Plan ahead to help avoid health risks during travel season

Despite the cold weather we have experienced in recent days, the summer season is around the corner.

Research has shown more and more Americans are traveling more than ever during the months of June through August (Center for Disease and Prevention, 2015).

They also find more Americans are traveling internationally. When traveling internationally, it is important to remember some types of travel to developing countries and rural areas, have higher health risks. These risk depend on several factors such as: Where you are traveling, your activities while traveling, your current health status and your vaccination history.

Prior to departure, you will want to plan ahead. This includes talking with your health care professional. Since not all primary health care professionals stock travel vaccines, you may need to visit a travel clinic to receive the vaccines you need." (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015). When talking to your health care professional about your travel, also ask about routine vaccines. Make sure you are up-to-date on your routine vaccines, such as the MMR vaccine, before your travel. (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015).

In addition to ensuring you have both the routine and travel vaccines you need, be a smart traveler by following these helpful hints:

* Be careful what you eat and drink.

* Only eat fully cooked food that is served hot. This includes fruits and vegetables, unless you can wash them in clean water or peel them yourself.

* Eat and drink only pasteurized dairy products.

* Only drink beverages that are bottled and have a seal that is unbroken (such as bottled water or sodas). Do not use ice in any drinks.

* Bugs (including mosquitoes, ticks, and some flies) can spread a number of diseases. Use insect repellent and learn other ways to avoid bug bites. In malaria risk areas, make sure you sleep in an air-conditioned or screened room or under a bed net. -- Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015

* Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

If you decide to travel during July, don't forget to make it back for the Putnam County Fair. In the meantime, feel free to stop by Purdue Extension to pick up information about Adult Open Class at the fair and exhibiting in Harris Hall.

You can also obtain information these two activities on the Purdue Extension Putnam County website or the Putnam County Fairgrounds website. Entering exhibits in either of these two facilities at the fair is open to anyone in Putnam County. There will also be information about exhibiting in Harris Hall at the Putnam County Master Gardener plant auction on May 30 at the fairgrounds.

Visit the homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 653-8411 for more information regarding this week's column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee.

Upcoming Events

May 30 -- Master Gardener plant auction, Fairgrounds, 10 a.m.

June 1 -- State Fair 4-H entry deadline.

June 2 -- FAMACHA workshop, Fairgrounds, 6 p.m.