, fungi, insect bites, and other injuries.

8. Do not swim, bathe, or wade in fresh water streams, rivers, or lakes in areas endemic to schistosomasis.

9. Avoid exposure to potentially contaminated body fluids. Diabetics and other individuals at high risk should carry a personal supply of needles and syringes. Defer elective procedures such as tatoos, ear piercing and acupuncture. Follow safe guidelines.

10. Protect yourself from accidental injury related to motor vehicle transportation. Avoid if possible travelling on overcrowded public vehicles.

Do not consume alcohol when driving, individual travellers and travel groups are welcome to attend the Travel Clinic for consultations regarding their itineraries at the Hamilton Health Centre on Thursdays from 2-4 p.m.